Picture: The police seized drugs during operation/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
Two suspects aged 19 and 30 were arrested for being in possession of drugs during Operation Vala Umgodi in the Frances Baard District. The police allegedly received a tip-off regarding drug trafficking at identified houses in Valspan and Jan Kempdorp on 4 June 2024.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the operation led to the arrest of a man (19) and a woman (30), for possession of suspected drugs.
“Crystal Meth (tik) with an estimated street value of R7 400 was confiscated with cash believed to be the proceeds of crime. The police furthermore arrested a woman (44) for obstructing the police in the execution of their duties and resisting arrest.
“All three suspects will appear in court soon. The disruptive actions addressing illicit mining and related crimes will persist throughout the district. The police remain persistent in fighting the scourge of illegal mining and drug trafficking by conducting continuous disruptive operations,’ he said.
Picture: Former Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa and co-accused, Jehan Mackay
By OBAKENG MAJE
A corruption case against former Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa and co-accused, Jehan Mackay, who is a Director of Tactical Software Systems (TSS) and former Senior Executive of Enterprise Outsourcing Holdings (EOH), was postponed to 23 July 2024.
Kodwa and Mackay briefly appeared at the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court facing charges of Contravention of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA) and Corruption.
They were released on R30 000 bail and their case was postponed for disclosure of the contents of the docket to the accused, by the state.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Phindi Mjonondwane
said the state alleges that during the period from April 2015 to February 2016, when Kodwa was employed as the ANC national spokesperson, he received direct payments and luxury accommodation worth over R1,6 million paid by and/or facilitated by Mackay as gratifications for his interventions in government procurement processes to advance the interests of Mackay, TSS and EOH.
“In February 2015, the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), a state-owned company charged with the responsibility of IT services to the government, advertised a tender worth R360 million for the appointment of two separate service providers for the provision of platinum access service solution for the government for five years as SITA could not render the said service.
“Nine companies, including EOH, were shortlisted for the tender and communication between the two accused suggests that EOH was disqualified and that Mackay then approached Kodwa for his intervention, which allegedly resulted in the tender being cancelled,” she said.
Mjonondwane further said the case stems from the recommendations penned by Chief Justice, Raymond Zondo, in part four of his reports into allegations of state capture. She added that part four of the report, specifically dealt with corruption and fraud in the public sector, including state organs.
“Zondo had presided over the Judicial Commission Inquiry into state capture and upon conclusion of its work, recommended that law enforcement agencies should investigate attempts by Mackay, to induce Kodwa to interfere with procurement processes and that the President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa should consider the position of Kodwa as Deputy Minister of State Security because of his tainted relationship with Mackay.
“The case forms part of the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) response to the findings and recommendations of the State Capture Inquiry. In trying to meet the demands emanating from the commission’s reports, the NPA established a joint task force in November 2022, comprising various law enforcement agencies like the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) to ensure collaboration and a coordinated structure that is case driven,” said Mjonondwane.
She said they continue to guide and monitor investigations in cases emanating from the commission’s reports to ensure that alleged perpetrators of state capture face justice.
Mjonondwane said this case builds on the dozens of enrolments of high-profile state capture corruption matters and the convictions of hundreds of government officials for corruption over the past five years.
Meanwhile, Kodwa rendered his resignation as Minister earlier today.
Two suspects aged 29 and 36 were arrested for being in possession of explosives in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberly on 5 June 2024. The suspects were allegedly arrested by the Provincial Organised Crime Security Intelligence assisted by the Kimberley Flying Squad, Kimberley K9 Unit and the Bomb Disposal Unit.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police received a tip-off and operationalised it. Sam said they activated an intelligence-driven tactical operation in Seleke Street, observing the movement of suspects.
“The police intercepted the suspects with the consignment of explosives. The police seized shock tubes, explored V6 blasting cartridges and isogram cone packs. The suspects are expected to appear in the Galeshewe Magistrate’s Court soon,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the police units for their swift response and successful apprehension of the suspects.
The Secretary to Parliament, Mr Xolile George, will receive the list of designated Members of the National Assembly (NA) from the Chief Justice at an official handover ceremony at the Constitutional Court on 6 June 2024.
The National Assembly spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said it is an established practice in South Africa that after the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) announces the results of the National and Provincial elections, the IEC hands over the lists of members designated to be sworn in by the NA during its first sitting.
“In line with this practice, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo will 6 June 2024, officially receive from the Chairperson of the IEC the lists of designated members of the NA and the provincial legislatures.
“The Chief Justice will hand over the NA list to the Secretary to Parliament in preparation for the first sitting of the NA and hand over the lists of members designated to the nine provincial legislatures to the designated Judges President who will preside over the first sitting of the respective legislatures,” he said.
