Monthly Archives: April 2025

Community of Masutlhe 1 welcomes the newly-built bridge

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Picture: The newly-built bridge in Masutlhe 1/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 April 2025- The Deputy Minister of Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala said that Welisizwe Bridge Programme is designed to restore dignity and ensure accessibility to basic amenities for rural communities. This he said during the official handover of the bridges in Masutlhe 1, in Mahikeng.

Zikalala said the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa, made a pronouncement during his 2022 State of the Nation Address (SONA) that, the Welisizwe Bridge Programme is aimed at fast-tracking the construction of bridges in rural communities and addressing infrastructure backlogs to storm damaged provinces. He further said programme was necessitated by the devastating and damaging effects left behind by heavy rainfalls in Kwa-Zulu Natal, Eastern Cape and the North West Provinces.

“The president made a commitment to construct approximately 288 bridges across these provinces including Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces over a period of three years. As a Strategic Integrated Programme, the initiative is a collaborative effort between the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

“In the province, 29 bridges will be constructed throughout the four districts. The Masutlhe 1Bridge is one of the 12 bridges to be constructed in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District,” he said.

Zikalala added that, currently, only three bridges have been constructed, which are inclusive of Montshioa Stad1, Kraaipan which he also handed over before the official opening of the one in Masutlhe 1. He said that although there had been challenges in the construction of these bridges, government is determined to unlocking all the 288 bridges as pronounced by the President.

“I am very happy to return here since our last visit in November last year because there has been progress since. Our aim is to ensure that we deliver 96 bridges in a year across the country through the help of the National Defence Force who are an integral part of the work we are witnessing today and whose work extends beyond military services.

“The government will work together with all parties to ensure that the programme realises its objectives, which are to create employment and ensure skills development for the affected communities,” said Zikalala.

He said it is important to note that the construction of this bridge has created 40 local job opportunities and they have managed to employ five artisans. Zikalala said the intention is not only to construct Welisizwe Bridges, but that as they continue with the programme that will create more job opportunities and work towards the development of the provincial infrastructure particularly in rural communities.

Speaking on the social and economic impact of infrastructure, the North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Sempe Elizabeth Mokua said, the construction of the bridges is meant to provide safe and easy access to basic services and revitalise economic activities in rural communities. Mokua commended the community of Masutlhe for allowing the project to unfold without any hindrances.

“It is important that when government brings services to communities, the community partners with government in ensuring smooth service delivery. These bridges are for North West learners who can now safely access schools during rainy seasons without fear, for the sick that want to access clinics as well as those who need police services and other amenities.

“After much fruitful engagements with the deputy minister, all 29 bridges in the province will be implemented without fail.We urge the community of Masutlhe to safeguard its assets. This bridge is to your beneficiation, take care of it and do not vandalise state properties during community protests. Government is committed to serving you,” she said.

Meanwhile, Kgosi Jeff Monshioa welcomed the project and thanked government for its effort in bringing services to the people of North West.

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SAPS urges communities in Klerksdorp not to harbour illegal miners  

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Picture: Illegal miners arrested/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 April 2025- The police in the North West working with other law enforcement agencies, conducted the weekly high density intelligence led joint law enforcement operations throughout the province between 21 and 27 April 2025. The police said the operations covered all the province’s districts and included the setting of roadblocks on all the national and provincial arterial roads, tracing of wanted suspects, stop and searches and compliance inspections at liquor selling outlets and closing of unlicensed liquor premises.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said operations, which were conducted under the Operation Shanela resulted in the arrest of 667 suspects and recoveries, of among others, 12 rounds of ammunition, drugs, three shotguns, 57 cell phones, liquor and other contraband such as cigarettes.

Mokgwabone said out of 667 suspects, 35 were nabbed for driving under influence of alcohol or drugs seven for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, 56 for possession of drugs, 17 for illegal dealing in liquor, 69 for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), 41 for common assault, five for murder and 14 for burglaries at residential and business premises.

