TRAGIC SHOOTING AT WALTER SISULU UNIVERSITY @KASIBC_NEWS

TRAGIC SHOOTING AT WALTER SISULU UNIVERSITY @KASIBC_NEWS

The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane, has learned with deep sorrow and concern of the fatal shooting of Mr Sinethemba Mpambane, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Support and Development at Walter Sisulu University, on the evening of 19 June 2025. 

Mr Mpambane was shot multiple times while seated in his vehicle at the entrance of the University’s Nkululekweni Facility in Mthatha. This devastating loss comes just weeks after the fatal shooting of Mr Sisonke Mbolekwa, a final-year student who was killed during a protest on the same campus in April 2025. 

The Minister visited the university and the Mbolekwa family following that tragedy to offer support and to understand the circumstances surrounding the loss. The recurrence of such violence within an institution of higher learning is deeply troubling. The Minister is profoundly disturbed that yet another life has been lost under violent circumstances at a university. 

The safety and well-being of students and staff must be prioritised at all times. The academic community cannot thrive in an environment characterised by fear and violence. Institutions of higher learning must remain sanctuaries for teaching, learning, and transformation.  

The Minister will urgently engage with the Vice-Chancellor of Walter Sisulu University, Professor Rushiella Songca, and the Chairperson of the University Council to assess existing security protocols and to identify immediate measures to ensure safety on campus. The Minister extends heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr Mpambane and the broader Walter Sisulu University community. This brutal killing must not only be condemned but must serve as a call to action to restore peace, safety, and dignity to our institutions. Our universities must not become places of violence and loss. They must remain spaces of hope, growth, and opportunity. 

 

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION REFERED TO ETHICS COMMITTEE FOR LYING IN PARLIAMENT @KASIBC_NEWS

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION REFERED TO ETHICS COMMITTEE FOR LYING IN PARLIAMENT @KASIBC_NEWS

The DA will refer the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, to the Ethics Committee for misleading the parliamentary portfolio Committee on Higher Education when she stated that all members of the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) Board Chairpersons Selection and Evaluation Panel were independent.

This afternoon, the Minister finally released the names of the panel, which reportedly assisted her in appointing ANC-aligned individuals to SETA board positions through a process that has raised concerns about its transparency.

The panel includes:

Adv Terry Motau: He was the Chairperson of the panel, yet never attended any of the meetings. Which then begs the question; who chaired the meetings?

Asisipho Solani: Former South African Students Congress (SASCO) leader, former a member of the Western Cape ANC Youth League's (ANCYL) interim leadership, and current advisor to the Higher Education Minister;

Nelisiwe Semane: Chief of Staff in the Office of the Higher Education Minister;

Mabuza Ngubane: a Chief Director for SETA Coordination; and

Rhulani Ngwenya: Current Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services: Department of Higher Education and Training, and former Deputy Director-General Corporate Management: Department of Tourism.

Furthermore, the Minister failed to reveal all the names as the name of one of the panel members concealed. 

The Minister cited that the person was not comfortable with their name being disclosed. 

The Minister also concealed two other names from the National Skills Authority (NSA) Selection and Evaluation Panel, as well as one from the Universities Council Ministerial Appointments and the Selection and Evaluation Panel for the Council for Higher Education (CHE).

The DA will request that all minutes of the panel be made available to the committee in full, as well as the reports sent to the National Skills Authority (NSA) for final consideration of the appointments.

STUDENTS LIVING CRISES EXPOSED @KASIBC_NEWS

STUDENTS LIVING CRISES EXPOSED @KASIBC_NEWS

The DA uncovered shocking, unsafe, and crumbling living conditions at a university residence in Gqeberha.

Students face ongoing crises — from unpaid NSFAS allowances to being exploited by rogue landlords.

The DA has launched a national reporting portal to expose failures and escalate urgent student housing issues.

An oversight inspection by the DA at a university residence in Gqeberha today, has revealed shocking and unacceptable residential living conditions. 

Almost every aspect of the living conditions were broken, from the perimeter fencing and plumbing, to the refuse facilities, kitchens, bathrooms, windows, and flooring. This is an unacceptable disgrace.

Apart from the physical dereliction and dilapidation, numerous students have also pleaded for help with their accommodation payments as many of them still do not receive their allowances on time.

The conditions discovered during today's oversight is undoubtedly mirrored on Campuses across South Africa, which is why the DA launched our new portal for students to report accommodation failures.

We will use this online portal to give a voice to voiceless students and to establish a clear picture of the widespread accommodation problem. 

