Cape Town Journalist Assaulted by Police, Has Phone Confiscated – Twice
Freelance reporter Sandiso Phaliso has been repeatedly, and illegally, harassed by police while working in Nyanga
Lodge
Public Participation Process Regarding Power Tariffs Just for Show
The so-called public participation process conducted by the ANC/EFF-controlled Ekurhuleni Metro regarding the proposed electricity tariffs for the 2025/26 financial year is just for show and misleading residents. The notice of public meetings issued on 11 September 2025 provides for only three meetings at the Boksburg Civic Centre, the Rabasotho Hall in Thembisa and the […]
The post Ekurhuleni’s public participation process regarding power tariffs just for show appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Compensation for Sick Miners: Only 30% of Claimants Paid Out by Tshiamiso Trust
Most claims do not meet the medical criteria, AGM told
Ekurhuleni Residents Receive Massive Electricity Bills
This month, the residents of the Ekurhuleni Metro were in for a shock when they received their utility bills because for months the Metro failed to indicate their actual power consumption on their statements of account. The Metro relied, instead, on estimated electricity readings. It is unfair to expect residents to pay massive, unexpected and […]
The post Ekurhuleni residents receive massive utility bills for electricity consumption appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
New venue finalized for Annual Nqweba Festival
The 2025 SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees will be held in the town of Nqweba after a new venue became available. Earlier it was announced that the Kirkwood Wildsfees would be moving to the Mayogi Bomas on the R75 from the Kirkwood High School grounds due to restrictions on the sale of liquor imposed by the Eastern… Read More »
North West traditional horse racing gives the economy a leg up
North West traditional horse racing gives the economy a leg up
The inaugural Lobelo la Dipitsi Traditional Horse Racing event, held at Bloomtech Lodge in Vryburg at the weekend, celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the North West province while also stimulating local economic growth.
According to the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), Lobelo la Dipitsi represents a significant milestone in the province’s initiative to use traditional sports for economic development.
The race attracted an influx of visitors from across the province and neighbouring countries such as Botswana and Namibia, boosting tourism and fostering cross-border collaboration.
A key feature of the event was the small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMME) exhibition, which showcased 69 stalls supported by the Department of Economic Development, Conservation, Environment, and Tourism (DEDECT)and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.
These enterprises, ranging from flea market vendors to informal traders, displayed a variety of artisanal products, including handcrafted African-themed clothing, footwear, organic herbs, spices, perfumes, and wooden vases.
The gathering was attended by Premier Lazarus Mokgosi and the DEDECT MEC, Bitsa Lenkopane with the MEC emphasising the race’s role in economic transformation, saying it is not just a celebration of cultural heritage but also a strategic initiative to drive local business growth.
This platform empowers Black entrepreneurs, facilitates job creation, and strengthens the local economy.
“Through the North West Gambling Board, we envisage empowering emerging race associations with compliance in terms of acquiring relevant licenses with gambling legislations.”
During a walkabout of the flea market, the MEC engaged directly with small business owners to assess their experiences and the impact of the event on their enterprises.
She alluded to the fact that the department will continue to offer support to small businesses and cooperatives to ensure that their products are well packaged, properly labelled, and adhere to the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) requirements.
“The economic activity generated by the event reaffirmed the potential of public-private partnerships in promoting sustainable economic development.”
The event reached its highlight with an exciting prize-giving ceremony, officiated by the province’s leadership.
Lenkopane commended the participation of young riders and the involvement of regional partners from Botswana, Namibia, and Lesotho, highlighting the significance of this initiative in fostering strong economic and cultural ties.
“I am confident that Lobelo la Dipitsi has the potential to grow into a flagship event on North West’s tourism calendar,” she added.
She further extended her gratitude to the event sponsors, including GBets, Goldrush, Sunbets, CGM and other contributors, for their commitment to making the event a reality.
She also expressed gratitude to community members and horse riders for their enthusiastic participation and support.
Lobelo la Dipitsi will be rotated annually across the districts of the province, ensuring continued economic impact, cultural preservation, and regional integration.
This groundbreaking initiative has reinforced the NWPG’s commitment to empowering local communities through strategic events and sustainable economic initiatives. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 04/01/2025 - 10:03
1 view
NPA dismisses ‘fake news’ on alleged executive interference
NPA dismisses 'fake news' on alleged executive interference
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has dismissed the allegations of executive interference in its work.
This after a Sunday news report alleged that two Cabinet Ministers had instructed the prosecutorial body to bring charges against Deputy President, Paul Mashatile.
