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Saturday, 11 July 2026

DA-RUN WESTERN CAPE MUNICIPALITIES LEAD NATIONAL FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY INDEX

KASIBC AFRICA
KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

DA-RUN WESTERN CAPE MUNICIPALITIES LEAD NATIONAL FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY INDEX


CAPE TOWN – Democratic Alliance (DA)-led municipalities are continuing to set the national standard for service delivery and fiscal discipline, according to the latest findings from the Municipal Financial Sustainability Index (MFSI).

​The report, compiled annually by independent governance ratings agency Ratings Afrika, highlights a severe financial crisis affecting a majority of South Africa's municipalities due to poor governance. In contrast, local governments governed by a DA majority have demonstrated strong financial resilience and stable infrastructure management.  

Cape Town Outperforms All Other Metros

​The City of Cape Town has solidified its position as the country's best-run metropolitan area, emerging as the only metro in South Africa officially classified as "highly financially sustainable".  

​Cape Town secured an overall index score of 71 out of 100, outperforming the combined average score of 36 recorded by the remaining metros by a full 35 points. This exceptional financial standing is driven by a remarkable 98% revenue collection rate, far exceeding the national metro average of 85.3%.  

​According to local authorities, this rigorous fiscal performance enables Cape Town to execute a record R40 billion infrastructure investment over the next three years, expected to generate approximately 130,000 construction-related jobs.  

Top Local Municipalities Dominated by the Western Cape

​The index evaluated the financial performance of South Africa's largest local municipalities, identifying the top five best-performing local governments in the country. All five are DA-run municipalities located in the Western Cape:  


​~ Hessequa

​~ Overstrand
​~ Saldanha Bay
​~ Swartland

​With an average score of 57, the Western Cape remains the highest-performing province in South Africa by a substantial margin. It stands alone as the only province to score above 50 and the only region where municipalities can, on average, be regarded as financially sustainable. Conversely, when Western Cape data is excluded, the national municipal average drops to a low score of 27 out of 100.  

Tangible Outcomes for Residents

​The DA noted that these high-ranking positions represent tangible daily benefits for residents rather than mere statistics on paper.

Responsible financial management translates directly into consistent refuse collection, properly maintained roads, reliable water services, and heavy infrastructure investments that foster job creation.

​Party leadership emphasized that these results reflect the DA's focus on putting the interests of residents above volatile political maneuvers, prioritizing stable service delivery over chaotic coalitions.

​The maintenance of high-quality local governance will be a defining choice for residents on the ballot paper in the upcoming November municipal elections.

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EFF GAUTENG WELCOMES PRECAUTIONARY SUSPENSION OF TSHWANE CITY MANAGER JOHANN METTLER

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KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR 

EFF GAUTENG WELCOMES PRECAUTIONARY SUSPENSION OF TSHWANE CITY MANAGER JOHANN METTLER



​PRETORIA – The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng has officially welcomed the decision by the City of Tshwane Council to place City Manager and Accounting Officer Johann Mettler on precautionary suspension pending an independent investigation.  

​The resolution was taken during a closed council sitting following a 45-page complaint lodged by the EFF, which accuses Mettler of serious misconduct, financial mismanagement, maladministration, and a gross dereliction of duty.  

​A Long-Standing Call for Accountability

​The EFF stated that the council's decision follows years of mounting concerns raised by the party regarding Mettler’s administrative leadership, poor performance, and a general deterioration of municipal governance.

​According to the red berets, the party has consistently called for decisive action against the City Manager since 2023. 

The EFF maintains that Mettler repeatedly failed to discharge his regulatory responsibilities, alleging that he played to the political gallery by partisanly advancing the interests of the Democratic Alliance (DA) rather than serving the capital city and its residents impartially.

​Solidarity’s Legal Threats Critiqued

​The EFF Gauteng further noted a letter of demand issued by the trade union Solidarity (Solidariteit) on behalf of Mettler, which threatens urgent legal action to reverse the council’s suspension order.

​While acknowledging that every employee maintains a constitutional right to approach the courts, the EFF emphasized that litigation must not be used as a tool to frustrate lawful oversight and democratic accountability processes.

​The party defended the council’s intervention framework, explaining the systemic necessity of the suspension:

Protection of Integrity: A precautionary suspension is neither an implementation of punishment nor a final finding of guilt; it is a standard procedural measure to protect the independence of the investigation.  

