Category Archives: NEWS

‘National Police Commissioner must be interviewed by an independent panel’

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Picture: Newly-appointed acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane

By REGINALD KANYANE

23 April 2026 – Action SA said it has noted the decision by the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa to suspend the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola. Action SA said sadly, today marks another indication of the growing instability obstructing law enforcement from fulfilling its most basic mandate to protect South Africa and her people.

Action SA Member of Parliament (MP), Dereleen James said today adds to a growing pattern of suspensions at the highest levels of law enforcement, including that of Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu. James said while this suspension was widely expected, given the seriousness of the allegations faced by Masemola, South Africans cannot be expected to accept a cycle of acting appointments.

“The continued reliance on “acting” appointments in critical positions such as the Minister of Police and the National Commissioner undermines stability within SAPS. Action SA supports decisive action to protect the integrity of SAPS.

“However, these repeated reactive interventions point to a deeper failure of leadership and oversight. The President has allowed a situation to develop where allegations of criminality and misconduct at the highest levels of government and law enforcement have become commonplace,” she said.

James further said at the same time, other Members of the Executive such as Minister Sisisi Tolashe and Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, are facing serious allegations, further reinforcing the perception of a government losing control over its own integrity. She added that Action SA will closely monitor the appointment of Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane as acting National Police Commissioner.

“This appointment must be to clean up the South African Police Service (SAPS), not to frustrate or delay the work of this critical institution,” said James.

Meanwhile, RISE Mzansi Member of Parliament (MP), Makashule Gana said while the legal process unfolds, they maintain that this development underscores a deeper institutional crisis. Gana said they must be clear, the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) is sacrosanct.

“Any violation of this Act is a serious matter that undermines the integrity of our state institutions and the safety of our citizens. The pattern of National Commissioners failing to complete their terms due to procurement and supply chain scandals must end.

“To ensure a stable and ethical future for the South African Police Service (SAPS), RISE Mzansi reiterates its call for a total reset of police leadership and management. We call for urgent specialised training for vetted officers,” he said.

Gasa said any senior officer who has successfully passed the new round of vetting and lifestyle audits must undergo intensive leadership training. He said this curriculum must prioritize Ethics and PFMA compliance to ensure senior managers are as competent in governance as they are in crime-fighting.

“The current model of sole presidential discretion has failed. We advocate for a merit-based process where the National Commissioner is interviewed by an independent panel and confirmed by the National Assembly, ensuring accountability to the Constitution rather than a single politician.

“Supply Chain Management (SCM) has become the Achilles’ heel of the police. We propose an administrative overhaul to insulate operational policing from procurement processes, preventing senior generals from becoming entangled in commercial disputes and tender irregularities,” he said.

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Ramaphosa suspends National Police Commissioner

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Picture: National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Fannie Masemola

By OBAKENG MAJE

23 April 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has placed the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola on precautionary suspension. This comes after Masemola briefly appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court earlier this week over contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) related to the awarding of a R228 million contract to Medicare 24 – a business linked to alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Ramaphosa held a media briefing together with acting Minister of Police, Prof Firoz Cachalia at the Union Buildings on Thursday afternoon.

“In consideration of the seriousness of these charges and the critical role of the National Police Commissioner in leading the fight against crime, I have agreed with Masemola that he be deemed to be on precautionary suspension pending the conclusion of the case.

“Recalling the commitment made during the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) to step up the fight against organised crime, corruption and violence, the decision to suspend Masemola was one rooted in accountability,” he said.

Ramaphosa further said he laid bare the government’s efforts to restore credibility of the police service following years of state capture. He added that they have worked hard over the last few years to rebuild the law enforcement agencies and security services in the wake of state capture, to restore their credibility and integrity.

“We have taken measures to uncover malfeasance and investigate allegations of wrongdoing within the ranks of the police and other institutions.

“These measures have been necessary to ensure accountability and to devise remedial action to prevent the abuse of office and the theft of public resources. In all these efforts, we have promoted respect for the rule of law and upheld the principle that law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies must be able to act without fear, favour, or prejudice,” said Ramaphosa.

