Home Affairs dismisses seven more officials

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25 April 2026 – Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, has confirmed the immediate dismissal of seven additional officials following the conclusion of disciplinary processes into various cases of misconduct.

In a statement on Friday, the department also announced that an additional16 officials have been suspended as part of ongoing disciplinary action, including cases arising from findings emanating from the interim investigation report by released by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

The latest dismissals bring the total number of officials dismissed since the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU) in July 2024 to 63.

The department said the actions form part of an ongoing crackdown on corruption, maladministration and unethical conduct, undertaken in collaboration with the SIU and other law enforcement agencies.

Since July 2024, the department has initiated a total of 95 misconduct cases related to various irregularities, of which 75 have been finalised. 

This reflects the department’s intensified and consistent approach to consequence management, ensuring that all cases are dealt with decisively and without undue delay.

He added that the department continues to strengthen its internal controls and oversight mechanisms to act against wrongdoing.

“These efforts are yielding measurable progress in restoring integrity to Home Affairs operations. The decisive pace at which the department now processes disciplinary matters, resulting in ongoing dismissals and other disciplinary action, demonstrates our unwavering commitment to cleaning up the damage done to Home Affairs over many years.

“Our zero-tolerance approach does not rely on words – it is demonstrated an ongoing concrete action to rebuild the rule of law in a department that is fundamental to the functioning of our society,” Schreiber said.

He added that the department’ message remains clear on both accountability and reform.

“We will continue to empower and reward the many officials in Home Affairs who are working diligently to implement our digital transformation agenda to deliver dignity for all, while dealing decisively and immediately with anyone found guilty of corruption, fraud or misconduct,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

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A man sentenced to life imprisonment for rape

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 April 2026- The accused, Lehlohonolo Monareng (32) from Soshanguve Township, near Pretoria. This comes after Monareng was convicted for raping a girl (17).

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said during the day on 16 July 2023, Monareng had gone to the victim’s place of residence, where there was a traditional ceremony. Mahanjanasaid during the ceremony, the victim was responsible for serving traditional beer to the guests, who had come to attend the ceremony. 

“Later that evening, at around 8pm, some guests left. The victim went to the toilet, while inside, Monareng forced the door open, blocked the door with the chair, closed her mouth, undressed her, and begin to rape her.

“The cousin of the victim saw what was happening through the window and alerted the elders who were still around, sitting by the fire. The elders forced the door open, but Monareng ran, leaving the victim lying on the floor,” she said. 

Mahanjana further said, however, he was apprehended as he was running outside the gate. She added that the police were called and Monareng was arrested on the scene.

“He has been in custody since after the NPA successfully opposed his release on bail. In court, he pleaded not guilty to the charges and denied committing the offence. The state prosecutor, advocate Thamsanqa Given Thwala, presented compelling evidence of the complainant and proved the state’s case on the evidence of a single witness.

“During the sentencing proceeding, Monareng asked the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment because the accused was young during the commission of the offence and the complainant did not suffer any physical injuries except the inherent rape injuries,” she said.

Mahanjana said, however, in aggravation, Thwala argued that Monareng was convicted of a serious offence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) that is not only prevalent in the courts’ jurisdiction but the country. She said despite the overwhelming evidence, Monareng did not show any remorse, which is a clear indication that he cannot be easily rehabilitated.

“Furthermore, the impact of the offence on the victim has a lifelong effect. Thwala also read into the record the Victim Impact Statement (VIS) facilitated by the Court Preparation Officer Maano Magondo, where the victim stated that the incident not only affected her emotionally, but she also dropped out of school because she could not concentrate and feared the stigma attached to rape as such, she resorted to drinking alcohol in hopes to forget about the incident.


“The NPA hopes that the sentence will serve as a deterrent to those who want to be sexual offenders,” she said. 

Meanwhile, Magistrate Pieter Nel agreed with the state that Monareng did not show remorse and found that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, instead there were more aggravating factors, the suffered, irreparable emotional and phycological damage. Nel said, therefore, the sentence given was appropriate. 

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Postbank introduces Black Cards for grant beneficiaries

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By REGINALD KANYANE

24 April 2026 – Postbank is proud to announce a landmark milestone for social grant beneficiaries that use SASSA Gold Cards as their time to be issued with Black Cards has come. The replacement of SASSA Gold Cards starts on 29 April 2026. 

