MANGAUNG METRO R2.5MILLION @KASIBCNEWS

SALGBC Slapped Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality With Staggering R2.5 Million Retrospective Payment Award of 13 Unfairly Dismissed Etsose Batjha Project Employees. 

Afrikan Alliance of Social Democrats Cllr Lucky Mongale warned the City's Council and Residents against the misinformed Etsose Batjha Project (EBP) report that was prepared by inept Corporate Services HOD: Mokete Duma and Pule Molalenyane's Pawn & City Manager Sello More for MK CREDENTIALIST Executive Mayor Gregory Nthatisi to table in Council. 

Unfortunately, the dunderheads ANC, ATM & AIC Mangaung council caucus led by Ward 28 Cllr & Council Whip Vumile Nikelo voted for the report as tabled in December, 14 2023. That vote has now caused Mangaung Metro R 2 504 675.00 in retrospective payments of the 13 EBP for the period between February 2024 to January 2025. SALGBC Commissioner Jana Dell agreed with Cllr Lucky Mongale that the City has somehow created the reasonable & legitimate expectation for the 13 employees to be permanently employed after a 2 year skills development programme failed and saw them being in the employ of the City for 13 years. 

However, it is expected of Sello More, Mokete Duma and Gregory Nthatisi to review this outcome with the Labour Court not because they have a case to win but to frustrate those 13 employees out of everyday meals. It is a known fact that the three (3) have no regard for Sound Governance and would stop at nothing to fight their political opponents including using Municipal resources.

JABULANI DUMANE CLINIC @KASIBCNEWS

JABULANI DUMANE CLINIC @KASIBCNEWS

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is appalled at the state of the Jabulani Dumane Clinic CHC, in Ekurhuleni. What’s meant to be a 24/7 facility that serves about 9 000 to 10 000 patients per month find themselves at the mercy of alarming shortages and infrastructure challenges.

The issues the clinic faces range from staffing- to medicine and equipment shortages. It is our view that this clinic alongside the people it is meant to serve has been left to rot. If this is the Gauteng Department of Health’s version of “quality health services and ensure a caring climate for service users” they should bow their heads in shame.

The clinics issues are wide ranging, and after engagements with staff, and a prolonged oversight visit we can confirm the following:

Staffing shortages are a problem

• Nurses are forced to work double shifts due to insufficient staffing;
• Critical shortages in professional nurses, enrolled nurses, and pharmacists; and
• Inadequate administrative support, with only 8 admin clerks and 4 data capture staff

Medication and Equipment Shortages

• Chronic shortages of medication, including antibiotics; and
• Insufficient equipment, including a lack of functional X-ray facilities

Infrastructure Challenges

• Leaking building, with reported issues still unresolved;
• Uncompleted ceiling work, reported late last year;
• Non-functional geysers and ablution facilities in need of maintenance; and
• Broken windows, including those in the screening room, dental passage, and in the main entrance door 

Alongside these issues, things that might seem small to the department is a serious cause for concern, like doors to maternity wards that can’t lock, a small waiting area that is easily overcrowded and admin rooms that do not have a whiff of ventilation.

All these examples make a visit to the Jabulani Dumane Clinic not only unappealing, but also a health hazard in and of itself. We will be holding the Health MEC and the Gauteng Department of Health accountable for their failings in the Gauteng Provincial legislature.

But the most pressing question we have, is whether any member of the Gauteng Executive would be willing to be treated in this clinic?

We urge the Gauteng Department of Health to take immediate action to address these critical shortages and infrastructure challenges. The people of Vosloorus deserve access to quality healthcare services in a safe and dignified environment.

DEFEND ITHALA SOC @KASIBCNEWS

IFP YOUTH BRIGADE COMMENDS KZN PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT FOR ITS RESOLUTE STANCE TO DEFEND ITHALA SOC

The IFP Youth Brigade unequivocally commends the Honourable Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thamsanqa Ntuli, for his unwavering commitment and bold leadership in defending the Ithala SOC. As the IFP Youth Brigade, we fully support the efforts of the Premier and the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government in their fight to protect this historic financial institution from the unwarranted and ill-conceived actions of the Prudential Authority (PA) and Reserve Authority (RA).

