‘We just have to pick ourselves up’

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Picture: Banyana Banyana players

By OBAKENG MAJE

27 July 2025 – Banyana Banyana coach Dr Desiree Ellis has admitted that it was not their day after the South African senior women’s national team suffered defeat to Ghana in a CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 third and fourth place play-off match played at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, on Friday night.

The South Africans went down 4-3 on penalties after both sides were tied at 1-1 at the end of regulation time. Ghana finished third to claim a bronze medal, while Banyana Banyana returned home with a fourth-place finish.

“We started very slowly, got into the game and got a goal when we pressed. But they came out guns blazing for most of the second half, especially that first 15 minutes. We couldn’t get our foot on the ball to slow the game down, and to take control.

“They were just better than us in the second half and eventually went to penalties, we always knew that we had a chance. Unfortunately, we didn’t win the penalty shootout this time around, so congratulations to Ghana. We live on, and we’ll then start preparing for what’s forward,” she said.

Ellis further said in the six matches that the South Africans have played in this tournament. She added that they managed two wins in open play – defeating Ghana (2-0) and Mali (4-0).

“They drew against Tanzania (1-1), beat Senegal on penalties in the quarterfinals before going down 1-2 to Nigeria in the semi-finals.

“I think some of the games took a lot out of us, but we always knew either getting to the final or getting to the third and 4th place playoff we still had another game. We had five substitutes really because we’ve also picked up some injuries along the way, but that’s not an excuse,” said Ellis.

She said they just have to pick themselves up, these things happen in football. Elliss said one got to give credit to the opponents, in most situations they were better than them and she was not going to sugar-coat that.

“You’ve got to give credit where it’s due,” she said.

Ellis made five changes to the team that lost to Nigeria – bringing on Sibulele Holweni, Regina Mogolola, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Noxolo Cesane and Hilda Magaia in place of Karabo Dhlamini, Tiisetso Makhubela, Fikile Magama, Refiloe Jane and Gabriela Salgado.

“We dust ourselves off and move on. We can’t look back too much. Yes, it was not a great campaign, but we got into the semi-finals and came very close to getting to the final, so we’ll just move on.

“Like every team that comes to a tournament, we had ambitions of winning it, but we didn’t get there. Unfortunately, we did not do well today,” said Ellis.

She said Mbane is the only player that played every second of every match in the tournament. Ellis said this was also the final appearance for South African forward Jermaine Seoposenwe in the national team colours as she announced her retirement before the start of the tournament.

Meanwhile, the South Africans will fly out of Morocco on Sunday and are expected to land in South Africa on Monday evening.

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Learners left stranded after their scholar transport buses ‘hijacked’ by protestors

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Picture: Learners transported to various camps/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

26 July 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng appeals to the communities not to use scholar transport as a bargaining tool during service delivery protests. This comes after disruptions at several schools in Ganyesa, where scholar transport buses were ‘hijacked and forced to transport’ protesting community members leaving learners stranded.

Morweng alleged that protesting community members forced both teachers and learners of Kgononyane Secondary School in Southey village, near Ganyesa to vacate school premises. He further said almost 2000 learners from five schools were affected and majority of these learners are beneficiaries of the scholar transport provided by the department.

“We beg communities to use alternative avenues to raise concerns rather than to deny learners opportunity to attend classes. The situation is reported to have calmed down and no disruptions were reported on Friday morning.

“The Head of Department, Dr Hans Kekana has appealed to bus operators, parents and schools’ management to inform the department at once should there be any challenges faced by learners who rely on scholar transport,” added Morweng.

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Motsumi commits to support school principals at all cost

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi with SAPA delegation/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

26 July 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi attended the North West province South African Principals Association (SAPA) conference held at Banquet Hall in Vryburg on 25 July 2025. SAPA conference is attended by school principals and deputy principals whose schools are affiliated with the structure.

Motsumi urged the school principals to be united.

“One of the most important principles that will help us to improve the results is unity. We should strive to be united and be able to share good practices with top-performing schools.

