Messages of condolences continue to pour in amid Lusanda Dumkeā€™s death

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Picture: Rugby player, Lusanda Dumke

By AGISANANG SCUFF

18 December 2025- The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie said he has received with great sadness the news of the passing of Lusanda Dumke, one of South Africaā€™s most respected and influential womenā€™s rugby players. McKenzie said Dumke served her country with distinction, earning 33 Test caps for the Springbok Women and captaining the national side.

He further said she was also a central figure in the rise of the Bulls Daisies, leading them to three successive Womenā€™s Premier Division titles and becoming a symbol of excellence and resilience in the womenā€™s game.

McKenzie added that Dumke will be remembered as a leader who carried the hopes of her teammates and the pride of her nation every time she stepped on to the field.

ā€œShe represented courage, discipline and an unbreakable competitive spirit. We acknowledge that womenā€™s rugby had seen major growth and development during the period that Dumke had dedicated herself to the sport. Her passing, following a battle with a rare form of gastric cancer, had greatly impoverished the rugby community.

ā€œDumke was a role model whose journey inspired young women across South Africa to believe in their place in rugby and in sport more broadly.

ā€œHer passing is a devastating loss to the rugby community and to the country. We honour her contribution, her leadership, and the doors she opened for future generations,ā€ he said.

McKenzie said they extend their heartfelt condolences to Dumkeā€™s family, friends, teammates, coaches and supporters. He said may Dumkeā€™s legacy continue to uplift and inspire South African sport.

ā€œShe will always be remembered in the hearts of all the women and girls she has inspired,ā€ said McKenzie.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Buffalo City Constituency Leader and Member of Provincial Leader (MPL), Leander Kruger said: ā€œThey mourn the passing of Springbok Womenā€™s rugby player and Mdantsane trailblazer, Dumke, who lost her battle with cancer at the age of 28. South Africa has lost an exceptional athlete, a leader, and a source of inspiration to countless young people, particularly young women who saw in Dumke as a powerful example of what dedication, resilience, and belief can achieve.

ā€œDumkeā€™s journey from Mdantsane to representing South Africa in the green and gold was one of exceptional determination, resilience, and courage. Her impact extended far beyond the rugby field. She was a role model rooted in her community, never forgetting where she came from, and always carrying herself with humility and grace.ā€

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Urgent intervention underway to assist young South African stranded in China

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Picture: Young artist, Austin Hendricks

By BAKANG MOKOTO

18 December 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said an urgent situation involving a young South African artist stranded in Guangzhou, China, has been brought to their attention, raising serious concerns about his immediate safety, accommodation, and ability to return home. The DA said Austin Hendricks, an emerging artist from Nelson Mandela Bay, travelled to China after being offered what was presented as a three-month opportunity.

DA NMB mayoral candidate, Retief Odendaal said upon arrival, promised documentation and contractual arrangements failed to materialise. Odendaal said he has since been informed by hotel management that he must vacate his accommodation, while efforts to contact the liaison and agency involved have been unsuccessful.

ā€œWith no local support and no funds to secure alternative accommodation or return travel, he faces the very real risk of being left on the streets in a foreign country.  The DA has acted swiftly to address this matter with the urgency it requires, ensuring his safe departure and return to South Africa, with arrangements now focused on securing immediate travel from China.

ā€œIn parallel, as mayoral candidate, I have been able to mobilise financial assistance to cover the costs associated with return travel so that Austin can return safely. Support has been confirmed from party structures and additional assistance has been coordinated to ensure that Hendricks can return home without further delay,ā€ he said.

Odendaal further said this intervention is about safeguarding a young person who pursued an opportunity in good faith and now finds himself exposed and vulnerable far from home. He added that ensuring his safety, dignity and return is the immediate priority and every reasonable step is being taken to achieve that outcome.

ā€œThis incident serves as a caution to individuals, particularly young artists, to exercise due diligence when accepting overseas opportunities, including verifying contracts, accommodation arrangements, and return travel before departure. Families are encouraged to seek independent confirmation and professional advice where possible to avoid similar situations.