He said it is this principle that informs their response to the appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court earlier this week of Masemola on charges of contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PMFA). Ramaphosa acknowledged that Maaemola’s court appearance is “understandably a cause of great concern for all South Africans”.

“However, we should not allow this development to weaken our determination or diminish our ability to fight against crime and corruption. We should not allow anything to destabilise the police service or undermine the morale of those entrusted to protect our people.

“We must hold firm to the values of our Constitution and, in this case as in all cases, allow the law to take its course,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa has appointed Major General Puleng Dimpane as the acting National Police Commissioner.

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Monna wa kwa Manokwane o ipolaile morago ga ditatofatso tsa go bolaya mokapelo wa gagwe

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

22 Moranang 2026 – Go begwa fa Mike Setumo Kokwe (54) wa kwa motseng wa Manokwane, gaufi le Taung, a ipolaile ka go ithuntsa morago ga ditatofatso tsa go kgemetha lekgarebe la gagwe ka selepe. Go begwa fa go ile ga tsoga kgakgauthano ya mafoko magareng ga baratani, Kholombia Tsipane (50) le Mike Setumo Kokwe kwa lefelong la bonno la ga Tsipane kwa motseng wa Ranstad mo letsatsing la maabane.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Sarasanta Kelebogile Morake are go begwa fa Kokwe a ile a bolaya mokapelo wa gagwe ka go mo kgemetha ka selepe. Morake are setopo sa ga Tsipane se fitlhetswe ka dintho mo mmeleng.

“Go begwa fa Kokwe a ile a tsena ka lenga la seloko morago ga moo. Mo letsatsing la gompieno, setopo sa ga Kokwe se ile sa fitlhelwa kwa lefelong la gagwe la bonno kwa motseng wa Manokwane. Kgetsi ya morago ga loso e butswe,” Morake wa tlhalosa.

Go begwa fa Kokwe a ile a ithuntsa.

Fela morwadia Tsipane are mmagwe bolailwe ka go thuntshiwa eseng ka go kgemethiwa ka selepe.    

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Monna o latofadiwang ka go kgemetha kgarebe ya gagwe ka selepe kwa Ranstad o ithuntsitse

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

22 Moranang 2026 – Monna o latofadiwa ka go bolaya lekgarebe la gagwe maabane ka go mo kgemetha ka selepe kwa motseng wa Ranstad mono Taung mo letsatsing la maabane, go begwa fa a ithuntsitse mosong ono.

Go begwa fs sepodisi se le kwa lefelong la tiragalo. Dintlha tse di feletse di tla latela.

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ANC fired Madibeng Local Municipality mayor, Douglas Maimane, demoted Single Whip, Peter padi

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Picture: Former Madibeng Local Municipality mayor, Douglas Maimane and former Single Whip, Peter Padi

By OBAKENG MAJE

21 April 2026 – The ANC has fired controversial Madibeng Local Municipality mayor, Douglas Maimane. This comes after Maimane was recorded allegedly offering R200 000 to opposition councillors to campaign against his own party.

The ANC spokesperson in North West, Tumelo Maruping, said following a consultative engagement with the ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, the organisation has taken a decision to recall Maimane. Maruping said this follows a controversial audio leak of a meeting, where Maimane allegedly connived with opposition councillors in an attempt to oust the ANC from power in Madibeng Local Municipality.

“Over and above, the ANC has also taken a decision to remove and demote the Single Whip of Madibeng Local Municipality, Peter Padi to an ordinary councillor. The replacement of these two individuals will be communicated within 48 hours,” he said.

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A call for Masemola’s suspension amid court appearance

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Picture: The National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola in court

By STAFF REPORTER

21 April 2026 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron has called on the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president Cyril Ramaphosa to act without delay and suspend the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, following his court appearance today. Mr Cameron made it clear that while this is not a pronouncement of guilt, the credibility of SAPS cannot be left to further erosion.

“The continued hesitation to act decisively is no longer tenable. At a time when South Africans are under siege from crime, uncertainty at the very top of SAPS is unacceptable. The President must act now, suspend the National Commissioner and appoint a credible acting leader immediately.

