13 July 2025- The South African Football Association (SAFA) has dismissed the latest claim that there is money missing at the Association. As recently as 28 June 2025, SAFA once again submitted an unqualified audit report, which was tabled before the Association’s highest decision-making body, the Congress, and it was then approved by the Congress held at the Sandton Convention Centre.
SAFA CEO, Lydia Monyepao said the meeting in Sandton dealt with various issues, including the financial statement, which was approved unanimously by all of the SAFA Members. Monyepao said they must state clearly that since 1991, SAFA has submitted unqualified audit reports and there has never been a year where they did not table an audited financial report.
“On the question of money missing at SAFA, we have issued several statements and addressed this claim, including on 5 May 2025, 16 March 2024 and 8 March 2024, and said there is no money missing at SAFA. Let us reiterate, there is no money missing from SAFA.
“The ability to sign our cheques is the responsibility of the SAFA CEO, the CFO and the COO, and no other person can sign cheques on behalf of the Association,” she said.
Picture: The late Deputy Preisdent, David Mabuza/Twitter
By OBAKENG MAJE
13 July 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said the late Deputy President, David Dabede Mabuza made a huge contribution on the journey to a democratic South Africa in many ways. Ramaphosa said Mabuza was a servant of the people and that for which he will be best known and forever remembered for.
He further said DD as he Mabuza was fondly known, was a revered leader not only in his home province of Mpumalanga but throughout the country as well. Ramaphosa added that DD served as the country’s Deputy President, as Premier of Mpumalanga and as the Deputy President of his movement, the African National Congress (ANC).
“When he served as a Member of Parliament (MP) and as the Leader of Government Business, he proved to be a renowned political strategist, always deftly navigating the very difficult balance amongst parliamentary parties. In all his roles, he was often described as strategic, enigmatic and fiercely loyal to the cause of stability and unity.
“Yet despite his stature, he was forever humble. His own humble beginnings infused him with a mission to uplift our people. He was most happy when he was among the people. He never isolated himself from them. He never lost the common touch,” he said.
Ramaphosa said since the news came of his passing, they have seen throngs of ordinary citizens, traditional leaders and political leaders from across the spectrum flocking to DD’s home in Barberton to pay their respects. He said such was his popularity and his ability to unite the people of this province.
“Mabuza was not a man for standing on podiums and giving long speeches. He was not a man for the pomp and ceremony of high office. He preferred to be on the ground with the masses of our people, listening to their concerns and working to improve their lives. Over the past days, we have heard from a number of young citizens of Mpumalanga who have described him as a father of the community, who helped bring development to many rural parts of Mpumalanga.
“He was a man of sharp intellect, deep pragmatism and quiet resolve. To some, he was the “cat with nine lives” — resilient in the face of political storms. But to many in his home province and beyond, he was a source of support, a provider of opportunities, and a champion for rural development and education,” said Ramaphosa.
He said Mabuza’s political activism began from a very young age. Ramaphosa said his former principal recalls how he was still in primary school when he first got involved in politics, first through the Black Consciousness Movement and later as a unionist.
“Mabuza loved education. When he finished high school, he chose to enter the teaching profession. We have heard outpourings of love from those he encouraged to study. There are probably some of his former high school learners among us today, people who still called him Sir and Meneer because they clung to his passion for education long after he left the classroom.
“Mpumalanga has so many more boarding schools in rural areas because DD wanted to eradicate the barrier to education for farm children. True to his calling, the legacy that our former Deputy President leaves us is that of being quick to respond to matters of service delivery,” he said.
Ramaphosa said today in Mpumalanga Province, there are families who now live in decent homes because during door-to-door campaigns, DD intervened on the spot and at some point, dug into his own pockets to meet their needs. He said those houses were not built after years of follow-up meetings.
“They were erected within months because he was not one to make empty promises. I had the privilege of serving alongside DD for five years in government, and during this time I came to know him as a person who understood the responsibility that he had been given. He was dependable, reliable and an excellent deputy.