Ithala SOC has been a beacon of hope and empowerment for marginalized communities in KwaZulu-Natal. Its legacy, deeply rooted in the vision of the IFP's Founding President, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, embodies the principles of economic justice and inclusion. For decades, Ithala has been the only financial institution providing essential banking services to rural and underserved areas, empowering small businesses, fostering savings through stokvels, and supporting SMMEs that lack access to other financial assistance.

We question the timing and intention of the RA and PA in their decision to force a halt and restrain Ithala SOC from conducting transactions and continuing operations. This unjust intervention, implemented just before the end of the month, appears calculated to create widespread panic and destabilization. The timing disrupts Ithala clients from receiving their salaries, paying policies, and preparing children for school. 

Even more egregiously, it prevents Ithala staff from being paid their salaries, deliberately fostering distrust and frustration among Ithala’s clients and employees. This orchestrated chaos seeks to undermine confidence in Ithala and pave the way for its closure, while simultaneously erasing the proud legacy of Prince Buthelezi to the benefit of commercial banks.

What is even more troubling is the PA's reported actions in sending direct messages to Ithala clients, encouraging them to leave Ithala and migrate to other commercial banks. There are also allegations of some municipalities dissuading their employees from banking with Ithala and instead urging them to transition to commercial banks. We must ask: what is the true intent behind these actions? Such behaviour is not only unethical but also points to a targeted campaign to dismantle Ithala SOC entirely. We warn such Municipalities to be very careful not to be tangled along in an attempt of destroying Ithala, in fact if we hear of any municipality doing that, we will take stern actions against it.

We call on municipal workers and every employee banking with Ithala to resist these coercive tactics and refuse to collaborate in any scheme aimed at destroying Ithala SOC. Municipalities have a responsibility to stand with the people of KwaZulu-Natal and preserve this vital institution that has been instrumental in empowering communities and driving economic development.

The IFP Youth Brigade stands firm in its support for the Provincial Government as they take a principled stand against the Prudential Authority’s malicious actions. The Premier’s decision to escalate this matter to President Cyril Ramaphosa demonstrates his commitment to ensuring that justice prevails and that Ithala SOC continues to serve the people of this province.

Ithala SOC’s financial position remains robust, as evidenced by clean audits, assets exceeding liabilities, and its continued ability to meet depositors’ needs. These facts contradict the PA's baseless claims and underscore the necessity of protecting Ithala SOC from undue interference.

We reiterate our unwavering support for the Provincial Government’s efforts to preserve Ithala SOC. This fight is not just about a financial institution; it is a fight for economic justice, the empowerment of marginalized communities, and the protection of Prince Buthelezi’s enduring legacy. The IFP Youth Brigade will continue to advocate for Ithala SOC and calls on all stakeholders to unite in defence of this invaluable institution.

PWC INVESTIGATE IDT R800MILLION  TENDER @KASIBCNEWS

• Public Works & Infrastructure Minister Dean Macphersony has welcomed the Department’s appointment of PwC to investigate the circumstances surrounding an R800-million Oxygen Plant tender at the IDT.
• This follows IDT’s admission last year that the Oxygen Plant tender—where three companies were appointed despite two lacking South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) registration—should be investigated.
• The independent investigation, which needs to be completed within eight weeks, will,among other tasks, determine whether any irregularities occurred during the process to award the tender and whether any officials need to be held accountable.

Following allegations made last year regarding possible irregularities in the awarding of the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant bids, Public Works & Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has welcomed the Department’s appointment of PwC to conduct a forensic investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deal and to provide recommendations for corrective measures to be taken.

This follows an admission by the IDT itself, in a statement last year, that concerns exist regarding the R800-million tender awarded to three companies and should be investigated.

These concerns include two companies lacking SAHPRA registration and one potentially having submitted fraudulent documentation.

