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Select Committee on Education Sends Deepest and Heartfelt Condolences to East London “Pens Down” Party Victims

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries has learnt with shock of the deaths that occurred following a “pens-down” party in East London. The committee sends its deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.

Two people were reported dead and seven others were injured on the weekend following what seems to be a deliberate attack on party revelers in Nompumelelo Township, just outside East London. A group of local young men, suspected to be a gang, gatecrashed a “pens-down” party and started attacking those at the tavern.

Mr Feni said the incident, the second in a short space of time in the same area, calls for parental guidance and serious reflection on situations in which learners have free access to alcohol. “It is sad that fatal alcohol-related incidents that often involve learners are becoming a common but worrying occurrence in the country. Social gatherings where learners are allowed to use alcohol should be criminalised. The violence that characterises our society is condemned,” the Chairperson said.

“Society must not tire in condemning the pens-down culture. This is so reminiscent of the recent Enyobeni incident, which is subject of an inquiry, that resulted in the deaths of 21 learners in the same vicinity. We condemn these actions, whether learners were involved or not; law enforcement must also leave no stone unturned in this,” Mr Feni said.

Mr Feni said the Eastern Cape Department of Education must assist and determine if any learner had been affected by the incident and provide the necessary support.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read moreSelect Committee on Education Sends Deepest and Heartfelt Condolences to East London “Pens Down” Party Victims

Immediate Action Needed to Solve Humanitarian Sanitation Crisis in Buffalo City

Location: Letters

Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Buffalo City condemns the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by thousands of residents in informal settlements like Fynbos 1 in East London, who are forced to live without access to basic sanitation. A recent report from Stats SA has confirmed that approximately 8 000 households in the Buffalo City …

Read moreImmediate Action Needed to Solve Humanitarian Sanitation Crisis in Buffalo City

Rather Focus on Buffalo City Residents’ Road Concerns, MEC

Location: Letters

Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) condemns the recent media statement issued by Eastern Cape MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Xolile Nqatha, regarding the state of Buffalo Pass Road in the Buffalo City Metro. The MEC’s attempt to deflect legitimate public concern as “political grandstanding” is not only dismissive but deeply disrespectful to the …

Read moreRather Focus on Buffalo City Residents’ Road Concerns, MEC

Protests Erupt in Bhisho

Location: Letters

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 …

Read moreProtests Erupt in Bhisho

Petition Against Exorbitant BCM Electricity Tariffs

Location: Letters

Dear Editor Over the past three financial years, Buffalo City Municipality (BCM) residents have endured over a thousand unplanned electricity outages, totalling tens of thousands of hours without power. This untenable situation persists, even though the municipality charges the highest electricity tariffs in the Eastern Cape. In response to this, the DA launched a petition …

Read morePetition Against Exorbitant BCM Electricity Tariffs

Fight to Save Buffalo City’s Iconic Gompo Sport Field

Location: News

Dear Editor The once-iconic Gompo Sport Field in East London, where many athletes honed their skills, has been neglected and allowed to decay by the Buffalo City Municipality’s uncaring ANC-led government. On Wednesday, 23 April, I conducted an oversight inspection at the Gompo Sport Field, which over many years hosted major sporting tournaments ranging from …

Read moreFight to Save Buffalo City’s Iconic Gompo Sport Field

Urgent Intervention Into the Systemic Collapse of Metro Continues

Location: News

Dear Editor The tabling of critical reports exposing mismanagement and possible fraud and corruption in the Buffalo City Municipality in Council today, is a step towards achieving what the DA has fought for over many years – urgent intervention into the systemic collapse of the metro. We have been at the forefront of the fight …

Read moreUrgent Intervention Into the Systemic Collapse of Metro Continues

Legislature Takes Long-Overdue Step Toward Addressing Bcm Water Crisis

Location: News

Dear Editor The people of Buffalo City Metro should receive some relief following the adoption of a Democratic Alliance-sponsored motion in the Provincial Legislature today, calling for urgent intervention into the water crisis plaguing Buffalo City Metro (BCM). The motion, which was passed without objection, compels the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) …

Read moreLegislature Takes Long-Overdue Step Toward Addressing Bcm Water Crisis

Trio appear in court for Fort Hare fraud case 

Location: News

Trio appear in court for Fort Hare fraud case 

Three suspects linked to a a multi-million-rand fraud and money laundering scheme at the University of Fort Hare have been granted bail, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) said.

The three were arrested in a  breakthrough against corruption in the education sector by the East London based Serious Corruption Investigation team.

Former Acting Chief Financial Officer Simbongile Geqeza (41), former Head of Investigation and Vetting Isaac Plaartjies (57) and family friend Claudine Davids (44) appeared before the Alice Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday where they faced charges of fraud, money laundering and corruption.

“The arrests follow a detailed investigation by the Serious Corruption Investigation of the Hawks, which uncovered two fraudulent schemes that drained university funds amounting to more than R2 million,” the Hawks said in a statement on Wednesday.

