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News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance welcomes the decision by the North West Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to pursue long-overdue prosecution against the South African National Defence Force and its Special Infantry Capability Unit for the appalling abuse and neglect of military horses in Potchefstroom. This prosecution comes seven years after the National Council of …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) Private Members Bill to amend the problematic and stifling “PIE” Act is progressing through Parliament, moving for consideration by the Human Settlements Committee. The “PIE” Act – Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land, Act 19 of 1998 – has caused untold problems for property owners …
Dear Editor The DA welcomes the draft regulations released on 23 May 2025, by Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications & Digital Technologies, to introduce new mechanisms to broaden internet access to all South Africans. Access to reliable, affordable internet is a key ingredient to economic growth. The Democratic Alliance joined the Government of National Unity …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes with concern the Department of Correctional Services’ latest attempt to deflect responsibility for the disappearance of convicted offenders Me-Kayle Timmie and Mikyle Mentoor, and the reoffending of Xolani Du Preez, while all three were meant to be in custody at Pollsmoor. Rather than owning up to systemic failures, …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s move to authorise a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into the serious allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the Department of Defence, as published in today’s Government Gazette (No. 52705). This investigation is long overdue. For years, the DA has flagged the Department’s failure to enforce …
Dear Editor Today’s release of the fourth quarter crime statistics for the 2024/25 financial year reveals some improvements, but confirms that far too many South Africans remain trapped in daily fear. The Democratic Alliance (DA) remains committed to working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to reduce violent crime, but it is increasingly clear …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) reiterates our call for urgent action to address farm murders and rural safety, which continue to threaten lives, food security, jobs, and the stability of South Africa’s rural economy. Following DA Federal Leader John Steenhuisen’s participation in the South African delegation led by President Cyril Ramaphosa that met with …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) is deeply concerned by the shockingly low 5% conviction rate of illegal firearm-related charges as recently highlighted by the City of Cape Town. The City has indicated that investigative and prosecutorial failures represent the biggest stumbling block in fighting gangsterism on the Cape Flats. While we recognise and applaud …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) is alarmed by credible reports indicating that several military radar systems at key strategic sites are inactive, presenting a serious threat to national security. South African Air Force bases in Makhado, Langebaanweg, and Overberg are reportedly operating without radar approach systems due to equipment failures and a lack of …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) again calls for the National State Enterprises Bill to be scrapped following strong public disapproval and the National Economic Development and Labour Council’s (NEDLAC) failure to reach consensus on the Bill’s impact. NEDLAC confirmed to Parliament this week that it could not overcome disagreements between business, labour and government …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance cautiously welcomes the revenue and expenditure proposals in the Minister of Finance’s Budget Speech. We see this as a pathway to a National Budget which we should be able to support when it comes time to vote. Today, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana presented a Budget proposal which is a manifestation …
Dear Editor The DA has written to the Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu to confirm whether his Department has been informed of the possible disappearance of Me-Kayle Timmie and Mikyle Mentoor – two convicted offenders who, according to a High Court order, should be detained at Pollsmoor Correctional Centre until at least October 2025. It …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) expresses its deep concern over the South African Police Service (SAPS) and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) allowing social media, public, and political pressure to unduly influence the investigation into the alleged rape of Cwecwe at her school in Matatiele. The NPA’s recent decision not to prosecute anyone in this …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the decision by Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, to ease regulations (or provide conditional block exemption) to the sugar industry under the Competition Act. This intervention will enable greater collaboration across the sugar value chain and offers a pathway to revitalising local production, preserving livelihoods, …
Dear Editor This week I will form part of the delegation led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, on a historic, and crucial visit to the United States of America, to engage with President Trump, and other senior US officials. The highest issues on my priority list will be securing trade relations between the US and SA, …
Dear Editor The DA is devastated to learn that 155 children across our country under age 5 have died in public health facilities with moderate (MAM) or severe acute malnutrition (SAM) as an underlying condition since January 2025. The majority of children affected were in Limpopo (32), Gauteng (30), and KwaZulu-Natal (29) This has been …
Dear Editor Following a briefing by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development on Friday, the Democratic Alliance is outraged by the disastrous incompetence and clear lack of oversight in prosecuting Tim Omotoso on charges of rape and sexual assault. The DA demands that the members of the …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) stands in full solidarity with South Africa’s artists, performers, and cultural workers who have had enough of Minister Gayton McKenzie’s empty promises and blatant disregard for their livelihoods. The recent sector-wide protest – sparked by widespread frustration and captured in headlines like the Daily Sun’s “Gatvol artists want McKenzie …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) is appalled by the deferment of today’s parliamentary briefing on the catastrophic Repair and Maintenance Project (RAMP) at 1 Military Hospital following the inexcusable absence of Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga. This is not the first time Minister Motshekga has snubbed Parliament. Today’s meeting was even …
Dear Editor Following a question-session in the NCOP yesterday, the DA has written to the Chairperson of the Select Committee on Security and Justice to urgently summon all role-players, including Correctional Services officials and the Minister, to ensure accountability and prevent further failures. This action comes in response to deeply troubling revelations that point to …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the withdrawal of several ANC cadres, including individuals from KwaZulu-Natal and Buyambo Mantashe, the son of ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe, from the boards of various Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). This decision by Higher Education Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane marks a step in the right direction …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Finance, Dr Joseph Maswanganyi, to request an urgent hearing on the financial and ethical crisis at Daybreak Foods. This follows shocking reports that two directors of Daybreak Foods received six-figure payments while workers went unpaid, chickens were left to …
Dear Editor The water crisis crippling the western parts of Buffalo City has now reached a breaking point. What was once a silent suffering behind closed taps has now spilt into the streets in protest. Yesterday, residents took to the streets of Bhisho, blocking roads in a desperate attempt to be heard. Their demand is …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, requesting a detailed breakdown of the SADC-funded allowances for troops, including how the payments are structured and where the remaining funds are being held. It is concerning that soldiers from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), deployed to the Democratic Republic …