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President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomes Madlanga Commission Interim Report

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CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS

ONLINE_EDITOR

President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomes Madlanga Commission Interim Report

On the 13th of July 2025, announced the establishment of the .

This followed serious allegations made by about the existence and operation of a sophisticated criminal syndicate that has allegedly infiltrated the criminal justice system in South Africa.

The Commission, chaired by retired , assisted by Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC and Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC, submitted its interim report on the 17th of December 2025 in line with the delivery timelines that had been determined by the President.

President Ramaphosa has studied the interim report and accepts its recommendations.

President Ramaphosa further welcomes the referrals by the Commission of matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution, as well as recommendations on the employment status and recommended suspension of individuals.

The Commission, in accordance with its terms of reference, makes several referrals concerning matters that require immediate further investigation by the relevant and impacted law enforcement institutions, including criminal investigations.

The commission also makes recommendations in some instances for disciplinary measures to be taken against individuals alleged to be involved in wrongdoing including criminal acts and corruption.

Clause 7 of the Commission’s Terms of Reference empowers the Commission to “consider prima facie evidence relating to the involvement of individuals currently employed within law enforcement or intelligence agencies and, where appropriate, the Commission must make recommendations regarding the employment status of such officials including whether they should be suspended pending the outcome of further investigations.”

Clause 10.4 provides the Commission with the “power to refer matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution, taking into account the nature of the allegations and evidence the Commission will uncover.”

Clause 12 states that “the Commission shall, where appropriate, refer any matter for prosecution, further investigation or the convening of a separate enquiry to the appropriate law enforcement agency, government department or regulator.”

President Ramaphosa expects all law enforcement agencies and other relevant criminal justice institutions to act with speed in implementing the recommendations of the Commission’s interim report. Such immediate action will help to restore public trust and strengthen operational capacity in the affected state entities tasked with fighting crime and corruption.

Where the commission has said that there is prima facie evidence of wrongdoing, it has made referrals for investigation by the appropriate officials in the , Independent Police Investigative Directorate or the .

The referrals relate to the following SAPS officials

Major General Richard Shibiri

Brigadier Mbangwa Nkhwashu

Brigadier Rachel Matjeng

Sergeant Fannie Nkosi

Prima facie evidence of wrongdoing was also found by the Commission with regard to the following current and former employees of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality:

Suspended

EMPD Officer Bafana Twala

EMPD Officer Aiden McKenzie

EMPD Officer Kershia Leigh Stols

EMM fleet manager/proxy Mr Chris Steyn

EMM Head of Department of Human Resources Ms Linda Gxasheka

EMM Head of Legal Adv Kemi Behari

Mr Etienne van der Walt

The matters highlighted for referral concern allegations of criminality, corruption, fraud, murder, perjury and other unlawful actions by officials and officers in the employ of the South African Police Service, City of Ekurhuleni and the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department.

Where IPID is already seized with certain matters, the Commission will make a referral to IPID on the status of their investigations and seek explanations for any delays.

President Ramaphosa has noted that some of the implicated individuals will return to the Commission to respond to allegations presented against them and that more witnesses are yet to deliver their evidence.

While the Commission emphasises that, with the exception of EMPD Chief, Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi, it has not yet heard the response of some of the relevant persons listed above, the allegations against them remain prima facie allegations only and are not findings of the Commission.

The nature of these allegations however warrants the referrals for further investigation and potential disciplinary, prosecutorial or regulatory action right away.

President Ramaphosa has directed the and , the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service to constitute a special investigations task team, with a leader who will report directly to General Masemola. The task team will institute investigations against people identified by the Commission for investigation.

Establishing a special unit is critical to ensure that these investigations take place as a matter of urgency.

President Ramaphosa would like to express his deepest appreciation to the Commission chairperson, retired Justice Madlanga, Commissioners Baloyi and Khumalo and to all the Commission staff for their diligent work in the delivery of the interim report.

The President looks forward to the finalisation of the Commission’s work and its contribution to the effective functioning of law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system.