The investigation by PwC, which must be completed within eight weeks and has followed public tendering processes, will, among other tasks:

• Identify the extent of any irregular or illegal activity and the involvement of IDT officials and/or external service providers in relation to the scope of work.
• Recommend appropriate courses of action against IDT officials and external service providers where irregularities are confirmed.
• Determine the full history surrounding the appointment of external services and whether due process was followed.
• Establish whether the Head of Department or any officials caused the IDT to incur irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure during the administration of the tender, the appointment of service providers, and the management of service providers’ contracts.
• Ascertain whether any IDT officials and/or other individuals contravened laws or duties related to the administration of the tender, the appointment of contractors, or subsequent events. 
• Determine the cause, nature, extent, and value of financial losses, including potential losses incurred by the IDT in relation to the tender.

“The independent investigation will, once and for all, determine whether irregularities occurred during the Oxygen Plant tendering process and whether any further action should be taken against complicit individuals. This move forms part of the critical steps we are taking to improve transparency and governance within the Department, ensuring no wastage of public funds has occurred,” Minister Macpherson said.

“As the Minister, I cannot turn a blind eye when serious allegations are raised regarding close to R1 billion of public money. This is why the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure will not be distracted by the noise surrounding the Oxygen Plant tendering process but will take all necessary actions to uncover the truth and hold officials accountable where required. The independent investigation should, therefore, be welcomed, as it will also clear any innocent individuals,” he concluded.

SASSA EXPIRED GOLD CARDS @KASIBCNEWS

SASSA EXPIRED GOLD CARDS @KASIBCNEWS

The DA has been inundated by worried South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries who fear that they will not receive their social grants, either because their SASSA Gold Cards are set to stop working at the end of February or because they are unable to verify their details for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant as SASSA’s verification system has been temporarily suspended.

The DA will write to Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe to request that no Gold Cards expire before all of them have been replaced, and that interim verification measures be introduced as a matter of urgency to ensure that no deserving recipients are left in the cold due to SASSA failures.

The DA further encourages SASSA Gold Card users to switch from Postbank to other reputable and reliable banks to receive their grants.

The switch to the Black Cards has been chaotic, with SASSA beneficiaries often being sent from pillar to post just to return home empty-handed. This causes untold stress on the recipients and also eats away at their meagre finances. Minister Tolashe needs to account to Parliament on the number of SASSA beneficiaries still reliant on their Gold Cards to receive their grants, as well as how many recipients have switched over the Black Cards or opened accounts at reliable banks. She also needs to account regarding the legitimate SRD grant recipients being locked out of their grants due to the verification system suspension.

SASSA has always caused as much harm as good to the people its mandated to serve – South Africa’s poorest and most vulnerable people. While people cannot survive without their grants, the inhumane suffering constantly inflicted on them in an effort to access their funds is beyond callous. While the DA supports and welcomes the eradication of fraudulent payments, it must be done in a way that does not harm legitimate recipients.

CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT @KASIBCNEWS

CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT @KASIBCNEWS

Please see attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Dr Chris Hunsinger MP @KASIBCAUDIO 

The DA will request an urgent Parliamentary Portfolio Committee hearing on the ongoing and growing breakdowns of service at South Africa’s major airports. Minister Creecy and the senior management of ACSA must be called to report to committee on the scope of the brewing crisis, and their plans to address it.

It is unacceptable that flights are being grounded at South African airports due to failures by entities within the Department of Transport. It simply cannot continue.

This week, flights were delayed and diverted at Cape Town International Airport due to a fuel pump failure under the management of Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). Earlier this month, alarming reports revealed that ACSA has fuel supply at OR Tambo International Airport only until the end of January 2025, raising grave concerns about operational stability in February.

Minister Creecy's interventions in the aviation sector are falling woefully short, and we believe it is high time for plans to move forward from patch-up repairs to systemic improvement and upgrades. Patch-up jobs will not keep our airports running in the long term.

Creecy should bring the country and its economy that needs functioning airports into her confidence about how she and ACSA will restore order at our airports.

We will hold her accountable and ensure that solutions are implemented.

The instability at our airports undermines business confidence and it cannot continue.

Last year, during critical peak tourist season, repeated failures by Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) disrupted flights and cost South Africa much-needed tourism revenue.

We cannot allow this pattern of incompetence to hamstring our economy further. Every grounded plane represents lost revenue, weakened investor confidence, and damage to South Africa’s global reputation.

Minister Creecy and her Department must act urgently and decisively to restore stability in the aviation sector, or else all South Africans will suffer the consequences of her inaction.