Action SA calls for suspension of all Tokiso contracts pending SIU investigation

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By REGINALD KANYANE

24 July 2025- Action SA in North West said it unequivocally condemns the North West Development Corporation’s (NWDC) alleged gross mismanagement and disregard for proper procurement protocols in the awarding of security contracts to Tokiso Security Services. Action SA said it commend the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa’s decisive proclamation empowering the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to thoroughly investigate all Tokiso contracts linked to the NWDC and affiliated entities.

Action SA provincial chairperson, Botshelo Rakate said the investigation is long overdue. Rakate said the blatant diversion of scarce public funds through irregular and politicized tenders is a flagrant betrayal of the people of North West, many of whom are suffering under a staggering unemployment rate of 56,4% overall and a youth unemployment crisis at an alarming 58.8%.

“This youth unemployment rate, one of the highest in the country, is a catastrophic barrier to economic inclusion and social stability that demands urgent redress. Every rand lost to corruption deepens poverty, undermines vital service delivery, and erodes public trust in government.

“The diversion of limited resources into opaque contracts starves job-creation and skills development initiatives at a time when young people desperately need sustainable opportunities,” he said.

Rakate further said it is utterly unacceptable that security contracts, critical to public safety, have allegedly been siphoned away from the Department of Community Safety and handed to the NWDC, an entity operating with little transparency and accountability. He added that this has created an environment ripe for nepotism and graft as evidenced by the murky dealings surrounding Tokiso Security Services.

“As Action SA in North West, we demand immediate remedial steps. Return all security procurement responsibilities to the Department of Community Safety, with stringent oversight and transparency. Publicly disclose all Tokiso contracts, including detailed evaluation criteria, pricing, and board approvals. 

“Suspend all Tokiso contracts immediately pending the SIU’s comprehensive value-for-money audit. Recover any payments made in excess of actual service rendered. Enforce robust whistle-blower protections to safeguard insiders who expose corruption and maladministration,” said Rakate.

He said the government should insource all security personnel into provincial departments to eliminate procurement loopholes and safeguard public resources. Rakate said it should also call on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to prioritize and fast-track criminal prosecutions based on SIU findings.

“We will not rest until taxpayers’ money is fully recovered and the systemic rot enabling such corruption is eradicated. Public entities must operate strictly within their mandates, uphold the highest standards of governance, and serve the people, not their own interests,” he said.

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Mokgosi: “Voices of marginalised and economically disenfranchised are missing”

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE

24 July 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said the success of the democratic dispensation faces a serious credibility deficit, if they fail to resolve the job crisis confronting the province. Mokgosi who delivered the 2025/2026 financial year at the North West Provincial Legislature in Mahikeng on Thursday said, the voices of the marginalized and economically disenfranchised are missing in the celebratory chorus of the 31 years of the country’s democratic breakthrough.

He further said many of the people comprising largely the youth are outside the economic system, locked out of opportunities to share the dividends of democracy. Mokgosi added that, therefore, the promises they make in changing the lives of the youth for the better must not ring hollow in improving their socio-economic conditions.

“We meet in this house today to complete the last round of the process to release public resources to implement objectives set out in the Medium-Term Development Plan (2024-2029) adopted by the 7th administration. The apex priorities are (i) to drive inclusive economic growth and create jobs, (ii) reducing poverty and tackling high cost of living as

well as (iii) building a capable, ethical and developmental state. 

“Addressing the National Assembly during the tabling of the

Presidency Budget Vote a week ago, His Excellency President Cyril

Ramaphosa made an impassioned plea to meet the aforementioned objectives in our Programme of Action,” he said.

Mokgosi said the government in the province only employs 6% of all working people with 94% employed in the private sector. He said for this reason, they cannot win the battle against youth unemployment without the role and contribution of the private sector.

“We have established a Development Fund set at R100 million as a seed fund to co-fund social and developmental initiatives aimed at addressing unemployment and infrastructure backlogs in the province. We are encouraged by interest displayed by various industries to play a more meaningful role in this regard. If the private sector matches this government commitment, more pathways could be opened for jobs and other social relief interventions.

“The resuscitation of the Bojanala Special Economic Zone in Moses Kotane Local Municipality is in full swing and a team led by the Premier comprising the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bojanala and Moses Kotane Municipalities have been assembled to strengthen the provincial government’s business case. These intervention measures will culminate in the creation of 919 000 direct jobs once granted a license,” said Mokgosi.

He said for the successful implementation of the Annual

Performance Plan tabled in this August House, he requested for the appropriation to vote 1, Office of the Premier, as outlined hereunder. Mokgosi said the total budget allocation is R519 498.

