Daily Archives: July 23, 2025

NA agrees to establish Adhoc Committee on Mkhwanazi matter

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi

By BAKANG MOKOTO  

23 July 2025 – The National Assembly (NA), has today during its sitting, adopted the joint report of the Portfolio Committee on Police and the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development on wide-ranging allegations made by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, regarding security matters that have implications for the country’s national security.

Amid the NA Speaker’s request for the committees to consider, on an urgent basis, the wide-ranging allegations regarding security matters within their respective mandates, the committees have submitted the report within the stipulated time frame, set as no later than 23 July 2025.

The NA spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said following the committees’ consideration of the matter, as part of their recommendations, they identified various issues arising from the allegations as falling within the NA’s accountability and oversight function. Mothapo  said the issues include, the alleged unlawful decision by Minister Senzo Mchunu to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), the alleged unlawful removal of 121 case dockets from the PKTT on the direction of the Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, the alleged moratorium by Mchunu on filling vacancies within the SAPS’ Crime Intelligence Unit, whether Mchunu misled Parliament about the nature of his relationship with Brown Mogotsi, whether the award of a R360 million contract to Vusimuzi Cat Matlala’s company for the provision of healthcare services to SAPS was irregular and the alleged interference by IDAC in police matters, including jurisdictional issues, among others.

“The committees proposed that an Ad Hoc Committee be established in accordance with NA Rule 253, stating that the scope of such a committee is task specific and time bound, contrary to the general oversight function of portfolio committees which, in contrast, is ongoing and often requires juggling competing priorities.

“The committees also recommended, without being prescriptive, that the House considers that should it resolve to establish an Ad Hoc Committee, the process to be concluded within ninety days of the committee being instituted – provided that the timeframe may be amended or extended if necessary,” he said.

Mothapo further said the committees proposed that the approach adopted ensures that the principle of separation of powers is respected throughout, the Ad Hoc committee be appropriately resourced, including having ready access to external forensic and legal advisory services, consideration be given to the possible need to provide for the protection of potential whistle-blowers on how best to facilitate public participation and transparency.

He added that, as far as possible, meetings should be conducted openly and whenever possible, broadcast on Parliament TV and on its social media channels.

“Consideration be given on how to ensure that the work of the Ad Hoc committee does not duplicate or overlap with the work of the inquiry/investigation simultaneously being undertaken by the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence and does not lead to conflicting outcomes.

“The committees further urged, as far as legally permissible, for continuous oversight of the work of the Commission of Inquiry and requests that the interim reports submitted to the President to also be made available to Parliament,” said Mothapo.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

FOSA: “Illegal spaza shops are still oprating”

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Spaza shop/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

23 July 2025- Forum for South Africa (FOSA) said while many have forgotten about the issue of illegal spaza shops, it has never divorced itself from the struggle for justice. FOSA said a month ago, it wrote to the Minister of Small Business Development through its legal head, Adv Matswiki, requesting clarity from the Minister with regard to measures put in place in protecting the children against illegal spaza shops.

FOSA national leader, Tebogo Mashilompane said in addition, they sought an explanation as to why illegal spaza shops are still operating despite the fact that children died after eating snacks from spaza shops. Mashilompane said they have taken the responsibility to protect the vulnerable, hence they want the department to be proactive not reactionary as they always do.

“It must also be stated that in the recent past, FOSA has engaged the Minister of COGTA about the same issue, and he referred us to the Minister of Small Business Development. To date, the Minister never bothered to give clarity despite the fact that we have made two follow ups.

“As a result, FOSA gave the Minister of Small Business Development until tomorrow, 24 July 2025 to respond. If the Minister does not respond by the due date, the legal team will take the matter to court,” he said.

Mashilompane further said they will urge the courts to hold the Minister personally liable for the deaths of all the children and also liable for legal costs. He added that, as a reasonable organization, we have given the Minister enough time to respond  or have a meeting with our team so we can understand the reasons why illegal spaza shops are still operating, especially by illegal foreigners, but the Minister does not see the urgency and the impotence of our call, so, on behalf of the innocent children, they will fight for their justice in court.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Corruption has heighten under Ramaphosa’s administration

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By REGINALD KANYANE

23 July 2025- Activists and Citizens Forum, Dennis Bloem said when the retired Chief Justice, Raymond Zondo, addressed the SACC Anti-Conference, he told the religious leaders that the country is busy fighting corruption for more than thirty years and corruption is getting worse. Bloem said it seems there is no fight against corruption.

He further said Zondo also told the conference that the ANC committed a very grave mistake by disbanding the effective anti-corruption unit, the Scorpions. Bloem added that this unit was very successful in arresting corrupt people and sending them to jail.

