Committee won’t call podcaster, Macgyver “MacG” Mukwevho to account over his utterances against media personality, Minnie Dlamini for now

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Picture: Podcaster, Mcgyver “MacG” Mukhwevho

By BAKANG MOKOTO

6 May 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities met this morning to discuss and consider, amongst other things, a request from the Deputy Minister of Women Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Steve Letsike. This comes after Letsike has referred comments made by podcaster, Macgyver “MacG” Mukwevho about media personality, Minnie Dlamini, to the committee for investigation.

In her opening remarks, the Chairperson of the Committee, Liezl van der Merwe, said she took a dim view of the committee being dragged into this matter on social media by commentators and members of the public, when the committee has not as yet considered the matter. Der Merwe said several erroneous reports indicated that the committee had resolved to call MacG to account to the committee, which is not factual.

“Following deliberations, the committee emphasised the committee’s mandate and in conclusion, on behalf of the committee, to add my voice to that of the Ministry in condemning the comments made by MacG and rejecting them with the contempt they deserve.

“We are recommitted to do more in the fight against Gender-Based Violence. The committee resolutions are that they will support the Deputy Minister in approaching the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa,” she said.

Van der Merwe said the committee will support the Deputy Minister in referring the matter to the Commission for Gender Equality for further investigation. She added that the committee encourages Dlamini to open a case of cyber-bullying, Gender-Based Violence or harassment with the relevant law enforcement authorities.

“The committee will keep a keen eye on developments at the PC on Communications and Digital Technology, which seeks to regulate online content. The committee will further engage on matters of GBV in its next meeting with the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.

“The committee will also receive a legal opinion on the committee’s mandate vis-à-vis hearing complaints such as those of the Deputy Minister,” van der Merwe.

She said despite countless erroneous media reports, the committee has resolved not to call MacG to appear before the committee at this stage.

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‘The university is misleading the public’

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

6 May 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Tebogo Letsie said he has noted with grave concern the deliberate dissemination of false information by the University of Limpopo (UL) regarding its compliance with a parliamentary summons. Letsie said following verification through the Office of the Secretary to Parliament, it has been established that the university’s claims that it had submitted the requested information are entirely false.

He further said the Secretary to Parliament has unequivocally confirmed that no such documents were ever received. Letsie added that the University of Limpopo has deliberately misled the public by asserting that it delivered the documents to the Office of the Secretary to Parliament.

“The Secretary has categorically denied this, confirming the university’s failure to comply. This matter is not a personal dispute between me and the university. It is a question of constitutional compliance and institutional accountability.

“We will not be drawn into protracted processes of evasion. Accordingly, we will reissue the summons, specifying in detail the information required, as we had anticipated potential resistance,” he said.

Letsie said the requested documentation is crucial in strengthening oversight and ensuring that institutions of higher learning adhere to principles of good governance, transparency and accountability. He said no institution will be permitted to operate outside the law or undermine Parliament’s authority.

“The committee remains resolute in its constitutional mandate to uphold the rule of law and to enforce compliance with statutory obligations in the higher education sector,” said Letsie.

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Eight SAPS VIP Protection Unit allegedly assaulted citizens on N1 road acquitted

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Picture: The SAPS VIP Unit allegedly assaulting citizens on N1 road

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

6 May 2025– The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, has learned with shock and dismay of the acquittal, in a South African Police Service (SAPS) internal disciplinary process, of the eight members of the SAPS VIP Protection Unit, who were charged with assaulting a civilian on the N1.

Cameron said it is of the considered view that the ruling is shameful, indefensible and immoral. He further said the acquittal of the members is not only a miscarriage of justice, but also puts the name and image of the SAPS into disrepute.

“Furthermore, this decision strengthens the public perception of SAPS officers being and acting above the law. This decision lacks legal and moral justification and should be reconsidered.

“With the worsening trust deficit between the police and communities, such decisions will further erode the low levels of trust that exist between the police and the people,” said Cameron.

He added that, the ruling entrenches the long-held committee’s view that internal disciplinary mechanisms within SAPS are inadequate and rewards rogue officers. Cameron also said, this decision will further cement the public’s perception of a complete disregard of consequence management within the SAPS.

“This case was an instance of “a thief being caught with the stolen goods”, as there was clear evidence from footage showing the perpetrators kicking a defenceless civilian while brandishing high-calibre firearms.