The first case dates back to 2 September 2021, when Geqeza allegedly issued a fraudulent instruction to a bank, authorising an illegal payment of R1.4 million to a company with no legitimate ties to the university. 

The scheme was exposed when university management noticed financial discrepancies and reported the matter to the Hawks.

“During the meticulous investigation conducted by the Hawks, a second fraudulent transaction was uncovered, involving a payment of R985,000 to a service provider for investigative services that were never rendered. 

Furthermore, the service provider allegedly claimed to have assisted the Hawks during the university investigation, even though no services [were] being provided. This payment was allegedly facilitated by Plaartjies in collaboration with the claimant and the funds were allegedly funnelled to Davids.”

The suspects were arrested in different parts of the country during a coordinated Hawks operation on 1 April 2025. 
The court granted each accused bail of R10,000.

“The case has been postponed to 4 April 2025 for further investigation.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Thu, 04/03/2025 - 10:21
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Read moreTrio appear in court for Fort Hare fraud case 

Creecy unveils private sector role in revitalising rail and port infrastructure

Location: News

Creecy unveils private sector role in revitalising rail and port infrastructure

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has officially unveiled a groundbreaking Request for Information (RFI), aimed at transforming the country’s struggling rail and port infrastructure through strategic partnerships with the private sector.

“Today, I am launching an online request for information to develop an enabling environment for Private Sector Participation (PSP) and enhance investment in rail and port infrastructure and operations,” Creecy said during a media briefing on Sunday. 

The Minister described this decision as a significant step in government’s efforts to partner with the private sector, ensuring that the country’s rail network and ports reclaim their crucial role in enhancing trade and driving economic growth.

Creecy highlighted the urgent need for intervention, citing significant challenges, including infrastructure deterioration, vandalism, theft, underinvestment, and operational inefficiencies that have hindered economic growth. 

“The limited availability of State resources to fund infrastructure development and address backlogs has intensified these challenges, severely restricting the ability of State-Owned Entities (SOEs) to fulfill their critical mandates.,” she explained. 

The Minister told journalists that Transnet and government have received many “unsolicited“ proposals from the private sector offering investment skills and expertise to support the rehabilitation and reform of our struggling rail and port systems.

“This overwhelming interest has made it clear to the department and Transnet that we must engage in broad and inclusive market research before issuing requests for proposals in August this year.” 

However, according to the Minister, these processes are not formal procurement methods, but rather a mechanism to gather and analyse information from the market.

She stated that the government recognises the importance of understanding the freight logistics landscape from the perspective of interested and affected parties. 

The Minister believes that this will ensure that solutions are both effective and sustainable during this initial phase of PSP.

The RFI targets key mineral export routes, include the corridor from Northern Cape to Saldanha for iron ore and manganese exports, as well as the routes from Limpopo and Mpumalanga to Richards Bay for coal and chrome exports. 

In addition, there is an intermodal supply chain project that focuses on the container and automotive sectors.

This project encompasses the port, container, and automotive port terminals, as well as back-of-port arrangements and railway and inland terminals. 

It will also address the corridors connecting Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (Durban), Gauteng and Eastern Cape (East London, Port Elizabeth and Ngqura), and Gauteng and Western Cape (Cape Town). 

“The RFI represents a pivotal step forward in our shared commitment to building a 21st-century transport system that goes beyond mobility to strengthen industrial competitiveness, deepen regional integration, and drive inclusive economic growth.” 

Creecy believes this move will help the department express challenges in a structured and coherent manner, clearly defining their scope, context, and impact to guide the development of focused, strategic, and sustainable solutions.

Support for new and emerging players

Meanwhile, Creecy said the State has committed to principles of job retention, State asset ownership, localisation, and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) and gender equality, by providing strong support to new and emerging players in the rail and port sectors. 

A dedicated PSP unit, to be hosted by the Development Bank of South Africa, will oversee the initiative.

The eight-week online consultation process, running from 24 March to 9 May 2025, aims to gather comprehensive market insights before issuing formal proposals in August. 

Stakeholders are encouraged to participate through the department’s website or dedicated online portal at www.psp-rfi.co.za, with all submitted information to be treated confidentially. 

“I encourage all Interested and affected parties to actively engage in this RFI process, contributing to the PSP unit’s efforts in shaping the potential PSP programme of projects and designing future bid packages for procurement,” she added. 

Government plans to release a second RFI focusing on passenger rail initiatives in May this year. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Sun, 03/23/2025 - 13:28
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Read moreCreecy unveils private sector role in revitalising rail and port infrastructure

BCM’s Half Billion-Rand Electricity Infrastructure Crisis

Location: News

Dear Editor The ANC-led Buffalo City Municipality continues to fail its residents through shocking neglect of critical maintenance, refurbishment, and replacement of electricity infrastructure. The metro also fails to provide enough staff and vehicles to conduct service delivery and ultimately adds to harsh living conditions and a local economic decline. In a reply to questions …

Read moreBCM’s Half Billion-Rand Electricity Infrastructure Crisis

TNPA issues RFP for appointment of terminal operator at Durban Port

Location: News

TNPA issues RFP for appointment of terminal operator at Durban Port

The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the appointment of a terminal operator to design and transfer a multi-purpose terminal handling agricultural dry bulk and other compatible cargo in the Maydon Wharf Precinct, Port of Durban.

