Daily Archives: July 3, 2025

ANC mourns the death of former Deputy President, David “DD” Mabuza

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Picture: The former Deputy President, David Mabuza  

By OBAKENG MAJE

3 July 2025- The heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after the passing of the former Deputy President, David Dabede Mabuza at the age of 65. Mabuza, who was born at Phola Trust, in Mpumalanga Province died today.  

The ANC secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula posted on his X (formerly known as Twitter), said it is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that they learned of the passing of the former Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa (RSA) and stalwart of the movement.

Mbalula said DD as David Mabuza is affectionately known said he dedicated his life to the service of the people of South Africa. He further said from his days in the struggle against apartheid to his leadership as the Premier of Mpumalanga and later as Deputy President, he was a committed cadre who carried the values of unity, discipline, and transformation.

“On behalf of the ANC, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, comrades, and the people of South Africa. We have lost a patriot, a freedom fighter, and a leader who served with humility and conviction. May his soul rest in peace, and may we honour his legacy by continuing the work of building a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous South Africa,” said Mbalula.

Meanwhile, Mabuza obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of South Africa in 1989, following his achievement of a National Teacher’s Certificate from Mgwenya College of Education in 1985. He was first sworn in as Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa on 27 February 2018 and again on 30 May 2019 for the 6th democratic administration following his appointment to this role by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Mabuza has been tasked by President Ramaphosa with new Delegated Responsibilities in the 2019-2024 term of Government. He was tasked to Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Leading Government efforts to fast-track Land Reform and the coordination of Government programmes to accelerate Land Reform and agricultural support, assist the President to stimulate and support Rural and Township economies through implementing empowerment models and assisted the President in the implementation of Rapid Response interventions on Service Delivery and Trouble-shooting in service delivery hotspots.

This includes coordinating anti-poverty initiatives through, amongst others, Public Employment Programmes, Integrated Service Delivery and Enterprise Development, leading the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) and the country’s integrated response to the challenges of HIV and AIDS. Mabuza also assisted the President in efforts towards building a better Africa, support in Investment Facilitation and Trade Promotion and leading the National Human Resource Development Council and fostering collaboration between government and social partners towards addressing the shortage of skills in critical sectors of the economy amongst others.

In addition, Mabuza chaired the Cabinet Committees of Governance, State Capacity and Institutional Development (GSCID) as well as the Justice, Crime-Prevention and Security (JCPS). Previously, he held a number of positions in government including as Premier of the Mpumalanga Province from 2009 to 2018, Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Agriculture and Land Administration from 2008 to 2009 in Mpumalanga Province, MEC for Roads and Transport from 2007 to 2008, a Member of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature from 2004 to 2007, Member of Parliament (MP) of the Republic of South Africa from 2001 to 2004, Mpumalanga MEC for Housing from 1999 to 2001, and as MEC for Education between 1994 and 1998.

Mabuza has also risen through the ranks of the ANC, where he served as Deputy President of the ANC since December 2017, having also been elected previously as the Chairperson of the ANC in Mpumalanga from 2008 to 2017, Ex Officio Member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ANC since 2007, Deputy Chairperson of the ANC Mpumalanga in 2005, Chairperson of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) from 1988 to 1991, Coordinator of National Education Crisis Committee from 1987 to 1989, Chairperson of National Education Union of South Africa from 1986 to 1988, Treasurer of Foundation for Education with Production from 1986 to 1990, and Secretary of the Azanian Student Organisation (AZASO) from 1984 to 1985.

Mabuza was a trained Mathematics teacher by profession and became a School Principal before moving to politics. His passion remained in education and he established the DD Mabuza Foundation in 2014, focusing on education and the social upliftment of the vulnerable groups such as children, child-headed households, the aged and persons with disability.

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Police partake in plane crash simulation

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Picture: Police at the crime scene simulation/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

3 July 2025- The police have joined several emergency services in a plane crash simulation exercise near the Kimberley Airport on 3 July 2025. The exercise was planned by the Kimberley Airport Company in conjunction with several role-players, giving all an opportunity to test their state of readiness in terms of the functionality of their emergency systems and identify areas for improvement.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police mobilised teams were led and coordinated by Lieutenant Colonel Tatolo Matsi at the onsite crime scene. Sam said the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) is on the scene and ensures that all mobilised members executed, understood their roles and area of responsibility when it comes to crime scenes and disaster management.

