508 POLITICAL PARTIES TO CONTEST 2026 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

508 POLITICAL PARTIES TO CONTEST 2026 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS 

Voter Registration

The Electoral Commission is encouraged by the number of South Africans who have acted on the call to register and update their details through various convenient platforms ahead of the upcoming local government general elections in 2026/27.

From January to September 2025, over 305 206 new voters registered, while 60 752 voters updated their registration details.

The highest number of new registrations occurred in September with 71 324, followed by August, 51 714, and February, 39 967.

Period /New Registration /Re-Registrations

January 2025 -17 138 -4 476

February 2025 -39 967 -7 631

March 2025 -33 583 -4 836

April 2025 -17 828 -9 191

May 2025 -28 943 -6 334

June 2025 -21 022 -5 022

July 2025 -23 687 -7 911

August 2025 -51 714 -6 732

September 2025 -71 324 -8 619

Total: -305 206 -60 752

 

Of this total of registered voters, 76.8% of voters were captured via the Voter Management Devices (VMD), 12% used the online registration portal, and 10% visited their local IEC office. This is a reflection that more and more South Africans, especially young first-time voters, are embracing digital innovation and the Electoral Commission’s ongoing drive to make registration simpler and smarter.

Despite this registration activity, a lot more citizens must still register, and we encourage all eligible voters to use the convenience of the self-registration platform to register to vote or update their voter details. Voters are urged to register where they live and vote at the voting station where they are registered. A registered voter who has moved since they last registered should check their voting district and voting station status and, if necessary, update their address details to ensure that they are registered in a ward linked to their new place of residence.  

Annual Report

On 14 October, the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs received the Electoral Commission’s 2024/25 Annual Report, reflecting our strong performance and commitment to excellence. The report, which outlines our achievements for the 2024/25 financial year, is available on our website.

The Electoral Commission continues to demonstrate strong performance across all operational areas, including electoral operations, political funding, civic and democracy education, and governance. Building on five consecutive clean audits, the Commission is proud to have achieved 92% of its key performance targets during the 2024/25 financial year.

Political Funding

The Electoral Commission reports a 90% compliance rate among represented political parties, with 18 of 20 submitting audited financial statements for 2024/25. Build One SA and the National Coloured Congress (CCC) have been issued formal directions for non-submission on the due date of 30 September 2025.

Among 438 unrepresented parties, only 28% complied with the requirement to submit financial records accompanied by an affidavit. 

Therefore, 304 unrepresented parties have also been served with directions. The Commission continues to emphasise that all parties are legally and ethically obliged to maintain proper financial records and will continue to promote compliance, capacity-building, and accountability under the Political Funding Act.

Analysis for substantive compliance is currently under way.

Electronic Voting (e-voting)

The 30th of September 2025 marked the conclusion of the national consultation process on the feasibility and future of electronic voting (e-voting). The consultations allowed South Africans to share their views and perspectives on the potential introduction of digital voting in the country.

The Electoral Commission extends its appreciation to all South Africans who actively participated in the public consultations on the policy document. Engagements were undertaken across all nine provinces to ensure inclusive and wide-reaching input. These stakeholder sessions were open and consultative, providing opportunities for direct public participation and engagement by citizens across the country.

In total, more than 20 stakeholder engagement workshops were held in all nine provinces, and over 200 written submissions were received through online and email platforms from ordinary South Africans.

Key highlights emerging from the consultations include:

A cautious, phased, and pilot-driven approach to the adoption of electronic voting technologies.

The adoption of a hybrid voting system, combining the current manual paper ballot with poll-site e-voting technologies.

Strong support for a nationwide voter education programme on e-voting technologies.

A focus on ensuring accessibility for all citizens, including those in rural areas and persons with disabilities.

The need for significant public investment in digital infrastructure across the country.

The development of a robust legislative framework prior to the introduction of e-voting technologies.

The Electoral Commission is in the process of consolidating feedback received through electronic submissions and in-person consultations. Once finalised, the revised draft policy paper will be submitted to Parliament for consideration. Upon conclusion, the final report will be published for public consumption to ensure transparency and public access to the outcomes of the consultations.

Needless to say, e-voting is not intended for use in the forthcoming general elections of municipal councils.

ROAD TO LGE 2026/27

Legislative amendments

Ahead of the general elections of the municipal councils, the Commission has put forward a proposal for legislative amendments to electoral legislation. The primary subject of this proposed amendment is section 15 of the Electoral Act. Currently, this section allows objections to the voters’ roll at any stage. The proposed amendments seek to:

Limit objections to the provisionally compiled voters’ roll rather than the certified roll for an election.

Provide for remedies which the Commission could consider in deciding an objection to a provisionally compiled voters’ roll. Such remedies could include the removal of an address where such is in dispute thereby providing a voter with the opportunity to provide a correct address before voting.

Automatically de-register unrepresented political parties that fail to notify the Chief Electoral Officer of their continued existence by the prescribed date.

Restrict candidate nominations to those political parties that are already registered on the date on which an election is called.

The Commission is scheduled to present the draft bill to the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs on 18 November 2025.

Ward Delimitation Process

The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) has briefed the Commission on progress with the ward delimitation process and the timeline for the handover of final ward boundaries. The final list of wards will be officially handed over during a ceremony to be held in early December 2025.

This will enable the Electoral Commission to proceed with the next phase of preparations for LGE 2026/7 including aligning voting district boundaries to final wards as determined by the MDB.