“Our principals work under severe pressure. As a department, we should learn to engage with them to understand what they are going through. They are the ones who operate on the frontline of service delivery,” she said.

Motsumi further said the status quo needs to change. She added that, as a department, they should support the principals at all costs.

“I further instructed the Superintendent-General of the department to provide Information and Communication Technology gadgets to all principals,” said Motsumi.

The outgoing SAPA president and the School Principal at Runatang Primary in Rustenburg, Lesiba Pila, emphasized that the departmental support is extremely essential in achieving their goals. Pila has worked for the Department of Education for 44 years.

“The SAPA was formed in 1995 in the Western Cape to deal with issues affecting principals. The South African Principals Association (SAPA) is a professional organization that focuses on empowering school leaders in South Africa. It provides a platform for principals to engage in professional development, exchange best practices, and advocate for policies that improve education.

“As school principals, we appreciate the support that the department is giving to us. I believe that even after I have left this position, the new leadership will make an even greater impact on our communities,” he said.

Meanwhile, the SAPA conference will end on 26 July 2025.

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Police probe allegations of existing Lesotho Military Camps in SA

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Picture: Lesotho Military during training/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

26 July 2025- The National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola has met with all nine provincial commissioners for each province during a scheduled Board of Commissioners (BOC) meeting to discuss crime combatting efforts in the country. The BOC is the highest decision making body of the SAPS inclusive of all Provincial Commissioners, Divisional Commissioners and the Acting National Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation(DPCI).

During the meeting, Masemola highlighted his satisfaction that organised crime syndicates in the country are being dismantled, dislodged, displaced and arrested. The comments made by the Lesotho Police Chief, Advocate Borotho Matsoso were high on the agenda.

“A preliminary report from the crime intelligence division was discussed in which intelligence structures have highlighted that they have heightened their operations to investigate allegations made and where necessary, track down and takedown such illegal activities.

“The DPCI also known as the HAWKS Crimes Against the State (CATS) unit has also been roped in to investigate. Various searches have been undertaken by CATS at various identified farms and no such evidence has been found to date,” he said.

Masemola further reached out to the Lesotho Police Chief, where the two commissioners discussed the allegations made by Matsoso. He added that, commissioners agreed that both law enforcement agencies intelligence structures are on the ground to investigate the existence of such camps.

“We assure all people living in South Africa that the safety and security of the people of SA is of paramount importance and anyone who is found to be in the country committing illegal acts will face the full might of the law.

“To this effect, intelligence structures and operatives are on the ground to establish facts. South Africans are urged not to panic or worry as police from both countries remain on high alert,” said Masemola.

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Banyana suffer defeat to Ghana in bronze medal match as they bow out of WAFCON

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Picture: Banyana Banyana players

By OBAKENG MAJE

26 July 2025 – Banyana Banyana’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign ended on a disappointing note after they were beaten 4-3 on penalties by Ghana in the bronze medal match at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, on Friday night.

The two teams had finished regulation time level at 1-1 after the first half opening strike from Nonhlanhla Mthandi on the stroke of half-time, and Ghana’s equalizer by Alice Kusi in the 68th minute.

It was then left up to the lottery of the penalty shootout to decide this 3rd/4th place playoff match and settle the destiny of the bronze medal. Linda Motlhalo, Bambanani Mbane and Jermaine Seoposenwe converted their spot kicks for South Africa, while Sibulele Holweni and Hildah Magaia were denied. Ghana converted their kicks through Kusi, Josephine Bonsu, Jennifer Cudjoe and Nancy Amoh while Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah’s shot was saved by South Africa’s Andile Dlamini.

The two goalkeepers – Dlamini and Ghana counterpart Cynthia Konlan – were in excellent form during the shootout, but it was the West Africans who eventually held their nerve to win the match. The result means that Seoposenwe will exit the international stage without the medal she had hope she would claim with the South African senior women’s national team on her final match.

The South Africans will return on Monday, 28 July 2025.

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Committee receives a brief from ARC

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

25 July 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture welcomed the briefings it received yesterday from the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), and the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) on their performance in the fourth quarter of the 2024/25 financial year and commended their notable performance.

