Committee on Electricity calls for urgency in addressing “Gas Cliff” facing South Africa

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By REGINALD KANYANE

6 June 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy received a briefing on Wednesday from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), the South African Oil and Gas Association (SAOGA), SASOL and Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) Gas Industry and gas exploitation in the country, on ways to address the “gas cliff” that faces South Africa. The committee emphasised the need for urgent and coordinated action to mitigate the challenge of the impending “gas cliff” that faces South Africa.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Nonkosi Mvana said the “gas cliff” refers to the expected decline in natural gas supply from Mozambique’s Pande and Temane fields by 2028. Mvana said the fields currently provide a significant portion of South Africa’s natural gas needs.

“The looming supply shortage poses serious risks to the country’s energy security, industrial output, and broader economic competitiveness. The committee heard from the stakeholders, among other things, the need to accelerate development of domestic and regional gas resources to supplement declining Mozambican supply.

“This includes challenges with the regulatory environment and policy uncertainty hampering investment in gas infrastructure, and the importance of aligning gas-to-power projects with LNG import plans to create an integrated gas supply solution,” she said.

Mvana said the stakeholders emphasised the requirement for Public-Private Partnerships and innovative financing models to fund critical midstream and downstream gas infrastructure. She said the CEF, which is the entity of the Department of Electricity and Energy outlined its strategic initiatives to secure long-term gas off-takers for LNG importation projects, as well as its financial strategy to fund these capital-intensive undertakings without exacerbating the national debt burden.

“On the one hand, SASOL discussed their plans to utilise methane-rich gas as a bridge solution until LNG becomes available, while also highlighting the technical and pricing implications for industrial users, on the other hand.

“The Industrial Gas Users Association stressed the urgency of the situation, noting that they have a six to nine month window to put the necessary measures in place to avoid the “gas cliff,” said Mvana.

She said the Gas Users Association proposed the creation of a gas aggregator model and public-private partnership structures to facilitate infrastructure development and unlock private sector investment. Mvana said the committee highlighted the importance of time as the country has less than six years to put the necessary measures in place before the “gas cliff” materialises.

“The committee said it will closely monitor progress and will continue engaging with all stakeholders to ensure a coordinated national response,” she said.

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Bafana Bafana ready to face Tanzania

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Picture: Bafana Bafana players

By OBAKENG MAJE

6 June 2025- Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos says he’s happy with what he’s seen of the newcomers in the camp in Polokwane this week as the South African senior men’s team prepares to wrap up preparations ahead of Friday’s international friendly match against Tanzania at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. Kick-off is at 19h30.

With Broos electing not to select Mamelodi Sundowns players as they prepare to travel to the United States of America to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup this month, the national team coach preferred to use the opportunity to have a look at several new faces.

“I’m very happy with what I saw in the past few days of this new and young group of players, and not only what I saw on the pitch but also outside the pitch.

“It was a little bit quiet in the first few days, but I think this is totally normal. There are many new players with the national team, they know each other as opponents but it’s always different when you are in the same team,” he said.

Broos further said the players see each other from the moment they wake up till the moment they go to sleep, so it was a little bit quiet. He added that the last few days everything was the way it should be.

“On the pitch at training, I see a very motivated group, a group that is aware of the opportunity they have got to play for the national team and a group that also knows that with the opportunity they have got now, they have to try and grab it with both hands,” said Broos.

The Bafana Bafana coach also announced that Fawaaz Basadien will captain the team against Tanzania, and then Nkosinathi Sibisi will take over the armband against Mozambique on Tuesday next week.

“For me, I think I did not expect it to come so soon. But at the same time, it is an honour and a privilege to be captain of the national team. I mean, it is one of the things you dream about while growing up as a footballer.

“Like I said, I did not expect it to come as soon as it came, but I am ready and prepared to help the young players in the team. When I first came to the national team, there were guys who helped me,” said Basadien.

He said he is willing to do the same with the younger players in the team. Basadien said the last time they played here in Polokwane, they played in a packed stadium, so they expect the same today and hopefully the turnout will be exactly like it was the last time we played here.

Meanwhile, tickets are available at Ticketpro on the link below: Ticketpro – South Africa vs Tanzania – 6th of June 2025.

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A man arrested for fraud and impersonating a police officer

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By REGINALD KANYANE

5 June 2025- The accused, Thabo Enoch Theletsane (41), briefly appeared at the Hatfield Magistrate’s Court. Theletsane is facing a charge of fraud and impersonating a police official.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that on 25 October 2024, while the accused was out on parole after serving a sentence on fraud charges. Mahanjana said he allegedly called a prominent businessman with a WhatsApp number that had a profile picture of the former National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya.

