Daily Archives: February 3, 2026

DA: “Lesufi reshuffles suspended officials, has no intention of rooting out corruption”

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Picture: Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi

By REGINALD KANYANE

3 February 2026- The Democratic Alliance (DA) alleged that the Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi is playing musical chairs by redeploying high-ranking officials who were placed on precautionary suspension. The DA said moving officials who have a cloud hanging over their heads is not solving the problems faced by the province, which is a lack of service delivery and corruption.

The Official Leader of the Opposition in Gauteng and Member of Provincial Legislature in Gauteng, Solly Msimanga said some officials such as Lesiba Arnold Malotana is a suspended Head of Department (HOD) for the Gauteng Health Department, Nontsikelelo Sisulu, suspended HOD for Community Safety and Mduduzi Malope, suspended Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Community Safety. Msimanga said Lesufi has provided no update on whether disciplinary action has been taken against these officials and has instead moved them to other departments that provide critical services to the province.

“While the DA is relieved that the suspended HOD for Health will not be returning to the department, the shift to the Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is of concern. This department is already failing on its core mandate to assist municipalities in delivering services to the residents of this province. The only municipality that can do so seamlessly is the DA-led Midvaal Local Municipality.

“Furthermore, the HOD for Community Safety will be deployed to the Premier’s office to assist with service delivery priorities, and the CFO for Community Safety will be deployed to the Gauteng Department of Environment to help with the financial administration process,” he said.

Lesufi further said three undisclosed officials failed the lifestyle audits and one tends to wonder if these are the officials who had failed their lifestyle audits. He added that Lesufi must disclose what these officials may have on him that is making him reward them with senior positions again within the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG).

“The Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng demands that Lesufi immediately explain to the residents of this province what consequences management took against these officials and the outcome of any disciplinary action. Moving officials from one department to another is not stamping out corruption. It is sending a message that if you are corrupt, no action will be taken.

“The DA Gauteng will continue to push for speedy disciplinary action to be taken against all three officials who have been placed on suspension. The DA Gauteng will be tabling further questions to the Premier through the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to determine the reasons for redeploying the implicated officials,” said Msimanga. 

He said they will also determine why no formal action has been taken against any of the officials who have been moved to new departments. Msimanga said a DA-led Gauteng provincial government would immediately suspend and take disciplinary action against any official who is accused of misconduct in the GPG.

“Yes, this can be done,” he said.

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MK Party lambasts Paul O’Sullivan and Brown Mogotsi’s refusal to appear before Parly’s Ad-Hoc Committee citing security concerns

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Picture: Paul O’Sullivan and Brown Mogotsi 

By OBAKENG MAJE

3 February 2026- The uMkhonto weSizwe Party said it disapprovingly notes the refusal by Paul O’Sullivan and Brown Mogotsi to appear before Parliament’s Ad-Hoc Committee, each citing alleged security concerns. The MK Party said that no individual is above the law and that all persons lawfully summoned to appear before the Parliamentary Ad-Hoc Committee are required to comply without exception or preferential treatment.

The MK Party national spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela said the work of the Ad-Hoc Committee is conducted in the interests of national security and constitutional accountability. Ndhlela said any attempts to evade or delay this process under the guise of unsubstantiated security concerns will not be entertained.

“With respect to O’Sullivan, we note an inconsistency between his current position in which he cites security concerns, yet his prior conduct included threats and intimidation directed at prior witnesses who appeared before the Committee.

“In relation to Mogotsi, adequate parliamentary security arrangements were offered, but he has since declined the services offered to him. The MK Party remains committed to the call to strengthen security measures surrounding the Ad-Hoc Committee for both Members of Parliament (MPs) and witnesses,” he said.

Ndhlela further said, however, they refuse to entertain unreasonable demands by individuals seeking to obstruct, delay or avoid legitimate Parliamentary processes of accountability.

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Brixton residents’ health at risk due to vermin infestation and raw sewage running in on the roads

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Picture: Alleged illegal scrapyard in Brixton/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

3 February 2026- Brixton residents’ health is put at risk daily due to the deteriorating environment. This comes after the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng made this startling discovery during a recent oversight inspection of one of the affected streets.

