Picture: Bafanq Bafana players against Panama/Supplied
1 April 2026 – Bafana Bafana were left to rue missed opportunities after suffering a 1-2 defeat to Panama in an international friendly match played at a sold-out DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Tuesday night.
Just as they did in the first match between the two nations in Durban on Friday, the South African senior men’s national team created a litany of opportunities but could not find the final touch that would have won the game for the hosts. The two nations drew 1-1 in the first match at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Jose Cordoba opened the scoring for the Central American side in the 59th minute but United States of America (USA)-based Mbekezeli Mbokazi equalised with a thunderous strike that rattled the back of the net in the 64th minute. The scenes of elation and exhilaration would not last for long as Jiovany Ramos scored the winner for the visitors in the 77th minute.
Coach Hugo Broos said the team would work on solving the problem in the weeks that are remaining before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June. The global tournament will be hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026.
“This is something we have to work on and it has to do with the confidence of the players. When you get the chances we got today and last Friday, it was a little too much to miss them all. I think in the two games we had 10 chances and we only scored two times. This is not enough. You can work on it, but it is also difficult to work on it (fully) because the players are gone tomorrow and I will only see them back at the end of May,” he said.
Bafana Bafana will return to Johannesburg on Wednesday while Panama will begin the long trek back to Central America on the same day.
Picture: The Chairperson of Ad Hoc Committee, Nathan Oliphant
By OBAKENG MAJE
April 2026 – The North West Provincial Legislature’s Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations of interference against the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi by the Naledi Local Municipality mayor, Clifton Groep, has been marred by alleged significant operational and political challenges. It is alleged that the Ad Hoc Committee members had different views after the legal team submitted its findings.
This led to the decision to consider that description as only an analysis report. Among others, there were startling allegations levelled against the North West Provincial Legislature’s Chair of Chairs, Tebogo Modise, who is part of the Ad Hoc Committee members.
It is alleged that Modise paid an accommodation for a Community Liaison Officer (CLO) at the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Doreen Mariri who was a witness. These allegations were brought forward by the Democratic Alliance (DA) Provincial Leader and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Freddy Sonakile, who is also a member of the Ad Hoc Committee.
This prompted the Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee, Nathan Oliphant to send a letter to all Ad Hoc Committee members raising concerns over allegations of conflict in respect of witness (es). Oliphant said in pursuant to the Ad Hoc Committee virtual meeting held on 26 March 2026, allegations were made by Sonakile that, a member or members may have paid for the accommodation of a witness during the Ad Hoc Committee hearing into allegations
against member(s).
“In this respect, I rule that all members submit to the Ad Hoc Committee Secretary, Lucia Bosilong an affidavit made under oath disclosing whether he/she has paid for the accommodation of a witness or witnesses directly or indirectly or has benefited directly or indirectly and the
name of the witness or alternatively that he or she has not made any payment in respect of the accommodation of a witness or witnesses appearing before the Ad Hoc Committee inquiring into allegations against member(s) of the Ad Hoc Committee.
“Should all members confirm non-payment this will trigger a further investigation into the allegations. All members must protect the integrity of the proceedings undertaken by the Ad Hoc Committee,” he said.
However, in a written response to The Guardian Newspaper, Oliphant said: “The Ad Hoc Committee notes the media enquiry and wishes to place on record that its work is ongoing and has not yet been concluded.
“The committee is currently considering the evidence presented by various witnesses and continues to apply its mind to the matters before it in line with its approved Terms of Reference.”
Oliphant further said the committee respectfully requests the media and the public to allow it the necessary space and time to complete its work without undue speculation. He added that upon conclusion of its processes, the committee will formally report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature, in accordance with established procedures.
“With regard to matters relating to expenditure, the committee confirms that the total cost of its work will be reflected in its final report, which will be tabled before the Legislature and made publicly available at the appropriate time.
“The committee will not engage on unverified allegations or matters that form part of its ongoing processes,” said Oliphant.
Meanwhile, Sonakile said the committee continues to execute its mandate within the prescripts of the law and the rules of the Legislature. He said as with any complex oversight process, differing views may arise, however, these do not detract from the committee’s responsibility to reach a lawful and credible outcome.