“During the call, it is alleged that he told the businessman that his phone was hacked and he should expect a call from a certain Mokoena, a police officer from cyber-crimes.

“When the accused called the businessman as Mokoena, it is alleged that he told the complainant that his phone was hacked and he was going to clean it,” she said.

Mahanjana further said the man asked to send him the numbers of people he frequently communicates with so he can check their phones too. She added that, the complainant then sent him the numbers.

“It is alleged that the accused further requested that the complainant make a payment to him to buy a hard drive to store his information. However, the payment was not made.

“On a different occasion, it is alleged that the accused sent a message and called another complainant with the numbers provided by the businessman and told the complainant that his phone was hacked and allegedly requested the complainant to make a payment of R50 000 to buy a hard drive to store his information which the complainant paid him,” said Mahanjana.

She said after both complainants realised that they had been scammed, they reported the matter to the police on 1 November 2024, and a case docket was opened. Mahanjana said intensive investigations by police, the accused was arrested on 10 May 2025 and is remanded in custody.

“In court, the matter was postponed to 7 July 2025 for an opposed bail application, and more charges will be added,” she said.

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A man gunned down in Kuruman

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Picture: The deceased, Sydney Majola/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

5 June 2025- The police in Mothibistad are investigating a murder case after a man (36) was fatally shot at a business establishment in Magojaneng village, in Kuruman on Wednesday evening. The police said the deceased, Sydney Majola, succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the police are probing the shooting incident and as yet no arrest has been effected as yet. Shemane said anyone with information that can assist the police in the investigation and apprehension of the suspect(s) can contact Mothibistad Acting Station Commander, Captain Nomvuyo Makoloi on 082 373 9947 or Mothibistad Detective Commander, Captain Sethunya Letshwiti on 082 374 0392 or call SAPS crime stop number on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS.

“All information received will be treated confidentially,” he said.

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Rape case against Starzen postponed

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Picture: Rape accused, Kagalelo “Starzen” Setlhare

By OBAKENG MAJE

5 June 2025- A rape case against a well-known man (45) in Taung, has been postponed by the Taung Magistrate’s Court until 10 June 2025, for formal bail application. This comes after the accused, Kagalelo Setlhare, who is affectionately known as Starzen, was arrested and charged with rape.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the complainant was attending a Taung Annual Gospel Music Festival at PH Moeketsi High School a few months ago and she went outside the venue to look for her friend. Mokgwabone said Setlhare allegedly grabbed and pulled her to the nearby bushes, where he allegedly assaulted and raped her.

“Although the complainant works at the place in question, she was not on duty on the day of the incident, but attending a gospel festival. The accused appeared before the Taung Magistrate’s Court today.

“He was arrested on Tuesday and charged with rape,” he said.

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Zimbabwean man nabbed with illicit cigarettes worth R850 000

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Picture: Illicit cigarettes worth R850 000 seized by the police/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

5 June 2025- The accused, Gordon Sibanda (42) who is a Zimbabwean, is expected to make a second appearance before the Leeudoringstad Periodical Court, for bail application on 10 June 2025. Sibanda is facing a charge of illegal possession of illicit cigarettes.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Sibanda was arrested on Monday after the truck he was driving was stopped and searched by the police at the Leeudoringstad/Orkney road. Mokgwabone said the police allegedly found to be transporting 169 boxes of Chief and Remington cigarettes, all with an estimated value of R850 000.

 “The accused was immediately arrested and both the truck and the illicit cigarettes were confiscated by the police,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said this arrest is yet another breakthrough in the fight against the threat of illicit economy that impedes economic growth and violates the territorial security of the Republic of South Africa (RSA), where illicit goods are smuggled, distributed and sold in violation of customs, tax, health, safety and economic laws of South Africa.

Asaneng said it is deeply concerning that the accused and his illicit cargo were only intercepted far away from the Port of Entry, where he should have been thoroughly checked and processed.

“The  Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) must thoroughly investigate how the accused managed to enter the country with these cigarettes, which should have been detected at the border.

“If it should be found that he was either aided by corrupt officials or that there was negligent dereliction of duty, the culprits must be held to account,” he concluded.

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Police looking for suspects in a kidnapping incident

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Picture: The missing Zelne du Plessis found unharmed/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

5 May 2025- The police are investigating a car-jacking, kidnapping and robbery after Zelne du Plessis (20) went missing in Postmasburg. On 4 May 2025, at approximately 4:30pm, two men with balaclavas allegedly jumped into the victim’s vehicle when she stopped at a four way stop in the Postmasburg CBD and forced her to drive out of town.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the victim’s parents reported her missing and a search party was immediately activated. Kock said she was found at approximately 7pm on the Witsand gravel road between Postmasburg and Griekwastad.