Preventing Interference: As head of the municipal administration, the City Manager exercises direct authority over senior officials, municipal records, internal systems, and day-to-day operations. His continued presence could create a reasonable perception that witnesses or evidence could be compromised.

​The EFF labeled Solidarity’s position as contradictory, arguing that the union cannot logically claim to support an independent probe while simultaneously demanding that the individual under investigation remain in absolute control of the institution’s records and staff.  

Calls for Interference-Free Investigation

​The suspension aligns with the Local Government: Disciplinary Regulations for Senior Managers, which permit a council to issue a precautionary suspension if a manager's presence risks jeopardizing an active probe or undermining municipal stability.  

​The EFF Gauteng has called on all political parties and external organizations to allow the independent investigation to proceed without intimidation, interference, or premature conclusions. The party insisted that the eventual findings must be implemented without fear, favor, or selective application.

​The regional command concluded by emphasizing that the City of Tshwane must continue to function effectively under the newly appointed Acting City Manager, Musa Kumalo, to guarantee uninterrupted service delivery to local communities. 

The EFF reiterated its commitment to clean governance, asserting that no public official is above absolute accountability.


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MK PARTY DEMANDS URGENT PARLIAMENTARY PROBE INTO EXPLOSIVE CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS AGAINST IDAC HEAD ADV. ANDREA JOHNSON

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KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR 

MK PARTY DEMANDS URGENT PARLIAMENTARY PROBE INTO EXPLOSIVE CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS AGAINST IDAC HEAD ADV. ANDREA JOHNSON


​JOHANNESBURG – The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has demanded swift and thorough parliamentary oversight following serious allegations made under oath at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry implicating the Head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), Advocate Andrea Johnson.  

​The party's intervention follows highly compromising testimony delivered on Friday, 10 July 2026, by retired Hawks Colonel Kobus Roelofse. Roelofse’s evidence raised grave concerns regarding potential interference, conflicts of interest, and the use of unofficial channels within South Africa’s highest anti-corruption institutions.  

The Allegations: Protecting a Suspect via 'Off-the-Grid' Channels

​Colonel Roelofse's detailed testimony before the commission exposed an alleged "cabal" and a serious breach of protocol concerning a 2018 criminal case. The case involved Major-General Feroz Khan, the suspended deputy head of Crime Intelligence, who was facing charges of assault and intimidation opened by a colleague, Brigadier Leonora Phetlhe.  

According to evidence presented under oath:

Improper Sharing of Docket Material: Adv. Johnson allegedly obtained key investigation materials—including the complainant's sworn statement, a J88 medical report, and an audio recording—and leaked them to a third party to be handed directly to Khan.  

Evidence Tailoring: This occurred before Major-General Khan had formally submitted his own version of events or warning statement to investigators, potentially allowing the suspect to tailor his defense.  

Use of Private Channels: Testifying officers pointed out that Johnson allegedly utilized an "off-the-grid" personal Gmail account to transmit the sensitive case materials rather than using her official National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) channels.  

​Furthermore, Roelofse testified to a deeply troubling subsequent development where National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shamila Batohi allegedly informed Adv. Johnson about the confidential whistleblower affidavit filed against her, heavily compromising witness safety and the integrity of the investigation.  
​MK Party Demands Decisive Parliamentary Action

​In response to the "bombshell" testimonies, the MK Party confirmed it has taken active steps to force the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development to place the matter on its urgent agenda.

​The party is calling for a comprehensive accountability process, which includes:
​Dedicated Briefings: Direct accountability briefings from IDAC Head Adv. Andrea Johnson, NDPP Shamila Batohi, and the Minister of Justice.

​Full Document Disclosure: Complete disclosure of all internal dockets, communication logs, and materials related to the probe.
​Professional Referrals: Consideration of appropriate disciplinary and professional referrals to the Legal Practice Council (LPC) and external investigative bodies.

Restoring Public Trust in the NPA

​The MK Party re-emphasized its unyielding stance on transparency, accountability, and the absolute independence of South Africa's anti-corruption frameworks. The party insisted that no public official, regardless of their seniority or stature, should be shielded from aggressive institutional scrutiny.  

