ELON MUSK STARLINK APPROVAL @KASIBC_NEWS

ELON MUSK STARLINK APPROVAL @KASIBC_NEWS 

 The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) firmly condemns the reports that President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to offer regulatory assurances to Elon Musk’s Starlink ahead of his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump this week. 

This move is not only unconstitutional, but it also exposes Ramaphosa as willing to compromise on our sovereignty to massage the inflated ego of Elon Musk and Donald Trump. 

We must remind the public and the presidency that Cyril Ramaphosa has no executive authority to unilaterally guarantee access to South Africa’s telecommunications sector, let alone bypass necessary Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws. 

Any such commitments fall squarely within the legislative domain of Parliament, not Luthuli House or the President’s delegation. 

These powers are governed by national legislation and independent regulators, not the whims of one man desperate for foreign approval. The EFF is not surprised, however, as we noted this possibility when he embarked on this ill-advised trip, and we are concerned that this as part of a broader campaign by Ramaphosa to appease the Trump administration and white capital by potentially sacrificing key transformative laws like the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act, the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, and the Expropriation Act. 

The EFF warns: we will resist any such betrayal of the people’s mandate, including through legal action and mass mobilisation. We are not opposed to technology or global innovation, but we will not allow unregulated, foreign-controlled infrastructure to operate outside South Africa’s democratic and legislative framework. 

Starlink represents a threat to local industry and national security as it is owned by an individual who has peddled lies about a genocide in South Africa in an attempt to leverage preferential and unregulated access to our market. One wonders why Elon Musk is so desperate to setup operations in a country involved in a genocide, as any genuine humanitarian would recognise genocide as a disincentive for investment. 

We will oppose this Starlink deal in Parliament, in the courts, and in the streets if necessary. Our sovereignty is not for sale to billionaires, nor can it be bought with handshakes in backrooms. 

Cabinet’s approval of the Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy for South Africa @KASIBC_NEWS

Cabinet’s approval of the Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy for South Africa @KASIBC_NEWS 

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) welcomes Cabinet’s approval of South Africa’s Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy, as well as the approval for the publication of the Mineral Resources Development Bill (MRDB) of 2025 for public comments.  

The approval of these two policy documents marks a major milestone in our concerted efforts that are aimed at ensuring policy and regulatory certainty, as well as maximising the country's potential in the global market for minerals.  Although the term “critical minerals” has been used by various nations for a considerable period, there has been no universal consensus on the definition of critical minerals, as several countries have interchangeably used and defined “critical, strategic or future minerals” according to their importance in: economic growth and industrialisation; technological advancements; energy transition; geopolitical considerations; supply chain vulnerabilities; environmental and social concerns; and strategic importance. 

It is within this context that in 2023, we resolved at the African Critical Minerals Summit that Africa should develop a clear roadmap on how to maximise the exploitation and monetisation of these resources for value addition to our economies. At the centre of this road map is a shared vision for the critical minerals with which our continent is endowed and thereby foster regional cooperation and economic growth.  

To realise this shared vision, the Department assigned Mintek the responsibility to coordinate the development of South Africa’s Critical Minerals Strategy with the intention to foster investment into exploration, beneficiation, building resilient local value chains, research and development, skills development and strengthening regional integration and international partnerships to position the country as a major player in the global critical minerals market.  

The drafting of the strategy commenced with adopting a robust methodology to determine the aspect of criticality of minerals. This methodology was based on eight indicators including, inter alia, export potential, employment indicator, supply risk, export sales, domestic sales, and substitutability indicators. This focus ensured that minerals with the highest potential to drive economic and industrial growth are prioritised which then provided guidance in determining the criticality of specific mineral commodities. 

At least, twenty one (21) commodity studies were undertaken in parallel with the work of determining the criticality of minerals. These commodity studies sufficiently provided a clear picture of the state of the mining industry in South Africa, as well as the contribution of each commodity to the country’s drive for inclusive economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation. Valuable inputs into these studies were also obtained from the industry, thus underscoring our collective approach to this important work.  

Whereas every mineral is found to be critical for various reasons, the strategy has identified the following minerals as high-critical minerals for South Africa based on their criticality informed by the eight indicators: platinum, manganese, iron ore, coal, and chrome ore.  The strategy further identifies mineral commodities such as gold, vanadium, palladium, rhodium, and rare earth elements as minerals with moderate to high criticality.  