It is also important for voters to regularly verify and update their registration details to ensure they remain correctly registered in the wards of ordinary residence. This is particularly crucial following the most recent ward delimitation process undertaken by the MDB, which may have resulted in boundary adjustments across several wards. These changes could affect a voter’s ward, thereby influencing where they will cast their ballot in the upcoming elections.

Conduct of by-elections

From April 2025 to date, the Commission has administered 57 ward by-elections. The highest number of vacancies arose in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng municipalities, both with 11 ward vacancies, followed by the Western Cape with 9 ward vacancies. KwaZulu-Natal had seven ward vacancies. The overall average voter turnout for these by-elections was below 45%.

Between August and October 2025, the Electoral Commission successfully delivered 22 ward by-elections, demonstrating its continued readiness and operational efficiency ahead of the 2026/7 LGE. None of the by-election results have been contested or set aside. 

Cessation of By-Elections

The conduct of by-elections is regulated by the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, which generally requires a by-election to fill a vacancy within 90 days. However, to avoid voter confusion and administrative challenges when a by-election occurs close to a general municipal election, Section 25(6) creates an exception. The exception is that by-elections cease if the next general election of all municipal councils is within nine calendar months.

The nine-month period is computed from the outer date on which a general election may be called, that is 30 January 2027. Therefore, cessation of by-elections takes effect on 30 April 2026. This date relates to the occurrence of the vacancy, not the holding of the by-election, meaning by-elections can still take place after this date if the vacancy arose earlier.

Proportional Representation Councillor Replacements

The cessation period does not apply to PR councillors, whose vacancies may be filled until the eve of the general elections. The Proportional Representative (PR) councillors’ vacancies can only be filled by the chief electoral officer declaring a replacement councillor elected. Upon a PR vacancy occurring a party typically has 21 days to amend their reserve list and which the chief electoral officer must declare a candidate on top of the reserve list elected.

Between April and October 2025, the Electoral Commission replaced 183 proportional representative councillors. On average, the Electoral Commission replaces 377 PR councillors in a financial year.

Registration of Political Parties

Since the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, the Commission has registered a total of 62 new political parties. Fourteen (14) of the new parties were registered in the period between August and October 2025. Currently, the total number of registered political parties is 508. Of these, 295 are registered at a national level, while the balance of 404 are either registered provincially or at the district or metro municipal level.

Registration of Political Parties

New political parties -62

Registered political parties in total -508

Registered at national level -295

Registered at provincial, district or metro level -404

Country-wide information workshops

The Electoral Commission has also finalised a schedule of countrywide information workshops for potential electoral contestants. These workshops are scheduled for November 2025. These workshops are aimed at equipping unrepresented political parties, still to be registered parties, and aspiring independent candidates with the necessary information to ensure their successful participation in the upcoming elections.

Details are as follows:

Province /Date /Location

Eastern Cape -18 November 2025 -East London

Free State

-19 November 2025 -Bloemfontein

Northern Cape

-20 November 2025 -Kimberley

 KwaZulu-Natal

-25 November 2025 -Durban

 Mpumalanga

-27 November 2025 -Mbombela

 Limpopo

-28 November 2025 -Polokwane

 North West

-02 November 2025 -Rustenburg or Mafikeng

 Western Cape

-04 November 2025 -Cape Town

 Gauteng

-17 November 2025 -Johannesburg

*Dates may be adjusted owing to the availability of venues

Outreach events

The Electoral Commission’s nationwide voter education drive in quarter two reached more than 2.6 million people through over 18 000 community events held across all nine provinces. These engagements focused on encouraging and preparing first-time voters, promoting active participation, and fostering responsible citizenship among young South Africans ahead of future elections.

Province /Number of Events /Number of People reached

KwaZulu-Natal

-4 224 -317 363

Eastern Cape

-2 729 -415 184

Gauteng

-2 480 -81 788

Western Cape

-1 905 -46 495

Limpopo

-2 387 -1 445 237

Northern Cape

-660 -185 141

Mpumalanga

-1 547 -46 473

Free State

-1 124 -25 693

North West

-1 581 -45 708

 Total

-18 637 -2 609 352

 

Filling of Vacancies in the Electoral Commission

The Electoral Commission extends its gratitude to the Chief Justice and the panel members for expediting the process and working diligently to ensure its swift finalisation. We also wish to thank the Speaker of Parliament, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, and all Committee members for their commitment and support in ensuring the timely conclusion of this important process.

The Commission welcomes the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa of the appointment of Ms Joyce Pitso, Judge Dhaya Pillay, and Mr Mosotho Moepya as Commissioners of the Electoral Commission on 3 November 2025.

We welcome the finalisation of this important process, which ensures that the Commission continues to function with the necessary quorum to make key decisions, including the adjudication of objections, the appointing of staff and ongoing oversight regarding the delivery of the general elections of municipal councils.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fellow South Africans, as we look ahead to 2026, we call on all eligible voters to get ready to make your voices heard at the ballot box! Now is the time to register to vote and ensure your voters’ roll details are up to date. Visit Registertovote.elections.org.za today – the process is quick, safe, and easy. Your vote is your power, and democracy starts with you taking action today.