ā€œWe will also be lodging a formal complaint with the appropriate authorities against the company involved to ensure that the circumstances surrounding this matter are thoroughly investigated. The DA remains committed to leadership that acts decisively when residents of Nelson Mandela Bay are in distress, whether at home or abroad,ā€ said Odendaal.

He said the people of this city deserve leadership that responds with compassion, accountability, and practical action when it matters most.

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ACSR funding a boost for local artists and filmmakers

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Picture: The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

18 December 2025- The creative and cultural industry in the North West recently received a much-needed shot in the arm, with the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR) approving funding for 59 projects to be staged between 16 December 2025 and 20 March 2026.

The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi said the film sector is also set to benefit, with her department having issued a call for proposals in December 2025. Tlhapi said by the closing date on 8 December 2025, 38 proposals had been submitted.

ā€œAdjudication is underway and the department has also scheduled another round of calls for proposals in both the film sector and cultural industry in February 2026. Film makers and creatives from across the province are encouraged to apply.

ā€œThese projects are in line with the departmentā€™s mandate to help create jobs and enhance the creative and cultural sector in the province. They also focus on capacity building, with a strong focus on women, youth and persons with disabilities,ā€ she said.

Tlhapi further said she foresee a hive of activity in the sector, maintaining the momentum of the success of the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival. She added that they are pleased that they will be able to help lessen the burden on artists who have been struggling.

ā€œOwing to the pressure on the economy, the sector has been under- funded for a long period of time, which has had a direct impact on the livelihood of the artists. To help the cause of artists, the department has initiated various business cases to the Treasury and other sources for an increase in budget.

ā€œOn 28 November 2025, during the budget adjustment by Provincial Treasury, the department received funding with a clear instruction to assist artists and filmmakers. The department considered all proposals that had been submitted previously. We then decided to support initiatives ranging in time from December 2025 ā€“ March 2026,ā€ said Tlhapi.

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Committee congratulates India for 2026 BRICS Presidency

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Picture: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Supra Mahumapelo

By REGINALD KANYANE  

18 December 2025 ā€“ The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Supra Mahumapelo has congratulated India on taking over the BRICS Presidency from Brazil for 2026. Mahumapelo said the Presidency was officially handed over by Brazil to India this week in a symbolic gesture.

He further said the 18th BRICS Summit will be hosted by India in 2026, bringing together the 11 member states to discuss key issues and shape the group’s future agenda.  Mahumapelo added that the priorities for 2026 are structured around four pillars such as resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability.

ā€œIndiaā€™s Presidency will also focus on reforming global governance institutions, promoting multi-polarity, and strengthening South-South cooperation. We are confident in the success of the upcoming India Presidency and we wish them well in the year ahead.

ā€œWe also thank the President of Brazil for his leadership and accomplishments in the strides that have been made in ensuring that the BRICS member countries are strengthened economically, politically and socially this year,ā€ he said.

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Opinion: South Africans are not xenophobic, but fighting for their country

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Picture: One of the hijacked buildings in Johannesburg CBD

By GEORGE KAPINGIRI

18 December 2025- The culture of hijacked buildings in South Africa has become extremely scary. As a Congolese person, I am proud to be Congolese.

I have lived my entire life in South Africa, but I will never shed my Congolese identity for a South African one. I love being Congolese more than anything.

Because I was raised here, I used to generalize that South Africans were jealous of foreign nationals, especially African foreign nationals. I would often say that whenever South Africans wanted to blame someone for the misfortunes and problems in their country, the most convenient scapegoat was their African brothers and sisters.

In recent years, however, as I have paid closer attention to politics and the environment where I live, I have realized that South Africans are not xenophobic. These people are literally fighting for their own country. According to available data, 80% of the hijacked or semiā€‘hijacked buildings in the Johannesburg CBD… what I call ā€œtownā€… are illegally occupied.

Their owners are present, but cannot assist them, and the buildings are being hijacked by foreign nationals. Most of these foreign nationals come from Central, West, or East Africa, and some from Southern Africa. It is a strange situation.