“We warn that the paralysis at senior leadership level is deepening an already critical crisis within SAPS. Both the executive and administrative leadership of SAPS are effectively compromised,” he said.

Cameron further said this is not a routine matter, but a full-blown leadership crisis in an institution already struggling to meet its most basic mandate. He added that the unfolding allegations and counter-allegations point to systemic failure within the police service.

“This is what institutional collapse looks like. When those entrusted with upholding the law are themselves embroiled in controversy, public confidence is destroyed and criminals are emboldened.

“The committee’s call for urgent lifestyle audits across SAPS, stressing that accountability can no longer be optional. South Africans deserve a police service that is beyond reproach. Transparency and accountability must be enforced, not negotiated,” said Cameron.

He said he is unequivocal on the appointment of an acting National Commissioner. Cameron said there can be no recycling of compromised leadership.

“The acting appointment must be a person of unquestionable integrity, free from any implication in ongoing investigations, including matters before the Madlanga Commission and the Ad Hoc Committee. Anything less will further damage the institution.

“Failure to act decisively will send a dangerous signal. Inaction at this stage will not be neutrality, but complicity in the continued decline of SAPS,” he said.

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Budget cuts in the midst of crisis risk exacerbating the problem

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

21 April 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation has expressed grave concern over imminent budget cuts to the Department of Water and Sanitation, warning that the reductions come at a time when South Africa is grappling with worsening water shortages. The committee today received briefings on the Annual Performance Plans of the Department, the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) and the Water Research Commission (WRC).

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation Committee, Leon Basson said the decision to reduce the department’s budget from R23 billion to R21 billion is fundamentally at odds with the country’s water reality. Basson said the drastic budget cuts stand in direct contrast to the acknowledgement that South Africa is facing a serious water crisis.

“This decision is incongruent with the scale of the challenge and will only deepen the crisis, with severe socio-economic consequences. While the committee welcomed the establishment of the National Water Crisis Committee as an interim measure, it stressed that addressing systemic water challenges requires sustained funding, long-term planning and the accelerated rollout of major infrastructure projects.

“The committee warned that reduced funding undermines these critical pillars and risks derailing efforts to stabilise water provision across the country. Of particular concern is the impact on infrastructure investment,” he said.

Basson further said they noted that cuts to grants such as the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant will further weaken municipalities’ capacity to build and maintain essential water and sanitation infrastructure. He added that municipalities like the City of Johannesburg are already grappling with high levels of non-revenue water.

“Addressing this requires sustained investment in maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. Budget cuts directly undermine this effort and threaten reliable access to water.

“The committee further noted that South Africa’s growing water demand requires diversification of the water mix, including desalination and water reuse. However, these interventions are capital-intensive and depend on adequate and sustained funding,” emphasised Basson.

He said while acknowledging the fiscal constraints facing the country, the committee cautioned that reducing investment in the water sector is counterproductive. Basson said cutting investment does not resolve the crisis, it exacerbates it.

“The committee also raised concerns about the department’s inability to provide independently verifiable data on progress made in implementing recommendations from the 2025 Water and Sanitation Indaba.

“This lack of accountability, the committee warned, risks reinforcing public perceptions of government inaction in the face of daily service delivery challenges. In addition, the committee criticised municipalities for delays in ringfencing water revenue and implementing the utility model, key reforms intended to improve sustainability, efficiency and revenue collection,” he said.

Basson said the committee has urged the department, through the National Water Crisis Committee, to drive urgency and accountability in implementing these reforms. He said the committee reiterated the need for stronger planning, project management and oversight to prevent costly delays in major infrastructure projects.

“While welcoming progress on strategic projects such as the uMkhomazi Water Project Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, the committee warned that continued delays could expose the fiscus to escalating costs and increased financial risk.

“The committee also called for a smooth and well-managed transition towards the establishment of the National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency. The committee remains concerned about the low uptake of innovations developed by the Water Research Commission, particularly given the country’s pressing water challenges,” said Basson.