Postbank’s Chief Commercial Officer, Thamsanqa Cele said the card replacements form part of the broader Postbank card migration program that began in September 2024, and this phase is aimed specifically at grant beneficiaries who have not yet migrated. Cele said all social grant beneficiaries that are still in possession of SASSA Gold Cards have until 31 August 2026, to migrate to the new cards.

“Anyone without a Black Card after this date will not be able to access their SASSA grant payments because the Gold Cards will stop working. Grant beneficiaries who have already migrated to Postbank Black Cards are assured that no further action is required.

“Their Black Card remains valid and continues to offer key protections and benefits, including three free withdrawals, one free card replacement, and a free monthly statement. Importantly, their account is protected from any deductions and safeguards their personal information against misuse, and therefore they need not switch banks,” he said. 

Cele further said for those who have not migrated, the message is urgent. He added that they should start collecting their Black Cards as soon as the card distribution starts and never count on any extensions as the time for them to migrate is fixed.

“Starting from this month, we are intensifying the final stages of the SASSA Gold Cards replacement process. This is a direct call to action for customers who have not yet migrated — please act as soon as possible and treat this invitation with the seriousness it deserves.

“The deadline will not be extended, and customers who miss it risk interruption to their grant payments. Black Cards can be collected from any Postbank site inside selected retailers that include Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, PicknPay, Boxer and Spar stores,” said Cele.

He said the process is FREE of charge and does not require beneficiaries to complete any forms. Beneficiaries only need to present a valid RSA ID (or a Temporary ID). Cele said cards can be collected from any province, even if that is not the province in which a person’s SASSA grant got approved.

“Postbank Black Cards work immediately upon issue, and there is no need to go to a SASSA office. Any funds balance currently in a customer’s Gold Card will automatically be reflected with the new cards.

“To find the nearest open replacement site, beneficiaries can dial #120*355# on any mobile phone. These sites will also assist customers who have lost their Black Cards and support them with PIN resets. For any enquiries, customers must call Postbank on 0800 53 54 55,” he said.

Cele said it is important to remember, if the Black Card is not written Postbank in the front and the users are being asked to complete forms to change their method of payment for the card to work, then that card is not a Postbank Black Card. He said grant beneficiaries are advised to always be on the lookout for fraudsters that are looking to take advantage.

“Those who have previously moved away from Postbank and are considering returning are encouraged to remain patient and be on the lookout for announcements of how to switch back,” said Cele.

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Damages to private and public property continues as heavy rainfall persist

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Picture: A house destroyed by heavy rains/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

24 April 2026 – Persistent thunderstorms accompanied by strong, damaging winds and heavy downpours across several municipalities in the North West, have resulted in significant damage to both private and public property, particularly in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality. Road infrastructure has been severely affected.

The North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) spokesperson, Lerato Gambu said impacted routes, include the Dwarsberg–Sesobe Road, Madikwe–Koffiekraal Road, Madikwe through Vrede and Seshebetswe, Madikwe via Brakuil to Sesobe, Tweelagte through Seolong and Mapaputle and the road from Matooster to Mahobieskraal. Gambu said while some of these roads require rehabilitation, others will need re-gravelling and edge repairs.

“Several bridges have also sustained damage, including those in Debrak, Lerome, Masekoloane, Motlhabege, Kortkloof, Sefikile, and Dwarsberg. Some bridges will require repairs, while others will need to be completely rebuilt.

“In Mahikeng, multiple mud houses, shacks and brick structures were affected in areas such as Serotswana, Seweding, Ramatlabama 600, Makhubung, Signal Hill, Setlopo and Motlhabeng, leaving a number of families displaced. In Ditsobotla Local Municipality, areas including Coligny and Biesiesvlei experienced waterlogged homes due to poor drainage systems,” he said.

Gambu further said in Tseng village under Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality, strong winds blew off roofs of several houses, while hailstorms caused damage to window panes. He added that a house fire was also reported in Madinonyane village.