The story titled “Mashatile warned of elaborate plot to charge him with perjury", was published in the Sunday World newspaper, on Sunday, 30 March 2025.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the NPA labelled the story as “fake news” derived from a doctored WhatsApp conversation.
“The NPA rejects the article published in the Sunday World and warns against fake news and political smear campaigns. The story is based on a clearly fake WhatsApp conversation purported to be between the NPA’s Director of Public Prosecutions: North West, Dr Rachel Makhari and two Cabinet Ministers, who are not mentioned in the story.
“The article fails to adhere to basic journalistic principles of quality control and verification. The NPA is on record about the status of this matter, which has also been communicated in the media. The NDPP has full confidence in the integrity and independence of Advocate Makhari,” the NPA said.
The prosecutorial body insists that it discharges its mandate “without fear, favour or prejudice”.
“The current leadership of the NPA is on record to confirm that it has never been subjected to any executive interference in the discharge of its prosecutorial mandate, and this remains the position. The current leadership is beholden only to the constitutional mandate of the NPA and serves only the people of South Arica.
“The NPA is submitting a formal complaint to the editor of Sunday World as we believe that the journalist concerned conducted himself in an unethical and unprofessional manner and sought to tarnish the image of the NPA, the official concerned, and the Ministers concerned. The NPA will also lodge a formal complaint with the Press Ombud,” the NPA said.
Other law enforcement departments will be engaged to “explore options relating to potential criminal conduct”.
“The rule of law is under attack at multiple levels. We should not forget the painful lessons from the State Capture era, where our country was brought to its knees by those using every possible avenue, including the media, to try to destroy our institutions.
“We should remain vigilant to protect the gains we have made to ensure that the rule of law once again lights our path towards a prosperous and equitable future. The NPA will not be deterred by fake news attacks, driven by various agendas, including political,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 03/31/2025 - 09:44
171 views
NPA dismisses ‘fake news’ on alleged executive interfernce
NPA dismisses 'fake news' on alleged executive interfernce
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has dismissed the allegations of executive interference in its work.
This after a Sunday news report alleged that two Cabinet Ministers had instructed the prosecutorial body to bring charges against Deputy President, Paul Mashatile.
The story titled “Mashatile warned of elaborate plot to charge him with perjury", was published in the Sunday World newspaper, on Sunday, 30 March 2025.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the NPA labelled the story as “fake news” derived from a doctored WhatsApp conversation.
“The NPA rejects the article published in the Sunday World and warns against fake news and political smear campaigns. The story is based on a clearly fake WhatsApp conversation purported to be between the NPA’s Director of Public Prosecutions: North West, Dr Rachel Makhari and two Cabinet Ministers, who are not mentioned in the story.
“The article fails to adhere to basic journalistic principles of quality control and verification. The NPA is on record about the status of this matter, which has also been communicated in the media. The NDPP has full confidence in the integrity and independence of Advocate Makhari,” the NPA said.
The prosecutorial body insists that it discharges its mandate “without fear, favour or prejudice”.
“The current leadership of the NPA is on record to confirm that it has never been subjected to any executive interference in the discharge of its prosecutorial mandate, and this remains the position. The current leadership is beholden only to the constitutional mandate of the NPA and serves only the people of South Arica.
“The NPA is submitting a formal complaint to the editor of Sunday World as we believe that the journalist concerned conducted himself in an unethical and unprofessional manner and sought to tarnish the image of the NPA, the official concerned, and the Ministers concerned. The NPA will also lodge a formal complaint with the Press Ombud,” the NPA said.
Other law enforcement departments will be engaged to “explore options relating to potential criminal conduct”.
“The rule of law is under attack at multiple levels. We should not forget the painful lessons from the State Capture era, where our country was brought to its knees by those using every possible avenue, including the media, to try to destroy our institutions.
“We should remain vigilant to protect the gains we have made to ensure that the rule of law once again lights our path towards a prosperous and equitable future. The NPA will not be deterred by fake news attacks, driven by various agendas, including political,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 03/31/2025 - 09:44
89 views
Dept seeks declaratory order for irregular tender for Driving Licence Card Machine
Dept seeks declaratory order for irregular tender for Driving Licence Card Machine
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has instructed her department to lodge a high court application for a declaratory order regarding the Driving Licence Card Machine (DLCM) tender found to have been irregular by the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA).
The department on Wednesday said the declaratory order is being sought to get guidance on how to proceed, given the findings of the AGSA audit report.
