Of ants and men: Africa’s new trafficking problem

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Picture: Ants in a hole/Generic

By BERTIE JACOBS

14 May 2025- They might be small and largely inconspicuous, but ants are becoming big business for a growing market of enthusiasts. In April, Kenyan authorities intercepted two Belgian teenagers, a Vietnamese national, and a local accomplice as they attempted to smuggle 5 400 live queen ants out of the country.

Their illicit cargo, consisting mainly of the Messor cephalotes species, was carefully packed into over 2 200 modified test tubes and syringes all designed to keep the ants alive during their journey to European terrariums. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) estimated the collection’s local value at approximately 1.2 million Kenyan shillings, though European collectors might have paid as much as one million US dollars for the entire haul – a clear indication that the ant trade is becoming a lucrative target for smugglers.

This marks another troubling shift in the world of wildlife crime. According to Prof Henk Bouwman from the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management at North West University (NWU) in South Africa, such trafficking poses a significant threat to local ecosystems unprepared for the arrival of foreign species.

“The smuggling of ants is not a good thing. The smuggling of any animal to places, where they do not occur naturally is quite troublesome. Ants are a fantastic group of animals to study and to look at. There are 12 000 to 15 000 known species and we estimate that there might be more than double that.

“They are really incredible and occur in almost any habitat from deep underground to right at the top of trees in rainforest. Those in rainforest for instance, are so well adapted that if they fall out of the tree, they can actually steer themselves back towards a trunk of the tree and do not fall all the way down to the ground,” said Bouwman.

He further said ants do not have to climb back up. Bouwman added that this illustrates the adaptability of ants to different conditions.

“When they end up in places where there is no resistance from plants or animals to these ants, which is not their fault, of course then it can have tremendous consequences for the ecology and even economy of that region.

“It is really bad to have people doing this kind of thing. As traditional smuggling targets like elephants and rhinos come under increased protection, traffickers are turning their attention to smaller, less conspicuous species,” said Bouwman.

He said for conservationists, this is a stark reminder that preserving Africa’s natural heritage must include not only its largest residents, but also its smallest.

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EFF in North West demand answers after ‘illegal’ occupation of Mahikeng airport by foreigners

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Picture: GD Montshioa International Airport

By OBAKENG MAJE

14 May 2025- The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in North West calls on the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management to probe the alleged illegal activities taking place at the Dr Dick Montshioa International Airport in Mahikeng. This comes after startling allegations that, foreign nationals, specifically Nigerians, have illegally occupied the aviation facilities at the airport.

The EFF provincial secretary, Papiki Babuile said he is not surprised by these kinds of allegations because South Africa has incompetent and pitiable police intelligence. Babuile said two months ago, they embarked on an oversight visit at the airport and noticed infrequent activities, where planes were allegedly illegally landing.

“Remember, when it comes to police intelligence, we are very weak in South Africa, particularly in the North West. We actually embarked on an oversight visit two months ago at the airport and noticed that there were planes landing, which were not supposed to be at that airport.

“The department was not even aware of such activities. We were wondering as the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management that, who are these individuals, who authorised them and who are they working for and what kind of activities are they running,” he said.

Babuile further said, they want the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng to be held accountable. He added that they will engage with the police and ensure that a criminal case is opened against malefactors.

“Not long ago, there was illegal mining taking place in Stilfontein for months and our police intelligence could not even pick that up. So, we are vulnerable when it comes to police intelligence,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management, Freddy Sonakile said: “They have taken serious note of a video currently circulating on social media platforms.

“In the video, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, is seen confronting individuals allegedly occupying the GD Montshioa Airport in Mahikeng without authorisation and instructing them to vacate the premises.”

Sonakile said while they commend Morweng for his hands-on approach and visible oversight, the incident has raised deeply troubling questions that demand immediate investigation and full accountability. He said the committee has urgently written to Morweng to initiate a thorough investigation into the matter and to submit a comprehensive report outlining the facts, remedial actions and steps to prevent such breaches in future.

“The committee also noted that the GD Montshioa Airport is under 24-hour security surveillance provided by Eagle Eye Security and has a full-time Site Manager appointed to oversee operations.

“It is, therefore, wholly unacceptable and implausible to suggest that no one within the department or at the airport was aware of individuals occupying state property, allegedly without paying rent,” said Sonakile.

He said to assert ignorance in this case would be tantamount to attempting to pull wool over the public’s eyes. Sonakile said the committee will not accept vague explanations or deflections.

