Daily Archives: May 11, 2025

Committee welcomes noticeable progress in withdrawal of SADC mission convoys from DRC

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Picture: SANDF soldiers in DRC/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

11 May 2025– The Joint Standing Committee on Defence welcomed assurances from senior commanders of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) that the steady and safe withdrawal of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo forces has commenced and that two convoys have already reached the transit camp.

The Co-Chairperson of the Committee, Malusi Gigaba said the assurance that all measures have been put in place to ensure that the movement and withdrawal of both personnel and equipment will be done safely and securely and the arrival of the two convoys at the transit camp is a testament to the effective planning that has taken place. Gigaba said the committee also emphasised the safety and security of prime mission equipment that will be moved by sea to South Africa.

“The security of this equipment is critical, especially as private contractors will be used. The committee acknowledged that it would receive a full exit report on the mission upon conclusion of the withdrawal, including the cost associated with the deployment.

“We are cognisant that some of the details around the mission could not be discussed, as it has the potential to endanger the forces still in the deployment area. But concerning cost, the committee highlighted that when the total breakdown is tabled, the committee takes into consideration the cost-benefit analysis of the deployment,” he said.

Gigaba further said the committee has called for effective support of the elements of the SADC peacekeeping mission that remain in the Democratic Republic of Congo under the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC.  He added the committee acknowledges that South Africa’s efforts to establish peace and security in Africa continue to be a crucial element of the country’s foreign policy, as guided by the objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 framework.

“To advance this role played by the SANDF in peacekeeping missions, adequate support must always be provided. The committee highlighted its continued support for the peacekeeping mission as a key diplomatic tool while political engagements continue.

“The commitment to diplomatic engagement aimed at finding lasting solutions to the conflict is welcomed, as it is only through genuine engagement that solutions will be found. The people of the DRC and the region in general deserve a peaceful and secure environment conducive to unlocking the socio-economic potential of the area,”he said.

The Co-Chairperson of the Committee, Phiroane Phala said they have expressed its full support for the extension of the employment of 200 SANDF members in support of the SADC Maritime Security Strategy, under Operation Copper. Phala said the committee deliberated on the letter of 2 April sent by the President to both houses of Parliament, informing Parliament of his decision to extend the employment.

“The mission aims to counter the threat of piracy and other illicit maritime activities along the northern Mozambique Channel have been successful, hence the decrease in piracy activities.

“It is essential that this crucial intervention is maintained to enable trade, which will lead to economic growth and improved standard of living for the people of the region,” he said.

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DA welcomes move for DRC board of inquiry

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

11 May 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it welcomes the revelation in Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Defence, that the DRC calamity may soon be subjected to a board of inquiry. The DA alleged that this was revealed by Deputy Minister Bantu Holomisa, because Minister Motshekga snubbed Parliament and chose instead to travel to Russia for a military celebration.

The DA spokesperson on Defence and Military Veterans, Chris Hattingh, who is also a Member of Parliament (MP), said they strongly condemn Motshekga’s repeated refusal to account before the Joint Standing Committee on Defence. Hattingh said in the absence of Motshekga, scant information was shared with the committee by the senior leadership of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and more questions than answers remain.

“What is of serious concern is that our troops are in no way safe and secure yet – the seemingly poor logistical planning of the withdrawal from the Democratic Republic of the Congo could leave our troops further exposed in an increasingly hostile conflict environment.

“Despite posing probing questions on the logistical aspects of the withdrawal, these questions could not be answered as no SANDF Chief of Logistics was present in the meeting, despite it being scheduled weeks in advance,” he said.

Hattingh further said, the SANDF contributed a total of R1.6 billion to the DRC SAMIDRC mission, in terms of equipment, personnel, and military costs. He added that the SANDF in today’s committee, however, could provide no definitive answer as to how much weaponry and equipment was either lost or damaged as part of the mission in the DRC.

“It is high time that the truth of the DRC calamity comes out and that the families of our brave fallen soldiers may know what happened to their loved ones.

Those who lead our soldiers to their peril must be held accountable and brought to book where necessary,” said Hattingh.

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CorpsAfrica program to address rural challenges

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Picture: Residents struggling with water in rural area

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

10 May 2025- CorpsAfrica, a pan-African Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) said it is pleased to announce its volunteer program in South Africa. The organisation was founded in 2011 by former Peace Corps volunteer, Liz Fanning.

