14 October 2024– The South African Football Association (SAFA) held a very successful Ordinary NEC Meeting in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape this weekend. Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie joined the meeting towards the end and was present during some of the presentations.
The members of the NEC discussed several matters robustly and were happy when McKenzie reassured the meeting that he would continue to support SAFA’s various programmes. Among some of the issues that were discussed, SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan said a lot of work has been done behind the scenes with regards to the video assistant referee (VAR), including discussions with the Minister and the PSL.
“We had a good engagement with McKenzie and he has committed to support the implementation of VAR. We will now meet again with him and the PSL to finalise the plan.
“He has made a commitment that he will make a contribution from the government,” he said.
Meanwhile, McKenzie later joined SAFA at a packed Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, where Bafana Bafana hosted Congo Brazzaville in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Coach Hugo Broos’ charges produced one of the most polished and clinical displays seen in recent years when they beat the visitors 5-0 in a pulsating match.
The city presented Bafana Bafana captain and Eastern Cape hero Ronwen Williams with an award in recognition of his immense contribution to sports performance.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture, Joe McGluwa said they have learnt with shock the passing of veteran actor, Connie Chiume. McGluwa said the committee sends its heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives and the entire creative sector.
“The passing of Sis Connie is a real loss to the industry, and a loss the industry will struggle to cope with. It will take a long time to find a mother figure to all those who have crossed paths with her.
“Sis Connie built a name for herself on theatre and mostly television productions. A typical all-rounder well versed in her style of switching with ease on many South African languages, a trick few actors can master,” he said.
McGluwa further said Chiume reportedly passed on Tuesday and she was 72 at the time of her passing. He added that Chiume featured in so many prominent and illustrious productions in South Africa like Gomora and the Black Panther, and was thus honoured for her roles.
“Sis Connie’s passing was sudden, but she will remain in our hearts and for what she has achieved, the sector will forever be rewarded in such a manner as to benefit young actors,” said McGluwa.
The acting Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Maropene Ramokgopa congratulated all participants and organisers on a successful 2024 Comrades Marathon that took place in KwaZulu Natal on 9 June 2024. Ramokgopa said popularly known as the “ultimate human race”, the 103rd edition of the Comrade Marathon competition was an epic endurance race.
She further said South African athlete, Gerda Steyn, made history when she won a third Comrades Marathon in a row and broke her record to win the women’s race, while Pete Wiersma from the Netherlands won the men’s race.
Ramokgopa added that the Comrades Marathon represents the best of South Africa, and the power of sport to foster national unity and social cohesion.
“A signature event in South African sport, the Comrades Marathon brings together people from all walks of life, and from all parts of the world to tackle one of the world’s most famous running routes.
“I am pleased to see the Comrades Marathon continuing to draw runners and visitors into the country from all over the world. This is why this marathon is important in boosting sports tourism in the country,” she said.
Ramokgopa said as South Africa celebrates 30 years of freedom and democracy, the country’s cultural, creative, and sports sectors continue to raise the country’s flag sky high. She said Amapiano artist Kabza de Small and orchestral conductor Ofentse Pitse have collaborated for a spectacular show at the Red Bull Symphonic South Africa.
“DJ Black Coffee showcases the best of South African music in Ibiza, while many of the country’s creatives continue to make their mark locally and abroad. In the sports sector, South African tennis ace, Kgothatso Montjane, recently competed in the French Open final in the women’s wheelchair doubles draw.
“The Proteas Men, the national men’s cricket team, is competing in the World T20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies, while Bafana Bafana continues to fight for a place in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers when they face Zimbabwe in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, 11 June 2024,” said Ramokgopa.
She said on Tuesday, Bafana Bafana will play against Zimbabwe at Free State Stadium. Ramokgopa said this will be the first time Bafana Bafana plays an international match in Bloemfontein, since their victory against France in the 2010 FIFA Men’s World Cup.
“Football supporters in the Free State are famous for their passionate support during matches. I welcome the return of international football to the Free State and call on South Africans to fill up Free State Stadium and get behind Bafana Bafana, as our national team continues its march to qualify for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.
“During June, South Africa commemorates Youth Month under the theme: “Actively advancing socioeconomic gains in our democracy”. On 16 June 2024, the Youth Day National Commemoration took place at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane,” she said.