The DA will work with the Deputy Minister for Higher Education, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, to escalate these issues for resolution by the National Department or directly to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAs).

Students have struggled with various aspects of the accommodations for a number of years, and rather than problems being solved, each year the situation seems to deteriorate. From students having to start their academic years without safe and appropriate housing in place, late NSFAS accommodation allowance payments and mid-year defunding by NSFAS, to unscrupulous accommodation providers preying on vulnerable students who face either destitution or settling for housing in unsafe buildings or areas.

At oversights, allegations of students forced to trade sex for accommodation or landlords keeping students' possessions, including study materials, were revealed by student representatives.

Students often study far from home in towns and cities where they have little to no support systems. 

And while NSFAS’ Student Accommodation online portal service providers and student accommodation accrediting agents were supposed to be in aid of providing students with suitable and safe accommodation, irregularities in awarding the tenders, as well as the service providers’ inability to offer effectively deliver the services needed, were exposed last year.

NSFAS is meant to help students, including those in vulnerable circumstances, attain their goals and dreams, not be hindrances.

Quality Education is the best way for South African youth to become economically independent, thriving individuals and as the DA we aim to help them on this journey.

MASS SHOOTING ROCKS PHILIPPI EAST @KASIBC_NEWS

MASS SHOOTING ROCKS PHILIPPI EAST @KASIBC_NEWS

The DA condemns the mass shooting that occurred in Philippi East on Sunday night, which claimed the lives of three men aged between 28 and 39. This is a stark reminder of the unacceptable levels of violence that continue to plague our communities. 

Three victims were declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel, while a fourth was wounded and rushed to a medical facility for treatment.

The Western Cape continues to endure violent crime that threatens the safety and well-being of its residents. The authorities must act now, with greater urgency and focus, to curb this violence and restore public confidence in our law enforcement agencies.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) must urgently respond with a robust and clear action plan to address the growing crisis. Our Police Stations are grossly undermanned and outgunned, placing both our brave officers and the residents of our province at significant risk.

DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Police Oversight and Community Safety said: “The DA in the Western Cape is deeply concerned by the insufficient staffing and resourcing of our police stations, which ultimately hampers their ability to protect our citizens and uphold the law. The safety of the people of the Western Cape cannot continue to be compromised.

We will once again demand a clear, detailed action plan from SAPS to deal with violent crime in the Western Cape. This plan must outline how additional resources will be allocated to combat crime in our province, with clear timelines for implementation. Once the plan is received, I will invite SAPS to present it to the Standing Committee on Police Oversight and Community Safety so that it may be interrogated and scrutinized by the representatives of the people of the Western Cape. 

It is time for decisive action, and for SAPS to deliver the resources and strategies needed to bring an end to this reign of terror.”

BUS ACCIDENT AFTER YOUTH DAY RALLY IN UMLAZI @KASIBC_NEWS

BUS ACCIDENT AFTER YOUTH DAY RALLY IN UMLAZI @KASIBC_NEWS

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is saddened by the tragic passing of 12 people who lost their lives in a devastating accident along the R34 near Vryheid. The EFF has confirmed that the transportation was taking members home from our June 16 Rally in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal. 

The EFF sends it deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all those who have lost their lives. These Fighters lost their lives following a show of support for the revolution they belonged to and they must be remembered as heroes to whom we owe a great debt. 

These were committed Fighters, who had attended the rally to honour the courage of the Youth of 1976 and to continue the Struggle for Economic Freedom. They died in the line of duty, and their lives will never be forgotten. Many more have been injured and are receiving medical attention. 

The process of identifying the deceased is ongoing, and we are working with relevant authorities to ensure families are informed and supported. 

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We send our heartfelt condolences to the families and pray for healing to those injured. 

We will continue to honour the memory of the fallen with action and commitment to the struggle they believed in. 

May their Souls rest in Revolutionary Peace. 

SAPS 163 SUSPENDED OFFICERS CHARGED WITH CORRUPTION, THEFT , MURDER , SEXUAL HARASSMENT @KASIBC_NEWS

SAPS 163 SUSPENDED OFFICERS CHARGED WITH CORRUPTION,  THEFT , MURDER , SEXUAL HARASSMENT @KASIBC_NEWS

During the 2023/24 financial year, at total of 163 South African Police Service (SAPS) officers and officials were suspended after being charged with a plethora of serious allegations. 

These suspensions placed a financial burden of R8,287,050.34 on the SAPS Budget and the people of South Africa. This information was made available to RISE Mzansi in a reply to a written parliamentary question.