The Country Director for South Africa, Kelo Kubu said CorpsAfrica has recruited and trained African youth as volunteers to live and work in rural and under-resourced communities in their own countries. Kubu said since its inception, CorpsAfrica has established a presence in 10 countries, including Morocco, Senegal, Malawi and Rwanda.

“The organisation has trained and deployed over 900 volunteers, who have successfully implemented more than 800 community-driven projects, impacting the lives of thousands of people.

“The first cohort of volunteers are placed in two provinces (North West and Limpopo) under four local municipalities including, Moretele, Greater Taung, Polokwane and Maruleng Local Municipalities. The duration of their service is 10 months and volunteers are working on a variety of projects tailored to the needs of these communities, focussing on areas such as education, health, agriculture and economic development,” she said.

Kubu further said CorpsAfrica’s entry into the country is a testament to the incredible growth and impact the organisation has achieved over the years. She added they are excited to bring this transformation program to SA, where they believe their volunteers will make a meaningful difference in the lives of communities.

“For more information about CorpsAfrica and its programs, please visit www.corpsafrica.org,” she said.

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Five suspects arrested for illegal mining during Operation Vala Umgodi

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Picture: One of the suspects nabbed/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

11 May 2025– Five suspects were arrested in connection with illegal mining and drug-related activities. The suspects were arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said on 10 May 2025, the police received a tipoff regarding drug dealing at the Samaria Informal Settlement, near Ikapa Mine. Sam said the information was swiftly operationalised.

“Three suspects aged between 26 and 30, were arrested after police discovered mandrax tablets and cash believed to be proceeds of criminal activity at their premises. Continued efforts on 11 May 2025, led to the arrest of two additional suspects aged 38 and 42, for illegal mining at the Colville Old Mine.

“Numerous fines were also issued for violations of the Road Traffic Management Act during vehicle check points (VCPs) and stop-and-search operations conducted in both the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts,” he said.

Sam further said all arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon. He added that Operation Vala Umgodi continues its relentless efforts to combat illegal mining activities across the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts in the Northern Cape.

“The operation remains a key initiative in asserting the authority of the state and curbing illegal mining and related crimes in the province. See something? SAY something. Report illegal mining to SAPS Crime Stop: 08600 10111 or MySAPS App,”said Sam.

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SAFA denies illegally paying R10m to Jordaan

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Picture: SAFA president, Dr Danny Jordaan

By OBAKENG MAJE

11 May 2025– The South African Football Association (SAFA) said the alleged disinformation and coordinated attempt to effect regime change at the organisation continues with claims now that the SAFA president, Dr Danny Jordaan was paid more than R10 million from the association without the knowledge and approval of the National Executive Committee (NEC) in 2020. SAFA said these allegations are malicious and mischievous and quite frankly, laughable.

SAFA CEO, Lydia Monyepao said it is inconceivable that the basis of this latest smear emanates from someone who accessed the SAFA financial system illegally, misinterpreted the reports they generated and leaked it to third parties in a bid to generate this false narrative. Monyepao said the report that was obtained illegally relates to all payments made to Jordaan since 2007, and covers a period of 18 years during which time he held various positions in SAFA as CEO until 2008, CEO of the World Cup Bid Up until 2006 and CEO of the FIFA World Cup from 2006 until 2011.

“It also includes SAFA meeting allowances and honorariums, which were paid to all NEC members over a period exceeding 13 years. The Honorarium and NEC meeting allowance paid to all NEC members, separation payments between SAFA and President when he returned from deployment from the 2010 FIFA World Cup LOC

“Bonus paid to the Three Musketeers (Dr Danny Jordaan, Dr Irvin Khoza and Dr Molefi Oliphant) for securing the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which is a substantial portion of the amount that is being bandied about,” said Moneypao.

She further said this also includes payments from CAF, which are paid into the SAFA account for transfer to Jordaan. Monyepao added that these payments are made via the association’s bank accounts.

“All the payments made to the President over this period were properly authorized. All the above were also properly approved by the NEC at the time. Finally, this is part of the ongoing campaign directed at the SAFA President with a view of effecting regime change.

“We did provide this explanation to the Sunday newspaper that continues to peddle misinformation, and it is no surprise that the journalist deliberately ignored our full response,” she said.

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