Category Archives: NEWS

Mokgosi committed to bring dignity to communities through housing delivery

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Picture: The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi /Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

12 November 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has hailed the multi-million rand housing project at Tshing Township in Ventersdorp as a significant step towards bringing back the people’s dignity. Mokgosi said this bold move by the North West Department of Human Settlements will see 1500 beneficiaries moving into their new houses before the end of the 2026/2027 financial year.

Mokgosi who was accompanied by the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi, executive mayor of JB Marks Local Municipality, Gaba Thithiba ka Qhele and Head of Department (HOD, Kgomotso Mahlobo, visited the area on Friday last week as part of Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme to assess progress on the construction of the houses as well as hand over of five completed houses to beneficiaries.

“It is important to deliver houses to communities as this act is not only about ensuring beneficiaries have a roof over their heads, but realising their right to live in safety and dignity in a decent home. We also urge beneficiaries to refrain from selling their houses or renting them out to foreigners who later turn them into spaza shops or unlicensed liquor stores.

“We have noted that there are beneficiaries who have been in the waiting list from as early as the dawn of democracy. As a government, we are pleased that soon those beneficiaries will be moving into their houses, but our challenge is that the very same beneficiaries, after receiving the houses, sell or rent them out and go back to living in the informal settlements,’’ he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Betty Gama (85) lived in a two room shack for seven years with her son, Botha Gama (28). The family has been surviving on old age grants.

According to Gama, their shack burnt down with everything inside forcing them to find solace from neighbours. She is one of the beneficiaries who were prioritised to receive a house as she did not have a proper place to stay.

“I have nothing but praise for the department. The assistance and support I received from the government is impressive. I was carried by my shoulders through a difficult time of my life and my dignity was restored through provision of a wonderful new home,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Petros Shuping (70), who lives with his family of four, spent many years living in a dilapidated shack which made their stay very unpleasant during the rainy season and the cold weather. The Shuping family depends on government grants for survival as they also experience scarcity of jobs or employment in the area.

Meanwhile, Molapisi said: “The Tshing housing project is one of the fastest moving projects in the province and this is all made possible by the dedication and commitment shown by contractors. We would like to applaud the contractors on ensuring the houses are built in excellent standards and handed over to rightful beneficiaries.

“As department, we are ensuring we work hand in hand with our contractors to improve housing delivery. We would like to thank all the contractors working on this project to ensure that our communities are provided with decent houses.”  

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Nigerian man nabbed for dealing in drugs

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Picture: Some of the drugs seized by the police/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

12 November 2025- The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in conjunction with the North West Provincial Anti-Gang Unit and Provincial Drugs Task Team arrested a Nigerian national (32) in Klerksdorp for alleged unlawful possession of drugs on 12 November 2025. The Hawks said its team received a tip-off regarding a Nigerian man alleged to be dealing in drugs in Klerksdorp.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said a search was conducted at his flat, which led to the discovery of suspected drugs, including crystal meth, mandrax tablets, rock, kat and ecstasy tablets with an estimated value of R50 000. Mathebula said the suspect will appear in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 13 November 2025, facing charges of unlawful possession of drugs.

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Ke mang yo o tla tlhopiwang jaaka meiyara wa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung?

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Setshwantsho: Nonteto Tafani, MosetsanagapeMosinkiemang le Itumeleng Maribe

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

12 Ngwanatsele 2025- Lekoko la ANC mono Bokone Bophirima le tlhalositse fa le setse le rometse maina a batho ba le bararo ba ba tla tsenelang dipotsolotso ka maitlhomo a gore mongwe mo go bone a tlhopiwe jaaka meiyara wa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung. Se se tla morago ga gore meiyara wa ga jaana, Tumisang Gaoraelwe, a kopiwe go itokolola mo tirong.

Gaoraelwe one a kopiwa ke lekoko la gagabo la ANC go itokolola mo tirong jaaka meiyara wa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung morago ga ditatofatso tsa go amega mo dikotsing tsa tsela di le mmalwa ka dijanaga tsa masepala. Go kaiwa fa Gaoraelwe o gogwa fela ka leoto mo nkgong, mme morago a kgweetse dijanaga tsa masepala mme seo se lebise kwa go amegeng mo dikotsing tsa tsela.   