“Administration will be allocated R 129,067, Institutional Development will receive R 273,759, while Policy and Governance will be allocated R116 672. In conclusion, I take this opportunity to thank the Speaker and Deputy for their continued support and guidance. The Honourable Members of the Executive Council for their ever-ready support as well Honourable members of the portfolio committee and the Opposition for their robust and relevant engagements, advice and oversight role.

“The DG and the entire staff of the Office of the Premier, the Chief of Staff, Advisors and the entire Private Office Staff, Traditional Leaders, my

beautiful wife and children for their encouragement and support,” he said.

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RISE Mzansi welcomes Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee and Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry terms of reference

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Picture: RISE Mzansi National Assembly Caucus Whip and Member of Parliament (MP), Makashule Gana

By AGISANANG SCUFF

24 July 2025- RISE Mzansi said it welcomes the progress made in empowering both the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee and the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry established to thoroughly probe the allegations made by South African Police Service (SAPS) Kwa-Zulu Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Ris Mzansi said on Wednesday evening, the National Assembly unanimously adopted a joint report by the Portfolio Committees on Justice and Constitutional Development, and Police calling for the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee.

RISE Mzansi National Assembly Caucus Whip and Member of Parliament (MP), Makashule Gana said Ad Hoc Committee, established in terms of Rule 253 of the National Assembly will consist of 11 Members (ANC 4, DA 2, MKP 2, EFF 1 and other parties 2). Gana said will report to the National Assembly and the people of South Africa by no later than 31 October 2025.

“Moreover, at the same time, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development published the terms of reference (Proclamation 269 of 2025) that will guide the work of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The Commission shall therefore submit an interim report within three-months, and a final report within six-months to the President, while the final report will also be sent to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice.

“RISE Mzansi will participate fully and ethically in the work of the Ad Hoc Committee, while keeping a hawk’s eye on the work of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry. We believe both bodies are well-placed to probe the alleged collapse and capture of South Africa’s safety, security and justice apparatus; hold those responsible accountable; and recommend the necessary reforms,” he said.

Gana further said now that both bodies have been legally empowered, they must waste no time in getting down to the business of starting the process of cleaning the country’s Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster so that South Africans can have perceived and real trust in the work of the country’s safety, security and justice apparatus.

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SAPS: “No raid conducted by NIU”

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Picture: SAPS national spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 July 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) said it warns against the spread of fake news about an SAPS National Intervention Unit (NIU) raid in which R18 million was found in a safe at a house in Richards Bay, KwaZulu Natal. The SAPS said it calls for responsible social media reporting and for users to verify information first before sharing.

The SAPS national spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said: “Therefore, we confirm that no raid was undertaken by any of our units, the National Intervention Unit (NIU).”

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POPCRU disturbed by ongoing dysfunctional LCRC

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 July 2025- The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) said is deeply disturbed by the ongoing state of dysfunction at the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) in Mpumalanga, which has reached a crisis point due to persistent mismanagement and an alarming disregard for established protocols and the wellbeing of our members. POPCRU said this situation has long been neglected by those entrusted with management responsibilities, particularly individuals occupying acting roles at the head office who have demonstrated clear signs of incompetence and an abuse of authority.

POPCRU representative, Sipho Nkambule said what they are witnessing in the province, particularly in areas such as Acornhoek, are clear patterns of victimisation directed at their members. Nkambule said these are not isolated incidents, but form part of a broader culture of inconsistency, where signed resolutions are either selectively implemented or completely ignored.

“Instead of fair and transparent processes, there is growing evidence of preferential treatment in the allocation of operational duties and filling of vacancies—some of which are earmarked for individuals even before posts are formally advertised, often from Pretoria. Such practices undermine organisational integrity and demoralise hardworking and deserving members.

“Furthermore, the rotation system meant to govern operational deployments has been rendered meaningless, as decisions are made arbitrarily, and any attempt to seek clarity on these uneven practices is met with unwarranted disciplinary action. The weaponisation of discipline to silence legitimate concerns is unacceptable and is in direct contradiction with the principles of fairness and justice that should underpin policing institutions,” he said.

Nkambule further said it is particularly disheartening that despite repeated attempts by POPCRU to raise these issues through proper channels, there has been no meaningful intervention from the Head Office. He added that the human cost of this negligence is grave— their members are subjected to undue stress, working in a toxic environment that has, in some tragic instances, led to preventable loss of life.

“This failure to act decisively and compassionately on such critical issues is a betrayal of duty. POPCRU is left with no option but to demand the immediate intervention of the Divisional National Commissioner. We call on their office to urgently visit the province and address these pressing matters before we are forced to escalate this crisis nationally.

“Further, we call for the removal of the current acting Commander as he is not competent to manage members, and lacks interpersonal skills. Our members deserve leadership that is ethical, responsive, and accountable—not silence in the face of suffering,” said Nkambule.