​"Public trust in the NPA and IDAC must be restored through decisive action, not silence," the party statement affirmed. The MK Party has urged the Portfolio Committee to act without any further delay to defend the rule of law and prevent the criminal infiltration of justice institutions.

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MEC MAMABOLO AND MAYOR MORERO STRATEGIZE ON JOHANNESBURG’S FINANCIAL RECOVERY AND SERVICE DELIVERY

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KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR 

MEC MAMABOLO AND MAYOR MORERO STRATEGIZE ON JOHANNESBURG’S FINANCIAL RECOVERY AND SERVICE DELIVERY


JOHANNESBURG – The Gauteng Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Jacob Mamabolo, has held a high-level intervention meeting with Johannesburg Executive Mayor, Cllr Dada Morero, to address the metropolitan municipality's pressing financial and service delivery challenges.
The strategic engagement, which included senior administrative teams from both the provincial department and the City of Johannesburg, was convened under Section 154(1) of the Constitution, which mandates provincial government to support and strengthen local municipalities.

​The intervention follows a recent, stringent decision by National Treasury to temporarily withhold the July 2026 equitable share transfers to 69 municipalities nationwide—including Johannesburg—in a bid to enforce stricter national fiscal discipline.

​The meeting concluded with a binding five-month implementation timeline for key priority areas under the City’s comprehensive Financial Recovery Plan.

Settling Provincial Debt and Budget Stabilisation

​In a major boost to the city's liquidity, MEC Mamabolo committed to actively facilitating the settlement of all undisputed debt owed to the municipality by various Gauteng Provincial Government departments. As of 31 March 2026, the provincial government owed municipalities a collective R2.641 billion, with a staggering R1.431 billion owed directly to the City of Johannesburg.

​Despite the recent pressure from National Treasury, the City noted it has received formal correspondence confirming that its 2026/27 Annual Budget is officially fully funded. 

Furthermore, city leadership informed the MEC that payment arrangements with critical bulk utility suppliers, including Eskom and Rand Water, remain on track, with outstanding obligations set to be settled by mid-July 2026.
Smart Technology and Infrastructure Partnerships

​To structurally curb operational losses, the provincial and local spheres of government agreed to roll out several innovative turnarounds:

Water Management: The City and Province will explore a strategic partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to deploy an advanced technology water management solution at no cost to the metro. 

This initiative is aimed at identifying and plugging massive water distribution losses.
​Energy Efficiency: City Power will scale up the implementation of smart technologies to combat a critical R2.1 billion overspending on bulk electricity purchases, while accelerating renewable energy projects and tightening revenue protection.

​CBD Revitalisation: Joint operations will be intensified to revitalize investment within the Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD), specifically targeting economic nodes and the seat of the provincial government to stimulate inclusive urban growth.

Cracking Down on Irregular Expenditure

​The administration presented its newly adopted strategy to drastically reduce Unauthorised, Irregular, Fruitless, and Wasteful Expenditure (UIFWE), in line with National Treasury Circulars 68 and 111.

​Progress has already been made in regularising approximately R1.8 billion in historical expenditure through established governance frameworks. A further R6.4 billion remains under active review by the boards of municipal entities, the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC), and the Disciplinary Board. 

To minimize future accounting risks, the City is working alongside the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) to produce rigorous interim financial statements.

Imminent Rand Water Maintenance Contingencies

​Mayor Morero also utilized the session to brief MEC Mamabolo on major, planned Rand Water infrastructure maintenance scheduled to take place between 17 and 19 July 2026.

​The maintenance shutdown is expected to temporarily affect several Johannesburg Water reservoirs and towers. The MEC was reassured that extensive mitigation frameworks are locked in, including the strategic deployment of water tankers to affected areas, with absolute priority status given to hospitals, clinics, schools, and other vital public service facilities.

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HOME AFFAIRS ISSUES FINAL CALL FOR PUBLIC REPRESENTATIONS ON BLOCKED ID STATUSES

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KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

HOME AFFAIRS ISSUES FINAL CALL FOR PUBLIC REPRESENTATIONS ON BLOCKED ID STATUSES


PRETORIA – The Department of Home Affairs has issued an urgent final call to individuals whose South African identity numbers were blocked prior to November 2022, reminding them that Friday, 10 July 2026, marked the absolute final day to submit written representations explaining why their identities should be unblocked.

