Tag Archives: who is also a Member of Parliament (MP) said

DA calls on Minister Motshekga to convene Defence Industry Lekgotla

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Picture: SANDF soldiers

By REGINALD KANYANE

2 June 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said South Africa’s defence industry is in steep decline, suffering from years of neglect, poor leadership, and broken promises. The DA alleged that at the centre of this crisis is the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga’s continued failure to take action, including her inability to deliver on a long-promised South African Defence Industry (SADI) Lekgotla.

The DA Spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans, Chris Hattingh, who is also a Member of Parliament (MP) said, the Lekgotla that was first proposed under former Minister, Thandi Modise, was meant to provide a path forward for the struggling sector. Hattingh said despite formal commitments, including a written parliamentary assurance that it would be convened by 31 March 2025, no progress has been made.

“The deadline has passed without any explanation, update, or new date. This silence is indefensible. Parliamentary replies now cite vague reasons like the “non-availability of stakeholders” and “factors beyond control.”

“These excuses dodge responsibility and show a shocking lack of urgency from the Minister tasked with protecting a sector critical to national security and economic growth,” he said.

Hattingh further said South Africa’s defence industry has been in decline for years. He added that revenue fell from R19.5 billion in 2016 to R12.5 billion in 2020.

“Exports have halved. Research and development has ground to a halt. Skilled professionals are leaving the industry. These are not just statistics, but they represent lost jobs, stalled innovation, and a weakening of our sovereign capability.

“Motshekga met with defence leaders in August 2024 and again promised the Lekgotla would be held by March 2025. That promise, like so many before it, has been abandoned,” said Hattingh.

He said while the Secretary for Defence now scrambles to salvage the process behind closed doors, the lack of ministerial leadership sends a chilling message to local industry, workers and global partners. Hattingh said the longer this continues, the greater the damage to the defence sector, job creation, and national security.

“We demand that Motshekga immediately break her silence, provide a public update, publish a binding date for the Lekgotla and take full responsibility for the leadership vacuum in her department,” he said.

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DA calls on Ramaphosa to establish a Commission of Inquiry over Stilfontein mine saga

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Picture: Stilfontein mine shaft

By REGINALD KANYANE

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.

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DA focuses on ECDs for first-day-of-school oversights

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Picture: DA spokesperson on Basic Education, Dr Delmaine Christians doing oversight at New Park Primary School in Kimberley/Supplied  

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

16 January 2025- As part of the renewed focus on early childhood development (ECD), the Democratic Alliance (DA) conducted oversight visits to four schools in the Kimberley area – two public and two private institutions. According to the DA, they were encouraged to find that all the centres and schools demonstrated a commitment to nurturing early learning and development, with well-equipped, positive learning environments.

DA spokesperson on Basic Education, Dr Delmaine Christians, who is also a Member of Parliament (MP) said, there are some key challenges that need to be addressed, including the need for improved outdoor facilities, consistent meal provision and expanded infrastructure to accommodate demand.

Christians said the commitment of educators, support staff, and management teams was evident in every visit, but without increased government support, many schools may struggle to sustain these efforts.

“During the visits, the infrastructure, resource availability, learner support and overall functionality of the centres and classrooms were assessed. West End Primary School has three classrooms catering to 136 children, with approximately 45 learners per class.

“While sanitation facilities were adequate and well-maintained, there is an urgent need to upgrade the playground to ensure a safe and stimulating outdoor play environment. It is also concerning that learners are not provided with meals which may create a barrier to holistic learner development,” she said.

Christians further said Noddies Private Centre is a beautiful, well-equipped learning environment that is registered with the Department of Basic Education. She added that, it has six classrooms, each with two teachers, a dedicated chef, and a gardener.

“New Park Primary School has one Grade R classroom, with only six enrolments for the year so far. With most of its Grade R learners being former learners at a local private centre, it is clear that the school needs to develop a more robust enrolment strategy.

“Kimberley Junior School has four classrooms with an enrolment of 109 learners (approximately 27 learners per class). Learners are introduced in small groups to become familiar with the classroom environment, but due to demand, other learners attend to ensure smoother adaptation,” said Christians.

She said online applications are managed by the district office on a first-come, first-serve basis. Christians said the school requires government support for expansion due to high application volumes.

“While the department has provided a portable classroom, additional space remains a priority. The DA will continue to do oversight and advocate for enhanced support for ECD centres and Grade R classrooms to ensure that every child has access to quality early learning opportunities.

“We appreciate the dedication of each school, teacher and principal and reaffirm our commitment to strengthening this foundational phase of education,” she said.

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