“The Anti-Gang Unit arrested three Lesotho foreign nationals on Friday morning, 25 April 2025, after being found in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

“The accused, Rethabile Johannes Ntoyi (39), was arrested for illegal possession of a Norinco firearm with eight rounds of ammunition. The other two accused, Seronthe Thipe (30) and Thabo Mphinyame (40), were found to be in possession of an unlicensed revolver, four rounds of ammunition and a spent 9mm cartridge,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said all three accused briefly appeared in the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on 29 April 2025. He added that, they were all remanded in custody until 9 May 2025, for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, is once again calling upon the communities in the Matlosana Municipality, including Community Policing Forums (CPF) and ward councillors, not to harbour illegal foreigners who are in the main involved is serious violent crimes such as murders, robberies and damage of essential infrastructure.

“These suspects are often arrested in possession of illegal firearms, including automatic rifles smuggled into area and which are not traceable due to them not being in the Central Registry database,” said Asaneng. 

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A love triangle allegations cost a three year-old girl her life

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

30 April 2025- A Mozambican woman was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment by the Gauteng North High Court sitting in Benoni. This comes after a Mozambican woman, Penina Felipe Sambo (38), who is residing at Ratanda, was arrested for premeditated murder of a girl, Melokuhle Ngwenya (3).

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said on 3 April 2024, Melokuhle left her place of residence in Ratanda after receiving money from her grandfather to buy sweets at their neighbour’s residence. Mahanjana said on her arrival at the neighbour’s residence, where Sambo resided, she sold her some sweets and thereafter sat with her on the couch. After a few minutes, Sambo began to strangle her to death and thereafter threw her body into a recycle bin outside.

“When the child did not return home, her mother went to the police station and reported her missing. The police went to Sambo’s place, where the child was last seen. After searching Sambo’s place, the body of the child was found in the dust bin. 

“Sambo was arrested on the scene and has been in custody since. In her guilty plea, Sambo said she committed the offences because she was acting out of the anger she had towards the mother of the child as she believed that she was having an affair with her boyfriend,” she said.

Mahanjana further said during sentencing, Sambo requested the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence, arguing that she is a first-time offender and her pleading guilty demonstrated remorse.

The state prosecutor, advocate Sipho Lalani argued that Sambo was found guilty of serious offenses that are prevalent in the court’s jurisdiction. Lalani added that, the deceased was a minor at the time of her death and the family of the deceased are aggrieved by the loss of their child.

“Therefore, we ask the court to impose a sentence that would send a strong message to society,” he said.

When handing down the sentence, the Judge, France Van Der Westhuizen, said that he was satisfied with Sambo’s guilty plea. Der Westhuizen said even though the law prescribes that a serious sentence of life imprisonment should be given to such crimes, he believes that the sentence handed down is appropriate.

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Newly-elected ANCYL leadership in North West congratulated

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Picture: The newly-elected ANCYL leadership in North West

By REGINALD KANYANE

30 April 2025- The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region has congratulated the newly-elected Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) led by Wessels Morweng as Chairperson and Brian Huma as the Provincial Secretary. The coordinator of ANCYL Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Regional Task Team, Excellence Bandjies said, the newly-elected leadership collective carries the hopes and aspirations of young people across the North West. Banjies said they are confident in its ability to steer the Youth League toward radical transformation and meaningful change.

“We are exceptionally proud that the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region continues to produce dedicated and capable young leaders, who have now ascended to serve in the PEC.

“We extend our warm congratulations to Malebogo Hengero, Prince Tladi, Mosa Lucas, Masedi Sebatana and Ontlametse Ntsie. Their election is a testament to the confidence and trust the branches across the province have in their leadership,” he said.

Banjies further said their rise is not only a regional victory, but a reaffirmation of the ANCYL’s commitment to empowering young, disciplined, and ideologically grounded cadres. He added that they also wish to specially acknowledge Ntsie, who received the highest number of branch nominations for the position of Provincial Treasurer.

