GAUTENG GOVERNMENT AND TAXI INDUSTRY REACH AGREEMENT TO PREVENT SERVICE DISRUPTIONS

KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR 

GAUTENG GOVERNMENT AND TAXI INDUSTRY REACH AGREEMENT TO PREVENT SERVICE DISRUPTIONS

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JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG – The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has reached a formal agreement with leadership bodies across the provincial minibus taxi industry to resolve operational bottlenecks and guarantee uninterrupted public transport services.

Following high-level talks convened by Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, both parties committed to ongoing structural engagements to address operating permit backlogs, regulatory compliance, and commuter safety.

Core Commitments and Key Agreements

The resolution establishes a framework for ongoing collaboration between the provincial government and taxi regional councils:

• Accelerated Permit Issuance: Fast-tracking the processing and distribution of outstanding operating licenses, specifically streamlining verification procedures and inheritance transfers for deceased operators' estates.

• Commuter Safety & Intimidation: Launching joint enforcement interventions to crack down on commuter harassment, route violence, and illegal operator intimidation.

• Progress Reviews: Instituting regular review sessions to track the implementation of regulatory commitments and prevent future impoundment disputes.

Licensing Reforms and Progress

MEC Diale-Tlabela highlighted that internal process overhauls and increased administrative capacity have enabled the department to issue over 3,000 operating licenses since November 2025.

"Uninterrupted public transport is critical to our economy and to the lives of our residents. Every commuter has the right to travel safely, freely, and without fear. We will continue working closely with the taxi industry to build a system that is safe, reliable, affordable, and compliant with the law." — Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport

The department pledged to expand direct engagements with local taxi associations to improve oversight, streamline regulatory compliance, and ensure passenger safety across all Gauteng taxi ranks and routes.

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DA CONDEMNS STONING OF GOLDEN ARROW BUSES IN TAFELSIG, CALLS FOR SWIFT LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTION

KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR 

DA CONDEMNS STONING OF GOLDEN ARROW BUSES IN TAFELSIG, CALLS FOR SWIFT LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTION

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CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE – The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape has strongly condemned a series of violent attacks on Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) vehicles in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain, where 18 buses were stoned over a two-day period, injuring passengers and threatening public transport operations.

The attacks, reportedly carried out by local youths, are part of a broader, alarming trend of violence targeting public transport infrastructure and commuters across the province.

Pattern of Attacks on Public Transport

The party highlighted that the stoning incidents in Tafelsig are not isolated, citing several recent violent disruptions across Cape Town:

• Tafelsig (Mitchells Plain): 18 Golden Arrow buses targeted and damaged over two days, leading to passenger injuries and service disruptions.

• Nyanga: The deliberate torching of three Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) taxis at the Nyanga taxi rank.

• Dunoon: Repeated stoning of Sibanye buses operating along high-density routes.

Call for Prosecution and Community Cooperation

While welcoming joint security interventions between Golden Arrow, the South African Police Service (SAPS), City Law Enforcement, and local community structures, the DA emphasized that increased police visibility must lead to swift arrests and convictions.

"The stoning of public transport must stop. Every day, thousands of Western Cape residents rely on buses to get to work, school, healthcare facilities and other essential destinations. No commuter should have to fear for their safety while travelling... Those responsible must face the full might of the law, and we urge community members to work with law enforcement by reporting anyone involved in these criminal acts." — Prof. Nomafrench Mbombo, MPP, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Mobility

Next Steps

The DA called on residents with information regarding the perpetrators to report them immediately to SAPS. The party pledged to continue advocating for targeted safety deployments, heightened route policing, and stricter law enforcement measures to protect commuters and transport infrastructure.

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ANC WELCOMES HIGH COURT INTERDICT HALTING PHALA PHALA SECTION 89 IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY

KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR 

ANC WELCOMES HIGH COURT INTERDICT HALTING PHALA PHALA SECTION 89 IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY

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CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE – The African National Congress (ANC) has welcomed the judgment delivered by the Western Cape Division of the High Court in Cape Town, which granted President Cyril Ramaphosa an interim interdict to stay Parliament’s Section 89 impeachment inquiry.

The ruling pauses the National Assembly's impeachment committee proceedings into the Phala Phala matter pending the final determination of the President’s judicial review of the Section 89 Independent Panel report, scheduled to be heard in September 2026.

Protection of Constitutional Rights and Due Process

In its response to the ruling, the ANC reiterated its respect for the independence of the judiciary, affirming that the judgment upholds the fundamental principle that all citizens—including the sitting President—are entitled to seek legal remedies:

• Judicial Independence: The ruling confirms that invoking court processes to test the lawfulness, rationality, and procedural fairness of state reports does not equate to evading public accountability.

• Unencumbered Review: Pausing the parliamentary proceedings ensures the High Court can evaluate the legal merits of the Section 89 Panel Report without parallel processes creating procedural conflicts.

• Role of Parliament Preserved: The ANC noted that the interdict does not diminish Parliament's constitutional oversight role, but rather provides a fair legal window for the President to prosecute his review application under the law.