Why would someone come to another country, hijack a property that does not belong to them and then sublet it? Some buildings in town house up to a thousand people because of this subletting culture.

For me, I no longer see South Africans as xenophobic. I once viewed them that way, but in recent years I have begun to understand that they are not xenophobic at all.

This ā€œhijackedā€ culture is breeding grounds for human trafficking and illegal trade of goods and people. It is not simply a matter of giving South Africans a reason to be angry; we should not blame them.

One thing is certain, if South Africa were to die today, you as a foreign national, could leave. South Africans cannot leave. This is their home and there is nowhere else for them to go. You can go back where can they go?

So let us not blame South Africans and call them xenophobic. Let them fight for their country.

At least they have the courage to fight for their country, unlike many of us who are in their country because we lack the courage to fight for our own.

(Note: Mr George Kapingiri shared this in his personal capacity and The Guardian Newspaper and its associates do not agree nor disagree with the content of this letter. So, whatever is written in this letter remains the views of the author and does not represent The Guardian Newspaper in anyway)

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Safer Festive Season Operations in a full swing

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Picture: One of the suspects arrested/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 December 2025- The police in Northern Cape said safer festive season operations are in full swing across the Namakwa District as they intensify efforts to combat crime and enhance public safety. The police said on 17 December 2025, disruptive operations were led by the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, together with the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar and the Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said a multi-disciplinary roadblock was conducted at the N7 weighbridge in Springbok, during which 138 vehicles and 320 individuals were stopped and searched. Ehlers said traffic fines amounting to R1300 were issued for various violations.

ā€œThese operations were followed by a crime intelligence-driven intervention after information was operationalised regarding suspected drug dealing at premises in Concordia. A search warrant was obtained and executed, resulting in the seizure of hydro dagga with an estimated street value of R125 785.10, as well as a substantial amount of cash believed to be the proceeds of criminal activities.

ā€œA man (37) was arrested in connection with dealing in drugs. Disruptive operations will continue in identified hotspot areas to address priority crimes during the festive season and beyond,ā€ she said.

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Three suspects nabbed for hijacking

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Picture: A vehicle used by the victim/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

17 December 2025 ā€“ Three suspects aged between 29 and 30 were arrested following a hijacking and robbery incident involving a Botswana national (65). The suspects were arrested on 15 December 2025, just after 5pm in Potchefstroom after a tip-off regarding a hijacking and a coordinated operation was activated by Crime Intelligence, the Flying Squad of Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, the Provincial Drug Task Team, as well as various private security companies.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel AdƩle Myburgh said according to reports, the incident was reported earlier on the same day at approximately at 10am, when the victim was travelling along the road between Nooitgedacht and Mooifontein, near Mahikeng in her vehicle, a Toyota Yaris. Myburgh said the victim was allegedly accosted by three suspects travelling in a white vehicle, which blocked the road and forced her to stop.

ā€œThe suspects reportedly pointed her with a firearm and threatened her with a knife, compelling her to get into their vehicle. She was subsequently driven to Itsoseng and Mahikeng, where she was forcefully taken to various Automatic Teller Machines (ATMā€™s) and coerced into withdrawing money from her bank account.

ā€œAfter the withdrawals, the victim was abandoned in Mahikeng. Her cellphones were also stolen during the ordeal,ā€ she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Naidoo, commended the swift and effective collaboration between the various law enforcement units and private security companies, stating that such teamwork remains critical in combating serious and violent crime.

Naidoo said the arrest of these suspects demonstrates the commitment by police in ensuring that criminals are brought to book and that communities, including visitors to the North West, are protected.

ā€œThe police will not tolerate acts of violence and intimidation on the roads, especially during the festive season, when more travellers are expected.

ā€œThe suspects are expected to appear before the Mmabatho Magistrateā€™s Court on 18 December 2025, facing charges related to hijacking, robbery, kidnapping and possession of stolen property,ā€ he said.

Naidoo said the minor will be dealt with in terms of the Child Justice Act.

