Picture: Sundowns FC crowned African champions/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
26 May 2026- Mamelodi Sundowns are the CAF Champions League Champions following their 1-1 draw (1-2 on aggregate) against Moroccan side, AS FAR on Sunday night at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Teboho Mokoena is the man to score the critical goal that registered an away goal for Masandawana.
There was an early exchange between the two sides with none of them allowing the ball to enter the final third. The first box entrance, however, came from the hosts, but Khuliso Mudau kicked it away.
The hosts were awarded a corner kick which passed the face of goal, but Khulumani Ndamane cleared it away. Another box entrance for the hosts came through a square pass from the left flank side. While Ronwen Williams was ready to bucket the effort, Teboho Mokoena decided to clear the effort.
The first shot for Masandawana came from Kutlwano Letlhaku in the 24th minute. It came from Brayan Leon’s backheel pass but Letlhaku’s strike was not powerful enough, seeing the keeper catching the low strike.
Following a lengthy VAR check after Divine Lunga fouled a player inside the box, the referee pointed to the spot on the 38th minute. The shot was taken by the hosts and sent Williams the wrong way, seeing them take the lead.
The pace of the match started picking up for both sides. The hosts were, however, the ones to almost double their advantage.
They took advantage of the spaces and triggered a shot but it went wide. In added time, Masandawana almost levelled matters through Leon after Lunga set him beautifully from the left but the keeper made a save to deny the visitors.
Just before the break, a thunderous strike from Teboho Mokoena saw the visitors level matters. A cross came from the right from Leon who found Matthews who flicked it to find Mokoena.
The midfield maestro wasted no time with a half-volley. The goal saw the two sides heading to the interval all square.
AS FAR returned to play on form, creating plenty of chances and threatening the Downs rear-guard. A big chance came for the hosts on the left flank but Mudau came to the party and snatched the ball to move it forward.
In the final minutes of regulation time, Masandawana came close to doubling their advantage when Adams fired a shot from an Arthur Sales delivery but the ball went wide.
Eight minutes were added into the match and the hosts dug deep to find two goals to get back in the game but the wall of yellow jersey tightened things up at the back to make sure their hosts did not find a goal.
A disallowed goal from the Brazilians and many denied chances later, the 1-1 draw was enough for Masandawana to become the 2026 Champions League champions.
Picture: South Africa have confirmed their 15-member squad to compete at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
26 May 2026- The Proteas Women have officially departed for England to attend a training camp in Arundel ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which runs from June 12 to July 5. The 15-player squad, captained by Laura Wolvaardt, features the surprise return of fast bowler Shabnim Ismail.
Before entering official World Cup warm-up matches, the team will be based in Portsmouth and will play three unofficial practice matches at Arundel Castle. The Proteas are slotted into Group 1 and will kick-off their campaign against reigning champions, Australia on June 13.
Their group stage opponents will also include: Pakistan, India, Netherlands and Bangladesh. Following three consecutive appearances in major ICC tournament finals, the team is looking to go one step further to secure their maiden world title.
The Proteas head coach, head coach Mandla Mashimbyi said Ismail, who has reversed her retirement to make herself available for the marquee event, brings experience and depth to the Proteas pace battery and is South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in ODIs and T20Is, with 123 wickets from just 113 games in the latter. Mashimbyi said the 37-year-old last featured in the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on home soil, where South Africa lost to Australia in the Final.
“The in-form Laura Wolvaardt, currently ranked third in the ICC Women’s T20I Batter Rankings, will lead South Africa for the second tournament in a row. South Africa squad are Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, Dane van Niekerk.
“Looking at the ODI World Cup last year (of which South Africa were the runners-up), we felt we needed that X-factor. And she definitely carries that. Ismail is good on the field and not talking about skills only, the thing she brings out of that skill. This addition will make sure that we’ll fight all the way,” he said.
Mashimbyi further said another player returning is important all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, who makes her return after an injury lay-off that saw her miss the series against New Zealand and India. He added that if you do not eat food for a long time, you get hungry.
“That’s where she is, hungry for more cricket. Medically it’s all a green light, and she’s fit and raring to go,” said Mashimbyi.