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EFF GAUTENG CONDEMNS THE SUSPENSION OF REA VAYA FEEDER BUSES IN SOWETO

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CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS

ONLINE_EDITOR

LISTEN HERE : @KASIBC_AUDIO

EFF GAUTENG CONDEMNS THE SUSPENSION OF REA VAYA FEEDER BUSES IN SOWETO

The vehemently rejects the unilateral decision by Mayor, , to suspend Rea Vaya feeder buses in . This ill advised decision, taken without consultation with affected communities and commuter structures, will directly deny the people of Soweto access to safe, affordable and reliable .

The EFF is profoundly disgusted by this decision, which is clear profit-driven and intended to appease certain at the expense of residents who depend on affordable public transport for their daily survival. This situation arises from the failure of political oversight bodies and taxi associations to find a common ground. The unfortunate victims of this misgovernance and poor leadership are ordinary working-class residents who truly need these feeder buses for daily mobility and survival.

The sitting MMC for Transport, , has equally demonstrated gross incompetence and a complete lack of capacity to govern a critical department. Instead of strengthening public transport systems, this office has been reduced to a vehicle for political patronage, corruption, and resource extraction for narrow party interests.

The EFF refuses to accept leadership that treats public transport as a private business to quick money rather than a public service. The EFF in Gauteng therefore demands the immediate reinstatement of all Rea Vaya feeder bus services serving Joburg residents, particularly in Soweto. We also demand a full public consultation process involving commuters, taxi associations, community

leadership, and transport stakeholders before any future decisions affecting public transport are taken. The City of Johannesburg must establish a permanent Transport Stakeholder Forum for Soweto, including taxi associations, commuter representatives, and municipal officials, to manage route integration and conflict resolution. The JMPD Rea Vaya Safety Unit must be strengthened immediately.

We welcome engagements with the MMC for Public Safety, who has committed to increasing police visibility on feeder bus routes to ensure commuter safety and restore public confidence. The EFF will engage the Gauteng Provincial Department of Transport and the City of Johannesburg to fast-track the issuing and regulation of operating permits for buses, ensuring legality, order, and stability in the sector.

We will also engage the to ensure that their role in the is respected, while prioritising the right of residents to safe, efficient, and affordable public transport. At stake is not only transport policy, but the dignity and daily survival of the people. Public transport is a public good, not a bargaining chip for political elites.

We therefore call on the Mayor and his MMC for Transport to return the buses immediately. Failure to act will be met with intensified community mobilisation and political action. The people of Johannesburg cannot be governed through greed that is coupled with incompetence, arrogance and neglect.

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THE MURDER OF SEVEN PEOPLE IN CAPE TOWN WITHIN 24 HOURS

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THE MURDER OF SEVEN PEOPLE IN CAPE TOWN WITHIN 24 HOURS

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The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes the brutal murder of seven people in less than 24 hours in , a city falsely marketed as the “best-run” municipality under Democratic Alliance (DA) leadership. On Monday, reports emerged that seven people were found dead in different areas across Cape Town, with the youngest victim being only 21 years old.

In , two young men between the ages of 21 and 23 were gunned down while walking with four friends who narrowly escaped with their lives. In , two men aged between 40 and 52 were shot and killed. In , a man was shot dead and another injured while they were sitting on the pavement inside the yard of the deceased. This is a chilling reminder that the people of Cape Town are not safe even within the confines of their own homes.

Another lifeless body was discovered at the taxi rank, while in , a 40-year-old man was shot and killed at . What unites all these murders is the fact that every victim died from gunshot wounds, the cases remain under investigation, and not a single arrest has been made in a so-called city that “cares for all.”

Cape Town has effectively become a murder zone. Between 1 and 17 January 2026 alone, 195 homicides were recorded, an average of 11 people killed every single day without justice. This level of violence constitutes a that demands urgent and decisive intervention. However, the remains indifferent because this violence is concentrated in and the , far removed from their privileged constituencies.

The DA-led government has demonstrated, through both action and inaction, that African and Coloured lives do not matter. Our people are reduced to mere statistics, stripped of dignity and denied justice.

