Monthly Archives: December 2025

Opinion: South Africans are not xenophobic, but fighting for their country

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Picture: One of the hijacked buildings in Johannesburg CBD

By GEORGE KAPINGIRI

18 December 2025- The culture of hijacked buildings in South Africa has become extremely scary. As a Congolese person, I am proud to be Congolese.

I have lived my entire life in South Africa, but I will never shed my Congolese identity for a South African one. I love being Congolese more than anything.

Because I was raised here, I used to generalize that South Africans were jealous of foreign nationals, especially African foreign nationals. I would often say that whenever South Africans wanted to blame someone for the misfortunes and problems in their country, the most convenient scapegoat was their African brothers and sisters.

In recent years, however, as I have paid closer attention to politics and the environment where I live, I have realized that South Africans are not xenophobic. These people are literally fighting for their own country. According to available data, 80% of the hijacked or semi‑hijacked buildings in the Johannesburg CBD… what I call “town”… are illegally occupied.

Their owners are present, but cannot assist them, and the buildings are being hijacked by foreign nationals. Most of these foreign nationals come from Central, West, or East Africa, and some from Southern Africa. It is a strange situation.

Why would someone come to another country, hijack a property that does not belong to them and then sublet it? Some buildings in town house up to a thousand people because of this subletting culture.

For me, I no longer see South Africans as xenophobic. I once viewed them that way, but in recent years I have begun to understand that they are not xenophobic at all.

This “hijacked” culture is breeding grounds for human trafficking and illegal trade of goods and people. It is not simply a matter of giving South Africans a reason to be angry; we should not blame them.

One thing is certain, if South Africa were to die today, you as a foreign national, could leave. South Africans cannot leave. This is their home and there is nowhere else for them to go. You can go back where can they go?

So let us not blame South Africans and call them xenophobic. Let them fight for their country.

At least they have the courage to fight for their country, unlike many of us who are in their country because we lack the courage to fight for our own.

(Note: Mr George Kapingiri shared this in his personal capacity and The Guardian Newspaper and its associates do not agree nor disagree with the content of this letter. So, whatever is written in this letter remains the views of the author and does not represent The Guardian Newspaper in anyway)

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Safer Festive Season Operations in a full swing

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Picture: One of the suspects arrested/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 December 2025- The police in Northern Cape said safer festive season operations are in full swing across the Namakwa District as they intensify efforts to combat crime and enhance public safety. The police said on 17 December 2025, disruptive operations were led by the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, together with the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar and the Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said a multi-disciplinary roadblock was conducted at the N7 weighbridge in Springbok, during which 138 vehicles and 320 individuals were stopped and searched. Ehlers said traffic fines amounting to R1300 were issued for various violations.

“These operations were followed by a crime intelligence-driven intervention after information was operationalised regarding suspected drug dealing at premises in Concordia. A search warrant was obtained and executed, resulting in the seizure of hydro dagga with an estimated street value of R125 785.10, as well as a substantial amount of cash believed to be the proceeds of criminal activities.

“A man (37) was arrested in connection with dealing in drugs. Disruptive operations will continue in identified hotspot areas to address priority crimes during the festive season and beyond,” she said.

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Three suspects nabbed for hijacking

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Picture: A vehicle used by the victim/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

17 December 2025 – Three suspects aged between 29 and 30 were arrested following a hijacking and robbery incident involving a Botswana national (65). The suspects were arrested on 15 December 2025, just after 5pm in Potchefstroom after a tip-off regarding a hijacking and a coordinated operation was activated by Crime Intelligence, the Flying Squad of Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, the Provincial Drug Task Team, as well as various private security companies.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said according to reports, the incident was reported earlier on the same day at approximately at 10am, when the victim was travelling along the road between Nooitgedacht and Mooifontein, near Mahikeng in her vehicle, a Toyota Yaris. Myburgh said the victim was allegedly accosted by three suspects travelling in a white vehicle, which blocked the road and forced her to stop.

“The suspects reportedly pointed her with a firearm and threatened her with a knife, compelling her to get into their vehicle. She was subsequently driven to Itsoseng and Mahikeng, where she was forcefully taken to various Automatic Teller Machines (ATM’s) and coerced into withdrawing money from her bank account.

“After the withdrawals, the victim was abandoned in Mahikeng. Her cellphones were also stolen during the ordeal,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Naidoo, commended the swift and effective collaboration between the various law enforcement units and private security companies, stating that such teamwork remains critical in combating serious and violent crime.

Naidoo said the arrest of these suspects demonstrates the commitment by police in ensuring that criminals are brought to book and that communities, including visitors to the North West, are protected.

“The police will not tolerate acts of violence and intimidation on the roads, especially during the festive season, when more travellers are expected.

“The suspects are expected to appear before the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on 18 December 2025, facing charges related to hijacking, robbery, kidnapping and possession of stolen property,” he said.