He said the situation at the Mpumalanga LCRC cannot be allowed to deteriorate any further. Nkambuke said if ignored, they will have no hesitation in mobilising their structures to bring this matter to the forefront of national attention.

“Enough is enough,” he said.

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Salgado undergoes successful operation

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Picture: The Nigerian Female Soccer Team players vising Banyana Banyana player, Gabriel Salgado in hospital/Twitter

By OBAKENG MAJE

24 July 2025 – Banyana Banyana star Gabriela Salgado underwent a successful operation at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca, Morocco on Wednesday, a day after the injury she suffered during the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-final clash against Nigeria at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.

The Banyana Banyana team doctor, Dr Lindi Mokoena said the winger was stretchered off late in the second half following an accident during the South African senior women’s national team’s 1-2 defeat to the Super Falcons on Tuesday (22 July 2025). Mokoena said Salgado remains in hospital, while she recuperates and will stay with the team upon release.

“She will fly back home with Banyana Banyana next week. Gabi sustained a fracture of the mid-shaft of her left leg during the fixture against Nigeria and underwent a successful surgery at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca.

“She will be out of action for the rest of the year, but we are pleased that she received exceptional care from the medical team of Banyana Banyana, CAF and the hospital. We were fully confident and comfortable with the procedure being performed in Morocco and would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to CAF and the dedicated staff at the Mohamed VI University Hospital for their professionalism and outstanding support during this time,” he said.

Mokoena further said the whole Banyana Banyana team visited Salgado at the hospital on Tuesday night after she had been stabilized following the injury. He added that the messages of support continue pouring in, with Republic of South Africa (RSA)President Cyril Ramaphosa leading the charge.

“Today, our thoughts are with Banyana Banyana’ Salgado as we wish her a comfortable and speedy recovery from her traumatic injury in last night’s WAFCON semi-final against a victorious Nigeria.

“I know you’re a woman of deep and public faith, Gabriela, and you’re a woman of bravery and skill on the pitch. The nation wishes you well. Casablanca was always going to be a tough ask for our national team as Africa’s defending champions and Nigeria’s breakthrough in referee optional proved this,” said Ramaphosa.

He said they are confident Banyana Banyana will regroup and return to WAFCON as future champions. Ramaphosa said they wish Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses well for Saturday’s dream home final for the host nation.

Joining in on the well wishes were the Super Falcons of Nigeria. Some of their players were distraught after Salgado’s injury and were openly in tears during the game.

A few Nigeria players went to the hospital to visit her on 23 July 2025, and they presented her with a signed Super Falcon jersey.

“The entire Super Falcons of Nigeria family, from players and coaches to staff were profoundly saddened to learn of the serious injury sustained by Gabriela Salgado during yesterday’s match.

Our immediate thoughts are solely with her for comfort, care, and the recovery journey ahead. We are holding Gabriela, her teammates, her family and close friends in our hearts, sending our deepest wishes for strength and resilience. Our immediate focus, and our enduring concern, is solely for her wellbeing, comfort, and recovery,” read a statement from the Super Falcons team.

The Super Falcons team said the spirit of competition instantly fades in moments like these, replaced by a shared sense of care for a fellow athlete. They said as fellow members of this football community, The Super Falcons NGR stands firmly alongside Banyana Banyana in solidarity and support.

“Our collective wish is for Gabriela’s steady healing, renewed strength, and a return to the pitch when she is ready, surrounded by the unwavering support of the team and community. With sincere sympathy and solidarity,” read a statement from the Super Falcons team.

Banyana Banyana has been given the day off and will return to action on Thursday to conclude preparations for the final match of the tournament. They face Ghana in the third and fourth place play-off at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

Kick-off is at 21h00 SA time (20h00 local time in Morocco).

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NA agrees to establish Adhoc Committee on Mkhwanazi matter

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Picture: KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi

By BAKANG MOKOTO  

23 July 2025 – The National Assembly (NA), has today during its sitting, adopted the joint report of the Portfolio Committee on Police and the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development on wide-ranging allegations made by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, regarding security matters that have implications for the country’s national security.

Amid the NA Speaker’s request for the committees to consider, on an urgent basis, the wide-ranging allegations regarding security matters within their respective mandates, the committees have submitted the report within the stipulated time frame, set as no later than 23 July 2025.

The NA spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said following the committees’ consideration of the matter, as part of their recommendations, they identified various issues arising from the allegations as falling within the NA’s accountability and oversight function. Mothapo  said the issues include, the alleged unlawful decision by Minister Senzo Mchunu to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), the alleged unlawful removal of 121 case dockets from the PKTT on the direction of the Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, the alleged moratorium by Mchunu on filling vacancies within the SAPS’ Crime Intelligence Unit, whether Mchunu misled Parliament about the nature of his relationship with Brown Mogotsi, whether the award of a R360 million contract to Vusimuzi Cat Matlala’s company for the provision of healthcare services to SAPS was irregular and the alleged interference by IDAC in police matters, including jurisdictional issues, among others.