Picture: Former Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa and co-accused, Jehan Mackay
By OBAKENG MAJE
A corruption case against former Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa and co-accused, Jehan Mackay, who is a Director of Tactical Software Systems (TSS) and former Senior Executive of Enterprise Outsourcing Holdings (EOH), was postponed to 23 July 2024.
Kodwa and Mackay briefly appeared at the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court facing charges of Contravention of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA) and Corruption.
They were released on R30 000 bail and their case was postponed for disclosure of the contents of the docket to the accused, by the state.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Phindi Mjonondwane
said the state alleges that during the period from April 2015 to February 2016, when Kodwa was employed as the ANC national spokesperson, he received direct payments and luxury accommodation worth over R1,6 million paid by and/or facilitated by Mackay as gratifications for his interventions in government procurement processes to advance the interests of Mackay, TSS and EOH.
“In February 2015, the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), a state-owned company charged with the responsibility of IT services to the government, advertised a tender worth R360 million for the appointment of two separate service providers for the provision of platinum access service solution for the government for five years as SITA could not render the said service.
“Nine companies, including EOH, were shortlisted for the tender and communication between the two accused suggests that EOH was disqualified and that Mackay then approached Kodwa for his intervention, which allegedly resulted in the tender being cancelled,” she said.
Mjonondwane further said the case stems from the recommendations penned by Chief Justice, Raymond Zondo, in part four of his reports into allegations of state capture. She added that part four of the report, specifically dealt with corruption and fraud in the public sector, including state organs.
“Zondo had presided over the Judicial Commission Inquiry into state capture and upon conclusion of its work, recommended that law enforcement agencies should investigate attempts by Mackay, to induce Kodwa to interfere with procurement processes and that the President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa should consider the position of Kodwa as Deputy Minister of State Security because of his tainted relationship with Mackay.
“The case forms part of the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) response to the findings and recommendations of the State Capture Inquiry. In trying to meet the demands emanating from the commission’s reports, the NPA established a joint task force in November 2022, comprising various law enforcement agencies like the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) to ensure collaboration and a coordinated structure that is case driven,” said Mjonondwane.
She said they continue to guide and monitor investigations in cases emanating from the commission’s reports to ensure that alleged perpetrators of state capture face justice.
Mjonondwane said this case builds on the dozens of enrolments of high-profile state capture corruption matters and the convictions of hundreds of government officials for corruption over the past five years.
Meanwhile, Kodwa rendered his resignation as Minister earlier today.
Picture: The deceased, boxing legend, Dingaan Thobela/Google
By OBAKENG MAJE
The heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after the passing of the former world boxing legend, Dingaan “The Rose of Soweto” Thobela, who succumbed to his illness. today. The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwasaid they are saddened by the passing of Thobela.
Kodwa said in a professional career which spanned from 1986 until 2006, Thobela was a multiple world boxing champion, having won the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight, and World Boxing Council (WBC) super-middleweight titles.
He further said, “The Rose of Soweto” as Thobela was affectionately known, was also a recipient of the Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket Award. Kodwa added that Thobela was a champion fighter, who captured the hearts and soul of the nation.
“The Rose of Soweto progressed from a prolific amateur boxer, to become a three-time world champion as a professional. Thobela fought in some of the most memorable bouts, such as the fights against Tony Lopez for the WBA lightweight title and against Glenn Catley to win the WBC super-middleweight title.
“Through his success and popularity, Thobela was one of the world’s standout fighters in a golden period of South African boxing. As we celebrate 30 years of South African democracy, we mourn the loss of an athlete, who did so much to elevate South African sport through his success in boxing,” he said.
According to Kodwa, they also celebrate a champion boxer who inspired the nation, future boxers and champions from Soweto, Mdantsane, Thohoyandou and other parts of the country. He said they express their deepest sympathies to the Thobela family and the South African boxing fraternity.
“I join millions in mourning the passing of the Rose of Soweto,” said Kodwa.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson ofPortfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture in Parliament, Beauty Dlulane said: “The committee sends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and the wider boxing fraternity. It is unfortunate that he departs when we have recently lost so many of our heroes and heroines in the sector to COVID-19.
“The Rose of Soweto still had much to offer at 57, but as fate would have it, we woke up without him this morning. Thobela reportedly succumbed to ill-health and passed away at his home.”
Dlulane said at the peak of his career, he dominated the boxing scene. She said Thobela was world champion in different weight categories – the World Boxing Organisation Lightweight division and World Boxing Council Super Middleweight division.
The Guardian 