“The police reaction time ensures that immediate medical assistance to the injured, cordoning and preserving the crime scene, combing and collection of exhibits, handling of exhibits and handing over of crime scenes, are some of the responsibilities that the SAPS emergency teams in such crime scenes are expected to  master at all times.

“The SAPS in ensuring a safe and secure environment for all its citizens, continuously strives to skill its members in order to gain practical experience and improve their services in a safe and controlled environment,” he said.

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Police investigate business robbery in Kuruman

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Picture: One of the suspects allegedly carrying a firearm during robbery/Screengrab

By OBAKENG MAJE

3 July 2025- The police in Kuruman said they are investigating an alleged business robbery case following the unlawful and intentional forceful taking of an undisclosed amount of cash from a local chain store located in the Kuruman Mall, using violence and or the threat of violence on 2 July 2025. The police said its preliminary investigations indicate that four assailants reportedly armed with firearms entered the store and instructed the cashier at the kiosk to put all the cash from her till in a bag they had with them and proceeded to the cash office that they could not gain entrance to due to security measures in place.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the assailants on realization that they could not access the cash office, ran out of the store without inflicting any harm to the store personnel. Sam said the police have activated all necessary resources to track and trace the suspects who sped off in a white Nissan Micra with no number plates in the direction of Seoding and Mothibistad.

“Anyone who might have information that may assist with the investigation of this case can contact Detective Captain Justice Taea at 082 495 4679/072 516 4597 or 08600 10111 and or the police MySAPS App. All information will be treated confidentially. The investigation is continuing,” he said.

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Northern Cape MEC Bentley Vass welcomes establishment of Commission of Inquiry

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Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass

By AGISANANG SCUFF

3 July 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass said he has acknowledged and welcomed the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry appointed by the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul. Vass said the commission is set to investigate traditional leadership disputes and claims arising from the John Taolo Gaetsewe District.

He further said the appointment of the commission is in line with the provision of Section 59(1)(a) of the Northern Cape Traditional Leadership and Governance and Houses of Traditional Leaders Act (Act No.4 of 2007), read with Section 2 of the Northern Cape Commissions of Inquiry Act (Act No. 4 of 1996). Vass added that, eight-member commission will be led by Professor Mandla Maseko.

“The commission’s inaugural meeting is scheduled for 15 July 2025, to finalise their calendar of activities. We are positive that this commission will provide all traditional communities, leaders and stakeholders, in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, an opportunity to table all their concerns and disputes.

“This will be with a view of ensuring harmony and co-existence within all traditional communities in the district, particularly those that are experiencing leadership tensions. As a department, we will support the work of the commission, so that they reach their set objectives, in the allocated time of two years,’’ he said.

Vass said the Northern Cape Provincial Government is committed in its continuous support of the institution of Traditional Leadership, as this institution plays a key role in the system of cooperative governance, and the development of communities. He said various media platforms and stakeholders will be engaged to ensure that communities, especially in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, are aware of the activities of the commission and fully participate.

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A woman resigned over ‘invasive’ treatment from employer after buying new car   

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Picture: The alleged victim, Aseza Limelintaka

By BAKANG MOKOTO

3 July 2025 – The Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade has expressed its deep concern regarding the reported treatment of a cashier employed at a filling station in Maitland, Cape Town, following their purchase of a second-hand vehicle. The committee said the employee was reportedly subjected to invasive and demeaning conduct by the employer after acquiring a pre-owned car.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Sonja Boshoff said according to media reports, the employer questioned how the cashier could afford the vehicle on their salary and demanded access to their personal bank statements. Boshoff said this unacceptable behaviour ultimately led to the cashier’s resignation.

“While we cannot pre-empt the findings of any formal investigation, the reported conduct of the employer is deeply troubling and raises serious questions. To interrogate a worker’s financial independence, especially in this humiliating manner, is not only patronising, it borders on racial discrimination, abuse and a toxic workplace culture. This is not the South Africa we are building.

“Job creation must be rooted in empowerment and dignity, saying. Employers must recognise that they hold a responsibility not only to provide jobs, but to foster an environment where employees are treated with fairness, respect and basic human decency,” she said.