“The committees proposed that an Ad Hoc Committee be established in accordance with NA Rule 253, stating that the scope of such a committee is task specific and time bound, contrary to the general oversight function of portfolio committees which, in contrast, is ongoing and often requires juggling competing priorities.

“The committees also recommended, without being prescriptive, that the House considers that should it resolve to establish an Ad Hoc Committee, the process to be concluded within ninety days of the committee being instituted – provided that the timeframe may be amended or extended if necessary,” he said.

Mothapo further said the committees proposed that the approach adopted ensures that the principle of separation of powers is respected throughout, the Ad Hoc committee be appropriately resourced, including having ready access to external forensic and legal advisory services, consideration be given to the possible need to provide for the protection of potential whistle-blowers on how best to facilitate public participation and transparency.

He added that, as far as possible, meetings should be conducted openly and whenever possible, broadcast on Parliament TV and on its social media channels.

“Consideration be given on how to ensure that the work of the Ad Hoc committee does not duplicate or overlap with the work of the inquiry/investigation simultaneously being undertaken by the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence and does not lead to conflicting outcomes.

“The committees further urged, as far as legally permissible, for continuous oversight of the work of the Commission of Inquiry and requests that the interim reports submitted to the President to also be made available to Parliament,” said Mothapo.

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FOSA: “Illegal spaza shops are still oprating”

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Picture: Spaza shop/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

23 July 2025- Forum for South Africa (FOSA) said while many have forgotten about the issue of illegal spaza shops, it has never divorced itself from the struggle for justice. FOSA said a month ago, it wrote to the Minister of Small Business Development through its legal head, Adv Matswiki, requesting clarity from the Minister with regard to measures put in place in protecting the children against illegal spaza shops.

FOSA national leader, Tebogo Mashilompane said in addition, they sought an explanation as to why illegal spaza shops are still operating despite the fact that children died after eating snacks from spaza shops. Mashilompane said they have taken the responsibility to protect the vulnerable, hence they want the department to be proactive not reactionary as they always do.

“It must also be stated that in the recent past, FOSA has engaged the Minister of COGTA about the same issue, and he referred us to the Minister of Small Business Development. To date, the Minister never bothered to give clarity despite the fact that we have made two follow ups.

“As a result, FOSA gave the Minister of Small Business Development until tomorrow, 24 July 2025 to respond. If the Minister does not respond by the due date, the legal team will take the matter to court,” he said.

Mashilompane further said they will urge the courts to hold the Minister personally liable for the deaths of all the children and also liable for legal costs. He added that, as a reasonable organization, we have given the Minister enough time to respond  or have a meeting with our team so we can understand the reasons why illegal spaza shops are still operating, especially by illegal foreigners, but the Minister does not see the urgency and the impotence of our call, so, on behalf of the innocent children, they will fight for their justice in court.

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Corruption has heighten under Ramaphosa’s administration

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By REGINALD KANYANE

23 July 2025- Activists and Citizens Forum, Dennis Bloem said when the retired Chief Justice, Raymond Zondo, addressed the SACC Anti-Conference, he told the religious leaders that the country is busy fighting corruption for more than thirty years and corruption is getting worse. Bloem said it seems there is no fight against corruption.

He further said Zondo also told the conference that the ANC committed a very grave mistake by disbanding the effective anti-corruption unit, the Scorpions. Bloem added that this unit was very successful in arresting corrupt people and sending them to jail.

“Whether one is a political leader, or a Member of Parliament, or a businessman or an ordinary citizen, the Scorpions did not favour anyone. They did their work without fear or favour.

“The country thought that under former President Jacob Zuma’s administration, corruption was at the highest level. However, the country was wrong. Corruption is worse now and out of control under President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration,” he said.

Bloem said corruption is completely out of control at all levels of government, municipalities, provincial governments, and National Government. He said people are stealing taxpayers’ money as if the world is coming to an end tomorrow.

“The reason why there is no end in corruption is because the government is infiltrated by criminals masquerading as political leaders. Meanwhile, they are the biggest thieves. KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, told the country a few weeks ago that the South African Police Services are infiltrated by criminal syndicates and that some politicians are also on the payroll of these syndicates.

“Activists and Citizens Forum believe that corruption will not end for as long as the ANC is in power. We know this so-called Government of National Unity is just a rubber stamp for the ANC,” said Bloem.

He said the only way that corruption can come to an end, is that they get rid of this corrupt government and that the people demand an urgent overhaul of the criminal justice system, establish an effective anti-corruption unit like the Scorpions, who will act without fear or favour.

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