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

RISING BODY COUNT UNDERSCORES CAPE TOWN POLICING CRISIS

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

RISING BODY COUNT UNDERSCORES CAPE TOWN POLICING CRISIS

Unite for Change Leadership Council Member and GOOD Member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament

1. HIGHEST CRIME AREAS HAVE FEW POLICE

2. BILLIONS SPENT ON CITY ‘KITSKOPS’ BEAR NO FRUIT

3. WESTERN CAPE HAS MOST VACANT DETECTIVE POSTS IN THE COUNTRY

The number of people killed in shooting incidents in Cape Town has spiralled since the launch of the Safer Festive Season operations last month, with 40 deaths, mostly gang-related, reported over the past two weekends.

The Safer Festive Season programme, a collaborative effort involving national police, provincial, and City resources, is intended to make communities safer during the tourist season. The principle cannot be faulted. But extra bobbies on the beat in the Waterfront and roadblocks in the Winelands won’t stop the plague of shootings because the violence is happening on the Cape Flats.

A large part of the problem is the politicisation of crime. Policing is a national competency overseen by an ANC Acting Minister, while the DA governments in the Western Cape and City of Cape Town continue to campaign for devolved policing powers. Both spheres have poured billions into creating their own “police” force, the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) yet the quarterly crime statistics show no measurable improvement.

Last month, Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, revealed in response to parliamentary questions that police stations in historically white suburbs remain better resourced than those in predominantly Black and Coloured communities.

For example:

Rondebosch: 1 police officer per 381 residents

Wynberg: 1 per 238 residents

Delft: 1 per 808 residents

Gugulethu: 1 per 962 residents

The overall Western Cape average is 1 police officer per 435 people. Both Delft and Gugulethu rank among the province’s top 10 murder precincts, yet they are the most under-resourced.

The Western Cape Government has invested billions of rands over the past three years, and plans to spend billions more, on LEAP. At its launch, LEAP promised to halve the number of murders in the top 10 murder precincts. Instead, the murder rate has increased.

According to Cape Town Mayco Member JP Smith, the City is deploying “136 officers to tourism hotspots, versus nearly 2,000 to gang and crime hotspot areas” this festive season. 

We will await the fourth-quarter crime statistics to assess whether this massive spend drawn from provincial funds that could support education and healthcare has any real impact. So far, LEAP’s effect has been indiscernible across the past eight quarterly crime reports.

In addition, LEAP has no formal basis in law, similar to the disbanded Amapanyaza unit in Gauteng. If collaboration between SAPS and LEAP is to be meaningful, LEAP must be regularised and brought into the formal legal framework.

Meanwhile, the policing union POPCRU recently revealed 2,344 vacant detective posts nationwide, with the Western Cape accounting for the largest shortage, 902 vacancies. Considering that Cape Town is South Africa’s murder and gang capital, this lack of qualified investigators is a national disgrace.

With political will, the redistribution of police resources to the most affected areas and the filling of vacant detective posts could be resolved quickly. But as we have seen for decades, when politicians exploit gang violence for populist, partisan purposes, the violence simply continues.

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

ANC WESTERN CAPE LEADERS JOINS DA

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

ANC WESTERN CAPE LEADERS JOINS DA

Senior ANC Western Cape officials and Councillors, have walked over from the ANC to the DA today, starting a process that will gather momentum in the months ahead.

Members leaving the ANC include their elected Western Cape Provincial Secretary and two sitting Ward Councillors, from Swellendam and Cederberg.

The group includes elected members of the ANC Western Cape Provincial Executive and Regional Committees, who are leaving the ANC to join the DA.

This is a milestone moment, and it mirrors the swing in support by South African voters who continue to abandon the ANC to support the DA. This is an example of the realignment of politics in South Africa.

ANC support is in decline across South Africa, and in the Western Cape it is in terminal decline.

In contrast, DA support continues to grow and momentum is building behind the DA’s offer to reform South Africa’s economy, grow jobs for all and replace BEE.

The members who have left the ANC to join the DA in the Western Cape are as follows:

• Neville Delport - Provincial Secretary
• Daniel Baadjies – Langeberg Ward Councillor
• Paul Strauss - Cederberg Ward Councillor
• Jason Donn - Regional Executive Member

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

HAWKS ARREST ANOTHER SAFA SUSPECT

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

HAWKS ARREST ANOTHER SAFA SUSPECT

GAUTENG -A 64-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court today, 05 November 2025. He was arrested this morning by the Johannesburg based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team after handing himself over 

During September 2018, the suspect was appointed as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of South African Football Association (SAFA). It is alleged that the suspect conspire to backdate the contract of Grit Communications at SAFA. It is further alleged that Grit Communications provided services to SAFA President without SAFA’s knowledge and authorisation. It is reported that the service level agreement that was entered into between SAFA and Grit Communications on 01 October 2017 expired on 30 September 2018, therefore there was no new service level agreement that was entered into between SAFA and Grit Communications during the period of October 2018 and July 2019.

Meanwhile the criminal case against his co-accused Danny Jordaan, Gronnie Hluyo, Trevor Neethling, Grit Communications is ongoing and they are expected to appear before the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes on 21 November 2025.

The case against Russell Patrick Paul (64) has been postponed to 21 November 2025. He was granted R10 000 bail. 

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

Police Minister Cachalia’s Testimony provides more Questions than Answers

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

Police Minister Cachalia’s Testimony provides more Questions than Answers

Cachalia has no clear plan or timeline to restore accountability and public trust in SAPS.

He is reluctant to audit past appointments, avoiding accountability for previous failures.

The DA calls for urgent reforms, including independent audits and reinstated disciplinary units.

Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia's testimony before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on Police today raised more uncertainty than clarity about the direction of South Africa’s troubled police service.

Although he has already spent several months in office, Minister Cachalia was unable to outline a concrete plan or timeline to restore accountability, discipline, or public trust in the South African Police Service. Instead, he leaned heavily on talk of “consultation” and “future collaboration,” leaving pressing questions unresolved.

When asked how he intends to rebuild credibility within the service, Cachalia acknowledged that he has no ready plan. He explained that reform would depend on broad engagement and improved capacity within SAPS. It was a vague answer that offers little assurance to communities living under the constant threat of crime.

Equally concerning was his hesitation to support an audit of police promotions and appointments from the past fifteen years, a crucial step toward tackling political interference and corruption that have weakened the organisation. Rather than committing to accountability, he suggested it might be preferable to focus on the future instead of reviewing past failures.

South Africans cannot afford further delays. They deserve immediate and measurable steps from a minister who is ready to act decisively to restore integrity and competence in policing.

The DA again calls for an independent audit of senior SAPS appointments and promotions, the reinstatement of internal disciplinary units to enforce professionalism, and swift implementation of the new SAPS structure to strengthen service delivery.

The DA remains ready to engage with Minister Cachalia in good faith to help rebuild a capable and trusted police service. But progress will depend on moving from broad intentions to visible action that begins to rebuild confidence in SAPS.

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

SAPS 2024/25 ANNUAL REPORT

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

SAPS 2024/25 ANNUAL REPORT 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes, with outrage, the revelations contained in the recently tabled 2024/25 Annual Report of the South African Police Service (SAPS), which lays bare a police institution that has completely collapsed under the weight of corruption, incompetence and deliberate deception. 

The report confirms beyond doubt that the ANC government has turned the police service into a lawless and dysfunctional bureaucracy. The Auditor-General’s findings expose a pattern of systematic dishonesty. SAPS leadership has resorted to manipulating and inflating performance data to create the false appearance of progress while communities are being terrorised by criminals every day. 

The report shows that in some cases, the police invented success rates that do not exist. For example, in one investigative programme, SAPS claimed that it had solved more than half of crimes at construction sites, when the real achievement was less than seven percent. In other instances, figures on recovered vehicles, firearms and crime reductions were found to be unreliable or exaggerated. This is beyond an administrative mistake but it is the institutionalisation of lies, a betrayal of Parliament and the South African people. 

The rot is most visible in the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), which has completely failed in its constitutional duty to support justice. The backlogs in processing DNA and forensic exhibits have grown by more than half in one year, leaving thousands of criminal cases unresolved. For three consecutive years, this division has not met a single one of its targets, meaning victims of murder, rape and assault are being denied justice because evidence sits unprocessed on laboratory shelves. 

The police leadership hides behind excuses of staff shortages while spending almost eighty percent of its R113 billion budget on salaries, most of which go to administration, not to forensic or investigative work. The report also reveals that SAPS spent every cent of its budget, yet the streets of South Africa remain a war zone. 

This full expenditure is not a sign of efficiency, but of a desperate effort to drain public money before the end of the financial year without delivering anything of value. Billions are wasted on salaries and internal overheads while police stations crumble, forensic systems collapse, and communities wait hours for help that never comes. 

This is the ANC’s definition of service delivery: spending without substance, paperwork without protection, and budgets without outcomes. Corruption has become normalised as irregular expenditure increased to nearly R3 Billion with no real disciplinary consequences or financial recovery, including those tenders given out to criminal kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Out of over R900 million in identified cases, most remain under investigation, meaning the same officials responsible for financial mismanagement continue to hold office. Civil claims against SAPS have also exploded, with over R25 billion in new claims and more than R800 million paid out in the last year alone, mostly for unlawful arrests and detentions. 

The police have become serial violators of the Constitution, arresting citizens illegally and brutalising communities while taxpayers pay the price. The culture of impunity runs deep. Out of almost 4 000 disciplinary cases, nearly half ended with no punishment and either withdrawn or resulting in “not guilty” outcomes. Additionally, only 10% of guilty officers were dismissed, the rest merely received written warnings, proving that corruption, misconduct and brutality are tolerated within SAPS.  

This is the same organisation that lost 8 452 of its own firearms in one year, almost 23 every day, many of which end up in the hands of the same criminals police claim to be fighting. The leadership continues to treat such staggering failures as success because targets are set so low that mediocrity passes as achievement. 

The report also reveals a disturbing failure to protect women and children. Crimes against women and children have increased, yet the SAPS failed to include measurable targets for gender-based violence in its annual plan. This indifference shows contempt for the suffering of the most vulnerable in our society. The so-called action plans and steering committees are meaningless while women continue to be raped and murdered, and children are brutalised daily with no justice. 

The picture painted by this report is a picture of a criminal syndicate dressed in uniform. The ANC government has destroyed what little integrity remained in the SAPS and the SAPS 2024/25 Annual Report is a mirror reflecting a state that has decayed beyond recognition under ANC rule. It exposes a leadership incapable of protecting its people or upholding the Constitution, which has been illuminated by the current inquiries taking place through the Madlanga Commission and the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee into the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team. 

This is why the EFF championed the establishment of the Ad Hoc Committee on the infiltration of the SAPS, a critical intervention in Parliament we are leading with determination and clarity. 

Through this committee, we will resolve on final recommendations that will lay the foundation for a reformed, accountable, and corruptionfree police service that truly serves and protects the people of South Africa. 