Boshoff further said when a worker is forced to resign for exercising financial autonomy, something is gravely wrong. She added that as the committee, they condemn this reported conduct in the strongest possible terms and calls on the Department of Employment and Labour to immediately dispatch labour inspectors to the filling station in question to assess the working conditions and broader organisational culture.

“The reported actions of the employer fly in the face of our constitutional values and the vision of inclusive economic development. Demanding bank statements from an employee is not only a gross violation of privacy, it is despicable and must not go unchallenged.

“The matter should not be left unresolved for too long. This incident must be thoroughly investigated and mediated with the aim of achieving an outcome that restores dignity and justice. Not just for the worker, but for any other workers who may be experiencing similar conditions in silence,” said Boshoff.

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Two people killed, seven injured during ‘pens down’ party

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Picture: Pens down party turned tragic in East London/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

3 July 2025 – The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries said it has learnt with shock of the deaths that occurred following a “pens-down” party in East London. The committee sends its deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.

Two people were reported dead and seven others were injured on the weekend following what seems to be a deliberate attack on party revellers in Nompumelelo Township, outside East London. A group of local young men, suspected to be a gang, gatecrashed a “pens-down” party and started attacking those at the tavern.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Maki Feni said the incident, the second in a short space of time in the same area, calls for parental guidance and serious reflection on situations in which learners have free access to alcohol. Feni said it is sad that fatal alcohol-related incidents that often involve learners are becoming a common but worrying occurrence in the country.

“Social gatherings where learners are allowed to use alcohol should be criminalised. The violence that characterises our society is condemned. Society must not tire in condemning the pens-down culture.

“This is so reminiscent of the recent Enyobeni incident, which was the subject of an inquiry, that resulted in the deaths of 21 learners in the same vicinity. We condemn these actions, whether learners were involved or not; law enforcement must also leave no stone unturned in this,” he said.

Feni said the Eastern Cape Department of Education must assist and determine if any learner had been affected by the incident and provide the necessary support.

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Phokwane Local Municipality ‘incurred’ R395m irregular expenditure  

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Picture: Phokwane Local Municipality mayor, Willem Harmse/Facbook

By REGINALD KANYANE

3 July 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Phokwane Local Municipality said it will table a motion, calling for the urgent review of the procurement of goods on an emergency basis, after increasing abuse of the system to bypass Supply Chain Management (SCM) Processes. This comes after the Auditor General (AG) last week revealed to council that the municipality spent over R395 million without supporting documents.

The DA councillor, Michael Kaars said this flagrant abuse of SCM processes under the guise of emergency procurement, which has become the norm and not the exception in Phokwane. Kaars said water tankering contracts, where contracts were awarded without following appropriate SCM processes, have resulted in irregular expenditure.

“Even the Deputy Minister of the Department of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo, previously voiced his concern that the Water Services Authority did not plan appropriately for procurement of water tankering services, resulting in the unnecessary use of emergency procedures to facilitate the procurement of these services.

“The DA welcomes an indication by the AG’s office that some issues are under investigation by the Hawks. We hope that those who are guilty of manipulating the procurement system for personal gain will soon be arrested and convicted. We will also closely monitor developments related to documentation that could not be made available to the AG by the time of the Audit,” he said.

Kaars further said he plans to table a motion at the next council meeting, pushing for bold action to stop the ongoing facilitation of corrupt processes through emergency procurement. He added that this must include imposing strict limitations and ensuring increased transparency and scrutiny of all emergency procurement.

“The people of Phokwane deserve real service delivery that is driven by a clean and corruption free municipality, not services driven by greed and criminality,” said Kaars.

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Matika to join Northern Cape Performing Artists at Makhanda Festival

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By OBAKENG MAJE

3July 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mangaliso Matika said he is proud to announce that he will be joining the province’s performing artists at the renowned National Arts Festival in Makhanda. Marika said this strategic engagement underscores its ongoing commitment to strengthening support for the performing arts sector and promoting inclusive cultural development in the province.

He further said the National Arts Festival is South Africa’s premier platform for artistic excellence, celebrating diverse forms of expression across theatre, dance, music, and visual art. Matika added that, by attending, he will gain valuable insight into the depth of talent within the Northern Cape and the wider national creative industry.