“In a profound demonstration of revolutionary discipline and unity, Ntsie, who comes from our region, voluntarily declined the nomination to pave the way for Gopolang Molale to be elected uncontested.

“This act of humility and collective consciousness represents the highest standard of leadership we aim to cultivate within our ranks,” said Banjies.

He said the ANCYL in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region remains resolute in its support for the newly-elected PEC and commits to working collaboratively to advance the strategic objectives of the Youth League and the broader movement.

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Seasoned journalist, Ananias Ndlovu for scoops Influential Man of the Year award   

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Picture: North West Media Awards founder and Naledi Newspaper, Ananias Ndlovu 

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 April 2025- The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West on Wednesday congratulated its Provincial Interim Committee member, Ananias Ndlovu who was awarded the Influential Man of the Year Award by Big M Productions over the past weekend. Ndlovu was awarded the prestigious award at the Big M Production’s 2025 Annual edition in recognition of the work he does for community media at the awards held on Sunday at the Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City in Johannesburg.

Convenor of the MRM Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said the selfless contribution of seasoned journalists of Ndlovu’s calibre to the national effort to restore the moral fibre of society, while also being among the best in the media industry is inspirational. Kgwele said Ndlovu’s unyielding commitment to community building through responsible journalism and a deep sense of patriotism, defines the invaluable contribution he is making towards nation building through promoting the MRM’s Charter of Positive Values.

“Ndlovu, who is a member of the National Press Club, founder of the North West Press Club, the North West Media Awards (NWMA), as well Naledi Community Newspaper Publisher, was recruited in 2023 to be part of MRM because of his innovation, creativity, passion to serve including commitment to community building and exceptional leadership qualities.

“He is a trendsetter and a pioneer who has not disappointed ever since and continues to fly the MRM flag as a volunteer and the Head of the MRM North West Interim Committee Sub Committee on Media, Communication, Branding and Marketing,” he underscored.

Kgwele further said the “Top 100 influential Men” is part of Big M Productions’ broader National Influential Men & Artes Awards, which honours both men and creatives who are shaping South Africa’s cultural and professional landscape. 

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‘RSA assumes the G20 Presidency at a critical historical juncture’

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Picture: The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 April 2025- The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes said the G20, or Group of Twenty, is an international forum of the world’s major economies—both developed and emerging—that collectively represent approximately 85% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 75% of international trade, and about two-thirds of the world’s population.

Botes said this at the Group of Twenty (G20) High Level African Dialogue of the Think 20 (T20), in Pretoria, South Africa, 29 April 2025. He further said initially formed to promote international financial stability and economic coordination in the wake of the 1999 financial crises, the G20 has evolved into a central forum for addressing a wide range of global challenges, including climate change, poverty, digital transformation, food security and inclusive development.

“In 2023, the African Union (AU) was admitted as a permanent member of the G20 during the Leaders’ Summit in Delhi, India.

“This historic development, following the inclusion of the European Union as a regional bloc, underscores Africa’s growing importance in global governance and provides the continent with a unique opportunity to influence the world’s most powerful economic agenda-setting body,” said Botes.

He further said South Africa, as the sole African G20 member state and now the host of the 2025 G20 Presidency, plays a crucial role in facilitating and amplifying African agency in this forum. Botes added that South Africa’s presidency, themed Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability, is not only a call for cooperative global action but a platform for Africa to reshape its engagement with the global community.

“South Africa assumes the G20 Presidency at a critical historical juncture. The world is navigating what many have termed a ‘polycrisis’—a convergence of overlapping global challenges including inequality, debt distress, climate shocks, geopolitical instability, food insecurity and digital exclusion.

“These are not abstract global threats—they are lived realities for millions across Africa. With less than five years remaining before the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there is growing concern over the backsliding on global commitments,” he said.

