27 January 2025- Parliament said it wishes to correct misleading media statements that only four provinces voted in favour of the Expropriation Bill when the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) considered the Bill on 19 March 2024. The Parliament said this claim is factually inaccurate and misleading.
According to the National Parliament spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo, their records show that seven provinces voted in favour of the Expropriation Bill, far exceeding the required majority required by the Constitution. Mothapo said in terms of Section 65 of the Constitution, the majority that is required to pass an ordinary bill affecting provinces – a Section 76 bill – of which the Expropriation Bill is one, is at least five provinces.
“It is, therefore, disingenuous to attempt to attack the constitutionality of the Expropriation Bill on the grounds that the NCOP failed to comply with its constitutional obligations.
“For detailed information, please refer to the minutes of the NCOP sitting on that date. The NCOP is dedicated to ensuring transparency in its proceedings. This factual misrepresentation is misleading and seeks to undermine the commitment of the NCOP to carry out its constitutional obligations,” he said.
Picture: The rape accused, Constable Luthando Meintjies/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
27 January 2025- A policeman (27), who is facing three counts of rape, three counts of assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), and one count of kidnapping, will be back at the Upington Magistrate’s Court today. Constable Luthando Meintjies was denied bail after he allegedly attempted to influence the complainant and threatened the Investigating Officer in this case.
On 15 November 2024, Meintjies, who is a member of the South African Police Service (SAPS), allegedly arrived at his place of residence with the complainant (23), at night after consuming alcohol.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said it is alleged
that during the night, the accused informed the complainant that she must call her mother as he wanted money to buy more beers. Senokoatsane further said when she could not get the money from her mother, he allegedly began to assault and proceeded to rape her numerous times during the night.
“She tried to escape and hide in the bathroom, but the accused broke down the door to open it. Whilst all this was happening, she was able to send her uncle text messages for him to come and rescue her from the accused.
“The uncle allegedly arrived at the accused’s home with the police. Meintjies was arrested and charged with rape, assault GBH, as well as kidnapping. The matter was remanded to 27 January 2025 and investigations continue,” he added.
Picture: NTI employees protesting outside North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management offices in Mahikeng
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
27 January 2025- The North West MEC Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said he is grateful that employees of NTI have been paid as he had promised. Morweng said though the procedures of processing payments through an external company delayed the pay date from the one he promised over a week ago, the employees were finally paid this week.
“I can confidently say that as the department, we kept our promise of making sure employees will get what is due to them. Some of the employees had also got in touch with our office to express appreciation of our interventions.
“This is the beginning of taking the entity back to where it belongs and being able to sustain itself as we all know the entity has potential. The department had to intervene by using an external company to process employees’ salaries as previous experience was that money allocated for salaries were used for other priorities,” he said.
Morweng further said in other instances, where workers were paid, it had been half of what they should be paid. He added that, as part of intervening at the entity, he had towards the end of last year, seconded Dr Ntlhopeng Dikobe, who is the Chief Director for Corporate Services at the Department, to be the acting CEO at NTI.
“We urge the employees to put the interests of the entity first and be vigilant of those whose interest could be at the detriment of the entity. As the MEC responsible for this Department which is the shareholder representative, we will ensure that NTI functions optimally.
“We expect to engage employees this week as part of mapping a way forward to avoid challenges that afflicted NTI in the recent past,” said Morweng.
Picture: Nine SANDF soldiers killed in RDC Congo/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
27 January 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, to urgently brief Parliament on the deteriorating and calamitous situation in the DRC, with nine soldiers killed in action and many more wounded in the past two days.
DA’s Member of Parliament (MP) and spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans, Chris Hattingh said as their hearts go out to their families, they will not rest until they get answers and hear a plan from Motshekga to safeguard the South African Base and personnel on the ground.
Hattingh further said it is unacceptable that while South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers are marched to their deaths, while the President, who ordered the deployment, sits locked in internal party scuffles, fighting internal party battles, at the ANC Lekgotla.
“It is just as unacceptable that the Minister of Defence, Angie Motshekga and her generals, in stark contrast to the plight of the wounded SANDF soldiers, flew out of Goma yesterday in a luxury VIP Falcon jet, leaving behind wounded soldiers with no SANDF air support available for them.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa sent SANDF to combat in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with the full knowledge that our troops were unprepared. He knew that the mission could not be won and that our fiscus could not afford it,” he said.