“On the alleged dismissal of the legal team’s report, I am not in a position to comment in detail on internal deliberations of the committee. What is important is that all inputs, including those of the legal team, are considered in line with due process before any final determination is made.
“On the allegation regarding accommodation of a witness, I can confirm that I raised a concern during committee proceedings after becoming aware of information suggesting that a member may have paid for, or indicated an intention to pay for, the accommodation of a witness,” said Sonakile.
He said this was done in good faith and in the interest of safeguarding the integrity of the process. Sonakile said on whether such conduct is permissible, any form of direct or indirect benefit to a witness, if established, would raise serious concerns regarding the integrity and independence of proceedings.
“This is precisely why the matter was raised for proper consideration. On specific allegations involving named individuals, it would be inappropriate and potentially prejudicial for me to confirm or deny specific allegations relating to any individual at this stage.
“The matter is subject to internal processes. On a possible investigation the Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee, has already issued a directive requiring members to submit sworn affidavits on this matter and further steps will be determined based on those submissions, in line with the ruling issued on 30 March 2026,” he said.
Sonakile said he remains committed to ensuring that the work of the committee is conducted with integrity, fairness, and full accountability.
1 April 2026 – Over 413 suspects were arrested for a multitude of offences across the Northern Cape during Operation Paseka under the auspices of Shanela II conducted by the police in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies from 23 March until 29 March 2026. The multi-disciplinary teams from all five districts in the province worked in close cooperation with traffic police, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Transport, Department of Social Development, Department of Labour and Community Policing Structures.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said these integrated, intelligence-driven operations were led by senior officers at provincial and district level and station commanders with the aim of asserting the authority of the state. Litabe said the arrests were effected for offences such as dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, illegal possession of firearms, attempted murder, business robbery and robbery at residential premises.
He further said these include murder, assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), common assault, housebreaking at residential premises, business burglary
, malicious damage to property, driving under the influence of alcohol, contravention of immigration law and for theft out of motor vehicles. Litabe added that operational activities also included high-visibility patrols, vehicle control points (VCPs), roadblocks, and the search of hundreds of premises, as well as thousands of individuals and vehicles.
“These efforts led to the closure of 28 unlicensed liquor premises and the tracing of wanted suspects by detectives. Furthermore, the operations resulted in the confiscation of large quantities of alcoholic beverages, ammunition, cash, dangerous weapons, dagga, crystal meth, and mandrax tablets.
“The arrested suspects are expected to appear in various courts across the province during this week,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Thabo Mphuthi, expressed her satisfaction with the outcome of the operations and commended all members and stakeholders involved and encouraged them to maintain the momentum in the fight against crime.
Picture: A woman drawing water from the tap/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
1 April 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) raised alarm over failures in water quality and warned that non-compliance with drinking water and wastewater standards may harm communities. The committee received a briefing from the Office of the Auditor-General (AG) on its audits of the water sector.
The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Zweli Mkhize said the findings show, among other things, critical weaknesses, particularly in infrastructure maintenance. Mkhize said the committee heard that municipalities are spending far below required benchmarks on maintenance, with the vast majority failing to meet minimum standards.
He further said as a result, water losses remain extremely high, water quality continues to deteriorate and wastewater treatment systems are failing at scale. Mkhize added that the AG’s findings are very concerning, particularly findings on the deteriorating quality of water services in many municipalities.
“The health risks of poor water treatment and contamination. This has a direct impact on the health of communities. In urban settings, failures in water treatment systems heighten the risk of outbreaks such as cholera and pollution, as well as diseases such as dysentery.
“The committee also raised concerns about huge water losses. The statistics provided by the AG indicate a loss of approximately 56% of treated water. This, the committee noted, reflects deep systemic inefficiencies,” he said.
Mkhize said literally, of the water that has been treated, they lose more than they actually use and that is a matter of serious concern. He said the committee flagged the growing reliance on water tankers amid persistent water disruptions.
“The committee noted that expenditure on this is estimated at R2.3 billion and cautioned that water tankers, intended as a short-term emergency intervention, are increasingly being used as a substitute for reliable infrastructure.
“Some members noted allegations of tampering with water systems to create demand for tankers. These allegations require focused attention, they noted. The committee will focus its oversight on three critical areas, including poor accountability, inadequate institutional capacity and inadequate maintenance of water infrastructure,” said Mkhize.
