400 000 DRIVERS PERMITS DELAYS @KASIBCNEWS 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng calls on the Gauteng Department of Transport MEC, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela to urgently address a 40 000 backlog of unissued driver permits. This backlog is causing significant disruptions for motorists, forcing them to operate illegally and severely impacting key industries, including the taxi and e-hailing sectors.

This information was revealed by the department during the Roads and Transport Portfolio Committee meeting last week after the DA raised questions regarding the allocation of permits, highlighting complaints from motorists who have been left stranded and unable to drive legally. These frustrations have even led to large-scale protests across the province.

"It is concerning that the department continues to fail motorists by not finding ways to expedite the process of issuing operating permits within the regulated timelines. It is also troubling that the department continues to issue more permits while failing to address the backlog, which is holding thousands of motorists at ransom," said Evert du Plessis MPL, DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Roads and Logistics.

"The DA has long criticised the slow pace with which the department issues permits. This delay is primarily due to two known factors: hold-ups at the provincial and local government levels. Despite this, little to nothing has been done to streamline processes between these two levels of government and eliminate the unnecessary delays," says Du Plessis.

Rather than accepting responsibility for its shortcomings, the department has demonstrated that it is overwhelmed by blaming drivers who are victims in this scenario. The taxi industry alone generates thousands of jobs that support many families. Consequently, undermining such an industry due to administrative incompetence is intolerable.

The DA reiterates its demand for the department to find ways to eradicate the backlog and end the suffering of motorists who want to abide by the law but are not given the opportunity to do so.

A DA-led Gauteng provincial government would ensure that it addresses the permit backlog efficiently while maintaining fair and transparent processes for drivers who have long been left without information about how this process should unfold.

The DA is dedicated to ensuring that Gauteng motorists are not penalised by a department that is struggling to fulfil its primary responsibilities.

Luxury Audi Q5s for SA Navy amid Crisis @KASIBCNEWS

The DA demands answers on the South African Navy's purchase of six luxury Audi Q5 SUVs, each of which retail at over R1 million. This decision underscores the continued disregard for the severe crisis facing the SANDF. While essential vehicles and equipment remain in disrepair or obsolete due to limited funds, top officials continue to prioritise luxury over the basic needs of soldiers on the ground.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) will submit parliamentary questions to ascertain:

-  The justification for purchasing luxury Audi Q5s for top officials in the SA Navy while soldiers face critical resource shortages.
-  Whether this purchase was made in the final weeks of the 2024/2025 budget year to ensure fiscal dumping before the year ends.
-  The rationale behind prioritising luxury vehicles over essential equipment and vehicle repairs needed by the SANDF.

This extravagant spending exemplifies the ongoing culture of privilege - complete with red carpets and golf days - while ordinary soldiers struggle without proper resources. It is yet another indicator of weak leadership that fails to put South Africa and its military personnel first.

The timing of this purchase raises further concerns. Acquired in the final three weeks of the 2024/2025 budget year, with quotes obtained as early as January, it suggests potential fiscal dumping—deliberately exhausting the budget before the financial year ends.

The Democratic Alliance will not allow this matter to go unanswered. We demand full transparency from the Minister of Defence and the Chief of the SANDF. South Africans deserve military leadership that prioritises security and responsible governance over luxury.

HEALTH STANDARD COMPLIANCE AT HELEN JOSEPH HOSPITAL @KASIBCNEWS 

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has noted the joint report released by the Office of the Health Ombud (OHO) and the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) on the findings of the investigation and a risk-based inspection regarding allegations made in relation to Helen Joseph Hospital (HJH). 

The investigation was initiated after a request by the Minister of Health in the wake of allegations made by Mr Thomas Holmes aka Tom London during his admission at the hospital in September 2024. 

The reports provide clear recommendations on various areas such governance, human resource management, finance and supply chain management, and infrastructure and maintenance. 