Hattingh added that the crisis has now escalated to the United National Security Council, where South Africa’s recklessness in this conflict will damage its reputation. He said a report to Members of Parliament (MPs) in both Houses will help determine how best they withdraw the SANDF from eastern DRC and engage with regional and international partners to seek a solution.
“While frontline services face budget cuts, the department was still allocated an additional R2bn in the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS). This is despite the department’s disastrous financial management, with unauthorised expenditure of R3.4bn in their latest audits.
“With additional funding, our troops were still surrounded by rebels and killed. The SANDF crisis in the DRC is as a result of a political decision by the Commander in Chief, Ramaphosa, costing lives, our international reputation, and critical government resources,” said Hattingh.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, Dakota Legoete said: “We are deeply sadness by the tragic loss of nine members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
“The SANDF members stationed in the DRC, as part of both Southern African Development Community and the United Nations peacekeeping deployments to the area were engaged in intense combat over two days with the M23 rebel group near Goma, the provincial capital of the eastern DRC.”
Legoete said the SANDF confirmed on 25 January 2025, that nine SANDF members were killed during combat and several others injured. He said their sacrifice serves as a solemn reminder of the heavy price of freedom.
“The loss of life is deeply regrettable, especially on foreign soil. However, we salute these fallen heroes for their courage and commitment. Their efforts successfully repelled the enemy, averting what could have been a catastrophic tragedy for the innocent civilians of Goma.
“The committee will use its upcoming engagements with the Department of Defence to ensure that efforts are made to ensure that the SANDF contingent in the DRC is well supported and capacitated,” he said.
Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng
By REGINALD KANYANE
27 January 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng is set to release the 2024/25 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign Report today. The statistics will provide an overview of the provincial performance in line with the efforts to reduce road fatalities and promote responsible road use.
Morweng spokesperson, Charles Matlou said: “The event will take place at MEC Boardroom, Tirelo Building, Mmabatho at 10am.”
26 January 2025- The love for keeping people safe and secure is the main reason why Northern Cape SAPS Porter Pilot, Captain Joanita Becker, trained herself as a registered snake catcher in Kimberley and surrounding areas. On 26 January 2025, Becker immediately responded to the call of a highly venomous Cape Cobra spotted in Belmont SAPS Community Service (CSC).
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said, upon arrival, she found and caught another Puff Adder just outside the CSC. Kock sais it took Becker 20 minutes to trace and catch the Cape Cobra, while it was hiding in a filing cabinet in the police station.
“The snakes were released into their natural habitat and its micromodeling dictates it should be between 2km and 10km from where it was found so that it stands a good chance of survival,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Vape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended Becker for going the extra mile in ensuring the community and SAPS members is safe and secure at all times. Otola sais Becker completed her level 1 and 2 snake catchers course between 2019 and 2022, in Kimberley through the African Snake Bite Institute and is trained to identify, catch and release a snake into its natural habitat.
“She was also trained to administer first aid to snake bite victim bearing in mind that both the Cape Cobra and Puff Adder, are rated the most dangerous and poisonous snakes in Africa. A victim needs immediate anti venom to be administered by a medical practitioner when fallen prey to these snakes.
“We urge our people to adhere to the safety hints when you encounter a snake. Do not approach. Freeze and see snakes reaction. Back up slowly and call for help from local Wildlife Snake Rescue Institute,” said Otola.
She said people who are bitten by snake should apply pressure to wound and wrap tightly with bandage. Otola said they should not suck out venom from the wound.
“Do not suck out venom from wound. Immobilise a limb and limit movement. Immediately seek medical treatment when you see symptoms of pain, swelling, dizziness and difficulty in breathing. React fast as every second counts to save a life.
“Poison Information Call Centre helpline for advice is 0861 555 777,” she said.
Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Mangaliso Matika
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
26 January 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Mangaliso Matika, invites nominations for a suitable candidate to represent the Northern Cape to serve on the National Arts Council Board. Matika said in terms of Section 4(1) of the NAC Act (Act 56 of 1997) read with Section 21(a) of the Cultural Laws Amendment Act (Act 36 of 2001) , it specifies that the Council of the NAC shall consist of nine provincial representatives who shall within the province in question by public and transparent process, which shall be determined and overseen by the responsible member.
He further said the nominee should possess special knowledge and experience in the field of Arts, Management, Finance, Human Resource, Legal, Marketing and Liaising, Fundraising and willingness to render community services.
