Picture: An inmate died in Correctional Services facility
By OBAKENG MAJE
1 May 2025– The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services today expressed its deep concern that the death of another inmate has now been found to be due to unnatural causes, this time multiple blunt force injuries. Four officials from the Goodwood Correctional Centre have been suspended.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said they noted the reports about the four officials being suspended following the death of inmate, Quinton Fortuin. Ramolobeng said they noted the reports that Fortuin allegedly attacked a correctional official, causing a broken arm.
“We noted that other officers had to intervene to subdue him. We further note that the post-mortem indicated that the cause of Fortuin’s death was a result of multiple blunt force injuries.
“This is extremely concerning as it comes across as excessive force or extreme measures are used in bringing inmates under control. We saw another incident recently at the Mangaung Correctional Centre,” she said.
Ramolobeng further said this is totally unacceptable. She added that, they call on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to thoroughly and speedily conduct its investigation into the inmate’s death in Goodwood.
“We want to express our sincerest condolences to the families and friends in their time of sorrow. The committee will call the Department of Correctional Services and the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services to brief it on these matters,” said Ramolobeng.
1 May 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it had joined South Africans in marking Workers’ Day. The party said it is doing that by recognising the millions who are able to work every day with freedoms and protections, to put food on the table, to better themselves and their families and to grow the economy.
The DA leader, John Steenhuisen said also, tragically, by recognizing the millions of South Africans, who cannot find work in the face of one of the world’s highest unemployment rates. Steenhuisen said at a staggering 44.6% youth unemployment, up from 43.2% in the previous quarter, young South Africans may look at this Workers’ Day with despair – but the DA commitment on this Workers’ Day is that their despair can be transformed into hope.
“There is hope for economic growth and job creation in South Africa today, because the course and path of South Africa changed fundamentally in last year’s election.
“The DA is committed to economic growth and job creation. We are proud of our track record of growing local economies, and creating the best job opportunities at municipal and provincial level where we govern,” he said.
Steenhuisen further said as of 2024, in the various ministries they are responsible for in the National Government of Unity (GNU). He added that this enables them to say today: ‘South Africa, Jobs Are On The Way’.
“In the DA-led Western Cape, you have the best chance of getting a job compared to any other province – because voters there have empowered the DA to lead and to create jobs.
“In the Western Cape youth unemployment is around half the national average and over 80% of people who want to work in the Western Cape get a job – this is the highest in South Africa,” said Steenhuisen.
He said DA’s action in parliament and court and hard political work recently led to the scrapping of the VAT hike and a redrafting of the entire national budget so that it can be focused on economic growth and jobs, because they could not accept doing more of the same and expecting new results.
Steenhuisen said their supporters voted them into these positions and gave them a mandate to work for this kind of change and they are delivering.
“In the Government of National Unity (GNU), the DA’s six ministries show what is possible when the DA’s national job creation plans can be implemented.
“For example in Home Affairs, the DA’s Dr Leon Schreiber, has introduced visa reforms to boost annual GDP growth by 1.2% and create 78 000 new jobs. In Public Works, the DA’s Dean Macpherson is overseeing R437 billion worth of infrastructure projects in transport, water, energy, and housing, to create jobs,” he said.
Steenhuisen said in Communications, the DA’s Solly Malatsi is improving access to affordable smartphones and high-speed internet to millions of South Africans to create jobs in the digital economy. He said while they focus on growth and jobs, they must also cut down the obstacles to growth, fairness and opportunities because talented South Africans are being held back by a legacy of outdated race-based policies that stifle potential and deter investment.
“For example, BEE in its current form is no longer seen by a majority of South Africans as the best path to redress or growth – this was confirmed by a national poll by IPSOS.
“While South Africa must experience redress and economic transformation, it cannot be through BEE scorecards, fronting, enriched cadres and head counting. This only leads to more exclusion,” said Steenhuisen.
