Category Archives: NEWS

Phokwane Local Municipality ‘incurred’ R395m irregular expenditure  

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Picture: Phokwane Local Municipality mayor, Willem Harmse/Facbook

By REGINALD KANYANE

3 July 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Phokwane Local Municipality said it will table a motion, calling for the urgent review of the procurement of goods on an emergency basis, after increasing abuse of the system to bypass Supply Chain Management (SCM) Processes. This comes after the Auditor General (AG) last week revealed to council that the municipality spent over R395 million without supporting documents.

The DA councillor, Michael Kaars said this flagrant abuse of SCM processes under the guise of emergency procurement, which has become the norm and not the exception in Phokwane. Kaars said water tankering contracts, where contracts were awarded without following appropriate SCM processes, have resulted in irregular expenditure.

“Even the Deputy Minister of the Department of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo, previously voiced his concern that the Water Services Authority did not plan appropriately for procurement of water tankering services, resulting in the unnecessary use of emergency procedures to facilitate the procurement of these services.

“The DA welcomes an indication by the AG’s office that some issues are under investigation by the Hawks. We hope that those who are guilty of manipulating the procurement system for personal gain will soon be arrested and convicted. We will also closely monitor developments related to documentation that could not be made available to the AG by the time of the Audit,” he said.

Kaars further said he plans to table a motion at the next council meeting, pushing for bold action to stop the ongoing facilitation of corrupt processes through emergency procurement. He added that this must include imposing strict limitations and ensuring increased transparency and scrutiny of all emergency procurement.

“The people of Phokwane deserve real service delivery that is driven by a clean and corruption free municipality, not services driven by greed and criminality,” said Kaars.

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Matika to join Northern Cape Performing Artists at Makhanda Festival

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By OBAKENG MAJE

3July 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mangaliso Matika said he is proud to announce that he will be joining the province’s performing artists at the renowned National Arts Festival in Makhanda. Marika said this strategic engagement underscores its ongoing commitment to strengthening support for the performing arts sector and promoting inclusive cultural development in the province.

He further said the National Arts Festival is South Africa’s premier platform for artistic excellence, celebrating diverse forms of expression across theatre, dance, music, and visual art. Matika added that, by attending, he will gain valuable insight into the depth of talent within the Northern Cape and the wider national creative industry.

“My presence at the Makhanda Festival reflects a deliberate effort to engage directly with artists and creative practitioners. This initiative enables the department to better understand the needs and challenges of the sector, helping to shape more responsive and impactful policies.

“Exposure to high-level artistic platforms is vital for the development of informed strategies that align provincial efforts with national and global trends in the creative economy. It also reinforces the importance of sustained investment in arts and culture as a catalyst for growth,” he said.

Matika said the department recognises that investing in the performing arts is not only a cultural imperative, but an economic one. He said events like the Makhanda Festival drive tourism, stimulate local economies and create employment opportunities—particularly for young people and small businesses.

“By increasing funding for artist development programmes, festival participation, and arts infrastructure, the Northern Cape stands to significantly expand its creative footprint and unlock long-term socio-economic benefits for communities across the province.

“Drama and theatre remain among the most powerful tools for public engagement and social transformation. Through compelling narratives and emotive performances, artists are able to address critical issues such as gender-based violence, corruption, health, and social cohesion,” said Matika.

He said for the government, this makes drama an essential platform for civic education and community dialogue. Matika said the department continues to support initiatives that use performing arts as a means to communicate government messages, promote awareness, and encourage active citizenship.

“My visit to the Makhanda Festival is a clear signal of the department’s commitment to nurturing local talent, enhancing artist visibility, and ensuring that creative voices from the Northern Cape are heard and celebrated on national stages.

“This engagement represents a step forward in building a more inclusive, well-resourced, and vibrant arts sector that reflects the richness and diversity of the province’s cultural heritage,” he said.

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Committee puts conditions to the approval of GCIS budget

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

3 July 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies has put conditions on the adoption of its budget vote report on the Government Communications and Information Systems (GCIS). The committee’s conditions have been forwarded to the Standing Committee on Appropriations in terms of Section 10(5) of the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act 9 of 2009.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Khusela Diko said the decision was taken on the basis that the committee felt that the 2025-2030 strategic and 2025/26 annual performance plans of the GCIS, as well as the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) lacked clarity and measurable targets. Diko said the committee also believes that the GCIS’ five-year strategic plan is misaligned to the government’s Medium-Term Development Priorities.

“The strategy refers to the need to move to evidence-based communication without outlining what impact it will have on the country’s drive for inclusive economic growth and job creation, and how such will be measured.

