KASiBC_AFRiCA

Tuesday, 19 May 2026

Firing of Gauteng Gambling Board CEO Long Overdue

Firing of Gauteng Gambling Board CEO Long Overdue

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA

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Firing of Gauteng Gambling Board CEO Long Overdue; DA Demands Accountability

The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes the firing of the Gauteng Gambling Board (GGB) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Karabo Thuladu Mbele. This is long overdue, as whistleblowers have come forward as far back as 2020, regarding alleged corruption, fraud, and abuse of office at the GGB.

The DA Gauteng questioned why Mbele was appointed CEO of GGB because of serious allegations of corruption and maladministration that surfaced in 2020. Attempts to get answers from the former MEC for Economic Development, Tasneem Motara, fell on deaf ears, and the DA Gauteng was dismissed with contempt.

Since 2023, the DA Gauteng has been calling on the Gauteng Department of Economic Development to investigate how the CEO was appointed, despite Mbele not having the required qualifications for the job.

The DA Gauteng demands an investigation into why Mbele was appointed the CEO of this entity, and those involved in her recruitment must be held to account. To make matters worse, we have been informed that she appointed several officials who are also accused of corruption.

The DA Gauteng also views the suspension of the GGB Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Oscar Maripane as a step in the right direction. We will monitor the outcomes of the disciplinary hearing and ensure that the recommendations are implemented.

We will continue to pursue these issues until there is clean governance at the GGB. A DA Gauteng-led provincial government would ensure a transparent appointment process when appointing officials to positions of a CEO and CFO. We will not shield any official accused of corruption.

The DA Gauteng has a plan to combat corruption in all spheres of government. This includes ending cadre deployment. Officials will be appointed on merit and not on political connections. Disciplinary action against officials implicated in corruption will not exceed 90 days. Our residents deserve a government committed to fixing service delivery and ensuring that the public purse is spent responsibly.

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Kestell Sewerage Plant Upgrade

Kestell Sewerage Plant Upgrade

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA

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DA welcomes Kestell Sewerage Plant upgrade after years of crisis

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District municipality is pleased that the years-long sewerage crisis in Kestell is finally receiving attention.

The Department of Water and Sanitation instituted an intervention under the Water Services Act, with an initial budget of close to R1 billion, to address the seven collapsed Waste Water Treatment Plants and sewer networks in Maluti-a-Phofung (MaP). At present, the Harrismith, Kestell and Phuthaditjhaba Sewage Plants are receiving attention. After completion, the plants will be handed over to the municipality for operations and maintenance.

A Site Visit to Kestell revealed that the contractor was already on site and had to begin by creating an access route to the project site. Groundworks at the plant are currently underway, with tons of gravel being brought onto the site. A major sewage pipeline is also being constructed on Van Riebeeck and Botha Streets.

This involves digging up the sidewalk and removing ancient trees and their roots, which have infiltrated the sewer line. This is very disruptive for residents in those areas, but they are hopeful that these projects will bring relief from the constant flow of sewage into streets, yards, and homes.

The DA will continue to monitor this project, which is funded by DWS and implemented by the Vaal Central Water Board. Thereafter, the Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality's operations and maintenance of this critical infrastructure will remain under intense scrutiny.

Citizens all deserve, and have a right to, a safe and healthy environment. After many years of complete neglect, we welcome this development and will ensure it is properly maintained and operated correctly.

While the ANC-run, bankrupt MaP municipality flounders from crisis to crisis, in DA-run municipalities, massive investment is made in critical infrastructure, especially water, sewage, electricity, and roads, which also form the backbone of a growing economy.

The DA welcomes this development and will monitor progress to ensure successful completion.