26 May 2026 – The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said the police are ‘hot on the heels’ of social activist, Thato Molosankwe’s killers. Morweng along with the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, North West MEC for North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane, North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi and the Deputy-Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, paid homage to the Molosankwe’s family in Lomanyaneng village, near Mahikeng on Tuesday.
Morweng said the investigations are at the advanced stage, but when the time is right, they will convene a press conference and communicate to the public. He further said what is key for now is to send their gratitude to the people of Mahikeng.
“You would recall that when this heinous act took place, we implored them to keep calm. They have been calm and protested in a peaceful manner. So, the SAPS’s Murder and Robbery Unit is hard at work and a lot of resources have been deployed as far as this matter is concerned.
“I am confident from where I am because I receive a report three times a day. So, I am confident that very soon we will arrest the suspects. I do not think I should divulge more details for now regarding investigations,” he said.
The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said they came to visit the family today as the North West Provincial Government (NWPG). Mokgosi said they are glad that they are joined by the Deputy-Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong.
“We are here to make a commitment that those who are behind this will be arrested. This young fellow was a community activist and stood for the voiceless, downtrodden and marginalised. He was also an extension of an eye of the government. He Kept us accountable to the voters.
“We are sorry for what has happened and to the family, yes you have lost, but we are also part of the loss. We made a commitment that the provincial government, through the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, and the acting Nation Police Commissioner, has deployed a dedicated team that will investigate this horrendous act on a daily basis,” he said.
Morolong said Molosankwe was a decorated citizen, a noble man, who could walk from here to Cape Town to raise awareness against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Morolong said Molosankwe was the only noble man who can speak for the downtrodden.
“He was the only noble man who could advocate for those who are marginalised. We are extremely encouraged that there is an ongoing police investigation. This will ultimately be culminating in an arrest of the perpetrators. We are here to send our heartfelt condolences to the family on behalf of the national government,” he said.
Picture: The Convenor of the MRM Provincial Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
26 May 2026 – The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West on Monday appealed for Ubuntu and peaceful co-existence within communities. The civil society led organisation promoting the Charter of Positive Values in its Africa Day message called for rejection of Afrophobia and disunity among Africans.
The Convenor of the MRM Provincial Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said they must reclaim the unity of pre-colonial African societies, which was deliberately eroded and distorted by colonialism. Kgwele said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) offers greater opportunity for economic cooperation, shared growth and development.
He further said the Pan Africanism which was pursued by the founding fathers of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the forerunner to the African Union (AU) represents the future that Africa wants as outlined in Agenda 2063, its blueprint to achieve inclusive and sustainable development, economic integration, good governance and peace. Kgwele added that while Africans have redefined their development agenda taking into account the mineral endowment that the continent is blessed with, what largely remains is to stem the tide of regional conflicts as well as proxy wars that are perpetuating divisions for continued economic domination by western interests and mineral extraction.
“The proliferation of guns which have cost countless valuable lives is a serious indictment on Africa’s ability to end violent conflicts which account for high influx of asylum seekers. Our communities must distance themselves from divisive agendas, embrace respect for the rule of law as well as legitimate legal processes to rid the country of undocumented foreign nationals to safeguard our sovereignty.
“The way this complex matter is dealt with must reflect our humanity,” he concluded.
Picture: Former North West Premier, the late Bushy Maape/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
26 May 2026 – The Deputy President Paul Mashatile has described former Robben Island prisoner, the late Bushy Maape as a freedom fighter who sacrificed his life for liberation. Mashatile delivered a eulogy during Maape’s funeral in Vryburg on Saturday.
He further said Maape bore the scars of apartheid’s cruelty, scars that told the story of pain and injustice. Mashatile added that he gave his youth to the struggle so that future generations might walk in freedom.
“Today, beneath the skies of Vryburg and in the presence of a grieving nation, we gather at Huhudi Stadium to honour a revolutionary, a freedom fighter, a servant of the people, and a loyal son of the African soil. We unite in sorrow to bid farewell to Kaobitsa Abel “Bushy” Maape, a leader, Robben Island prisoner, loyal ANC cadre, and son of the soil.
