Women's Network and Men for Change took part in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide.

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CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

Women's Network and Men for Change took part in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide.

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BETHAL - SAPS Women's Network, Men for Change and the Youth Crime Prevention Desk, with stakeholders, participated in the National Women’s Shutdown in solidarity with victims of gender-based violence and in support of the National Women’s Shutdown March that happened on Friday, 21 November 2025, ahead of the G20 Summit.

This movement was encouraged by Women for Change as a call to care, a call to remember that behind every statistic is a woman, a life cut short, a dream ended, and a family left shattered.

Participants in the movement were dressed in black with a touch of purple, as it is the colour of courage, dignity, and mourning. It honours survivors and remembers those who didn’t make it. It speaks of pain, but also of power — the power to rise, to resist, and to demand change.

On the day, gender-based violence was the burning issue, where survivors and victims shared their experiences relating to GBVF.

Amongst attendees was Sergeant Thomas Mogadime, the Mpumalanga Provincial Men for Change Deputy Chairperson, who in his message of support encouraged all victims of gender-based violence to report all incidents to the police or organizations working closely with the police in fighting the scourge of gender-based violence. He also encouraged parents to love the boy-child as much as they love the girl-child.

He added that boys also face unique challenges, such as harmful stereotypes around masculinity, which can prevent them from seeking help and support for issues like trauma, anger, or mental health concerns.

Members at Bethal SAPS, led by the Deputy Chairperson of Mpumalanga Provincial Men for Change, Sergeant Mogadime, honoured survivors and remembered those who died because of gender-based violence and femicide through a candlelight moment.

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Operating Licences to Minibus and Scholar Transport Operators

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CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

Operating Licences to Minibus and Scholar Transport Operators

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Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, will on Thursday, 19 February 2026, hand over operating licences to qualifying minibus and scholar transport operators in Johannesburg.The handover forms part of the Department's ongoing commitment to strengthening regulatory compliance within the public transport sector.

By formalising and licensing operators, the Department seeks to promote safer roads, improve accountability, and ensure that learners and daily commuters are transported by legally recognised and properly regulated service providers. This intervention is aligned with broader provincial efforts to enhance road safety, professionalise the transport industry, and protect vulnerable road users, particularly learners who rely on scholar transport services.

Details of the event are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 19 February 2026

Time: 12h00

Venue: Life Centre Building, 45 Commissioner Street, Marshalltown, Johannesburg

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NSFAS' new accommodation portal shows failures despite promises made

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CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS 

ONLINE_EDITOR 

NSFAS' new accommodation portal shows failures despite promises made

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The DA has today written to the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to present a report on the accreditation of private student accommodation and account for failures on the ground.

This follows NSFAS’ transition to an online accommodation portal, through which payments to private accommodation providers are now facilitated via appointed “solution partners”, rather than universities or students. 

These solution partners are not only responsible for facilitating payments, but are also tasked with accrediting private accommodation providers on behalf of NSFAS. NSFAS promised the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education & Training and South Africans that there would be no disruptions to accreditation and payments.

The situation on the ground speaks differently, which NSFAS must account for. Oversight visits, including various Student Representative Council (SRC) submissions, have highlighted ongoing failures, including unpaid accommodation centres, unsafe living conditions, inadequate security, and poor maintenance, despite accommodation centres being “accredited” to meet Departmental basic standards.

The DA is deeply concerned and angered that vulnerable students are being forced to live in unsafe and degrading conditions because of NSFAS’ failures.

With the new system having removed universities, students have also struggled to seek accountability for poor living conditions. 

Through the Democratic Alliance Student Association (DASO), we have been actively compiling these cases, which we will present to NSFAS to answer for.

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Gauteng Roads and Transport launches Umphakathi Mall Smart Licensing Centre in Randfontein

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Gauteng Roads and Transport launches Umphakathi Mall Smart Licensing Centre in Randfontein

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

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The Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Ms Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, officially unveiled the state-of-the-art Umphakathi Mall Smart Driver’s Licensing Testing Centre (DLTC) on Thursday, 05 February 2026, at Umphakathi Mall in Randfontein, within the Rand West City Local Municipality.

