29 January 2026- KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma said the truck that was involved in a horrific accident against a taxi in Lotus Park, Isipingo, south of Durban on Thursday morning, where 11 people died, had worn-out tyres. Duma said it is illegal to be driving with worn tyres.
He further said owners of the truck must face consequences for only focusing on maximizing profit and not ensuring the roadworthiness of the truck. Duma added that the PrDP for the taxi driver has expired in 2023.
“The taxi had between 17 to 18 passengers. Three victims were taken to Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital, while other three victims were taken to Prince Mshiyeni Hospital. One victim was taken to eThekwini Hospital,” he said.
29 January 2026- On 13 July 2025, the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa announced the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System. This followed serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi about the existence and operation of a sophisticated criminal syndicate that has allegedly infiltrated the criminal justice system in South Africa.
Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said the Commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice, Mbuyiseli Madlanga, assisted by Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC and Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC, submitted its interim report on 17 December 2025, in line with the delivery timelines that had been determined by the President. Magwenya said Ramaphosa has studied the interim report and accepts its recommendations.
“Ramaphosa further welcomes the referrals by the Commission of matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution, as well as recommendations on the employment status and recommended suspension of individuals.
“The Commission, in accordance with its terms of reference, makes several referrals concerning matters that require immediate further investigation by the relevant and impacted law enforcement institutions, including criminal investigations,” he said.
Magwenya further said the Commission also makes recommendations in some instances for disciplinary measures to be taken against individuals alleged to be involved in wrongdoing, including criminal acts and corruption. He added that Clause 7 of the Commission’s Terms of Reference empowers the Commission to “consider prima facie evidence relating to the involvement of individuals currently employed within law enforcement or intelligence agencies and, where appropriate, the Commission must make recommendations regarding the employment status of such officials including whether they should be suspended pending the outcome of further investigations.
“Clause 10.4 provides the Commission with the “power to refer matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution, taking into account the nature of the allegations and evidence the Commission will uncover.
“Clause 12 states that “the Commission shall, where appropriate, refer any matter for prosecution, further investigation or the convening of a separate enquiry to the appropriate law enforcement agency, government department or regulator,” said Magwenya.
He said Ramaphosa expects all law enforcement agencies and other relevant criminal justice institutions to act with speed in implementing the recommendations of the Commission’s interim report. Magwenya said such immediate action will help to restore public trust and strengthen operational capacity in the affected state entities tasked with fighting crime and corruption.
“Where the Commission has said that there is prima facie evidence of wrongdoing, it has made referrals for investigation by the appropriate officials in the South African Police Service, Independent Police Investigative Directorate or the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.
“The referrals relate to SAPS officials such as Major General Lesetja Senona, Major General Richard Shibiri, Brigadier Mbangwa Nkhwashu, Brigadier Rachel Matjeng and Sergeant Fannie Nkosi.
“Prima facie evidence of wrongdoing was also found by the Commission with regard to the following current and former employees of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, suspended EMPD Chief of Police Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi, EMPD Officer, Bafana Twala, EMPD Officer, Aiden McKenzie, EMPD Officer, Kershia Leigh Stols and EMM former City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi,” said Magwenya.
He said this includes, EMM fleet manager/proxy, Chris Steyn, EMM Head of Department of Human Resources, Linda Gxasheka, EMM Head of Legal, Adv Kemi Behari and Etienne van der Walt. Magwenya said the matters highlighted for referral concern allegations of criminality, corruption, fraud, murder, perjury and other unlawful actions by officials and officers in the employ of the South African Police Service, City of Ekurhuleni and the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department.
“Where IPID is already seized with certain matters, the Commission will make a referral to IPID on the status of their investigations and seek explanations for any delays. Ramaphosa has noted that some of the implicated individuals will return to the Commission to respond to allegations presented against them and that more witnesses are yet to deliver their evidence.
“While the Commission emphasises that, with the exception of EMPD Chief, Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi, it has not yet heard the response of some of the relevant persons listed above, the allegations against them remain prima facie allegations only and are not findings of the Commission,” he said.