This deliberate neglect sustains Cape Town as a city of two realities, a safe haven for the white minority, while Black and Coloured communities are condemned to poverty, violence, and death. It cannot be normalised that people die like flies while governance continues as if nothing is wrong.

The EFF further condemns the complete failure of the state, at local, provincial, and national levels to control the proliferation of . Guns continue to flood Cape Flats communities with no meaningful interdiction, no accountability, and no political will to dismantle .

The DA-led provincial government has failed to implement effective gun-control strategies, while law enforcement agencies appear either incapable or unwilling to remove firearms from our streets. As long as guns are freely available, the bloodshed will continue.

We call on to urgently fast-track the multi-portfolio parliamentary intervention into the and across the , as tabled by the EFF on 13 November 2025. This inquiry is long overdue and must be treated with the seriousness and urgency it deserves, similar to the Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by . All lives matter and must be treated equally, without class bias.

Finally, we call upon civil society organisations and communities to unite in the fight against crime.

Those with information about these murders and the perpetrators must come forward and report them. Community safety cannot be achieved without collective action, accountability, and justice.

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Sport, Arts and Culture on World Surf League event at Jeffreys Bay

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Sport, Arts and Culture on World Surf League event at Jeffreys Bay

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS

ONLINE_EDITOR

CLICK HERE : @KASIBC_AUDIO

The () has noted numerous public statements attributing responsibility for the loss of the ’s event at to the and DSAC. This includes an official statement from a major political party directly criticising the Minister and the Department for the decision made by the World Surf League to shift the event to New Zealand.

The Jeffreys Bay event is a privately owned and promoted event that formed part of the professional global surfing circuit since the mid-1980s. It featured on the Championship Tour calendar for more than 30 years.

Many of the commercial realities around sustainably promoting and holding this event have changed, however, leaving the organisers searching for sources of funding that were not needed in the past. It must be noted that the World Surf League event was hosted in South Africa for many years without the involvement of, or direct financial support from, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.

The public narrative being spread now, by contrast, appears to suggest that the Minister has withdrawn support from the event, leading to its demise. This is highly inaccurate.

Factually, anyone wishing to apply for funding for such an event must do so in line with the , which set out the prescribed process to be followed by organisations intending to bid for and host international sporting events in South Africa.

In terms of these Regulations, event organisers are required to submit a formal application to the Department whenever they bring international competitors to South Africa for a sporting event. The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture considers such applications and may approve or decline them. Where an application includes a request for national government funding, guarantees, or services from other government departments, the Minister is required to submit the request to for consideration and approval. The Regulations exist to ensure that international events hosted by South Africa are properly planned, financially viable, and implemented in a sustainable manner, with due regard to available resources.

In the case of the World Surf League event, the Department and Ministry did not receive any formal application submitted in accordance with the Regulations.

As no request for national government funding, guarantees, or associated services was formally submitted for consideration, no funding decision was therefore taken at national level. All public comments that are now seeking to place the blame at the feet of the Minister for the inability to secure a event in 2026 are misguided, a form of deflection and unjustified scapegoating.

The Department continues to support the development of the sport through the provision of an annual grant to , in line with an approved three-year funding agreement and subject to the availability of funds.

DSAC remains committed to supporting sport development and the hosting of international events in South Africa through transparent, lawful, and sustainable processes.

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Home Affairs sets new record by delivering over Four Million Smart IDs in 2025

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Home Affairs sets new record by delivering over Four Million Smart IDs in 2025

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS

ONLINE_EDITOR

LISTEN HERE : KASIBC_AUDIO

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has issued a record 4,002,964 in the 2025 calendar year, the highest rate of delivery in the history of the department. This milestone represents a 17% increase on the 3,427,468 Smart IDs issued during 2024, which was itself a new record at the time.

The 2025 performance is about 1.3 million more than the number of Smart IDs issued during the 2023 and 2022 calendar years respectively.

