3 October 2025- Activists and Citizens Forum said it is neither surprised nor shocked with the lengthy adjournment of the Madlanga Commission until 13 October. The forum said when the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa, announced that he had decided to appoint a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the explosive allegations by the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of criminal syndicates who have infiltrated the criminal justice system.
Activists and Citizens Forum spokesperson, Dennis Bloem said a cartel is in operation. Bloem alleged that the suspended Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, was working with these syndicates.
“We knew this was a delaying tactic and strategy to suppress the truth. However, Ramaphosa and his inner circle are too late to block the police leadership to tell the country the truth. Over the past few days, the country heard horrific revelations from Mkhwanazi, National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, General Marga van Rooyen, and Head of Crime Intelligence, Dumisani Khumalo – absolutely too late to shut their mouths.
“The country can expect more desperate attempts to divert the attention of the public from the Madlanga Commission. On 6 July 2025, during his press conference, Mkhwanazi said that he would produce evidence of all his allegations, and that is exactly what is happening before the commission,” he said.
Bloem further said no doubt – there is no place to hide for corrupt leadership in government. He added that with the amount of damning revelations that were laid bare at the Commission, it will be advisable for Ramaphosa and Mchunu to do the honourable thing and resign immediately, to save the country from more embarrassment.
Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
11 March 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong said during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) debate in Kimberley on Tuesday, that the provincial government remains steadfast in its commitment to economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development. Makatong said on 23 January 2025, the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa, signed the Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 into law and that is a significant milestone in the nation’s history.
“This Act is a crucial step toward land reform and rectifying historical injustices, ensuring that land expropriation aligns with the constitutional imperatives of justice and equity.
“The construction sector continues to be a critical driver of economic development, with the provincial government having completed 50 capital building projects and upgraded over 105 000km of roads in the past five years,” she said.
Makatong further said the Special Economic Zones (SEZs), including the Namakwa SEZ, are driving industrialization and employment, particularly in the renewable energy sector. She added that the Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP), remains a pillar of employment creation, with over 95 689 jobs created in the past five years, representing 92% of the provincial target.
“Looking ahead, the government aims to create 153 427 jobs, prioritizing youth, women, and persons with disabilities. Skills development remains key with 2167 beneficiaries trained in technical trades from 2020/21 to 2023/24,” said Makatong.
She said the provincial road network is critical to the economic and social mobility and will continue to benefit from strategic investments. Makatong said the province has seen substantial progress, with 4470km of roads managed by SANRAL, and an additional 350km set for transfer in the 2025/26 financial year.
“Key projects include the Laxey-Heuningvlei Road Upgrade (MR974 & DR3497), which is set for phased implementation. The project will create 78 job opportunities and is expected to be completed in July 2026.
“The Sutherland-Calvinia Road Upgrade (MR567), which enhances regional trade and connectivity, with phase 1 completed and phase 2 underway. Also, the establishment of SANRAL’s new offices in Kimberley will strengthen the partnership with the province,” she said.
Makatong said the Northern Cape Provincial Government remains committed to delivering 60 000 new jobs over the next five years. She said under the EPWP, 23 740 work opportunities were created in the 2023/24 financial year, exceeding the annual target by 109%.
“The Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works, played a vital role, achieving 99% of its set goal with 12 769 work opportunities generated. To address evolving labour market needs, 2167 beneficiaries received training in critical fields such as diesel mechanics, welding, refrigeration, and rigging,” said Makatong.
She said these efforts align with the broader government strategy to enhance employment and economic inclusivity. According to Makatong, infrastructure development remains a top priority under the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP).
“The province completed 50 capital infrastructure projects, with 30 more currently under construction. Land transformation also remains integral, with 40 land parcels identified and 12 disposals finalized to promote integrated settlement growth.
“The provincial government is unwavering in its commitment to inclusive economic growth, poverty alleviation, and job creation,” she said.
Makatong said as the province advances toward a modern, growing, and successful Northern Cape, strategic investments in infrastructure and employment initiatives will continue to drive progress and development.
16 January 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it has delivered an official letter to the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa, urging him to establish a Commission of Inquiry into the ongoing disaster at the Buffelsfontein Mine in Stilfontein, North West. This comes after the mine became the site of a devastating crisis, with over 78 illegal miners’ bodies recovered.