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

DEPARTURE OF NEVILLE DELPORT FROM THE ANC TO DA

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

DEPARTURE OF NEVILLE DELPORT FROM THE ANC TO DA

The African National Congress (ANC) is not surprised nor shaken by the departure of Neville Delport from the organisation. His exit affirms the correctness and necessity of the ongoing reconfiguration process, which seeks to restore the ANC’s integrity, discipline, and ideological clarity.  

We have always been aware of his regressive and narrow ideological posture, which sought to divide our people on the basis of apartheid classification. His departure is a confirmation that those who hold these kinds of tendencies in the movement will not survive an ANC that is renewed. 

The renewal of our movement is a deliberate act to cleanse it of opportunism, self-interest, and political convenience. Delport’s decision to join a right-wing formation that is openly anti-transformation, anti-justice, and indifferent to the suffering of Palestinians exposes the moral and political bankruptcy of those who abandon the cause of equality. His self-ejection validates that the ANC is on the right path; a path that prizes principle over position, and loyalty to the people over loyalty to privilege. 

Renewal is not about removing individuals but about restoring the moral centre of the ANC. We are rebuilding a movement of service, humility, and honesty, guided by the Freedom Charter and anchored in the struggles of the working class and the poor. The ANC of Luthuli, Tambo, and Hani will not be captured by personal ambition; it will remain the people’s movement, shaped by their aspirations and grounded in their daily realities. 

The ANC’s mission in the Western Cape is to unite all South Africans, black (Africans, Coloureds, Indians) and white; behind one vision of a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous South Africa. We seek a province where the children of Bonteheuwel, Delft, Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, and Mitchells Plain can live with the same dignity, safety, and opportunity as those in Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, and Sandton. 

This is the essence of our revolution; the restoration of dignity and equality for all. Our renewal is not a slogan but a living programme for change, to build communities that work, to create jobs, and to return hope to every South African. Those who depart expose their own contradictions; those who remain strengthen our resolve. 

The ANC is being purified by truth and propelled by conviction; towards the ultimate goal of a better life for all. The ANC, Africa’s oldest and greatest liberation movement, marches firmly on; renewed in spirit, anchored in purpose, and unwavering in its commitment to justice and dignity for all. 

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

EPWP INVESTIGATION NORTH WEST

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

EPWP INVESTIGATION NORTH WEST

DA calls for full provincial EPWP investigation as abuse runs deep in North West

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the North West welcomes Minister Dean Macpherson’s decision to investigate allegations that EPWP workers in Bojanala District were forced to perform domestic chores for a mayoral committee member and coerced into paying political party membership fees.

However, this probe must not stop there. The DA is calling for the investigation to be expanded to cover the entire province, given that the abuse of EPWP workers is widespread and systemic.

Among the alarming cases documented by the DA are:

• Tswaing Local Municipality: EPWP workers were allegedly forced to campaign for councillors under threat of losing their positions. The DA has video evidence supporting these claims.
• Mahikeng Local Municipality: Workers report being robbed of stipends and receiving lower payments than contracted.
• Kagisano-Molopo (Piet Plessis area): Allegations that recruitment is based on personal favouritism rather than merit.
• Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality: Claims of irregular use of EPWP funds and lack of proper accountability.
• Maquassi Hills Local Municipality: The programme is alleged to have become a jobs-for-pals scheme.

The DA further urges Minister Macpherson to fast-track his EPWP Listening Tour and include the North West province as a key stop. Communities here have repeatedly raised concerns about political interference, delayed payments, and unfair recruitment, yet these complaints have largely gone unaddressed. Direct engagement with affected participants will provide us with valuable information about the scale of abuse and help guide meaningful reforms.

The EPWP must be restored to its intended purpose: creating dignified work, building skills, and empowering communities, not serving political or personal interests. 

The DA will continue to monitor the investigation closely and support efforts to ensure that all officials and politicians implicated face accountability.

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

SOUTH AFRICAN PRISONS OVERCROWDED

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

SOUTH AFRICAN PRISONS OVERCROWDED

SA’s prisons are overcrowded and with no signs of the trend reversing – unsentenced inmates are part of the problem

According to the Department of Correctional Service’s 2024/25 annual report, South Africa’s prisons are over-crowded at an average rate of 55%. The most recent data, as presented in a recent written parliamentary reply to RISE Mzansi by Minister Pieter Groenewald, reveals that the average rate of overcrowding has ballooned to 61,85%.

Overall, the country has 102,585 beds at its Correctional Services facilities with an inmate population of 168,091. This translates into 65,233 inmates who are without bedspace.

The Eastern Cape accounts for the highest overcrowding levels – the province houses 21,853 inmates but only has 12,071 beds, with the Butterworth Remand Detention Facility overcrowded at a rate of 231%.

A study of the numbers shows a high number of unsentenced inmates who are taking up bed space, often outnumbering those who have been sentenced. This points to a need for cooperation between the Minister of Correctional Services and Justice & Constitutional Development. Further parliamentary questions will be submitted in this regard.

RISE Mzansi has on numerous occasions proposed that the criminal justice system introduce and normalise alternative sentencing for lesser crimes in order to mitigate overcrowding. For example, have non-violent convicted criminals doing community work. 

Various literature has shown that the countries correctional services facilities are breeding grounds for violent and organised crime – a headquarters for criminals. 

Petty criminals end up joining gangs, and when they are released, they return after committing serious and violent crimes.