The GDoH will fast track the process to implement the recommendations as outlined by both the OHO and OHSC. It must be pointed out that the Department has already initiated province-wide interventions that are aimed at addressing the identified issues and beyond. 

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These interventions include the reviewing of the organisational structure which is currently awaiting approval processes, while the infrastructure function within the department has been strengthened with the appointment of a Deputy Director General which has led to the development of a comprehensive maintenance and upgrade programme including procurement of health technology, and the process of filling the CEO post at HJH is prioritised for the new financial year commencing in April 2025, after the only  suitable candidate declined an offer post the interview process.  

The GDoH wishes to assure the public that it remains committed to improving the quality of care across its facilities and will continue to work with multiple stakeholders both within and outside the department to ensure the provision of universal healthcare. 

 

SHOPRITE SHUTDOWN WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT @KASIBCVIDEO

GONE TO SOON FOUR LEARNERS @KASIBCNEWS

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has conveyed her deepest condolences to families of the victims of accident that occurred this morning, Monday, 10 March 2025 along the N12 Westbound before Putfontein in Daveyton, City of Ekurhuleni.  

It is alleged that the accident involved a collision between multiple vehicles on the N12 westbound near the Putfontein Road off-ramp in Daveyton, resulting in the tragic loss of life of four learners. One of the vehicles happened to be a private scholar transport, which was transporting the learners to school. 

It was reported that four pupils aged 5,7,8 and 9 lost their lives, while four others were rushed to local hospital for medical attention.  

“We are deeply saddened by this accident and convey our deepest condolences to families and loved ones of the victims. As a Department, we continue to plead with drivers to be alert at all times, adhere to speed limits, exercise patience, ensure vehicles are roadworthy and most importantly, make informed decisions that will save lives on our roads”. The MEC added that while drivers bear the greatest responsibility for decisions relating to road use, passenger activism and awareness is equally important.  

Law enforcement agencies are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident to establish the exact cause. 

TRAGIC LOSS OF FOUR LEARNERS CAR ACCIDENT IN EKURHULENI @KASIBCNEWS

Gauteng MEC for Education, Mr Matome Chiloane, is saddened to confirm the tragic loss of four learners from Tom Newby Primary School, Rynfield Primary School and an ECD centre following a fatal car accident that took place this morning on Monday, 10 March 2025, on the N12 in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni. 

It is alleged that the accident involved a collision between multiple vehicles on the N12 westbound near the Putfontein Road off-ramp in Daveyton, resulting in the tragic loss of life of four learners. One of the vehicles happened to be a private scholar transport, which was transporting the learners to school. Law enforcement agencies are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident to establish the exact cause. 

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The deceased include two boy learners in Grade 1 and Grade 3, who were siblings from Tom Newby Primary School in Benoni; a Grade 1 boy learner from Rynfield Primary School also in Benoni, and a Grade R boy learner from an ECD centre that is still to be identified. Additionally, another girl learner in Grade 3 from Rynfield Primary School is in critical condition as a result of the accident, and has been admitted to a local hospital for urgent medical care. 

The GDE Psycho-Social Support Unit has been dispatched to both Tom Newby and Rynfield Primary Schools to provide immediate counselling services to learners and educators in the aftermath of this devastating incident. 

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of these young learners whose lives were tragically cut short by this unfortunate incident. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families, friends, and the school communities during this painful period. The Department stands ready to provide the necessary support to all affected,” said MEC Chiloane. 

South Africa and India Sign MOU @KASIBCNEWS

South Africa and India Sign MOU @KASIBCNEWS

The National School of Government (NSG) and the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster collaboration in capacity building, research, consultancy, and knowledge sharing to enhance governance and public sector performance.

The partnership will enable both institutions to utilize their expertise in training, research, advisory services, and professional development to equip public servants with the necessary skills and competencies to drive national development.