“The committee stands against a spray-and-pray approach to development communication which has no attendant measurable targets and cogent monitoring and evaluation framework,” she said.

Diko further said as part of its conditions to the Minister in the Presidency, the committee wants GCIS to, among others, come up with a policy or legislative instrument that is going to ensure alignment, coherence and results-based measurement framework within the government communication system. She added that the committee is recommending approval of this budget with a proviso that within the course of twelve months there is legislative reform to ensure that there is a policy instrument that guides government communications.

“GCIS needs to fast-track reform on the laws that govern MDDA, Brand South Africa and government media spending. The committee also wants GCIS to provide quarterly performance reports on the implementation of the government communication policy framework.

“These conditions extend to GCIS’ entity, the MDDA, which must provide clarity on how it is going to be moving community radio stations to self-transmission. The committee also called on MDDA to provide a fundraising strategy with clear measurable targets,” said Diko.

She said the GCIS budget will be debated under vote 4 on 4 July 2025, in a mini plenary of the National Assembly at the Good Hope Chamber from 1pm to 3pm.  

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‘No R383m due to be returned to National Treasury’

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

3 July 2025- The North West Provincial Government has refuted allegations that there is unused R383 million that is set to return to the National Treasury’s coffer. The NWPG said it can confirm that, as per the 2024/25 preliminary audit outcomes, 99.29% of its R54.2 billion was spent.

The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said this translates to a total expenditure of R53.9 billion. Tatai said this is a much-improved performance compared to the previous financial year, with only two departments spending below a threshold of 95%.  

“The under-expenditure of R383 million which is made up of R176 million of the equitable share will be retained by the province. The remainder which is in the region of R207 million will be subjected to a rollover for the 2025/26 financial year.

“Already National Treasury has approved R172 million which will be re-appropriated through the November adjustment budget. These funds will be used for various infrastructure projects to address service delivery challenges and create various socio-economic opportunities for locals,” he said.

Tatai further said, therefore there is no R383 million which is going to be returned to the National Treasury as alleged by some in the mainstream and social media platforms.

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Ntshavheni: “The world is undergoing rapid and profound changes”

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Picture: The Minister in Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

3 July 2025- The Minister in Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said she presented the Budget Vote 14: Statistics South Africa for the financial year 2025/2026 and the medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF) period, as they start with the work of the 7th administration in earnest.

Ntshavheni said after the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana tabled the annual budget in compliance with the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act, Section 27 and sub-section 4 provides that “when the annual budget is introduced to the National Assembly, the accounting officer for each department must submit to parliament measurable objectives for each main division within the department’s vote.”

She further said the Statistician-General has complied with provisions of sub-section 4 and the Portfolio Committee of Planning Monitoring and Evaluation, having considered the Strategic Plan and Annual Work plan of the StatsSA, it is her honour to table the Budget Vote 14: Statistics South Africa.

Ntshavheni added that the MTEF allocation is R2.77 billion in 2025/26; and R 2.91 billion and R3.04 billion in the 2026/27 and 2027/28 financial years respectively, which is an average growth rate of 4,7%.

“The main divisions of Vote 14 are, MTEF allocation    2025/26, 2026/27 and 2027/28, Administration 742,7    779,1  and 814,3. Economic Statistics 310,5 325,0 and 339,7. Population and Social Statistics 307,7 322,8 337,4

Methodology and Statistical Infrastructure 166,1 174,0    181,8.

“Statistical Support and Informatics 306,7 322,3 336,9

Statistical Operations and Provincial Coordination 889,2    931,6 973,8. South African National Statistics System 48,4    50,8 53,1. Total expenditure estimates 2 771,3  2 905,6  3 037,0. We request parliament to support the budget vote 14 of Statistics South Africa,” she said.

Ntshavheni said it is important to support this budget vote because they are navigating a path in a world that is undergoing rapid and profound changes and this is equally true in the realm of statistics. She said global fundamental shifts are reshaping every aspect of human life, from the escalating impact of climate change to the swift advancements in artificial intelligence, the rise of digital economies, changing social dynamics, and global geopolitical tensions.

“In a world defined by rapid change, complex challenges, and competing narratives, official statistics provide us with one constant: the truth, told in numbers. They serve as a mirror through which a nation sees itself—not just how it is, but how it is evolving.

“From economic performance and health outcomes to education levels and environmental conditions, statistics are the evidence base upon which sound decisions are made. By accurately capturing and analyzing these trends, we can better equip ourselves to respond to the challenges and opportunities they present, ensuring that our nation remains resilient and forward-thinking in this ever-evolving landscape,” said Ntshavheni.