“As Leader of Government Business in Parliament he worked to ensure that the will of the people was reflected in the laws of the land and in the programmes of the state. In all his responsibilities as Deputy President, from land reform to HIV and AIDS, from anti-poverty initiatives to addressing the needs of veterans, Mabuza could always be relied on,” said Ramaphosa.
12 July 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) remains steadfast in prioritising the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). In a recent milestone, the Griekwastad Regional Court sentenced Ricardo Pyl, also known as Booitjie Langman, to 22 years of direct imprisonment for rape.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said conviction stems from an incident that occurred on 1 March 2024 at approximately midnight. Kock said a woman (21) was socialising at a neighbour’s house in the company of the accused (33).
“When the neighbour left, the accused threatened the victim with a knife and raped her inside the premises. The victim managed to escape hours later and called for help.
“The accused had fled the scene, taking her cellphone. Griekwastad SAPS Detectives apprehended Pyl the following day and successfully recovered the victim’s cellphone in his possession,” he said.
Kock further said the bail was successfully opposed and the accused remained in custody until the conclusion of the trial. He added that, on 10 July 2025, he was sentenced to 22 years imprisonment by the Griekwastad Regional Court.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended Detective Warrant Officer Shaniel Antonie from the Kimberley Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for her outstanding investigative work that secured the conviction.
“We hope this sentence serves as a deterrent to those who may consider perpetrating similar crimes. We also trust it brings a measure of solace to the victim and encourages other survivors to continue speaking out against the scourge of GBVF,” said Otola.
12 July 3025- A Zimbabwean man (29) was sentenced to 13 year imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for three counts of culpable homicide, failure to render assistance at the scene of an accident and contravention of the Immigration Act. The accused, Collin Mhlanga’ sentencing follows a horrific incident that claimed the lives of Omphile Jonas (16), Mi-Kayla Booysen (23) and Wessem Matthews (20).
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the incident occurred on 30 June 2024, in Lerato Park, Roodepan near Kimberley. Senokoatsane said after consuming alcohol at a local soccer field, Mhlanga drove a white Navara bakkie with two passengers.
“At the Homelite intersection, he struck Omphile Jonas, who was crossing the road. Rather than stopping to assist, he fled the scene, ran a stop sign, and ignored two red traffic lights. Moments later, he collided with a stationary minibus taxi on Barkly Road, where Mi-Kayla and Wessem were seated.
“Both later succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. During the trial, state prosecutor Mothelesi Katlego Thothela led compelling evidence from five state witnesses, including one of Mhlanga’s passengers.
“Their testimonies painted a clear and damning account of reckless conduct. The court found that Mhlanga acted with gross negligence and that his actions directly resulted in the loss of three lives. His version of events was rejected by the court as false and contradictory,” he said.
Senokoatsane further said in aggravation of sentence, the State presented Victim Impact Statements (VIS) compiled with the support of Court Preparation Officer, Lindokuhle Sikhakhane. He added that Mi-Kayla’s father, a paramedic, delivered a moving testimony describing his futile attempt to save his daughter at the scene.
“Omphile’s mother and Wessem’s brother also recounted the deep trauma and lasting pain suffered by their families. The prosecution argued that only a direct custodial sentence could reflect the seriousness of the offence and the profound impact on the victims’ families.
“The court agreed, also granting the State’s request that Mhlanga be deported upon completion of his sentence due to his illegal presence in the country,” said Senokoatsane.
He said Mhlanga was sentenced to five years imprisonment for culpable homicide of Omphile Jonas, seven years imprisonment for culpable homicide Mi-Kayla Booysen) and seven years imprisonment for culpable homicide of Wessem Matthews. Senokoatsane said Mhlanga was also sentenced to additional three years for failure to render assistance.
“Mhlanga was sentenced to six months imprisonment or fine R600 for Contravention of Immigration Act. According to court, sentence on counts 2 and 3 will run concurrently. The total effective sentence is 13 years direct imprisonment.