​The widespread call for representations forms part of the department's legal commitment to ensuring strict procedural fairness in accordance with the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA), while simultaneously protecting the security and integrity of the National Population Register.
​Department officials warned that individuals who failed to submit their representations by the close of business risk having their blocked identity numbers permanently cancelled once the final administrative and legal processes are concluded.

In-Person Submission Requirements

​To ensure the validity of the process, Home Affairs mandated that all representations had to be made in person. The department outlined specific compliance guidelines for the submissions:

Permitted Venues: Submissions could be made at any official Home Affairs front office nationwide.

Exclusions: Standard refugee reception centres and designated bank branches were strictly excluded from processing these specific applications.

Documentation: Affected individuals were required to bring all available supporting documentation to verify their identity, South African citizenship, or legal residency status.

Addressing Historical Duplicates and Flags

​A significant portion of the blocked identity numbers were originally flagged in terms of Section 19 of the Identification Act of 1997

These cases primarily involve duplicate identity numbers, suspected fraudulent acquisitions, and files requiring deep verification of a person's legal status or initial registration.
Despite the remaining cases, the department revealed it has made substantial progress in clearing the historical backlog. To date, Home Affairs has successfully investigated, resolved, and unblocked 2,202,368 identity numbers, restoring valid citizenship status to millions of residents.

​The department has urged any remaining affected individuals who missed the window or require further clarity on their status to visit the official Department of Home Affairs website for continuous updates on the administrative finalisation of the blocked ID project.

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DEPUTY MINISTER YUSUF CASSIM INTERVENES OVER DELAYED NSFAS ALLOWANCES AT UNISA ​

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KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR 

DEPUTY MINISTER YUSUF CASSIM INTERVENES OVER DELAYED NSFAS ALLOWANCES AT UNISA


PRETORIA – The newly appointed Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Yusuf Cassim, MP, has launched a direct intervention into the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) payment delays affecting more than 93,000 distance-learning students at the University of South Africa (Unisa).  

​During a high-level oversight engagement at Unisa's Muckleneuk Campus, Cassim formally handed over a compilation of roughly 100 written complaints gathered via the Deputy Minister’s Helpdesk. The student grievances highlighted widespread frustration over delays in the July disbursement of the R316 Personal Care Allowance, alongside the highly contentious scaling back of vital mobile data allowances.  

​System Glitch Blamed for Payment Delays
​Deliberations between student leaders, Unisa management, and NSFAS representatives revealed that while NSFAS had successfully transferred the bulk funds to Unisa on 2 July 2026, the university suffered a severe internal system glitch. This technical failure temporarily bottlenecked the processing of individual student accounts.

​Unisa management confirmed the administrative error was completely resolved on Monday, 6 July 2026, and assured the Ministry that all outstanding student accounts are being actively cleared.

​Deputy Minister Cassim strongly criticized the administrative lapse, arguing that vulnerable distance learners should never be subjected to payment delays, particularly given the current harsh economic climate.

​"If we are being honest, R316 per month for a distance-learning student, which is less than the Social Relief Grant, is simply not enough given the resources students need to succeed academically," Cassim stated. "However, these are policy issues which can only be changed through the annual policy review change of NSFAS."

Key Operational Takeaways and Action Items

​To prevent a repeat of the July payment bottleneck, the engagement concluded with a series of urgent structural directives:

Review of Funding Schedules: Deputy Minister Cassim will formally write to the NSFAS Administrator, Professor Hlengani Mathebula, demanding a comprehensive review of disbursement timelines. Currently, NSFAS transfers funds nearly a week after the start of each month, leaving universities with dangerously thin windows to process individual payments.

On-Site Financial Reconciliation: NSFAS has committed to deploying a specialized finance team directly to Unisa next week to systematically reconcile historical account discrepancies and iron out ongoing misalignment between the two institutions.

Direct Student Engagement: Unisa management has pledged to facilitate a face-to-face town hall between Deputy Minister Cassim and the broader Unisa student body, providing an open forum for students to air their operational grievances first-hand.

Addressing Potential Underpayments: Cassim raised alarming Helpdesk reports alleging that some students received amounts far below their designated R316 allowance. While Unisa denied the claims, they requested the specific case profiles from the Ministry to initiate immediate, individual investigations.