“The committee has requested a report from the department to account on whether is there an existence of an aviation school at the GD Montshioa Airport, whether any lease agreements exist with said individuals or entities and the role of the North West Department of Public Works and Roads as the custodian of government properties in this context.

“If there are no valid lease agreements and no rental income has been collected, while individuals have been utilising state property for free, then accountability must follow swiftly and decisively,” he said.

Sonakile said permitting unauthorised and rent-free occupation of government property not only undermines the rule of law, but opens the door to corruption, mismanagement and the erosion of public trust. He said the committee is clear and in the absence of firm and visible consequences, Morweng and his department will be left to fight fires every week.

“The time for soft approaches is over. The people of the North West deserve transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public assets,” said Sonakile.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management said its legal team requested it wait before engaging media in the matter.

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Four men sentenced to 60 years in gang-related murders

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Picture: Four men sentenced to 60 years imprisonment for gang-related murder/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

14 May 2025- Four accused, Mbulelo Suswana (34), Sindile Olifant (25), Matjaleng Mbipha (27), and Tebogo Moshane (23), were each sentenced on two counts of murder and one of arson committed in Jouberton Township, near Klerksdorp on 30 August 2022. This comes after the police were summoned to Extension 24, where a house was set alight and two men were stabbed to death.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said upon arrival, the police found the body of Xolile Nxamakele (28), with multiple stab wounds on his body. Mokgwabone said furthermore, Nkululeko Paraffin’s body (25), also with multiple stab wounds, was found not far from the initial crime scene.

“The preliminary investigations led to the apprehension of Mbulelo Suswana and Sindile Olifant shortly after the incident. The matter was handed to the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit for investigation and that culminated in the arrest of two more suspects, Tebogo Moshane and Matjaleng Mbipha at Extension 22 in Jouberton Township.

“It also transpired that the incident was linked to gang rivalry,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said all accused have been in custody since their arrests. He added that Suswana, Olifant, Mbipha and Moshane were sentenced to double life imprisonment for murders and 15 years for arson each.

“The accused were all declared unfit to possess firearms in terms of section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 60 of 2000,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, thanked the Investigating Officer, D/Sgt Buti Matlhoko, the prosecutor, Chris Kok and all other role players for their tireless efforts that ensured the convictions. Asaneng said that the sentence meted out to these four accused should send a strong message and stern warning to other gangsters in Jouberton and the entire Dr Kenneth Kaunda District that their time to face the full wrath of the criminal justice system is near.

“For many years the social fabric and peaceful co-existence of the communities of Jouberton, Kanana, Khuma and Tigane have been torn apart by marauding gangs of mostly teenagers committing the most barbaric and horrendous crimes.

“It is precisely the reason why the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit was established in 2020/2021, and it is hoped that the heavy sentences meted out to these four young men, who are supposed to be at the prime of their lives will serve as a deterrence to other gangsters to mend their lives of crime which has brought hardships and pain to their families, friends and the communities they live with,” he said. 

Asaneng said while these former mining townships are on the periphery of affluence, but ravaged by the scourge of substance abuse, poverty and unemployment, there is absolutely no justifiable reason for the existence of the internecine marauding gangs, especially when one takes into consideration the many inspirational role models that have come from these places especially in the sports and music spheres.

“Hopefully, this tragedy will galvanise the people of Jouberton and Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, civil society, Faith Based Organisations and government on a new path of moral regeneration and Botho/Ubuntu,” he concluded.

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Monna wa kwa Lokgabeng o latofadiwang ka go bolaya lekgarebe la gagwe o boela kgotlhatshekelo

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Setshwantsho: Moswi, Boitshepo Medichane/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

13 Motsheganong 2025- Monna o latofadiwang ka go tlhaba le go bolaya lekgarebe la gagwe kwa motseng wa Lokgabeng, gaufi le Taung, o tlile go boela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno. Molatofadiwa, Simon Molale (23), one a tshwarwa le go latofadiwa ka polao ya lekgarebe la gagwe, eleng Tshepiso Medichane.

Go begwa fa Molale a ile a tlhabakaka Medichane ka thipa, mme a le botsa phokoje kwa lefelong la tiragalo fa a bonwa ke batho. Fela, go begwa fa ba lelapa la gagwe ba ne ba mo tshwara le go mo isa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Taung di ura morago ga tiragalo. 

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are Molale one a tshwarwa le go latofadiwa ka polao ya ga Medichane.

“Ke nnete molatofadiwa mo kgetsing e ya polao o tshwerwe. Molatofadiwa one a isiwa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi ke ba lelapa la gagwe.

