SONA EFF @KASIBCNEWS  The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) rejects, with contempt, the directionless, inept, and incoherent State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by Cyril Ramaphosa.  The SONA was nothing but a desperate attempt to mask the catastrophic failures of the neoliberal, right-wing so-called Government of National Unity (GNU). Since the formation of the GNU, this unholy alliance between the African National Congress (ANC) and the racist Democratic Alliance (DA) has delivered nothing but chaos, regression, and suffering for the people of South Africa, particularly workers and the poor.  The GNU was supposedly established to stabilise the economy, promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and build a capable and ethical state—yet, in every measurable aspect, it has failed dismally. When opening the 7th Administration in July 2024, Ramaphosa boldly proclaimed that the GNU would place inclusive economic growth at the centre of its agenda. This was suppose...

ETHNIC MOBILIZATION @KASIBCNEWS Dangerous divisions: Foundation rejects Vhavenda ‘Superiority’ claims …Dangerous echoes: Why ethnic superiority claims resemble Orania’s ideology  The Tshenuwani Farisani Foundation has strongly condemned remarks made by former Statistician General Pali Lehohla, who recently stated in a podcast that the Vhavenda people are a “superior nation” in South Africa. The foundation has distanced itself from these comments, warning that such classifications are divisive and dangerous to a nation still grappling with the wounds of apartheid and white supremacy.  In a statement, the foundation described Lehohla’s remarks as “inflammatory” and likened them to the rhetoric of right-wing groups advocating for racial segregation. “This type of innuendo is not different from the call by right-wingers to create a white-only province of Orania,” said Dr. Tshenuwani Farisani, the foundation’s patron. The foundation emphasised that the Vhavenda people, like all Sou...

GAUTENG EDUCATION NEW CLASSROOMS @KASIBCNEWS  The rapid growth in demand for education infrastructure due to socioeconomic migration is receiving serious attention from Gauteng Provincial Government. In its latest update the Department of Infrastructure Development (DID) has reported on the construction project pipeline of new schools and classrooms and the rehabilitation and refurbishment of existing education facilities to help reduce the backlog.  The MEC for Infrastructure Development and COGTA Mr. Jacob Mamabolo has announced that a total 367 classrooms will be made available to a combined 12 478 learners in Gauteng this year. This consists of 309 newly built classrooms catering for 10 506 learners and a further 58 rehabilitated and refurbished existing classrooms to accommodate 1 972 other learners.  The MEC Mamabolo said the aim of government is to improve lives through quality infrastructure. The Rehabilitation and Refurbishment (R&R) programme is currently fo...

SONA IFP EDITION @KASIBCNEWS The Inkatha Freedom Party expects President Cyril Ramaphosa to provide a comprehensive outline of the government's plans to address the country's pressing challenges when he delivers the State of the Nation Address tomorrow. We expect the President to delve into the Medium Term Development Plan as the agreed upon minimum programme of the GNU, providing tangible solutions to the socio-economic issues confronting our nation. Specifically, we expect him to elaborate on the three pillars of the MTDP he emphasised at the Opening of Parliament Address last year, which are, inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.  We expect the President to outline the concrete GNU plans for stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and promoting entrepreneurship, particularly among youth and women. Reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living must preoccu...

SONA RISE MZANSI EDITION @KASIBCNEWS The first State of the Nation Address (SONA) under the Government of National Unity (GNU) needs to send a clear message to the people of South Africa, and the investment community, that it there is a clear set of priorities and plans for implementation. These priorities must cover all spheres of government and remain consistent until 2029. President Cyril Ramaphosa needs to show that he is in charge and can practice leadership that gets government working in coordination and as a focused unit with the people of South Africa. South Africa has long passed the point of lofty speeches.  South Africans are besieged by organised and violent crime; small businesses struggle to survive; communities are without quality basic services; millions go to bed hungry; and the climate crisis threatens established ways of farming and living. RISE Mzansi therefore calls on the President, in his SONA, to clearly outline and commitment to these four broad, but all-e...

STATE CAPTURE ELON MUSK AND PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA @KASIBCNEWS The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is dismayed by the decision of South African President Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa to break diplomatic protocols by calling an unelected government official, Mr. Elon Musk to explain himself about the Expropriation Act that he has recently signed into law.  This breaking of diplomatic protocol should never be taken lightly by the citizens, as it is a clear indication of how the sovereignty of our country is compromised at the behest of pandering for U.S foreign aid; and a reflection of how Ramaphosa is willing to embarrass the country to the world as a result of a dependency syndrome.  The irony about this is that few days ago, the government spokesperson Vincent Magwenya was scolding the Minister of Mineral Resources Gwede Mantashe for failing to follow diplomatic protocols in addressing a similar issue, when Mantashe threatened to cut the supply of minerals to the U.S should they cut thei...

SANDF SOLDIERS GUNNED DOWN IN DRC @KASIBCNEWS   Today’s Joint Portfolio Committee meeting on Defence was a crucial moment for the government to be held accountable for the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where our troops are once again caught in the crossfire of a foreign conflict. The meeting saw MPs from the DA push the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, and the chiefs of the defence force for clarity on key questions. The DA’s MPs demanded to know where the advice for the SANDF deployment came from, who gave that advice, and what oversight measures were in place to ensure the safety and readiness of our troops. Additionally, they asked where the counterintelligence operations were, given the precise coordination and mortar fire of M23 rebels—indicating that the attack was meticulously planned over a number of weeks. Instead of providing the answers South Africans deserve, the Minister and President continue to stonewall and...

JOBURG LIBRARIES OPEN FOR STUDY @KASIBCNEWS December holidays are over, and students are heading back to school, technical colleges, and universities. While many are already hitting the books, a surprising number are turning to their local libraries for a quiet place to study, reliable resources, and a supportive learning environment. Zilondle Nkosi, a third-year engineering student, was spotted at Florida Library even before classes resumed. "I'm revising some key concepts," she explained. "Engineering is tough, and I need a solid understanding." She added that the library’s peaceful atmosphere helps her concentrate, free from the distractions of home. Tyron Malan shares the sentiment. "The library is the perfect place to focus," he said. "It’s peaceful, and you can really get into your studies. I love being surrounded by books and like-minded people – it’s inspiring." City of Johannesburg Libraries are rolling out the red carpet for student...