“During the oppressive apartheid era, he played multiple roles. During the day, he was a dedicated teacher and humble principal in a rural community, shaping young minds. As night fell, he transformed into an underground activist, a “guerrilla of consciousness”, who operated stealthily,” he said.
Mashatile said Maape was part of leaders responsible for recruiting others under perilous conditions and contributed to the formation of the notable Kgalagadi Politico-Military Machinery. He said Maape played a crucial role in establishing the General and Allied Workers’ Union (GAWU), organising exploited farm and general workers.
“He contributed to the United Democratic Front (UDF), mobilising and agitating during the ANC’s ban. For this activism, the apartheid regime imprisoned him on Robben Island, believing isolation could extinguish the spirit of liberation.
“Yet history teaches us that Robben Island did not destroy revolutionaries, it became a school of political consciousness, discipline, courage, and leadership. It was at Robben Island that some of the greatest sons of our nation emerged even stronger. I speak of leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Ahmed Kathrada, Raymond Mhlaba, and many others, who sacrificed their freedom so that future generations could live in a democratic, just, united, and free South Africa,” said Mashatile.
The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said Maape had an illustrious life marked by remarkable achievements and widespread admiration as a freedom fighter, politician and public servant. Following the 1976 Student Uprisings, Maape skipped the country, where he received political and military training by the ANC.
“He was later infiltrated back into the country where he formed and commanded the Kgalagadi Underground machinery which operated in Mahikeng, Vryburg, Taung, Kuruman and Kimberly. His strong convictions in the struggle against apartheid and its draconian laws led to his incarceration on Robben Island in the 1980s,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM)in the North West said it will always treasure the contribution of Maape, who is one of the 16 June 1976 generation of firebrands that sparked youth resistance to Bantu Education and apartheid oppression laid to rest in Vryburg on Saturday.
Setshwantsho: Baagi ba boloditse ditshupetso/Facebook
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
26 Motsheganong 2026 – Baagi ba motse wa Madipelesa, gaufi le Taung, ba ne ba boloditse di tshupetso ka Mosupulogo mabapi le kago ya tsela. Baagi ba, ba latofatsa Lefapha la Ditiro tsa Setshaba le Ditsela mono Bokone Bophirima ka go ba tshepisa go ba agela tsela e magareng ga Rietfontein le motse wa bone, fela go fitlha ga jaana ga go nko e tswa lemina.
Baagi bangwe ba bonwe mo setshwantshong sa motsikinyego ba epa tsela e golaganyang motse wa Shaleng le Madipelesa ka bogare ka motsi wa ditshupetso. Baagi ba, gape ba tshosetsa ka go sa ye go tsaya karolo mo di voutung tse di tlang tsa di puso selegae fa ba sa agelwe tsela.
Motlatsa-modulasetilo wa komiti ya baagi kwa motseng wa Madipelesa, Mpotshang Morris are ba lobaka ba beile letsogo mo phatlheng mabapi le kago ya tsela, fela go bontsha fa moleta ngwedi e le moleta lefifi.
“Ha e sale re kopa go agelwa tsela ka ngwaga wa 2017. Lefapha la Ditiro le Ditsela mono Bokone Bophirima, le ne le re tshepisitse gore re tlile go agelwa tsela ka 24 Seetebosigo 2025. Ba ne ba tshepisitse gore ba tlile go tla le mogakolodi (consultant) morago ga dikgwedi di le tharo, fela seo ga sa direla.
“Lefapha le ile la re tlhalosetsa fa tsela e, e tshwanelwa ke go tlhabololwa pele ka mokgwa wa go karapiwa le go tshelwa mmu (re-gravelling). Jaanong, re il era dumela jaaka baagi. Fela, lefapha ga ise le tle go dira jalo le go fitlha ga jaana,” Morris wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa nakwana sa Lefapha la Dithoto le Ditsela mono Bokone Bophirima, Bayanda Zenzile are: “Lefapha le a itse ka matshwenyego a baagi ba Madipelesa mabapi le tsela. Fela kago ya tsela ka mokgwa wa sekontere magareng ga Madipelesa le Shaleng, e sentse e le karolo ya di thulaganyo tsa rona. Re tla dira seo morago ga go thapa mogakolodi, mme ga re itse gore seo se tla diragala leng.