“In the City of Matlosana, a bridge on Homan Street was flooded, resulting in traffic being rerouted. Trees were uprooted and several homes were damaged. A sinkhole has developed on the N12 towards Stilfontein, leading to temporary road closures due to safety concerns, while repair processes are underway.

“Current interventions include the provision of food parcels, blankets, and mattresses to affected families. The Royal Bafokeng Administration, together with the Rustenburg Islamic Welfare Organisation, has partnered with the government to support affected communities,” said Gambu.

He said the Department of Social Development and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) have conducted humanitarian needs assessments and continue to provide relief support. Gambu said a TLB has also been deployed to divert water away from flooded residential areas.

“The National Department of Human Settlements has dispatched a team to conduct assessments and verify damages to affected houses. The department will provide temporary residential units, repair damaged structures, and enrol qualifying beneficiaries for RDP housing.

“Settlements located in low-lying areas, as well as poorly maintained stormwater drainage systems, are exacerbating the impact of flooding. Residents are therefore urged to avoid building structures within flood lines or wetlands,” he said.

Gambu said the Provincial Flood Disaster Management Coordinating Committee continues to monitor the situation, coordinate response efforts and work with relevant stakeholders as adverse weather conditions persist. He said the residents can contact the Provincial Disaster Management Centre on 018 388 3888 or 066 030 8026.

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SA, Mexico to renew rivalry in 2026 World Cup opener

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23 April 2026 – When Bafana Bafana walk onto the pitch for the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June, it will mark exactly 16 years since South Africa, as host nation, kicked off the first World Cup on African soil against Mexico in Johannesburg.

Fast forward to 11 June 2026, and history repeats itself — with the same two nations meeting again in the tournament’s opening fixture, this time with South Africa playing away in Mexico.

“The same two countries. The same opening fixture. Exactly 16 years later. That is not a coincidence that football often gives you. When history hands you a gift like that, you do something with it,” the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, said on Thursday in Pretoria during a media briefing.

As part of commemorating the historic encounter, the two countries will stage a Legends rematch on 8 June 2026 — three days before the official opener.

The legends of the 2010 Bafana Bafana squad are set to face their Mexican counterparts in Pachuca, Mexico, revisiting the iconic clash from the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

“The South African Football Association (SAFA) and the South African Masters and Legends Football Association have been working together to identify 20 of the players and team management from the 2010 squad. The playing kit will be secured by SAFA through its sponsor, Adidas,” the Minister said.

The match will be hosted in partnership with Pachuca, home to Club Pachuca, one of Mexico’s most historic football clubs.

“We are deeply grateful to Pachuca for the role they are playing in making this possible. This is not a match happening next to the World Cup. This is a match happening because two football nations, with a shared moment in history, decided to honour that moment properly,” McKenzie said.

Following the match, the South African Legends will remain in Mexico to host coaching clinics on 9 and 10 June, sharing their experience with young Mexican players and South African diaspora footballers. 

They will also attend the opening match on 11 June before returning home the following day.

Ekhaya Centre to showcase SA culture

To promote South Africa’s culture and talent, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, in partnership with Brand South Africa and SA Tourism, will host the Ekhaya Centre at the Centro Nacional de las Artes in Mexico City.

“Ekhaya will be a place to watch football. It will be a place to see South African art, to hear South African music, to eat South African food. It will be a media centre for the journalists covering Bafana’s campaign.

“It will be a fan park and a fan engagement space. It will be a venue for business and investment networking – because when our flag is flying, our economy should be working alongside it,” the Minister said.

South Africa will also participate at the Aldea Global centre in Mexico City, alongside exhibitions from the 48 participating nations, with up to 20 South African artists set to perform.

Additional activation centres will be hosted in Atlanta and Monterrey, aligned with Bafana Bafana’s match schedule, to further boost fan engagement and promote South Africa on the global stage.

Cultural ambassadors to travel with the team

The department will also support South African artists to perform at the Ekhaya Centre and other activation hubs.

“We will be supporting South African chefs to cater to our fans, our guests, and curious Mexicans who want to experience South African cuisine. We will also support local podcasters and journalists to cover the tournament and tell our story in our own voices.

“To the South African journalists, podcasters and influencers travelling with us: you are not going to Mexico on holiday. You are going to render a service to your country.