Call for Compliance and Separation of Powers

Reaffirming its commitment to constitutionalism, separation of powers, and the rule of law, the governing party called on all parliamentary parties and political actors to respect the court's decision.

"The ANC calls on all parties to respect the judgment, refrain from politically motivated distortions and allow the remaining legal processes to unfold without interference... No person is above the law. Equally, no person should be denied the protection of the law or subjected to a predetermined political outcome." — African National Congress Statement

The party indicated it will study the full written judgment in detail before issuing further comprehensive political comments as the September review date approaches.

High Court jurisdiction debate on Ramaphosa's Section 89 interdict

This report details the legal arguments, jurisdictional debates, and constitutional questions surrounding President Ramaphosa's Section 89 interdict application in the Western Cape High Court.

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POSTBANK ISSUES FINAL CALL FOR SASSA BENEFICIARIES TO SWITCH TO BLACK CARDS BEFORE 31 AUGUST 2026 DEADLINE

KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR 

POSTBANK ISSUES FINAL CALL FOR SASSA BENEFICIARIES TO SWITCH TO BLACK CARDS BEFORE 31 AUGUST 2026 DEADLINE

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PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – Postbank has issued an urgent appeal to all social grant recipients still using SASSA Gold Cards to migrate to the new Postbank Black Cards immediately, warning that Gold Cards are being phased out and will soon cease to function.

Beneficiaries face a strict deadline of 31 August 2026 to complete the card exchange to prevent severe disruptions to their monthly grant payments.

Avoid August Queue Congestion

Postbank Chief Commercial Officer, Thamsanqa Cele, warned that card replacement sites are already experiencing increased foot traffic, with queues expected to surge during the final month.

“We are already noticing a steady increase in queues at several of our card replacement sites and based on current trends, we anticipate that queues will become considerably longer in August, which is the final month before the deadline. Beneficiaries who postpone their visit until then may experience substantial delays due to the expected increase in demand.” — Thamsanqa Cele, Postbank Chief Commercial Officer

How and Where to Collect Your Postbank Black Card

The card replacement process is completely free of charge.

• Where to Go: Black Cards can be collected at participating retail partners nationwide, including Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Pick n Pay, Boxer, and Spar.

• Operating Hours: Card replacement sites operate Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 17:00.

• Locating a Site: Dial *120*355# from any mobile phone to find the nearest distribution point.

• What to Bring: A valid South African Green Barcoded ID Book or Smart ID Card (or an official temporary ID document).

Important Notice on SASSA Office Visits

Postbank urges grant recipients not to visit SASSA offices for payment queries or card issues relating to SASSA Gold or Postbank Black Cards.

All card-related support—including missing payments, lost or stolen cards, PIN resets, or declined transactions—is managed directly by Postbank customer support at designated retail sites or via the dedicated call center.

• Postbank Customer Helpline: 0800 53 54 55

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KIMBERLEY MAN SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR BRUTAL NEW YEAR'S DAY ASSAULT ON PARTNER

KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR 

KIMBERLEY MAN SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR BRUTAL NEW YEAR'S DAY ASSAULT ON PARTNER

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KIMBERLEY, NORTHERN CAPE – The Kimberley Regional Court has sentenced 36-year-old Adre Voster to 10 years' imprisonment following his conviction for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (Assault GBH), read with the provisions of the Criminal Law Amendment Act.

The sentence stems from a horrific New Year's Day attack in which Voster subjected his 27-year-old partner to severe physical violence and public humiliation after becoming enraged when an unknown man greeted her at a local tavern.

Details of the Assault and Public Humiliation

On 1 January 2026, while celebrating the New Year at a local establishment, the complainant was greeted by a patron. Voster confronted her in a fit of rage, dragged her out of the venue, and repeatedly kicked and slapped her.

As he dragged her along the ground toward their residence, Voster forcibly stripped off her clothing and forced her to walk naked in public. A neighbor intervened and alerted authorities, leading to Voster's arrest. The victim was subsequently admitted to Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital for medical treatment.

Faced with compelling evidence, Voster entered a guilty plea.

Prosecution Highlights Impact of Gender-Based Violence

During sentencing arguments, State Prosecutor Mothelesi Katlego Thothela emphasized the scourge of domestic violence and gender-based violence (GBV) across South Africa, calling attention to the deep psychological scars caused by forcing the victim to walk stripped in public.

The State submitted a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) compiled by Lerato Modisane alongside medical records detailing the physical and emotional trauma inflicted on the victim.

Sentence Breakdown

The Kimberley Regional Court handed down the following sentence:

• 10 Years' Imprisonment: Two years suspended for five years on the condition that Voster is not convicted of any violent offense or Assault GBH during the period of suspension (effective 8 years' direct imprisonment).

• Firearm Ineligibility: Voster was declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the sentence, reiterating its commitment to prosecuting GBV perpetrators and encouraging victims of domestic abuse to seek justice through the legal system.

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