“One a na le dikgobalo, mme o ile a amogelwa kwa bookelong jwa selegae. Molatofadiwa o lebagane le kgetsi ya polao, mme thipa e e dirisitsweng go bolaya moswi ene ya fitlhelwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo.”

Kgabagare, Molale one a ganelwa ka beile ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung morago ga magatwe a gore o lekile go tsaya botshelo jwa gagwe.

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Ramaphosa deepens RSA’s trade and investment ties across Africa

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

13 May 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said they are deepening their trade and investment ties across Africa. Ramaphosa said this week he is attending the Africa CEO Forum in the Ivorian capital, Abidjan, where they are showcasing the country’s potential as a premier investment and trade destination.

He further said they are also supporting South African firms as they seek new opportunities on the continent. Ramaphosa added that this is an annual event that brings together almost 3,000 CEOs, heads of state and investors to explore potential business leads, partnerships and opportunities. 
 
“South Africa’s high-level participation in this Forum underscores our commitment to play a leading role in Africa’s economic integration. The Africa CEO Forum takes place at a time of much disruption in the global economy, characterised by geopolitical tension, trade wars and conflicts that are causing instability in key shipping corridors. 
 
“What this means is that South African businesses are actively exploring new market opportunities. South African investments in other African countries have a long history. These investments have grown and diversified from mining into sectors such as construction, IT and telecommunications, healthcare, financial services, retail and the green economy,” he said. 
 
Ramaphosa said since the advent of democracy in 1994, their government has implemented several initiatives to promote trade and investment elsewhere on the continent, including partnerships and trade agreements. He said they are witnessing the benefits of these efforts.

“The latest trade statistics published by the SA Revenue Service point to increased exports to countries in the region, like Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia, as well as with the rest of Africa. We are determined to use the longstanding presence of South African companies on our continent to expand trade and investment with fellow African nations. 
 
“The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is creating a more predictable and conducive environment for business to thrive across borders. Our businesses must seize this opportunity even as the process of harmonising regulations continues,” said Ramaphosa. 
 
He said the upheavals in the global economy present an opportunity for strategic, Africa-focused trade and investment policy. Ramaphosa said South African business must be at the forefront of the transformation of African industry.

“As government, we are committed to provide the necessary supportive policy and regulatory frameworks. By equal measure we will be making the case for African firms to invest in South Africa.

“We have a diverse economy with highly developed industrial sectors. We have established industries in mining, agriculture, manufacturing, financial and professional services, IT and others,” he said. 
 
Ramaphosa said South Africa is a leader in digital innovation on the continent and one of the leading incubators of tech start-ups. He said the World Intellectual Property Organisation ranks South Africa second among economies in sub-Saharan Africa in the Global Innovation Index.
 
“The structural reform process began under the sixth administration and continued under the Government of National Unity aims to position South Africa as a premier trade and investment destination. 
 
“We are working to make our economy more competitive by reducing the cost of doing business, improving our infrastructure and investing in skills development. We are reforming our visa regime to attract skills and promote tourism in South Africa,” said Ramaphosa.
 
He said they are using our G20 Presidency to amplify the continent’s voice and focus global attention on Africa’s economic potential. Ramaphosa said they are prioritising inclusive global cooperation, a just and equitable economic recovery and promoting long-term environmental resilience. 
 
“South Africa is greatly encouraged by a new wave of continental business expansion. We are forging ahead to deepen investment and trade with the rest of the continent in a manner that contributes to shared prosperity for all Africa’s people,” he said. 

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Amajita qualify for the FIFA U20 men’s World Cup

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Picture: Amajita qualified for U20 FIFA World Cup

By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 May 2025 – The South African U20 men’s national team beat their DR Congo counterparts in the quarterfinals of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Egypt to advance to the semi-finals, and also secure a ticket to the U20 FIFA World Cup. It was a typically tough knockout match, with drama, excitement and never-ending emotions, but a lone strike from two teams that were determined to secure qualification settled matters for the South Africans.

Thabang Mahlangu scored the winner for Amajita in extra time to send the South Africans to the Under-20 World Cup in Chile in September 2025.

South African Football Association (SAFA) President Dr Danny Jordaan congratulated the team and said their hard work has been rewarded in Egypt.

“This is another momentous occasion, coming so soon after we qualified for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Sunday, and the FIFA U17 World Cup to be held in Qatar from 3–27 November 2025,” the SAFA President said.

