Parliament to continue with its process amid establishment of Commission of Inquiry to probe Mkhwanazi’s allegations

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

By OBAKENG MAJE

14 July 2025 – The Portfolio Committees on Police, Justice and Constitutional Development said they have noted the announcement by the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa to establish a Commission of Inquiry on allegations made by the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron said: “The announcement of the establishment of a commission will surely enable a process to root out corruption from the SAPS.

“It is important that the establishment of the commission is not merely cosmetic but facilitates greater reflection and steps to rejuvenate the entire criminal Justice system.”

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Xola Nqola said: “The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) as well as the Judiciary and Magistracy are pillars of the criminal justice system and constitutional rule of law.

“They are the guardians of justice and accountability, and we cannot have a question mark hanging over them, causing the public to lose confidence in our justice system.”

Cameron said while the announcement is welcomed, they both highlighted that the process announced by the President does not affect the parliamentary process. He said they said the directive from the office of the Speaker of the National Assembly was clear, and the committees will endeavour to urgently implement the directive.

“The Constitution mandates the national legislature to ensure effective oversight and accountability over the executive. It is in this context that the parliamentary process continues, especially because the credibility of the entire criminal justice system is at stake.

“As chairpersons, we underscore the importance of having an effective and efficient justice system that is capable of ensuring the safety and security of everyone. Despite the decisions made by the President, the perception of a systematic breakdown remains, and the parliamentary process might assist in ensuring openness and accountability,” he said.

Nqola said: “As a result, the committees will hold an initial meeting later this week to consider a way forward and report to the National Assembly as guided by the Speaker,” . 

Meanwhile, the South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) has applauded the establishment of an Independent Judicial Commission to probe allegations against Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, senior police officials, the judiciary including criminal syndicates announced by Ramaphosa on Sunday as a step in the right direction.

SAUCIC declared that Ramaphosa has demonstrated leadership by acting decisively and with conviction to protect the rule of law and good governance.  

“He has showed consideration to the fact that restoring the integrity of the South African Police Service (SAPS) cannot be compromised at the altar of political expediency nor precedence be set for anarchy to be entrenched as a character and or dominant feature of law enforcement and the criminal justice system,” declared SAUCIC President Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole.

Shole said that the culture of impunity within the police service must be confronted in order to ensure that it does not degenerate into a self-serving institution. He said the safety of citizens must not be compromised during this transition.

“We expect that the leadership of the SAPS at all levels will be held accountable for operational efficiency and the highest levels of professionalism in order to safeguard our communities against violent and organised crime syndicates.

“The appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia as Acting Minister of Police will bolster efforts to intensify the fight against corruption within the police service given his experience within the criminal justice cluster and commitment to serve,” said Shole.

He said opting for an ethical servant leader of his calibre has demonstrated impartiality and defined in no uncertain terms the objective of the unfolding process. Shole expressed hope that Parliament will suspend the establishment of adhoc committees it had set up to probe issues that the commission will be dealing with pending the finalization of reports.

“The commission is best placed to adjudicate on complex legal matters as well as broad issues such as accountability, recommend prosecution and where necessary disciplinary action taking into account abdication of responsibilities, commission and or omission on the part of anyone including the SAPS Management under the leadership of the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola.

“We commend Mchunu’s cooperation for accepting to be placed on special leave for the duration of the commission,” said Shole.

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Police ready to maintain law and order in Kimberley

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Picture: Shutdown in Kimberley

By AGISANANG SCUFF

14 July 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the greater Kimberley area said it is fully prepared and on high alert to ensure law and order during the planned peaceful march scheduled for 14 July 2025. The police said law enforcement authorities appeal to all participants and residents to act within the confines of the law to safeguard the safety and security of all community members.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson,

Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said unlawful conduct, including damage to property or harm to individuals, will not be tolerated and will be met with appropriate action. Ehlers said all necessary resources have been mobilised and deployed to monitor activities and to maintain public order throughout the course of the march.

“The SAPS will not allow lawlessness and acts of criminality. Those who are found on the wrong side of the law will be dealt with accordingly,” she said.

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Molapisi hand over two houses to needy families

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Picture: One of families receive a house from North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 July 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi has fulfilled a promise he made last year by handing over houses to two destitute families in Tlakgameng village, near Ganyesa, as part of build-up to his department’s Budget Vote that will be held later this month. Molapisi said the generous gesture was made possible through a successful partnership between the Department of Human Settlements and one developer contracted by the department to build houses in the area.

He further said the developer is said to be competent in the construction of houses with credible track record for constructing low cost houses for the department. Speaking during the handover, Molapisi added that it is through collaboration between the public and private sectors that they will be able to address the housing backlog and ensure that people have access to safe, affordable, and dignified living spaces.