“The NPA commends State Prosecutor, Court Preparation Officer and the investigating team for their diligence and commitment to justice,” he said.
Senokoatsane said the judgment is a stark reminder that reckless and irresponsible behaviour on the roads has devastating consequences. He said the court has sent a strong message that such lawlessness, particularly when it results in the loss of innocent lives, will not be tolerated.
“Human life is invaluable, and we will continue to pursue these cases vigorously to uphold the rule of law and deter future offenders,” said Senokoatsane.
12 July 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said they have established the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) in accordance with the National Land Transport Act No. 5 of 2009. Morweng said the primary function of the PRE is to monitor and oversee public transport in the province.
He further said the entity will receive and adjudicate on applications relating to operating licenses for public transport. Morweng added that PRE members are expected to deal with operator renewals, transfers as well as amendments.
“We are incredibly fortunate that the members we are introducing today, come with diverse backgrounds, different skills and expertise which will be invaluable as the department works towards our strategic goals of bringing a paradigm shift in the competency of the Provincial Regulatory Entity.
“The term of office of the previous PRE Board Members expired on 30 June 2025. I, therefore, wish to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing members for having served the province since 2019. After their term came to an end, we published a Notice in the Government Gazette No. 52859 for the appointment of new members on 25 June 2025 for public comments,” he said.
Morweng said they undertook this in accordance with the legislation, which requires the call for nominations through Government Gazette prior to the appointment. He said this therefore means that the members they are introducing are faced with a mammoth task of turning around the Provincial Regulatory Entity.
“Given challenges experienced before, the incoming PRE is expected to reconfigure PRE in its entirety and create a fit for purpose machinery responsive to the needs of the provincial growth trajectory.
“This includes pursuing the vision of the department in Transforming Public Transport by focusing on the oversaturated taxi services market, challenges of the Operating Licenses architecture. This must be done by ensuring IT system reliability, route realignment, operator license service conditions, ensure there is no abuse of temporary permits, dal decisively with illegal operations that include minibus operations, 7+1, 4+1, door-to-door and mushrooming operations on non-designated taxi ranks,” said Morweng.
He said they will also deal decisively with backlog and clearing all outstanding applications undertaken last year. Morweng said they will ensure there is a quicker turnaround in order to guarantee efficiency in the Operator License Administration System.
“The rural nature of our province impedes or places a higher premium on citizens residing in far flung areas to access Operator License Services. This therefore calls for incoming PRE members to give impetus to the initiatives to create satellite offices to expedite service delivery.
“The fight against corruption and maladministration cannot be overemphasised. There had been a myriad of complaints from the industry and public alike on allegations of corruption by some in the value chain of operator licenses,” he said.
Morweng said these allegations cannot be taken lightly as they cast the image of the department and its leaders in a negative public perception. He said he then hereby calls upon PRE members to subscribe to an oath of office to uphold the constitution of the Republic of South Africa without any fear, favour or ill-will.
“I expect all PRE members to sign the pledge to adhere to corruption-free administration by acting with integrity, impartially, courteously, honestly, respectfully, transparently, professionally and in an accountable manner.
“Utilize all the available resources responsibly, efficiently and cost-effectively to maximize their use in rendering a high-quality service which is accessible to every person and continuously strive towards improving service delivery. Uphold and protect the fundamental rights of every person within the administration, the applicants, the operators and the commuters,” said Morweng.
He said they should abide by the PRE Procedural Manual and Business Flow Process in terms of the National Land Transport Act, 5 of 2009. Morweng said PRE members will also ensure they act in accordance with the North West Land Transport Regulations, 2021, made in terms of Section 10 of the National Land Transport Act No. 5 of 2009) published on the 12th February 2021 in the National Government Gazette no. 44247.