The DA spokesperson on Mineral and Petroleum Resources, James Lorimer, who is also a Member of Parliament (MP) said, the letter emphasises the urgent need for a comprehensive investigation into the events surrounding this crisis. Lorimer said the mine has attracted significant attention, both locally and internationally, as the humanitarian catastrophe unfolds.
“We believe that this crisis warrants a full and
transparent inquiry into the causes and consequences of the disaster. So, we calling for the inquiry to investigate key issues, including the role of government agencies.
“An examination of the actions or failures of government bodies such as law enforcement and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), which are responsible for managing and addressing illegal mining operations,” he said.
Lorimer further said the investigation must also look into the role of the mine owners, management, and operators in ensuring safety and mitigating illegal mining activities. He added that the inquiry should determine the factors that led to the disaster, including insufficient safety protocols and the escalation of illegal mining activities.
“The extent of illegal mining at Buffelsfontein and its effect on both the mine’s operations and the surrounding community, must be fully explored. We also call for an assessment of how government agencies have responded to the crisis, particularly in light of the Gauteng High Court’s order for a lawful rescue operation.
“The inquiry should propose recommendations for preventing similar disasters in the future, including regulatory improvements and stronger measures against illegal mining,” said Lorimer.
He said the DA urges Ramaphosa to act swiftly, while witnesses are still available to ensure that this inquiry takes place. Lorimer said a transparent investigation will help uncover the full scope of the crisis and prevent future tragedies of this nature.
Meanwhile, a total of 84 alive illegal miners have been retrieved on 15 January 2025. All 84 have been placed under arrest.
The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said: “Eighteen illegal miners have been certified dead. Mathe said the total figures on day three of operations by 4pm on Wednesday afternoon showed that 216 alive illegal miners were retrieved, while 78 are deceased.”
The acting North west Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, provided further updates at 7:30pm yesterday.
Picture: Former Minister of Finance and SARB Governor, the late Tito Mboweni
By BAKANG MOKOTO
16 October 2024- Tributes continue to pour in for the former South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Governor, Tito Mboweni, who passed away on 12 October 2024, at the age of 65. The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has declared a special official funeral category 2, in honour of Mboweni.
Ramaphosa said Mboweni was the democratic South Africa’s first Minister of Labour from 1994 to 1999 in the Cabinet of Founding President, the late Dr Nelson Mandela.
“He served as Governor for a decade from 1999. From 2018 to 2021, Mboweni served as Minister of Finance. We would like to reiterate our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mboweni.
“He served the nation as an activist, economic policy innovator and champion of labour rights, wit-h a sharp focus on fiscal discipline and economic transformation. Mboweni has been accorded a special official funeral category 2, which will take place at Nkowankowa Stadium, Tzaneen, Limpopo on Saturday at 10am,” he said.
According to Ramaphosa, the funeral will feature ceremonial elements provided by the South African Police Service (SAPS). He further said he has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations from 16 until the evening of 19 October 2024.
The National Assembly (NA) Speaker, Thoko Didiza described Mboweni as a distinguished and versatile people’s servant, who dedicated his life, passion, and vast expertise to the service of the people of South Africa.
“Mboweni’s activism spanned both the struggle for freedom and the consolidation of democracy in our country. As a dedicated anti-apartheid activist, he passionately fought for justice, equality, and the liberation of all South Africans.
“He laid the groundwork for the democratic values he later championed in public service. After the dawn of democracy, he became the first Minister of Labour under the cabinet of President Nelson Mandela,” she said.
Didiza further said in this role, Mboweni was instrumental in shaping South Africa’s labour policies during a critical time of transition, ensuring that the rights and dignity of workers were protected and enshrined in the new democratic order.
She added that as one of the first generation of Members of the first post-apartheid Parliament, Mboweni contributed to the establishment of laws and policies aimed at dismantling the legacy of apartheid and building a more inclusive and just society.
Meanwhile, the ANC Veterans League president, Snuki Zikalala said: “We salute the legacy of Mboweni. We are shocked and saddened by his sudden passing. He is one of the ANC’s best sons, serving the ANC and the government in many capacities, including as the Minister of Labour, Finance, and Reserve Bank Governor.”
Picture: The newly-appointed MDDA Board members/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The newly-appointed Board at the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), is expected to ‘hit the ground’ running. This comes after the incoming Board members were officially appointed by the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa.