“You will be telling South Africans, in their own voices and on their own platforms, what their players are doing on the world stage. That role is not always adequately recognised in this country, and it should be,” the Minister said.

Details of the selection process will be announced by the department in the coming days. –SAnews.gov.za

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Committee calls for improved maintenance of public facilities in Matlosana

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Picture: The Chairperson of the Committee, Makhi Feni

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

23 April 2026 – The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and Creative Industries on Thursday voiced concerns over dilapidated sporting facilities in the Matlosana Local Municipality. The committee said it was disappointing to see high-quality infrastructure being allowed to deteriorate.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Makhi Feni said failure to do maintenance would now require millions of rands in repairs, millions that the government does not have in the current fiscal environment. Feni said this is money that could be better spent elsewhere, providing basic services to the people.

“The condition of these facilities is frustrating when communities are lamenting the lack of sporting facilities. It is not fair to communities to allow facilities to fall into ruin and then claim vandalism, when basic maintenance has been neglected.

“We are hopeful that the municipality, not only Matlosana, will be able to review the use of these facilities and draw up comprehensive maintenance plans. The committee is conducting oversight in the province and visited a dilapidated Olympic-size (50x50m) swimming pool, the James Motlatsi Stadium, the Mark Otter Stadium, the Philemon Masinga Sports Complex and a library,” he said.

Feni urged municipal officials to make practical plans for maintenance, rather than being swayed by the rich history of the facilities, given that resources do not allow for full restoration. He further said as leaders, they need to make decisions that sometimes make them unpopular.

“The maintenance plan also needed to address the public-private partnerships and provide clear timeframes. The minor glitches that will not kill the budget need to be prioritised, and the budget should be focused on where it will have the biggest impact for the community.

“The committee concluded its oversight visit to the North West on Thursday,” added Feni.

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‘National Police Commissioner must be interviewed by an independent panel’

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Picture: Newly-appointed acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane

By REGINALD KANYANE

23 April 2026 – Action SA said it has noted the decision by the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa to suspend the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola. Action SA said sadly, today marks another indication of the growing instability obstructing law enforcement from fulfilling its most basic mandate to protect South Africa and her people.

Action SA Member of Parliament (MP), Dereleen James said today adds to a growing pattern of suspensions at the highest levels of law enforcement, including that of Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu. James said while this suspension was widely expected, given the seriousness of the allegations faced by Masemola, South Africans cannot be expected to accept a cycle of acting appointments.

“The continued reliance on “acting” appointments in critical positions such as the Minister of Police and the National Commissioner undermines stability within SAPS. Action SA supports decisive action to protect the integrity of SAPS.

“However, these repeated reactive interventions point to a deeper failure of leadership and oversight. The President has allowed a situation to develop where allegations of criminality and misconduct at the highest levels of government and law enforcement have become commonplace,” she said.

James further said at the same time, other Members of the Executive such as Minister Sisisi Tolashe and Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, are facing serious allegations, further reinforcing the perception of a government losing control over its own integrity. She added that Action SA will closely monitor the appointment of Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane as acting National Police Commissioner.

“This appointment must be to clean up the South African Police Service (SAPS), not to frustrate or delay the work of this critical institution,” said James.

Meanwhile, RISE Mzansi Member of Parliament (MP), Makashule Gana said while the legal process unfolds, they maintain that this development underscores a deeper institutional crisis. Gana said they must be clear, the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) is sacrosanct.

“Any violation of this Act is a serious matter that undermines the integrity of our state institutions and the safety of our citizens. The pattern of National Commissioners failing to complete their terms due to procurement and supply chain scandals must end.

“To ensure a stable and ethical future for the South African Police Service (SAPS), RISE Mzansi reiterates its call for a total reset of police leadership and management. We call for urgent specialised training for vetted officers,” he said.

Gasa said any senior officer who has successfully passed the new round of vetting and lifestyle audits must undergo intensive leadership training. He said this curriculum must prioritize Ethics and PFMA compliance to ensure senior managers are as competent in governance as they are in crime-fighting.

“The current model of sole presidential discretion has failed. We advocate for a merit-based process where the National Commissioner is interviewed by an independent panel and confirmed by the National Assembly, ensuring accountability to the Constitution rather than a single politician.