Magwenya said the nature of these allegations however warrants the referrals for further investigation and potential disciplinary, prosecutorial or regulatory action right away. He said Ramaphosa has directed the Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia and General Fannie Masemola, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service to constitute a special investigations task team, with a leader who will report directly to Masemola.
“The task team will institute investigations against people identified by the Commission for investigation. Establishing a special unit is critical to ensure that these investigations take place as a matter of urgency.
“Ramaphosa would like to express his deepest appreciation to the Commission chairperson, retired Justice Madlanga, Commissioners Baloyi and Khumalo and to all the Commission staff for their diligent work in the delivery of the interim report,” said Magwenya.
29 January 2026- North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie has extended her condolences to the family of Moserwane following a gruesome death of their daughter in Popo Molefe – Siza Section at Sunrise Park, in Rustenburg on Tuesday. Dantjie said according to the preliminary report from GBV social workers, the alleged perpetrator killed her long time wife and covered her with blankets.
She further said when his two children came back from school they discovered the lifeless body of their mother lying on the bed. Dantjie added that the distraught children informed their uncle about the ordeal.
“This is a tragic loss that highlights the ongoing violence perpetuated against women. Gender based violence is a serious concern. It is painful that women and children continue to lose their lives, often at the hands of people close to them.
“I call on men to refrain from solving problems by causing harm to women. Men must seek professional help and stop resorting to violence. Currently, we are providing funding to men-led organisations to enable them to reach out to men and create a space where men and boys can talk about what they are suffering from, without being judged for being insensitive,” she said.
Dantjie said men and boys should be active in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). She said GBV social workers have been dispatched to offer trauma counselling to the affected family and provide them with any type of psychosocial support.
Meanwhile, Dantjie has called on law enforcement agencies to bring the alleged perpetrator to book at a brisker pace.
Setshwantsho: Monna o nyeletseng, Selaotswe Modisagaarekwe/Facebook
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
29 Ferikgong 2026- Baagi ba kwa motseng wa Mokgareng, gaufi le Taung, ba boloditse letsholo-patlo. Se, se tla morago ga go nyelela ga monna mongwe wa teng kwa motseng o.
Go ya ka dipego, Selaotswe Modisagaarekwe (45), one a nyelela fa kgwedi ya Ferikgong e tlhola matsatsi a le 23, mono ngwaga.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Constable Thuto Bobelo are sepodisi se a itse ka go nyelela ga ga Modisagaarekwe. Bobelo are go begwa fa Modisagaarekwe a ne a le kwa legaeng la gagwe, fela moragonyana, ba lelapa la gagabo ba ile ba lemoga fa a seo.
“Go ne go sena matshwao ape a shupang gore Modisagarekwe o ka tswa a ile kae. Go begwa fa a sa itekanela sentle mo tlhaloganyong, mme one a apere borokgwe jo bo pududu, sekipa se se botala jo bo tseneletseng le bontsho, ga mmogo le diteki tsa modiro wa Puma fa a ne a nyelela.
“Go ile ga bolodiwa letsholo-patlo gone ka Labotlhano o. Gape letsholo-patlo le ile la bolodiwa ka Labobedi, fela maiteko ao a ile a itaya sefololetsa. Go na le thulaganyo e e dirilweng go ka tlisa sepodisi sa dipitsi ga mmogo le dintja go ka thusa mo letsholo-patlong leo,” Bobelo wa tlhalosa.
Go begwa fa bangwe ba baagi ba ile ba bona motho mongwe o kgale a batliwa fa ba ne ba boloditse letsholo-patlo. Fela Bobelo o ganeditse magatwe ao.
Bobelo are bone jaaka sepodisi, tshedimosetso e ga ya ba fitlhelela.
Kgabagare, baagi ba rulagantse kopano ya thapelo kwa lelapeng la ga Modisagaarekwe mo letsatsing la kamoso. Baagi ba re kopano eo, e tla tshwarwa ka ura ya borataro maitseboa, mme go memilwe baeteledipele ba ba farologaneng jaaka baruti ba di kereke ga mmogo le dingaka.