SAPS officers and officials, with ranks ranging from Administrative Clerk all the way to a Lieutenant-General, were charged with a number of serious offences, including but limited to robbery, corruption, extortion, sexual harassment, and kidnapping.

Moreover, in the same reply, the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, states that 16 SAPS officers and officials are currently under suspension, with ranks ranging from Administrative Clerk to that of Lieutenant-General. Once again, they face serious offences, including but not limited to, murder, business robbery, kidnapping, and the misuse of funds.

A full list of ranks and offences can be found in the attached reply.

While these officers and officials dwarf in comparison to the almost 200,000 employees of SAPS, it is still of deep concern that men and women who commit to maintaining the law find themselves on the wrong side of it. 

This only serves to further undermine trust in the SAPS, and their ability to combat crime and enforce the law.

One crooked police officer is one crooked police officer too many.

RISE will continue to probe cases of suspension within the SAPS and whether indeed, once found guilty of the offence, the officers and officials were relieved of their duties, and in the instance of a criminal offence if charges were laid against the officers and officials.

YOUTH-OWNED BUSINESSES BENEFITTING FROM KZN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FUND @KASIBC_NEWS

YOUTH-OWNED BUSINESSES BENEFITTING FROM KZN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FUND @KASIBC_NEWS

The Inkatha Freedom Party Youth Brigade in KwaZulu-Natal extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the youth-owned businesses across the province that are today, 16 June 2026, officially benefitting from the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Development Fund (Youth Fund).

As we mark this year’s Youth Day, we celebrate a milestone achievement by the 7th Administration under the leadership of the Honourable Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Thamsanqa Ntuli. Through the Youth Fund, valued at R100 Million, approximately 100 youth-led enterprises are set to receive support that will not only expand their operations but will also contribute meaningfully to job creation across various sectors.

This is a commendable and practical step towards economic empowerment and youth development, aligned with the IFP’s long-standing belief in the principle of self-help and self-reliance – values consistently championed by our Founding President and President Emeritus, the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. He taught us that young people must not only seek opportunities but must also be empowered to create them.

The IFP Youth Brigade applauds Premier Ntuli and his entire executive for upholding these teachings and for making deliberate efforts to prioritise youth development. This administration continues to walk the talk, showing that empowering young people is not just a slogan but a measurable government commitment.

We also take this opportunity to condemn in the strongest terms the false and malicious claims made by some desperate political figures who have sought to discredit this initiative. Allegations that the Youth Fund only benefits members of the IFP Youth Brigade are not only baseless, but they also insult the intelligence and capability of the young entrepreneurs who were selected through a transparent and competitive process.

Such attempts to politicise a well-structured and impactful youth empowerment programme are disingenuous and should be rejected by all who care about the future of KwaZulu-Natal’s youth. Instead of criticising, any responsible and progressive leader should be commending Premier Ntuli’s government for delivering a programme that speaks directly to the needs and aspirations of the province’s young people.

As the IFP Youth Brigade in KwaZulu-Natal, we reaffirm our support for the Youth Fund and call for its expansion in future budget cycles so that more youth across all corners of the province can benefit. We further encourage the beneficiaries to make full use of this opportunity, to grow, innovate and become agents of change in their communities.

This is what the IFP stands for – youth empowerment, dignity through work, and leadership that delivers.

HONOURING THE HEROISM AND LEGACY OF THE 1976 GENERATION @KASIBC_NEWS

HONOURING THE HEROISM AND LEGACY OF THE 1976 GENERATION @KASIBC_NEWS

The African National Congress (ANC) joins millions of South Africans in commemorating Youth Day, a solemn and powerful day etched in the collective consciousness of our nation. 

On this day in 1976, the apartheid regime unleashed deadly force on unarmed students who were peacefully protesting against the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction and the broader injustices of Bantu Education. June 16, 1976 remains indelible in the history of our liberation struggle, a day when a vicious regime declared war on school children who dared to dream of freedom. 

We Salute the militant and fearless Class of 1976, whose courage, defiance, and sacrifice altered the course of our history. Their bravery is a lasting reminder of the power of youth to drive profound political and social transformation. 

The ANC recognises that the history of our liberation struggle is incomplete without acknowledging the central role played by young people. They were not passive observers but leaders, organisers, and frontline combatants. 

From the formation of the ANC Youth League in 1944 to the defiant “Young Lions” of the 1980s who heeded Comrade President Oliver Tambo’s call to make apartheid ungovernable, young people have consistently earned their place in history through blood, tears, sweat, and the power of their ideas and innovations. 