He said on 6 May 2025, the DA will be in the North Gauteng High Court to challenge the Minister of Labour’s new racial employment targets, under the Employment Equity Amendment Act’s Section 15A – because this is an impediment to inclusion, economic growth and jobs. Steenhuisen said outdated policies that stand in the way of growth and jobs are in the DA’s crosshairs.
“We will do everything we can to take down these barriers. Rest assured this Workers’ Day, South Africa, jobs are on the way,” he said.
1 May 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in North West said it is deeply worried and concerned about the number of rape cases that are reported across the province mostly in townships, rural areas, villages and farms.
The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng is calling upon all community leaders, social activists, faith-based leaders, Gender and Right Groups from across the entire civil society and to join hands to address what is clearly a pandemic afflicting society.
Asaneng said, despite the development and adoption of integrated Social Crime Prevention Strategies and plans such as the Gender Based Violence and Femicide Strategy, Community Policing Strategy, National Crime Prevention Strategy and most recently the Integrated Violence and Crime Prevention Strategy, women, girl children and the elderly continue to be victims of gratuitous violent crimes perpetrated disturbingly by young men and in some instances partners or suspects who are known to victims.
“It is unfortunate and worrisome that there is an almost accepted perception and misdiagnosis of what is surely a pandemic afflicting society, which often result in the apportionment of blame.
“This misdiagnosis is apparent and accentuated during the quarterly releases of crime statistics by the SAPS where emphasis is placed not on the diagnostic analysis of incidents but on raw data or numbers of recorded cases,” he said.
Asaneng further said when incidents show a decrease, the SAPS takes the praises and yet, when the incidents show an increase the blame is put squarely on the failure of policing and not on all of the above strategies, which require a collaborative, integrated commitment and approach. He added that no amount of resources or a policing plan will address moral depravity and societal ills such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV), domestic violence and other social fabric crimes.
“Why is it acceptable for young people, most of whom would either still be learners or even unemployed, to frequent taverns and drink liquor? Why are the country’s Correctional Centres full to the brim with mostly young men all convicted and serving lengthy sentences for violent contact crimes?
“Surely, the narrative and the focus have to change for South Africa to save itself from itself,” he said.
Picture: The alleged accused, Kabelo Kabila Ntlatsana/Facebook
By STAFF REPORTER
1 May 2025- A man (41) who was arrested for allegedly killing his girlfriend, briefly appeared at Molopo Magistrate’s Court on 30 April 2025. The accused, Kabelo Kabila Tlatsana was arrested for the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Ester Monnapula (46).
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said Tlatsana’s court appearance stems from an incident that was reported to the police in the early hours of Monday morning, 28 April 2025. Myburgh said the police were called to the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital, where a nurse showed them the lifeless body of Monnapula, who had multiple injuries all over her body.
“The police were allegedly informed that Monnapula was brought to the hospital on Sunday evening, 27 April 2025, by her boyfriend, but was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. Tlatsana, assisted by family members, handed himself over to the Mmabatho Police Station on Monday morning, where he was immediately arrested and charged for murder.
“He was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on 8 May 2025, for a formal bail application,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, said this is one of many violent contact crimes that require a serious societal reflection, discourse and intervention on the pervasive consumption of liquor. Asaneng said the proliferation of liquor selling outlets, including taverns in communities, wherein the majority are mostly young, unemployed people who are dependent on government social grants, is one area that requires urgent attention, if the unacceptable high rate of contact crimes are to be reduced.
1 May 2025- The police in North West said it is concerned about the high rate of domestic violence and Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) related crimes, which are unfortunately blamed and wrongly attributed to poor, inadequate or ineffective policing.
This comes after a gruesome discovery of lifeless bodies of a couple that was discovered by their neighbour at Moime Section, in Serutube village, outside Phokeng in Rustenburg on 28 April 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the female victim (42), allegedly suffered and succumbed to serious injuries, while her boyfriend, believed to be the perpetrator (65), was found hanging from the rafters.