The launch of the centre marks a significant milestone in the Gauteng Provincial Government’s ongoing programme to modernise Driver’s Licensing Testing Centres across the province.

The facility is designed to redefine vehicle and driver licensing services by enhancing customer experience through the use of smart technologies, improved infrastructure, and streamlined operational processes.

Speaking at the launch, MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela emphasised the importance of transforming licensing services to meet the needs of growing communities.

“The opening of the Umphakathi Mall Smart Licensing Centre demonstrates our commitment to building a capable, responsive, and people-centred transport system,” said the MEC.

The MEC added that the department is thriving in bringing essential services closer to the people.

“We are modernising our DLTCs to ensure that residents can access dignified, efficient, and reliable services closer to where they live, while strengthening road safety and regulatory compliance across Gauteng,” said MEC Diale-Tlabela.

Gauteng currently operates a network of DLTCs across all five corridors of the province, playing a critical role in road safety, regulatory compliance, and efficient service delivery.

The Department of Roads and Transport has prioritised the upgrading and expansion of these centres to address persistent challenges such as long waiting times, limited accessibility, and ageing infrastructure.

Smart Licensing Centres form part of this broader reform agenda, introducing modern, secure, and customer-centric environments that improve turnaround times while safeguarding the integrity of licensing systems.

The establishment of the Umphakathi Mall Smart Licensing Centre also advances the Province’s commitment to expanding access to quality public services, particularly in townships, informal settlements, and hostels.

By locating licensing services within a community-based commercial hub, the Department aims to bring services closer to residents and reduce the cost and inconvenience associated with long-distance travel to traditional DLTCs.

As part of ongoing service delivery improvements, the department has planned the rollout of additional Smart Licensing Centres across key development corridors in Gauteng.

This initiative seeks to further reduce waiting times, clear service backlogs, and improve overall accessibility to licensing services, particularly in high-demand areas.

The centre operates from Monday to Friday, from 08h00 to 17h00, and on Saturdays, from 09h00 to 15h00.

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Life Imprisonment for the Brutal Killing of four people at Ndindwa Village in Debenek.

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CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS 

ONLINE_EDITOR 

Life Imprisonment for the Brutal Killing of four people at Ndindwa Village in Debenek

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ZWELITSHA - The South African Police Service in the Eastern Cape welcomes the sentencing of 16 accused to life imprisonment for the brutal killing of four people at Ndindwa Village in Debenek.

The incident took place on 31 December 2022. Community members allegedly held a meeting and decided to take the law into their own hands against people they suspected of stealing electricity cables and terrorising residents. Four people were identified, taken from their homes, assaulted, tied up and brought to the centre of the village. They were later burned to death while still alive. A nine year old child witnessed the killing of her mother during the incident.The victims were: Vuyo Lamani (40), Lwando Makinana (30), Nwabisa Melani (29), Ziphozihle Timba (37).

Members from Chungwa SAPS attended the scene and immediately started an investigation. The case was later transferred to the Bhisho High Court on 11 March 2024.

Through hard work and dedication by SAPS detectives, 16 suspects were arrested, charged and convicted. The court sentenced each accused as follows:

Count 1: Murder – life imprisonment

Count 2: Murder – life imprisonment

Count 3: Murder – life imprisonment

Count 4: Murder – life imprisonment

Count 5: Kidnapping – eight years’

Count 6: Kidnapping – eight years’

Count 7: Kidnapping – eight years’

Count 8: Kidnapping – eight years’

Count 9: Public Violence – three years’

All accused received the same sentence.