U20 Coach Raymond Mdaka: “We used almost everything that we thought we had, technically, tactically, physically and the character. You could see they had a very good plan for us, but we were fortunate not to concede in the first half and in the second half. We sorted it out and then we at least came back and were able to get a goal and protect the goal.”

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A principal and teacher fired for having sexual relations with learners

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Picture: Golfview Secondary School in Mahikeng

By BAKANG MOKOTO

13 May 2025- The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West on Tuesday welcomed the recent dismissal of a Golf View Secondary educator and Letsatsing Secondary School principal found guilty by the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) of improper relationship and sexual assault on learners. The civil society led organisation promoting the Positive Charter of Values and Ubuntu said that abuse of the most vulnerable in the school system constitutes a national crisis that cannot no longer be tolerated.

The Convenor of the MRM Provincial Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele, commended learners who blew the whistle on the two perpetrators describing their actions as heroic. Kgwele said shocking exhibits of a video of a Golf View Secondary teacher, Modise Mokomele allegedly having sex with a pupil, a photo of her private parts and one of her lying on his chest, while they were in bed together reportedly shared with a teacher by one of the learner’s friends, were shown during the ELRC arbitration hearing held last week Tuesday.

“The ELRC also dismissed Paseka Molefe, the principal of Letsatsing Secondary School in Mmabatho, after finding him guilty of grabbing her waist and apparently saying it was pleasurable to grab.

“The said educators had betrayed the trust bestowed upon them to act in loco-parentis and the best interest of learners. Their unprofessional conduct was a violation of the South African Council of Educators’ code of professional ethics as well as Educators Code of Conduct and thus brought the teaching profession into disrepute,” he said.

Kgwele applauded Golf View Secondary and Letsatsing School Management, as well School Governing Bodies (SGBs), including the North West Education Department for taking necessary steps to hold the alleged perpetrators accountable. He further said the inclusion of their names on the Sexual Offenders Register will guarantee that they are no-where near learning institutions.

“We commend the North West University (NWU) students for their outreach programme on sexual harassment, which encouraged the Letsatsing learner to speak out on her ordeal at the hands of Molefe.

“This underscores the importance of meaningful dialogues and partnership with higher education institutions and other stakeholders necessary to promote sound family and community values during the year MRM has dedicated as the Year of the Family to address among others strengthening the  of families to care for children,” said Kgwele.

He added that intensifying such initiatives will assist reduce teenage pregnancies and the prevalent sugar daddy syndrome that is robbing school girls of their innocence and childhood. Kgwele said the ruling should serve as a deterrent and encourage other learners with similar experiences to speak out because it does not matter how far back incidents of sexual harassment and or rape took place, the SAPS Family Violence and Sexual Offences Unit will investigate reported cases in order to bring justice to victims.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said: “The department acknowledges the findings of ELRC regarding Molefe and Mokomele, who have found to have committed a serious sexual misconduct involving learners. Both Molefe and Mokomele, have not yet indicated whether they intend to appeal the sanction through labour court or not.

“The department encourages learners to speak out and not to remain silent in cases of sexual victimisation within schools. Furthermore, the department emphasises the importance of teachers fostering a caring parental relationship with learners and maintaining appropriate boundaries to ensure a safer and respectful learning environment.”

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Monna o ‘bolailwe’ kwa Phaphosane

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

13 Motsheganong 2025- Monna wa dingwaga di le 38, o tlhokafetse kwa motseng wa Phaphosane, gaufi le Ganyesa ka Lamatlhatso. Go ya ka magatwe a sa totobalang, go begwa fa monna o, a ne a tlhaselwa ke baagi morago ga go mo latofatsa ka bogodu.

Go begwa fa monna o, a ile a thuntsiwa le go fisetswa mo ntlung.

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are: “Sepodisi se butse kgetsi ya morago ga loso morago ga gore monna a fitlhelwe a tlhokafetse mo ntlung. Dipatlisiso di tsweletse.”

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Recall of various vehicles with defect in SA   

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Picture: More vehicles being recalled in RSA/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

13 May 2025- The National Consumer Commission (NCC) said Stellantis South Africa (Pty) Ltd has informed it that they are recalling the Jeep-Wrangler and Jeep-Wrangler Chrysler 300c models due to a defect in the Takata airbag. NCC said, according to the supplier, the passenger airbag inflator may rupture, due to excessive internal pressure, during normal airbag deployment events. The NCC spokesperson, Phetho Ntaba said in the event of an inflator rupture, metal fragments could strike the vehicle occupants, which may result in serious injury or death. Ntaba said these vehicles were made available for sale from 2014 to 2016. Consumers are required to visit the nearest authorised dealership for a repair or replacement of the airbag.

