17 October 2025- The Mahikeng Local Municipality said it has noted with concern a message circulating on social media alleging that a tender involving the municipality, the Department of Public Works & Roads, as well as SANRAL has been awarded, and that a related meeting will take place at Mmabatho Stadium.
The municipality said it wishes to place it on record that these claims are false and misleading.
The executive mayor of Mahikeng Local Municipality, Tshepiso Mphehlo said there is no such tender process or meeting authorized or coordinated by the municipality in collaboration with the said entities. Mphehlo said residents are urged to treat this information as inaccurate and to refrain from sharing or acting on unverified messages circulating online.
“The municipality continues to uphold transparency and due process in all its operations, including procurement matters. Members of the public are reminded that official municipal announcements and engagements are communicated through verified municipal channels and spokespersons.
“The municipality remains committed to providing accurate information and serving the community with integrity and accountability,” he said.
17 October 2025 – Members of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence and the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans said they are concerned about what they have seen along the country’s border in Musina.
The joint committees’ today concluded their oversight visits with engagements with the Border Management Authority (BMA), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the South African Police Services and the South African Revenue Service on interdepartmental cooperation at Musina Local Municipality.
The committee said the ease at which people flow between South Africa and Zimbabwe while evading established ports of entry and opting to use unofficial entry points operated by crime syndicates was highly concerning. The committee called for a sufficiently equipped SANDF and other border entities in terms of personnel on the ground, technology and other resources.
The Co-Chairperson of the joint standing committee, Dr Malusi Gigaba, noted that Beitbridge is South Africa’s busiest land port of entry, making it one of the hardest to manage. Gigaba emphasised that managing migration to realise its economic development, national security potential and minimise its risks, requires a new paradigm underpinned by management.
“They need to ensure that there is an all-of-government and all-of-society approach. It is necessary to invest in border management infrastructure in order to mitigate against loss of billions of rand as a result of counterfeit goods, the illicit entry and exit of goods that are not declared to SARS.
“This includes other crimes such as car theft and illicit tobacco, among others. The bus that was involved in a fatal accident, where 40 mostly undocumented foreign nationals lost their lives, shows the ease with which people can pass through South Africa’s checkpoints,” he said.
Gigaba further said obviously, the enablers are on their side of the border. He added that the fact that there were large quantities of medicines which were found on the wreckage shows that they were for distribution purposes in another country, which is a further testament that this was an evasive manoeuvre against paying duties.
“Something needs to be done about syndicates that buy trucks and hire drivers to transport illicit goods across border lines. In addition, concerted efforts are needed to find solutions, as South Africa cannot control what happens with its counterparts on the Zimbabwe side.
“Members also called for collection of all the donkeys along the border as they are used to carry out illegal activities. The committee said the engagement with the BMA has exposed a weak and dysfunctional system,” said Gigaba.
He recommended that all departmental entities should improve on their cooperation to disable the enablers and traffickers. Gigaba said it is worrying to think that should the truck scanner that is in use break down due not being properly maintained, this will pose a huge risk as cargo will not be scanned.
“We commend the admirable dedication of soldiers serving along the border, at times without proper equipment. We need to ensure that the challenges they face at the level of technology, equipment and infrastructure are addressed.
“They are making enormous personal sacrifices to protect those of us inside the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Dakota Legoete said: “It has become very clear that the BMA does not have a budget, same as SAPS, Home Affairs and SANDF.
“It is estimated that South Africa losses over R83 Billion rands in illicit goods and substances and one of the national key points where there is a serious national threat is here in Beitbridge, Durban harbour and OR Tambo.”
17 October 2025- The South African Football Association (SAFA) and renowned French sportswear brand Le Coq Sportif have announced the conclusion of their five-year partnership, set to officially end on 31 December 2025. Launched just prior to the global pandemic, the collaboration has been defined by landmark achievements and powerful moments in South African football.
Together, SAFA and Le Coq Sportif celebrated Banyana Banyana’s historic victory at the 2022 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and their qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. A standout initiative during this period was the launch of a special-edition black kit aimed at raising awareness of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and it was worn by Banyana Banyana® as they made history by reaching the Round of 16 at a FIFA tournament for the first time.
SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao said the partnership also championed fan engagement and creativity through the “Designed By You” competition, which saw South African designer Lwazi Cedrick Ngcungama win the opportunity to design the national team jersey. Monyepao said this first-of-its-kind initiative reflected South Africa’s values of inclusion, empowerment, and collaboration.
“Another iconic moment came with the unveiling of the silver “Ivory” kit, worn by Bafana Bafana® during their bronze-medal campaign at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
“The kit symbolized innovation and a bold departure from traditional national colours. Additionally, the pink kit worn by Banyana Banyana® in their high-profile match against England supported the Pink Drive campaign, raising awareness for breast cancer and showcasing football’s potential to drive social change,” she said.
Monyepao further said their relationship started with many challenges, but inspired a lot of on-field success for all their national teams, specifically their senior teams, Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.
“We want to thank Le Coq Sportif for the partnership and we wish them well in their future endeavours,” said Monyepao.
Ernst van den Berg, Director of Le Coq Sportif South Africa said: “We are proud of the role we played in supporting South African football during this period and the memories we created together.
“From ground-breaking kit designs to shared historic achievements, it has been a privilege to stand alongside SAFA and the players who inspire the nation.”
Van den Berg said as the partnership draws to a close, both SAFA and Le Coq Sportif reflect on a legacy of innovation, unity, and impact, on and off the pitch.
Meanwhile, SAFA has announced Adidas as its new sponsor.
The Guardian 