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Tomorrow, Tuesday, 11 July 2023, DA Federal Leader, John Steenhuisen, will be launching the party’s voter registration campaign in Soweto as South Africa gears up for the 2024 General Election. The week-long tour will include a visit to a car manufacturing plant in Rosslyn, Tshwane, to highlight the importance of the African Growth and Opportunity …
Dera Editor The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala’s claim that over 200 arrests have been made in relation to the construction mafia seems far fetched. The situation on the ground does not reflect or support his claims. The DA has submitted a PAIA application to SAPS to give a breakdown of these …
Dear Editor Shortage of 129 Veterinary doctors (Vets) in SA, which accounts for 45% of all funded positions, posing a risk to animal health, food safety, and security. The shortage has persisted for the past 5 years, hindering efforts to maintain the health of livestock amidst disease outbreaks. Minister Motsoaledi urged to reconsider removing Vets …
Dear Editor The deaths and injuries caused by a gas leak at the Angelo informal settlement on the East Rand are a powerful reminder of the cost of illegal mining. Early reports indicate the gas leak was caused by illegal miners trying to refine ore, but illegal miners were not the disaster’s only victims. People …
Dear Editor The DA has submitted a strong case to the US Trade Representative to secure South Africa’s renewal in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). South Africa’s eligibility is at risk due to the government’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Under the DA’s watch, these issues will be rectified and South Africa’s …
Dear Editor Instead of pushing the NHI, government must focus on filling critical healthcare positions. The DA plans to question the Minister on the number of temporary nurses employed in all provinces and will oppose the implementation of the NHI. The termination of 706 Limpopo nurses is a reflection of the ANC government’s true priorities …
Dear Editor Media reports have shone light on the failure of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture to maintain the Johannesburg Art Gallery which is considered a national treasure. The Gallery is falling into ruins with water leakages potentially damaging important works of art. The DA will write to the Chairperson of the portfolio …
Dear Editor The last three years, South Africa has lost 499 retirement visa opportunities, resulting in a potential loss of approximately R18.5 million per month to the economy. A 12-month processing time for retirement visa applications discourages applicants, leading them to explore alternative options in competing countries. Replies to official questions I submitted to the …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng is shocked and saddened by the tragic deaths of 17 residents following a gas leak at Angelo Informal Settlement in Boksburg last night. At least 16 people have also been admitted to the hospital. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish …
Dear Editor The DA has submitted a PAIA application to the Deputy President’s office to uncover the truth about a blue light brigade assault on the N1 highway in Gauteng. The DA also calls on Police Minister Bheki Cele to condemn the incident, take action, and provide support to the victims. The DA has submitted …
Dear Editor While severe water shortages are threatening the livelihoods of Tshwane residents, the Minister of Water and Sanitation is mum. The lack of prior warning and refusal to share crucial information by Rand Water hinders effective crisis management. The DA calls for immediate intervention from Minister Mchunu and transparency from Rand Water on the …
In respect of an ongoing court application which was launched back in 2018, wherein the Minister of Water and Sanitation is cited as a Respondent, the High Court of South Africa (Gauteng Division, Johannesburg) has, as per the agreement between the parties, ordered that the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr Senzo Mchunu, to file an affidavit outlining all the measures taken to date by the Minister in respect of the Minister's Vaal River Intervention in terms of Section 63 of the Water Services Act, 1997. The agreement was made an order of court and the notice thereof was given on the 26th of June 2023.
The main court application, which was filed by Save The Vaal Environment, a Non-Governmental Organisation, concerns “the discharge of raw or inadequately treated sewerage by Emfuleni Local Municipality from its wastewater care and management system into the Rietspruit River and/or the Klip River and/or the Vaal River and/or the Vaal River Catchment Area”. The matter has not been finally ruled on by the court.
The Section 63 Vaal Intervention, one of the Ministry's priority projects in Gauteng, includes the upgrading of water infrastructure, refurbishment, operations and maintenance, sustainability, water conservation, water demand management, and advocacy within the Vaal area. This is meant to deal with urgent matters relating to security of supply and more urgently, matters relating to the pollution of the Vaal River, and enhancement of capacity for the embattled Emfuleni Local Municipality.
Rand Water, as the Implementing Agent, was formally appointed on the 5th of October 2021. Minister Mchunu will be filing a detailed affidavit, containing amongst others, progress updates on the various elements of the Intervention.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Water and Sanitation, Republic of South Africa.
Dear Editor The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s lack of commitment to restore the Old Synagogue in Pretoria has been evident since May 2021. Despite promises, the building remains unprotected and neglected, highlighting the department’s disregard for South African heritage. The ANC government’s failure to address this issue reflects a lack of political will …
Dear Editor Recent arrest of two SAPO tellers in Butterworth highlights widespread nature of theft in post offices. Closure of over 300 post offices in the past three years leads to inaccessible facilities and burden for SASSA recipients. A secure, fraud-free system for disbursing SASSA grants must be established. Once again, the South African Post …
Dear Editor The DA will launch a campaign against police brutality in response to the recent violent incident involving SAPS VIP officers in Fourways. While the DA welcomes the suspension and charges against the officers involved, they believe more needs to be done. The DA calls for the removal of Minister Cele, an overhaul of …
Dear Editor The DA welcomes the arrest of one of the individuals involved in the theft of 51 rhino horns. The highly publicised theft case has laid bare the lack of security measures to protect rhino horn stockpiles. The DA remains committed to working tirelessly to bring justice to this matter. The DA welcomes the …
Dear Editor Eskom’s actions are anti-competitive, as it leverages its monopoly to hinder entry into the energy market. The DA will call on NERSA to review and set aside these proposed regulations. Eskom’s recently announced grid access rules are regressive and will lead to disinvestment in the IPP sector at a time when the country …
The Overstrand and Swartland K-9 and Rural Safety Units once again made major breakthroughs over the past weekend in their respective municipal areas. The Swartland units arrested nine suspects for various crimes. Amongst these, two males were apprehended for allegedly stabbing one male victim to death. Other arrests included: six for the possession of dangerous …
Dear Editor SAPS VIP unit members involved in assaulting civilians captured in viral video must immediately be arrested. The DA demands the full force of the law to be applied, including public disclosure if linked to Deputy President Mashatile’s protection unit. This incident can not be swept under the carpet. The members of the South …
Dear Editor Bheki Cele admitted that SAPS are in possession of illegal spy equipment without the necessary exemptions. This flagrant disregard of the rule of law is an abuse of power in terms of the Constitution given that the RICA Act makes it clear that no person may possess such listed equipment. The DA will …
Dear Editor The DA is deeply disturbed by a video on social media showing members of the SAPS VIP policing unit assaulting civilians with firearms, raising concerns about the conduct of law enforcement. The brutal attack by armed men on unarmed motorists cannot be condoned, and immediate action should be taken to arrest and charge …
Dear Editor SAFA is reportedly not providing financial support to the women’s national football team representing the country at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The DA calls on SAFA to address this issue promptly, urging transparency in disclosing match fees and incentives to demonstrate a commitment to fairness and equality in women’s sports. Yesterday, South …
Dear Editor The ANC’s proposal of significant tax increases to fund the NHI places an unfair burden on struggling taxpayers. It will potentially lead to a widespread tax revolt. If the ANC proceeds with this burden on citizens, the DA is prepared to challenge it in court. The ANC government’s hasty attempt to push the …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) can today reveal that up to 26% of visible policing and 23% of detective’s vehicles in certain provinces are broken and inoperable leaving victims of crime stranded and vulnerable. These distressing statistics echo the desperate cries from communities across South Africa who say that they never see a South …