“Supply Chain Management (SCM) has become the Achilles’ heel of the police. We propose an administrative overhaul to insulate operational policing from procurement processes, preventing senior generals from becoming entangled in commercial disputes and tender irregularities,” he said.

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Ramaphosa suspends National Police Commissioner

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Picture: National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Fannie Masemola

By OBAKENG MAJE

23 April 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has placed the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola on precautionary suspension. This comes after Masemola briefly appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court earlier this week over contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) related to the awarding of a R228 million contract to Medicare 24 – a business linked to alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Ramaphosa held a media briefing together with acting Minister of Police, Prof Firoz Cachalia at the Union Buildings on Thursday afternoon.

“In consideration of the seriousness of these charges and the critical role of the National Police Commissioner in leading the fight against crime, I have agreed with Masemola that he be deemed to be on precautionary suspension pending the conclusion of the case.

“Recalling the commitment made during the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) to step up the fight against organised crime, corruption and violence, the decision to suspend Masemola was one rooted in accountability,” he said.

Ramaphosa further said he laid bare the government’s efforts to restore credibility of the police service following years of state capture. He added that they have worked hard over the last few years to rebuild the law enforcement agencies and security services in the wake of state capture, to restore their credibility and integrity.

“We have taken measures to uncover malfeasance and investigate allegations of wrongdoing within the ranks of the police and other institutions.

“These measures have been necessary to ensure accountability and to devise remedial action to prevent the abuse of office and the theft of public resources. In all these efforts, we have promoted respect for the rule of law and upheld the principle that law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies must be able to act without fear, favour, or prejudice,” said Ramaphosa.

He said it is this principle that informs their response to the appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court earlier this week of Masemola on charges of contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PMFA). Ramaphosa acknowledged that Maaemola’s court appearance is “understandably a cause of great concern for all South Africans”.

“However, we should not allow this development to weaken our determination or diminish our ability to fight against crime and corruption. We should not allow anything to destabilise the police service or undermine the morale of those entrusted to protect our people.

“We must hold firm to the values of our Constitution and, in this case as in all cases, allow the law to take its course,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa has appointed Major General Puleng Dimpane as the acting National Police Commissioner.

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Monna wa kwa Manokwane o ipolaile morago ga ditatofatso tsa go bolaya mokapelo wa gagwe

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

22 Moranang 2026 – Go begwa fa Mike Setumo Kokwe (54) wa kwa motseng wa Manokwane, gaufi le Taung, a ipolaile ka go ithuntsa morago ga ditatofatso tsa go kgemetha lekgarebe la gagwe ka selepe. Go begwa fa go ile ga tsoga kgakgauthano ya mafoko magareng ga baratani, Kholombia Tsipane (50) le Mike Setumo Kokwe kwa lefelong la bonno la ga Tsipane kwa motseng wa Ranstad mo letsatsing la maabane.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Sarasanta Kelebogile Morake are go begwa fa Kokwe a ile a bolaya mokapelo wa gagwe ka go mo kgemetha ka selepe. Morake are setopo sa ga Tsipane se fitlhetswe ka dintho mo mmeleng.

“Go begwa fa Kokwe a ile a tsena ka lenga la seloko morago ga moo. Mo letsatsing la gompieno, setopo sa ga Kokwe se ile sa fitlhelwa kwa lefelong la gagwe la bonno kwa motseng wa Manokwane. Kgetsi ya morago ga loso e butswe,” Morake wa tlhalosa.

Go begwa fa Kokwe a ile a ithuntsa.

Fela morwadia Tsipane are mmagwe bolailwe ka go thuntshiwa eseng ka go kgemethiwa ka selepe.    

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Monna o latofadiwang ka go kgemetha kgarebe ya gagwe ka selepe kwa Ranstad o ithuntsitse

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

22 Moranang 2026 – Monna o latofadiwa ka go bolaya lekgarebe la gagwe maabane ka go mo kgemetha ka selepe kwa motseng wa Ranstad mono Taung mo letsatsing la maabane, go begwa fa a ithuntsitse mosong ono.

Go begwa fs sepodisi se le kwa lefelong la tiragalo. Dintlha tse di feletse di tla latela.

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