South Africa needs to prioritise the human dignity of those incarcerated in our prisons. Let us promote the principle of restorative justice in rehabilitating offenders in our communities.

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

THE COURT RULING ON STREET VENDORS AND BYLAWS

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

THE COURT RULING ON STREET VENDORS AND BYLAWS  

The City of Johannesburg’s MMC for Public Safety, Councillor Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, acknowledges the ruling handed down by Judge Brad Wanless regarding the City’s management of informal trading. The judgment compels the city to undertake a swift, transparent, and lawful process to audit, register, and allocate trading spaces to informal traders, in full compliance with municipal by-laws and national legislation. 

The court emphasised the principles of fairness, non-discrimination, and constitutional compliance in the implementation of this process. MMC Tshwaku reaffirms the department’s unwavering support for street traders while underscoring the imperative of maintaining law and order. “De Villiers Street had become a disaster waiting to happen due to uncontrollable crowds, escalating crime rates, litter accumulation, and the presence of undocumented foreigners posing a clear security risk,” said MMC Dr Tshwaku. The ruling recognises the vital economic contribution of informal traders to Johannesburg’s economy and affirms the City’s role as a regulator, not a prohibitor of this essential sector. 

MMC Tshwaku welcomes the opportunity to be part of the diligent implementation of the court order and to ensure that the City of Johannesburg fully upholds the legal framework governing informal trading. 

The Department of Public Safety will ensure that a community outreach program, conducted through JMPD and EMS, is implemented to inform our community members so that their goods are not confiscated. 

APPLICATION AND VERIFICATION PROCESS FOR INFORMAL TRADING PERMITS 

Those who wish to apply for an informal trading permit are invited to participate in the verification and registration process, which will be conducted as follows: 

▪ Date: 04 November 2025 ▪ Time: 09:00 to 16:00 ▪ Venue: 66 Jorissen Place, Ground Floor, Opportunity Centre, Braamfontein 

To be eligible for a permit, informal traders must bring originals and copies of the following documents: 

a) South Africans: Green bar-coded ID or Smart Card ID (subject to verification by the Department of Home Affairs). 

b) South African and non-South African applicants (18 years and older): Valid Identification Document (ID), Passport, Asylum Seeker Permit, and/or Refugee Permit. 

c) Non-South African citizens: Must hold a valid passport with a visa issued in terms of section 10 of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002) authorising business operation; or an Asylum Seeker Permit issued in terms of section 22 of the Refugees Act, 1998 (Act No. 130 of 1998). 

d) Additional required documents (originals and copies): Proof of residence (Municipal Bill or Landlord Affidavit), Lease Agreement issued by the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC), Proof of payment of rent to JPC, Certificate of Acceptability from Environmental Health, Fire Certificate issued by Emergency Management Services (EMS) 

Only applicants meeting all legal and regulatory requirements will be registered and allocated trading spaces in accordance with the court order and municipal by-laws. 

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ZOHRAN MAMDANI NEW YORK CITY MAYORAL VICTORY

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

ZOHRAN MAMDANI NEW YORK CITY MAYORAL VICTORY

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) extends its congratulations to Zohran Mamdani on his historic victory in the Mayorship race in New York. His election represents not only a transformative moment for the people of New York but also a powerful signal to the world that progressive, justice-driven leadership is rising even in the heart of the global capitalist order. 

New York City, home to Wall Street, the United Nations, and the world’s most diverse communities, stands as a centre of global commerce, diplomacy, and multicultural exchange. Leadership in such a city has implications that reach far beyond US borders. Mamdani’s vision of affordable housing, free public transport, accessible healthcare, and city-owned grocery stores demonstrates that people-centred governance can thrive even within the world’s most powerful capitalist system.  

The EFF particularly applauds Mamdani’s support for the people of Palestine, a stance that represents a necessary moral awakening within American politics. In an environment where open support for Palestinian liberation is often met with vilification and suppression, Mamdani’s courage has made him a symbol of principled leadership by standing against apartheid, genocide, and the silencing of truth. 

His victory reflects a growing recognition among ordinary Americans that justice for Palestine is inseparable from global justice. 

We take serious exception to the recent threats by Donald Trump to withhold federal funding from New York due to ideological differences with Mamdani. This attempt at political blackmail exposes Trump’s continued disdain for democracy, his hostility toward progressive leadership, and his desire to weaponise power against those who challenge the capitalist order. 

The EFF is confident that Mamdani’s leadership will serve as the beginning for progressive global relations and renewed solidarity between Africa, the United States, and the Global South. 

The EFF believes that a new relationship between Africa and the United States must be forged, one free from the neo-colonial arrogance and exploitative interests that have defined past US foreign policy, particularly under the Trump administration. 

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R400 Billion Western Cape Investment Summit

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

R400 Billion Western Cape Investment Summit 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape welcomes the 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit (WCIS 2025), which will take place from 5 to 7 November. The summit serves as a critical deal-making platform designed to unite global capital with local opportunity. The true measure of any investment summit is not attendance, but the value of the deals secured.

The province is rolling out the red carpet to showcase a substantial deal book which is rooted in innovation: a portfolio of approximately 100 pre-vetted, investment-ready projects with an aggregated value of approximately R400 billion. 

This overwhelming pipeline of opportunities is a demonstration of the confidence that the Western Cape Government has in growing our economy, and its ambition to position the province as Africa's preeminent investment destination.