“Following the tragic domestic violence and Gender Based Violence (GBV) associated murder of a woman in Mahikeng last week, yet another reprehensible and tragic murder and suicide incident has been reported to the police in Phokeng at midday on 28 April 2025,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said no amount of police stations, Victim Friendly Rooms, serving of protection orders or police visibility patrols are going to eradicate the societal ills of domestic violence and GBV, which are perpetrated inside homes, schools and in some instances, by fake traditional healers and in places of worship by pastors.
“What is disturbing and deeply concerning is that when these incidents occur and are reported, the communities, social commentators, civil rights activists, social and mainstream media immediately get into highly reactive public apportionment of blame, instead of rational diagnosis of a societal crisis.
“Imbizos, men’s conferences, arrests and other current interventions are clearly ineffectual and therefore a serious paradigm shift is what the country needs regarding the correlation between substance abuse, violence and immorality in society,” he said.
1 Motsheganong 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le monna wa kwa motseng wa Qhoo, gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago go fitlha ka Labotlhano. Se se tla morago ga gore molatofadiwa, Pogisho Tshibithi (18), a tshwarwe le go latofadiwa ka polao.
Go begwa fa Tshibithi a ile a tlhaba Itumeleng Patrick Sinyolo (18) ka thipa le go mo bolaya ka gangwe fa Moranang a ne a tlhola matsatsi a le 28, teng kwa motseng wa Qhoo. Go begwa fa Sinyolo le Tshibithi ba ne ba lwela lekgarebe lengwe le go begwang fa le setse le le kwa tlase ka dingwaga.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are tiragalo e, ke ya ura ya borobedi mo bosigong. Myburgh are sepodisi se ile sa bilediwa kwa ntlung nngwe, kwa ba ileng ba shupediwa setopo sa ga Sinyolo se se neng sena le dintho tsa go tlhabiwa.
“Sepodisi se ile sa bontshiwa setopo seo ke rragwe moswi. Go ile ga bidiwa ba thuso ya potlako, mme ba ile ba netefatsa fa Senyolo a setse a tlhokafetse. Molatofadiwa o setse a tlhageletse makgetlho a le mabedi kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mabapi le ditatofatso tsa polao,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, lekawana le, le ile la busediwa kwa ntlo-lefitshwana, mme o solofetswe go ka dira kopo ya beile mo letsatsing la kamoso.
Picture: The Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana
By BAKANG MOKOTO
1 May 2025- The Speaker of the National Assembly (NA), Thoko Didiza reiterated Parliament’s readiness to process and adopt the revised Budget and Fiscal Framework swiftly and responsibly within the legally prescribed timeframe and in full compliance with its constitutional and legislative obligations.
Chairing the National Assembly’s Programme Committee, Didiza confirmed that the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, will table the revised Budget and Fiscal Framework in the NA on 21 May 2025.
The National Assembly (NA) spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said the committee agreed that the sitting would be a physical meeting. Mothapo said Didiza reaffirmed the timeframes for budget approval prescribed in the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act and emphasised that every effort will be made to ensure that government operations continue seamlessly and that the principles of accountability and sound financial governance are upheld.
“She assured the public that the process in Parliament will be transparent and in full compliance with the law as the institution fulfils its constitutional mandate,” he said.
Meanwhile, the www.sanews.gov.za reported that Minister Enoch Godongwana will table the new budget proposals on 21 May 2025. The website said this after the National Treasury announced that it has withdrawn the proposed 0.5% Value-Added Tax (VAT) increase which was to be implemented on 1 May 2025.
Godongwana announced the date of the new budget review during a media briefing in Pretoria, on Wednesday. He further described the ensuing debate following the announcement of the budget tabled on 12 March 2025 as “rigorous, as is right in a healthy democracy”.
“Today, there’s a clarity [that] VAT will remain at 15%. This decision was shaped not only by political debates but importantly, by the voices of South Africans. When people speak, we must also listen and I’m encouraged by the passion shown.
“It reflects the seriousness with which we approach the hard choices needed to place our finances on a sustainable path, protect the vulnerable and accelerate growth. I was pleased that, the budget will be balanced “without raising VAT, while protecting vital services like education, health and social grants,” said Godongwana.