Picture: Scholar transport impounded in North West/Generic
By AGISANANG SCUFF
29 January 2026- The North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management said it has met with concerned operators, who render scholar transport services privately. This follows discontent raised by some operators in and around Mahikeng due to their vehicles being impounded during recent law enforcement operations.
The Head of Department (HoD), Dr Hans Kekana said since the re-opening of the schools three weeks ago, his department embarked upon operations across the province, focusing mainly on contraventions such as speeding, roadworthiness and overloading of transportations carrying learners. Kekana said that many of the vehicles that were impounded were found to be operating illegally, with vehicles that have defects or not contravening legislation that classifies vehicles for public transport services.
“The department is of the view that there is a significant knowledge gap generally amongst unorganised scholar operators regarding regulation in the sector along with requirements to acquire necessary operating licenses (OL) and Professional Driver Permit (PrDP).
“The meeting afforded an opportunity to close that gap. We have come to realise that many of the vehicles operating as private scholar transport, do not fall within the allocated categories in terms of the National Land Transport Act as well as the Road Traffic Act,” he said.
Kekana further said the operators also conceded that they were not aware of the requirements as per the regulations. He added that, therefore, encourages anyone who wants to operate within the sector, to do so by following the right procedures in order to be legally recognised and permitted.
“The department reiterates its stance on non-conditional business standards by operators ferrying the public as well as the learners. As the department, we will continue to enforce the law, where there is an offence being committed, the necessary corrective measures will apply. We have adopted a zero-tolerance approach, so that we avoid situations that compromise the safety of passengers.
“It therefore becomes very important for operators to empower themselves and to do research about the sector and all its legislation, to organise and collaborate with others through recognised associations and ensure that the service they render is efficient, effective and lawful,” said Kekana.
He said the department furthermore implores parents to ensure that operators procured privately to transport learners are within the law in the interests of learner safety. Kekana said they are making a call to parents to support our awareness programmes that are aligned to learner safety.
“This will empower them with valuable insight as and when they source service providers for scholar transportation,” he said.
29 January 2026- Government Communication and Information Service (GCIS) said it is hosting country-wide community activities as part of raising and educating the public on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) and what the public can expect to hear from the President’ speech.
The GCIS said SONA is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa addresses the nation on the programmes of government.
Ndlelantle Pinyana who is Chief Director: Provincial and Local Liaison in the GCIS said the address is delivered at a Joint Sitting of Parliament, including both the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and focuses on the current political and socio-economic state of the nation. Pinyana said the speech marks the opening of the Parliamentary programme and attracts interest from various stakeholders nationally and internationally as it sets the government agenda for the forthcoming year.
“GCIS in collaboration with other stakeholders will host outreaches in the form of activations, community media engagements, dialogues (i.e. Access to Information, Community Radio, Community TV, Mall and Taxi Rank Activations, Road Intersection Activations, School Activation, support to Mayors and Provincial State of the Provincial Address), as well as Public Educations sessions and civic education awareness to encourage the public to participate and follow the 2026 SONA through mainstream media, and online and digital platforms.
“GCIS will also be encouraging the public to comment on what they would want the President to say during his speech and subsequent SONA reply to the debate post SONA,” he said.
Pinyana further said the outreaches aim to encourage members of the public to participate in the upcoming SONA by watching TV, listening to community media or being part of the event through social media by following #SoNA2026 on various social media platforms. He added that the outreaches will also be encouraging and collation of data from the public on what they expect the government and the President to urgently address.
29 January 2026- The Galeshewe SAPS Social Crime Prevention Section jointly with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) hosted an awareness campaign focusing on Domestic Violence and GBVF related issues at the Shoprite Shopping Centre in Barkly Road in Kimberley on 29 January 2026. The multi-disciplinary integrated team from the Justice Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS) comprising of the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Social Crime, and various sections within the NPA such as Sexual Offences Community Affairs, Community Prosecution, Maintenance Office and Entity Thuthuzela Care Centre.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the Galeshewe Crime Prevention and Galeshewe Sectors, SAPS Women’s Network and Safety Participants rendered services to the community and the shoppers using the SAPS Mobile Community Service Centre (CSC) that was parked at the Centre’s parking lot, bringing service closer to the communities. Shemane said the multi-disciplinary teams engaged community members and shoppers and distributed information pamphlets.