Key areas of cooperation under this MOU include:

• Capacity building and training programs for public sector professionals.
• Joint research initiatives to inform policy and governance best practices.
• Advisory and consultancy services.
• Knowledge sharing and networking platforms.
• Exchange programs.

The collaboration between the two institutions will take various forms, such as facilitated field study tours, seminars, workshops, and information sharing, to foster mutual learning and professional growth.

The NSG principal, Prof Busani Ngcaweni, said, “Partnerships are a key focus for the NSG as they enable us to expand the depth of training delivery and diversity and allow access to expertise that we do not have. This collaboration with ASCI aligns with NSG’s mission to build a highly skilled and ethical public sector. We aim to strengthen governance and service delivery through joint research, training, and advisory programs."

Prof Ngcaweni added that the signing of the partnership marked the beginning of a strategic partnership that will enhance public sector capacity and capabilities, promote good governance, and facilitate international best practices in administration and management. The signing of this MoU is a milestone in the growing bilateral relations between South Africa and India.

These relations were forged during the struggle against apartheid, with India becoming one of the first countries in the world to impose sanctions against the apartheid regime and bringing the issue of apartheid to the attention of the United Nations and other relevant international platforms

GAUTENG 634 SUSPECTS ARRESTED @KASIBCNEWS

The Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP) and the Gauteng Traffic Wardens (GTWs) working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other stakeholders conducted High Density Operations and Operation Shanela throughout the 07th of March 2025 to 09th of March 2025. 

The weekend long operations yielded six hundred and twenty-nine (629) arrests across Gauteng and form part of the provincial government’s integrated efforts to intensify the fight against crime and prevent lawlessness in Gauteng.  

In the City of Ekurhuleni, law enforcement officials made two hundred arrests (200) arrests within the Primrose, Katlehong, Elsburg, Crystal Park, Boksburg, Springs, Zonkizizwe, Daveyton, Germiston, Tsakane, Ivory Park, Kempton Park, Nigel, and Actonville policing precincts. 

A total of thirty-eight (38) undocumented foreign nationals were arrested, while 16 persons were arrested for selling liquor without a license and twenty seven (27) suspects for possession of drugs. Other charges included drinking and driving, common assault, theft, drug dealing and murder amongst other things.  The City of Tshwane made one hundred and eighty-seven arrests (187), with forty-five (45) of those being for drinking and driving, eighty-six (86) for public drinking, twenty-six (26) for contravention of the immigration act and seventeen (17) for possession of drugs. 

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The arrests were made within the Ga-rankuwa, Sunnyside, Erasmia, Pretoria central, Bronkhorspruit, Rietgat and Ekangala policing precincts. Law Enforcement Agencies within the Sedibeng District Municipality made one hundred and five (105) arrests for cases which include selling liquor without a licence, selling illegal cigarettes, possession of drugs, Assault GBH and possession of illegal firearms within Sebokeng, De Deur, Orange Farm, Barrage Vanderbijil Park. Many of the arrests were for undocumented persons, which included seventy-eight (78) suspects.  

The City of Johannesburg yielded a total of eighty-four (84) arrests for charges including driving under the influence of alcohol, public drinking, possession of drugs, selling liquor without a license, assault GBH and robbery, house robbery and stolen goods. 

The arrests took place within Eldorado Park, Mondeor, Lenasia, Bramley, Naledi, Dieplsoot, Braamfischer, Dobsonville, Doornkop and Cosmo City. The West Rand District Municipality made fifty-nine (59) arrests for cases which include undocumented persons, shoplifting, house breaking and theft, M.I.T.P intimidation, possession of drugs, dealing in liquor without license, drunk and driving, common assault, assault GBH, contravention of protection order and assault GBH, domestic violence, failure to appear at court and possession of suspected drugs. 

The arrests were made within the Fochville, Kagiso, Magaliesburg, Westonaria, Krugersdorp and Muldesdrift policing precincts. “Cases such as public drinking, drinking and driving, undocumented persons and possession of drugs continue to plague our communities and pose a serious threat to the safety of residents. 