He said it emphasised that many of the issues within the water -value chain could be addressed through existing technologies and innovations and called for stronger efforts to translate research into practical implementation.

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Committee to assess safety and security in schools

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

21 April 2026 – The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries will tomorrow kick-start its oversight visit to schools around Matlosana in the North West. The committee said the visit is in line with the objectives of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) to ensure that challenges schools face in providing quality services to the learners in the North West are eliminated.

The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, Sciences and Creative Industries, Chairperson of the committee, Makhi Feni said above infrastructure challenges, the committee will seek an update on themes such as challenges of school children without birth certificates, state of ECDs, status on the provision of National School Nutrition Programme and status on the provision of scholar transport. Feni said this includes the status of safety and security in schools and incidences of bullying in schools.

“We will have Keurhof Special School, Vukani Mawethu Secondary School and Mofatlhosi Secondary School,” he said.

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Disadvantaged learners receive school uniform  

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Picture: The North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie donates school uniform to disadvantaged learners/Supplied  

By REGINALD KANYANE

21 April 2026 – The North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie donated school uniforms to 50 disadvantaged learners in Blydeville, Lichtenburg during a flagship programme called Re Thuse Re Go Thuse.  Dantjie said while 50 learners received a complete set of school uniforms, the rampant pandemic of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) still flourished within communities.

She further said this is happening because many survivors tolerate it. Dantjie added that the main driver for GBV is silence and tolerance.

“At the first slap, be decisive and leave. You cannot jeopardise your life over lavish lifestyles. Parents must also reject gifts and food that woo their children, only to pay the ultimate price. The ever-growing flagship programme of Re Thuse Re Go Thuse was in action and 22 boys and 28 girls received brand new school uniforms.

“We appeal to parents to ensure good hygiene for children. In the package, there is enough uniform to allow washing, while the child is at school. We want to see the child presentable at all times,” she said. 

Dantjie acknowledged that given the living conditions of the children, a school uniform is not enough. She said they will see to it that all recipients get nutritious packs of food parcels.

“Our department will look beyond the selected, with additional 50 food packages to be given to other vulnerable people in the community. Our order of priority is for child-headed families, survivors of GBV and persons with disabilities.

“However, our social workers may use discretion to give those who desperately need assistance. I want to warn parents against abusing child support grants. We understand your difficulties, but the grant is for children, not your personal leisure,” said Dantjie. 

She said they have heard of incidents where parents gamble in an attempt to double the money. Dantjie said that is wrong and they have frowned upon it.

“It is similar to moving to different towns, leaving the child behind, but not their cards. The grandparents must not be burdened with extra mouth, while you use the child’s grant as your salary,” she said.

District Manager of South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Ngaka Modiri Molema, Solly Nobela, indicated that out of 719 learners enrolled at the school, 612 of them receive monthly child support grants. Nobela said this expenditure to see a child is about R500 000 each month. 

“This is our commitment to see a better future for our children.   The combined sum for the uniform of both girls and boys is estimated at R271 000,” he said.

Meanwhile, the principal of the school, Tladi Sedikane appreciated the gesture from SASSA and Dantjie.

“This is life-changing. You have in one swoop restored the sense of confidence and equality to our learners. This powerful gesture brings hope not only to learners and their families, but to the community at large,” said Sedikane.

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Kubayi to address high-level meeting of women judicial leaders of Africa

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

By OBAKENG MAJE

21 April 2026 – The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi will on Wednesday, at 9am, address the third day of the Second High-Level Meeting of Women Judicial Leaders of Africa. Kubayi said the meeting will be held at the Sandton Hotel in Johannesburg.

“The meeting is convened in conjunction with the Conference of Constitutional Jurisdictions of Africa, an independent body of forty-nine constitutional jurisdictions and four observer members, aimed at strengthening democracy through the rule of law. South Africa has been a member since 2012.

“Hosted by the South African Judiciary under Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, the meeting is held against the backdrop of key international instruments on women’s rights and coincides with significant milestones, including the anniversaries of the Maputo Protocol, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, and the 1956 Women’s March,” she said.

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