Push for Long-Term Policy Reform

​The oversight visit has brought long-standing systemic issues regarding distance-learning models to the forefront. Deputy Minister Cassim noted that the upcoming annual NSFAS policy reviews and the looming overhaul of the NSFAS Act present critical opportunities to address severe funding inequities.

​Chief among these concerns is the fact that Unisa students registered for fewer than 10 modules are entirely excluded from receiving allowances, and that distance learners currently receive no institutional support beyond the R316 personal care allocation and a one-off textbook voucher.

​Furthermore, Cassim strongly urged the Unisa Council to urgently walk back its decision to scrap monthly student data packages, emphasizing that stable internet connectivity is an absolute prerequisite for distance education

While welcoming Unisa’s ongoing negotiations with private telecommunications companies for low-cost data partnerships, the Deputy Minister maintained that a firm, consistent monthly allocation must be guaranteed.

​Students experiencing ongoing bursary, registration, or allowance issues are encouraged to continue escalating their unresolved cases directly to the ministry via the dedicated email address: Dmsdesk@Dhet.gov.za.

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MMC COMMENDS JMPD TACTICAL RESPONSE UNIT AFTER GRUESOME DISCOVERY AND ARRESTS IN SOWETO

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KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR 

MMC COMMENDS JMPD TACTICAL RESPONSE UNIT AFTER GRUESOME DISCOVERY AND ARRESTS IN SOWETO


SOWETO – The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Safety in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Moshe Koma, has highly commended the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit (TRU) for a swift operation that uncovered a hijacked government vehicle and led to a horrifying discovery of suspected human organs.  

​The dramatic breakthrough occurred on the evening of Thursday, 9 July 2026, culminating in the arrest of two male suspects at a residential property on Nape Street in Naledi, Soweto.  

​The Road to the Discovery

​The operation began when JMPD tactical officers conducting routine crime prevention patrols received an urgent tip-off regarding a vehicle allegedly being stripped for parts at a local residence.  

​Upon arriving at the specified address, tactical teams observed that the property's main gate was open. Moving further into the yard, officers noticed the front door of the house was partially open. After knocking loudly and receiving no response from within, the team entered the home under emergency protocols to investigate.  

​Inside, officers confronted a male suspect. Upon being questioned regarding the vehicle, the suspect admitted that the car they were looking for was parked inside the property's garage and claimed it belonged to the homeowner.  

Hijacked Department of Health Vehicle Recovered

​A thorough inspection of the locked garage revealed a white Volkswagen Caddy.  

​Officers ran the vehicle's details through the police national verification system, which confirmed it belonged to the National Department of Health. The vehicle had been positively flagged as hijacked and was already in the advanced stages of being stripped down for illicit parts distribution.  

​Tactical teams then expanded their perimeter search around the property, leading to the apprehension of a second male suspect who was found hiding in the backyard.  

​Buckets of Human Organs Found

​While processing the crime scene and searching the rest of the yard, officers made a deeply disturbing discovery. They uncovered two buckets containing what authorities strongly believe to be harvested human organs. 

JMPD officials later identified the organic matter inside the buckets as human hearts and lungs.  

​MMC Moshe Koma described the gruesome finding as deeply shocking and praised the JMPD TRU members for their exceptional vigilance, professionalism, and decisive tactical response.

​Both suspects were immediately processed, arrested, and transported to the Naledi Police Station. 

They currently face serious criminal charges, including:  

​Unlawful possession of a hijacked motor vehicle.  

​Illegal and unauthorized possession of human tissue/organs.  

SAPS and JMPD tracking units are continuing an intensive joint investigation to determine the exact origin of the human organs and to trace the whereabouts of the property's homeowner, who remains at large.  

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TREASURY FREEZES EQUITABLE SHARE TRANSFERS TO 69 NON-COMPLIANT MUNICIPALITIES

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KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR 

TREASURY FREEZES EQUITABLE SHARE TRANSFERS TO 69 NON-COMPLIANT MUNICIPALITIES


PRETORIA – In an extraordinary intervention to curb widespread financial misconduct, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has announced National Treasury’s decision to temporarily withhold the July 2026 local government equitable share transfers from 69 municipalities across South Africa.  

​The drastic corrective measure, invoked under Section 216(2) of the Constitution and the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), affects major metropolitan areas—including the City of Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City, and Mangaung—as well as dozens of local and district municipalities across all nine provinces.  