This historic breakthrough represents the latest milestone under the department’s vision to deliver through the pursuit of . It is thanks to the purposive focus of the Government of National Unity (GNU) on technology upgrades and improved efficiencies at both the Department of Home Affairs and Government Printing Works (GPW), which physically produces the Smart ID. One of the key upgrades has been the department’s investment in repairing the Online Verification Service (OVS), which was previously underfunded and abused by some external users. Correcting this has led to higher uptime and better performance of the at Home Affairs offices, directly contributing to giving more South Africans access to Smart IDs than ever before.

The Minister of Home Affairs, , said: “The milestone of delivering over four million Smart IDs in a calendar year for the very first time demonstrates how our commitment to digital transformation is expanding inclusion and access at a scale never seen before. Smart IDs are vastly more secure than the fraud-prone . Thanks to the ongoing digital transformation of Home Affairs, over four million more people gained the ability to securely open a bank account, access employment, and obtain social grants in 2025.”

The accelerated rollout of Smart IDs is a cornerstone of the department’s targets. The green bar-coded ID book, which the Smart ID is intended to replace, has become a soft target for fraudsters and is estimated to be 500% more vulnerable to fraud than the Smart ID.

To further enhance access to Smart IDs, the department is currently in the final phase of preparatory work for the rollout of its new digital partnership with , which will enable even more citizens to access Smart IDs at hundreds more bank branches around the country, close to where they live. This is Home Affairs @ home in action.

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MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe Launches provincial R19,5m Irrigation Schemes Revival Programme

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MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe Launches provincial R19,5m Irrigation Schemes Revival Programme

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In line with commitment outlined on the policy speech for 2025/26 financial year to revive irrigation schemes across the , (DoA) MEC will lead the provincial launch of the revitalization of irrigation schemes on Tuesday, 27 January 2026 at , under .

The R19,5 million investment into the is aimed to support and equipment and machinery provision covering 1 528 hectares of land.

In its endeavour to curb , the Eastern Cape department of Agriculture has prioritised revitalisation irrigation schemes during the 7th term government to ensure agriculture become an economic frontier of growth.

The revival of the schemes is set to improve , enhance food security, provide reliable income for landowners in schemes, improve local economy and boost livelihoods in rural communities.

This revitalisation programme will ensure food security and farmer support and strengthened partnerships between government, private sector, and communities.

At least 613 ha with an investment of R5 million will be developed in Amathole district while will develop 700 ha from an investment of R6 million with developing 215 ha worth R3,5 million.

Furthermore, DoA implementing agency the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) has been allocated R5 million to support with commercialization of the production, organize market, bring new production technologies, provide technical support and production finance facilities.

The funding criteria is not limited, in instances, where there are needs infrastructure repairs, districts will make their own determination.

According to the the province has the highest number of households that have access to land at 67%, while only 37% of that is put into productive use. The revitalisation of irrigation schemes presents an opportunity to unlock this potential and increase productive land use.

Agriculture is the major employer of people that are semi-skilled and investment in this sector can greatly contribute to reducing unemployment and food insecurity. Irrigations schemes are seen as vehicle that can significantly contribute to increase in agricultural productivity in the province.

The spans across 6 villages and covers 635 hectares of land, of which 412 hectares are irrigated. The scheme supports 87 landowners organised into seven primary co-operatives and one secondary cooperative.

During the launch, the MEC will be engaged in a number of activities that include acknowledgement of the new Board, and welcoming of graduate interns placed by DoA at the scheme to gain experience business skills and practical farming.

She will also handover vegetable production inputs, irrigation pipes, fodder production inputs and .

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Mpumalanga Education refutes allegations relating to procurement of E-Learning Devices

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Mpumalanga Education refutes allegations relating to procurement of E-Learning Devices

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS

ONLINE_EDITOR

CLICK HERE : @KASIBC_AUDIO

The notes with concern the article published by and regarding the procurement of laptops and tablets for learners.

The Department wishes to place the correct facts on record and dispel misleading allegations of wastage and irregular procurement.

The was introduced in 2022 as a well thought and phased intervention to enhance teaching and learning throughout the Province.