Minerals such as copper, cobalt, lithium, graphite, nickel, titanium, phosphate, fluorspar, zirconium, uranium, and aluminium were identified as minerals with moderate criticality.  

The list will constantly be reviewed and updated as the criticality classification mix is dependent on underlying market conditions, exploration, technological advancement, substitutability, recycling, and geopolitics, among other factors. Additionally, the strategy does not view critical minerals in isolation; instead, they are treated as part of a larger ecosystem that drives essential technologies such as electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, wind turbines, battery storage systems, microelectronics and advanced manufacturing. 

 To this end, the strategy identified the following 6 pillars with targeted interventions for critical minerals development and beneficiation close to the point of production. 

 1. Geoscience Mapping and Exploration: The strategy recognises that mineral discovery is a function of exploration, and that geological mapping plays a vital role in identifying resource potential and directing efficient exploration efforts. The strategy, therefore, emphasises that South Africa must prioritise exploration to sustain its mining sector and for the success of this strategy. 

2. Value Addition and Localisation: cognisant of the fact that value addition and localisation reduce reliance on foreign manufacturers, boost the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), creates jobs, and develop skills, the strategy advocates for strengthening local beneficiation and manufacturing to enhance economic growth, expand the export basket and create new opportunities. 

3. Research and Development (R&D) Investment and Building a Diverse Skilled Workforce: The strategy further prioritises investment in strategic research and development to transform South Africa’s mineral wealth into globally competitive high-tech products, by leveraging on Africa’s resources and youthful population. 

4. The strategy stresses investment in strategic Infrastructure and Energy Security for sustainable mining and downstream value addition. 

5. Financial Instruments to support Beneficiation: the strategy stresses that a robust fiscal framework is essential to support this strategy, hence, it calls for a stable and competitive environment while aligning with broader geopolitical and economic objectives.  

6. Harmonisation of Policy and Regulatory Instruments: the strategy recognises the urgency to implement policies that can provide an enabling environment for increased mining output and improved competitiveness. To ensure policy and regulatory certainty and enhance investor confidence, the department has reviewed and proposed amendments to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (MPRDA). 

Mindful of the fact that a stable legal framework is essential to attract and retain investments, foster inclusive economic growth, and sustainable resource development, the Mineral Resources Development Bill (MRDB) of 2025 seeks to align mining legislation with evolving policies, economic conditions and global shifts while ensuring that it reflects current industry needs and government priorities. 

 The Bill proposes streamlining administrative processes to ensure proper alignment with National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) and the National Water Act (NWA), and thereby reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies and improve turnaround times for mining rights, permits, and regulatory approvals. 

The Bill further introduces a licensing regime for artisanal and small-scale mining operations, and in so doing formalise artisanal and small-scale mining operations, ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and labour regulations, as well as reduce the risk of illegal mining activities. Having incorporated many of the issues raised with the department over a number of years, the department will gazette the Bill for public comments today, 20 May 2025. 

We, therefore, urge all citizens as well as interested and affected parties to enhance the Bill by submitting their inputs on the Bill to the Department.  

  

BUDGET 3.0 GROW THE ECONOMY @KASIBC_NEWS

BUDGET 3.0 GROW THE ECONOMY @KASIBC_NEWS 

On Wednesday, 21 May 2025 the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, will table a revised Budget reflecting the withdrawal of his March proposal to increase VAT. In his statement on 24 April announcing the withdrawal of VAT, he mentioned that the new Budget must plug a R75-billion revenue hole.

It is likely that the hole has grown because the GDP growth outlook has been revised down from 1.8% to 1%, with an expected direct impact on the amount of taxes the SA Revenue Services (SARS) is able to collect. Therefore, we expect the new Budget to have a direct and negative impact on some frontline services and key expenditure priorities, such as:

• R29-billion earmarked for Basic Education
• R29-billion for health
• R46-billion for infrastructure, including the R19-billion marked to install signalling equipment on the Passenger Rail Agency of SA’s (Prasa’s) network to make more trains available, and the R11-billion for Window 8 infrastructure projects

While we are yet to see if, and how much these allocations will be cut – there is little doubt that they will have an adverse impact on many South Africans. For example, the Departments of Basic Education and Health allocate only between 4% and 5% of their respective budgets on capital expenditure – the expansion of services to South Africans who desperately need them. Such allocations are not enough even without budget cuts. South Africans demand and deserve more, but the fiscal limitations cannot be wished away.