“The portfolio committee had previously raised concerns about the slow pace of the disciplinary process, but the decision reached today gives the impression of a badly performed tick-box exercise,” he said.

Cameron said this decision sends a wrong message to all South Africans about the lack of recourse when SAPS members abuse their authority. He said it also portrays a SAPS that lacks compassion and care for victims of abuse, one that is preoccupied with protecting each other and not the citizens.

“In addition, the role played by labour unions in stalling the case has undermined due process. This was not due process, but weaponised bureaucracy funded by taxpayers. What is even more infuriating is that the SAPS paid an amount of over R112 000 just for the Chairperson’s expense, which should be classified as fruitless and wasteful expenditure.

“As a result, I will, on behalf of the committee, write to the Minister of Police and the National Commissioner to demand an explanation from the Minister of Police for this outcome, on behalf of the nation and for the victims,” said Cameron.

He said the committee will, for its part, consider legislative reforms to end the abuse of internal processes in SAPS and to limit the obstructive role of unions in misconduct cases. Cameron said they cannot accept a SAPS that protects thugs in uniform.

“We will not sit silently, while the rule of law is trampled upon behind closed doors,” he said.

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NCOP KZN delegation calls for urgent resolution on Go

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By OBAKENG MAJE

6 May 2025 – A National Council of Provinces (NCOP) KwaZulu-Natal delegation, led by Provincial Whip, Mzamo Billy, held a constructive engagement yesterday, with the executive of the eThekwini Local Municipality, including the mayor Cyril Xaba and senior city management. The meeting was a direct follow-up to the September 2024 NCOP Provincial Week oversight programme to assess progress on key public infrastructure projects.

Billy said following in-depth deliberations, the meeting welcomed a resolution that all stakeholders involved in the go. He said the Durban project, including taxi operators, be formally invited to appear before the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure.

“The delegation will accordingly write to the Committee Chairperson, Frederik Badenhorst to consider the decision. This initiative seeks to break the current impasse over equity disputes and ensure inclusive participation in shaping the future of public transport in eThekwini.

“The delegation reaffirmed that delays in the project undermine access and mobility for thousands of commuters and urged swift, transparent resolution of the issues. The delegation also noted progress in other critical service delivery initiatives,” said Billy.

He further said the R270 million Hammarsdale Wastewater Treatment Plant has recorded R52 million in current expenditure and 35% completion, with officials committing to addressing earlier delays relating to design, procurement and funding cycles. Billy added that, at the Kennedy Road Housing Project, the NCOP delegation welcomed the report that 61 housing units have been built to date.

“In a move to strengthen public trust and fair access, the NCOP recommended the implementation of a transparent and accessible housing beneficiary list, a recommendation the City has accepted.

“To ensure continuity, the NCOP delegation has requested quarterly progress reports on both the Hammarsdale and Kennedy Road projects. This reporting will allow parliament to track expenditure, monitor challenges and push for timely delivery to the communities that need it most,” he said.  

Billy said through the effort of the NCOP, these crucial projects have seen great progress. He stressed that as the NCOP, they are resolute in our duty to ensure that public infrastructure investments deliver real, measurable benefits to the people.

“We welcome the city’s cooperation, but will continue to hold them accountable until every commitment is honoured. The NCOP will now escalate today’s resolutions to relevant parliamentary structures and monitor implementation closely in upcoming sittings and oversight visits,” said Billy.

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What is happening at embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality reminiscent of a coup d’état

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Picture: Two security guards shooting against each other at Ditsobotla Local Municipality/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE  

6 May 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West SAID IT condemns the alleged ANC factional violence that took place under the ‘cover of darkness’ at the Ditsobotla Local Municipality offices in Lichtenburg in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The DA said it is alleged that shots were fired, injuring one individual in a standoff at around 4am on Sunday morning between the legitimately appointed municipal security company, Eagle Springbok Security and the private security, Lifeways Security of the ‘illegitimate’ Municipal Manager pretender, Olaotswe Bojosinyane.

The DA North West spokesperson on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Christiaan Jacobus Steyl alleged this is the second shoot-out following an incident in March 2025, where two individuals were shot and injured as Bojosinyane attempted to take control of the municipal building in scenes reminiscent of a coup d’état.

“In March, the DA wrote the both the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng and the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General, Patrick Asaneng, requesting the permanent employment of the public order police unit to the Ditsobotla Local Municipality to restore and maintain order.