Go begwa fa maina a mararo a rometsweng kwa ntlo-kgolo ya ANC kwa Johannesburg go seka-sekiwa ele la molekgotlha Mosetsanagape Mosinkiemang yo a ikarabelang ka ditiro tsa baagi (Community Services) mo komiting ya ga meiyara, molekgotlha Nonteto Tafani yo a ikarabelang ka ditirelo tsa kgwebo (Cooperate Service) go komiti ya ga meiyara, le molekgotlha Itumeleng Maribe yo a ikarabelang ka tsa mafaratlhatlha (Technical Services and Infrastructure) go komiti ya ga meiyara.

Sebueledi sa lekoko la ANC mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Tumelo Maruping wa tlhalosa.      

“O tla gopola gore moshupa-tsela wa rona wa 2021, o tlhalosa fa komiti-khuduthamaga ya rona ya bosetshaba (National Executive Committee) e ile ya tlhama phanele e mo go yone e ileng ya dumalana gore go tla tlhagisiwa maina a le mararo ka motsi wa fa go tlhopiwa meiyara wa masepala mongwe le mongwe o ka fa tlase ga taolo ya ANC.

“Jaanong, jaaka o itse gore ANC e ile ya tsaya tshwetso ya go tlosa Gaoraelwe mo tirong jaaka meiyara, go setse go tlhagisitswe maina a le mararo ke porofense ka tumalano ya sedika sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati go ka a isa kwa ntlo-kgolo ya lekoko kwa Luthuli House go ka seka-sekiwa ke komiti-khuduthamaga ya lekoko,” Maruping wa tlhalosa.

Maruping are batho ba ba tlhopilweng, ba tla tsenela dipotsolotso. Maruping are mongwe mo go bone yo o dirileng bontle go gaisa kwa dipotsolotsong, o tla tsitsinngwa go kokomala setulo sa bo meiyara.

“Go itokolola mo tirong ga meiyara wa ga jaana, Gaoraelwe, go tla konosediwa mo go yone beke e. Re setse re mo itsisitse ka lekwalo, ga mmogo le TROIKA ya masepala. Jaanong seo, se solofetswe go ka konosediwa mo go yone beke e,” Maruping wa tlhalosa.     

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ANC welcomes positive turnaround in employment figures

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Picture: Some of job seekers/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

12 November 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) said it welcomes the encouraging news released by Statistics South Africa showing a significant and broad-based improvement in the employment landscape. The party said the official unemployment rate has declined by 1.3% to 31.9%, while the expanded definition has dropped by 0.6% to 42.4% in the third quarter of 2025.

The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said this progress reflects the tangible impact of coordinated economic interventions and the ANC’s 10-Point Plan to grow the economy, create jobs, and restore hope among its people. Bhengu said more than 248 000 new jobs were created during the quarter, bringing total employment to over 17.1 million South Africans, the highest level since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

She further said the number of unemployed persons decreased by 360 000, confirming that the country is steadily shifting from despair to renewal.

Bhengu added that this positive momentum underscores that their collective efforts to rebuild the economy, stabilise energy supply and accelerate infrastructure investment are beginning to bear fruit.

“The ANC is encouraged that the state’s strategic support for key sectors, including manufacturing, construction, agriculture and tourism, is helping to reignite economic activity and expand opportunities for ordinary South Africans. However, while we celebrate this progress, the ANC remains concerned that far too many of our people are still without work.

“The fight against unemployment remains our foremost priority. The ANC calls on government, labour and business to deepen collaboration in unlocking industrial investment, supporting small and medium enterprises, and ensuring that every public rand spent contributes to productive and inclusive growth,” said Bhengu.

She said as they enter the festive season, the ANC urges employers, particularly in retail, hospitality, logistics and agriculture, to build on this progress by protecting and expanding jobs, ensuring decent working conditions and paying workers on time. Bhengu said the movement’s vision remains rooted in building an economy that works for all, where young people, women and rural communities are fully part of South Africa’s growth story.

“The ANC’s 10-Point Economic Plan, focusing on energy security, water provision, infrastructure rollout, industrialisation, and employment creation, continues to guide the Government of National Unity’s actions. This progress signals that South Africa is indeed turning the corner towards a period of stability, renewal, and inclusive growth. The ANC salutes all South Africans, workers, entrepreneurs and communities, whose resilience and hard work are driving this recovery,” she said.

Bhengu said together, they are rebuilding our economy, restoring dignity, and realising the promise of a better life for all.

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Motsumi condemns overloading of learners in a minibus taxi

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Picture: Learners overloaded in a minibus taxi/Screegrab

By REGINALD KANYANE

12 November 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she condemns in strongest terms the overloading of learners in the minibus taxis when learners are ferried to and back to school. Motsumi’s reaction comes after the traffic officers have impounded a 15-seater minibus taxi which was transporting 29 learners to school in Mahikeng on Tuesday.