Botes said as highlighted by the UN, only 12% of SDG targets are currently on track. He said South Africa’s presidency is particularly important because it offers a platform to re-centre the G20’s focus on development outcomes for the Global South, particularly Africa.

“With the theme Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability, South Africa has pledged to push for collective global responses that reflect the principles of justice, equity, and inclusiveness—values deeply rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu.

“The Presidency will promote a people-centred, development oriented G20 that fosters inclusive economic transformation rather than economic dominance by the few,” said Botes.

He said the G20 operates through two primary tracks: the Finance Track and the Sherpa Track. The Finance Track focuses on macroeconomic issues, financial stability, debt sustainability, taxation, and infrastructure financing. Botes said the Sherpa Track, on the other hand, covers broader developmental and sectoral policy discussions on employment, education, digital transformation, climate change, gender equality, health, and more.

“The T20 Africa High-Level Policy Dialogue at a moment when our continent’s voice is not only being amplified in global forums but is helping to alter the global governance architecture.

“South Africa’s G20 Presidency in 2025, captured in our theme: Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability is a unique value proposition to the rest of the world to change the economic and financial architecture of global governance institutions,” he said.

Botes said their deliberations are integral to that effort. He said the T20 brings some of Africa’s finest thinkers to the table, ensuring that ideas forged encapsulates state and non-state policy considerations from the African continent at a substantive level and not merely as a subordinate consideration.

“Our task is clear: transform the African Union’s historic admission as a permanent G20 member from symbolism into substance—through coherent positions, credible analysis and consistent advocacy.

“Engagement groups such as the T20, W20, C20, Y20 and Labour 20 are the heartbeat of the G20. They translate lived experience into evidence-based policy and give legitimacy to global decisions,” said Botes.

He said for Africa, their work is vital in confronting debt vulnerability, accelerating digital transformation, securing fair trade and unlocking climate-resilient development. Botes said as they debate, let them keep sight of the broader struggle for African agency.

“We do not assert ourselves out of resentment, but out of conviction that the world needs Africa’s ideas and resources if it is to overcome inequality, conflict and ecological crisis.

“And as we champion inclusion, let us make it gender-responsive and fair to future generations: women and children still bear the heaviest burdens of poverty and climate stress,” he said.

Botes said South Africa’s foreign policy—rooted in Pan-Africanism, human rights, international law, peaceful resolution of conflict, multilateralism, international solidarity and non-alignment —will use this G20 Presidency to press for a more just financial architecture, equitable access to development finance, food-energy-water security and a value-adding transition in critical minerals.

He said with the above in mind, it is now his privilege to introduce a leader whose commitment to strengthening the African Agency in the G20 is unequivocal.

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DA to probe SANDF’s chaotic DRC withdrawal

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Picture: SANDF soldiers withdraw from DRC

By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 April 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it will question Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, on the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) deployment and failures in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This comes after reports that the SANDF soldiers were withdrawn from the DRC.

The DA spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans, Chris Hattingh, who is also a Member of Parliament (MP) said, the Parliament and the public have received no communication about the mission. Hattingh further said they will use the upcoming meeting of the Portfolio Committee on Defence on 9 May 2025, to question Motshekga on the SANDF’s troubled deployment and disorderly withdrawal from the DRC.

“The withdrawal of South African troops from eastern DRC has been marred by poor planning, vague objectives, and a disturbing lack of transparency. What should have been a coordinated and strategic exit has instead become a confused and dangerous process, placing our soldiers at risk and leaving the nation with more questions than answers.

“The SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), whose mandate effectively expired in March 2025, is now pulling out of Goma and Sake—areas where South African troops have remained for months following the deadly events of January 2025.

“Parliament has received no formal briefing and the public is being kept in the dark. Reports confirmed by soldiers on the ground indicate that SANDF troops, along with Tanzanian and Malawian forces, are withdrawing via Tanzania,” he said.