“Having gone through rigorous process that included gazetting of the nominated names as mentioned earlier, Mr L Modibane, Mr P Lekone, Ms M Matuba, Mr K Moiloa, Mr T Metswamere, Mr S Lekhu and Mr F Vilakazi, who will be the chairperson. All these PRE members inclusive of myself as the Executive Authority, as well as the Accounting Officer, will hereafter sign the pledge to ensure that we align ourselves with the pledges presented above.
“My expectation is that the current saturated routes are being dealt with speedily as they are a source of taxi conflict, breed illegal operations and generally destabilise the public transport sector. This includes ensuring that there is no contravention of the law in terms of people who are hiking for lifts,” said Morweng.
He said in terms of Section 50 of the National Land Transport Act, Act 5 of 2009, any person who operates public transport for a reward, meaning exchange of money for a transport, is expected to have a valid operating license before operating such a service. Morweng said one of the challenges they have experienced is in the e-hailing services.
“Most of these services are requesting for a service using an international online app which has not as yet been regulated in the province. There is a process underway to regulate the service to be in line with the National Land Transport Amendment Act 23 of 2023.
“This Act was passed by the President on the 11th of June 2024 and its regulations were gazetted on 29 November 2024. Public was given an opportunity to comment on it and closed 30 days after the gazetting of the regulations, and now the National Department is currently finalizing the regulations,” he said.
12 July 2025- South African Football Association (SAFA) President Dr Danny Jordaan is on his way to New Jersey, New York, to attend the Club World Cup final on Sunday. London-based Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain will face off in the final at MetLife Stadium in a match that many observers view as a dress rehearsal for the FIFA World Cup to be jointly held in three North American countries – the United States of America, Canada and Mexico – from June 11 to 19 July 2026.
The global event will be the first to be hosted by three nations.
Jordaan will also brief world football governing body FIFA on the ongoing coordinated campaign to damage the reputation of the association with a misinformation operation that is intended to create the impression that there is chaos and destruction at SAFA House. He congratulated the South African Under-20 men’s and women’s teams after they both reached the final of the Region 5 Games in Windhoek, Namibia yesterday.
The women’s team beat the hosts Namibia 1-0 in their semi-final while the SA men’s team beat Angola 2-0.
“We congratulate the two South African teams for reaching their respective finals. We are extremely proud of this achievement. Well done and congratulations,” he said.
Jordaan will return to South Africa after the Club World Cup final.
12 July 2025- The accused, Andrew Modisane (29) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Tlhabane Regional Court for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), read with Section 51(2) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997. Modise was convicted after an incident that occurred on 31 August 2024.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said Modisane’s girlfriend visited him at his home and found him intoxicated. Gunya said the evidence presented in court revealed that Modisane and the victim were in a romantic relationship at the time.
“An argument broke out after the victim confronted Modisane about suspected infidelity. In a fit of rage, Modisane grabbed a knife from the table and stabbed her multiple times. During the altercation, the glass he had been drinking from shattered on the floor. He then pushed the victim, causing her to fall onto the broken glass, which inflicted additional injuries.
“Modisane fled the scene after the assault and was arrested on 25 September 2024. He was denied bail and has remained in custody since his arrest. Modisane pleaded guilty to the charge. In aggravation of sentence, state prosecutor Nolubabalo Cele, argued that, due to the prevalence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the court should not deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence and must send a strong message to perpetrators,” he said.
In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Paul Moeng highlighted that the accused had a prior conviction for a similar offence and had clearly not learned from previous consequences. Moeng found no substantial and compelling circumstances to warrant deviation from the minimum sentence and accordingly imposed a 10-year prison term.
Welcoming the sentence, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended the prosecution and law enforcement teams for their diligent work in bringing the matter to a successful conclusion. Makhari said the NPA remains committed to prosecuting cases of assault, including domestic and GBV and ensuring justice for victims.
12 July 2025- A Cameroonian national, Philliph Mumbai (42) from Pretoria North was granted a R3000 bail by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, while his other two co-accused, who are also Cameroonian nationals, Maxwell Basong (39) from Pretoria North and Tieze Zemeniouh (38), from Sunnyside are still yet to bring their bail application.
