Daily Archives: February 3, 2026

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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