Hattingh added that, alarming accounts suggest that M23 rebels—widely believed to be backed by Rwanda—are inspecting SANDF military equipment as the convoys pass. He said members of the elite quick reaction force (QRF) have described this experience as both frustrating and humiliating.

“There has been no official communication from the Department of Defence, SANDF, or SADC. It has instead emerged that safe passage for our troops had to be negotiated with Rwanda after M23 seized control of vital infrastructure.

“Soldiers continue to report logistical failures, poor communication, and uncertainty about the status of military vehicles and heavy weaponry. Fourteen South African soldiers lost their lives in the Battle for Goma,” said Hattingh.

He said the lack of accountability since then is unacceptable. Hattingh said at the 9 May committee meeting, the DA will put questions to Motshekga.

“We will ask her what were the terms and scope of the SANDF’s deployment to the DRC under the SAMIDRC and why has Parliament not been fully briefed? What operational failures led to the current disorganised withdrawal and how is the department ensuring the safety of remaining personnel and equipment?

“What is the current status of SANDF assets deployed in the DRC, including any that may be missing, damaged, or compromised? Our soldiers deserve better. Their families deserve answers and South Africa deserves the truth,” he said.

Meanwhile, the https://www.defenceweb.co.za/ reported that Goma airport runway was blocked by M23. The website said withdrawal of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the DRC, terminated in mid-March, is finally underway.

“Equipment and personnel from the three SAMIDRC troop contributing countries (TCCs) – Malawi, South Africa and Tanzania – are being withdrawn from bases in Goma and Sake.

“The regional bloc mission was deployed to the eastern DRC in December 2023 with a 12 month mandate, later extended by a further year before calling a halt to operations in the wake of a fatality and casualty filled January.”

Business Day reports sources in the South African contingent saying the order to start packing came just ahead of last weekend. The publication further reports equipment and personnel will move in multiple convoys via Burundi and Rwanda to Chato in north-western Tanzania.

“The Lake Victoria port town, 500 km from Goma and Sake, will be the staging point ahead of force contingents splitting for repatriation to their respective home countries.

“We are leaving nothing behind,” a South African soldier is reported as saying, with another on record as saying “As far as we know, the group’s quick reaction force (QRF) will leave last to provide protection for the tail of the entire convoy.”

The QRF was reportedly in the vanguard of the January battle to maintain control of Goma airport. The QRF, again according to Business Day, “sowed havoc” among M23 (Mouvement du 23 Mars) rebels killing more than 700 in “fierce fire fights” at and around the airport.

There was at the time of publication no update from either SADC, the East African Community (EAC) or the Directorate Corporate Communication (DCC) of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) on the withdrawal.

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Portfolio Committee on Police applauds investigating team amid recovery of the bodies of police constables

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Picture: Three missing police constables found dead

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

30 April 2025- The National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, has confirmed that the bodies found at the Hennops river in Centurion, near the N1 highway in Pretoria, are those of the police constables who went missing last week while enroute to Limpopo. Addressing the media along the N1 in Pretoria on Tuesday, Masemola said the bodies of the three missing constables, Keamogetswe Buys, Boipelo Senoge and Cebekhulu Linda, have been found.

“It is with deep sorrow that I confirm that our three members have been found, together with two other bodies, one being an admin clerk that is attached to our Lyttelton Police Station.

“This as police had earlier reported that the constables went missing on 23 April 2025. The police searched everywhere for our three missing police officers and the high-level team that had been tasked with investigating their disappearance spent sleepless nights combing the length and breadth of Gauteng, Free State and Limpopo,” he said.

Masemola further said following all possible leads and after studying all evidence that they had gathered, their investigation led them to between the Grasmere Toll Plaza on the N1, past the Buccleuch interchange, onto John Voster drive.

“We had hoped to find our three police officers safe, unharmed and alive, but this is not the case. The two women constables, Buys (30) and Senoge (20) and a male constable Linda (24), were travelling in a white VW Polo sedan from Bloemfontein to their area of deployment in Limpopo when they went missing.