“Today, we have brought back the dignity of the Setshogela and Montshabatho families. The houses we are handing over to them are a sign that our government continues to care about the plight of its people.

“This act of generosity has not only provided a safe and dignified shelter for the two vulnerable families but has also restored hope and a sense of belonging. It is through such meaningful interventions that lasting social change is achieved,” he said.  

Molapisi said the donation of the houses comes at the right time ahead of the departmental budget vote, which will be held on 23 July 2025, where he will outline plans by the department to achieve the mandate of creating a sustainable human settlement for all the citizens of the North West. He said the department extends its heartfelt appreciation to the philanthropists for their continued unwavering commitment to social responsibility and for making a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need.

“Their contribution is a true example of the power of partnerships between the government, private sector and communities in building a better future for all. 

Meanwhile, the handover was accompanied by other donations such as food parcels from the Department of Social Development, vegetable and seedlings from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and planting of trees in each household by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism. 

Receiving keys to the newly-built house, Kgomotso Ivy Setshogela, thanked the government and the contractor for gifting her family with the house. She said they now have a proper house structure to sleep in.

“I am grateful to the MEC and the contractor for affording me and my family shelter as I had long lost hope in our situation,” said Setshogela.

Setshogela (47) lives with 12 dependants in an old cracked house, which is on the brink of collapsing. The family survives through child support grants received by some of the children in the household.  

Another house beneficiary was the jubilant, Mmiki Montshabatho (70) who also gave gratitude to the department and all those involved for gifting the family with the new house. Montshabatho said she is overjoyed with the gesture and hoped that this does not only end with them and the same should be extended to others in need as well.

“We are a family of nine and we have been staying in a one-roomed shack. We did not have access to any government benefits such as grants and healthcare as we face challenges with civil documentation,” she said.

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Banna ba le babedi ba tshwerwe morago ga ditatofatso tsa go tshwara poo

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Setshwantsho: Kgotlhatsekelo ya Taung

Ka KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

14 Phukwi 2025- Banna ba le babedi ba solofetswe go tlhagelelwa kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno. Se, se tla morago ga dipego tsa gore banna ba le bane ba ba neng ba tlhometse, ba itelekele kwa ntlung ya motswasetlhabelo, Keitumetse Lenah Lebitsa (43), mme ba mo tshware poo.

Tiragalo e, ke ya ka Lamatlhatso kwa motseng wa Matsheng, gaufi le Taung. Go begwa fa banna ba, ba ile ba tsaya dilwana tsa mo ntlung ga mmogo le madi a seatleng.

Go begwa fa sepodisi se ile sa sala morago motlhala wa banna ba, mme ba tshwara ba le babedi ba bone.   

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Ramaphosa calls on law enforcement agencies to remain steadfast

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By REGINALD KANYANE

14 July 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has launched a Commission of Inquiry to probe explosive allegations levelled against Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Judiciary and some of Members of Parliament (MPs). This came after the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged that some politicians and prosecutors are in bed with criminals.

Ramphosa further said the matter raised concerns the security of the country, the integrity of the law enforcement agencies and the safety of the people. He added that Mkhwanazi alleged that there is an existence and operation of a sophisticated criminal syndicate that has infiltrated law enforcement and intelligence structures in South Africa.

“Mkhwanazi alleged that Mhcunu interfered with sensitive police investigations and colluded with business people, including a murder accused, to disband the Political Killings Task Team based in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Mkhwanazi also said that a police investigation by the task team in Gauteng unmasked a syndicate controlled by a drug cartel, which involves politicians, law enforcement officials from the SAPS, metro police and correctional services, prosecutors and the judiciary, as well as business people,” said Ramaphosa.

He said the allegations made in this media briefing raise serious concerns around the constitution, the rule of law and national security. Ramaphosa said these allegations, if proven true, threaten to undermine the confidence of South Africans in the ability of the South African Police Service to protect them and to effectively fight crime and corruption.

“South Africans are concerned about corruption and the rise of criminality in our country, which manifests itself in the killing of innocent people, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), gang violence, kidnappings, construction mafia criminality and many others.

“As we intensify the fight against crime, it is vital that we safeguard the integrity and credibility of the police and other law enforcement agencies. These allegations therefore call for an urgent and comprehensive investigation. To address these allegations and the implications of these allegations, I am establishing a judicial commission of inquiry chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga,” he said.

Ramaphosa said Madlanga will be assisted by Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC and Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC. He said the Commission will investigate allegations relating to the infiltration of law enforcement, intelligence and associated institutions within the criminal justice system by criminal syndicates.