Matika added that the remuneration of the appointed Council Member will be in line with the rates prescribed by the National Treasury.
“All nominations must be in writing with the following information, a nomination letter containing full names and contact details of the nominee, signed letter of acceptance (of nomination) by the nominee, and a recently updated Curriculum Vitae of the nominees, including 3 contactable references.
“This includes certified copies of the nominees’ identity document as well as educational qualifications. No nomination will be considered unless all of the above documents are included. Correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates,” he said.
Meanwhile, nominations should be submitted to the Office of the MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture by 7 February 2025.
Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA, Bentley Vass handing over baton to the newly-appointed MEC, Limakatso Koloi
By REGINALD KANYANE
26 January 2025- Following the announcement by the Northern Cape Premier, Zamani Saul on the appointment of the new Member of the Executive Council (MEC) responsible for the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison (DTSL), Limakatso Koloi, the MEC of COGHSTA, who until yesterday was also responsible for DTSL, Bentley Vass, hosted a handover meeting with Koloi.
The ceremony was attended by Head of the Department of DTSL, Rodney Pieterse and Senior Managers, as well as the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, and Deputy Provincial Commissioner. Vass congratulated the new MEC and wished her all the best with the new responsibilities.
“The government committed to deliver services effectively and address the pressing needs of communities of the Northern Cape. We express confidence in the abilities of Koloi to propel the DTSL to greater heights.
“I am now henceforth, the Executive Authority, responsible only for the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA),” he said.
Meanwhile, Koloi shared the same sentiments. She said she was humbled by the appointment and that she was looking forward to her new role to advance the interests of all communities, working with the administrative leadership of the department, and of the SAPS and fellow colleagues in the Provincial Cabinet (MECs) under the stewardship of Saul.
26 January 2025- The Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture said it is thrilled to announce that an exciting new film is set to begin production in the heart of the Northern Cape. The department said this cinematic venture is poised to bring significant exposure to the region while addressing pressing social issues through a gripping narrative that promises to captivate audiences worldwide.
The department spokesperson, Nelly Pheleu said this up-and-coming film, with its compelling themes and unexpected plot twists, is not only a creative milestone but also a platform for exploring the social challenges faced by communities. Pheleu said the department is proud to support a project that reflects the resilience, depth, and vibrancy of South African storytelling.
“The movie, Poachers Moon written by Tom Datnow tells the story of a bond between two friends with different racial and economic backgrounds during apartheid South Africa.
“The production is expected to have a profound economic and cultural impact on the province. Local businesses, from hospitality to logistics, stand to benefit immensely from the influx of cast, crew, and other stakeholders,” she said.
Pheleu further said in addition, the project will create temporary job opportunities for local artists and highlight Kimberley’s unique landscapes and heritage as a prime filming destination. She added that the department remains committed to supporting creative industries that not only entertain but also educate and inspire.
“This film stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in bringing attention to vital social issues and fostering cultural pride. Filming is set to commence on January 20, 2025, with further updates to be provided as production progresses.
“The department encourages the community to embrace this exciting development and extend their warm hospitality to the visiting filmmakers,” said Pheleu.
Police and emergency responders on the scene of a shooting outside the Ekuthuleni Primary School in Kraaifontein, Cape Town on 23 January 2025. Picture: Melikhaya Zagagana/EWN
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
26 January 2025– The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, Sciences and Creative Industries, Makhi Feni, has condemned in the strongest possible terms the callous killing of Ekuthuleni Primary School principal, Jeffrey Sigudla in Wallacedene in Kraaifontein, Cape Town, Western Cape. Feni said what is alleged to have occurred has been a traumatic experience for all those who witnessed it, particularly for the young learners.
He further said the law enforcement should spare no effort in finding the culprits of this heinous act and the reasons they committed it. Feni added that the school principals are vulnerable to these kinds of hits and this is becoming normal.
“The media reports indicated that on Wednesday, the primary school principal was shot and killed in front of members of the school community. The assailants remain at large.
“We call on communities to jealously protect their schools and to come forward with information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators. This raises concerns about security issues around schools,” he said.
Feni said they ought to strengthen security, but that should not replace community vigilance on these challenges, as well as school vandalism. He said as much as they do not know why this happened, people ought to remember that principals are appointed by the department and the School Governing Bodies (SGBs) on account of their competence in school management.
“The committee sends its deepest condolences to the bereaved Sigudla family, their friends and the school community. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” said Feni.
The Guardian 