Mothapo further said the Judge President will transmit the lists to the secretaries to the nine provincial legislatures to assist them with preparations for their first sittings. He added that the process of constituting the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) differs from that of the NA as the NCOP remains competent until immediately before the first sitting of the provincial legislatures.
“The list of new members to be delegated to the NCOP will be determined at the first sitting of each provincial legislature – with each of the nine provinces eligible to delegate 10 members (six permanent and four special delegates) to the NCOP.
“The first sitting of the legislatures will be scheduled on the same day as the first sitting of the NA. The first sitting of the NCOP is expected to be a day after the first sitting of the NA,” said Mothapo.
The handover will take place at the Constitutional Court in Braamfontein on 6 June 2024.
Picture: One of the graduates from Credo College/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC Treasury, Motlalepula Rosho said 42 graduates, who were conferred with Accounting Technician Public Sector certificates after completing a one-year (level four) programme with Credo Business College, are looking forward to a bright career in the accounting sector.
Speaking at the ceremony, Rosho congratulated the graduates for their feat. She further said it holds great promises and each graduate’s journey will contribute to building a brighter future for the economy and society.
Rosho added that the graduates carry the ‘torch of excellence and integrity’ in shaping the financial management space within the public sector.
“Last year, when the national treasury received funding from the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET) and launched the AAT learnership, their goal was simple but impactful.
“It was to equip our youth with essential financial accounting skills tailored for the public sector. So, I urge you to be shining examples in their chosen careers and help improve the public sector financial management landscape,” she said.
Rosho said as they step into their roles, they should remember that they carry the torch of excellence and integrity. She said their work will not only contribute to the efficient management of public funds, but also inspire future cohorts to pursue this noble path.
“You have the power to change the landscape of financial management in the public service, ensure that every rand is used wisely and for the benefit of all. As we celebrate today’s achievements, let us remember that education and opportunity are the keys to progress.
“Each certificate represents not just knowledge gained, but a commitment to growth and positive change. To our graduates, go forth and make a difference—whether in public service, private organisations, or your communities,” said Rosho.
Meanwhile, Credo Business College Operations Manager, Andrea van der Merwe said their achievement is a milestone that signifies not just academic excellence, but also dedication, hard work and a commitment to serving the public sector with integrity and skill.
“In today’s complex world, the role of accounting technicians in the public sector cannot be overstated. You are the custodians of financial integrity, the guardians of public funds and the pillars upon which transparent and accountable governance stands.
“Your expertise ensures that public resources are managed efficiently, ethically and with the highest standards of accountability. This is a responsibility that impacts communities, enhances public trust and fosters economic stability,” she said.
“As you embark on your professional path, remember that your education is more than just a qualification and the certificate you hold in your hands today. It is a foundation upon which you will build a career that contributes to the greater good and will have a lasting impact on society,” she said.
Van der Merwe said seven of the graduates have already secured employment opportunities, ranging from permanent positions to contracts and internships.
Picture: Two Oceans Marathon winner, Onalenna Khonkhobe ready for Comrade Marathon
By OBAKENG MAJE
With three days to go before over 15 000 runners from all walks of life embark on the 95th edition of the Ultimate Human Race, official fuel supplier of the Comrades Marathon – Engen, has confirmed the participation of 23 of its staff members in this year’s event.
Set to take place on 9 June 2024, the 23 Engen employees are set to tackle the much-anticipated 85.91km up run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.
This year marks the first edition of Engen’s involvement as the official fuel supplier of the Comrades Marathon, as South Africa’s leading energy company continues to expand its growing sports sponsorship.
Engen is currently also the official fuel supplier of the Springboks and lead sponsor of ‘Get into Rugby’ in partnership with SA Rugby, as well as title sponsor of South Africa’s leading youth soccer tournament, the Engen Knockout Challenge.
The 2024 Two Oceans Marathon winner, Onalenna Khonkhobe from Sekhing village, in Taung said: “I am excited to take part in the upcoming 2024 Comrade Marathons in Durban. However, I will be a pacesetter as I did in 2022. I believe that my participation will continue to change the dynamics of racing the Comrades Marathon.
“I did not train for the race so, I will do what I did in 2022, where I bolted like a rabbit being chased by a lion from the start of the race. Many people thought I would win that race. However, that was our strategy to set the pace for my teammates. Many experts knew that relentless onslaught was not sustainable, was made to entertain those who were watching the race and also showed just what a class act I am.”
Meanwhile, confirming the exciting news ahead of race day, Engen’s Brand and Sponsorship Manager, Tsholo Tiro said having 23 Engen staff members participating in the race adds to the excitement of the brand’s involvement in the Ultimate Human Race.