As we honour the 1976 Generation, we also pay tribute to the gallant youth of the 1980s who continued the struggle under extreme conditions of state repression. Inspired by the Class of 1976, they rose to the challenge, confronting the Apartheid State with fearless resolve. 

We dare not forget their collective sacrifices and the vision for which they laid down their lives. 

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Today, we call on the youth of South Africa to carry forward this proud legacy. Just as previous generations fought against apartheid, today’s youth must lead the charge against the modern-day struggles of racism, patriarchy, corruption, crime, inequality, and the pandemic of gender-based violence. 

The current generation must once again occupy the front trenches in the fight for a just, equal, and inclusive society. 

This Youth Day also serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing plight faced by many young people in our country. Too many are unemployed, impoverished, and excluded from the mainstream of economic activity. 

The ANC recognises this crisis and recommits itself to addressing the socio-economic barriers that continue to limit the potential of our youth. We commend the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) for its continued role in championing the aspirations of young people. The Youth League must intensify its mobilisation efforts to ensure young people seize the opportunities created by the ANC-led Government of National Unity, including entrepreneurship support, education and training, and skills development. 

The ANCYL carries a responsibility to help cultivate a new generation of progressive activists, entrepreneurs, academics, engineers, scientists, innovators, and ethical leaders. The most meaningful tribute we can pay to the 1976 generation and all generations of young activists is to ensure that today’s youth continue to lead the reconstruction and transformation of our country. 

Their participation remains critical to building a better life for all. Let us honour the legacy of the 1976 youth not only in word, but through decisive and sustained action.

TARA MENTAL HOSPITAL 2.5BILLION SECURITY COST @KASIBC_NEWS

TARA MENTAL HOSPITAL 2.5BILLION SECURITY COST @KASIBC_NEWS

Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has ordered a review of excessive hospital security following the DA exposure of ballooning costs.

She said this at a meeting last week of the Gauteng Legislature’s Health Committee with the management of Tara Mental Hospital, where it was revealed that their new security contract includes 46 guards - far exceeding their assessed need for only 26 guards.

The MEC admitted the security review was triggered by my question in the Gauteng Legislature which revealed that total security costs had soared from R655 Million in 2022 to an astounding R2.54 Billion this year.

Tara Hospital now pays R14 Million a year for the new security contract, compared to R4.2 Million previously with 21 guards. Despite their internal assessment recommending 26 guards, they are forced to pay for 46 guards as determined by the Gauteng Health Department.

This means they are paying about R5 Million a year for 20 guards they do not need. They could better use this money to fill the vacancies for 13 professional nurses as the hospital cannot use 50 of its 137 beds because of staff shortages.

These unused beds are needed urgently as there is a long list of mental patients who desperately need to be admitted.

It is a clear example of excessive security costs squeezing out service delivery.

The DA in Gauteng will continue to hold the Health MEC accountable and will push for an end to rip-off security contracts so the budget goes to where it is most needed.

NGWATHE 12MILLION BRIDGE @KASIBC_NEWS

NGWATHE 12MILLION BRIDGE @KASIBC_NEWS

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ngwathe will report the low-level bridge, describing it as another multimillion-rand failed project where lives have been lost to the HAWKS for further investigation.

The low-level bridge project commenced in 2021 and is still ongoing. Despite numerous complaints and fatal accidents, the municipality has not issued a single response. Some people have also lost their lives when this bridge was supposed to be built as a mainstream flow through this area.

Over the years, some people were swept away by the stream as they tried to cross over to Sandersville or town.

The project has incurred R11,946,918.01 thus far. 

This was learnt at last week’s council sitting when various reports on current projects in the municipality were made available.

I raised the question of why the contractor was paid, as basically, no work was being done on this project. 

The Executive Mayor indicated, “There is currently an investigation regarding this project.”

We are not happy at all, as various letters were sent to the municipality, questioning the slow progress of this project.

This cannot be. So much money is spent for nothing. This low-level bridge is needed in the community, as residents can’t move from one area to the other during rainy seasons.

The project has now been extended to be completed in 2027. This is a significant concern, as only R4,533,837.38 remains of the initial R16,480,754.39 budgeted for this project. Where will the money come from? This sounds unrealistic.

This is unacceptable and cannot be left as it is.

Someone needs to account for why the contractor was paid when no work was done.