“My presence at the Makhanda Festival reflects a deliberate effort to engage directly with artists and creative practitioners. This initiative enables the department to better understand the needs and challenges of the sector, helping to shape more responsive and impactful policies.

“Exposure to high-level artistic platforms is vital for the development of informed strategies that align provincial efforts with national and global trends in the creative economy. It also reinforces the importance of sustained investment in arts and culture as a catalyst for growth,” he said.

Matika said the department recognises that investing in the performing arts is not only a cultural imperative, but an economic one. He said events like the Makhanda Festival drive tourism, stimulate local economies and create employment opportunities—particularly for young people and small businesses.

“By increasing funding for artist development programmes, festival participation, and arts infrastructure, the Northern Cape stands to significantly expand its creative footprint and unlock long-term socio-economic benefits for communities across the province.

“Drama and theatre remain among the most powerful tools for public engagement and social transformation. Through compelling narratives and emotive performances, artists are able to address critical issues such as gender-based violence, corruption, health, and social cohesion,” said Matika.

He said for the government, this makes drama an essential platform for civic education and community dialogue. Matika said the department continues to support initiatives that use performing arts as a means to communicate government messages, promote awareness, and encourage active citizenship.

“My visit to the Makhanda Festival is a clear signal of the department’s commitment to nurturing local talent, enhancing artist visibility, and ensuring that creative voices from the Northern Cape are heard and celebrated on national stages.

“This engagement represents a step forward in building a more inclusive, well-resourced, and vibrant arts sector that reflects the richness and diversity of the province’s cultural heritage,” he said.

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Committee puts conditions to the approval of GCIS budget

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

3 July 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies has put conditions on the adoption of its budget vote report on the Government Communications and Information Systems (GCIS). The committee’s conditions have been forwarded to the Standing Committee on Appropriations in terms of Section 10(5) of the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act 9 of 2009.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Khusela Diko said the decision was taken on the basis that the committee felt that the 2025-2030 strategic and 2025/26 annual performance plans of the GCIS, as well as the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) lacked clarity and measurable targets. Diko said the committee also believes that the GCIS’ five-year strategic plan is misaligned to the government’s Medium-Term Development Priorities.

“The strategy refers to the need to move to evidence-based communication without outlining what impact it will have on the country’s drive for inclusive economic growth and job creation, and how such will be measured.

“The committee stands against a spray-and-pray approach to development communication which has no attendant measurable targets and cogent monitoring and evaluation framework,” she said.

Diko further said as part of its conditions to the Minister in the Presidency, the committee wants GCIS to, among others, come up with a policy or legislative instrument that is going to ensure alignment, coherence and results-based measurement framework within the government communication system. She added that the committee is recommending approval of this budget with a proviso that within the course of twelve months there is legislative reform to ensure that there is a policy instrument that guides government communications.

“GCIS needs to fast-track reform on the laws that govern MDDA, Brand South Africa and government media spending. The committee also wants GCIS to provide quarterly performance reports on the implementation of the government communication policy framework.

“These conditions extend to GCIS’ entity, the MDDA, which must provide clarity on how it is going to be moving community radio stations to self-transmission. The committee also called on MDDA to provide a fundraising strategy with clear measurable targets,” said Diko.

She said the GCIS budget will be debated under vote 4 on 4 July 2025, in a mini plenary of the National Assembly at the Good Hope Chamber from 1pm to 3pm.  

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‘No R383m due to be returned to National Treasury’

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

3 July 2025- The North West Provincial Government has refuted allegations that there is unused R383 million that is set to return to the National Treasury’s coffer. The NWPG said it can confirm that, as per the 2024/25 preliminary audit outcomes, 99.29% of its R54.2 billion was spent.

The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said this translates to a total expenditure of R53.9 billion. Tatai said this is a much-improved performance compared to the previous financial year, with only two departments spending below a threshold of 95%.  

“The under-expenditure of R383 million which is made up of R176 million of the equitable share will be retained by the province. The remainder which is in the region of R207 million will be subjected to a rollover for the 2025/26 financial year.

“Already National Treasury has approved R172 million which will be re-appropriated through the November adjustment budget. These funds will be used for various infrastructure projects to address service delivery challenges and create various socio-economic opportunities for locals,” he said.

Tatai further said, therefore there is no R383 million which is going to be returned to the National Treasury as alleged by some in the mainstream and social media platforms.

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