“Fela ga jaana, re tlile go tlhabolola tsela eo ka mokgwa wa go e tshela mmu le go e karapa (re-gravelling) gore e ke e kgone go tsamaega. Lefapha le betse thoko madi a phopholediwang go R20 million go ka thankgolola porojeke eo.”
Zenzile are porojeke e, e tlile go tsaya dikgwedi di le thataro.
Fela Morris are madi ao a manyinyane go ka baakanya tsela ya Shaleng, Madipelesa ga mmogo le Rietfontein.
Picture: A prominent businessman, Dr Danny Tong/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
26 May 2026 – To become a successful entrepreneur, one needs a relentless vision to solve real-world problems with the resilience to pivot when things go wrong. One should also be action-oriented risk-takers who continuously learn, build strong teams, and execute ruthlessly rather than just theorising.
To curate these skills, requires both real-world practice and continuous education, and a South African business leader, investor and infrastructure entrepreneur, Dr Danny Tong who is best known as the founder and chairman of InvesTong Group has mastered it all. Tong runs one of the country’s fastest-growing black-owned investment holding groups.
Over more than two decades, he has built a diversified business empire with interests in infrastructure development, construction, property, mining, facilities management, energy, and strategic operating businesses. Beyond business, Tong is recognised for his commitment to economic transformation, youth empowerment, employment creation and building sustainable African institutions that create long-term impact rather than short-term success.
“I was born and raised in Molelema village, near Taung in the North West province. Coming from a rural background shaped my outlook on life and business. It taught me resilience, discipline and the importance of creating opportunities, where very few exist.
“Those early experiences became the foundation of my entrepreneurial journey. My journey into business started from necessity and ambition. I understood very early that entrepreneurship could become a vehicle not only for personal growth, but for changing communities and creating economic participation for others,” he said.
Tong further said he wanted to build institutions that could create jobs, develop people and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s growth. He added that over time, that vision evolved from survival entrepreneurship into building structured businesses focused on sustainability, governance and long-term impact.
“Through InvesTong Group, we have built businesses across multiple sectors including infrastructure development, construction, property, mining, energy, facilities management, and strategic investments.
“One of our flagship companies is BoTong Civils, which delivers infrastructure projects across roads, transport infrastructure, water and sanitation, telecommunications, public facilities, and energy infrastructure,” said Tong.
He said their vision is to continue growing into a multi-sector African industrial group with interests across infrastructure, agriculture, mining, insurance, and technology. Tong said even though they have embarked on various projects, they had their fair share in business.
“One of our greatest successes has been transforming a modest entrepreneurial venture into a nationally expanding investment group with an order book exceeding R3 billion and a workforce of more than 1 100 employees operating across the SADC region.
“We are also proud of evolving from being sub-contractors into principal contractors on major infrastructure projects. That transition represented a major milestone for us as a black-owned business operating in highly competitive industries. Of course, the journey has not been without challenges,” he said.
Tong said scaling businesses in South Africa comes with funding pressures, economic uncertainty, operational complexity and infrastructure challenges. He said, however, he believes adversity develops leadership.
“Every challenge strengthened our governance, discipline and long-term strategic thinking. Receiving my honorary doctorate was a deeply meaningful moment because it symbolised growth, recognition of my contribution towards entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, discipline, and continuous learning. Education has always been important to me, despite coming from a business background rooted in practical experience.
“I currently hold an MBA from the African Leadership University School of Business, I am still completing a PhD focused on brand positioning. For me, the doctorate is not simply about recognition, it represents responsibility,” said Tong.
He said it reminds him that, as African business leaders, they must combine practical business leadership with knowledge, research and institutional thinking. Tong said education is critical because it expands one’s thinking, improves decision-making and strengthens leadership capability.
“In modern business, knowledge and strategic thinking are just as important as hard work. As a businessman, education helped me move from survival entrepreneurship into building structured institutions focused on governance, scalability and sustainability. I strongly believe that Africa’s future depends on educated entrepreneurs who can compete globally while still creating local impact.