He said these are the underlying drivers of the failures observed across the water value chain. Mkhize said the committee noted that the AG’s report contains a clear call to action.
“The AG highlights the need for stronger oversight, better coordination across all spheres of government, increased investment in maintenance and stronger consequence management.
“The committee also noted that this call comes as the current trajectory will continue to undermine reliable access to safe water. This will place increasing pressure on communities and the economy,” he said.
Mkhize said in this context, the committee indicated that its oversight work will include engagements with the Department of Water and Sanitation and specific municipalities with challenges. He said, however, noted that more preparatory work is required.
“This will help ensure discussions in the planned meeting with the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation are focused and address concrete problem areas.
“We need to do a bit more work before we can have such a meeting, so that we can focus on specific municipalities and avoid having a discussion that is all over the show,” said Mkhize.
He said the committee further reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders across all spheres of government to strengthen accountability and improve water service delivery.
Picture: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, Tebogo Letsie
By BAKANG MOKOTO
1 April 2026 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, Tebogo Letsie said he has noted the decision by the Council of the University of Fort Hare to place its Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Sakhela Buhlungu, on precautionary suspension. Letsie said they welcome the decisive action taken by the Council of Fort Hare to enforce consequence management without fear or favour.
“We further welcome the unanimous decision by Council that disciplinary action against the Vice-Chancellor was necessary. An investigation revealed that four senior managers failed to comply with the requirements of Section 19.1 of the university statute, in that council approval was not obtained when the appointment of the Executive Director: People Management and Engagement was made.
“We are hoping that this process will be concluded speedily so that the university can get back to its core functions, which is teaching and learning. We wish the Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Nthabi Taole-Mjimba, well in guiding the university during this period and we urge all the university community to rally behind her and also focus on matters that will bring students forward,” he said.
Letsie further said Fort Hare has been through a lot in recent years, and they are hopeful that every stakeholder will play their part in ensuring that there are no more disruptions.
1 April 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) is convening a follow-up meeting today with the Free State Provincial Government to assess progress on challenges and issues identified during an oversight visit in July 2025. In the meeting, the province will report on the implementation of the committee’s oversight recommendations.
The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Zweli Mkhize said the committee will focus on practical steps the province has taken to address systemic weaknesses across its municipalities. Mkhize said this includes persistent audit disclaimers, unfunded budgets, weak financial controls and the continued prevalence of unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure in these municipalities.
“Members are also expected to enquire into commitments to strengthen consequence management, fill critical vacancies and stabilise municipal leadership and administration.
“Another key priority will be the progress on investigations into allegations of corruption, maladministration and political interference,” he said.
Mkhize further said the meeting will take place virtually on 1 April 2o26 at 11am.
1 April 2026 – Operation Paseka’s disruptive actions commenced in the Northern Cape, to ensure safety and security during the Easter holiday period and beyond. With more boots on the ground in the Kuruman, Mothibistad and Batlharos Policing areas, efforts were intensified to clamp down on crime in the respective areas.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Constable Thabo Fourie said crime prevention operations commenced on 23 until 30 March 2026. Fourie said the disruptive actions included Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), stop and search, house raiding, compliance inspections and suspect tracing.
“During the operation, 20 liquor outlets were inspected, 9 houses were raided, drugs and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime were seized.
“More than 483 vehicles were stopped and searched, while 40 J534s were issued for various traffic violations. More than 1823 persons were stopped and searched during which 5 persons were arrested for crimes, including armed robbery,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Deputy Police Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar, encouraged the police to continue their fight against crime as mandated by Section 205(3) of the Constitution. Besnaar applauded the police for their relentless efforts in addressing crime in the affected areas in order to restore the confidence of the community in the police by executing intensified actions.
Picture: Law enforcement agencies during the launch of Easter Road Safety Arrive Alive campaign in Hopetown/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
1April 2026 – The acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Thabo Mphuthi together with the Pixley Ka Seme District Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, joined the Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Limakatso Koloi at the launch of the 2026 Easter Road Safety Arrive Alive campaign in Hopetown, in Pixley Ka Seme District on 31 March 2026.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said a multi-disciplinary parade was conducted and addressed by Koloi. Shemane said the representatives from the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Traffic Officials, SAPS, Thembelihle Local Municipality and various Taxi Associations, Entities and Stakeholders, attended the official programme at the Steynville Primary School in Hopetown prior to the roadblock.