She further reiterated the words of the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, who implored all the public transport to adhere to the regulators. Motsumi added that they are appealing to all public transport operators who are transporting learners to comply with the rules of the road.

“We further appeal to all parents whose children are using the public transport to check their transport before leaving for school. They must monitor if it’s not overloaded or not, if so they should look for an alternative transport. Our learners are currently writing examinations and we request our public transport operators to be extremely cautious on the road during this period.

“The department is requesting School Governing Bodies (SGBs) and principals to play an active role in verifying all means of transport that learners use and report unsafe practices immediately to relevant authorities,” she said.

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Uncle sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for raping his nephew

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

12 November 2025- A man (30) was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment by the Christiana Regional Court for rape. This comes after the accused, Boikanyo Seemohela raped his nephew (9) in 2021.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the investigations revealed that Seemohela is the uncle of the victim. Gunya said the accused, the victim’s mother, and the victim, were staying together in a three-bedroom house in Christiana.

“The mother slept in the bedroom alone, and the victim slept with his uncle on a mattress in the sitting room. Evidence presented in court revealed that between August and September 2021, Seemohela would wait for the mother of the victim to go to sleep, whilst on the mattress, he undressed the victim and sexually assaulted him.

“After the incident, the victim was afraid to inform his mother. The mother became aware of the assault after 8 months, while the victim was bathing, he bent, and the mother noticed something strange on him and confronted him. After being confronted, he told his mother about the assault by his uncle,” he said.

Gunya further said the case was opened and the uncle was arrested. He added that Seemohela was later released on bail, but it was cancelled after he absconded during the trial.

“He was remanded in custody until the finalisation of the trial. During the trial, he pleaded not guilty and denied his involvement in the assault. In aggravation of sentence, state prosecutor Gcinumuzi Radebe, argued that the offence is serious and prevalent of rape in his arguments. He articulated that Seemohela’s actions constituted a violation of the victim’s constitutional rights to bodily integrity and lasting trauma.

“In handing down the judgment, the court found that the rape degraded the dignity of the victim and the courts have a duty to protect the victims.  Finding substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed life imprisonment under Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997, the court imposed 18 years imprisonment, and his name was to be included in the sex offender registry,” said Gunya.

Meanwhile, Dr Rachel Makhari, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, praised Radebe, the investigating officer, and the South African Police Service for their diligent collaboration. Makhari said the NPA remains steadfast in upholding the rule of law and holding perpetrators accountable.

“This conviction sends a clear message that the NPA will relentlessly pursue GBV perpetrators, ensuring justice restores safety and dignity for victims. The NPA’s partnership with Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) provided critical psychosocial support to the victim, reflecting its victim-centric approach,” she said.

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North West Provincial Treasury welcomes new cohort of interns

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Picture: Head of Department of North West Provincial Treasury, Ndlela Kunene

By AGISANANG SCUFF  

12 November 2025- The North West Provincial Treasury said it welcomes its new intake of interns as they commence their journey in the workplace environment. The department said this initiative forms part of the department’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment, skills development and strengthening the professional capacity of the public sector.

The Head of Department, Ndlela Kunene said through the internship programme, young graduates will gain valuable exposure across critical areas of the Treasury’s mandate ranging from financial governance, supply chain management, infrastructure management, macro-economic analysis, communication, research and administration. Kunene said this practical workplace experience will enable interns to contribute meaningfully to improved financial management and efficient service delivery within the province.

“An internship serves as the foundation for future employment. So, interns must take full advantage of this opportunity by building strong professional networks and working collaboratively with supervisors and mentors. This programme is not only preparation for roles within Provincial Treasury, but for the broader world of work.

“Education and ethical behaviour is important and we urge you to pursue further qualifications to enhance your competitiveness. We have a collective responsibility to address the socio-economic challenges our country continues to face. We need fresh perspectives and innovative ideas from young people who are ready to be part of the solution,” he said.

Kunene further said honesty, transparency and professionalism must guide everything they do.

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‘Kagisano Molopo Regional Bulk Water Scheme tender awarded fair and square’

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By REGINALD KANYANE

12 November 2025- The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality has refuted allegations that the COIDA certificate of HT Pelatona Projects (PTY) LTD that was awarded Bid No. RDM2024-008A for Kagisano Molopo Regional Bulk Water Scheme: Cluster 6 – Morokweng Contract A worth approximately R111 million was expired. The Municipal Manager of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Itumeleng Jonas said the COIDA Certificate of HT Pelatona Projects (PTY) LTD was valid at the time of appointment as verified on the system.