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ANC calls for urgent action on inner-city crime

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

17 December 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) calls for maximum speed and determination to apprehend and prosecute the criminals responsible for the brutal and shocking murder of beloved radio and music personality, Warrick DJ Warras Stock. The party said his life was tragically cut short in a targeted act of violence in Johannesburgā€™s Central Business District on 16 December 2025.

The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said this heinous crime is a direct attack on the very fabric of the society and underscores the urgent crisis of criminality and lawlessness plaguing the inner cities. Bhengu said DJ Warras was a courageous and vocal champion for the rule of law, dedicating his platform to the vital struggle against the illegal occupation and hijacking of buildings.

ā€œHe stood boldly against those who seek to condemn our urban centres to chaos and fear. We call on the South African Police Service to treat this case with the highest priority.

ā€œEvery resource, including the CCTV footage under review, must be leveraged to ensure swift arrests and a watertight prosecution. There can be no sanctuary for those who believe they can silence activists and terrorise communities with impunity,ā€ she said.

Bhengu further said the ANC urges active citizenship in the fight against crime. She added that they call on every community member, every business and every individual with any information pertaining to this murder or to the networks engaged in building hijackings and related violence, to come forward immediately and assist the police.

ā€œSilence is complicity. Only through a united front, where the state and its citizens work in concert, can we reclaim our public spaces and restore safety.

ā€œIn paying tribute to DJ Warras, we remember a man of immense talent, energy, and conviction. His voice was not only one of entertainment but of conscience, amplifying the struggle for a lawful and vibrant Johannesburg,ā€ said Bhengu.

She said his contributions to the nationā€™s cultural life and his fearless advocacy have left an indelible mark. Bhengu said the joy he brought to countless listeners and his commitment to a better city will be his enduring legacy.

ā€œTo the family, friends, colleagues, and legions of fans of DJ Warras, the ANC extends its most profound and heartfelt condolences. Our nation shares in your anguish and grief.

ā€œMay you find some solace in the immense outpouring of love and respect for Warras and in the knowledge that his fight for a safer, more just society will be continued with renewed vigour. We stand with you in this time of unimaginable pain,ā€ she said.

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SALGA Calls on Treasury to Release Withheld Equitable Share Due to Municipalities Ā 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 December 2025- The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) said it has formally written to the National Treasury regarding concerns about the process followed in withholding the Local Government Equitable Share (LGES) tranche for December 2025. SALGA said this action has had direct implications for 75 municipalities across the country.

SALGA spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba said since September 2025, the National Treasury issued two circulars outlining its intention to invoke Section 216 (2) of the Constitution and Section 38 of the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003. Modiba said these measures permitted the withdrawal of the LGES, which supports critical municipal functions.

ā€œIn response, SALGA made multiple attempts to engage with National Treasury to prevent the risk of withholding and to ensure that affected municipalities could comply with legislative requirements before the scheduled payment of the December tranche.

ā€œDespite SALGAā€™s repeated efforts, the National Treasury did not provide the necessary cooperation. This hindered SALGAā€™s ability to help municipalities address compliance issues and avoid the withholding of funds. SALGA continues to emphasise the necessity for municipalities to adhere to all relevant legislation and remains committed to supporting local governments in fulfilling their legislative obligations,ā€ he said.

Modiba further said SALGA has identified significant shortcomings in the process undertaken by the National Treasury. He added that notably, there was a lack of consistency in communications with the affected municipalities.

ā€œTreasuryā€™s correspondence was often unclear regarding the specific information or documentation required to rectify identified non-compliances.

ā€œFurthermore, in several cases, deadlines for submission were not adequately communicated, leaving municipalities uncertain about the timeframes for compliance,ā€ said Modiba.

She said in instances where municipalities did submit responses to National Treasury, no feedback was provided on the adequacy of their submissions until the actual date of the withholding of the LGES tranche. Modiba said SALGA has called on the National Treasury to immediately release the LGES tranche for all municipalities that have adequately responded and complied with the requirements.