Naidoo said the minor will be dealt with in terms of the Child Justice Act.

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ANC calls for urgent action on inner-city crime

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

17 December 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) calls for maximum speed and determination to apprehend and prosecute the criminals responsible for the brutal and shocking murder of beloved radio and music personality, Warrick DJ Warras Stock. The party said his life was tragically cut short in a targeted act of violence in Johannesburg’s Central Business District on 16 December 2025.

The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said this heinous crime is a direct attack on the very fabric of the society and underscores the urgent crisis of criminality and lawlessness plaguing the inner cities. Bhengu said DJ Warras was a courageous and vocal champion for the rule of law, dedicating his platform to the vital struggle against the illegal occupation and hijacking of buildings.

“He stood boldly against those who seek to condemn our urban centres to chaos and fear. We call on the South African Police Service to treat this case with the highest priority.

“Every resource, including the CCTV footage under review, must be leveraged to ensure swift arrests and a watertight prosecution. There can be no sanctuary for those who believe they can silence activists and terrorise communities with impunity,” she said.

Bhengu further said the ANC urges active citizenship in the fight against crime. She added that they call on every community member, every business and every individual with any information pertaining to this murder or to the networks engaged in building hijackings and related violence, to come forward immediately and assist the police.

“Silence is complicity. Only through a united front, where the state and its citizens work in concert, can we reclaim our public spaces and restore safety.

“In paying tribute to DJ Warras, we remember a man of immense talent, energy, and conviction. His voice was not only one of entertainment but of conscience, amplifying the struggle for a lawful and vibrant Johannesburg,” said Bhengu.

She said his contributions to the nation’s cultural life and his fearless advocacy have left an indelible mark. Bhengu said the joy he brought to countless listeners and his commitment to a better city will be his enduring legacy.

“To the family, friends, colleagues, and legions of fans of DJ Warras, the ANC extends its most profound and heartfelt condolences. Our nation shares in your anguish and grief.

“May you find some solace in the immense outpouring of love and respect for Warras and in the knowledge that his fight for a safer, more just society will be continued with renewed vigour. We stand with you in this time of unimaginable pain,” she said.

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SALGA Calls on Treasury to Release Withheld Equitable Share Due to Municipalities  

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 December 2025- The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) said it has formally written to the National Treasury regarding concerns about the process followed in withholding the Local Government Equitable Share (LGES) tranche for December 2025. SALGA said this action has had direct implications for 75 municipalities across the country.

SALGA spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba said since September 2025, the National Treasury issued two circulars outlining its intention to invoke Section 216 (2) of the Constitution and Section 38 of the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003. Modiba said these measures permitted the withdrawal of the LGES, which supports critical municipal functions.

“In response, SALGA made multiple attempts to engage with National Treasury to prevent the risk of withholding and to ensure that affected municipalities could comply with legislative requirements before the scheduled payment of the December tranche.

“Despite SALGA’s repeated efforts, the National Treasury did not provide the necessary cooperation. This hindered SALGA’s ability to help municipalities address compliance issues and avoid the withholding of funds. SALGA continues to emphasise the necessity for municipalities to adhere to all relevant legislation and remains committed to supporting local governments in fulfilling their legislative obligations,” he said.

Modiba further said SALGA has identified significant shortcomings in the process undertaken by the National Treasury. He added that notably, there was a lack of consistency in communications with the affected municipalities.

“Treasury’s correspondence was often unclear regarding the specific information or documentation required to rectify identified non-compliances.

“Furthermore, in several cases, deadlines for submission were not adequately communicated, leaving municipalities uncertain about the timeframes for compliance,” said Modiba.

She said in instances where municipalities did submit responses to National Treasury, no feedback was provided on the adequacy of their submissions until the actual date of the withholding of the LGES tranche. Modiba said SALGA has called on the National Treasury to immediately release the LGES tranche for all municipalities that have adequately responded and complied with the requirements.

“In addition, SALGA advocates for the establishment of a formal, transparent, and time-bound process within the Division of Revenue Bill (DORA) for the withholding of equitable share allocations.

“SALGA also recommends that structural engagements be facilitated through Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) platforms to improve coordination and oversight,” she said.

Modiba said the association urges National Treasury to apply Section 216 (2) and Section 6 (2) (f) of the Public Management Finance Act consistently, not only to municipalities, but also to government departments and entities that owe municipalities or are non-compliant with the unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure (UIFW) regulations. He said this approach is essential to uphold fairness and accountability across all spheres of government.

“SALGA will continue to liaise with the National Treasury to clarify any outstanding requirements for impacted municipalities.

“The goal is to ensure the timely release of the outstanding Local Government Equitable Share tranche and to safeguard service delivery at the local government level,” said Modiba.