In September last year, the Minister requested the AGSA, who at the time was undertaking an audit of the procurement process for the new DLCM, to widen the scope of the audit process to include whether Supply Chain Management (SCM) prescripts were followed to the letter, and if the specs of the project included adequate measure to protect the safety of personal data, given the sensitivity of information and security features involved in this project.
The AGSA identified instances of non-compliance with the required procurement processes.
“The non-compliances emanated from transgressions of SCM prescripts (Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Treasury Regulations and Driving Licence Card Account (DLCA) SCM policies, rendering the procurement process irregular,” the Department of Transport said on Wednesday.
The AGSA audit of the DLCA SCM processes revealed irregularities in the tender evaluation.
IDEMIA, the winning bidder, failed to meet key bid technical requirements. Additionally, the AGSA review confirmed that the other bidders were not unfairly disqualified, as they also did not meet the bid technical specifications.
All bids submitted exceeded the R486 385 million budget set by the DLCA, indicating inadequate market analysis and budgeting.
The AGSA found that the DLCA used outdated pre-COVID-19 prices, and the budget they submitted to Cabinet for approval did not include all the costs for the contract, leading to Cabinet approving a memo that was not a true reflection of the cost of the contract.
"This poses the risk of the project being delayed or cancelled due to insufficient funds," the AGSA said in its report.
The AGSA also noted that the bid specifications included an adequate assessment of the ability of the system to protect personal data. All bidders were evaluated on this criterion, and some were responsive.
According to the AGSA, the Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) deviated from assessing the bids using the exact criteria set out in the bid specifications when evaluating documents provided by bidders.
“The BEC members had to use their judgement and make executive decisions on how to assess the bids due to ambiguous bid specifications, which did not clearly address the DLCA requirements. This ambiguity led to discrepancies identified by the AGSA, resulting in an unfair and non-transparent procurement process.
“The inconsistencies extended beyond technical evaluation to site visits conducted by the DLCA. During these visits, the DLCA was supposed to confirm that the MX8100 machine proposed by the bidder, IDEMIA, had the required capacity and capability to deliver on the requirements. The DLCA chose to inspect an unrelated machine”.
The AGSA said the deviation from the bid specifications and the use of ambiguous criteria undermined the fairness and transparency of the procurement process.
“It is on the basis of the above that the department is in no position to turn a blind eye on the findings of the AGSA that points to irregularities in the tender process and the transgressions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
“In terms of section 81 (1) of the PFMA, an accounting officer for a department or a constitutional institution commits an act of financial misconduct if that accounting officer wilfully or negligently... makes or permits an unauthorised expenditure, an irregular expenditure, or a fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
“Consequently, Minister Creecy has instructed the department to lodge a high court application for a declaratory order for guidance on how to proceed, given the AGSA audit report,” the department said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 03/06/2025 - 09:21
9 views
Trump Has Stopped Aid to South Africa, Endangering Thousands of Lives
But we must not allow peddlers of hate to undermine our fragile constitutional democracy
Press Ombud Rules on NEWS24’s Coverage of Gayton McKenzie’s Olympic Jaunt
Inaccuracies gave misleading impression, says McKenzie. But when will there be a proper account of how and why R800k was spent?
Massive SLAPP Suit Against Environmentalists Withdrawn
Gauteng property developers were suing environmentalists for alleged costs from delays to their projects caused by objections
Judge’s Sexual Harassment Tribunal: Advocate Implies Complainant Sanitised Her Part
This after former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo was not “satisfied” with the initial complaint and secretary Andiswa Menga was told to lodge it anew
Lamola to lead delegation in meeting with Mozambique
Lamola to lead delegation in meeting with Mozambique
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola will lead a delegation of South African ministers in a bilateral engagement with Mozambique on Wednesday, 18 December 2024.
The objective of this meeting is to discuss the challenges faced by the neighbouring country as the post-election turmoil in Mozambique continues to cause disruption.
According to the department, the meeting is scheduled to take place tomorrow morning at the Paradise Creek Lodge in Malelane, Mpumalanga.
The South African delegation will consist of key officials from various departments and agencies, including Defence, Home Affairs, Trade, Industry and Competition, Police, Transport, the Border Management Authority (BMA), and the South African Revenue Services (SARS).
“The Mozambican delegation will be led by Minister Veronica Dhlovo, who will represent similar departments in her country.
“This gathering represents a significant opportunity for collaboration and dialogue between South Africa and Mozambique,” the department’s statement read.