ā€œIn addition, SALGA advocates for the establishment of a formal, transparent, and time-bound process within the Division of Revenue Bill (DORA) for the withholding of equitable share allocations.

ā€œSALGA also recommends that structural engagements be facilitated through Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) platforms to improve coordination and oversight,ā€ she said.

Modiba said the association urges National Treasury to apply Section 216 (2) and Section 6 (2) (f) of the Public Management Finance Act consistently, not only to municipalities, but also to government departments and entities that owe municipalities or are non-compliant with the unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure (UIFW) regulations. He said this approach is essential to uphold fairness and accountability across all spheres of government.

ā€œSALGA will continue to liaise with the National Treasury to clarify any outstanding requirements for impacted municipalities.

ā€œThe goal is to ensure the timely release of the outstanding Local Government Equitable Share tranche and to safeguard service delivery at the local government level,ā€ said Modiba.

Meanwhile, the African People’s Convention (APC) in North West said it has noted with serious concern the decision by National Treasury to freeze equitable share funding to 15 municipalities in the North West due to repeated failures to comply with financial management and accountability requirements.

APC provincial chairperson, Dikobe Lucas Mphaka said according to Treasury, this drastic interventionā€”taken in terms of Section 216 of the Constitutionā€”follows persistent non-compliance, including unpaid debts to SARS, pension funds and water boards, failure to submit council-approved funded budgets, and continued irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure.

Mphaka said the affected municipalities include Matlosana, JB Marks, Naledi, Maquassi Hills, Mamusa, Lekwa-Teemane, Kgetlengrivier, Madibeng, Rustenburg, Moses Kotane, Moretele, Tswaing, Bojanala Platinum District, Ngaka Modiri Molema District and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.

ā€œAs the APC, we wish to place it on record that while we support decisive action against corruption, mismanagement and financial recklessness, we are deeply worried about the direct impact this decision will have on ordinary communities.

ā€œEquitable share funding is meant to ensure the delivery of basic services, payment of municipal workers, and support for indigent households. Freezing these funds, without urgent corrective support and oversight, risks further collapsing already fragile municipalities and punishing communities for failures they did not cause,ā€ he said.

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A man jailed for raping a minor

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By REGINALD KANYANE

17 December 2025- A man (59) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Roodepoort Magistrateā€™s Court for repeated rape of girl (14) in 2019. The accused, Mluleki Zicina committed the heinous crimes at Dobsonville, in Soweto.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Phindi Mjonondwane said Zicina, who is the step-grandfather to the victim, exploited his relationship with the victimā€™s grandmother. Mjonondwane said the incident came to light when the grandmother found the accused on top of the victim, busy raping her.

ā€œThe case was reported at the Dobsonville Police Station, leading to Zicinaā€™s arrest on 21 May 2019, where investigations led by Sergeant Mabungu, revealed that the accused had repeatedly raped her, instructing her to remain silent and promising her money.

ā€œThe state called the victimā€™s grandmother, who testified that the child now suffers from severe emotional, physical, and psychological trauma,ā€ she said.

Mjonondwane further said she struggles with challenges, including anxiety, aggression, low self-esteem, and poor academic performance. She added that these impacts were highlighted during sentencing.

State prosecutor, Arnold Limekhaya emphasised the gravity of the offence, the vulnerability of rape victims, and the betrayal of trust by the accused, who abused his position of authority and the principle of Ubuntu. Limekhaya underscored the permanent scars inflicted on the victim and the broader societal outcry against such crimes, which deprive children of their constitutional rights to safety and freedom.

Magistrate Anneline Africa, in delivering the sentence, considered the extreme cruelty and manipulative nature of the accusedā€™s actions, the degree of violence used, and the profound harm caused to the vulnerable and defenceless victim.

Meanwhile, Mjonondwane said the court noted Bandaā€™s exploitation of the victimā€™s mother through alcohol and his pretence of being a trusted figure. She said all cases of sexual violence encroach on the rights to dignity and privacy of the victims as enshrined in our constitution, hence the NPA aggressively prosecutes these cases.

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