This capital mobilisation is essential to accelerating the Growth for Jobs (G4J) strategy, which is the mechanism to achieve our ambition of building an inclusive R1 trillion economy. The deals on offer are strategically balanced across high-impact sectors, with a heavy focus on the jobs and skills of the future.

In the Green Economy, the deal book features the R20 billion KTE Energy Green Hydrogen Project. This landmark Strategic Infrastructure Project is poised to create thousands of jobs, solidifying the province’s leadership in energy resilience and industrial decarbonisation. 

Furthermore, the Agribusiness and Food Systems sector have significant portfolios on offer, including over R2.5 billion worth of projects in aquaculture, reinforcing the province’s commitment to sustainable growth.

The summit is also championing the Creative Industries through high-impact social and commercial ventures. The proposed R100 million expansion of the NV Film Studios Africa and The Avuke Group television studio complex is set to generate an estimated 1,000 direct and 4,000 indirect jobs over five years, with a strong focus on transformation through training programmes and supplier development.

Complementing this, the R112 million Zip Zap Circus School performance arena project is set to deliver world-class infrastructure while generating sustainable income to support the trust’s nine free youth and outreach programs, benefiting over 2,500 young people annually.

The success of the summit depends on converting these investment opportunities into concrete outcomes. The DA in the Western Cape will continue to support initiatives that streamline investment into our province, ensuring that this R400 billion pipeline is converted into real, on-the-ground jobs.

Noko Masipa, MPP, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, said: “The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape welcomes the 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit. DA governments offer investors administrative and political certainty. 

The R400 billion deal book proves beyond doubt that stable, clean DA governance attracts world-class investment, securing our economic future and creating the sustainable jobs our people need. The Western Cape is simply the best place to invest in Africa because we deliver on our promises.”

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Gauteng Provincial Government declares readiness for G20 Leaders’ Summit 2025

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

Gauteng Provincial Government declares readiness for G20 Leaders’ Summit 2025 

The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) today formally declares its readiness to host the prestigious G20 Leaders’ Summit to be held at Nasrec Expo Centre between 22 and 23 November 2025 and will be handing over all provincial preparations to the national government on the 15th of this month. 

This milestone follows months of intensive, coordinated work between the provincial government, the national government, and all local municipalities, a collaboration that has not only ensured summit readiness but has also created a powerful new template for accelerated, integrated service delivery that will benefit all Gauteng residents long after the summit concludes. 

We have resolved that, following the summit, the weekly intergovernmental planning meetings previously used for summit preparations will be repurposed as service delivery meetings to drive and accelerate municipal service delivery across the province. The thorough preparation for the G20 Leaders' Summit went well beyond just the event, but it also helped boost and speed up the G-13 main provincial priorities mentioned in the February State of the Province address. 

The work in preparation for the Summit has been anchored and properly aligned to the provincial government's core domestic agenda to improve the economy of our province and most importantly make it safe. Gauteng, as the economic hub of Southern Africa and a proven stage for global events from the 2002 Earth Summit to the 2018 BRICS Summit, is honoured to welcome the world once again for the G20 Summit this November 2025. 

This landmark moment will place our province in the global spotlight, accelerate our growth trajectory, and see Johannesburg, join the prestigious list of G20 host cities such as Riyadh, Hangzhou, St. Petersburg, Seoul, Pittsburgh, London, and now Washington, D.C as we handover to them.  

Background Twelve months ago, in a landmark decision, Johannesburg was designated as the host city for the 2025 G20 Leaders' Summit, the first such event on African soil. The city edged out competitors like Cape Town and eThekwini, and the choice was driven by the city's robust infrastructure, including international airports, extensive hotel capacity, and proximity to key venues. 

The announcement aligned with South Africa's assumption of the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024. President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted Africa's development priorities during his 2024 State of the Nation Address, positioning the summit as a platform for addressing inclusive economic growth, debt sustainability, climate finance, food security, and artificial intelligence governance as matters that need to be advanced in hosting this summit. 

The Gauteng provincial government swiftly embraced the hosting role, viewing it as an economic catalyst expected to generate millions in visitor spending, job creation, and long-term tourism benefits. However, early challenges emerged, prompting President Ramaphosa's working visit to Johannesburg on 6 March 2025. The visit that formed part of the District Development Model for integrated planning saw President Ramaphosa meeting with Gauteng government officials, municipalities, cabinet ministers, and deputies. He voiced deep concerns over the province's deteriorating infrastructure, citing persistent issues like water shortages, potholes, burst pipes, non-functional traffic lights, power cuts, uncollected waste, and sewer spills, which he deemed unacceptable ahead of the global event. 

President Ramaphosa announced the establishment of a Presidential Johannesburg Working Group to collaboratively address these challenges. In response, the Gauteng provincial government mobilised partnerships with national authorities, municipalities, and the private sector to accelerate improvements. The main goals were to fix roads, make them safer, improve hospitality, and make sure that G20 infrastructure standards were met. This report we are giving today highlights the significant progress that has been made, demonstrating our ability to adopt collaborative and agile governance and focus on solution-oriented and results-driven partnerships. 

 Proof of collaborative governance 

Our preparedness is a direct result of an unprecedented collaborative effort. A dedicated team, including the MECs, Mayors, MMCS and CEOs of our agencies, representatives of the taxi industry and labour, have met weekly to set targets and conducted weekly progress tracking and on-site inspections. This multi-level government approach has been the cornerstone of our success, ensuring that every municipality is aligned and actively contributing to our shared goal. 