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THE PASSING OF WESTERN CAPE PCT MEMBER CLLR BULELANI YEKO AND FIGHTER EMIHLE NJAMBATWA

THE PASSING OF WESTERN CAPE PCT MEMBER CLLR BULELANI YEKO AND FIGHTER EMIHLE NJAMBATWA 

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA

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THE PASSING OF WESTERN CAPE PCT MEMBER CLLR BULELANI YEKO AND FIGHTER EMIHLE NJAMBATWA 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, comrades and all fighters who served alongside our departed soldiers, Western Cape Provincial Command Team member Cllr Bulelani Yeko and Fighter Emihle Njambatwa from Ward 6, Zone 10 in the Cape Metro.. It is with a deep sense of grief and sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of these two committed revolutionaries, who lost their lives in a tragic car accident on Saturday, 16 May 2026, while travelling back from an organisational deployment in the Saldanha Bay Sub-Region.  

There were five passengers in the vehicle, of whom three survived. One survivor, a 10-year-old child, has since been discharged from hospital, while the remaining two survivors, aged 14 and 4, are still receiving medical treatment. We wish the survivors who remain in hospital a speedy recovery, and we keep them and their families in our thoughts during this difficult time. 

The passing of these fighters is a painful loss to the organisation and the broader revolutionary movement. Their deaths come at a critical period during the election campaign, making the tragedy even more devastating as they died in pursuit of ensuring that the EFF secures total victory in the upcoming local government elections

They died while serving the organisation with loyalty, discipline and commitment. Cllr Bulelani Yeko, who previously served as the Chairperson of Ward 10 before being elected into the Provincial Command Team (PCT), served the organisation tirelessly. He was always on the ground amongst the people and was entrusted by the organisation with deployments across the Western Cape because of his dedication, discipline and unwavering commitment to the revolution. He never defied the organisation nor engaged in any conduct that would bring the EFF into disrepute. 

Together with Fighter Emihle Njambatwa, they demonstrated selfless dedication to the struggle for economic freedom, and their contribution to the movement will never be forgotten. These martyrs of the revolution have left behind a legacy of commitment, bravery and sacrifice that must inspire all fighters to continue the struggle with even greater determination. 

The EFF calls on all fighters to pick up the baton and continue where these fallen revolutionaries left off. Their deaths must never be in vain. We must transform our pain, sadness and hurt into determination to fight harder for the victory they dedicated their lives to. 

The greatest honour we can give them is to ensure the success of the EFF in the upcoming elections. 

We encourage the Provincial Command Team members in the Western Cape and Sub-Regional leadership in Zone 10 are encouraged to continue supporting and assisting both families during this difficult period of mourning. May the revolutionary souls of our fighters rest in eternal peace. 

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Unauthorised use of South Africa Coat Of Arms

Unauthorised use of South Africa Coat Of Arms

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA

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Minister Gayton McKenzie on alleged unauthorised use of Coat Of Arms

It has come to the attention of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture that the Somali Association of South Africa appears to be incorporating the South African Coat of Arms, or a reproduction thereof, into its organisational logo and branding materials.

The South African Coat of Arms is one of our country’s most sacred national symbols. It embodies the sovereignty, heritage, and constitutional values of our democracy. Its use is strictly governed by the Heraldry Act 18 of 1962, which prohibits any person from using, manufacturing, or reproducing a state heraldic representation without the written authority of the State Herald. This protection applies to all persons and all organisations, without exception.

I wish to confirm that I have today formally referred this matter to Mr Thembinkosi Mabaso, State Herald of the Bureau of Heraldry, with instructions to:

Conduct a formal investigation into whether the logo and branding materials of the Somali Association of South Africa constitute a contravention of the Heraldry Act;

Issue the appropriate compliance notice requiring immediate cessation of any unauthorised use if a contravention is found; and

Apply the full range of sanctions available under the Act should the association fail to comply.

The Bureau of Heraldry has been requested to report its findings to my office within ten working days.

The integrity of South Africa’s national symbols is non-negotiable. The Coat of Arms is not a decorative element available for adoption by any organisation that finds it convenient. It belongs to the people of South Africa and must be treated with the dignity and legal respect it commands. My department will act decisively wherever the law has been contravened, and this matter will be dealt with as a precedent for how such contraventions are handled going forward.