He further said, so it is not factually correct that HT Pelatona Projects (PTY) LTD’s COIDA certificate was expired at the time the tender was submitted. Jonas added that it is true that he requested HT Pelatona Projects (PTY) LTD to submit a valid COIDA certificate within seven days after the awarding of the tender and there is nothing unprocedural about that because it is legislated.

“It is a common cause that HT Pelatona’s COIDA certificate was valid at the time the tender was submitted. No company was disqualified for having an expired COIDA. Also, it is not true that during the briefing for the said tender, it was mentioned that no company will get more than one allocation in this cluster of projects.

“There is no such clause or line item in relation to the appointment on more than one project in the tender documents that were approved and subsequently advertised,” he said.

Jonas also refuted allegations that there were arithmetic errors calculated and companies were never notified of those errors they committed before awarding them of the tender of going to the next stage of evaluation. He said Clause 3.9 on the last line item is very clear.

“It says notify a tenderer upon written request received after the closing date of tenders of all arithmetical errors made by that particular tenderer. In this instance, there was no written request received by the municipality to necessitate the notification of arithmetical errors. No irregularity was thus committed as insinuated.

“The allegations that the acting Senior Manager refused to sign minutes of any bid committee meeting citing his unhappiness of awarding any contract to a company with expired COIDA is a foreign procedure to the tender process as minutes are only signed by the Chairperson. The Senior Manager concerned gave his dissenting views, which could not have precluded the signing of the minutes by the Chairperson,” said Jonas.

Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Thapelo Phokoje said a whistle blower alleged that HT Pelatona Projects (PTY) LTD, submitted an expired COIDA certificate on 31 May 2025, and Jonas issued a condition on the appointment letter to HT Pelatona Projects (PTY) LTD to submit a valid COIDA within 7 days of having received the appointment letter.

Phokoje said their role as councillors, while distinct from the executive functions, are integral to the democratic governance of the municipality. He said their responsibilities included representing community interests, ensuring that the diverse needs and concerns of our wards and communities are heard and addressed in council decisions and the integrated Development plan (IDP).

“This includes oversight and accountability. Our roles are to exercise robust oversight over the executive, the administration and municipal entities to ensure transparency, accountability, and the prudent use of public resources. We are actively participating in the creation and review of by-laws and policies that facilitate sustainable service delivery and local development.

“The current challenges facing the municipality require a united, responsive and accountable approach. We must work together and rise above political divisions and focus on our core constitutional obligation, which is to ensure sustainable, effective and efficient municipal services and promote social and economic development for all residents.

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A call to address full pit latrines and stalled bulk water supply scheme challenges in Setlagole

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Picture: The Deputy Minister of Department of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo

By BAKANG MOKOTO

12 November 2025- The Deputy Minister of Department of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo together with the executive mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe and the MMC of Infrastructure Development at Ratlou Local Municipality, Thabo Motlapele, met and deliberated on the solutions on sanitation challenges at the RDP Section of Setlagole village, near Atamelang in North West, as well as the incomplete bulk water supply scheme that has been stalled for the last ten years.

Seitlholo said South Africa observes Sanitation Month, introduced by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) from 15 October (Global Hand Washing Day) to 19 November (World Toilet Day) to break the taboo of talking about sanitation and to also raise awareness of the consequences of lack of sanitation, which includes the increase of makeshift toilets at households that do not have access to dignified sanitation and an increase to open defecation.

He further said World Toilet Day seeks to raise awareness of the 3.4 billion people living without access to safe toilets globally and to accelerate action to tackle the global sanitation crisis and to achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which is focused on water and sanitation for all, by 2030. Seitlholo added that the DWS is committed to ensure access to proper sanitation and to bring awareness on the need for appropriate, dignified, and safe sanitation.

“This is in line with the Department’s approved Water and Sanitation Norms and Standards, which stipulates that a municipality designated as a Water Services Authority (WSA) should provide basic sanitation services to all consumers or potential consumers in its jurisdictional area inclusive of people residing on private owned land as guided by the Water and Sanitation policy on privately owned land of 2023.

“The standard of basic sanitation services includes a provision of a toilet with a functional hand washing facility in the yard, which is safe and reliable, environmentally sound and easy to clean, provide privacy and protection against weather, well-ventilated and keep smells to minimum as well providing for an effective and acceptable sanitation technology,” he said.