​According to Minister Godongwana, the intervention is designed to enforce fiscal discipline, protect public funds, and compel failing local governments to align with statutory regulations.  

A Multibillion-Rand Crisis in Local Governance
The intervention follows years of state-sponsored support, training, and legislative warnings that have failed to stem severe financial decline. Treasury’s data reveals staggering systemic deficits across the local government sector:  

R145.21 billion in accumulated irregular expenditure, with R40.14 billion incurred during the 2024–25 financial year alone.  

R24.12 billion lost to fruitless and wasteful expenditure since the 2021–22 cycle.  
​R118.13 billion in disclosed unauthorized expenditure.  

Widespread Budget Failure: In 2024–25, nearly half of the country’s municipalities (116) adopted completely unfunded budgets.  
​Beyond internal audit failures, the 69 targeted municipalities collectively owe critical utilities and statutory bodies R27.4 billion. 

This includes outstanding interest debts of R3.40 billion to Eskom and R1.21 billion to various water boards, alongside widespread failures to hand over paydeductions for employee pensions, the South African Revenue Service (SARS), and the Auditor-General (AGSA).  

​"This fragility is not solely the result of external socio-economic pressures," Minister Godongwana emphasized. "A significant portion relates to the internal organization of municipal finance itself. Many councils continue to adopt unfunded budgets, fail to process unauthorized, irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure (UIFWE) through their committees, and neglect consequence management."
  
How the Funding Freeze Will Work

​National Treasury has clarified that this funding halt is a structured corrective action rather than a permanent sanction.  

​To safeguard critical national utilities and employee livelihoods, Treasury will bypass non-compliant municipal accounts, redirecting crucial cash injections in direct tranches to Eskom, municipal water boards, and statutory bodies to protect electricity, water networks, and worker pensions.  

​Affected municipalities were issued written warnings ahead of the freeze and provided an opportunity to present representations.  
​Strict Compliance Targets for Reinstatement
To unlock their frozen equitable share allocations, the 69 municipalities must meet stringent financial recovery benchmarks overseen by National Treasury and provincial counterparts:

​UIFWE Reduction: Municipalities must hit a 15% reduction in their irregular expenditure balances by August, and an additional 15% drop by September.

​Accountability Measures: Councils must supply evidence of functional disciplinary boards, active processing of historical financial misconduct through Municipal Public Accounts Committees (MPACs), and implemented consequence management.  

​Credible Planning: Municipal leadership must provide concrete proof of fully funded seasonal budgets and sign strict debt repayment schedules with third-party creditors.  

​"South Africans deserve municipalities that are financially sound, accountable, and capable of delivering services," Godongwana concluded. "By invoking the Constitution, we are signaling seriousness about governance, fiscal responsibility, and the rule of law."
Official List of Affected Municipalities

Eastern Cape: Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela Bay, Makana, Sundays River Valley, Inxuba Yethemba, Port St Johns.  

Free State: Mangaung, Letsemeng, Kopanong, Mohokare, Xhariep District, Masilonyana, Tokologo, Matjhabeng, Nala, Dihlabeng, Nketoana, Maluti-a-Phofung, Phumelela, Mantsopa, Ngwathe, Mafube.  
Gauteng: City of Johannesburg, Emfuleni, Lesedi, Sedibeng District, Merafong City, Rand West City.  
KwaZulu-Natal: iMpendle, uMzinyathi District, Newcastle, eMadlangeni, Amajuba District, AbaQulusi, uMkhanyakude District.  
Limpopo: Mopani District, Musina, Thabazimbi, Modimolle-Mookgopong, Fetakgomo Tubatse.  
Mpumalanga: Victor Khanye, Emakhazeni, Nkomazi.  
Northern Cape: Kamiesberg, Khâi-Ma, Ubuntu, Umsobomvu, Emthanjeni, Renosterberg, Thembelihle, Siyathemba, !Kai !Garib, Magareng, Phokwane.  
North West: Madibeng, Kgetlengrivier, Tswaing, Mafikeng, Ditsobotla, Ngaka Modiri Molema District, Naledi, Mamusa, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, City of Matlosana, Maquassi Hills, JB Marks.
Western Cape: Theewaterskloof, Laingsburg, Beaufort West.  