The Gauteng Traffic Police commends the work of law enforcement officials in working together to ensure that perpetrators of these crimes are brought to book. 

The officials will continue to conduct these operations to root out elements of crime in our communities,” said the Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson Mr Sello Maremane. 

CHINESE NATIONALS GUILTY HUMAN TRAFFICKING @KASIBCNEWS

Long-awaited sentencing in the trial of seven Chinese nationals found guilty of human trafficking and child labour postponed

The sentencing proceedings in the trial of seven Chinese nationals found guilty of human trafficking and child labour at the Gauteng South Division Court in Johannesburg were today postponed to late next month (April).

The defence represented by Counsel J. Kruger applied for the postponement of the sentencing proceedings and this request was granted. Kruger said in Court today that the defence was still seized with studying the judgment that found the accused guilty. He also told the Court that the defence was yet to obtain medical evidence of accused number six, who he disclosed that she has been “hit by a stroke”.  

The seven Chinese nationals were on 25 February 2025 found guilty on 160 Counts. The criminals are: Kevin Tsao Shu-Uei, Chen Hui, Qin Li, Jiaqing Zhou, Ma Biao, Dai Junying, and Zhang Zhilian. The accused are facing schedule six offences.  

The Chinese were found guilty of not registering with the Compensation Fund and declaring their operations; failure to keep records of their earnings; failure to submit their return on earnings; failure to pay and declare assessments; failure to maintain a safe workplace; failure to report incidents; failure to register and declare with Unemployment Insurance Fund Commissioner; failure to inform the Commissioner on Unemployment Insurance changes; guilty of human trafficking; aiding/facilitating human trafficking; bondage; benefiting from victims of human trafficking; assisting illegals to remain in South Africa.

The seven criminals were arrested on 12 November 2019 in a joint operation carried out at their premises -  Beautiful City Pty Ltd based at Village Deep in Johannesburg. The joint inspection blitz was carried out by the Department of Employment and Labour’s Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) branch together with the South African Police Service (SAPS)/ Hawks Unit and the Department of Home Affairs, this following a tip-off.

The joint operation uncovered illegal immigrants some of whom were minors working under horror conditions and kept in the locked premises of Beautiful City. The factory produced cotton fibre sheets.

The six accused were remanded in custody, except accused number six (Dai Junying) who is out on medical grounds. The accused came to the Court being pushed in a wheelchair. The sentencing proceedings are now set for 29-30 April 2025

NGOs under investigation for Money Laundering and Terror Financing @KASIBCNEWS

The Department of Social Development has noted attributed statements in recent media reports that 50 SA NGOs are being probed for terror funding and money laundering. The Department would like to put it on record that there are No such NPOs.

The Department convened a symposium with NPOs and other stakeholders to make the NPO community aware of South Africa’s obligations with regard to the implementation of anti-money laundering and the counter terror financing measures. The aim of the symposium was to strengthen consultation mechanisms between government and NPOs. It focused on deficiencies in SA’s measures to protect NPOs from exploitation to fund terrorist organisations as identified in the 2021 FATF Mutual Evaluation. 

The FATF reiterated its findings relating to these deficiencies in its 2024 Mutual Evaluation Follow Up Report on South Africa (available on file:///content/dam/fatf-gafi/fur/South-Africa-Follow-Up-Report-2024.pdf.coredownload.inline.pdf).

Delegates were informed about the recently launched NPO TF Risk Assessment that was undertaken to assess the nature of potential threats and inherent vulnerabilities that may potentially put NPOs in South Africa at risk of terror financing abuse (https://www.dsd.gov.za/index.php/documents?task=download.send&id=565&ca…).  

However, at no point during the symposium were any allegations made that NPOs in South Africa are implicated in terrorist financing or money laundering, or that the South African authorities are investigating any NPOs for involvement in these activities.