In 2022, the Department procured 64 000 tablets for Grade 12 learners under a three-year contract valued at R224 million, including a three-year warranty. The procurement was conducted through a , with Bongani Rainmaker Limited (BRL) appointed as the supplier, in full compliance with applicable government procurement prescripts.

In 2025, the Department replaced the 2022 devices with 60 000 valued at R232 million, inclusive of a three-year warranty.

These tablets were successfully distributed to Grade 12 learners in quintile 1 to 3 schools in 2025, and the Department is not aware of any verified reports of non-functionality.

The Department attributes the improved Grade 12 performance partly to the effective utilisation of e-learning and teaching devices.

The significant improvement from 79% in 2023 to 86. 55% in 2025 is also linked to the maturing of the e-learning programme introduced in 2022.

The allegation that the Packard Bell tablets constitute wastage is completely untrue and misplaced.

As part of the Department’s e-learning strategy, the 2025 Grade 12 tablets have been retrieved, formatted, and reloaded with updated content.

These devices will be re-issued to the 2026 Grade 12 cohort, ensuring cost efficiency and sustainability.

The Department has further placed an order for 70 000 to be issued to Grade 10 learners in 2026.

The cost of these devices is R330 million, not R600 million as alleged by the City Press.

The strategy is to issue content loaded devices to Grade 10 learners who will retain them through to Grade 12, thereby reducing future costs related to retrieval, redistribution, and logistics.Content to these devices will henceforth be updated remotely, further improving efficiency.

The procurement was facilitated through BRL, in terms of a contract that allows BRL to source devices based on Department-approved specifications, manage procurement, load educational content, and oversee distribution to schools.

The Department funds the programme through a dedicated e-learning allocation, supplemented by the Learning and Teaching Support Material (LTSM) budget, as the devices form an integral part of e-learning delivery.

For the 2025/26 financial year, the e-learning budget amounted to R717 million to cover both grade 10 and 12 learners and is allocated as follows:

R312 million for Grade 12 tablets, including e-content and distribution,

R126 million for the , supplied via micro-SD cards under a separate contract,

The remaining R279 million, augmented by the LTSM budget, contributed to the procurement of 70 000 Grade 10 devices, with a total project value of R393 million, inclusive of devices, e-content, and distribution

The Department reiterates that all procurement processes were lawful, strategic, and aligned to improving learner outcomes.

Claims of wastage, inflated costs, or non-functional devices are factually incorrect and misleading.

The Department remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the effective use of technology to advance quality education for all learners through out the Province.

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Parliament holds State of the Nation Address at Cape Town City Hall, 12 Feb 2026

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Parliament holds State of the Nation Address at Cape Town City Hall, 12 Feb 2026

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS

ONLINE_EDITOR

CLICK HERE : @KASIBC_AUDIO

The 7th Parliament will be holding the third (SONA) on 12 February at the , Darling Street, at the Grand Parade, where first appeared on 11 February 1990 before the people of South Africa after 27 years in prison.

The SONA is a constitutional event called by the President of the Republic in terms of Section 42(5) of the . It is a joint sitting of the two and one of the rare occasions that bring together the three arms of the state under one roof. To ensure that the majority of South Africans listen to this important Address, it is scheduled to take place in the evening at 19:00, when the majority of South Africans are at home.

The Address provides the President with an opportunity to speak to the nation on the general state of South Africa, reflecting on a wide range of political, economic and social matters within domestic and global contexts. It is also an opportunity for him to account to the nation on the work of government and to set out the government’s programme of action for the year.

Traditionally, the President makes key government announcements during this important sitting. During the week following the Address, a debate is held on it over two days. Thereafter, on the third day, the President is given an opportunity to reply to and close the debate.

The President delivers the Address before Parliament because it is Parliament that is charged with ensuring that the work flowing from the Address is implemented. Most importantly, SONA is delivered in Parliament because the priorities announced in it have budgetary implications demanding robust parliamentary oversight. This is one of Parliament’s core constitutional responsibilities.