In welcoming the briefings from the three entities of the Department of Agriculture, the Chairperson of the Committee, Dina Pule, said the committee was happy about the progress that the entities reported to the committee. Pule said the committee notes the hard work the entities have demonstrated and called for more improvement in all the areas of work that included implementation of the Auditor General’s recommendations on their last audit outcomes.

“The ARC reported that funding for building of the new Foot-and-mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine Facility is still a challenge and that, efforts to obtain the required funding for the new facility remains a priority.

“The entity reported that field assessment of the FMD vaccine in Mpumalanga and Limpopo is ongoing and the study on vaccine safety in pregnant cows and young calves has been initiated,” she said.

Pule further said in appreciating the performance of the NAMC, the committee called on the entity to do more on finding market access for the small-scale farmers as markets are alfa and omega for their growth, survival and meaningful contribution to the South African economy and for national food security.

She added that the Deputy Minister of the Department of Agriculture, Zoleka Capa, who led the departmental delegation, that the committee notes with appreciation the accountability of both the Minister and his Deputy that they demonstrate to the committee.

“Accountability is a critical starting point for the success of the department. We deeply appreciate your availability to our meetings with the department. Your presence solidifies the accountability of the department to the committee and the oversight responsibility of the committee over the department.

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‘We cannot negotiate with criminals’

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 July 2025- Activists and Citizens Forum said it agrees and supports the Kwa-Zulu Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, when he said the police cannot negotiate with criminals who are busy challenging and undermining the authority of the police. The Forum said they commit heinous crimes such as cash-in-Transit heists, kidnappings, and shooting at police using heavy caliber firearms, killing police and innocent people.

The Activists and Citizens Forum spokesperson, Dennis Bloem said they cannot expect to be treated with kid gloves. Bloem said they were very concerned about media reports, reporting that the incoming acting Minister of Police, Firoz Chachalia, was allegedly saying that there must be a different and new approach on how to deal with crime.

“This is what Professor Chachalia reportedly said: “Giving the police licence to kill is not the answer to crime. I do not believe that Skiet, Skop en Donner brings down crime. What it does is criminalise the police because they then start acting unlawfully”.

“Unfortunately, we completely disagree with Chachalia on his approach and totally agree and support the approach that the police are applying in fighting these criminals – fighting fire with fire,” he said.

Bloem further said they believe what Mkhwanazi has started in KZN province by taking these criminals head-on. He added that it is bearing positive results all over the country.

“Criminals know now they have nowhere to hide. The latest successful operation was the Crown Mines Gauteng incident, where five Cash-in-Transit thugs were killed by police. We applaud the police with their recent successful operations.

“The police cannot do it alone without our support of the Public. It is our responsibility to assist the police in creating a safer country by helping the police with information if we know of any criminal activities,” said Bloem.

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Ethics Committee Releases 2025 Register of Members’ Interests

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 July 2025 – The Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests has, during its scheduled meeting held today, adopted the 2025 Register of Members’ Interests per item 12 of the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests for National Assembly and Permanent Council Members. The 2025 register is the second of the 7th Parliament following the 2024 General Elections.

The Co-Chairpersons of the Committees, Lusizo Makhubela and Henni Britz said as per convention following the adoption, the committee resolved to release the register to enable access to the public section of the register. They said the new code adopted by the 6th Parliament established the submission of interests using the prescribed electronic form, which is aimed at streamlining declarations and making the process seamless and quick.

“The adoption of the electronic declaration submission form was a strategic decision in line with the move to ensure a paperless Parliament. Also, to ensure seamless submission, the office of the Registrar availed staff to support and assist Members of Parliament with their online submissions.

“Item 12 (7) of the Code is clear that a Member must disclose his/her registrable interests in the first quarter of the financial year,” said Makhubela.

Britz shared the same sentiments. He said the code promotes a culture of openness and accountability, and the release of the register is a bold step in building public trust and confidence. He further said by ensuring accountability of public representatives, the release ensures credibility of the oversight work over the executive.