“At the time of their disappearance, the officers were off duty. In a statement on Saturday, the police appealed to members of the public for assistance in finding the missing constables and on Sunday,” said Masemola.

He said the Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya and him, met with the team involved in investigating the officers’ disappearance. Masemola said the police delegation also met the officers’ families at the weekend.

“On Monday, the investigation and search led police to the Hennops River in Centurion. With the assistance of the South African Police Service (SAPS) drone pilots, cybercrime unit, HAWKS, Crime and counter-intelligence unit, SAPS and Gauteng Traffic Airwing, as well as the Bidvest Protea Coin Airwing, the police first found pieces of vehicle parts believed to be of a VW polo along the N1.

“The police were then led to the banks of the river, where they found a Renault Kangoo panel van. Our SAPS and Tshwane divers immediately commenced with the search, where we discovered two bodies, one of the driver of the Renault panel van who it just came to light that he is one of our employees attached to the Lyttelton Police Station and the second body was that of Constable Senoge,” he said.

Masemola said they had to abandon the search as it was already dark. He said in the morning, the third body was discovered, which is believed to be that of Cebekhulu.

“We further found a fourth decomposed body. We are still trying to identify who this person is. Later in the afternoon, we sadly found the fifth body of Buys.

“The families were taken to the mortuary, where they identified the bodies of the officials. We are still searching for the VW Polo and our investigation is continuing,” said Masemola.

He said they do not want to speculate at this stage what led to the discovery of these bodies in this river, whether it was an accident or not, their investigation will reveal those aspects once they find their vehicle. Masemola said they would like to thank the families, and the task team involved in the search for working tirelessly to ensure a breakthrough in this case.

“The police were hoping for a positive outcome in the case. Be that as it may, we are relieved that we could provide the painful closure to the families and the broader SAPS family. Investigations are still continuing into this matter,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, has expressed deep sadness and disbelief following the identification of four bodies of members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), including three officers who went missing for over a week.

Cameron has called for the intensification of the investigation to ascertain the circumstances that led to the death of the officers.

“It is heart-breaking to learn of the death of the SAPS officers when we were all hoping that they might be found alive and well.

“This tragic loss is not only felt by the family but by all within the law enforcement sector as these were committed officers on their way to their assigned duty,” he said.

Cameron also highlighted the need for the SAPS to investigate the cause of death of the other two bodies retrieved in the Hennops River. He said it is unusual that so many unrelated bodies could be found in one area.

“An intensive investigation must get to the bottom of what has happened to all the dead bodies. We also commend SAPS for the speed with which the investigation was undertaken and urged for such speed to be the standard across the board.

“Trust between the SAPS and communities will be re-established if all cases are handled with such compassion, care and diligence,” said Cameron.

He said the SAPS specialised teams, who worked tirelessly over the past six days across several provinces to locate the missing individuals must be commended. Cameron said, however, serious questions remain and they will monitor the progress of the investigation closely.

“The committee extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased during this painful time,” he said.

Additional reporting- SAnews.gov.za

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Portfolio Committee welcomes outcomes of Dept of Labour’s inspection at NTI

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Picture: The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Freddy Sonakile/Facebook 

By REGINALD KANYANE

30 April 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management said it welcomes the outcome of the Gauteng Department of Employment and Labour’s inspection at North West Transport Investment SOC Ltd (NTI). The Department’s confirmation of serious non-compliance with labour laws reinforces the committee’s long-standing concerns about the dire conditions faced by workers at NTI.

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Freddy Sonakile said as employees continue to report for duty, despite enduring months without salaries, it is encouraging that the Department of Labour has validated the challenges that the committee has consistently raised. Sonakile said this represents a first step towards victory for workers as it provides clear direction for the newly appointed Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP), Mohamed Tayob and the acting CEO, Dr Ntlhopeng Dikobe, on the urgent areas that must be addressed to restore stability at the entity.