Parliament may accept, reject or amend the budgets allocated to government departments to ensure that these align with national priorities, as outlined in the President’s Address. Parliament may also withhold the budgets of departments whose annual performance plans are not in line with these priorities.

The SONA is different from the occasion of the Opening of Parliament Address, which takes place only at the start of a new five-year term of Parliament, immediately after . This opening address is also held at Parliament in a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament.

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Deputy Minister Mondli Gungubele on collaboration with CSIR to advance digital transformation

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Deputy Minister Mondli Gungubele on collaboration with CSIR to advance digital transformation

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS

ONLINE_EDITOR

LISTEN HERE : @KASIBC_AUDIO

The , Mr Mondli Gungubele (MP), today concluded a successful engagement with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), aimed at strengthening strategic collaboration in support of .

The visit provided an opportunity for the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) to engage with CSIR leadership and researchers on the organisation’s current and emerging capabilities in key areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), , , Internet of Things (IoT), and .

Deputy Minister Gungubele emphasised the importance of closer collaboration between government and science institutions to accelerate innovation and ensure that technological advancements translate into tangible socio-economic benefits for all South Africans.

“CSIR remains a critical strategic partner in our efforts to build a . Through deliberate collaboration, we can harness local innovation to drive industrial growth, improve service delivery, and enhance the quality of life of our people,” said Deputy Minister Gungubele.

The engagement reaffirmed the commitment of DCDT, working together with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation through CSIR, to align research and development with national priorities, particularly those focused on digital inclusion, , and the creation of a high-capacity state.

Discussions further explored opportunities to leverage CSIR’s research and innovation to support broadband expansion, smart infrastructure development, and the adoption of across government and industry.

The visit marks a significant step towards strengthening interdepartmental synergy and ensuring that science and technology play a central role in South Africa’s digital future

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Hand over of fully equipped computer laboratory to Umdlamfe Secondary School

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Hand over of fully equipped computer laboratory to Umdlamfe Secondary School

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS

ONLINE_EDITOR

LISTEN HERE : @KASIBC_AUDIO

The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Mr today, 22 January 2026, handed over a fully equipped computer laboratory to in , , in partnership with global technology brand . The handover of the high-tech computer lab forms part of government’s .

HONOR South Africa, which delivered the laptops, partnered with the to establish the laboratory to support and skills development at the school. The presence of the laboratory will ensure that learners are trained to become active participants in the sphere while bridging the , particularly in previously disadvantaged communities.

Speaking during the handover, Deputy Minister Nzuza hailed the unveiling of the laboratory as a positive step in the right direction, saying access to was a pivotal cog in the development of learners in the 21st century and will go a long way in ensuring a digitally equipped South Africa. Government, he explained, recognised the development of as a key element in the advancement of South Africa’s . This was underscored by the establishment of the Presidential Commission on the 4IR (PC4IR) by President in 2019 with a mandate to provide leadership for society to understand, navigate and assume agency over what will be the fundamentally altered future.

Said the Deputy Minister: “The world has gravitated towards the and this demands of us to be technologically savvy to be able to meet the challenges of this new and exciting phenomenon. The establishment of this computer laboratory demonstrates a commitment on our part to prioritise digital learning to put South Africa in a better position to seize opportunities and manage the challenges of rapid advances in the technological realm.

“We are excited that this facility will play an integral part in the learners’ academic improvement while preparing them to fully embrace the digital world through access to digital resources. This will, in future, enable them to navigate the digital economy, apply for jobs online, and explore various work opportunities.”

The CEO of HONOR South Africa, Mr , said the partnership with the Department of Home Affairs represented a cornerstone of digital literacy and infrastructure missions.

“We are proud to partner with the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Njabulo Nzuza, and the government of South Africa to invest in young minds and future skills. We hope the learners will use this opportunity to learn, explore and dream big,” he said.