BHAMBANANA ABATTOIR ADA CASH INJECTION @KASIBC_NEWS

BHAMBANANA ABATTOIR ADA CASH INJECTION @KASIBC_NEWS 

The Bhambanana Abattoir project - a facility meant to uplift livestock farmers within uMkhanyakude District – may yet become a beacon of hope after years of failure following a recent cash injection of R6.1million by the Agribusiness Development Agency (ADA).

Further steps in the right direction include the involvement of the National Agricultural Marketing Council and the Red Meat Abattoir Association in developing a business plan and infrastructure assessment.

Bhambanana Abbatoir has, for many years, been a major concern for the DA. A facility that was meant to provide support instead became a symbol of government inefficiency and poor planning. 

Initiated in 2012 and constructed at a cost of R82.9million, the abattoir was envisioned as a solution to the economic devastation caused by the 2011 Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak.

The facility was meant to provide a safe, regulated space for livestock slaughter, enabling trade in meat rather than live animals. However, due to glaring structural defects and non-compliance with national meat safety regulations, the facility has remained non-operational for nearly a decade.

The DA has consistently called for accountability in infrastructure spending and the Bhambanana Abattoir is a textbook case of how poor oversight and lack of technical due diligence can derail a well-intentioned project. The absence of basic operational features, including proper slaughter line height, sterilization points and adequate washing facilities, has rendered the facility unusable until now.

The DA strongly supports the proposal for a public-private partnership (PPP) model to operationalise the facility. By involving local livestock associations, traditional authorities and private sector operators, we can ensure that the abattoir becomes a sustainable economic hub. This model will not only create jobs but also empower local farmers, improve food safety, and stimulate the rural economy of Northern KwaZulu-Natal 

The DA urges KZN’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) to fast-track the handover processes, resolve outstanding utility and land issues and ensure full transparency in the appointment of operational partners.

The people of uMkhanyakude deserve better. As part of KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), the DA will continue to monitor this project closely to ensure that public funds are used effectively and that the Bhambanana Abattoir finally delivers on its promise.

DIHLABENG INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT 54% VACANCY RATE @KASIBC_NEWS

DIHLABENG INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT 54% VACANCY RATE @KASIBC_NEWS 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Dihlabeng has requested an urgent performance audit of the Infrastructure Department to identify internal bottlenecks and hold senior officials accountable for the inaction regarding the deteriorating state of service delivery.

This is a direct result of the Infrastructure and Public Works Department operating at a staggering 54% staff vacancy rate.

This failure to fill critical positions is not just an administrative issue but a direct assault on the constitutional right of residents to basic services.

Infrastructure is the backbone of any municipality. Without the necessary personnel, Dihlabeng’s ability to maintain roads, respond to water leaks, manage sewerage systems, and uphold public safety infrastructure is collapsing before our eyes.

Communities are suffering, and the ANC-led administration has no plan to arrest this decline.

The DA continues to receive daily complaints from residents across the entire Dihlabeng Municipality.

This collapse in service delivery is due to a failure of governance, planning, and political will.

The remaining employees in the Infrastructure Department are overburdened and under-supported. Staff are working excessive overtime to compensate for the shortfall, leading to exhaustion, low morale, and mistakes that further delay service delivery. This is unsustainable and dangerous.

The DA in Dihlabeng is proposing the following immediate and long-term interventions to stabilise the department and restore service delivery:

Declaration of a Local Infrastructure Emergency

The municipality must formally declare an Infrastructure Emergency to unlock special funding and support from the Free State Provincial Government.

Urgent filling of critical posts

We are demanding that all funded and vacant technical posts be advertised and filled within 60 days. We will table a motion in Council for quarterly reporting on progress.

Deploy retired Engineers and artisans

Engage qualified retirees on short-term contracts to stabilise operations while permanent recruitment continues.

Accelerate learnerships and internships

Fast-track DA supported partnerships with colleges to place young artisans into municipal departments with structured mentorship.

Ward-based maintenance teams

Establish community-based maintenance teams under municipal supervision to assist with basic repairs, road patching, and cleaning while skilled staff focus on technical duties.

Transparent reporting to residents

A weekly Service Delivery Report should be published publicly to track complaints, repairs, and departmental performance. The DA will initiate this transparency through its own Ward Councillors when the administration fails to act.

The current state of Dihlabeng’s infrastructure is unacceptable. It is not only a result of capacity; it is a symptom of broken leadership. 

The DA is committed to fixing what is broken by focusing on clean governance, professional administration, and people-centred service delivery.

We will not allow the residents of Dihlabeng to be forgotten.