Letter

Dear Editor Yesterday the Democratic Alliance (DA) launched a national probe into the staggering growth in statutory rape and child pregnancies across South Africa. As a first step in this campaign we will investigate whether provincial government departments are fulfilling their role in addressing this scourge in line with the Children’s Act I was present …

Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) will not allow a Bill that strips firearms from law-abiding citizens, especially not in a climate where violent crime runs rampant and SAPS is failing to keep South Africans safe. Any attempt to disarm responsible citizens while criminals remain armed will be opposed outright. It is therefore deeply alarming …

Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) has today formally referred the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) to the Public Protector for investigation into what can only be described as one of the most staggering regulatory failures in recent memory — a R54 billion “bungle” in the calculation of Eskom’s electricity tariffs under the …

Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi to table the long-promised Whistleblower Protections Bill in Parliament without delay. In February, President Ramaphosa told the nation that the Bill would be introduced this financial year. Months later, nothing has happened. Meanwhile, whistle-blowers, lawyers, and prosecutors and police officers are being assassinated …

Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance’s (DA) relentless campaign has forced a breakthrough against the unlawful racial classification of South Africans through the Deeds Office’s “Form LLL.” This compulsory form requires South Africans to declare their race when registering property transfers – a practice with no basis in law, no constitutional standing, and no place in …

Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) is appalled by Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia’s frank confession that there is still no workable plan to stop the gang violence tearing the Cape Flats apart. This failure is nothing short of a betrayal of the families who live under daily siege, and it lays bare the collapse …

Dear Editor The growing number of girls under 16 years becoming pregnant and giving birth in South Africa is deeply disturbing. That is why the Democratic Alliance (DA) is launching a national investigation into the way provincial departments are fulfilling their obligations under the Children’s Act to ensure that men who have sex with young …

Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) is shocked that the Chief Financial Officer of Crime Intelligence, Major General Philani Lushaba, currently out on bail for severe charges including perjury, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice, has allegedly not only entered Crime Intelligence premises but has also met with the National Commissioner of Police. This …

Dear Editor Whilst the plot about the SANDF’s missing millions thickens, Minister Angie Motshekga has again been caught lying – leaving South Africa’s soldiers to pay the price. In a desperate attempt at damage control, the SANDF has issued a media statement confirming that all operational allowances for members deployed to the DRC have now …

Dear Editor The shocking conditions uncovered during an oversight visit to Ebhotwe Primary School in Mdantsane reveal a school in total collapse, failing the learners it is meant to serve. Broken toilets, decaying classrooms, unsafe infrastructure, and allegations of mismanagement paint a picture of a school abandoned by leadership and left to rot. Last week, …

Dear Editor The DA Students Organisation, DASO, calls for instigators of outrage to stop spreading misinformation that a new proposed rule allows legitimate student debt to be reported to credit rating agencies. This is misleading as these regulations have existed since 2006. Educational institutions have been permitted to report legitimate student debt to credit bureaus …

Dear editor In response to a DA question in today’s parliamentary sitting, President Cyril Ramaphosa could not confirm whether South Africa’s ambassadorial nominee to the United States of America (USA) will be a professional and non-partial career diplomat, rather than another cadre deployee. The President’s vague response did not engender confidence that South Africa’s export …

Dear Editor The DA rejects and condemns President Ramaphosa’s decision to clear South African Defence Force (SANDF) Chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya, after his reckless political visit to Iran three weeks ago. This decision undermines the credibility of the SANDF, and has undermined the legitimacy of government. That an SANDF general was in Tehran pledging “common …

Dear Editor The DA is alarmed by the rates paid to water-board chairs and members to attend meetings, while taps sit dry across the country. Notably, in 2023/24: The Chair of uMngeni-uThukela earned R109 500 per meeting, while another member earned R54 000; The Chair of the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority earned R120 300 per meeting; …

Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) will write to Minister of Justice Mmamoloko Kubayi urging greater whistleblower protection through legislative reforms. Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends and colleagues of Bouwer van Niekerk. The horrific murder of Bouwer van Niekerk last week demands that the Minister take these decisive steps now. More …

Dear Editor The DA will conduct oversight visits to CCMA offices to ensure that new Codes of Good Practice on Dismissal are being implemented in small business cases. The Department of Employment and Labour has done nothing to make CCMA commissioners aware of these new rules, leaving an open question as to whether they are …