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OVER 400 OPERATING LICENSES RISK CANCELLATION DUE TO NON-COLLECTION, WARNS MEC DIALE-TLABELA

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KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

OVER 400 OPERATING LICENSES RISK CANCELLATION DUE TO NON-COLLECTION, WARNS MEC DIALE-TLABELA


JOHANNESBURG – The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has issued an urgent appeal to public transport operators to collect their long-awaited operating licenses or risk having them permanently cancelled.

​Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, revealed that more than 400 valid, approved operating licenses currently sit uncollected at department offices. The warning is specifically directed at minibus taxi and scholar transport operators who have already undergone the application process.
​Strict August Deadline Imposed

​The department has set a firm deadline of Friday, 14 August 2026, for operators to claim their documents. Applicants who have received notification via SMS or through their respective transport associations are urged to act immediately.

​Failure to collect the licenses within this stipulated timeframe will result in the immediate cancellation of the documents.

Affected operators will then be legally required to restart the entire application process from scratch, in accordance with provincial transport legislation.

Clearing the Backlog

​The accumulation of uncollected licenses comes despite significant administrative progress by the provincial government. Since November 2025, the department has heavily prioritized streamlining its internal operations to eliminate a massive historic backlog and speed up turnaround times.

​This administrative push has yielded substantial results over the past several months:

​Over 2,000 valid operating licenses have been successfully handed over to compliant minibus taxi and scholar transport operators since November 2025.

​208 operating licenses were issued in a single day on Friday, 10 July 2026, during a targeted rollout at the Derek Masoek Regional Office in Johannesburg.

​Ensuring Legality and Safety on Gauteng Roads
​MEC Diale-Tlabela reiterated that operating licenses are a foundational pillar of a safe, well-regulated, and sustainable public transport network that protects everyday commuters.

"We are calling on applicants, particularly minibus and scholar transport operators, to collect their operating licenses," said MEC Diale-Tlabela. "We encourage them to collect their operating licenses without delay, so they can continue to operate legally and contribute to safer roads across Gauteng."

​The ongoing collection drive forms part of the department's broader commitment to fostering regulatory compliance, eliminating illegal operations, and building a more efficient, transparent, and responsive public transport sector across the province.


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GAUTENG SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT CALLS FOR INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT ON WORLD POPULATION DAY

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KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR 

GAUTENG SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT CALLS FOR INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT ON WORLD POPULATION DAY


JOHANNESBURG – The Gauteng Department of Social Development has joined the global community in commemorating World Population Day, emphasizing the urgent need for inclusive, responsive development as the province navigates rapid population growth and accelerating urbanization.

​Observed annually on 11 July, World Population Day raises global awareness about population trends and their direct impact on sustainable development, social well-being, and economic growth.

Navigating the Opportunities and Demands of Growth

​Department officials noted that population trends are inextricably linked to public access to education, healthcare, social protection, and employment opportunities. As South Africa's economic hub, Gauteng’s expanding population presents a complex dual reality of opportunities and systemic challenges.

​While a predominantly youthful population holds the potential to drive immense economic innovation and long-term growth, it simultaneously places an unprecedented demand on infrastructure, social services, skills development pipelines, and the job market.
To build resilient communities capable of adapting to these shifting demographics, the department is actively driving targeted social welfare investments. Current core frameworks focus on:


​Strengthening vulnerable family structures and promoting gender equality

​Combating systemic substance abuse across communities

​Empowering young people through targeted skills development, entrepreneurship pathways, and sustainable livelihoods

Investing in People, Not Statistics

​Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, stated that the annual commemoration serves as a critical checkpoint to ensure that no resident is left behind in the province's developmental stride.

​"As Gauteng continues to grow, we must ensure that development keeps pace with the needs of our people," said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.

"Population growth should not be viewed merely as a statistic, but as a call to strengthen our investment in people, particularly children, youth, women, older persons, and persons with disabilities."

​The MEC further highlighted that targeted social development programs are vital to safeguarding marginalized groups and creating an environment where every individual can thrive.

A Unified Approach to Provincial Challenges
The department stressed that government interventions alone cannot absorb the pressures of rapid expansion. 

Addressing the complex social challenges tied to high population growth—such as deep-seated poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, inequality, and gender-based violence—requires robust, active partnerships across the private sector, civil society, government, and local communities.

