Monthly Archives: July 2025

Seizure of assets at PRASA welcomed

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By OBAKENG MAJE

24 July 2025 – The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and Minister in the Presidency, Rikus Badenhorst, welcomes the recent developments by the Hawks where devices belonging to senior executives of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) were seized. Badenhorst said the recent developments by the Hawks are part of ongoing investigations into alleged irregularities within the organisation.

He further said the allegations are concerning as the individuals implicated are top senior executives.

“This highlights a need for transparency and accountability within PRASA. The committee will monitor the developments at PRASA as it is important for the investigation to come to expose the alleged corruption within the entity.

“In a committee engagement on 9 July 2025, we drew attention to the company that had recently been awarded the signalling contract, which was also reportedly responsible for the demolition of Parliament. The committee expressed its concern about the company’s repeated involvement in large-scale projects,” said Badenhorst.

He called on the Minister of Transport to report back to the committee once investigations into the matter were complete as the outcome was crucial to resolving one of the key obstacles hindering PRASA’s progress on signalling. Badenhorst said the committee will continue to provide oversight to ensure responsibility, so that public funds are used correctly because the country faces challenges within the fiscus.

“The media reported executives, and the Board awarded an R18 billion train signalling equipment contract to companies without following and meeting mandatory requirements,” he said.

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Review Discussion Document on the 1998 White Paper on Local Government discussed

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Picture: The Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Namane Dickson Masemola

By AGISANANG SCUFF

24 July 2025- The Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Namane Dickson Masemola, presented the Review Discussion Document on the 1998 White Paper on Local Government (WPLG) at a Special MunMEC Consultative Workshop in the Northern Cape. The initiative was convened by the Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass.

The MunMEC was also attended by THE Northern Cape MEC for Health, Maruping Lekwene.

Welcoming the 29 of the 31 municipalities of the Northern Cape in attendance and other stakeholders like SALGA, the Northern Cape Provincial House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders and other key departments, Vass highlighted the importance of the review process.

“This review process provides us with an opportunity to introspect, to reflect, and ultimately to reimagine local government that is fit-for-purpose and that addresses the multitude of service delivery challenges confronting our communities,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, Masemola highlighted that the assumptions underpinning the 1998 system are outdated due to significant political, demographic and economic changes. He emphasized the need to assess whether current local government structures and models remain fit for purpose.

“The inclusive and consultative nature of the review process being led at both political and administrative levels, with public submissions open until 31 July 2025. The process will then move toward developing a draft policy document, to be refined further through feedback engagements in September 2025 and beyond,” said Masemola.

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A preschool teacher admits killing her stepdaughter

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 July 2025- A preschool teacher, Amber Lee Hughes (25), charged with two counts of rape and murder of her learner and stepdaughter, Nada-Jane Challita(4), submitted supplementary admissions at the Gauteng High Court siting in Johannesburg. The admissions were made after the merits of the case had already been fully argued by both the State and the defence and following her changing legal representation.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Phindi Mjonondwane said in her admissions, Hughes confessed to drowning the four-year-old after an emotionally charged dispute with the child’s father over his infidelity. Mjonondwane further said Hughes stated that she was suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder at the time, but maintained she was fully aware of her actions and she detailed multiple unsuccessful suicide attempts following the incident.

“However, the accused denied the rape charges, claiming she had no knowledge of those allegations. The case has been postponed to 7 August 2025, for closing arguments on the admissions. The accused remains in custody until her next court appearance,” she added.

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A man found guilty of killing his girlfriend

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By REGINALD KANYANE

24 July 2025- A man (41) was found guilty by the Gauteng High Court sitting in Johannesburg, for murder of his former girlfriend, Thembekile Letlape. The accused, Sibusiso Zitha who is affectionately known as The Pastry Chef pleaded guilty to the charge and was accordingly found guilty as charged.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Phindi Mjonondwane said the matter has been postponed to 28 August 2025, for the compilation of a pre-sentence report, following a request by the defence. Mjonondwane said Letlape and Zitha had been in a domestic relationship and lived together in Fourways.