“Not only is Engen the official fuel supplier of the Comrades Marathon, we are equally as excited to be having a presence in the form of our very own staff members as part of the thousands of brave runners on the day.
“With this being our first official involvement in Africa’s largest race, having our very own staff participate bodes well for our envisioned growth of the Engen Sports portfolio,” said Tiro.
She further said they wish their staff members, as well as all Comrades Marathon runners the best of luck for Sunday and they are looking forward to cheering them on from their two Engen refuel stops.
“As part of its partnership with the Comrades Marathon, Engen will provide two hydration stops for all runners on Sunday to refuel their energies enroute to the finish line.
“The Hillcrest Engen on Old Main Road will be the first stop at 31.3km for runners to refuel, before the next stop situated on the R103 Old Main Road (Angel’s Corner) at the 69.3km mark, where Engen staff and volunteers will rally all runners to the finish line,” said Tiro.
She said for exclusive behind the scenes preparations and information, fans are encouraged to follow the conversation across all Engen Sport’s digital platforms, using #ItsYourMoment.
Picture: Police seized generators during Operation Vala Umgodi/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
Ten Zimbabwean foreign nationals were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002) during separate operations conducted in Tlhatlhaganyane village, outside Rustenburg and Klerksdorp. It is alleged that seven suspects aged between 24 and 41, briefly appeared in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 3 June 2024, following their arrests in Tlhatlhaganyane village on Saturday afternoon, 01 June 2024, during an illegal mining operation.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspects were arrested after failing to prove their legal status in the country.
“During the operation, the police found abandoned equipment such as two generators, five water pumps, two jack hammers, shovels, three spades and wheelbarrows. The case was postponed to 6 June 2024, for plea.
“In Klerksdorp, three suspects aged between 23 and 27, were also arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002), by the Vala Umgodi team on 3 June 2024, during a disruptive operation conducted at Wolwerand illegal mining site, near Klerksdorp,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said the police also discovered a production site and summoned an explosives unit to destroy the chemical. He added that the police found various equipment used during illegal mining activities.
“The equipment included jack hammers, six generators, two phendukas, two gas bottles, two phenduka motors, a welding machine, eight electrical cables, 10 steel rods, a water pump, a grinder and many others. The suspects are expected to appear in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court today,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the police for their efforts in the fight against illegal mining.
The ANC said the results of National General Elections indicate that, the South Africans want all parties to work together, because no party received an absolute majority to form a government alone at national level, in Gauteng and in KwaZulu-Natal. The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said the ANC has taken the position that they must all act in the interest of the country and its people.
Bhengu-Motsiri, who addressed the media on the outcomes of ANC National Working Committee meeting said, they will work to build national consensus on the form of government that is best suited to move South Africa forward. She further said the ANC is keen and determined to engage all parties and unite the broadest range of sectors of their population behind the urgent need to move the country out of the current potential electoral
stalemate.
“The ANC is driven by the imperative to maintain national unity, stability and to put in place a government that will move with speed to tackle all the pressing socio-economic challenges our nation faces.
“We believe that despite any differences we may have, working together as South Africans, we can seize this moment to usher our country into a new era of hope,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.
She added that informed by these imperatives, the ANC has started engagements with political parties in the country. Bhengu-Motsiri said they have been meeting with all parties that are keen to contribute ideas on how they can collectively move the country forward to form a government that ensures national unity and stability, continues the transformation of South Africa, and safeguards the constitutional democracy.
“The NWC met on 4 June 2024, two days after the announcements of the results by the IEC, to receive a report from the national officials on the meetings held thus far with various political parties.
“These include meetings with delegations from the IFP, EFF, DA, NFP and PA. The ANC has also had engagements with its alliance partners, SACP, COSATU and SANCO, as part of the consultation process,” she said.
Bhengu-Motsiri said the national officials reported to the NWC that the ANC has repeatedly reached out to the MKP for an engagement meeting, with no positive response. She said their door remains open as they continue to reach out to every party that is keen to contribute positively to moving the country forward.
“The ANC NWC discussed the three options as set out by Mbalula on 2 June 2024, which have been further elaborated, including the inherent risks of each option. The NWC held a robust and constructive discussion on the perspective and report from national officials.
“The discussions enriched the ANC perspective and further probed the implications of each option for South Africa and the ANC’s historic mission to build a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous South Africa for all,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.
She said based on the consensus reached, the NWC will take its detailed perspectives on forming government in South Africa to the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled to take place on 6 June 2024.
Appointment of Premiers
Bhengu-Motsiri said the ANC in line with its Electoral Rules on Monday 3 June 2024, a day after the announcements of results, convened extended sessions of its Provincial Executive Committees (PEC) to nominate candidates for Premiers in the provinces, where the ANC gained a majority or is likely to lead a coalition government.