The Department will provide a further update once the Bureau of Heraldry has completed its assessment.

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Expulsion of Mr Sipho “ES” Mbatha from the IFP Party

Expulsion of Mr Sipho “ES” Mbatha from the IFP Party

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA

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This statement serves to confirm that Mr Sipho “ES” Mbatha, who served as a councillor in the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, has been expelled from the Inkatha Freedom Party in terms of Section 11.10 of the IFP Constitution.

Over a period of time, the National Council received various allegations against Mr Mbatha, including but not limited to the extortion of money from individuals while purporting to act in the name of the Party.

At a Special Sitting of the National Council held on Monday, 04 May 2026, it was unanimously resolved that Mr Mbatha be expelled from the Party and consequently removed as an IFP PR Councillor in the King Cetshwayo District Municipality.

Members of the public are hereby warned against the alleged scam and extortion activities associated with Mr Mbatha. Any such activities, whether past or present, were and are not sanctioned by the Party.

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MKP NATIONAL OFFICIALS OF UMKHONTO WESIZWE PARTY REGARDING PRONOUNCEMENTS BY THE MK INSTITUTE

MKP NATIONAL OFFICIALS OF UMKHONTO WESIZWE PARTY REGARDING PRONOUNCEMENTS BY THE MK INSTITUTE  

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA

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The National Officials of uMkhonto weSizwe Party, led by the President and Commander General, His Excellency Cde Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, met today, Monday 18th of May 2026, to reflect on various matters affecting the organisation internally and externally. 

The National Officials reflected on the media statement issued by the MK Institute on the 16th of May 2026, where certain pronouncements were made regarding the leadership architecture of the MK Party, and also purported changes to the current Constitutional leadership dispensation in the party. More specifically, the announcement by the MK Institute implied that the MK Institute will assume full responsibility for the political management and administration of the organisation. 

The media statement also made reference to the role of various National Officials, and purported the MK Institute to be having powers to change the role of National Officials. Overall, the MK Institute has suggested that all leadership structures of the party are now being subjected to and report to the Institute. 

While the National Officials acknowledge that the media statement was read in the presence of the President and other National Officials of uMkhonto weSizwe Party on the 16th May 2026, the President and National Officials were not fully aware of the entirety of the statement until the statement was made public, and in particular the propositions dealing with the party’s leadership architecture. The National Officials therefore hereby declare proposition of changing party’s leadership structure by the MK Institute issued on the 16th of May 2026 null and void. 

The media statement does not reflect the views and decisions of the national leadership of uMkhonto weSizwe Party. Members of The Institute have accepted guidance of National Officials, that the statement was necessarily beyond the powers of the entity and unconstitutional. The national leadership of uMkhonto weSizwe Party has decided to integrate the Institute into the broader organisational policy-making machinery reporting to the Secretary General. The National Officials further take this opportunity to announce the immediate appointment of a new National Spokesperson for uMkhonto weSizwe Party who is an academic and former news editor Cde Sifiso Mahlangu. Cde Sifiso Mahlangu is a highly experienced journalist and renowned media personality, and brings invaluable technical and professional insights to the party. 

The national leadership of uMkhonto weSizwe Party urges the media fraternity, general public and members of uMkhonto weSizwe Party to provide Cde Sifiso Mahlangu with the usual and necessary support. 

The National Officials also take this opportunity to thank Cde Nhlamulo Ndhlela, who held the fort as the inaugural National Spokesperson of the party, as he steps down from the role of Spokesperson both in the party and in parliament with immediate effect. His contribution in building uMkhonto weSizwe Party’s media and public footprint is highly appreciated.  