“On 30 May 2024, during an argument while Letlape was preparing food in their home, Zitha violently attacked her. In the presence of his 10-year-old daughter, who was watching a movie at the time, the accused took multiple knives and stabbed the victim several times in her face and chest. She succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

“The NPA welcomes the guilty plea and conviction. We are confident that, after hearing all sentencing submissions, the court will impose a punishment befitting the brutality and tragic nature of this crime,” she said.

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Inaugural Global SME Ministerial Meeting filled with pride and optimism  

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Picture: The Deputy President, Paul Mashatile

By OBAKENG MAJE

24 July 2025- The Deputy President, Paul Mashatile said the inaugural Global SME Ministerial Meeting could not have come at a better time. Mashatile said as they do draw to a close, he could say the discussions and exchanges held in recent days have been filled with pride and optimism, as they highlight their shared commitment to enhancing access to finance, promoting digital transformation and promoting green transitions in the SME sector.

He said the discussions have further demonstrated the potential for collaboration and shared goals to unlock significant opportunities for SMEs globally. Mashatile said in this sense, they are grateful to see the UN expanding its efforts and collaborating with the South African government to foster multilateral cooperation.

“This relationship is critical in this challenging period of abrupt shifts towards unilateralism, which jeopardise the sustainability of our respective countries and the world. I am also impressed by the Call to Action for this Global SME Ministerial Meeting.

“It reaffirms support for critical multilateral initiatives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, the Declaration on Future Generations, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and the Group of Twenty,” he said.

Mashatile further said South Africa is hosting the G20 Presidency under the theme of Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability, aiming to champion developmental issues in the Global South, particularly Africa. He added that as they approach the G20 Summit, this forum has been essential in bringing together a number of ministers and deputy ministers from the continent and the Global South to exchange perspectives.

“We have heard your voices and will ensure that we champion the issues you have raised in the broader G20 processes and the G20 Leaders Summit in November. I am pleased that our G20 Startup Engagement Group’s Mid-Term Meeting happened on the side-lines of this Ministerial Meeting, which allowed for cross-pollination of ideas and propositions.

“I know Minister Ndabeni is championing the establishment of a dedicated G20 Working Group on small business and start-ups, an idea which started under Brazil’s Presidency. This Ministerial meeting has given this initiative the momentum it needs,” said Mashatile.

He said he was also pleased to see that a meeting of Trade Promotion Organisations from around the world happened also alongside this Global SME Ministerial Meeting to discuss the impact on trends of trade protectionism and the disruption of global supply chains. Mashatile said practical measures were discussed to share trade intelligence, build greater resilience in our MSMEs, and transition to new markets and possibilities.

“As Governments, we need to step up. This means we must enhance our capabilities to strengthen trade and economic diplomacy, allowing ourselves to engage more effectively in both bilateral and multilateral trade agreements.

“As South Africa, we are strengthening regional trade through the Southern African Customs Union, the Southern African Development Community, and the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement,” he said.

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A man jailed for stabbing his ‘baby mama’

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

24 July 2025- A man (29) was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by the Prieska Regional Court for attempted murder. On 9 November 2024, Warren Visser approached the mother of his child, while she was seated with friends and verbally abused her. Visser proceeded to physically assault her by slapping and stabbing her.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said as the result of the attack, the victim sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized for nearly a month. Sam said she is now partially paralysed and reliant on a wheelchair.

“Visser pleaded guilty to attempted murder and was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Pixley Ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, applauded the collaborative efforts of the investigation and prosecution teams. Mtukushe commended Detective Constable Boipelo Polelo from the Prieska Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, and the state prosecutor, advocate Cornelia Deetlef for their thorough investigation and effective presentation of the case, which led to a successful conviction.

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Jaguar Land Rover Limited recalls Jaguar E-PACE

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By REGINALD KANYANE

24 July 2025- The National Consumer Commission (NCC) said it hereby informs consumers about the recall of the Jaguar E-PACE as notified by the supplier. The NCC said Jaguar Land Rover Limited informed them that, they are recalling the 2021 to 2024 Jaguar E-PACE models due to an issue with the passenger airbag.