“Whether one is a political leader, or a Member of Parliament, or a businessman or an ordinary citizen, the Scorpions did not favour anyone. They did their work without fear or favour.

“The country thought that under former President Jacob Zuma’s administration, corruption was at the highest level. However, the country was wrong. Corruption is worse now and out of control under President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration,” he said.

Bloem said corruption is completely out of control at all levels of government, municipalities, provincial governments, and National Government. He said people are stealing taxpayers’ money as if the world is coming to an end tomorrow.

“The reason why there is no end in corruption is because the government is infiltrated by criminals masquerading as political leaders. Meanwhile, they are the biggest thieves. KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, told the country a few weeks ago that the South African Police Services are infiltrated by criminal syndicates and that some politicians are also on the payroll of these syndicates.

“Activists and Citizens Forum believe that corruption will not end for as long as the ANC is in power. We know this so-called Government of National Unity is just a rubber stamp for the ANC,” said Bloem.

He said the only way that corruption can come to an end, is that they get rid of this corrupt government and that the people demand an urgent overhaul of the criminal justice system, establish an effective anti-corruption unit like the Scorpions, who will act without fear or favour.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Police are looking for a missing person

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: A missing person, Simbarashe Chimbowa/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

23 July 2025- The Galeshewe SAPS is requesting assistance in locating a missing man (30), who is a bolt driver from Galeshewe Township, in Kimberley. The police said the driver is originally from Zimbabwe and is known as Simbarashe Chimbowa and was last seen at his house in Kagisho on 21 July 2025 at approximately 7pm.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said Chimbowa speaks English and Shona and is dark in complexion, with a beard, 1.79 meters tall and of slender build. Kock said he was last seen wearing a red hoody and green tracksuit pants before going to work.

“He drives a Blue Ford Comfort with registration number DDH 295 NC. Anyone with information can call Investigation Officers, Warrant Officers Isaac Saane on 082 469 0193 or Christopher Botha on 082 469 0203.

“You can call the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or utilize the MySaps app. All information will be treated confidentially. The investigation continues. The public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a missing person,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Police are looking for Mbodla in connection with rape case

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: A person of interest, Mbodla/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

23 July 2025- The Galeshewe Family Violence, Children and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) request the assistance of the public in tracing a person of interest known as Mbodla and or Mr Mbodla in solving a rape case that occurred in Santa Zone 2, Galeshewe on 12 July 2025. The victim during the said night went out with her friends to a liquor establishment to enjoy themselves and later on decided to go and relax where the person of interest stays.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said she was too tired to stay up with her friends and was offered a place to sleep in the bedroom of the same house. Sam said, however, she was woken up by someone on top of her known to her as Mbodla that she managed to push off her and continued sleeping till the morning.

“In the morning the victim told Mbodla that she is not comfortable with what he did and she is going to report the matter to the police, of which Mbodla laughed it off. Mbodla, who is depicted in the image herewith, is also linked to the taxi business normally driving or assisting at the “last stop” taxi rank.

“The police are not able to locate Mr Mbodla and request anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the Investigating Officer Detective Warrant Officer Jonathan Letimela at 060 658 0923 or 08600 1011 or via the MySAPS App,” he said.

Sam said all information received will be treated confidentially.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Motsumi deeply concerned about ongoing community protests

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

23 July 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she is deeply concerned about ongoing community protests in Tshunyane village that have blocked access to Seshupo Primary School and nearby schools. Motsumi said her department strongly condemns any actions that stop learners from attending school and interfere with their right to education.

“For months, the department has been working with the Tshunyane community to address urgent repairs at Seshupo Primary School, which was badly damaged in recent storms. A contractor has been appointed to carry out the repairs. The renovation update is that the appointed contractor has completed the assessment and inspections of the buildings to be renovated.

“Major renovations are expected to begin within two weeks. The contractor has already built an ablution block at the school. Additionally, the department has provided a borehole to ensure the school does not face water shortages, as the village has limited water supply,” she said.

Motsumi further said, however, disagreements within the community have made the situation difficult. She added some groups want a new school built instead of the approved repairs, causing tensions and unrest.

“Due to increasing violence from protesters outside the school, the school was temporarily closed from the opening of the third quarter to keep learners and teachers safe. We called for calm and unity, stressing the need for stability for the whole community’s well being and progress.

 “It’s unacceptable for any group to use intimidation or violence to push their own agenda at the expense of children’s education. We urge everyone to come back to the negotiation table and work together for the benefit of our learners,” said Motsumi.

She said the department remains committed to improving education and school facilities in Tshunyane and asks community leaders to help restore peace so schools can reopen immediately

taungdailynews@gmail.com

National Assembly Approves the 2025 Appropriation Bill

NEWS Leave a comment

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

23 July 2025- The National Assembly (NA) said it has, this afternoon during its plenary sitting approved the 2025 Appropriations Bill. The NA said the Appropriation Bill is a key part of the national budget.