“Regrettably, our letter went unanswered and, sadly, public order policing has not been deployed. Today, the DA has written to the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, expressing our displeasure with the unprofessional way Asaneng, has engaged with our request and that he immediately mobilise SAPS Public Order Policing Units from outside the North West province to secure the Ditsobotla municipal building,” he said.

Steyl further said the deployment of police to secure the Ditsobotla municipal offices, a critical local state asset, is now immediately necessary, since the continued standoff between the two ANC factions, to which these two security companies appear to have aligned with, is set to deteriorate into further violence that may end in the loss of life.

He added that, despite the North West High Court order rejecting the legitimacy of the ANC/EFF faction led by Molefe Morutse (ANC), Manana Bogatsu (EFF) and Olaotswe Bojosinyane and a Supreme Court of Appeal rejection to overturn the order of the High Court, it appears that these pretenders will stop at nothing to take control of the ailing municipality. Steyl said it is regrettable that private security companies have now allegedly aligned themselves with warring ANC factions in Ditsobotla, perhaps in a bid to secure and maintain long-standing and lucrative contracts.

“Much like municipal officials have aligned themselves with warring ANC factions, all while residents continue to endure life without water and electricity supply.

“Under no circumstances can Ditsobotla residents continue to live under a general state of lawlessness. Law, order and service delivery must be restored,” he said.

Steyl said the DA once again wrote to the Minister of COGTA, Velenkosini Hlabisa, bringing recent developments to his attention and urging him that Ditsobotla must be placed under Section 139(7) national government administration sooner, rather than later. He said they reiterate their call to Ditsobotla residents to sign their petition to secure the national government’s intervention so that they can rescue the municipality from complete ruin. Sign the petition here: https://petitions.da.org.za/p/put-ditsobotla-under-administration

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North West Legislature to Conduct Public Hearings on Independent Municipal Demarcation Authority Bill (B 14B – 2023)

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

6 May 2025- On Wednesday, the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs led by Kgalalelo Makgokgowa, will hold public hearings across the province on the Independent Municipal Demarcation Authority Bill (B 14B – 2023) at the Legislature Auditorium in Mahikeng, Ngaka Modiri Molema District, Sarafina Community Hall in Potchefstroom in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, Kismet Community Hall in Kismet, Vryburg in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District and Rustenburg Old Town Hall in Bojanala District.

Makgokgowa said all hearings will commence at 10h00.

She further said the bill aims to provide for the establishment, functions and powers of the Independent Municipal Demarcation Authority to provide for the criteria and procedures for the determination and redetermination of municipal boundaries. Makgokgowa added that it also set to provide for the delimitation of wards, to provide for the establishment of the Demarcation Appeals Authority, to provide for municipal capacity assessments and to provide for matters incidental thereto.

“The relevant stakeholders have been invited to attend the public hearing. The public hearings will be streamed live on the North West Provincial Legislature Facebook page,” she said.

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Heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in to families of minibus taxi accident victims

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Picture: Fifteen people died in a minibus taxi crash in Eastern Cape

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

6 May 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport, Donald Selamolela, has sent heartfelt condolences to the families of those who perished in the Eastern Cape minibus taxi crash on Sunday. Selamolela said it was with sadness that so many people perished in this manner.

He further said, according to media reports, 15 people died in a head-on collision on the R63 outside Fort Beaufort, en route to Adelaide. Selamolela added that the accident occurred after midnight on Sunday, when a minibus taxi collided with a van.

“We had begun to see results in our road safety plans this past Easter weekend and then sadly this happened. It is with great sadness that we have to bow in loss of these innocent lives who did not deserve to pass like this.

“South Africans deserve better and we will not tire in making the calls for all road users to always be vigilant and always ensure the safety of others at all times on the road,” he said.

Selamolela reiterated that road safety is everyone’s business.

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DA to probe delays in re-opening of Galeshewe Court building

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By REGINALD KANYANE

6 May 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it will continue to put pressure on the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to restore court services to the Galeshewe community. This comes after the due date for the re-operationalisation of the Galeshewe Magistrate’s Court building in Kimberley has shifted again.

The DA Member of the Select Committee on Security and Justice and Member of Parliament (MP), Ofentse Mokae, said they have written to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mamoloko Kubayi, who indicated that, the root cause of the structural integrity-related issues has yet to be determined and that a contractor is not likely to be appointed before January 2026. Mokae said there is thus neither a scheduled practical completion date for the structural defects project, nor a scheduled inspection date from the Department of Labour for subsequent lifting of the prohibition notice.