​As the province marks World Population Day, the Gauteng Department of Social Development is calling on all residents to actively participate in localized initiatives that champion social cohesion, healthy lifestyles, and responsible citizenship to build a future-ready province.

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FREE STATE DETECTIVE ARRESTED IN ANTI-CORRUPTION UNDERCOVER STING OPERATION ​

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KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR 

FREE STATE DETECTIVE ARRESTED IN ANTI-CORRUPTION UNDERCOVER STING OPERATION


SASOLBURG – In a decisive blow against internal police corruption, members of the Free State Police Anti-Corruption Unit have arrested a 43-year-old Detective Sergeant for extortion and corruption.

​The breakthrough arrest took place on Friday afternoon, 10 July 2026, during a meticulously planned undercover entrapment operation executed directly behind the Sasolburg police station.

The Extortion Scheme Exposed

​The criminal investigation began following an incident on Sunday, 5 July 2026, when the detective visited the Zamdela home of a 41-year-old complainant. Finding the man away, the detective returned the following day and informed him that a case of assault had been opened against him.

​Instead of processing the case through legitimate legal channels, the detective allegedly told the victim that "there is no case" and suggested they could "work something out" to make the matter disappear. Coerced by the threat of arrest, the complainant transferred R2,000 to the officer via an electronic funds transfer (EFT).

​The extortion escalated on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, when the detective returned to demand an additional R10,000, claiming that the state prosecutor required the funds to drop the charges. The complainant stated he did not have the cash but promised to arrange a meeting once the money was gathered.

The Trap is Sprung

​Unwilling to comply further, the victim reported the extortion to the Free State Anti-Corruption Unit. Authorities swiftly authorized an official sting operation for Friday afternoon.
The unsuspecting detective met the complainant to collect the cash bribe. Immediately after the exchange took place, undercover anti-corruption officers closed in and arrested the detective on the scene. The marked entrapment money was recovered directly from his possession.

Zero Tolerance for Criminality Within the Ranks

​The Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia, strongly condemned the detective's actions, emphasizing that the police service maintains a policy of absolute zero tolerance toward rogue elements

​"We will not allow the badge to be tarnished by individuals who choose to abuse their authority for personal greed," said Lieutenant General Lesia. "This successful operation sends a clear message to all members that corruption will be rooted out without fear or favor. We are fully committed to cleaning up our ranks and restoring public trust."

​The suspect remains in custody and is expected to make his first appearance in the Sasolburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 13 July 2026, where he will face formal charges of corruption and extortion.

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PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA MOURNS THE TRAGIC PASSING OF RISING SPORTS STARS JAYDEN ADAMS AND LUQOBO MAKWEDINI

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KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR 

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA MOURNS THE TRAGIC PASSING OF RISING SPORTS STARS JAYDEN ADAMS AND LUQOBO MAKWEDINI



PRETORIA – President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his profound sadness and extended deep condolences following the untimely passing of two of South Africa’s brightest young sporting talents, Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams and former South African Rugby Under-18 prop Luqobo Makwedini.

​Adams passed away at the age of 25, while Makwedini passed away at the tender age of 20.
​A Devastating Loss for South African Sport
​The President shared his thoughts and prayers with the families, friends, and sporting colleagues of both athletes during this incredibly difficult time. 

He acknowledged the profound impact the two young men had on their respective sports, both locally and internationally.

​Adams was a key figure for reigning Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns and a rising star within the Bafana Bafana national setup. Meanwhile, Makwedini, a formidable former SA Under-18 representative, had been carving out a promising professional rugby career overseas with his club colleagues in France.

​Tragedy Amid National Sporting Celebrations
​President Ramaphosa noted that the loss of these two exceptional young athletes is felt even more acutely as the country participates in major global sporting events.

​"It is particularly tragic that we are suffering the loss of two outstanding, young athletes at a time when our nation continues to immerse itself in the FIFA World Cup tournament, as well as the Springboks’ and Springbok Women’s matches against Scotland and the USA Eagles in Pretoria today," President Ramaphosa said.
​He praised both athletes for their dedication, talent, and the pride they brought to the nation on the international stage.

"We are grateful for the joy and victories Jayden and Luqobo have given us and their teams as they lived their dreams and held South Africa’s name high on the scoreboards of global sport. May their souls rest in peace," the President concluded.

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