“Across the various operations within InvesTong Group, we currently have a workforce of more than 1 100 employees.
However, beyond direct employment, we are equally passionate about mentorship, enterprise development, and creating opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs and communities through our projects and foundation initiatives,” he said.
Also, Tong conducts mentorship initiatives and that has eventually drawn the attention of former Arsenal FC captain Granit Xhaka. He said he is humbled to see Xhaka acknowledging the work they are doing.
“It highlights the importance of investing in Africa’s youth and future leaders. So, through the InvesTong Foundation and our broader mentorship initiatives, we focus heavily on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship support, scholarships, female empowerment and township economic activation. South Africa’s unemployment crisis requires practical intervention, not only conversations.
“We believe business should become a tool for transformation by creating real opportunities, mentorship, and pathways into economic participation for young people. The vision of listing one of our businesses on the JSE remains very much alive and forms part of our medium-term strategic direction,” said Tong.
According to him, they have already taken important steps towards institutional readiness through governance strengthening, capital market participation, and scaling operations. Tong said the Group has also participated in the JSE JPP Live platform as part of broader growth capital initiatives.
“For us, a future listing is not simply about prestige, it is about building a sustainable African institution capable of competing globally while creating generational economic impact. Coming from a rural background definitely meant starting with fewer advantages.
“Access to networks, capital, and opportunities is often limited in rural communities. But I never allowed my background to define my future. Competing globally requires consistency, professionalism, governance, credibility and long-term thinking. Over the years, we focused on building sustainable structures and proving that African businesses can operate at world-class standards,” he said.
Tong believes that some of the world’s greatest ideas and leaders can emerge from rural Africa when given the right opportunities and mindset. He urges aspiring entrepreneurs to remain disciplined, patient and consistent.
“Entrepreneurship is not about overnight success, it is about building something sustainable over time. Secondly, focus on building institutions rather than chasing quick profits. Strong governance, credibility, and reputation are extremely important.
“Lastly, never allow your background or circumstances to limit your vision. With the right mindset, education, resilience and work ethic, it is possible to build businesses that create impact not only in South Africa, but globally,” concluded Tong.
Grade 9 learners at Mokgareng Secondary School in Taung on Tuesday, benefited from a career guidance and mental health awareness programme aimed at preparing young people for opportunities beyond the classroom. The initiative led by SETA Services, focused on equipping learners, parents and teachers with information about different post-school education and training pathways, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
Different institutions and organisations, including the National Skills Fund and Amasa, also attended the programme to exhibit educational opportunities and engage directly with learners. Apart from receiving career guidance and educational information, learners were also provided with study materials and dignity packs during the event.
Speaking during the programme, Duduzile Mwelase said the initiative was designed to help learners make informed decisions about their future careers and subject choices. Mwelase explained that TVET colleges provide learners with both theoretical and practical skills, making it easier for them to enter the job market.
“We are emphasising TVET college education because it gives learners practical skills and assists them to enter the employment space,” she said.
Parents and teachers also received guidance on available bursary opportunities and the broader post-school education and training system. In addition to career guidance, the programme placed strong emphasis on mental health awareness among learners, parents and educators.
Mwelase highlighted the importance of recognising that some learners may struggle academically due to mental health challenges, while teachers themselves also require emotional and psychological support in order to effectively assist learners.
“As much as academics are important, we also need to support learners mentally and emotionally so they can reach their full potential,” she added.
School principal Mphato Melamu welcomed the initiative, describing it as valuable support for learners at a critical stage of their education.
A learner, Bokamoso Moleboge said the programme provided useful information about career opportunities and future study options, while parent, Segametsi Bojosinyana, expressed appreciation for the guidance provided to both parents and learners.
Organisers say programmes of this nature remain important in helping young people make informed educational decisions while also promoting mental well-being within schools.
25 May 2026 – Ongoing disruptive actions in the Northern Cape resulted in the arrest of 150 individuals in the province during weeklong operations led by senior management in all five districts that commenced on 18 until 24 May 2026. During the operation, numerous premises were searched, while a total of 6221 individuals and 3113 vehicles were also searched.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the detectives conducted tracing operations that yielded the arrest of several wanted suspects who had been evading law enforcement and court appearances for various offences. Ehlers said operational actions included stop-and-search actions, high-visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints (VCPs) and roadblocks.