The NA spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said it outlines how government funds will be shared among various departments. Mothapo said Section 27(1) of the Public Finance Management Act requires the Minister of Finance to table the annual budget for a financial year in the NA before the start of that financial year or, in exceptional circumstances, on a date as soon as possible after the start of the financial year.

“The National Budget for the 2025/26 financial year, including the Appropriation Bill was tabled on 21 May 2025 by the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana and the Bill was subsequently referred to the appropriations committee for consideration, and to report back to the NA.

“The 2025 budget focuses on reducing government debt, supporting the poor and vulnerable, improving public services such as health and education and stimulating job creation and rebuilding infrastructure,” he said.

Mothapo further said the total government expenditure for the year will amount to R2.3 trillion. He added that of this R1.17 trillion is allocated directly to national departments including the departments of health, education, and police.

“R1.1 trillion will fund social grants, provincial and municipal transfers, and debt servicing. Even though the Bill proposes the allocation of resources across the national sphere of government, 72.2 percent of these allocations go into transfers and subsidies.

“These are transfers to provinces, municipalities, public corporations and other non-profit making entities. An additional R180 billion has been allocated over the next three years for infrastructure upgrades, public servants’ salaries, extension of COVID-19 relief grants and hiring unemployed doctors and teachers and improving public transport,” said Mothapo.

He said in processing the Bill, Section 4(4)(c) of the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act requires the committees on appropriations of both Houses of Parliament to consult with the Financial and Fiscal Commission (FFC). Mothapo said in addition to the FFC commenting on the Bill, the committee also invited the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) and government departments for comments.

“In its comments the FFC cautioned against the underfunding of departments such as trade, science and small business. The PBO called for stronger alignment between spending and outcomes like poverty reduction and economic growth.

“It further called on Parliament, along with oversight bodies, to not only look at spending to find ways to save money, but also check if different institutions are doing the same work. If so, laws creating those overlaps should be removed,” he said.

Mothapo said the approval of this Bill is important as it authorises government spending for the upcoming financial year, to ensure that critical services and government operations are not disrupted. He said the Bill will be sent to the National Council of Provinces for concurrence, and if approved, then to the President for signing into law.

“It is then that departments can start spending in accordance with the Act,” said Mothapo.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Committee welcomes new Board

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

23 July 2025 – President Cyril Ramaphosa has in terms of Section 9(1)(a) of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Act of 2008, appointed members of the Board of the Agency for a period of three years, with effect from 1 August 2025. Ramaphosa said the Act of Parliament established the NYDA, primarily to address challenges faced by the nation’s youth.

He further said the Agency functions as a single, unitary structure addressing youth development issues at national, provincial and local government level. Ramaphosa added that he has appointed the following Board members- Ms Kelly Sandra Baloyi

– Ms Thembisile Precious Mahuwa

– Mr Bonga Siphesihle Makhanya

– Mr Sibusiso Makhathini

– Dr Wiseman Mfaniseni Mbatha

– Dr Sunshine Minenhle Myende

– Mx Busisiwe Nandipha Nxumalo

“I have also, in terms of Section 9(5)(a) of the NYDA Act, designated Dr Sunshine Minenhle Myende as the chairperson of the of the National Youth Development Agency Board and Bonga Siphesihle Makhanya as the deputy chairperson of the Board.

“We appreciate the willingness of the Board members to avail themselves for the national task of securing a promising future for the nation through the empowerment of young people,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities said it has noted the appointment of the new Board of the National Youth Development Youth Agency (NYDA) by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The committee said it welcomes the new Board, which replaces an interim one that has been in place since November 2024.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Liezl van der Merwe expressed the optimism of the committee on the new Board with members who have relevant skills and knowledge that will add a meaningful value to the NYDA and take it to the new heights. Van der Merwe said the committee expressed its faith in the new leadership of the NYDA, which is led by a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

“The committee wished the new Board well and trust that it will rise to the occasion. We are looking forward to working together with the new Board and hope that it will provide innovative solutions that will address the complex and vast challenges that currently face the young people,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Moithuti wa kwa sekolong sa Reivilo o ikgwageditse

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho: Moswi, Onalenna Sekotse/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

23 Phukwi 2025- Sepodisi sa kwa Reivilo se butse kgetsi ya morago ga loso. Se, se tla morago ga gore setopo sa moithuti wa dingwaga di le 17 wa kwa sekolong sa Reivilo Combined, se fitlhelwe se kaleditswe kwa nageng mo letsatsing la gompieno.

Go begwa fa setopo seo ele sa ga Onalenna Sekotse.  