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GAUTENG RAMPS UP SMART LICENSING CENTRES TO BRING SERVICES CLOSER TO COMMUNITIES

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GAUTENG RAMPS UP SMART LICENSING CENTRES TO BRING SERVICES CLOSER TO COMMUNITIES

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS

ONLINE_EDITOR

LISTEN HERE : @KASIBC_AUDIO

The is accelerating the roll-out of Smart Driver Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs) across the province, bringing efficient, ethical and modern licensing services directly to communities while supporting the Department's road safety objectives.

Currently operational Smart DLTCs include , , , , and , with the set to open soon, further expanding access to quality licensing services in townships and underserved areas.

These cutting-edge facilities have redefined the licensing experience, providing unparalleled efficiency and convenience while significantly improving turnaround times for licence renewals and other services.

The Smart DLTCs are fully integrated into the and are designed as hubs of licensing services, offering a comprehensive range of solutions, including vehicle license renewals, driving license applications, renewals and more.

MEC for Roads and Transport, , said the rollout forms part of the Provincial Government's “” under and supports broader road safety objectives.

“We are expanding Smart Licensing Centres to ensure services are closer to communities. These centres offer online, cashless services, with licence renewals taking approximately 10 minutes. But this is about more than convenience; it’s about road safety too. When licensing is accessible and corruption-free, more people get properly licensed instead of driving illegally or obtaining fake licences. Road safety starts with proper licensing,” said MEC Diale-Tlabela.

KEY FEATURES:

• Saturday Operations: Smart DLTCs operate Monday to Saturday, allowing working residents to access services at their convenience.

• 10-Minute Service: Using smart enrolment technology and cashless systems, licence renewals are processed in approximately 10 minutes.

• Corruption-Free: Appointment-only operations eliminate the need for runners. Law enforcement officials manage the centres, ensuring transparency and integrity.

• Supporting Road Safety: By making licensing accessible and eliminating corruption, the centres ensure drivers are properly tested and legally licensed (competent drivers), supporting the Department’s “” (It Starts With You) road safety campaign.

• Job Creation: The centres have created employment for young people from local communities, with the majority being women.

The extension of Smart DLTCs into townships, informal settlements and hostels ensures quality services are available where people live, reducing the need for long journeys to distant licensing offices.

“These centres reduce backlogs, expand capacity, and respond effectively to the province's renewal service demands. They also relieve congestion at traditional licensing offices, improving the system for everyone,” said MEC Diale-Tlabela.

For locations and booking information, follow .

# # #RoadSafety #

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Water and Sanitation on Grootdraai Dam Water Levels

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Water and Sanitation on Grootdraai Dam Water Levels

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS

ONLINE_EDITOR

LISTEN HERE : KASIBC_AUDIO

The Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS) latest State of Reservoirs report issued earlier this week shows that in the (, ) remains stable at 101.9%.

The report reflects improved dam levels across the district, with most dams above full capacity. is the only dam below 100%, but it increased from 82.3% to 83.4%. Other dams above full capacity also recorded gains, including from 100.3% to 100.8%, from 100.4% to 100.5%, from 99.0% to 101.9% and from 100.4% to 102.2%. Heyshope Dam also remains steady at 100.8%.

At provincial level, Mpumalanga’s average storage increased from 100.9% to 101.5%, while both Water Management Areas (WMA) recorded improvements. The rose from 94.9% to 99.3% and the increased from 100.5% to 101.5%. Water levels also rose in all three districts of Mpumalanga, with increasing from 102.8% to 104.0%, Gert Sibande from 100.0% to 100.4% and from 100.7% to 101.0%.

With dams and rivers overflowing in several areas, the Department urges the public to exercise extreme caution around water bodies and to avoid crossing or approaching overflowing dams, rivers and streams as these conditions pose a serious risk to life and property.

The Department further appeals to communities to avoid building or settling on floodlines, as this heightens vulnerability to flooding, and to refrain from dumping waste into rivers and streams, as this pollutes water resources, obstructs natural water flow and contributes to flooding.

Despite current wet conditions, South Africa remains a water-scarce country. Water conservation, responsible use and safe rainwater harvesting remain critical to ensuring sustainable and reliable water supply for current and future generations.

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