Daily Archives: April 25, 2026

Ramaphosa to lead Freedom Day National Commemoration

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By REGINALD KANYANE

25 April 2026- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa will on 27 April 2026, lead the national Freedom Day Commemoration to be held in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in Bloemfontein, Free State. Ramaphosa said Freedom Day 2026 marks the 32nd anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections held on 27 April 1994 and stands as a testament to the country’s journey towards democracy, justice, equality and human dignity.

“Freedom Day 2026 is commemorated under the theme, “Freedom and the Rule of Law: Thirty Years of Democratic Citizenship. The commemoration highlights three decades since the adoption of the Constitution and underscores the importance of constitutional supremacy, the rule of law, and democratic citizenship in shaping South Africa’s future.

“This year’s national event takes place within the context of several significant national milestones, including the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, 70 years since the Women’s March if 1956, and 50 years since the Soweto youth uprising,” he said.

Ramaphosa further said milestones continue to shape South Africa’s democratic journey by inspiring continued transformation. He added that, Freedom Day commemoration will bring together all organs of state and all three spheres of government, alongside representatives from civil society and various sectors, in a unified national celebration of the country’s democratic progress.

“Freedom Month provides an opportunity for South Africans to reflect on the gains of democracy, honour the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, and recommit to building a united, inclusive and just society. It also serves as a platform to promote active citizenship, deepen understanding of constitutional rights, and strengthen social cohesion, particularly among young people.

“The commemoration will feature ceremonial elements, including participation by the South African National Defence Force, adding to the significance of the national occasion,” said Ramaphosa.

He will lead the Freedom Day Commemoration at Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, Free State at 10am.

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A call for multi-disciplinary committee to represent people of MAGOG

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Picture: The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Public Petitions and Executive Undertakings, Ofentse Mokae

By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 April 2026 – The Select Committee on Public Petitions and Executive Undertakings held a follow-up engagement yesterday at Magog village in Umzumbe, KwaZulu-Natal with M.K. Sithole and other relevant stakeholders yesterday, following a report the committee tabled in December on the petition brought before it by Sithole (Petitioner) and family.

The committee said the petitioner (Sithole), approached the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) regarding an alleged environmental degradation and exposure to dust, noise and blasting, reported structural damage to nearby homes, alleged health impact on residents and alleged violations of cultural and human rights arising from grave disturbance and relocation. The committee heard from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment that SA Lithium is required to ensure compliance with the National Environmental Management Act.

The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Public Petitions and Executive Undertakings, Ofentse Mokae said it also heard that the department has noted a lack of accredited data, an absence of meteorological reports, that the environmental management system at the site is inadequate and that the department will fully support the community to ensure compliance by SA Lithium. Mokae said according to the petitioner, a multi-disciplinary committee must be formed to oversee the implementation of the report.

“The committee must be constituted by professionals from engineering, healthcare, education fields, and there must be representatives from the community. The Department of Minerals, Resources and Energy called for compliance with the mining laws and regulations.

“The Department of Human Settlements reported that land for the relocation of some of the households in the area should be purchased and that the department will work speedily to ensure that the implementation of relocation takes place with minimal disruption especially to the lives of the people,” he said.

Mokae further said the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs reported that work has started in the exhumation of some of the graves and that the graveyard will be relocated to an area within Magog. He added that the committee also heard that the residents demand compensation and have assigned that responsibility as an urgent task to the multi-disciplinary committee.

“Furthermore, the residents have called on the multi-disciplinary committee to establish the compensation fund to ensure that equitable compensation is paid to all the affected residents.

“All the stakeholders have agreed to implement the recommendations of the committee’s report and that a multi-party and multi sectoral committee will be formed to undertake the implementation,” said Mokae.

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Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi welcomes Nkwashu’s apology

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Picture: Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 April 2026 – A policeman, Brigadier Abraham Nkwashu has apologised to the Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi. This comes after Nkwashu alleged that Lesufi interfered with the transfer of J50 arrest warrant dockets during his appearance at Mandlanga Commission.

However, Nkwashu issued an apology to Lesufi saying that the statement was regrettable and reckless.

“I want to offer my sincere and full apology for the statement I made before the Madlanga Commission about the transfer of the J50 arrest warrant dockets. When I appeared before the Commission, in response to a question by Commissioner Madlanga on whether the Premier had any legal authority to issue a directive on the transfer of the dockets, I stated that I did not know of any legal authority that allowed you to issue a directive for the transfer of those dockets.

“I regret that my words created the impression that you acted improperly, engaged in political interference, or behaved unethically. All available facts confirm that there was a mix-up of different issues and that you were never involved in the transfer of the dockets,” he said.

Nkwashu further said he never meant to harm Lesufi’s reputation or his respected record as a leader. He added that he sincerely sorry for any embarrassment or hurt his remarks may have caused him.

“I respect your position and your commitment to lawful and accountable governance,” said Nkwashu.

Meanwhile, in a statement, Gauteng Provincial Government spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga said Lesufi welcomed Nkwashu’s apology. Mhlanga said Lesufi has noted the apology issued by Nkwashu following his remarks made earlier this week at the Madlanga Commission.

“The Premier welcomes and accepts the apology, conveyed through Nkwashu’s legal firm, in the spirit in which it has been offered. He affirms the importance of accountability, professionalism, and respect in all public engagements, particularly in formal processes such as commissions of inquiry.

“Having considered the matter and the subsequent apology, the Premier regards the issue as resolved and closed. Accordingly, the Office of the Premier will not be making any further comment on this matter. The Gauteng Provincial Government remains committed to upholding the principles of integrity, cooperative governance, and constructive engagement in all its interactions,” he said.

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Home Affairs dismisses seven more officials

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25 April 2026 – Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, has confirmed the immediate dismissal of seven additional officials following the conclusion of disciplinary processes into various cases of misconduct.

In a statement on Friday, the department also announced that an additional16 officials have been suspended as part of ongoing disciplinary action, including cases arising from findings emanating from the interim investigation report by released by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

The latest dismissals bring the total number of officials dismissed since the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU) in July 2024 to 63.

The department said the actions form part of an ongoing crackdown on corruption, maladministration and unethical conduct, undertaken in collaboration with the SIU and other law enforcement agencies.

Since July 2024, the department has initiated a total of 95 misconduct cases related to various irregularities, of which 75 have been finalised. 

This reflects the department’s intensified and consistent approach to consequence management, ensuring that all cases are dealt with decisively and without undue delay.

He added that the department continues to strengthen its internal controls and oversight mechanisms to act against wrongdoing.

“These efforts are yielding measurable progress in restoring integrity to Home Affairs operations. The decisive pace at which the department now processes disciplinary matters, resulting in ongoing dismissals and other disciplinary action, demonstrates our unwavering commitment to cleaning up the damage done to Home Affairs over many years.

“Our zero-tolerance approach does not rely on words – it is demonstrated an ongoing concrete action to rebuild the rule of law in a department that is fundamental to the functioning of our society,” Schreiber said.

He added that the department’ message remains clear on both accountability and reform.

“We will continue to empower and reward the many officials in Home Affairs who are working diligently to implement our digital transformation agenda to deliver dignity for all, while dealing decisively and immediately with anyone found guilty of corruption, fraud or misconduct,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

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