“The purpose of the event was outlined by Rodney Pieterse, the Head of Department for Transport, Safety and Liaison. Pieterse emphasised the theme of the launch: “Road Safety Begins With Me”.
Mphuthi informed participants and stakeholders that SAPS is aware that the easter period is usually coupled with road accidents and carnage. She further said law enforcement agencies will be out in full force during these peak times when there is an increase in the volume of traffic on the roads, prioritising road safety.
“The SAPS will intensify and strengthen police visibility that is already existing. This is ongoing efforts during the Easter holidays and beyond.
“SAPS urge all road users to plan their journeys responsibly, avoid drinking and driving, obey traffic laws, and prioritize safety,” said Mphuthi.
She said in line with the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, SAPS will maintain a zero-tolerance approach to lawlessness on the roads. Mphuthi added that SAPS encourages all road users to take personal responsibility for their safety, buckle up and avoid dangerous overtaking.
“If we reflect on the theme for the 2026 Easter Season Road Safety Campaign: “Road Safety Begins With Me”, it places emphasis on personal accountability for road safety, aiming to reduce fatalities by encouraging every driver, passenger and pedestrian to take responsibility for themselves.
“The Safer Easter Holidays operation, known as Operation Paseka is running parallel to Operation Shanela 2 and it commenced on 15 March 2026 until 15 April 2026, focusing on the safety and security of all citizens including those utilizing our roads,” she said.
Picture: Drugs and money confiscated during raids/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
1 April 2026 – The Namakwa District Task Team in collaboration with the Springbok Public Order Policing (POP) Unit made two drug-related arrests in Nababeep on 28 March 2026, as part of Operation Paseka – Safer Easter Holidays. In the first incident at approximately 11:10pm, the police executed a search and seizure warrant at a residence in Bostreet, Nababeep.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said upon arrival, the male occupant (38) was observed discarding a white tablet container in his backyard. Magerman said the container was recovered and found to contain ziplock bags of suspected tik and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime was also found.
“Subsequently, a suspect was arrested for dealing in drugs. In the second unrelated incident at approximately 11:45pm, the police conducting crime prevention patrols in Vredehoek also in Nababeep, observed a man fleeing upon sighting the police vehicle.
“During the pursuit, the suspect (23) discarded an item, which was recovered and found to contain ziplock bags of suspected tik. During the search, the money was also seized,” he said.
Magerman further said a suspect was arrested for dealing in drugs. He added that both suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
Meanwhile, the SAPS in the Namakwa District said it has reaffirmed their commitment in stamping down the authority of the state by adopting a zero-tolerance approach and not negotiating with any criminal. The police said Operation Safer Easter Holidays will continue with heightened patrols and targeted disruptive actions.
1 April 2026 – A man (35) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Victoria-West Regional Court for housebreaking and theft. The accused, Chrisjan Loof was sentenced after clothes and groceries worth R12 470 were found in his possession.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the complainant and his colleague on 13 February 2026, returned from work when they discovered their premises was broken into. Shemane said Loof was found hiding inside the house with groceries and clothes of the complainant packed in his travelling bag.
“The police were summoned and a case was opened. The accused was then arrested. Bail was denied and Loof remained in custody until his conviction and sentencing.
“In an unrelated housebreaking and theft case, also in Victoria-West, on 7 March 2026, the complainant found his premises broken into and entry gained through the window,” he said.
Shemane further said the neighbour saw the accused roaming around in the vicinity. He added that the complainant reported the incident to the police, a case was opened and the accused was traced and arrested.
“In his possession, the police found the stolen property, groceries worth R991.78, which belonged to the complainant. The accused abandoned his bail application and remained in custody until the finalisation of the case.
“On 26 March 2026, Marius Frieslaar (42) was convicted and sentenced to ten years imprisonment for housebreaking and theft in the Victoria-West Regional Court,” said Shemane.
Meanwhile, the Pixley Ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended Detective Sergeant Mojalefa Mokitimi for his thorough investigative work which resulted in the accused being incarcerated for their crimes and appreciated the quick finalization of the cases within a short period of time.
The Guardian 