“Zelne was found unharmed with her car. It is alleged that the vehicle ran out of petrol and the two men fled on foot with her cell phone. A search has been launched for the suspects.

“Anyone with information can call Postmasburg SAPS Detectives on 082 302 0391 or contact the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or utilize the MySaps app,” he said.

Kock further said all information will be treated confidentially. He added that the investigation continues.

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Committee calls for the suspension of Director and CFO at PSIRA

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

5 June 2025– The Portfolio Committee on Police said it has strongly recommended to the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority Council (PSiRA) to suspend the Director and Chief Financial Officer for the irregularities and possible fraud relating to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) training programme.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Ian Cameron said they consider it unacceptable that the PSiRA council has dithered on ensuring accountability for the number of programme irregularities, which is an affront to the efforts to fight fraud and corruption within public entities. Cameron said the committee’s recommendation was anchored on the view that the Director and the CFO, as the delegated officials for the management of day-to-day operations of PSiRA as per the founding Act, cannot objectively oversee the investigation of the programme they led.

“Furthermore, we are of the view that suspensions are necessary to ensure openness and accountability, as well as to safeguard the credibility of the investigation. The committee was critical of the council’s inability as the accounting authority to exercise its fiduciary responsibilities relating to the training programme.

“The committee considers it unacceptable that PSiRA and the UIF authorised the payment of over R30 million as an advance payment to the service provider before services were rendered. This was in contravention of Treasury Regulation 31.1.2(c) and section 57(b) of the Public Finance Management Act and shows disregard for sound financial management of taxpayers’ resources,” he said.

Cameron further said the fact that this programme and connected irregularities have been ongoing since April 2019, yet no official has been held to account, is also worrying. He added that the fact that the only officials who have now been suspended are those who attempted to leak the forensic report points to a lack of willingness to ensure accountability on the matter.

“The mismanagement of the programme is also concerning in the context that it robs the country’s youth of training programmes that can be a stepping stone towards improving their socio-economic status and their prospects of being gainfully employed.

“The information that only 118 of the trained 6 507 learners were accredited also points to the inadequacies in the supply chain process that appointed a service provider incapable of rendering services,” said Cameron.

He said it is unacceptable that the authority has admitted that no due diligence was performed for the awarding of the contract. Cameron said this is standard protocol and the authority failed to safeguard the state’s financial resources.

“The committee is also concerned that, besides the irregularities, the authority has had to spend additional resources to contract a law firm for the recovery of the advance payment as well as contract a firm to undertake a forensic audit of the programme.

“The committee has always advocated for responsible spending of limited resources. It is unconscionable that PSiRA had to spend additional resources that could have been better used to advance the object of the authority to undertake an investigation and recovery of monies, something that could have been prevented,” he said.

Meanwhile, Cameron said the committee unanimously agreed that there is no basis in law or National Assembly rules requiring the Chairperson of the Committee to recuse himself from a meeting dealing with material irregularities within the PSiRA and the UIF training programme. He said the committee’s decision follows a letter sent to him, requesting that he recuSe himself from the meeting. Cameron said the members of the committee were steadfast that the request was irrational and had no standing in law and was not supported by the rules of the NA.

“Additionally, the members emphasised that the committee had a constitutional responsibility for oversight, and this was not limited to committee meetings and National Assembly sittings, as confirmed by the recent Western Cape judgement in Malema v the Speaker of the National Assembly and Others.

“The committee has resolved that it will write a letter to the Minister of Police to highlight the shortcomings of the PSiRA Council and the recommendations made by the committee with regard to the suspension of the Director and CFO,” he said.

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Mozambique sink Bafana Bafana

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Picture: Bafana Bafana player against Mozambican player during COSAFA Cup

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

5 June 2025- South Africa suffered a disappointing start to their 2025 COSAFA Cup campaign, falling 0-1 to Mozambique in the opening match of the tournament at Free State Stadium on Wednesday. The South Africans missed several opportunities in the first half and then struggled to find their rhythm in the second period, eventually conceding the crushing goal by Antonio Sumbane in the 73rd minute that ultimately cost the home side the match.

Coach Vela Khumalo could not contain his disappointment following the defeat on the opening day of the regional tournament.

“It is not the best way to start the tournament. Performance-wise, I thought we played well, we played the way we wanted to play. One will then say what needs to be improved on, going back to the training sessions and how we convert our chances.