“The Register for Members’ Interests will be accessible on the Parliamentary website from today. As per item 12 (1) of the Code, the Register consists of both a public and confidential section. The public section of the register is now available to be perused by the public to ensure accountability.

“The Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests further communicates that the 2025 disclosure process had a 100% compliance by the due date of all Members of Parliament. No Member of Parliament submitted late. The committee commends this milestone,” he said.

The full public section of the register can be accessed here: https://tinyurl.com/36vyn5bs

A full report will be published in the Parliament’s Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports.

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Overcrowding in correctional service facilities a concerned

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By REGINALD KANYANE

25 July 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services today expressed concern over the low success rate of the current legislation in reducing overcrowding in correctional facilities in the country. The committee received a briefing from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) on the use of Section 49G of the Correctional Services Act (CSA) and Section 62F of the Criminal Procedures Act (CPA) applications.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Kgomotso Ramolobeng said both sections are about strategies to reduce overcrowding in correctional facilities. Ramolobeng encouraged the executive of the DCS and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) to continue working together in order to strive for better ways to implement these pieces of legislation effectively to increase the success rate of matters referred.

“Section 49G of the CSA refers to the maximum period of incarceration and provides that the period of incarceration of a Remand Detainee (RD) must not exceed two years from the initial date of admission into the remand detention facility.

“Such matter should be brought to the attention of the court concerned in the manner set out in this section: provided that no RD shall be brought before a court in terms of this section, if such RD appeared before a court three months immediately prior to the expiry of such two year period and the court during that appearance considered the continued detention of such detainee,” she said.

Ramolobeng further said whilst Section 62F of CPA provides that any court before a charge is pending in respect of which bail was granted, may at any stage, whether bail was granted by court or any other, on application by the prosecutor, add any further condition of bail. She added that, the section further provides that the accused shall be placed under the supervision of a probation officer or Correctional Official. The committee heard that both strategies are driven by the DCS and may result in the reduction of the inmates.

“The committee heard that the success rate under Section 49G of the CSA for the 2022/23 financial year is 1.25% of 12 283 court referrals nationally with the Eastern Cape and Western Cape both indicating a 0% success rate.

“In terms of 2023/24, the Eastern Cape once again showed a 0% success rate. In the 2024/25 financial year the province had 142 court referrals and only one was successful and in the current financial year it has had two successful court referrals,” said Ramolobeng.

She said the committee also heard that approximately 40% of the total sentenced offender population are serving sentences above 15 years, inclusive of those serving life sentences. Ramolobeng said lifers will typically remain incarcerated for longer periods of time and are sentenced/ convicted of serious crimes.

“This means that bed spaces will not become readily available, which places more pressure on already overcrowded correctional facilities. The DCS needs to capacitate and improve the functioning of community corrections so that the courts can have confidence in the system and place more remand detainees under correctional supervision.

“In terms of the outcomes of Section 49G application, especially relating to the Eastern Cape, it’s a very serious concern. The committee will raise this with the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development that deals with referrals,” she said.

Ramolobeng said the committee will continue the implementation of both the sections that can address overcrowding in facilities if implemented efficiently and effectively.

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NPA concerned over leaked affidavit in Bushuri’s case  

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Picture: Prophet Shepherd Bushiri

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 July 2025- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said is taken aback by the leaking to the media of the affidavit of one of the state witnesses. The NPA said the affidavit forms part of the documents in the case docket that was disclosed to the defence for the accused to prepare for their trial.

The NPA regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana said it is very concerning as this leaked affidavit has the potential to compromise the state’s case. Mahanjana said it also endangers the life of the state witness because her full details, including a photo of her, were published in the media. 

“The case was set down for trial to commence on 14 October 2024, almost a year ago.  However, the case has been met with numerous interlocutory applications by some of the accused attempting to delay the trial. None of these interlocutory applications were successful. 

“Despite all these applications, the state has always maintained its readiness to start with the trial. We therefore urge the media to be responsible when exercising their mandate to produce news to keep the public informed to do so without jeopardising the rights of the witnesses who will be called to testify,” she said.

Mahanjana further said the case is set down on 4 August 2025 for trial.

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