He added that going forward, National Treasury’s focus will be threefold starting with balancing the budget by managing costs better. Godongwana said raising other taxes besides VAT was not an option [as] it would harm growth, savings and jobs.
“Borrowing more would worsen our debt crisis. We already spend more than R1 billion servicing debt. We must do more with less, review government spending critically, root out waste, every cent of public money must be spent wisely.
“The second issue, we must strengthen revenue collection. In the [March] budget, we made provisions for SARS [the South African Revenue Service] to collect more particularly for those who still owe SARS and to deal with illicit trading,” he said.
Godongwana said the third area that Treasury will home in on is laying “strong foundations for economic growth”. He said job creation is the number one priority.
“We must remove barriers to investment, unlock private sector capital and expand opportunities for all South Africans. Through Operation Vulindlela, we have already seen what focused collaboration can achieve and we will now accelerate these reforms.
“The challenges ahead are serious but not insurmountable. If we work together, stay focused and persevere, we can chart a better course for our economy and our people. That is my commitment to South Africans and that is what we aim to achieve when we table the new Budget on the 21st of May 2025,” said Godongwana.
1 May 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said he is in the process of establishing a judicial commission of inquiry to establish whether attempts were made to prevent the investigation or prosecution of apartheid-era crimes referred by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to the National Prosecuting Authority. This comes after the allegations of improper influence in delaying or hindering the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes have persisted from previous administrations.
Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said through this commission, Ramaphosa is determined that the true facts be established and the matter brought to finality. Magwenya said the establishment of the commission of inquiry is the outcome of settlement discussions in a court application brought by families of victims of apartheid-era crimes.
“Following discussions involving the Presidency, the families and other government bodies cited in the application, there was a joint agreement to establish the commission.
“This follows the Presidency’s statement in February 2025 in support of a commission that will look into the delays in the prosecution of these cases. While the parties have agreed to the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry, they were not able to reach a settlement on other matters in the application,” he said.
Magwenya further said these include the application for an order that declares the actions of various government entities unlawful and a violation of the applicants’ rights, as well as the payment of constitutional damages by the state. He added that, government has maintained that these outstanding matters would be most appropriately addressed through the Commission of Inquiry, and will therefore be included in the commission’s terms of reference.
“Ramaphosa continues to maintain that all affected families deserve closure and justice. A commission of inquiry with broad and comprehensive terms of reference is an opportunity to establish the truth and provide guidance on appropriate remedies.
“Ramaphosa appreciates the anguish and frustration of the families of victims, who have fought for so many years for justice. The president respects the decision of the families to continue to seek an order on the violation of their rights and constitutional damages through the courts,” said Magwenya.
He said the government will be seeking a stay of application on these outstanding matters pending the conclusion and outcomes of the Commission of Inquiry. Magwenya said the Presidency will shortly make an announcement on the head of the Commission of Inquiry, the time frames and the full terms of reference.
Picture: The Jaguars players against Southern Stings players/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
1 May 2025- The Jaguars secured a hard-fought 52-50 win over the Southern Stings in the Telkom League. After a tough start, the Jaguars staged a remarkable comeback, with their defence shining in the third quarter to set the tone for the rest of the game.
The defensive trio of Jamie van Wyk, Zane Bodenstein and Lungile Mthembu, made crucial turnovers, while Goal Shooter Ine-Marì Venter impressed with 89% shooting accuracy.
Coach Rozanne Matthyse praises the team’s urgency and connection. Matthyse said they are happy with the win, but they are still working towards their goal.
“Our process is about building momentum and today was a great step forward. The team’s urgency on attack and connection between players were impressive,” she said.
Southern Stings coach, Dr Freda Kemp acknowledged that her team is still finding their footing but praised their progress. Kemp said they are still figuring out their combinations, but she is proud of the team’s progress.
“We need to minimise mistakes and learn to flow through our gameplay,” she said.
In an invitational battle, the SPAR Baby Proteas and Zambezi Eagles faced each other. The SPAR Baby Proteas showcased a remarkable performance, concluding with a strong victory by a wide margin.