Meanwhile, the African People’s Convention (APC) in North West said it has noted with serious concern the decision by National Treasury to freeze equitable share funding to 15 municipalities in the North West due to repeated failures to comply with financial management and accountability requirements.

APC provincial chairperson, Dikobe Lucas Mphaka said according to Treasury, this drastic intervention—taken in terms of Section 216 of the Constitution—follows persistent non-compliance, including unpaid debts to SARS, pension funds and water boards, failure to submit council-approved funded budgets, and continued irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure.

Mphaka said the affected municipalities include Matlosana, JB Marks, Naledi, Maquassi Hills, Mamusa, Lekwa-Teemane, Kgetlengrivier, Madibeng, Rustenburg, Moses Kotane, Moretele, Tswaing, Bojanala Platinum District, Ngaka Modiri Molema District and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.

“As the APC, we wish to place it on record that while we support decisive action against corruption, mismanagement and financial recklessness, we are deeply worried about the direct impact this decision will have on ordinary communities.

“Equitable share funding is meant to ensure the delivery of basic services, payment of municipal workers, and support for indigent households. Freezing these funds, without urgent corrective support and oversight, risks further collapsing already fragile municipalities and punishing communities for failures they did not cause,” he said.

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A man jailed for raping a minor

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By REGINALD KANYANE

17 December 2025- A man (59) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court for repeated rape of girl (14) in 2019. The accused, Mluleki Zicina committed the heinous crimes at Dobsonville, in Soweto.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Phindi Mjonondwane said Zicina, who is the step-grandfather to the victim, exploited his relationship with the victim’s grandmother. Mjonondwane said the incident came to light when the grandmother found the accused on top of the victim, busy raping her.

“The case was reported at the Dobsonville Police Station, leading to Zicina’s arrest on 21 May 2019, where investigations led by Sergeant Mabungu, revealed that the accused had repeatedly raped her, instructing her to remain silent and promising her money.

“The state called the victim’s grandmother, who testified that the child now suffers from severe emotional, physical, and psychological trauma,” she said.

Mjonondwane further said she struggles with challenges, including anxiety, aggression, low self-esteem, and poor academic performance. She added that these impacts were highlighted during sentencing.

State prosecutor, Arnold Limekhaya emphasised the gravity of the offence, the vulnerability of rape victims, and the betrayal of trust by the accused, who abused his position of authority and the principle of Ubuntu. Limekhaya underscored the permanent scars inflicted on the victim and the broader societal outcry against such crimes, which deprive children of their constitutional rights to safety and freedom.

Magistrate Anneline Africa, in delivering the sentence, considered the extreme cruelty and manipulative nature of the accused’s actions, the degree of violence used, and the profound harm caused to the vulnerable and defenceless victim.

Meanwhile, Mjonondwane said the court noted Banda’s exploitation of the victim’s mother through alcohol and his pretence of being a trusted figure. She said all cases of sexual violence encroach on the rights to dignity and privacy of the victims as enshrined in our constitution, hence the NPA aggressively prosecutes these cases.

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‘Concerns regarding quality of construction’

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Picture: A building collapsed

By OBAKENG MAJE

17 December 2025- The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson said the investigation found, among others, that there were concerns regarding the quality of construction, that the concrete used was friable and that no building plans were submitted to authorities. 

Macpherson said as investigations continue, his department and stakeholders will continue to support affected families and communities, ensure full accountability, and work to prevent similar tragedies. 

He further said they gathered today under deeply painful circumstances. Macpherson added that the collapse of a multi-storey building in Redcliffe, North of Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday afternoon has caused immense heartbreak and tragedy, particularly at this time of year.

“As I said during my site visit on Saturday, on behalf of the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure, I wish to once again express my deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in the Redcliffe collapse.

“We will continue to work closely with all spheres of government and relevant stakeholders to support those who have been injured and all those affected by this tragedy,” he said.

Macpherson said he wants to pay tribute to their brave rescuers, emergency personnel and police officers who have worked bravely and understand dangerous conditions to free those who were trapped and return those who were deceased back to their families. He said he wanted to commend the Province of KwaZulu-Natal and eThekwini Municipality for the disaster management coordination shown in this tragedy.

“We also want to express our gratitude to the Western Cape Provincial Government for allocating resources to support the recovery effort.

“We must also acknowledge the trauma experienced by survivors, workers, congregants, and community members. We thank our teams for the professionalism, dedication, and compassion they have shown since last Friday,” said Macpherson.

He said at the time of the latest formal operational update provided to the government, five fatalities had been confirmed, with a number of additional people injured. Macpherson said they do not believe there are any further people trapped in the rubble of the collapse.

“We again extend our deepest condolences to the families affected, and we wish all those injured a speedy and full recovery.