The spirit of cooperation between the province and our municipalities has been exceptional, and this partnership has moved beyond planning into decisive action, delivering tangible improvements across the province. We intend to keep this mode of collaboration and adopt it as a blueprint we will use indefinitely to build a better province for everyone. Infrastructure and Environment Significant infrastructure upgrades, designed to be permanent, are now nearly complete. Our comprehensive programme has focused on delivering a seamless and positive experience for all delegates and residents alike. 

Key achievements include: 

Water Security Johannesburg Water has given us assurance regarding the security of the city's water supply throughout the G20 Summit. This confidence is grounded in Rand Water's confirmation of an uninterrupted bulk supply for the entire period, bolstered by our comprehensive operational plan. 

We have proactively deployed dedicated maintenance teams along all key corridors, activated robust contingencies including battery backups and 24/7 site security, and have water tankers on standby to ensure rapid response to any localised issues. While we are mindful of potential community-related risks, our command centre is fully operational with clear escalation protocols so that we can attend to problems immediately. 

Energy Plan A comprehensive and resilient energy plan is firmly in place to secure an uninterrupted power supply for the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit. All primary electrification for key venues and corridors is complete, with final minor works scheduled for timely conclusion. This robust plan includes multiple layers of security: high-mast solar lighting has been activated to enhance safety, and emergency generators are strategically deployed at all critical sites, including the OR Tambo, ICC and key hotels. 

This integrated effort, a collaboration between COGTA and DID, not only ensures energy stability but also incorporates beautification and safety measures. Supported by Eskom, we will continue to monitor the energy supply in our province. Furthermore, the lessons in energy resilience from this event are being captured to strengthen the Provincial Energy Plan, aligning with the 7th Administration's broader Energy Transition and Security Agenda, ensuring a legacy of reliable power management beyond the Summit. Public Spaces Grass cutting, litter picking, and the cleaning of Central Business Districts (CBDs) are well-advanced. Illegal dumps have been cleared, and public spaces have been greened. 

New street furniture and bins have been installed in key areas, including the Cradle of Humankind. Streetlight rehabilitation is almost complete, enhancing safety and aesthetics. Furthermore, recycling stations will be operational at all G20 venues, underscoring our commitment to sustainable development. Disaster Management The Gauteng Disaster Management Centre has been fully activated and is standing ready to ensure a secure and seamless G20 Leaders’ Summit. 

A comprehensive multi-agency command centre has been established, integrating all emergency services, law enforcement, and essential service providers to facilitate real-time coordination and rapid response. With personnel strategically deployed and state-of-the-art technology for monitoring and communication, the Centre is prepared to manage any potential scenario, from medical emergencies and security incidents to logistical disruptions, ensuring the safety of all delegates and the uninterrupted progress of this critical global gathering. 

Safety and Security: 

A multi-layered assurance Gauteng is well-equipped to ensure a safe and secure environment for all participants. The South African Police Service (SAPS), in full coordination with all other law enforcement agencies, has robust plans in place. Our multi-level law enforcement strategy will see delegates escorted by a unified force comprising SAPS, National Traffic Police, Gauteng Provincial Traffic, and all metropolitan police departments. 

A coordinated and comprehensive strategy has ensured that the province's four main ports of entry, O.R. Tambo International Airport, Fireblade Airport, Lanseria International Airport, and the Waterkloof Air Force Base, are all operating at an elevated state of readiness. This includes streamlined and enhanced security protocols and exceptional logistical support to facilitate the seamless and secure arrival and departure of all international guests. 

The ongoing rollout of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras across the province forms a critical part of our strategy to utilize technology in fighting crime, a legacy project that will continue to protect residents for years to come. Boosting Tourism The summit is expected to place our province in the global spotlight and support our broader goal of expanding and promoting the business tourism sector in Gauteng. 

The G20 Leaders’ Summit will bring a large influx of visitors, including heads of state, delegates, and media, creating a surge in demand for hotels, transportation, and local businesses, particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors. Delegates can look forward to a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the energy and innovation that Gauteng is known for. With thousands of star-graded accommodation options to fit every budget, including many prestigious international hotel brands, Gauteng ensures comfort and quality for all visitors. As part of Visit GAUTENG – Zwakala, we have curated special tourism promotion itineraries that have been loaded on the G20 official site. 

An inclusive Summit with a lasting legacy We have maintained that the G20 must be meaningful and accessible to ordinary citizens. We have actively engaged with civil society, business, youth, and people with disabilities through extensive outreach programmes. This includes G20 awareness campaigns in townships and ensuring diverse South African voices contribute to the global dialogue. For public visibility, the Gauteng Provincial Government has rolled out branding and advertising across the city. 

The summit is expected to yield significant benefits for Gauteng, including increased investment, job creation, and a major boost to our tourism and hospitality sectors. It also provides a global platform to share our growth strategy, Growing Gauteng Together 2030 (GGT2030), as we position our province as a destination of choice for investors. The service delivery improvements implemented, from repaired roads and functional streetlights to enhanced public spaces and advanced security technology, are not for the summit alone. 

They are permanent enhancements designed for the enduring benefit of all who live in, work in, and visit our beautiful province. As we prepare to hand over to the national government, we do so with immense pride and confidence. 

Gauteng is ready. We have worked as one, we have delivered on our commitments, and we are prepared to offer the world a warm welcome and an exceptionally unique experience. 

Gauteng is ready…..Zwakala! 

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