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are: “Sepodisi se itsisitswe ke mofeti-ka-tsela morago ga go bona setopo sa ga Sekotse. Sepodisi se ile sa itelekela kwa lefelong la tiragalo, mme sa fitlhela go ntse jalo.”  

Kgabagare, setlamo sa South African Depression and Anxiety Group se tlhalositse fa go tlhokomela ba losika le ditsala go le botlhokwa, mme go ka thibela batho go ka ipolaya. SADAG e tlhalositse fa gona le batho ba le 23 ka letsatsi ba ba tsayang matshelo a bone mo Afrika Borwa, fa ba le 230 ba leka go tsaya matshelo a bone.

“Bontsi jwa batho ba ba itseelang matshelo ke ba ba kopaneng le diphetogo tse di seng monate mo matshelong a bone. Ba ka tswa ba latlhegetswe ke mongwe o ba mo ratang, kgotsa ba latlhegetswe ke tiro kana letseno. Fa ba bangwe ba ka tswa ba latlhegetswe ke tshono ya go ka tlhatlhosiwa jwa tirong, kgotsa ba itemogela kgaogano.

“Kgatelelo ya maikutlo ke tsenene e e sa bonagaleng ka dinako tse dingwe. Bontsi jwa nako, kgatelelo ya maikutlo e tswelela go dirisiwa jaaka tshotlo kgatlhanong le batho ba ba itemogelang. Ka nako tse dingwe ba bidiwa ka maina, mme gape ba kaiwe fa ba baletswe.”

SADAG ya re bontsi jwa baagi ga ba tlhaloganye gore kgatelelo ya maikutlo ke eng. SADAG ya re bontsi jwa nako fa motho a lebagane le kgatelelo ya maikutlo, wa shotliwa le go bidiwa ka maina a sa kwalwang.

“Ka dinako tse dingwe, bangwe ba kaiwa fa ba na le maikutlo a sa siamang kgotsa ba ipetola. Go le gantsi batho ba ba tshwerweng ke kgatelelo ya maikutlo, ba feleletsa ba ipona phoso, mme ba feleletse ba fokotsa go dula mo tulong e le nngwe le batho. Kgatelelo ya maikutlo e ka tlisiwa ke dilo di le dintsi, mme ke ka moo go leng botlhokwa gore batho ba tshwarane sentle,”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Agriculture is not just a sector, but foundation

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha/Facebook

By AGISANANG SCUFF  

23 July 2025- The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha said in affirmation of a vision of a province, agriculture is not just a sector, but a foundation upon which they build food security, economic dignity and rural prosperity. Sambatha said this during the tabling of his departmental budget for 2025/2026 financial year at the North West Provincial Legislature on Wednesday. 

He further said the heart of this foundation lies with the farmers, the men and women who rise before dawn to work the land with resilience and feed not just their families, but the entire communities. Sambatha added that hence the saying that, “when you support a farmer, you grow a nation” because a thriving farmer, means a thriving family, a thriving village and ultimately, a thriving province.

“The agricultural sector is irrefutably swamped and faced with hindrances and hitches that have had a huge impact on the sector during the past fiscal year 2024/2025. This budget vote is aligned with the 2025 United Nations International Year of Cooperatives Theme, stipulating that “Cooperatives Build a Better World”. 

“As a province, we still remain with a staunch confidence that Cooperatives and other similar formations have their core existence tied to delivery mandate for sustainable livelihoods and a significant contribution towards inclusive participation, community development, job creation and economic growth,” he said.

Sambatha said the departmental total budget of R1 276 612 000 will be allocated accordingly. He said administration will be allocated R362, 488 000, Sustainable Resource Use and Management will receive R49 436 000, Agricultural Producer Support and Development will be allocated R472 839 000, while Veterinary Services will receive R165 578 000. 

“The launch of Agri-Hub should be properly understood as not replacing nor collapsing the roles and responsibilities of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and roles and responsibilities of the North West University [NWU]. 

“But, the NEW AgriHub should be seen as the centre of excellence on coordination and implementation of the Aggregation Model within the identified Commodities/Sectors in a cycle of three years. This solely means, in each cycle the AgriHub will have identified agricultural sectors to primarily focus on, whilst the normal functions of both the NWU and DARD are proceeding uninterrupted, and this will be in alignment with the Agricultural Agro-Processing Master Plan [AAMP],” said Sambatha. 

He said the 2025-2029 priority sectors within the AgriHub will be Beef Beneficiation, Goat Massification, Crop Massification – current priority focus, with Sheep Massification, Feed-Mills with Animal Feed, Poultry- Broilers and Layers to be added effective April 2026. Sambatha said the work of the AgriHub aggregation will be driven for excellency through the appointment of Aggregators.

taungdailynews@gmail.com