“This type of engagement brings stakeholders together in an effort to sensitize community members about GBVF related incidents as it was declared by the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa as a national disaster.
“Furthermore, the team distributed and shared safety hints on the prevention of human trafficking, substance abuse, pedestrian safety, domestic violence and other safety measures,” he said.
Shemane further said SAPS in the Northern Cape together with the JCPS cluster, remains committed in serving its communities by proactively engaging them and taking their safety into consideration.
29 January 2026- The ANC in North West said it will hold its 10th Provincial Elective Conference on 26 until 30 March 2026. This comes after the ANC Provincial Executive Committee’s decision taken during the Provincial General Council outcome held at Madiba Banquet Hall, in Potchefstroom on 29 until 30 November 2025.
The ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo said all branches in the province were represented, resolved unanimously and agreed with the PEC that the 10th ANC Provincial Elective Conference must be held on 26 – 30 March 2026. Diremelo said in the PGC, the approved roadmap outlined that membership cut-off date was on 31 December 2025.
“The resolution of the PGC affects 403 potential branches in the province. In other words, the current ward boundaries (2021 maps) as per the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) apply. The recent publication of the maps by the MDB leading to the Local Government Elections which must be held anytime from November 2026 – February 2027, do not apply for the purposes of convening the 10th ANC Provincial Elective Conference.
“Where members and/or branches have sought to realign ANC branches according to the recent publication of maps by the MDB outside the directive of the ANC PEC, that process must be reversed,” he said.
Diremelo further said Rules 7.2 as read together with Rules 19.9.12.1 and 21 of the ANC Constitution, 2022 are clear where the authority lies in so far as establishment and/or re-establishment of branches is concerned. He added that all branches are directed to begin convening their pre BBGMs/BGMs to attend to membership challenges and any other matter/s pertaining to the convening of successful BBGMs/BGMs.
“Branches must also start submitting dates for their BBGMs/BGMS, the deadline for convening these meetings en route to the 10th ANC NW Provincial Conference is 15 February 2026. All branches with membership challenges must contact the ANC NW Membership Officer, Cde Yonela Mtwa on 084 275 6541 or at mtwaayonela@gmail.com,” said Diremelo.
The current ANC deputy chairperson and North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi is contesting for the provincial chairperson position, while the current ANC provincial chairperson, Nono Maloyi wants to be elected for the second term amid factional politics at play.
Picture: Gerhard Diedericks and Koos Nel (Agri X Group), Corlia Oberholzer (RMIS), Prof Simon Letsoalo (North-West University School of Agricultural Sciences – Mahikeng Campus), Lwandisa Makapula (IDC) and Prof HB Klopper (Agri X Group)/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
29 January 2026- Agri X officially launched the Agri X Fusion Series of Events in Pretoria, starting with the Red Meat Value Chain, marking the first in a series of initiatives designed to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry and secure the future of South Africa’s agricultural value chains. The Agri X Fusion Red Meat Value Chain event will be held on 4–5 March 2026 at the North West University (Mahikeng Campus), bringing together producers, researchers, feedlots, processors, industry bodies, policymakers and value-chain partners in a first-of-its-kind, outcomes-driven initiative.
Agri X Director, Gerhard Diedericks said with rising input costs, climate pressure and biosecurity risks and shifting export markets, stronger coordination between research, industry and policy has become a business necessity rather than a long-term ideal. Diedericks said Agri X Fusion 2026 will address the most pressing challenges facing the major value chains, ensuring closer alignment between industry needs, research priorities, innovation investment, and skills development.
“The Fusion Series is designed to move beyond discussion and produce tangible outcomes, including research pilots, commercial partnerships, skills initiatives, and innovation projects aligned with real industry needs. The programme in March covers genetics, feeding strategies, biosecurity, market access, climate resilience, and value-chain competitiveness.