“This is contrary to previous assurances that the court building would be re-opened in the current financial year. We are tired of empty promises and a lack of transparency in relation to the true state of the court building.

“The court building was shut down by the Department of Labour in July 2023, due to structural defects posing a safety risk to staff and the public. Court services were temporarily provided at Galeshewe Police Station before being moved to the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court in January 2024,” he said.

Mokae further said the situation places financial strain on Galeshewe residents, who must travel into the city to access court services. He added that the additional load has also put the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court under pressure, aggravating court backlogs.

“I will continue raising this matter in Parliament and in the select committee of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), seeking answers and accountability.

“I will also insist that the department provides the committee with a mitigation strategy to address the growing court bottleneck that has developed as a result of the Galeshewe Court’s closure,” said Mokae.

He said while the fate of the current Galeshewe court building hangs in the balance, justice for the Galeshewe community cannot.

Meanwhile, Kubayi said: “Various investigations were conducted by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI). The building shows several structural issues, including plaster detachment from reinforced concrete surfaces, cracking and movement in both the brickwork and concrete, particularly around the expansion joints, and noticeable movement within the expansion joints themselves.

“These signs suggest potential underlying problems with structural integrity and settling. A thorough inspection is recommended to identify the root cause and assess the overall condition of the structure, particularly in the areas of plaster, cracking, and expansion joint movement.”

Kubayi said a project has been registered with DPWI to address the identified defects leading to the visible cracks in the building. She said the DPWI is in the process of appointing Structural, Mechanical Engineers and an Occupation Health and Safety Agent, the appointment process is anticipated to be concluded by September 2025.

“A service provider to execute the project will be appointed after the completion of the sketch plan, designs and Bills of Quantities. The appointment of Structural, Mechanical Engineers and an Occupation Health and Safety Agent will determine the extent of damage to the facility and will also provide the estimated figures to rectify the structural damages to the court.

“The exact figure will only be known once the service provider is appointed to undertake the remedial work. It is anticipated that the project will be completed after a period of 6 months (pending thorough assessments by professional service providers) depending on the contractor’s appointment date, after all SCM processes have been finalized,” said Kubayi.

She said the contractor is anticipated to be appointed in January 2026. According to Kubayi, court will be officially opened when all the defects have been addressed, contract completion date and practical completion of the project taken, with an inspection from the Department of Labour for confirmation and lifting of the notice.    

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Sepodisi sa Taung se tlile go dira ditlhomamiso (parade) mabapi le kgetsi ya polao ya kwa Magogong

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

6 Motsheganong 2025- Sepodisi sa Taung go begwa fa se tlile go tsweletsa ditlhomamiso ka mokgwa wa parade mo letsatsing la gompieno mo kgetsing ya polao e diragetseng kwa motseng wa Magogong, gaufi le Taung, fa kgwedi ya Moranang ene e tlhola matsatsi a le 20.

Se se tla morago ga gore monna wa dingwaga di le 36, Tembile Duncan Motlhanke, a bolawe kwa ntlung e rekisang nnotagi.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh, Motlhanke o ile a ngatiwa ka tshipi ya sejanaga (wheel spanner) mo tlhogong le go tlhabiwa mo thamong. Myburgh are moswi o ile a wela kwa ntlung e rekisang nnotagi.  

“Go begwa fa rragwe moswi, a ile a mo tabogisetsa kwa bookelo jwa sedika jwa Taung ka masa a letsatsi la Tshipi go ka bona thuso ya potlako. Fela moswi o ile a tlhokafala moragonyana.

“Go fitlha ga jaana, ga gona ope o tshwerweng mabapi le polao e, mme ga se nnete gore sepodisi se goga dinao go ka tshwarwa babelaelwa. Go fitlha ga jaana, sepodisi se botsoloditse bangwe ba ba boneng ka matlho, fela ga ba kgone go ka toba badiri ba dilo tse,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.

Myburgh are mongwe le mongwe o a ka tswang a na le tshedimosetso mabapi le polao e, a ka letsetsa mmatlisisi mo kgetsing e, eleng Sarasanta Setlholeng Frank Morweng mo dinomorng tsa 082 469 0293.