RISE Mzansi has consistently stated that South Africa’s fiscal challenges are largely political in that there is little or no appetite to change the composition of expenditure so that more money can be dedicated to growth enhancing measures. There is also an urgent need to change the culture of spending in government, which allows waste and theft.

Out of South Africa’s R1.855-trillion revenue collected in 2024/25, the March budget allocated:

R823-billion to salaries

R442-billion to social grants

R423-billion to debt service costs at R1.2-billion interest payments per day

Only a growing economy can produce jobs and a bigger, sustainable tax base. The composition of expenditure almost guarantees that economic growth will get crumbs. South Africa cannot compete globally if the billions we spend on Basic Education do not produce the skills needed to produced goods and services other countries need. We cannot grow the economy with crumbling infrastructure in which we invest peanuts, and allow corruption to continue.

Businesses cannot grow in collapsing, corrupt municipalities with crumbling infrastructure and crime. South Africa’s Parliament cannot continue to tinker around the edges, and accept a scenario where everything is a priority while we continue to achieve little to nothing, and deadlock for months over marginal budget allocations.

We must change the composition of expenditure such that capital expenditure amounts to at least 8% of budget allocations, and the government is restructured to reflect the efficient expenditure our constitution demands.

In my role as Chair of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), I will be working with all political parties represented therein, and other Portfolio Committees, to drive tough measures to reduce financial waste, improve governance and prevent corruption. As I said in February, there is no possibility that we will turn South Africa around without tough choices – and the time has come for maturity and resolve to effect the reforms we need to grow an inclusive economy.

 

PRESIDENT JOHN STEENHUISEN VISIT TO AMERICA WITH PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP @KASIBC_NEWS

PRESIDENT JOHN STEENHUISEN VISIT TO AMERICA WITH PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP @KASIBC_NEWS

This week I will form part of the delegation led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, on a historic, and crucial visit to the United States of America, to engage with President Trump, and other senior US officials.

The highest issues on my priority list will be securing trade relations between the US and SA, particularly in agriculture, to protect jobs, grow the economy and expand employment opportunities.

South Africa's relationship with the United States is one of immense importance. Preferential trade agreements such as AGOA contribute significantly to our economy. Losing these benefits would be disastrous for farmers, farm workers and the economy at large.

Relationships between countries are never simple. We cannot pretend that we are not facing unique challenges in our country. This delegation to Washington DC represents all South Africans, who have entrusted us to put the shared national interests, and desire for economic growth and job creation first, ahead of any party, or ideological positions.

As a proud member of this GNU delegation, I will endeavor to ensure every effort is made to mend, and improve relations between the US and SA.

There is a renewed hope in South Africans, thanks to the formation of the GNU, and we dare not fail them on our mission to increase economic growth, and job opportunities for all South Africans.

South Africa will work if South Africans can get work.

DA PRESIDENT JOHN STEENHUISEN 

TRAGIC LOSS OF LIVES DURING DIEPKLOOF PROTEST @KASIBC_NEWS

TRAGIC LOSS OF LIVES DURING DIEPKLOOF PROTEST @KASIBC_NEWS

Government deeply regrets the tragic loss of lives during a violent housing protest in Soweto on Monday, 19 May 2025. Two people lost their lives when angry Diepkloof residents blocked roads, looted trucks, and clashed with police, citing the City of Johannesburg’s failure to develop vacant land.

GCIS Acting Director-General, Nomonde Mnukwa, said: “We strongly condemn the violence and looting that took place in Diepkloof and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the two individuals who lost their lives. Every life lost under such circumstances is one too many, and we deeply mourn this tragedy.”

Government acknowledges and upholds the constitutional right of all South Africans to protest and express their grievances. However, such actions must be conducted peacefully and within the confines of the law. The right to protest does not extend to acts of criminality, violence, or the infringement of the rights and safety of others.

“We are confident that law enforcement authorities will conduct a thorough investigation into the events of Monday to ensure those responsible are held accountable and to help prevent similar incidents in the future. Government has full confidence in the ability of the South African Police Service to act decisively and lawfully,” added Mnukwa.