“Structured matchmaking sessions will enable direct collaboration between industry stakeholders, researchers, and key role players, ensuring that discussions translate into practical action,” he said.
CEO of Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), Dewald Olivier said they welcomed the initiative saying: “The sustainability and competitiveness of South Africa’s red meat value chain depend on stronger alignment between industry needs and research capacity. Agri X Fusion 2026 provides a bridge to tackle real challenges with evidence-based
solutions.
“RMIS fully supports this platform as a crucial step toward securing the future of our industry. Programme for Action and Impact Day one will feature expert presentations, panel discussions, and networking sessions. Day two will also focus on pre-booked, one-on-one meetings, allowing participants to engage directly with industry leaders, researchers, and potential business partners, translating insights into concrete collaboration and strategic partnerships.”
Olivier further said these sessions are structured around predefined industry needs and research capabilities, ensuring that meetings are purposeful and geared toward concrete collaboration and follow-through. He added that, in parallel, Agri X has developed a digital collaboration platform (http://agrix-fusion.com/) to support the Fusion initiative before, during, and after each event.
“The platform will help connect stakeholders, structure engagements, and carry conversations forward into practical projects and partnerships. The web platform will evolve into the full app-enabled platform as the initiative grows. The invitation to platform also creates structured visibility and partnership opportunities for sponsors, funders, and solution providers seeking credible access to industry-led innovation and applied research.
“All industry role-players are invited to attend, sponsor, or partner with Agri X Fusion 2026 to enhance visibility, secure high-value networking opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to shaping South Africa’s red meat sector,” said Olivier.
The Red Meat Value Chain event is the first in a national Fusion Series that will extend to other strategic agricultural value chains over the next two years.
(Note: Mr Cornelius Tanana Monama is the spokesperson to the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Pemmy Majodin. He wrote the above content in his personal capacity and the utterances shared here do not represent The Guardian Newspaper nor its associates. The content remains of Mr Monama)
By Cornelius Tanana Monama
29 January 2026- The news of Goolam’s death is opening old wounds. For far too long, I lived under the shadow of a lie. I was wrongly accused with malicious intent of being the person behind the notorious “Goolam” Twitter account – a baseless allegation built on nothing more than suspicion and rumour.
That falsehood inflicted deep and lasting pain, isolating me within government circles and within the very movement I continue to serve with unwavering dedication. People I once regarded as friends, comrades and respected leaders began to treat me as a pariah – a persona non grata. I carried that anguish alone, wrapped in the heavy silence of loneliness. My life and the lives of my family were threatened.
Fear became my constant companion. At first, when the accusations came from those in opposing camps, I tried to brush them off and take them in stride. But when my own comrades and leaders joined the chorus, echoing the same unfounded claims without a shred of evidence, my modest world was shattered.
Doors to opportunities were slammed shut in my face. In meetings, I endured snide remarks meant to unsettle and humiliate me. When I crossed paths with certain leaders, their looks carried unmistakable contempt and hostility. If looks could kill, I know I would have died a million times. I sat in meetings, cutting a lonely figure – defeated, withdrawn, my spirit quietly eroded.
Not one of those who chose to believe the lie paused to seek the truth. In that moment, I learned what it means to stand accused of a crime I did not commit. Not one asked the simplest, most fundamental question: Where is the evidence? Instead, I was convicted in the court of public opinion without trial, publicly skinned alive and left to the wolves by people I thought were my comrades and leaders.
My feelings, my truth, my side of the story simply did not matter. Yet, in my heart of hearts, I knew that one day – perhaps not even in my lifetime – these lies would be subjected to honest scrutiny, and that only history would be capable of absolving me. I have always trusted the moon would be my witness.
I have borne this wound quietly for far too long. The last two years have been the loneliest and most painful years of my life. Today, I hope and pray that those who placed me in this cruel position will one day find it within their hearts to acknowledge their error. This is all that justice and simple humanity demand. Apology is about healing.
It is about restoring what was so unjustly torn apart. And it is about reclaiming the dignity that every human being deserves.
The Guardian 