A woman resigned over ‘invasive’ treatment from employer after buying new car   

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Picture: The alleged victim, Aseza Limelintaka

By BAKANG MOKOTO

3 July 2025 – The Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade has expressed its deep concern regarding the reported treatment of a cashier employed at a filling station in Maitland, Cape Town, following their purchase of a second-hand vehicle. The committee said the employee was reportedly subjected to invasive and demeaning conduct by the employer after acquiring a pre-owned car.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Sonja Boshoff said according to media reports, the employer questioned how the cashier could afford the vehicle on their salary and demanded access to their personal bank statements. Boshoff said this unacceptable behaviour ultimately led to the cashier’s resignation.

“While we cannot pre-empt the findings of any formal investigation, the reported conduct of the employer is deeply troubling and raises serious questions. To interrogate a worker’s financial independence, especially in this humiliating manner, is not only patronising, it borders on racial discrimination, abuse and a toxic workplace culture. This is not the South Africa we are building.

“Job creation must be rooted in empowerment and dignity, saying. Employers must recognise that they hold a responsibility not only to provide jobs, but to foster an environment where employees are treated with fairness, respect and basic human decency,” she said.

Boshoff further said when a worker is forced to resign for exercising financial autonomy, something is gravely wrong. She added that as the committee, they condemn this reported conduct in the strongest possible terms and calls on the Department of Employment and Labour to immediately dispatch labour inspectors to the filling station in question to assess the working conditions and broader organisational culture.

“The reported actions of the employer fly in the face of our constitutional values and the vision of inclusive economic development. Demanding bank statements from an employee is not only a gross violation of privacy, it is despicable and must not go unchallenged.

“The matter should not be left unresolved for too long. This incident must be thoroughly investigated and mediated with the aim of achieving an outcome that restores dignity and justice. Not just for the worker, but for any other workers who may be experiencing similar conditions in silence,” said Boshoff.

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Two people killed, seven injured during ‘pens down’ party

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Picture: Pens down party turned tragic in East London/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

3 July 2025 – The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries said it has learnt with shock of the deaths that occurred following a “pens-down” party in East London. The committee sends its deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.

Two people were reported dead and seven others were injured on the weekend following what seems to be a deliberate attack on party revellers in Nompumelelo Township, outside East London. A group of local young men, suspected to be a gang, gatecrashed a “pens-down” party and started attacking those at the tavern.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Maki Feni said the incident, the second in a short space of time in the same area, calls for parental guidance and serious reflection on situations in which learners have free access to alcohol. Feni said it is sad that fatal alcohol-related incidents that often involve learners are becoming a common but worrying occurrence in the country.

“Social gatherings where learners are allowed to use alcohol should be criminalised. The violence that characterises our society is condemned. Society must not tire in condemning the pens-down culture.

“This is so reminiscent of the recent Enyobeni incident, which was the subject of an inquiry, that resulted in the deaths of 21 learners in the same vicinity. We condemn these actions, whether learners were involved or not; law enforcement must also leave no stone unturned in this,” he said.

Feni said the Eastern Cape Department of Education must assist and determine if any learner had been affected by the incident and provide the necessary support.

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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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