She said therefore, StatsSA must be able to measure these changes in a dynamic but yet verifiable manner. Ntshavheni said in this rapidly evolving digital and data-driven world, Stats SA remains unwavering in its commitment to the strategy of ‘Improving Lives Through Data Ecosystems.

“As the landscape of information technology and data analytics continues to transform, our focus is on harnessing the power of data to enhance the well-being of our citizens. Stats SA has commenced with the development of a digital business transformation strategy to guide the achievement of ambitious business goals enabled by technology.

“This strategy will align to “South Africa’s roadmap for digital transformation of government” that aims, amongst others, to enhance data exchange for improved access to information for improved service delivery,” she said.

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SAFA mourns the passing of Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ngwenya’s father

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Picture: SAFA Chief Medical Officer, Dr Thulani Ngwenya’s father

By REGINALD KANYANE

3 July 2025- The South African Football Association (SAFA) is saddened to hear about the passing of Elias Freddie Ngwenya, the father of SAFA Chief Medical Officer Dr Thulani Ngwenya. Ngwenya Senior passed away on 30 June 2025 and will be laid to rest on 6 July 2025 in Mpumalanga.

Ngwenya acknowledged the support and condolence messages that the family has received after the loss.

“Thank you very much for all the heartfelt messages I have been receiving since the passing of my father on Monday afternoon. He has gone to the waiting area to wait for the day when the trumpet will ring. Angisoli lutho…. We thank God for his life and great importance in my life.

“The will of God has been fulfilled, and it is very well with my soul. Ngwenya Senior was born on 25 December 1942 and his funeral service will start at 6am at KaNyamazane Alliance Church and he will be laid to rest at Rocky Drift Cemetery,” he said.

Meanwhile, SAFA CEO, Lydia Monyepao said: “We as SAFA, join in mourning his passing and trust that God will grant Ngwenya and the family healing and comfort. May his soul Rest in Peace.”

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Major challenges facing Department of Military Veterans

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By OBAKENG MAJE

3 July 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans has expressed deep concern over the ongoing challenges faced by military veterans. The committee said many of them remain in limbo due to delays in receiving their service-related benefits from the Department of Military Veterans (DMV).

The Chairperson of the Committee, Dakota Legoete said during a briefing on the amended Strategic Plans, annual performance plans, and the 2025/26 Budget of the DMV and the Castle Control Board (CCB), the committee stressed that the absence of a permanent Director-General undermines the department’s ability to deliver on its mandate and to manage its budget effectively. Legoete said the committee also highlighted the dysfunctional organisational structure as a major frustration.

“We urgently need the appointment of a Director-General. The current Acting Director General is uncertain about her future, which compromises accountability and decision making. The continued delays in making this appointment destabilise the department and make it difficult for us, as the oversight committee, to track the department’s expenditure and performance.

“The committee said it was sad that the DMV, through its inability to put its stakeholders first, continued to return unspent funds back to the National Treasury. Members of the committee pointed out that on various occasions veterans were reaching out to them complaining after waiting for more than a year for their benefits,” he said.

Legoete further said of specific concern is the roll-out of the pension benefit where it appears that the DMV and implementing agent, the Government Pensions Administration Agency, appear to lack a coherent and responsive plan to serve them. He added that the committee also raised serious concerns about the DMV’s failure to establish a functioning internal audit unit which is an essential tool for financial accountability and risk management.

“The committee highlighted the need for urgent intervention by the executive to turn around the DMV, starting with the appointment of a permanent Director-General, re-evaluating the organisational structure, addressing the findings of the Auditor-General and developing a more responsive department,” said Legoete.

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Three City of Tshwane officials nabbed for theft

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

2 July 2025- Three City of Tshwane officials, Sphiwe Kleinbooy Mahlangu (45) from Soshanguve, Thomas Baloi (41) from Pretoria North and Daniel Kubayi (50) from Hammanskraal, appeared at the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court. They are facing a charge of theft of essential infrastructure transformer worth R7 million.

It is alleged that on 7 November 2024, in the afternoon, Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) and the police received a tip-off regarding a theft that was taking place at Claudius Substation in Laudium. When they arrived at the scene they found cranes, trucks, and a City of Tshwane-marked truck at the substation.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said when the police requested proof of work authorization and it could not be produced, eleven people were arrested on the scene and ten were later released from police custody. Mahanjana said Madimetja Jacob Malebane (38) a City of Tshwane official who was also arrested on the day appeared at the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on 28 November 2024 and was released on bail.