According to the DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Environmental Affairs and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Leanne De Jager, the residents in the area face multiple challenges, including sewage overflowing onto streets due to overburdened infrastructure and increased vermin infestation. De Jager said residents should not have to endure untreated sewage flowing through their streets.

“This represents a fundamental failure of enforcement and coordination among responsible authorities. Furthermore, illegal businesses are operating, such as scrap metal operations in residential zones. These activities have attracted criminal elements, leading to metal theft and a general atmosphere of lawlessness that endangers law-abiding residents and devalues their property.

“The DA in Gauteng demands immediate, coordinated joint operations between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) to clamp down on crime in the area. Yes, this can be done under a DA-led Gauteng provincial government. We would conduct regular law enforcement inspections, and businesses operating illegally would be closed immediately,” she said.

De Jager further said they would accelerate sewage infrastructure upgrades and deploy additional environmental health officers and law enforcement personnel. She added that the people of Brixton deserve a safe, clean and healthy environment.

“We will continue engaging all stakeholders to resolve this crisis urgently,” said De Jager.

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AmaPanyaza now declared as Peace Officers  

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Picture: AmaPanyaza now declared as Peace Officers

By BAKANG MOKOTO

3 February 2026- The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in Gauteng said it unequivocally welcomes and supports the formal declaration of the Gauteng Traffic Wardens, popularly known as amaPanyaza as Peace Officers in terms of Section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, as gazetted by government. The structure said this decisive intervention affirms the capacity of a democratic, developmental state to correct itself, strengthen legality and advance progressive solutions in the interests of the people.

The ANCYL provincial secretary, Mpume Sangweni said following the implementation of remedial actions arising from the Public Protector’s findings, the establishment, appointment and deployment of the wardens are now firmly grounded within a sound legislative framework, restoring both legality and public confidence. Sangweni said at the centre of this declaration is the protection of over 9 000 jobs that were previously placed at risk.

“In a province confronted by the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment — with young people bearing the heaviest burden ,this intervention represents a bold and necessary act of economic justice. Any attempt to undermine or discredit this achievement is an affront to the lived realities of thousands of working-class families whose livelihoods depend on a capable and responsive state.

“The ANCYL Gauteng further welcomes the emphasis on professionalisation, accredited training, clearly defined powers, strict jurisdictional limits and compliance mechanisms. This approach strengthens the rule of law, safeguards communities from abuse of authority and ensures that Peace Officers operate as disciplined, accountable and effective partners in crime prevention and law enforcement,” he said.

Sangweni further said they are clear and unapologetic. He added that those who posture as critics of this declaration, without offering viable alternatives, position themselves as enemies of progress and enemies of the people.

“At a time when decisive action is required to confront crime, unemployment and social instability, cynicism and obstructionism serve only to delay transformation and frustrate the developmental agenda.

Gauteng is a young, modern and dynamic province – the economic engine of South Africa and a centre of innovation and migration.

“It demands bold, integrated and forward-looking approaches to safety and development. The formalisation of the Prevention Wardens as Peace Officers strengthens state capacity, enhances visibility on the ground and reinforces the collective effort to reclaim communities from criminality. The ANCYL Gauteng remains resolute in its commitment to revolutionary, people-centred governance that defends jobs, upholds the rule of law and advances the struggle for a safe, just and transformed Gauteng,” said Sangweni.

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DA congratulates Tyla on her second Grammy win

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Picture: Two-time Grammy Awards winner, Tyla Laura Seethal

By STAFF REPORTER

3 February 2026- The Democratic Alliance (DA) congratulated South African singer, Tyla Laura Seethal on winning her second Grammy Award at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. DA said Tyla once again took home the trophy in the Best African Music Performance category for her hit single Push 2 Start, following her previous win with Water, making her the first artist to win this award twice.

DA national spokesperson and Member of Parliament (MP), Jan de Villiers said this milestone not only underscores Tyla’s extraordinary talent and global appeal, but also highlights the world-class creativity emerging from South Africa and across the African continent. De Villiers said her success on the international stage brings pride to the country and showcases the powerful influence of South African music in the global cultural landscape.

“The DA applauds Tyla’s dedication to her craft and the inspiration she provides to young artists. We wish her continued success in her career and future artistic endeavours. Congratulations, Tyla, a true trailblazer for South African music,” he said.