“Among the allegations that the Commission may investigate are the facilitation of organised crime, suppression or manipulation of investigations, inducement into criminal actions by law enforcement leadership, commission of any other criminal offences and intimidation, victimisation or targeted removal of whistle-blowers or officials resisting criminal influence.

“The Commission will investigate the role of current or former senior officials in certain institutions who may have aided or abetted the alleged criminal activity, failed to act on credible intelligence or internal warnings, or benefited financially or politically from a syndicate’s operations,” said Ramaphosa.

He said these institutions are the South African Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority, State Security Agency, the Judiciary and Magistracy, and the metropolitan police departments of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane. Ramahosa said the Commission will also investigate whether any members of the National Executive responsible for the criminal justice system, were complicit, aided and abetted, or participated in the acts mentioned above.

“The Commission will be asked to report on the effectiveness or failure of oversight mechanisms, and the adequacy of current legislation, policies and institutional arrangements in preventing such infiltration.

“It will make findings and recommendations for criminal prosecutions, disciplinary actions and institutional reform. Once established, the Commission shall consider prima facie evidence relating to the involvement of individuals currently employed within law enforcement or intelligence agencies,” he said. 

Ramaphosa said where appropriate, the Commission must make recommendations on the employment status of such officials, including whether they should be suspended pending the outcome of further investigations.  He said the Commission will have the power to refer matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution, taking into account the nature of the allegations and evidence the Commission will uncover.

“It is critical that these matters be attended to with the necessary urgency and thoroughness. The Commission is expected to complete its work and submit a final report to the President. Interim reports are expected after 3 and 6 months respectively.

“The final report of the Commission will be sent to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice. Madlanga is retiring from the Constitutional Court at the end of July 2025, after years of distinguished service, and will therefore be able to give his full time and attention to the work of this commission,” said Ramaphosa.

He said in order for the Commission to execute its functions effectively, he has decided to put the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence with immediate effect.  Ramaphosa said Mchunu has undertaken to give his full cooperation to the Commission to enable it to do its work. 

“I have decided to appoint Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Minister of Police. Cachalia is currently a professor of law at the University of the Witwatersrand and is the chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council.

“He previously served as an MEC of Community Safety in Gauteng. I am appointing Cachalia in terms of Section 91(3)(c) of the Constitution, which empowers the President to select no more than two Ministers from outside the National Assembly,” said Ramaphosa.

He said Cachalia will be retiring from his current position at the University of Witwatersrand at the end of July. Ramaphosa said he will appoint an acting Minister from within the Cabinet until Cachalia takes up his post at the beginning of August.

“This Commission is being established against the backdrop of significant progress in rebuilding and strengthening our country’s law enforcement agencies and security services. In recent years, the South African Police Service, the Special Investigating Unit, the Asset Forfeiture Unit and other bodies have been making important inroads in the fight against organised crime and corruption.

“It is essential that we maintain this momentum and that we intensify this work. We will ensure that the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies continue to function without hindrance as the commission undertakes its work,” he said.

Ramaphosa calls on all members of the law enforcement agencies and security services to remain steadfast in upholding the rule of law and adhering to their code of conduct. He calls on all South Africans to support the commission in its work and, where appropriate, to provide any information or assistance the commission may require.

“In establishing this Commission of Inquiry, we are affirming our commitment to the rule of law, to transparency and accountability, and to building a South Africa in which all people are safe and secure,” said Ramaphosa.

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Banyana Banyana looking to finish top of group 

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Picture: Banyana Banyana coach, Dr Desiree Ellis

By REGINALD KANYANE

13 July 2025 – Banyana Banyana coach Dr Desiree Ellis said she is looking to finish top of Group C in the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after the defending champions qualified for the knockout stages of the tournament without kicking a ball, and with a match to spare. The South African senior women’s national team progressed to the next round, along with Mali, after the completion of the round robin stages in Group A, with Morocco beating Senegal 1-0 and Zambia triumphant over DR Congo by the same scoreline.

Dr Ellis’ charges currently lead their group on goal difference as they are level with Mali on four points each.

The two countries face off on 14 July 2025 at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco in a battle for top spot in the group. Banyana Banyana need only a draw or a win to retain their position ahead of the quarterfinals.

“We can get a point, but I think to play for a point is very dangerous. As long as I can remember, when we needed a draw, we’ve never gone to play for a point because you get caught, I’ve seen it happen to big teams.

“I don’t know what year it was but Benny McCarthy at Porto, Man United needing a draw and losing it right at the end and so we’re not that kind of team that will take it out of our hands,” said Ellis.