With the precinct extending approximately 145 hectares, featuring 15 berths and boasting capacity of over seven million tons of cargo annually, it primarily serves as a mixed-use area hosting cargo terminal for dry bulk, break bulk, a limited amount of liquid bulk and a small number of containerised units. 

The RFP invites interested parties to submit proposals to design, develop, fund, construct, operate, maintain and transfer the terminal for a 25-year concession period.

“The issuance of this RFP signifies our ongoing and intentional efforts to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the Port of Durban,” said Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi, Acting Port Manager for the Port of Durban.  

“By attracting capable terminal operators, we aim to modernise infrastructure, optimise cargo handling and strengthen the port’s role as a key trade gateway for the region,” he said. 

The site consists of two leases, namely Leases L36049 and L306091, with respective areas of approximately 12 266m² and 12 859m², resulting in a total area of 25 125m².

Lease L36049 is a brownfield site that includes various structures, such as the main administration building, an office block and a workshop.

RFP documents can be accessed on the Transnet e-tender portal.

The TNPA is responsible for the safe, effective and efficient economic functioning of the national port system, which it manages in a landlord capacity. 

It provides port infrastructure and marine services at the eight commercial seaports in South Africa – Richards Bay, Durban, Saldanha, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Mossel Bay and Ngqura. 

It operates within a legislative and regulatory environment and is governed by the National Ports Act (Act No. 12 of 2005). 

For more information visit: https://www.transnet.net/SubsiteRender.aspx?id=5515515. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 03/10/2025 - 13:08
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Read moreTNPA issues RFP for appointment of terminal operator at Durban Port

Committee on Sport Reaffirms Commitment to Revitalising Boxing in SA

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture, Joe McGluwa, has said boxing in South Africa will not die during the term of the committee he chairs.

He spoke on the sidelines of the National Boxing Convention, currently underway in East London, and added that boxing needed to be the ultimate winner of the convention. Mr McGluwa said the committee was determined to revive the sport. “We will work with all the stakeholders at this significant gathering that will serve as a vital platform for shaping the future of boxing in South Africa. Boxing has played an integral role in South Africa's sporting history, with former President Nelson Mandela being one of its most notable admirers,” the Chairperson said.

“Over the years, boxing has faced many challenges, from governance issues to financial constraints that have hindered its growth and global competitiveness. The Portfolio Committee recognises the importance of this convention. It reaffirms its commitment to fostering transparency, accountability and the responsible management of public funds to protect the integrity of the sport.”

The committee aligns itself with the minister's vision of using boxing as a platform to develop athletes into world-class competitors who uphold the highest standards of excellence. The two-day Indaba was organised with the help of the Minister of Sport, Mr Gayton McKenzie.

“Through unity and dedicated leadership, we are confident that boxing can be restored to its former glory, serving as a source of national pride and inspiration,” said Mr McGluwa. He called for a return to the golden era of boxing in South Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read moreCommittee on Sport Reaffirms Commitment to Revitalising Boxing in SA

East London man sentenced for RAF fraud

Location: News

East London man sentenced for RAF fraud

The East London Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation  unit, in collaboration with the Road Accident Fund (RAF), has helped to secure the conviction of Solomon Ndika-Ndika (59) for fraud. 

Ndika-Ndika was sentenced to five years' direct imprisonment by the East London Regional Court on 14 February 2025.

Ndika-Ndika was initially arrested on 7 November 2023 and released on warning the following day. His case stemmed from a claim filed with the RAF on 29 January 2016. He stipulated that on 7 October 2014, he was involved in a motor vehicle accident, as he was traveling from Elliot towards Cala. 

Ndika-Ndika further divulged that during the time, an oncoming vehicle approached him. When he tried to avoid the accident, his car overturned, and he sustained injuries. 

During the claim processing, RAF picked up discrepancies between documents that were submitted by Ndika-Ndika and the police report. RAF repudiated the claim and referred the matter to the Hawks for a thorough probe. 

A comprehensive investigation by the Hawks revealed that through misrepresentation made by Ndika-Ndika, RAF nearly suffered a loss of more than R1.6 million.

Ndika-Ndika made numerous court appearances until his sentencing by the East London Regional court on 14 February 2025. 

He was sentenced to undergo five years direct imprisonment with no option of a fine. Furthermore, Ndika-Ndika was declared unfit to possess a firearm. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 02/17/2025 - 12:13
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Read moreEast London man sentenced for RAF fraud