The NCC spokesperson, Phetho Ntaba said according to the supplier, the airbag may tear during deployment due to improper folding during the assembly process. Ntaba said a torn airbag may reduce occupant protection and increase the risk of injury in a crash.

“Additionally, a torn airbag could allow hot gases to escape, potentially causing burns to occupants. Affected consumers are urged to immediately contact the nearest authorised dealership of these motor vehicles to have the module and associated components replaced at no charge,” she said.

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SAPVIA announces newly elected GovCo

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Picture: SAPVIA CEO Dr Rethabile Melamu

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 July 2025- The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) has announced its newly-elected governing committee, following its recent Annual General Meeting on 3 July 2025. SAPVIA said its committee blends continuity and innovation, with outgoing Treasurer, Advocate Mtho Xulu, being elected as the new Chairperson, supported by the returning Deputy Chairperson, De Villiers Botha and new Treasurer, Nicola Cencelli.

SAPVIA CEO Dr Rethabile Melamu, said the communications team remains under the guidance of Spokesperson, Frank Spencer, with Antje Klauss-Vorreiter and Jonathan Frick, serving as Deputy Spokespersons.

“The association also acknowledges the continued contributions of returning governing committee members whose experience ensures institutional stability. View all governing committee members here: Governing Team – SAPVIA.

“The Board welcomes Mike Mangnall, MD of PNE, strengthening its 10-member team of Solar PV experts representing developers, manufacturers, financiers, and policymakers.  

“They assume responsibility at a pivotal moment for South Africa’s energy sector, as solar power is poised to play an increasingly central role in the national energy mix,” said Melamu.

She further said under this new leadership, SAPVIA is positioned to not only maintain, but accelerate its critical work in advancing South Africa’s solar revolution. Melamu added that, they are confident that their collective expertise, energy and will drive transformative progress in our sector.

Xulu said: “Having served as Treasurer, I understand both the economic and strategic priorities of our industry. As Chairperson, I am committed to ensuring SAPVIA leads the charge in policy advocacy, skills development, and industry transformation to unlock solar energy’s full potential.”

Meanwhile, Norman Moyo, concluded his term as Chairperson having established SAPVIA as the preeminent voice of South Africa’s solar industry. During his tenure, the association achieved exponential membership growth, played a pivotal role in shaping national Solar PV policy and implemented transformative skills development programs.

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MDB reaches its final stage

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 July 2025- The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) said it has reached the final stages of its 2023 Municipal Outer Boundary process. The MDB said 13 cases, which were previously deferred to allow for in-depth research and broad consultations, have now been thoroughly reviewed.

The MDB spokesperson, Barileng Dichabe said a final decision on these 13 cases is expected when the Board reconvene at the end of July 2025. Dichabe said, if the Board resolves to proceed with the re-determination of boundaries, the municipal boundary process will be concluded no later than September 2025.

“Subsequently, the ward configuration process required to align with any updated municipal boundaries is expected to be finalised by December 2025,” he said.

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Illicit tobacco products worth R240 000

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Picture: Illicit cigarettes seized by the police/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

July 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Springbok in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies conducted a multi-disciplinary, intelligence-driven operation on 24 July 2025, at a retail store at the Petrus Kotze Centre in Port Nolloth, resulting in the seizure of illicit tobacco products.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said during a compliance inspection, members found a significant quantity of illicit tobacco products with an estimated value of R240 333. Magerman said a Pakistani national (28), was issued with a warning and summoned for further investigation by Customs officials from Vioolsdrift.

“The suspect is facing charges of possession of illicit tobacco,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews commended the joint efforts by the Springbok SAPS Task Team, Customs, Springbok and Crime Intelligence. Andrews also cited that the selling, storing and peddling of any illicit products in the district will not be tolerated.

“Compliance inspections will be intensified in the quest to dismantle these activities and the sale of such items,” he said.

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