The MDDA Board Chairperson, Prof Hlengani Mathebula, has voiced confidence in the recently appointed members. Mathebula said their appointments came after a rigorous selection and interview process by the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies.
“The Board members, Jayshree Pather, Thembelani Mpakati and Qondile Khedama, bring a broad set of skills, ranging from legal, accounting, research, policy and capacity building, as well as media and communications to the Board.
“This will enhance the oversight function role of the Board. Pather is a development and community media expert with over 25 years of experience, working on the intersection of development and the community media sector,” she said.
Mathebula further said Pather as an independent consultant for the past ten years, her experience spans research, policy, training/capacity-building, and materials development for a range of national, regional, and international organisations. She added that, since 2014, Pather has been a trainer at Wits Radio Academy, where she leads a foundational course on media policy and legislation for the Advanced Radio Certificate program.
“In 2020/2021, she oversaw a training program on digital campaigning tools for 50 African participants across 18 countries in collaboration with US-based Social Movement Technologies (SMT) on behalf of WoMin.
“Pather was also the first Project Director at the MDDA between 2006 and 2009 and has served on the boards of Sonke Gender Justice Project and ABC Ulwazi. She has several published articles, including a Future Proofing Guide for Community Radio for the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB),” said Mathebula.
She said Pather had a briefing note on community radio for SANEF’s Independent Panel of Inquiry into Media Ethics and Credibility and chapters on community radio in the State of the Newsroom (2014 and 2024). Mathebula said she has a MSc in Development Planning from the University of the Witwatersrand.
“Mpakati holds a Bachelor of Law (LLB) Degree and a National Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting (CCMA) from UNISA and Walter Sisulu University respectively. He has worked at the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and National Treasury, amongst others.
“He is the Director and Founder of Mpakati Attorneys based in Pretoria. Mpakati has gained good experience in litigation, investigations, legal compliance, good governance, audit, and risk management,” she said.
Mathebula said Mpakati served as a Parole Board Member of the Free State and Northern Cape Regions under the auspices of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS). She said he also served as the Deputy Chairperson of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers (NADEL) in Tshwane. As a practicing attorney and human rights activist.
“He has acquired sufficient skills to be able to represent members of the public and actively mediate in terms of applicable rules and legislation,” said Mathebula.
She said Khedama holds an Advanced Diploma in Public Management from the Central University of Technology, a Programme in Management Development for Municipal Finance, as well as Developmental Communications. Mathebula said he holds a variety of other certificates covering Digital Marketing, Public Relations and Leadership, Feature Writing, Newspaper Management, Project Management and Events Managements among others.
“He is currently Head of Communications for the Mangaung Metro Municipality and a contributor to the PAN African Foundation (PAN), University of the Free State, Centenary Public Lectures as well as Eyewitness News (EWN).
“During the course of his career, he has won a number of awards, including, PMR Best Marketed 2016 Municipality, 2017 SADC Media Award. So, I would like to indicate that their presence and expertise will go a long way in advancing the work of the MDDA Board,” said Mathebula.
She said their collective expertise and presence are poised to significantly bolster the Agency’s mission of establishing itself as a formidable force in championing development and diversity within the community media sector. Mathebula said they remain committed to exercising due oversight of the Agency, including promoting good corporate governance and financial prudence as we continue to undertake our fiduciary duties.
The president of Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, announced the date for the National General Elections. Ramaphosa said in a statement that, this is in accordance with Section 49(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, read with Section 17 of the Electoral act of 1998, determined 29 May 2024, as the date for the 2024 General National and Provincial elections.
“We have also in line with Section 17(2) of the Electoral act 73 of 1998, consulted with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on the election date. Furthermore, I convened a meeting with all nine Provincial Premiers and the IEC to discuss the state of readiness for the National General elections.
“The 2024 elections coincide with South Africa’s celebration of 30 years of freedom and democracy. Therefore, we call on all eligible voters to fully participate in this important and historic milestone of our democratic calendar,” he said.
Ramaphosa further said beyond the fulfilment of the constitutional obligation, these upcoming elections are also a celebration of democratic journey and a determination of the future that they all desire. He added that, all South Africans should exercise their democratic right to vote and for those who will be campaigning to do so peacefully, within the full observance of the law.
“We also urged unregistered voters to use the online registration platform to register. The proclamation to declare the date will be issued in due course,” said Ramaphosa.
The Guardian 