“During investigations by the police, it was found that Mahlangu, Baloi, and Kubayi left the scene before the police arrived. Warrants of arrest were issued and the three accused were arrested at their workplaces on 1 July 2025.

“The matter was postponed to 4 July 2025, for a Schedule 5 bail application. The three are remanded in custody,” she said.

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Land Reform Commission bids farewell to Lengane Bogatsu

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Picture: Chief Director: Former Land Restitution Support – North West, Lengane Bogatsu

By BAKANG MOKOTO

2 July 2025- The Commission on Restitution of Land Rights in the North West said it extends its heartfelt farewell to Lengane Bogatsu, who has served with distinction as Chief Director: Land Restitution Support – North West. This comes after Bogatsu was appointed as the new Head of the North West Department of Education —an esteemed role in which he is expected to continue his legacy of ethical leadership and unwavering commitment to public service.

The acting Regional Land Claims Commissioner in North West, advocate Kenneth Matukane said during Bogatsu’s tenure with the Commission, he played a pivotal role in advancing the land restitution agenda with integrity, foresight, and a profound sensitivity to the historical injustices and socio-economic realities of land dispossession in South Africa. Matukane said Bogatsu has led with clarity and purpose, ensuring that land claimants not only received what was rightfully theirs but that the process was conducted with dignity and fairness.

“His departure marks the end of a powerful chapter for us, but we are proud to see him take on a new leadership role in the province. The Commission in the North West recorded notable progress in the finalisation of land claims under Bogatsu’s leadership.

“He forged strong partnerships with traditional leaders, farming communities, and intergovernmental stakeholders—ensuring that land restitution served not only as redress but as a catalyst for sustainable development,” he said.

Matukane further said his people-centred and collaborative leadership style was particularly evident in his efforts to support post-settlement development, ensuring that land beneficiaries were equipped with the necessary support services to thrive. He added that, while the Commission marks the departure of a dedicated and principled leader, it also celebrates this important milestone in Bogatsu’s career.

“We are confident that he will bring the same spirit of service and justice to the education sector as he did to land reform. Our province is fortunate to retain his leadership within the public service.

“The Commission on Restitution of Land Rights – North West extends its sincere gratitude to Bogatsu for his exemplary service and leadership, and wishes him continued success in his new role,” said Matukane.

Meanwhile, Bogatsu said: “Restitution is about more than returning hectares—it’s about restoring identity, opportunity, and hope. I am humbled to have been part of that journey with the Commission.”

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Embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality aims to revitalise local economy

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Picture: Ditsobotla Local Municipality office buildings in Lichtenburg North West Province

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

2 July 2025- The embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality held a workshop to review its Local Economic Development (LED) strategy with the purpose of ensuring that the economic potential of the municipality is maximized and the resilience of the macro-economic growth is enhanced through increased local economic growth, employment creation and development initiatives within the context of sustainable development.

The three-day workshop held from 24 until 26 June 2025, was successfully attended by all Ditsobotla Intergovernmental Relations stakeholders. The workshop was held at Afrisam Boardroom and was attended by SALGA, DEDECT, NWPTB, COGTA, STATSSA, NWDC, MISA, NWKSMMEs from the Municipality.

The Ditsobotla Local Municipality mayor, Molefe Morutse, the Municipal Manager, Olaotse Bojosinyane, and the Senior Managers were also in attendance. Mortise said the workshop was initiated subsequent to the municipality, realizing that its LED strategy was adopted in 2016 and had since not been reviewed to ensure that it aligns with the economic changes of the country.

“Therefore, the 2016 LED strategy is outdated and no longer meaningful. The event was a historic milestone because it signified the municipality’s commitment to fostering economic growth and development within its jurisdiction

“The workshop is a clear public declaration of the municipality’s priorities and a call to action for different stakeholders to participate in the implementation of the strategy, to allow and encourage local people to work together to achieve sustainable economic growth and development, thereby bringing economic benefits and improved quality of life for all residents within Ditsobotla,” he said.

Morutse further said workshop was facilitated by officials from the Municipal Institute of Learning (MILE) from Ethekwini Municipality in KwaZulu Natal Province. He added that, workshop focuses on the pillars of economic development and was subdivided into the Commissions on Transport & Infrastructure, Mining & Manufacturing, Information Communications Technology & Business Enterprise, and Tourism & Agriculture.

“These commissions presented to the workshop the feedback on their discussions on the last day of the workshop. We would like to thank all the participants who contributed to the success of the workshop irrespective of the challenges they had to come across.

“We have done it even though it was impossible to hold the workshop. We also urge everybody to continue to contribute to the positive change of the municipality,” he said.

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