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Ramaphosa pays tribute to struggle veteran Leon Levy

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Picture: The deceased, Leon Levy

By REGINALD KANYANE

3 February 2026- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of Leon Levy aged 96, who was the last surviving signatory of the Freedom Charter and Accused No 4 in the 1956 Treason Trial. Ramaphosa offers his deep sympathy to the family and friends of Levy who took on numerous roles in the struggle alongside his equally committed identical twin brother, Norman, who passed away in July 2021.

He further said Levy, whose parents had emigrated from Lithuania, joined the Communist Party of South Africa when he was a teenager and became a trade unionist when he was 24 – two years before he was elected president of the South African Congress of Trade Unions that he had helped to establish. Rampahosa added that Levy was among the organisers of the Congress of the People which adopted the Freedom Charter on 26 June 1955.

“The six Charter signatories were African National Congress President Chief Albert Luthuli; Jimmy La Guma of the South African Coloured People’s Congress; Monty Naicker of the Natal Indian Congress; Pieter Beyleveld of the Congress of Democrats and Leon Levy of the South African Congress of Trade Unions.

“In December 1956, security police arrested the Levy brothers as part of a crackdown on liberation movement leaders and charged the activists with high treason, which carried the death penalty as a possible sentence. While Norman Levy was discharged later, Leon Levy remained on trial until his acquittal in 1961,” he said.

Ramaphosa said the brothers remained politically active, with Norman Levy serving three years after being convicted under the Suppression of Communism Act. He said Leon Levy was subjected to two periods of detention, after which he went into exile in England, where Norman joined him after being released from prison.

“The passing of Leon Levy is a sad moment for us as fellow human beings. It is particularly sad for us as citizens of a South Africa that attained freedom from apartheid through the hard and sacrificial activism of Leon Levy and those who were in the trenches with him, including his brother, Norman.

“As we mark 70 years since the Treason Trial of 1956, we are obliged to pay tribute to the cohort of leaders and other activists who fought the apartheid state based on their belief in the inherent equality and dignity of all people. Leon Levy attached his signature to the Freedom Charter that lives on in our Constitution whose 30th anniversary we observe as well in 2026,” said Ramaphosa.

He said Leon Levy was part of a generation whose contributions to a better life and a better world for all South Africans and humanity globally must never be forgotten or dishonoured.

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Matlosana to discuss maladministration allegation report against its mayor, Fikile Mahlophe

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Picture: The executive mayor of Matlosana Local Municipality, Fikile Mahlophe  

By OBAKENG MAJE

3 February 2026- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Matlosana said it refused to participate in an unlawfully constituted council meeting that was conducted in violation of Council’s own Rules of Order on 30 January 2026. The DA said in terms of Section 11 of the Council’s Rules of Order, promulgated as a by-law, all reports to be considered by council must be served at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

However, DA Caucus leader in Matlosana Local Municipality, Gerhard Strydom said this requirement was blatantly ignored. Strydom said certain reports were delivered only 40 hours before the meeting, additional reports were circulated just hours before the meeting and the final batch was distributed only 45 minutes prior to the meeting.

“Despite these clear procedural violations, the majority of the council voted to disregard their own legislation and proceeded with the meeting. The decision rendered the meeting unlawful. It is a well-established legal principle that any resolution taken by an unlawfully constituted meeting has no force or effect and is therefore invalid.

“The Speaker of Council once again demonstrated a failure to properly manage the council agenda and ensure compliance with applicable legislation. This conduct undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust in the governance of Matlosana,” he said.

Strydom further said in protest of this unlawful process, the DA in Matlosana withdrew from the meeting and refused to legitimise an illegal proceeding. He added that approximately 45 minutes after the DA’s departure, the meeting was adjourned.

“The DA remains committed to lawful, transparent, and accountable governance and will not hesitate to challenge any process that violates council rules and the principles of democratic oversight,” said Strydom.

Meanwhile, the meeting was supposed to discuss maladministration allegations report against the executive mayor of Matlosana Local Municipality, Fikile Mahlophe. It is alleged that the report was submitted to the council by the Ad Hoc Committee on 26 June 2026, but the municipal speaker, Stella Mondlane-Ngwenya delayed the tabling of the report.