Government calls on all citizens to exercise their rights responsibly, and to uphold the values of democracy, dialogue, and mutual respect. Violent acts and destruction of property not only weaken the legitimacy of genuine causes but also threaten the safety and livelihoods of innocent members of the community.

GREAT NORTH TRANSPORT ( GNT ) INVESTIGATION @KASIBC_NEWS

GREAT NORTH TRANSPORT ( GNT ) INVESTIGATION @KASIBC_NEWS 

The Democratic Alliance in Limpopo has written to the Chairperson of the Limpopo Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, calling for an urgent meeting with the management and board of Great North Transport (GNT) to interrogate the financial sustainability, effectiveness, and integrity of GNT’s Turnaround Strategy.

In particular, we call for the purchase and leasing of buses, as well as the outsourcing of routes, to be subjected to full scrutiny, to determine whether these transactions are in the best interests of GNT, can withstand oversight, and are above reproach.

In our letter, we also call for the executive and board of the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA), GNT’s shareholder, to be present at the meeting.

As the DA, we have received worrying representations from various interested and affected parties alleging impropriety. Corrupt and malfeasant governance practically collapsed GNT, were it not for repeated bailouts from the fiscus. We simply cannot afford, and will no longer accept, a situation where current attempts to turn around and recapitalise GNT are once again mired in inefficiency and corruption.

We have also received reports that the outsourcing of routes is rendering GNT staff, including its drivers, maintenance personnel, and some depot operations redundant. This further calls into question the coherence, objectiveness, and rationality of the entity’s actions.

We urge the Committee to hold the executive and board of GNT to account, and to monitor, investigate, and enquire into GNT’s purchasing and leasing of buses, as well as the outsourcing of routes. We cannot allow further bailouts to sustain ongoing failure.

The DA stands for good, ethical, and corrupt-free governance.

NSFAS BLACKLIST SERVICES PROVIDERS @KASIBC_NEWS

NSFAS BLACKLIST SERVICES PROVIDERS @KASIBC_NEWS

The Democratic Alliance Students’ Organisation (DASO) today calls on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to urgently investigate and blacklist service providers that have subjected students to squalor off-campus residences at the Umfolozi Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college’s Nkandla campus.

During an unannounced oversight visit, DASO inspected two privately run, NSFAS-accredited residences that house students. We found conditions so degrading that they violate the Minimum Norms and Standards for Student Housing and the very purpose of the NSFAS accommodation allowance.

We therefore call on NSFAS to launch an urgent investigation, blacklist the service-providers concerned, and guarantee every student a safe, dignified place to live.

Upon inspection of the first off-campus residences off a dirt road behind the campus, we found that each small room was thread-bare and had two single beds meant to accommodate two students per room; a small doorless cupboard/shelf space for both students to share; one naked bulb on the ceiling; no study desk; and no running water in their rooms. There was a communal ablution block of raw cement and tin roofing where 60-plus students share two toilets and four (4 ) showers and are required to use JoJo tanks. Of major further concern was the fact that there were no security personnel, fire extinguishers or emergency exits.

The second residence we visited was even more dilapidated with smaller derelict rooms and broken windows. There was no central kitchen, and students were forced to cook in their tiny rooms. It was clear from both residences that there was zero fire-safety equipment and no perimeter security—an obvious fire and crime hazard.

Despite these appalling conditions, the landlords reportedly charge R3 000 per student per month, the full NSFAS accommodation allowance, effectively profiteering from vulnerable beneficiaries. This is a blatant breach of national standards for student housing which demands adequate space, lighting, sanitation, security, and study areas, none of which are met in these facilities.

This is a terrible misuse of public funds as NSFAS disburses taxpayer money on the assumption that accredited residences meet the standard grading criteria it has laid down for private providers. The academic impact is also of concern as overcrowded, unsafe and unsanitary environments undermine students’ ability to study, threatening throughput rates the TVET sector desperately needs to improve.

As DASO, we call on NSFAS to:

- To conduct an urgent inspection and investigation of these premises and to furthermore interrogate how the residence was accredited.

- To Suspend and blacklist the service provider if indeed the investigation reveals there has been fraudulent activity.

- To move students to dignified alternate housing in an environment that will allow them to flourish.

- To strengthen whistleblower channels for students to report violations without fear of eviction or victimisation

We refuse to leave any student behind. Young people are the future of South Africa, and we cannot stand by as they are robbed of the opportunity to make the most of the educational opportunities afforded to them.