“I think in the first stanza we had too many entries into the box and in the final third, we could not score. We were rushing things when we got into the box,” said Khumalo.

He further said in the second half, they spoke to the players about this and made the team aware of it. Khumalo added that they even made the team aware that the only way Mozambique could score was if they got them in transition, which is exactly what they did.

“You know when you are a position-based team, you get carried away with the moment. I think we need to concentrate more, tactically be disciplined and convert our chances. We created enough chances to win the game, but we couldn’t.

“Performance-wise, we will go far, never mind the setback of today. When we went back to what we wanted to achieve in the tournament, it was not to concede a goal, but unfortunately, we did,” he said.

Khumalo said they have to go back and work on our finishing. He said it sounds like deja vu because when he was with the U17s, they suffered the same thing of not scoring goals.

“VAR is a good thing because it is where the world is going. But I think the officials are taking too long to make decisions and that kills the momentum of the game.

“South Africa will face Zimbabwe in their second Group A match of the COSAFA Cup on Saturday, June 7. The encounter is crucial for both teams as only the top team in each group advances to the semi-finals,” said Khumalo.

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Committee briefed on implementation of steel and metal fabrication master plan

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Picture: A worker in the steel and metal industry/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

5 June 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition said it has engaged stakeholders from the steel industry on the progress made in implementing the Steel and Metal Fabrication Master Plan. The committee said this stakeholder engagement follows its meeting with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), which was held on 6 May 2025, to ascertain the progress made in implementing the Steel and Metal Fabrication Master Plan, as part of its oversight function.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Mzwandile Masina said they agreed to meet with industry stakeholders to solicit their views on the implementation of the Master Plan thus far and to highlight any challenges facing the industry in this regard.

Masina said they engaged various key associations across the value chain such as South African Iron and Steel Institute (SAISI), Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of SA (SEIFSA), International Steel Fabricators of Southern Africa (ISF) and Steel Tube Export Association of SA (STEASA). He further said this includes the Metal Recyclers Association (MRA), Recycling Association of SA (RASA), African Rail Industry Association (ARIA), South African Capital Equipment Export Council (SACEEC), South African Wire Association (SAWA), and Powerline and Substation Association (POLASA).

“The industry welcomed the establishment of the Master Plan which sought to ensure short-term survival of the industry and build ongoing support measures for the longer-term growth and sustainability of the industry.

“While stakeholders noted that its implementation was, and continues to be critical for reindustrialisation, there have been few positive outcomes, particularly on the supply side, such as an increase in the quality of locally produced long steel and short steel, which led to increased investment.

“This includes standards revival and enforcement by the South African Bureau of Standards and the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications respectively,” said Masina.

He said, however, stakeholders noted that the Master Plan has not significantly addressed the key industry challenges it had identified. Masina added that, as a result, the industry continues to decline and experience job losses, particularly in light of changes in the geopolitical landscape.

“Therefore, the industry continues to be adversely affected by increasing imports of steel particularly from China, high production costs including energy and labour costs, increasing transportation costs, continued importation of steel by State-Owned Enterprises instead of sourcing it locally, and the limited investment in infrastructure or signalling of such investment.

“These challenges have led to South Africa’s steel industry losing global competitiveness. Industry highlighted challenges in the implementation of the Master Plan,” he said.

Masina said there is a perceived disconnect between the DTIC and industry, industry and government operating in silos, leading to the fragmented implementation of the Master Plan, failure of State-Owned Enterprises and government departments and entities to drive demand for local steel products through their infrastructure projects.

He said decisive and coherent government policy and buy-in across the industry’s value chain is needed and composition of the Master Plan Steering Committee, where representatives were from individual companies rather than industry associations, is necessary.

“There were also concerns expressed about importation of steel products at price levels equivalent to or lower than the cost of the inputs, lack of sufficient demand for steel in the country, and measures implemented, such as the scrap metal interventions, namely the Price Preference System and export controls on scrap metal, are adversely affecting certain sub-sectors, including waste pickers, scrap metal dealers, the metal recyclers and steel producers.

“The stakeholders made several proposals to turn around the decline of the industry. Clearly, there is a need for a Steel Indaba to ensure that stakeholders, the DTIC and other relevant government departments and State-Owned Enterprises can develop short-term interventions,” said Masina.

He said this will assist in saving the steel industry and for the industry to make inputs and proposals to the country’s industrial policy to address its long-term sustainability and contribution to the economy. Masina said, however, the necessary immediate interventions needed to support the industry should be urgently implemented in light of the geopolitical changes.

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