She said the extended PECs, that included representatives from its alliance partners, were overseen by presiding officers from the ANC Electoral Committee led by Kgalema Motlanthe.
“Each PEC was required to nominate three Premier candidates of which two candidates are women. All candidates will be interviewed in the coming few days by ANC national officials. The final ANC Premiers and Premier candidates will be unveiled early next week.
“The Provincial Legislatures are due to sit on 17 and 18 June 2024, to elect Speakers, Deputy Speakers and Premiers,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.
Conclusion
She said the ANC welcomed the robust debates in society and amongst its members on the way forward, following the outcomes of the 2024 elections results. Bhengu-Motsiri said they have noted documents purporting to be official documents of the ANC being distributed on digital platforms.
“We once again reiterate that any official communication will be published on our official communications platforms and call on persons engaged in misinformation to desist from doing so.
“The current situation has created some uncertainties and risks, but also opportunities to move the country forward, more determined to tackle the problems its people face, more determined to unite and face the future together,” she said.
Bhengu-Motsiri said the ANC is committed to ensure that they unite the people of South Africa to move the country forward
and form a government that reflects the message from the electorate. She said they must work together and many other democracies, who face similar challenges of forming a government often take months of uncertainty to reach a conclusion.
“The ANC remains committed to ensure that we build a national consensus to avoid any uncertainty that can lead to instability.
The ANC NEC will come with a clear determination of the way forward and will engage alliance, civil society and all South Africans on our view about the immediate next steps and the
future.
“We will make further announcements about the NEC meeting and opportunities for the media to engage in due course by way of media advisory. Let’s do more together,” Bhengu-Motsiri.
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – AUGUST 02: Hildah Magaia of South Africa celebrates with teammates after scoring her team’s second goal during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group G match between South Africa and Italy at Wellington Regional Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
By REGINALD KANYANE
The South African Senior Women’s National Team (Banyana Banyana) beat a 10 women Senegal 2-0 in the second international friendly played on Tuesday after in Thies, Senegal.
This after opening the scoring with a beautiful free kick by Amogelang Motau in the 13th minute of the match. Noxolo Cesane doubled the Sasol sponsored teams lead in the 43rd minutes.
Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis made changes at halftime as she brought in Linda Motlhalo for Kholosa Biyana and Sibulele Holweni for Amogelang Motau at halftime, while Senegal also made four changes to try and change the shape of the game.
Thubelihle Shamase came on for Noxolo Cesane in the 62nd minute of the match.
Banyana continued to dominate the attack and forced the Senegalese to go back to their physical ways, thus earning themselves a red card by Sylla Coumba in the 67th after injurying Goalkeeper Kaylin Swart.
Swart was later substituted in the 72nd minute by Kebotseng Moletsane who earned her 4th official Banyana Banyana cap, as she could not continue with the match.
Ramalepe and Hadebe were also replaced by Dhlamini and Nokoane in the 75th minute of the match.
“We played to our strengths today after looking at our errors in the first match, and that is how we managed to dominate the entire match.
We are happy with the performance we saw today and will continue to build on it;” said Ellis.
Picture: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Supra Mahumapelo
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Supra Mahumapelo, joins peace loving people in the world in welcoming the order handed down by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) yesterday ordering Israel, in conformity with its obligations under the Genocide Convention and in view of the worsening conditions of life faced by civilians in Rafah, to immediately halt its military operation.
The ICJ ordered, among other things, Israel to maintain open the Rafah crossing for unhindered provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance and to take effective measures to ensure the unimpeded access to the Gaza Strip of any commission of inquiry, fact-finding mission or other investigative body mandated by competent organs of the United Nations to investigate allegations of genocide.
Mahumapelo said the committee welcomes the order of the ICJ aimed at saving ordinary Palestinians in Gaza, who are now facing 7th month of suffering through collective punishment for something for which they have no individual responsibility.
He further said the ruling is made when at least 35,709 Palestinians had been killed and continue to die of starvation, many of them children, and hundreds of thousands are at imminent threat of death because a deliberate decision has been taken by Israel to starve Palestinians by denying them food.
“At least 80,000 Palestinians have been injured and 1.7 million displaced, often multiple times, with 900,000 displaced in the last two weeks alone. The court, whose powers are tied to the provisions of the Genocide Convention and cannot be exercised against “mere” war crimes or human rights violations, has done what it considers it can do to ensure the survival of the Palestinian people in Gaza as a group and their protection from further harm.
“The committee calls on all state parties to observe the prescripts of international law, which obliged them to reconsider their relations with Israel following the court findings,” said Mahumapelo.
He added that under international law, Israel is obliged to implement the court’s order, as well as the previous orders of 26 January (as reaffirmed by the Court on 16 February 2024) and 28 March.
The Guardian 