Both nations will also take time to host a joint press briefing to provide updates and insights into their discussions.
This will be followed by Lamola’s tour of the Lebombo port of entry at 2pm.
In a statement released on Monday, the BMA said the Lebombo port of entry is running smoothly as holiday movements increase.
According to the agency, the processing of cargo on both arrival and departure continues as normal, with efficient facilitation ensuring seamless movement of goods.
“Similarly, traveller movements in both directions are flowing without disruptions, reflecting the authority’s preparedness for the busy holiday season,” the BMA said yesterday.
From Friday, 13 December to Sunday, 15 December 2024, a total of 52 252 travellers were processed at the Lebombo port of entry. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 12/17/2024 - 15:16
50 views
Phase 2 of the R336 upgrade between Nqweba and Addo
The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has updated road users on the ongoing road upgrade project on the R336. This project extends from the Bezuidenhout River, approximately 13km from Nqweba (formerly Kirkwood) to the intersection of the R336 and R335 near Addo. The upgrade is expected to continue until November 2025. Covering… Read More »
Free hotline to report the sale of fake or expired food
Free hotline to report the sale of fake or expired food
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced that members of the public can contact the commission free of charge and facilitate the seamless registration of complaints and tip-offs related to the sale of fake or expired foodstuffs.
For a period of three months, starting on 1 December 2024, members of the public can contact the hotline with the support of the Association of Comms and Technology (ACT).
“The NCC welcomes the support of ACT and individual member mobile operators for agreeing to zero-rate calls to the NCC’s contact centre. Some stakeholders had raised concerns that since the contact centre number is paid for, this may limit the ability of those with limited means to reach the contact centre.
“This intervention will therefore ensure that consumers can report incidents on the sale of fake or expired food as soon as such is identified,” the NCC’s Acting Commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu said.
This comes amid rising concerns about contaminated food linked to the deaths of several schoolchildren in some communities across South Africa.
The collaborative effort by the NCC and ACT members follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s public announcement on 15 November 2024, where he called for the need to educate consumers about food safety and labelling and for suspicions of fake or expired foodstuffs being sold to be reported to the NCC.
“The NCC is expected to play a leading role in investigating the sale of fake and expired foodstuffs throughout the country.
“Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the NCC’s contact centre is available to a wide spectrum of society and that incidents of food contamination or the sale of expired foods are reported timeously to enable an effective response,” said the commission in a statement.
ACT CEO, Nomvuyiso Batyi, commended the NCC for its proactive efforts to address food safety fears and reaching out to join hands with the telecommunications industry in the national effort to curb the crisis.
“We are pleased to confirm that members of ACT that offer voice calls have agreed individually to accede to NCC's request for its contact centre number for three months effective 1 December 2024. We trust that this measure will provide critical assistance to the NCC during this period and we encourage the NCC to engage directly with the respective network operators if challenges arise,” Batyi said.
Consumers can lodge complaints through the NCC’s e-Service portal at https://eservice.thencc.org.za/ or provide tip-offs through the contact centre hotline at 012 065 1940. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 12/01/2024 - 10:50
414 views
The Accountants Who Helped Loot the Lottery
Special Investigating Unit names five firms in Parliament
Extension granted for trustees to file in beneficial ownership register
Extension granted for trustees to file in beneficial ownership register
Trustees have been granted a 15-day grace period to file their details on the beneficial ownership register by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCOD).
This after amendments to the Trust Property Act of 1988 came into effect in April last year, in a bid to address shortcomings in beneficial ownership transparency in South Africa’s regulatory framework.
“South Africa, as a member of the Financial Action Task Force [FATF], is obliged to ensure that its regulatory environment is geared towards international standards in anti-money laundering and combating financing of terrorism,” the DJCOD said.
The department noted that there has been a “low level of compliance” by trustees.
“This low level of compliance will have a significant impact on SA exiting the grey list by the January 2025 deadline. All trustees are reminded that the law is already in operation and remains applicable, together with penalties for non-compliance.
“The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development made regulations that were published in Government Gazette No. 48351 on 31 March 2023, in order to facilitate the implementation of the Amendment Act.
“Prior to these amendments, the Trust Property Control Act, 1988, did not provide for reporting on beneficial ownership and hence, had no prescribed penalties for non-compliance,” the department said.
The DJCOD warned that non-compliance with the provisions of the act will lead to “harsher punishment”.