Kgabagare, go ile ga nna le magatwe a gore babelaelwa ba tiro e, ba romeletse mongwe wa batho ba ba boneng ka matlho molaetsa wa matshosetsi, mme ba mo itsise fa bone ba dula kwa motseng wa Dikhuting, ebile ba thuntsa go utlwala. Fela, Myburgh o ganeditse ditatofatso tse, mme o tlhalositse fa sepodisi se sa amogela dingongorego dipe go tswa go mongwe wa ba ba boneng ka matlho mabapi le se.

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Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le bane ba kwa Manthe e buseditswe morago

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Setshwantsho: Bangwe ba balatofadiwq mo kgetsing ya polao

OBAKENG MAJE

6 Motsheganong 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le bane ba kwa motseng wa Manthe, gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung go fitlha di 19 Motsheganong 2025. Se se tla morago ga gore mongwe wa balatofadiwa mo kgetsing, Thabang Lenyai (25), a itsise lekgotlha fa a batla mmueledi o mongwe.

Lenyai o tlhaloseditse lekgotlha fa a sa tlhole a batla go buelelwa ke advocate Mokhutsane yo a emetseng bone bo.

Mmeteledi, Bakang Katong (32), yo o atlholetsweng dingwaga di le robedi kwa kgolegelong mo kgetsing ya petelelo, ene o itsisitse lekgotlha fa a ipona molato mo ditatofatsong tsotlhe kgatlhanong le ene mo kgetsing e. Balatofadiwa nae, Thabang Lenyai, Katlego Mosimege (33) le Phenyo Katong (36), bone ba tlhalositse fa ba sa ipone molato.

Mo tshimologong, go ile ga nna le menyenyetsi ya gore Lenyai ga mmogo le Katong, ba tlile go ipona molato mabapi le ditatofatso kgatlhanong le bone, fela seemo se fetogile go fitlha ga jaana. Go ya ka menyenyetsi, Katong o ile a tshepisa Lenyai madi a kanang ka R300 000 gore ba rwale kgetsi e ya polao mmogo, fa mogoloe, Phenyo le Mosimege ba ka se ipone molato gore ban ne le tsholo ya go tsweletsa dikgwebo kwa ntle.

Fela go ya ka ditatofatso tse di sa tlhomamang, Katong ga a ka a neela Lenyai madi ao, ke ka moo a fetolang lewa.

Balatofadiwa ba ile ba tshwarwa dingwaga di le tharo tse di fetileng morago ga go latofadiwa ka go bolaya Thabiso Mothibedi (35), setlhogo.

Go begwa fa ba ile ba mo teketa le go mo golegelela mo generateng. Seno se tla morago ga gore ba mo latofatse ka go ba utswetsa madi a seatleng a lekang ka R20 000 le motsoko wa R600.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, mokaptein Sam Tselanyane, o ile a tlhalosetsa ba lekwalo-dikgang la The Guardian Newspaper gore dipatlisiso di shupa fa tiragalo e, ele ya di 29 Moranang 2022. Tselanyane are go ile ga begwa fa moswi a ile a siela kwa motseng wa Longaneng.

“Fela, go begwa fa balatofadiwa ba ile ba tswa letsholo le go mo latela. Go begwa fa go gorogeng ga bone kwa motseng wa Manthe, ba ile ba mo gokelela mo generateng, mme ba mo teketa go fitlhelela a tlhokafala.

“Go begwa fa balatofadiwa ba ile ba tabogisetsa moswi kwa kliniking ya selegae fa ba bona a neela mowa. Baoki ba ne ba tlhalosa fa go se sepe se ba ka se dirang go boloka moswi, gonne one a setse a balelelwa le badimo,” Tselanyane wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, ka di 1 Motsheganong 2022, baagi ba ile ba bolotsa mogwanto kgatlhanong le balatofadiwa, mme ba ile ba fisa matlo a bone a le mararo mo tiragalong e. Gape, baagi ba ile thuba le go senya ntlo-maitiso ya balatofadiwa, mme ba itseela le nnotagi.

Go begwa fa Katong le Lenyai ba boleletse lekgotlha ka mokgwa wa tiriso ya lekwalo gore, ba ipona molato mo ditatofatso tsotlhe kgatlhanong le bone, mme ba tlhalositse fa Mosimege le Phenyo, ba ne ba sena seabe mo tiragalong e.

Mo letlhakuring le lengwe, bosekisi le bone bo tlhalositse fa boitekanetse go ka tswelela ka tsheko, mme bo shupa fa bona le kgetsi e kwenneng kgatlhanong le banna ba, ba le bane.

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