Those sentenced are: Dumisani Mpofana (38), Mluleki Xulu (48), Neliso Nkohla (31), Zwelandile Kitise (53), Nombulelo Bukani Kitise (41), Unathi Khakhalala (28), Bantu Marala (36), Lindi Mbintashe (37), Mfuniseli Mbintashe (65), Mvelisi Xulu (45), Nkosinathi Dyantyi (73), Yanginkosi Solani (41), Nombuzo Binyashe (57), Lungisa Mathana (39), Zandisile Kitisa (71) and Thobani Vena (38).

The investigation was led by Detective M. Mtshemla of Chungwa SAPS, supported by a team of investigators.

Amathole Acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Zinakile Freddie, praised the members for their commitment and hard work. “This sentence shows that crime and vigilantism will not be tolerated. I commend the members for their dedication in ensuring justice for the victims,” said Brigadier Freddie. He urged community members not to take the law into their own hands, but to report crime to the police.

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DA thanks John Steenhuisen for six years of Service as Federal Leader

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CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS 

ONLINE_EDITOR 

DA thanks John Steenhuisen for six years of Service as Federal Leader

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The Democratic Alliance extends our sincere gratitude to John Steenhuisen for six years of determined leadership as Federal Leader of the party.

Under his leadership, the DA not only strengthened its institutional stability and electoral performance, but achieved a historic breakthrough by entering national government, a long-standing objective pursued by successive generations of DA leaders.

This achievement fundamentally reshaped South Africa’s political landscape and stands as a testament to John’s vision, perseverance, and commitment to building a viable alternative to the ANC. His leadership in initiating the Moonshot Pact laid the groundwork for the Government of National Unity and a new era of cooperative governance.

John also oversaw the DA’s electoral growth in the 2021 and 2024 elections, expanding the party’s support base and reinforcing its role as the leading opposition and reform force in South African politics.

As John now focuses fully on his responsibilities as Minister of Agriculture in the Government of National Unity; particularly in responding to the current foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, the DA thanks him for his service and leadership.

South Africa’s farmers, rural communities, and food security will benefit from the full-time attention, of Mr Steenhuisen, and we wish strength in his efforts.

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Over 160 prisoners have escaped police custody in the Eastern Cape

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CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS 

ONLINE_EDITOR 

Over 160 prisoners have escaped police custody in the Eastern Cape

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More than 160 prisoners have escaped from police custody in the Eastern Cape over the past three financial years, with a further 30 already recorded this year. These escapes expose serious failures in supervision, compliance, and consequence management within the provincial safety system.

Accused criminals are walking free while families are left anxious, and communities lose faith in the SAPS ability to protect them. Victims are forced to relive trauma, residents are left wondering who is back on their streets, and honest police officers are undermined by weak oversight and poor consequence management.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) will be writing to the Community Safety MEC, Xolile Nqatha, demanding urgent intervention and a clear accountability plan to prevent further escapes. This includes immediate reporting on disciplinary outcomes, stricter compliance enforcement at station level, and decisive action against negligence.

In response to a parliamentary question, MEC Nqatha confirmed that 43 prisoners escaped in 2022/23, rising sharply to 58 in 2023/24, followed by 36 in 2024/25, and 30 more already in the current financial year.

Despite rearrests, a disturbing number remain at large, including 22 in 2022/23, 26 in 2023/24, 17 in 2024/25, and 17 this year.

The Department acknowledges that escapes are often linked to wrongful release, transportation failures, and official negligence.

This problem is exacerbated by the condition of police holding facilities. An oversight report debated last week confirms that many stations cannot use their holding cells because they are unsafe or unfit for purpose, forcing detainees to be transported to other stations at additional cost and with increased escape risk.

In Thornhill, there are no holding cells, while at KwaBhaca, cells are unusable due to dilapidated infrastructure.

The Legislature has formally recommended that SAPS urgently assist stations in establishing proper holding cells.

Eastern Cape residents deserve to feel safe in their homes and confident that those arrested will remain in custody.

The DA remains committed to holding the provincial government accountable and to building a community safety system rooted in professionalism, responsibility, and respect for the rule of law.

The people of the Eastern Cape deserve leadership that delivers, and a future built on dignity, security, and honest government.

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