Seitlholo said the standards also require the municipality to ensure proper waste water treatment and faecal sludge management including a safe faecal sludge emptying, transportation, treatment and the disposal or beneficial use method. He said, however, this is a different case at some of the households in Setlagole RDP Section, that are faced with the challenge of full pit latrines that have not been serviced or emptied by the municipality since the construction of the houses in 2015.

“This status quo poses a serious health risk for the community and needs an urgent intervention by all three spheres of government. We have therefore called for an audit of functional and non-functional toilets in Setlagole village to ensure that the department, jointly with Ratlou Local Municipality and Ngaka Modiri District Municipality, brings the solution to address the problem of pit latrines that are at full capacity.

“This situation not only poses a great environmental and health risk for the community, but it also causes a risk to young children and livestock that can fall into these pits that are left opened and just covered with a zinc sheet. Some of the households have resorted to build their own alternative pit toilets in their yards because the ones provided by the government are at full capacity and cannot be utilised anymore,” said Seitlholo.

He said this is quite a challenge and they are calling for both the municipalities with support from the Department of Water and Sanitation, to implement the faecal sludge management system that will ensure that the sanitation services provided to these members of the community comply with the norms and standards of provision of basic sanitation services, as dictated by the Water and Sanitation Act 108 of 1997.

Molefe has acknowledged the challenge of full pit latrines in RDP Section in Setlagole village, which was mainly caused by a lack of maintenance of the toilets by the local municipality after they were handed over ten years ago.

“Our expectation was that the local municipality will maintain the toilets when they are full, but this has not been happening. There was indeed a vacuum to service the toilets once they were full, but with the intervention of the Department of Water and Sanitation, I have issued a directive to have experts that will provide support to Ratlou Local municipality to provide services to address this challenge,” he said.

Meanwhile, in the North West, approximately 72.7% of households had access to basic sanitation with 49% of households using a waterborne sanitation system connected to waste water treatment works. There is however 51% of households that still use on-site sanitation, a system where waste is managed on the property where it’s generated, such as with pit latrines or septic tanks.

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Select Committee welcomes report on forensic investigation on PSA oxygen plant tender

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

12 November 2025 – The Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and the Minister in the Presidency said it welcomes the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s report on the forensic investigation conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) into the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant tender administered by the Independent Development Trust (IDT).

In his opening remarks, the committee Chairperson, Rikus Badenhorst said their interest in this matter is rooted in accountability, transparency and integrity of public procurement. Badenhorst said the PSA Oxygen Project, which is valued at over R800 million, was intended to deliver life-saving services, ensuring that hospitals across the country have reliable oxygen supply, particularly in rural and under-resourced areas.

“Allegations that surfaced of irregular appointments, inflated costs and non-compliance of the South Africa Health Professional Regulatory Authority’s (SAHPRA) requirements raise serious questions about governance within the IDT and the stewardship of the public funds.

“The committee said it notes the report that disciplinary and criminal processes have been initiated and that the CEO has been suspended and that the matter has been referred to the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks),” he said.

Badenhorst further said the committee appreciates the comprehensive work undertaken to uncover the facts surrounding the alleged maladministration, fraud and corruption in the management of this project, originally intended to deliver vital oxygen infrastructure to 60 hospitals across South Africa. He added that the findings highlight serious governance lapses, irregular procurement practices and failures in compliance oversight.

“I wish to commend the department and the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpheson, for acting decisively in commissioning an independent investigation once concerns emerged. The committee supports the Minister’s view that the integrity of the investigative and disciplinary processes must be protected to ensure that accountability is both fair and effective.

“It is essential that neither political pressure nor public speculation be allowed to compromise the credibility of the process now under way. The committee notes with appreciation that disciplinary proceedings have commenced, criminal referrals have been made to the Hawks, and corrective steps have been taken to strengthen supply chain management within the IDT. These are critical actions to restore public confidence in the State’s infrastructure-delivery institutions,” said Badenhorst.

He said the committee looks forward to receiving the full presentation and post-investigation implementation plan at the appropriate time, once all due processes have been completed. Badenhorst said their oversight role will remain focused on ensuring that every recommendation of the PwC report translates into meaningful reform, improved governance, and value for money in the use of public funds.

“Accountability, transparency, and professional competence are non-negotiable foundations of public service. The committee will continue to uphold these principles in its engagement with the department and all its entities,” he said.

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