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6th Botswana-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) and Botswana-South Africa Business Forum

6th Botswana-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) and Botswana-South Africa Business Forum

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA

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Deputy Minister Alexandra Abrahams attend 6th Botswana-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) and Botswana-South Africa Business Forum

Deputy Minister Abrahams to attend the 6th Botswana-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) and Botswana-South Africa Business Forum

The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ms Alexandra Abrahams, will attend the 6th Botswana-South Africa Bi-National Commission and deliver remarks at the Botswana–South Africa Business Forum in Gaborone from 20-21 May 2026.

The Botswana-South Africa Business Forum will be held on the margins of the 6th session of the South Africa-Botswana Bi-National Commission. The BNC serves as an important platform for strengthening bilateral relations between South Africa and Botswana by creating a conducive environment for cooperation.

During the previous BNC session, the two countries agreed to deepen collaboration in key sectors, including agriculture, transport, infrastructure, water, mining, energy, science and technology, finance, tourism, as well as trade and investment.

According to Abrahams, the Botswana-South Africa BNC will enable the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) to advance and assess the implementation of Economic Cluster commitments made during the previous BNC. The deliberations of the BNC are expected to support stronger bilateral trade and investment ties between South Africa and Botswana.

“The implementation plan for the Memorandum of Understanding on Trade and Industrial Cooperation, will be considered. The MoU is focused on addressing market access barriers, enhancing customs cooperation, and fostering partnerships that support investment in Southern African Customs Union (SACU) value chains,” states Abrahams.

“The 6th BNC session specifically provides an opportunity to address market access challenges, particularly the trade restrictions affecting key sectors. Through this strengthened coordination, to the two countries are further able to address emerging issues whilst ensuring the inclusive implementation of commitments made during the previous–Botswana-South Africa Bi-National Commission,” says Abrahams.

“A total of 30 South African companies invested in Botswana between January 2003 and March 2026. These investments span various sectors, including financial services, minerals, business services, communications, hospitality and tourism, consumer products, software and information technology services, building materials, business machinery and equipment, food and beverages, among others,” adds Abrahams.

Abrahams says that South Africa and Botswana's investment relations underscore the importance of strategic collaboration, in addressing the economic challenges and enhancing trade and investment.

South Africa is Botswana’s 2nd trading partner, accounting for approximately 15% of Botswana’s total exports. South Africa exported R73.6 billion worth of goods in 2025. South Africa, on the other hand, is Botswana’s main trading partner accounting for 60% of Botswana’s total imports. South Africa imported a total value of an estimated R7.6 billion in 2025.

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MUNICIPALITIES TO IN-SOURCE WATER TANKER SERVICES

MUNICIPALITIES TO IN-SOURCE WATER TANKER SERVICES

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA

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MEC MAMABOLO CALLS ON MUNICIPALITIES TO IN-SOURCE WATER TANKER SERVICES 

Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Infrastructure Development, Jacob Mamabolo, has raised concern over the escalating costs incurred by municipalities for the temporary supply of water through outsourced water tanker services

This follows revelations by Mamabolo that some municipalities have spent as much as R264 million over a three-year period on water tanker services. While water tankering remains critical in ensuring water security, particularly in areas experiencing water shortages and within informal settlements, he has urged municipalities to increase investment in procuring and maintaining their own water tanker fleets. “We are encouraged by the investments some municipalities are already making towards procuring their own portable water tankers. 

While this is a welcome development, we believe more resources must be directed towards expanding these capacities, as outsourced tanker services continue to drive significant expenditure,” said Mamabolo. Gauteng CoGTA continues to engage municipalities to monitor service delivery challenges and ensure appropriate corrective measures are implemented to stabilise water supply across the province. 

Through the Local Government Turnaround Strategy, the provincial government is working closely with local and national spheres of government to advance coordinated, province-wide interventions aimed at strengthening municipalities, improving governance, and enhancing service delivery outcomes. 

On Sunday, 24 May 2026, the province, together with all 11 municipalities, will provide the public with updates on progress made across various areas, including governance, financial management, infrastructure development, and ongoing efforts to improve service delivery across the province. 

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