“Furthermore, compliance inspections were carried out at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recycling facilities, firearm dealerships, informal businesses, mines and farms to ensure adherence to relevant legislation. As a result, 28 unlicensed liquor outlets were shut down due to non-compliance and violation of various regulations.
“In total, 150 suspects were arrested for offences linked to drug-related crimes, illegal liquor trading, property related crimes, attempted murder, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Large quantities of alcohol and drugs as well as dangerous weapons, ammunition and copper cable were confiscated during the stop and search actions,” she said.
Ehlers further said several community outreach programmes and awareness campaigns were held to promote child protection month, under the theme: “Working together in ending violence against children”. She added that the provincial and district management welcomed the successful outcomes of the operation and applauded the effective collaboration among the various law enforcement agencies and stakeholders involved.
“Their coordinated efforts played a significant role in maintaining law and order, enhancing public safety, and ensuring that communities remain protected and secure. The management further acknowledged the dedication, commitment, and professionalism displayed by all members throughout the operation, emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation in the fight against crime and the creation of safer communities for all residents,” said Ehlers.
Picture: The Chairperson of the Committee, Jan de Villiers
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
25 May 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration has again called for compulsory training in consequence management and anti-corruption for senior management service (SMS) members in the public sector. The committee recently engaged with the National School of Government (NSG) on the impact of its training programmes.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Jan de Villiers said the NSG’s mandate is to, among other things, ensure that all basic values and principles are inculcated into the value systems and performance of all public servants and representatives through education, training and development initiatives. De Villiers said the purpose of the engagement was to establish whether training programmes result in measurable improvements in the performance of public servants.
“The committee’s interest is to determine the extent to which these training interventions contribute towards improving the performance of individual employees in the public service, which, in turn, should translate into quality work and improved service delivery for citizens.
“Members had concerns about whether current ethics training adequately addresses whistleblowing, accountability and ethical decision-making. The committee also asked whether anti-corruption and ethical leadership training for SMS members should become compulsory and how compliance could be monitored,” he said.
He further said there was a meeting on 20 May 2026, followed several recommendations the committee made last week in its budget vote report, which was tabled in the National Assembly. De Villiers added that in its report, the committee recommended that ethical competence should be aligned with performance reviews across government.
“Despite the provision of training, officials who attend compulsory courses, such as ethics training, are expected to perform their functions differently and demonstrate improved conduct.
“There should be a noticeable change in the behaviour of cohorts of officials who have completed ethics courses at the school,” he said.
De Villiers said the members heard from the NSG that ethics training is already mandatory and offered online to public servants. He said they also wanted to know whether training is offered to support lifestyle audits.
“According to the NSG, it is engaging with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) on possible collaboration. The committee also reflected on the delays often experienced with disciplinary procedures in the public service and asked whether there are training programmes to strengthen accountability.
“Members were informed that the NSG offers a separate online course on managing performance in the public service, which includes training on discipline, staff accountability and supporting employees to meet the targets set for their departments,” said De Villiers.
He said the NSG also offers a labour relations programme for managers to improve the handling of grievances and disciplinary procedures. De Villiers said the members further enquired about the role of departmental leadership in ensuring that training translates into tangible improvements in the workplace.
“The NSG informed committee members that uptake of training increases significantly when directors-general and departmental leadership actively instruct employees to complete it. Impact is also greater when senior managers take ownership of training interventions, nominate the correct officials for programmes and create opportunities for employees to apply their newly-acquired skills.
“We noted that issues relating to the provision of recognised certificates, which employees utilise when applying for promotions in the public service, are also of interest to the committee,” he said.
De Villiers said this reinforces the importance of professionalisation and continuous professional development in the public service, particularly in strengthening ethical leadership and accountability mechanisms. He said the committee welcomed examples presented by the NSG where training interventions had contributed positively to service delivery outcomes.
“Members also called for greater sharing of best practices across the public sector,” said De Villiers.
The Guardian 