The match began with the SPAR Baby Proteas leading 19-11 in the first half. However, the opponents mounted a comeback, bringing the score to 31-28 in favour of the South African side by halftime.
The third quarter was closely contested, ending with the score tied at 43-43. In the final quarter, the SA U/21 side regained control and secured a convincing victory with a final score of 62-51.
Maria Du Raan was exceptional in the goal shooter position, boasting 100% accuracy. The defensive partnership between Ametisse Bandu and Kiara van Eeden was solid.
The Baby Proteas’ strong finish and overall performance demonstrate their growing strength as a team. With continued focus on their strategy and teamwork, they look set to make a significant impact in the league.
The rivalry between Crinums’ Martha Mosoahle-Samm and Fireballs’ Dr. Elsje Jordaan always generates significant interest and this evening’s encounter was no exception. In the last match of the day, the two coaches, known for their tactical acumen and leadership, brought their A-game to the match, pushing their teams to new heights.
The presence of experienced assistants, Bongi Msomi (former SPAR Protea Captain) with Jordaan and Karla Pretorius (former Vice Captain) with Mosoahle-Samm, added depth and strategic insight to the game. Notably, the SPAR Baby Proteas head coach, Precious Mthembu, and her assistant coach, Phumza Maweni, are also former Protea players, highlighting the opportunities and growth potential within the TNL for both current and former players.
The match was a closely contested affair, starting with both teams drawing the first quarter 11-11. However, the Fireballs took control from there, dominating the rest of the game. Here’s the score breakdown: Q1: 11-11, Q2: 28-22 (Fireballs leading by 6) and Q3: 38-35 (Fireballs leading by 3).
The Fireballs’ strong performance in the second, third, and fourth quarters ultimately secured their victory. Their ability to maintain momentum and outscore the Crinums in the later stages of the game was crucial to their win.
In other games that were played earlier in the day, Tshukudu continued their winning streak, dominating Diamonds with a convincing 70-36 victory. This marks their third consecutive win under the guidance of new head coach Vivian Foko, showcasing an impressive start to the tournament.
Sonoblomo secured a nail-biting 46-44 win over Lillies, while the Sunbirds thrashed Comets 57-30 in a one-sided match. As the competition heats up, fans can expect more thrilling matches at Sun City from this TNL Power Week 1.
Matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport Variety 4 channel 209.
Tickets are available on the Netball South Africa (NSA) website here at just R100. Full Fixture can be accessed TNL Fixtures
1 May 2025– South Africa coach, Molefi Ntseki was a happy man on Wednesday night after he finally had his full complement of players ahead of this weekend’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) away first leg qualifier against Malawi.
Ntseki’s Bafana Bafana CHAN side will face Malawi in the first leg on 3 May 2025, at the Republic Stadium in Lilongwe and then host their COSAFA neighbours in the return match at Loftus Stadium in Tshwane on 11 May 2025. The team had an intense training workout on Wednesday and the coach said he was happy to see the amount of work the players put into the session.
“It has been very difficult, I must say, because clubs are playing today on Wednesday, and clubs are playing over the weekend, and we had a lot of withdrawals due to club commitments.
“I think everybody is aware that the league is nearing an end and teams in the PSL are working very hard to be in the top eight, some are working very hard to be in the top three, some are working very hard to win the championship, and some are working very hard to avoid relegation,” he said.
Ntseki further said that it has been very difficult to get all the players they called up in the initial squad. He added that he was happy to see the players in camp.
“So, today is for the first time that we have a full squad, that is, we have a full squad that has reported for camp, so we could start working on our tactics and making and creating different moments of the game for a better tactical understanding so that when we get to Malawi, we are able to execute our tactical plan.
“But, I think the attitude of the players that are in camp is very good, and it has always been like that. Our players, they really want to be part of the national team, and you can see some of them had to call me, and talk to me about them coming to the camp, which was very good,” said Ntseki.
Meanwhile, the team will travel to Lilongwe on Thursday morning, 1 May 2025 and return home on 5 May 2025.
The Guardian 