Daily Archives: July 16, 2025

ANC in North West expected to expel its 10 councillors from embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality

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By OBAKENG MAJE

16 July 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) in North West is expected to expel 10 of its councillors at the embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality in Lichtenburg. This comes after Mazwi Moruri, Jairous Modisakeng, Aaron Motlung, Manti Motsepo, Bafana Nkutha, Koos Rabeng, Titus Maxongo, Dolph Ngake, Tshepiso Mere and Sibusiso Thamaga, accused of violating the party’s constitution.

It is alleged that, the above-mentioned individuals, refused to obey the party’s instruction by supporting the election of Molefe Morutshe as the new mayor of Ditsobotla Local Municipality among others. The ANC’s Provincial Disciplinary Committee found them guilty after undergoing a disciplinary process.

According to the ANC representative, Tebogo Mohlamme’ submission, the appropriate sanction in terms of paragraph 59 of the appendix 3 of the Constitution of the ANC as amended and adopted at the 55th National Conference should be implemented. Mohlamme’s report said the ANC reached an agreement with these councillors on 27 May 2025, however, they went against it.

“The charged members refused to drink and therefore, the matter must be finalised by the Provincial Disciplinary Committee in terms of the provision of Rule 25.21 and Rule 25.22 of the constitution of the ANC.  The ANC deployed all charged members as its public representatives at Ditsobotla Local Municipality following bi-elections, which were held on 14 December 2022. 

“The bi-elections were scheduled by the IEC after the municipal council was dissolved in terms of Section 139 (1) (c) of the constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996 as amended. The ANC managed to obtain 16 seats from 39 available at the municipal council. 

“The facts before the Provincial Disciplinary Committee are that the party caucus is highly divided and there is nothing that can unite the comrades deployed at Ditsobotla Local Municipality. ANC PEC decision to deploy comrade Molefe Morutshe as the intervention mayor at the Ditsobotla Local Municipality,” he said.  

Mohlamme further said as the results of political and administrative challenges at Ditsobotla Local Municipality, the ANC PEC resolved that Morutshe be deployed as the mayor of Ditsobotla Local Municipality and such mandate was communicated to the party caucus of the organisation on 28 February 2025.  He added that for record purposes, the deployment of the mayor, speaker and chief whip of any municipality, falls within the deployment process of the organisation.

“The party caucus did not implement the mandate as expected by the organisation and another party caucus was convened at Mpekwa House on 3 March 2025 as the mayoral candidate of the Ditsobotla Local Municipality. However, the meeting was not successful due to no show of the above-mentioned individuals. 

“The decision was taken by the organisation to initiate the disciplinary proceedings against the above-mentioned comrades in terms of the provision of Rule 25.17 of the constitution of the ANC and here under are the misconduct charges which were preferred against the ten members,” said Mohlamme.

He said the councillors are guilty of contravention of Rule 25.17.1 of the ANC constitution as amended and adopted at the 55th National Congress in Nasrec in Johannesburg in that you have acted in breach of membership oath. Mohlamme said on being accepted as the member of the ANC, in language that was well understood by them as provided for in Rule 4.16 of the constitution of ANC, they made solemn declarations to the body or person designated to administer such oaths.

“When joining the organisation as a member, you agreed that you will respect the constitution and the structure and work as the loyal members of the organisation and further that you will place your energies and skills at the disposal of the organisation and carry out tasks given to yourselves,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) is expected to present verdicts of cases tabled before the provincial disciplinary committee today at the ANC Chief Whip’s Boardroom in the North West Provincial Legislature in Mahikeng at 2pm.

The ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said: “In terms of Appendix 3 of the ANC Constitution on disciplinary procedure, the organisation is required to publicise the verdicts of matters processed by the Disciplinary Committee of the ANC.

“In light of these requisites, the PDC has finalised a number of cases, which includes amongst others, matters relating to embattled comrades and deployees in Ditsobotla.”

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Presidency condemns DA’s harassment to presidential envoy, Mcebisi Jonas

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Picture: Former Minister of Finance, Mcebisi Jonas

By AGISANANG SCUFF

16 July 2025- The Presidency said it cautions South Africa against treating Democratic Alliance (DA) ‘disinformation’ on matters of international relations and diplomacy as official government policy. This comes after DA’s allegations that Mcebisi Jonas, who was appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa to restore working relations with the US government, has so far received a cold-shoulder.

However, Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said the DA’s latest effort to embarrass Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy to North America, Jonas Mcebisi, involves claims – in the DA’s framing – that the United States has rejected Jonas’s “credentials” and that Jonas is therefore unable to perform his role as Special Envoy. Magwenya said the DA seeks to add sensationalism to its claim by suggesting Ramaphosa and Jonas face a crisis in view of the United States’ pending implementation of trade tariffs announced several days ago by President Donald Trump.

“The facts around this matter include the reality that Special Envoys do not present diplomatic credentials to host countries in the way designated Heads of Mission or other diplomats are. While envoys are not required to account publicly for the work they undertake, the President’s own accounts of his performance include elements facilitated by envoys.

“Jonas’s outreach does not in any way supersede the leading role played by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in our difficult, but constructive trade negotiations with the United States, or in our diplomatic relations with this long standing partner,” he said.

Magwenya further said Jonas has, however, played an important role in working with the DTIC to develop the trade proposals in which South Africa is currently engaging the United States in good faith and with the expectation of mutually beneficial terms. He added that, similarly, he has been assisting DIRCO in the government’s efforts to reset diplomatic relations and all areas of cooperation between South Africa and the United States.

“While these processes are underway and in view of Ramaphosa’s telephonic contact with Trump as well as his Working Visit to Washington in May 2025, Ramaphosa has not had a need for Jonas to visit the United States on urgent business.

“The Presidency is therefore concerned about the Democratic Alliance’s persistent campaign against South Africa’s national interest and its posture of trying to embarrass and belittle our country and in this specific circumstance, Jonas,” said Magwenya.

He said this campaign has its origins in a Democratic Alliance visit to the United States earlier this year, to advance an ideological agenda rather than their national interest. Magwenya said the DA has positioned itself as part of a right-wing nexus that seeks to use a foreign state to effect changes to democratically developed national policies in their own country.

“The DA is trying cheaply, but dangerously to exploit a critical engagement between South Africa and the United States to protest Ramaphosa’s removal of Andrew Whitfield as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.

“The DA’s pronouncements and insults against countries and international organisations – such as the Republic of Cuba or the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees – offends South Africa’s international relations and posture. If the DA were to succeed in undermining South Africa relations with various nations or institutions, the party would harm the viability of businesses and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of South Africans who work in sectors that depend on the expansion of our trade relations with the world,” he said.

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Committee calls for transformation in infrastructure sector

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

16 July 2025 – The Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and Minister in the Presidency reiterated on Tuesday the importance of improving service delivery and ensuring the transformation of the infrastructure sector. The committee received a briefing from the Independent Development Trust (IDT) and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) on the entities’ strategic and annual performance plans for the 2025/26 financial year.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Rikus Badenhorst, reminded the members of the role that infrastructure development plays in the nation’s development. Badenhorst said some members also stressed the importance of delivering essential social infrastructure, particularly in underserved communities.

“Stressing the importance of empowering local communities, members wanted to know how the IDT plans to source materials locally for infrastructure projects to stimulate local economies.

“Other issues they sought clarity on were gender mainstreaming and youth empowerment in infrastructure projects. There were also concerns about allegations of contractors who receive grades without completing any projects, and members wanted to know how the IDT verifies contractor qualifications,” he said.

Badenhorst further said in response, the IDT committed to setting clear targets for including youth and women in its projects. He added that the entity also assured the committee that efforts are underway to strengthen verification and compliance processes.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tebogo Malaka, told the committee that the entity is committed to transparency and accountability in its operations.

“We are actively working to establish partnerships with local suppliers and contractors to ensure that our projects benefit the communities they serve,” she said.

Badenhorst said the CIDB, as a crucial regulatory body, is a Schedule 3a public entity created to lead industry stakeholders in construction development. He said among its main focuses is to “facilitate and promote the improved contribution of the construction industry to South Africa’s economy and society” – a role the committee acknowledged and welcomed.

“Members heard that professionalising the contractor base and empowering and supporting emerging contractors were among the entity’s strategic goals. The committee was also concerned about budget constraints and their impact on transformation initiatives.

“Members also wanted to know about legislative amendments that may strengthen the CIDB’s regulatory powers, as some were concerned about the increase in non-compliance,” said Badenhorst.

The CEO of the CIDB, Bongani Dladla, assured the committee of the entity’s commitment to address the impact of budget cuts.

“While we have had to navigate some fiscal constraints, we are consolidating our efforts through the BUILD programme, which will enhance our support for emerging contractors and ensure that we maintain our commitment to transformation,” he said.

Badenhorst said the committee also heard that steps are underway to improve enforcement and reduce non-compliance on its contractor register. He said they reaffirmed the committee’s support for programmes that create jobs and promote local economic development.