“Stellantis South Africa (Pty) Ltd is recalling the Citroen C4, DS4 and DS5 models distributed from 2009 to 2016. These vehicles are being recalled due to a driver’s and passenger’s airbag inflator that may rupture during the airbag deployment phase.

“The potentially high energetic deployment of the inflator may lead to metal fragments detaching from the bursting inflator, and these parts could fly in the direction of the driver or occupants in the vehicle, capable of causing serious injury or possibly death in a worst-case scenario,” she said.

Ntaba further said Mercedes-Benz AG South Africa has notified the NCC that certain CLA (118 platforms) vehicles, “the length of the brake hoses on the rear axle might not have met the specifications”. She added that the brake hoses of the rear axle might come into contact with surrounding components, chafe over time, and subsequently cause brake fluid to leak.

“This, according to the supplier, will lead to a reduced braking performance in one of the two brake circuits, increasing the risk of an accident caused by the brake fluid loss. Same with the S-Class (model series 223). Mercedes-Benz AG South Africa is recalling these vehicles due to brake hoses on the front axle.

“The brake hoses may gradually start to leak in hot and moist areas after an extended operating period. As a result, the brake fluid could leak out, impairing brake power in one of the two brake circuits, increasing the risk of an accident. The recalled vehicles were produced between 2020 and 2023,” said Ntaba.

She said also Audi South Africa informed the NCC that they were recalling the Audi -Tron GT vehicles. Ntaba said the recall is as a result of a high high-voltage battery.

“This is caused by some individual cell modules of the high-voltage battery that may display technical irregularities. The high-voltage battery may overheat, resulting in an acute fire hazard, with the associated risk of severe fatal injuries to people inside and or outside the vehicle, as well as significant property damage,” according to the supplier.

“A total of 46 affected vehicles were made available nationally. Consumers with affected vehicles should submit their vehicles to any Audi SA-approved Dealer for checking and, if necessary, module replacement. The affected vehicles were produced on 27 October 2021 onwards,” said Ntaba.

Meanwhile, the Volkswagen of South Africa Limited notified the NCC that they were recalling the VW Polo Sedan.  According to the supplier, the latch plates for the rear seat belt were produced with insufficient hardness.

Ntaba said, therefore, in the event of powerful deceleration (accident or hard braking), “there may be a reduced retention or protective effect and related increased risk of injury.” She said 905 affected vehicles were made available for sale nationally from 2 April 2025 onwards.

“Affected consumers are urged to contact an approved Volkswagen dealer for a check and, if necessary, replacement of the affected components. Volvo Car South Africa is recalling 27 Volvo (XC90 models years 2020-2022). The recall is as a result of a potential issue with the high-voltage battery. According to the supplier, the issue may lead to overheating of the battery cells when the battery is fully charged, and in a worst-case scenario, the overheating in the high-voltage battery may lead to a thermal event.

“Consumers with affected vehicles are requested to book their vehicles into the nearest approved agents or dealerships for a check and the replacement of defective components where necessary,” said Ntaba.

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Committee to conduct urgent oversight visit to Alexkor SOC LTD

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By REGINALD KANYANE

13 May 2025 – After a briefing from the Equitable Access Campaign (EAC) on its petition to the Speaker of the National Assembly (NA), Thoko Didiza, relating to allegations of general accountability failure, maladministration and corruption at Alexkor SOC Ltd, the Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Petroleum Resources has resolved to conduct an urgent oversight visit to Alexkor. The committee said EAC is composed of small-scale marine diamond miners, who were contracted to Alexkor.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Mikateko Mahlaule said the campaign petitioned Didiza, to request Parliament’s intervention in addressing the alleged wrongdoings at Alexkor. Mahlaule said Didza then referred the petition to the committee for further processing.

“We thanked the EAC for bringing Parliament’s attention to all matters of wrongdoing at the company and reiterated the committee’s commitment to getting to the bottom of the allegations. The emergency oversight will form part of the fact-finding mission to deepen our understanding on the complexities around Alexkor’s operation, governance, as well as the alleged maladministration, unfair business practices and corruption.

“An oversight visit to Alexkor has always been on the committee’s programme and given the EAC’s petition, the committee believes that exceptional reasons exist to treat the matter with urgency. Alexkor is a state-owned company established in terms of the Alexkor Limited Act of 1992 as a listed schedule 2 public entity wholly owned by the government, with the Minister of Minerals and Petroleum Resources as the shareholder representative,” he said.

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