Mumbai is facing charges of possession of counterfeit goods and corruption. Basong and Zemeniouh are facing charges of possession of counterfeit goods and being illegal in the country.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that, the three accused operated a syndicate involved in the printing and distribution of counterfeit South African rand and US dollar notes. Mahanjana said the counterfeit money was allegedly sold and used to purchase goods.
“On the afternoon of 1 July 2025, Philliph Mumbai exited an e-hailing service vehicle in Elardus Park and was walking toward a nearby guesthouse when he was stopped by patrolling police officers. They questioned him about a printing machine he was carrying and where he was headed.
“When he could not answer, the police requested that he take them to the guesthouse. Upon arrival, they discovered Basong and Zemeniouh, operating similar printing machines and printing counterfeit money. All three were arrested on the scene. During the arrest, Mumbai allegedly attempted to bribe the officers with R2000 in exchange for their release,” she said.
Mahanjana further said during the bail proceedings, the State did not oppose Mumbai’s release, stating that he is legally in the country, has a confirmed residential address and owns property. She added that the case has been postponed to 22 July 2025, for the Schedule 1 bail applications of Basong and Zemeniouh, which the State is opposing.
Picture: Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital employees participate on EWP/Supplied
By OMPHILE MORWAAGAE
12 July 2025- The health of employees remains as important as that of the general population. In fact, it is key for health care givers to always be in more great health in order for them to be in a state of providing greater health to the society, unlike when they and the society are not healthy.
In that state, no one will have a capable chance of offering the other health, as both parties would be incapable of doing such. Therefore, the employee wellness program (EWP) remains a key departmental health dishing out program, which seeks to provide health to the general members of the society through healthy employees.
For, because only a healthy soul can further inject more health in other souls and at the end the nation ends up with healthily affected and infected citizens. The department firmly holds a view that healthy and highly motivated employees have a much better chance of promptly delivering health services not only through precision as per the departmental protocols and procedures but also to actively live a life preached by it to the general communities.
This is the primary reason behind the activation of the EWP towards internal stakeholders of the department. These men and women are more of permanent glue that binds even two foreign objects together in order to marry them to the ideals which ensures a prosperous nation.
The Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital in Vryburg, held its glorious wellness day for its jubilant employees, who actually rebelled and defied the very cold winter morning on 2 July 2025, by actively participating on a more than 5 hour festivities of sporting events. To further empower the financial literacy of the employees, the only regional hospital in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati collaborated with various financial corporations to give employees financial lectures.
Meanwhile, the acting CEO, Odirile Khonkhobe said that illnesses like depression and others experienced by most employees are as a result of poor financial decisions hence the extension of the invitation to these institutions.
“Our intention as an institution is to attempt to bridge the gap between an employee and an independent ordinary member of the society who is a one human being, hence the deliberate move of going out of our way by bringing organisations that operate outside our mandate closer to us for the sake of our employees,” concluded Khonkhobe.
Picture: Banyana Banyana players against Tanzania/Twitter
By BAKANG MOKOTO
12 July 2025- Dreary Banyana Banyana were held to a 1-1 draw by a 10-player Tanzania in a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group C match played at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco, on Friday night. Coach Dr Desiree Ellis’ charges had to come back from a goal down and force a draw after Tanzania went into the lead following the opening goal from Clement Tukumbuke in the 24th minute.
After struggling to find their rhythm in the early exchanges, the South African senior women’s national team eventually clawed their way back and it came as no surprise when Bambanani Mbane found the equalizer following a corner kick in the 70th minute. The Tanzanians finished the match with 10 players after Winfrida Hubert Gerald was shown a red card with the assistance of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check following her tackle on Linda Motlhalo with 10 minutes remaining.
The South Africans play their final Group C match against Mali on 14 July 2025.
The Guardian 