According to a high-placed source, the report is set to be discussed on 4 February 2026.

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SA pours cold water on WAFCON hosting speculation

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Picture: The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayston McKenzie

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

3 February 2026- The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayston McKenzie said South Africa has expressed its willingness to support the Confederation of African Football (CAF) if required, should alternative hosting arrangements for the 2026 WAFCON become necessary. McKenzie provided clarity on the matter following remarks made by his Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe at the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards regarding the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

He further said these engagements form part of ongoing discussions initiated by CAF as it considers various contingencies in line with the confederation’s responsible stewardship of the continental game. McKenzie added that, at this stage, no formal decision has been taken to relocate the tournament and Morocco remains the officially designated host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

“CAF has not yet triggered any alternative hosting process. Any potential hosting of the tournament by South Africa would be subject to established government and football governance processes, in partnership with the South African Football Association (SAFA) and other stakeholders, including formal confirmation from CAF that alternative hosting arrangements are required, approval through the relevant Cabinet processes, confirmation of host cities, stadium availability, accommodation and transport capacity and the conclusion of the necessary government guarantees and operational agreements.

“The remarks made by the Deputy Minister reflect government’s longstanding engagement on supporting African football and South Africa’s confidence in its proven ability to host major international sporting events. They do not constitute a formal confirmation or assumption of hosting responsibilities,” he said.

McKenzie said the department, with SAFA and stakeholders, will continue to engage with CAF in a structured and responsible manner. He said any further announcements will be made only once all required processes have been concluded and formal decisions taken.

“The Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture will continue to pursue a long-term strategy of hosting major sporting events to boost sport, tourism, economic growth and the image of the country on the world stage,” said McKenzie.

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Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities to visit special schools

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Picture: The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Liezl van der Merwe

By BAKANG MOKOTO

3 February 2026- The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities will this week conduct interviews for the appointment to serve on the National Council for Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NCGBVF). Last year, the committee met and shortlisted 18 candidates to be interviewed to serve on the National Council.

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Liezl van der Merwe said the committee received 403 applications submitted through various channels – online (322), email (80) and in person (1). Van der Merwe said furthermore, the committee noted that eight applications were submitted late and 48 were identified as duplications.

“The names of the shortlisted candidates along with CVs (in compliance with POPI Act) have been published on Parliament’s website. This has provided civil society and the public at large with an opportunity to comment on and engage with the shortlist, ensuring transparency and inclusivity throughout the selection process.

“Meanwhile, on 6 February 2026, the committee will conduct an oversight at Sibonile School For the Blind and Ekurhuleni School For the Deaf. The committee will visit schools for children with disabilities to understand how children with special needs are excluded from the education system,” she said.

Van Merwe added that as continuation of the work on the statutory rape enquiry, the committee seeks to understand the severity of the problem with special schools to be visited. She said the interviews will be conducted on 3, 4 and 5 February 2026 at Protea Hotel, OR Tambo from 8:30am until 4:30pm.

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The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation to visit Lusaka

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Picture: The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Supra Mahumapelo

By STAFF REPORTER

3 February 2026- The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation will from 3 to 7 February 2026 embark on a regional oversight visit to the South African missions in the Southern African Development Community region. The Committee has a footprint in Zambia, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Angola, Malawi and Zimbabwe.

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Supra Mahumapelo said the committee will visit the South African High Commission in Lusaka. Mahumapelo said the delegation comprises by him, Moleboheng Modise Mpya, a member of the African National Congress, Ryan Smith member of the Democratic Alliance, Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala, a member of Mkhonto Wesizwe Party and Nqobile Matilda Mhlongo, member of the Economic Freedom Fighters.

“As part of its oversight programme, the committee prioritises oversight over the implementation of Economic Diplomacy by focussing on the work of missions abroad relating to their efforts towards addressing the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality facing South Africa.

“The committee will also oversee the implementation of South Africa’s Foreign Policy. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation is responsible for its 115 missions abroad. It is also responsible for developing and maintaining bilateral political and economic partnerships in the various regions of the world,” he said. 

Mahumapelo further said the committee will also conduct in loco inspections on vacant state-owned properties and land as well as inspect the missions.

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