“The department has issued multiple compliance notices and enforcement actions in relation to violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, and the Unemployment Insurance Act.

“Importantly, the department has committed to monitoring NTI’s progress in addressing these contraventions, a development which the Committee sees as a critical building block in safeguarding workers’ rights,” he said.

Sonakile further said through our ongoing engagements, they are aware that the new BRP and acting CEO are hard at work to ensure that the payment of outstanding salaries is prioritised, despite persistent legal frustrations arising from the former BRP, who continues to attempt to hold the entity to ransom. He added that the committee acknowledges these efforts and remains vigilant in its oversight role.

“The labour investigation stems directly from a formal request made by the Committee following its intensive three-day oversight visit to NTI in October 2024. It forms part of a series of interventions initiated by the Committee, which include referrals of other matters to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks).

“This is not the end, but it is certainly an important beginning. The Labour Department’s findings affirm the workers’ struggles and our Committee’s concerns. We will continue to apply pressure to ensure that the most pressing issue, the payment of salaries, is resolved speedily, and that governance is restored at NTI,” he said.

Sonakile said the Portfolio Committee remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring that all necessary actions are taken to protect workers and restore accountability and good governance at NTI.

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MKP calls for the resignation of North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi   

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Picture: The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE 

30 April 2025- The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) in the North West said it strongly condemns the continued administrative paralysis and lack of governance across multiple municipalities in the province. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) said recent placement of Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality under Section 139(1)(a) is yet another indication of a systemic collapse that has become a norm under the ANC-led government.

Umkhonto weSizwe Party provincial convenor, Alfred Motsi said they call for the immediate and total dissolution of the embattled Ditsobotla, Kagisano-Molopo, Madibeng, Matlosana, Moses Kotane and Mamusa Local Municipalities. Motsi said these municipalities have become synonymous with instability, maladministration, and deliberate evasion of accountability.

“Year after year, some of them are placed under administration without any lasting solutions—proof of a governance system that is both broken and deliberately kept dysfunctional.

“The ANC continues to use its majority in municipal councils to shield corrupt officials and councillors from accountability. Investigative reports—particularly close-up reports—are consistently left incomplete or are never tabled at all, because they expose deep-rooted corruption and incompetence among both senior officials and ANC councillors,” he said.

Motsi further said this is not just negligence—it is a deliberate and strategic cover-up. He added that they demand the immediate resignation of the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi.

“They continued a tenure that only served to maintain the decay and dysfunction. They, along with many other provincial leaders and administrators, have failed to serve the people of North West with the dignity and urgency they deserve.

“It is time to clean the house. All officials and councillors who have consistently failed to deliver basic services, mismanaged resources, and ignored the cries of our people must go,” said Motsi.

He said the people of the North West deserve clean, transparent and accountable local government. Motsi said enough is enough.

Meanwhile, the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) report on municipalities with outstanding Annual Financial Statements (AFS) shows that the submission and audit conclusion rate of municipalities had improved from 91% to 95%. The Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), Songezo Zibi was briefed by the AGSA on the municipalities with outstanding AFS.

The Head of National Audit, AGSA, Bongi Ngoma said: “The submission and audit conclusion rate had improved over the term of the current local government administration.

“The submission and audit conclusion rate had increased from 91% in the 2021/22 financial year to 95% in the 2023/24 financial year. Overall submission of annual financial statements for audit.”

Ngoma said the submission rate across provinces had shown a slight overall improvement. She said the Free State remained the most challenged province for annual financial statement submissions.

“However, notable progress was observed in the Northern Cape. Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal maintained a 100% annual financial statement submission rate by the legislated deadline.

“The delays in audits undermined municipalities’ ability to effectively plan, budget, and deliver critical services, which negatively impacted the lives of the citizens. The reduced accountability and transparency undermined trust and weakened public oversight,” said Ngoma.

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