“According to the Amendment Act, a trustee commits an offence if they fail to disclose to an accountable institution that they engage with in the capacity of a trustee, that the relevant transaction or business relationship relates to trust property.
“The trustee also commits an offence if they fail to record the details of an accountable institution, as prescribed in regulation 3B; if they fail to establish and record the beneficial ownership information of a trust prescribed in regulation 3C and when they fail to keep an up to date record of the beneficial ownership information prescribed in regulation 3C or fails to lodge a register of the beneficial ownership information prescribed in regulation 3C with the Master of the High Court,” the department said.
The DJCOD said no further extension will be granted after 30 November. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 11/18/2024 - 10:53
604 views
Mother and son hospitalised after consuming food from spaza shop
Mother and son hospitalised after consuming food from spaza shop
The Gauteng Department of Health has confirmed that a 38-year-old mother and her four-year-old son from Alexandra in Johannesburg, are currently receiving treatment at Edenvale Hospital, following a suspected foodborne illness.
According to the department, both patients are in a stable condition and under medical care after allegedly consuming food from a spaza shop.
The family’s 10-year-old daughter passed away after being rushed to the Alexandra Community Health Centre emergency unit on Friday, 2 November 2024.
According to the department, further reports are awaited on the cause of the sudden illness and death.
“The department extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, government said it was concerned about the rising incidents of foodborne illnesses, particularly those affecting children.
“The department is working closely with multiple stakeholders and the municipalities to heighten awareness in townships, informal settlements, and hostel communities.”
On Friday, Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, lamented the lack of food safety standards at some of the local spaza shops in Ekurhuleni townships.
The MEC, together with City of Ekurhuleni officials and local councillors, conducted a food safety blitz in the area, following the recent spate of deaths and children falling ill after eating snacks from local spaza shops across the country.
Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, announced last week that forensic tests following the deaths of six primary school children from Naledi, Soweto – who had allegedly eaten snacks from a foreign-owned local spaza shop – showed they were killed by a highly toxic organophosphate called Terbufos.
The provincial department has urged the public to exercise caution when purchasing and consuming food items.
In addition, the department said it was important to purchase food from reputable sellers with valid permits to operate, check expiration dates and avoid consuming expired products.
They also encourage locals to ensure that food packaging is intact and has not been tampered with and that shops adhere to the conditions of their permits, which include compliance with environmental health regulations and maintaining hygiene standards.
“We appeal to the public not to take the law into their own hands but to rather notify relevant authorities where they pick up noncompliance issues.”
According to the provincial department, the public can contact an Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) at the municipal offices closest to where the supplier is based.
The can also lodge complaints against suppliers that sell expired goods or foodstuffs without labelling and notify the Gauteng Office of Consumer Affairs on 011 355 8006 or consumer@gauteng.gov.za.
Alternatively, the public can contact the Gauteng contact centre on 0800 GAUTENG (4288364) or 0800 22 88 27 (toll-free), USSD *134*47472# or *134*GPGSA# (zero rated), email support@gauteng.gov.za and hotline@gauteng.gov.za.
The department is also available on X at @GautengHotline or WhatsApp 082 601 1000. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 11/04/2024 - 09:55
215 views
Donkey Carts Stand Idle as Tourism Dies in Cederberg Village
Heuningvlei was devastated by flooding for two consecutive years but the residents are determined to keep their town alive
Follow the Water: Tracing Lesotho’s Uncertain Water Supply to Johannesburg
The long-term viability of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project faces various threats
Media Invite: Top Performing Businesses in Limpopo Honoured
The Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (the dtic) and Productivity SA, the government entity tasked with enabling employment growth, invite the media to the Limpopo Workplace Challenge Programme Milestone Workshop. This event aims to increase the efficiency of Limpopo businesses thereby enabling economic growth and job creation. The MEC Limpopo Department of Economic Development, …
Kosher Safari Vacation Adventures in Africa
Kosher Safari Adventures: Your Next Kosher Vacation Awaits! Planning a vacation that aligns with your kosher lifestyle can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to remote destinations. But when the stunning beauty of Africa is paired with an itinerary tailored to your dietary and religious needs, you have a travel experience like no other. …
Heritage Month Quiz: Discover Your Perfect South African Heritage Experience
It’s Heritage Month and in celebration of South Africa’s rich diversity of cultures and traditions, First Loyalty Plus – SA’s premier All-Round Rewards Programme – has created a fun quiz, designed to help you uncover your perfect South African heritage experience. “South Africa is a multi-faceted land with a storied past,” says Samantha Pillay, Director …