She further said they will ensure what they (Mali) are going to do, obviously they will see when the game starts how they set up whether they sit deep or whether they come. Ellis added that they have it in their hands to top the group, so they want to make sure that they win the game.

“This will be the second time the two nations meet, with the previous match ending in a 2-0 victory for South Africa in this same competition back in 2018 in Ghana in the semi-finals. Both sides have travelled a similar path in the 2024 edition so far – a win and a draw each and conceded one goal apiece.

“The last time we played Mali was 2018 where we actually wanted to go to the next stage, and what we know about them is that they are a typical African team – very physical, and they have a key player in their striker. But we have a good analysis team that is briefing us on that, and we know that it’s going to be a tough game,” she said.

Banyana Banyana co-captain Amogelang Motau said as they have seen with the tournament, every team has gotten better and that’s what they love to see for women’s football – the competitiveness going up and for them as players and individually, it can only make us better. Motau said they also have their strengths that they are planning to use against them, so the goal is to get positive results, and she think they will do that.

In their recent matches in this tournament, South Africa defeated Ghana and played to a 1-1 draw against Tanzania, while Mali overpowered Tanzania 1-0 and shared the spoils with Ghana 1-1.

“Tanzania and South Africa play similar football, we beat Tanzania in our first match now we are facing South Africa, a team we know very well and we think are beatable.

“But then again, games like these bring a different dimension but we have our own way of doing things and we will try and employ a different strategy and once the game starts you never know what will happen,” said Mali coach Mohamed Saloum ‘Housseï’.

Meanwhile, kick-off between the African Champions and Mali is at 9pm South African time (8pm local time in Morocco).

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North West MEC for DEDECT to host Business Forum Colloquim

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Picture: The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane

By OBAKENG MAJE

13 July 2025- The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane will host a Business Forum Colloquium in partnership with key stakeholders in the MSME sector across the North West.

Lenkopane said the colloquium is part of her department’ strategic build-up to the 2025/26 budget speech and forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships, foster dialogue, and align departmental interventions with inclusive economic priorities.

“This platform will bring together registered business forums, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and key government entities to deliberate on pressing economic challenges affecting the MSME sector, particularly access to bridging finance, regulatory bottlenecks, and institutional support.

“With a strong focus on empowerment, financial solutions, and stakeholder collaboration, the event under the theme “Driving Economic Empowerment” will also align with South Africa’s broader G20 2025 priorities of inclusive growth and sustainable economic development, especially in rural and underserved areas,” she said.

Lenkopane further said forums play a vital role in unlocking local economic opportunities, and this engagement reaffirms the department’s commitment to building a thriving, inclusive, and resilient provincial economy. She added that, the event will be held at the Mmabatho Convention Centre on 15 July 2025, at 12pm.

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Ramaphosa expected to establish a commission of inquiry amidst Mkhwanazi’s explosive allegations

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Picture: Embattled Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu

By REGINALD KANYANE

13 July 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA), President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Sunday, address the nation on developments arising from a public statement by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that details allegations against senior political and South African Police Service leadership. Ramaphosa was attending a BRICS summit in Brazil on 6 July 2025, when Mkhwanazi outlined numerous allegations at a media briefing.

Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said he undertook to attend to this development on his return from Brazil, in view of the implications for national security. Magwenya said Ramaphosa has been seized with this matter in recent days and will, following various consultations, take the nation into his confidence at 7pm on 13 July 2025.

“The President’s message will be broadcast and streamed on various platforms,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa is expected to establish a commission of inquiry led by a retired judge to investigate Mkhwanazi’s explosive allegations. During a media briefing last week, Mkhwanazi accused the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, Deputy Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya and some of members from National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and Judiciary in cohorts with criminals.

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Mosetsanyana o tlhokafetse morago ga go ja mazimba

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Ka REGINALD KANYANE

13 Phukwi 2025- Sepodisi sa kwa Batlharos, gaufi le Kuruman, se tlhalositse fa se batlisisa kgetsi ya morago ga loso. Se, se tla morago ga gore mosetsanyana wa dingwaga di le 12 a tlhokafale fa Phukwi a ne a tlhola matsatsi a le 6.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Kapa Bokone, Sarasanta Timothy Sam are dipatlisiso tsa sepodisi di shupa fa moswi ga mmogo le bo mogoloe ba jele mazimba. Go ya ka Sam, bana ba, ba ile ba ya go reka mazimba kwa spaza shop.

“Go begwa fa moswi a ile a tabogisetswa kwa bookelong kwa Kuruman morago ga gore a lwale.

Fela, go ile ga netefadiwa fa a setse a tlhokafetse. Dipholo tsa morago ga loso di tla nna karolo ya dipatlisiso,” Sam wa tlhalosa.

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