“It is important for continuous monitoring to ensure that infrastructure development delivers meaningful change with tangible improvements in the lives of South Africans. The deliberations today reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to ensure that infrastructure development is responsive, inclusive and accountable,” said Badenhorst.

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National Schools Football Championship wraps up in Durban

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

16 July 2025- The National Schools Football Championship 2025 wrapped up at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Sports Grounds in Durban on Monday after three days of action that featured some of the most promising young talent from across the country. In addition to being a competition, the Championship also serves as a platform for growth.

Following the conclusion of the event, 18 Boys and 18 Girls will be selected for the national phase (Winter Games) to represent South Africa in the COSAFA Schools Championship. The two finals played on Monday were tightly contested affairs with both Boys and Girls going to penalties.

In the Girls’ final, KwaZulu-Natal edged past Mpumalanga Girls with a 4-2 win on penalties. In the Boys’ final, Free State beat Mpumalanga 5-3 on penalties.

Department of Sports, Arts Culture and Recreation director Mamoruti Monama commended all the teams that participated in the tournament.

“The tournament started well and ended well with new provinces crowned as winners. This shows that the national team that is going to be selected for the COSAFA competition is going to deliver good results,” she said.

Meanwhile, individual accolades were presented after the event with the Fair Play award going to Limpopo (Girls) and Western Cape (Boys).

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A man nabbed for ‘stealing’ a sheep  

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Picture: A meat from alleged stolen sheep/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

16 July 2025- A man (33) was arrested by the Petrusville police in connection with alleged stock-theft in the Revonia Township, near Petrusville. The incident occurred between 13 and 15 July 2025.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the arrest followed a report by a local small-scale farmer, who noticed one of his sheep missing and requested police interventions. Sam said upon investigation, the police traced the suspect to a residence where they discovered a sheep carcass and skin matching the description provided by the complainant.

“The suspect was immediately apprehended. The South African Police Service (SAPS) urges farmers and livestock owners to implement safety tips to help prevent stock theft. They should ensure all fences and gates are in good condition and regularly maintained.

“Promptly repair any holes in or under fences. Personally inspect livestock rather than relying solely on employees. Secure kraals or enclosures where animals are kept. Be especially vigilant during full moons, weekends, month-ends, and other high-risk periods,” he said.

Sam further encouraged them to get to know their neighbours. He added that farmers should conduct regular livestock counts—at least once per week.

“Maintain an up-to-date and thorough stock register. Brand livestock in accordance with the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No. 6 of 2002). Visit the SAPS Stock Theft Unit to obtain branding application forms.

“Consider installing CCTV cameras and other security technologies. Make use of community helplines established in partnership with SAPS, farmers’ unions, and local communities,” said Sam.

He said they should immediately report unfamiliar animals or suspicious individuals at grazing or kraal sites to SAPS and your neighbours. Sam said they should also avoid employing undocumented individuals.

“Ensure all employees are properly vetted and documented to assist with investigations if necessary. SAPS encourages all livestock owners to cooperate with the South African Police Service and the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STESU) to combat stock theft effectively.

“Members of the public with information on illegal stock theft activities are urged to contact the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, via the MySAPS App, or report directly to their nearest Stock Theft Unit,” he said.

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A man sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for rape

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By OBAKENG MAJE

15 July 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) management in the Northern Cape on Wednesday welcomes the convictions and sentences handed down by the Hopetown Regional Court against three accused individuals. The accused, Klaas van Rooyen (27) was sentenced to ten years imprisonment for rape and an additional three years imprisonment for house-breaking and theft.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the sentences are to run consecutively. Another accused, Jack Jantjies (29) and Jaco Demas (34), were each sentenced to three years imprisonment for house-breaking and theft. Shemane said all three accused were declared unfit to possess a firearm.

“On 17 May 2019, the victim (28) and her sister were at home when they noticed an unfamiliar smell inside the house. They later went to their respective bedrooms. The following morning, the victim awoke to find that she had been raped and that several valuable items, including a music box, had been stolen.

“The matter was reported to the police and assigned to Detective Sergeant Frans Louw of the Hopetown Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. His thorough investigation led to the recovery of the stolen property, including the music box,” he said.

Shemane further said four suspects were initially arrested in connection with the incident. He added that one of them passed away during the trial.

“Forensic evidence later linked one of the accused to the rape,” said Shemane.

Meanwhile, the SAPS Provincial Management commended Detective Sergeant Frans Louw for his meticulous investigation and further acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and state prosecutor advocate Nicola van Niekerk in securing justice for the victim.

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