“Preliminary findings at this stage, it is important to emphasise that the findings I am about to share are preliminary in nature and are based on an initial expert assessment conducted by the Council for the Built Environment, working alongside relevant provincial and municipal authorities,” he said.

Macpherson said the Council’s CEO, Dr Msizi Myeza, will later further unpack these preliminary findings and the legislative framework that the CBE operates under in moments such as this. He said based on the information available at this point, the structure involved was a reinforced concrete multi-storey building under construction, comprising concrete columns, flat slabs and masonry walls.

“The collapse occurred while concrete was being poured, with reports indicating that work was underway on the upper levels of the building at the time of the incident.

“Preliminary evidence, including available video footage, points to a sudden structural failure, most likely triggered by a formwork or shuttering failure during the pumping of wet concrete,” said Macpherson.

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DA welcomes judgment affirming private and voluntary fire fighters 

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Picture: DA Tshwane Mayoral Candidate, Ald Cilliers Brink

By AGISANANG SCUFF

17 December 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Tshwane said it welcomes the judgment of the Gauteng High Court, affirming that private and voluntary fire services are permitted to operate. The DA said it was wrongheaded of the Tshwane Metro to prohibit these services from operating, even as municipal fire services lack critical resources to fulfil their functions.

DA Tshwane Mayoral Candidate, Ald Cilliers Brink said this is affirmed by the cost order granted against the City. Brink said earlier this year, voluntary fire-fighters were prevented from fighting a fire in Klerksoord, even as Tshwane’s own fire brigade was clearly in need of assistance.

“The DA calls on Tshwane not to waste further taxpayers’ money by appealing the judgment, and instead seeks to cooperate with private and voluntary fire services,” he said.

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Kubayi praises Ramaphosa for ‘great’ leadership

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Picture: The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

17 December 2025- The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi said she commends the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa for his able leadership during the 11th session of the COSP and presiding over this important discussion of the Implementation Review Mechanism. Kubayi said South Africa has successfully concluded both cycles of the Implementation Review Mechanism. 

She further said subsequent to this, various measures including legislation, national anti-corruption strategies and policies, were reviewed to strengthen measures against corruption. Kubayi added that through the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, South Africa adopted a “whole of society” approach to fighting corruption which highlights the importance of government and civil society organisations, youth groups, business organisations and academia, uniting against corruption. 

“Recognition is also made to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in the fight against this scourge as this group remains vulnerable to corrupt activities. 

“Their responsibility as care-givers necessitates their need to access various services from mainly the public sector,” she said. 

Kubayi said South Africa would like to express itself on the issue of the second phase of the mechanism. She said after the discussions that have been held regarding this subject, South Africa is of the view that the second phase of the Implementation Review should go beyond availability of measures to prevent and combat corruption. 

“The State Party should demonstrate how such measures are being implemented in practice. We believe that examining how recommendations of the previous phase have been implemented to improve the State’s anti-corruption measures is crucial to the implementation review process. 

“The State Party can also include additional information on the developments that took place since the previous phase of the Implementation Review and the consideration of technical assistance review should include the impact of technical assistance already provided to support the implementation of the articles under review,” said Kubayi.

She said identifying further needs for technical assistance will assist in the coordination and planning of technical assistance by various role players and they believe would increase the effectiveness of regional platforms. Kubayi said they believe that during the review, the States Parties should be encouraged to illustrate practical implementation of the Convention through statistics and/or case studies to reflect how the Convention has impacted the fight against corruption. 

“In the analysis of practical implementation, articles could be grouped by topic, to avoid repeating the same information. This will also assist in the structuring of the report and maybe make it shorter than it has previously been.

“When it comes to the sequencing of cycles, we believe that we should start with the review of Chapters III and IV because, besides accommodating the States Parties that ratified the Convention recently, States Parties had the opportunity to implement the recommendations of the first cycle of IRM,” she said.

Kubayi said many States Parties have recently concluded their review of Chapter II and V and some are still in the process of doing so. She thanked Ramaphosa for this opportunity to speak on this important agenda item. 

“My delegation would like to assure you of our support and cooperation to ensure that the 11th Session of the COSP comes to a successful conclusion,” said Kubayi.

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FOSA convenes condolences on passing of Dj Warras

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Picture: Deceased, Dj Warras

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 December 2025- The Forum for South Africa (FOSA) said it extends its deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and fans of Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras. FOSA said South Africa has lost a talented media personality whose voice, energy and creativity touched many lives across the country.

FOSA national leader, Tebogo Mashilompane said his tragic and untimely passing is yet another painful reminder of the ongoing crisis of violent crime that continues to rob families and communities of their loved ones. Mashilompane said FOSA condemns this senseless act of violence and calls on law-enforcement agencies to act decisively and ensure justice is served without delay.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Stock family during this difficult time. May they find strength and comfort as the nation mourns with them,” he said.

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