NDWEDWE MUNICIPALITY @KASIBCNEWS

NDWEDWE MUNICIPALITY @KASIBCNEWS 

The Democratic Alliance in Ndwedwe Municipality is deeply alarmed and outraged by the rising levels of crime plaguing our communities, particularly the recent spate of violent incidents in the Noodsberg Ekho area.

On Saturday, 13 January 2025, two men, Mr. Sihle Dlamini and Mr. Nkosi Magwaza, were brutally gunned down by unknown assailants outside Ngcobo Shop at around midnight. This tragedy marks yet another senseless loss of life in our municipality.

Shockingly, just weeks prior, on 1 January 2025, Mr. Pius Chiyi was shot while celebrating New Year’s Day at his home. Thankfully, he survived the attack but continues to endure medical treatment.

These incidents are not isolated. Reports of firearm-related violence in Ndwedwe have become disturbingly frequent. Gunshots echo through our rural communities almost daily, creating an environment of fear and instability.

As the DA, we propose the following measures to address the root causes of crime in rural areas like Ndwedwe:

1. Increased SAPS Resources:
Advocate for additional police officers and vehicles to improve response times and visibility in rural areas.

2. Community Safety Forums:
Partner with community leaders to establish safety forums that encourage residents to report suspicious activities and work collaboratively with SAPS.

3.Enforcement of Liquor Regulations:
Push for stricter monitoring of liquor outlets to ensure compliance with trading regulations and reduce alcohol-related incidents.

4. Youth Engagement Programs:
Invest in initiatives that provide employment, education, and recreational opportunities to steer young people away from criminal activities.

5. Gun Control Enforcement:
Work with provincial authorities to crack down on illegal firearm ownership and trafficking in rural communities.

Crime has devastating effects on rural communities. It robs families of their loved ones, creates an atmosphere of fear, disrupts economic activities, and erodes trust in law enforcement and government. Residents of Ndwedwe should not have to live in constant fear, nor should they feel abandoned by the authorities tasked with protecting them.

We call on law enforcement agencies, particularly SAPS, to prioritize the investigation of these heinous crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The DA remains committed to creating safe and thriving communities in Ndwedwe. We will continue to hold the local government and law enforcement accountable to ensure that no family must mourn the loss of a loved one due to preventable violence.

Let us stand together to demand swift action and justice for all victims of crime in Ndwedwe.

MANGAUNG METRO R2.5MILLION @KASIBCNEWS

SALGBC Slapped Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality With Staggering R2.5 Million Retrospective Payment Award of 13 Unfairly Dismissed Etsose Batjha Project Employees. 

Afrikan Alliance of Social Democrats Cllr Lucky Mongale warned the City's Council and Residents against the misinformed Etsose Batjha Project (EBP) report that was prepared by inept Corporate Services HOD: Mokete Duma and Pule Molalenyane's Pawn & City Manager Sello More for MK CREDENTIALIST Executive Mayor Gregory Nthatisi to table in Council. 

Unfortunately, the dunderheads ANC, ATM & AIC Mangaung council caucus led by Ward 28 Cllr & Council Whip Vumile Nikelo voted for the report as tabled in December, 14 2023. That vote has now caused Mangaung Metro R 2 504 675.00 in retrospective payments of the 13 EBP for the period between February 2024 to January 2025. SALGBC Commissioner Jana Dell agreed with Cllr Lucky Mongale that the City has somehow created the reasonable & legitimate expectation for the 13 employees to be permanently employed after a 2 year skills development programme failed and saw them being in the employ of the City for 13 years. 

However, it is expected of Sello More, Mokete Duma and Gregory Nthatisi to review this outcome with the Labour Court not because they have a case to win but to frustrate those 13 employees out of everyday meals. It is a known fact that the three (3) have no regard for Sound Governance and would stop at nothing to fight their political opponents including using Municipal resources.

JABULANI DUMANE CLINIC @KASIBCNEWS

JABULANI DUMANE CLINIC @KASIBCNEWS

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is appalled at the state of the Jabulani Dumane Clinic CHC, in Ekurhuleni. What’s meant to be a 24/7 facility that serves about 9 000 to 10 000 patients per month find themselves at the mercy of alarming shortages and infrastructure challenges.

The issues the clinic faces range from staffing- to medicine and equipment shortages. It is our view that this clinic alongside the people it is meant to serve has been left to rot. If this is the Gauteng Department of Health’s version of “quality health services and ensure a caring climate for service users” they should bow their heads in shame.

The clinics issues are wide ranging, and after engagements with staff, and a prolonged oversight visit we can confirm the following:

Staffing shortages are a problem

• Nurses are forced to work double shifts due to insufficient staffing;
• Critical shortages in professional nurses, enrolled nurses, and pharmacists; and
• Inadequate administrative support, with only 8 admin clerks and 4 data capture staff

Medication and Equipment Shortages

• Chronic shortages of medication, including antibiotics; and
• Insufficient equipment, including a lack of functional X-ray facilities

Infrastructure Challenges

• Leaking building, with reported issues still unresolved;
• Uncompleted ceiling work, reported late last year;
• Non-functional geysers and ablution facilities in need of maintenance; and
• Broken windows, including those in the screening room, dental passage, and in the main entrance door 

Alongside these issues, things that might seem small to the department is a serious cause for concern, like doors to maternity wards that can’t lock, a small waiting area that is easily overcrowded and admin rooms that do not have a whiff of ventilation.

All these examples make a visit to the Jabulani Dumane Clinic not only unappealing, but also a health hazard in and of itself. We will be holding the Health MEC and the Gauteng Department of Health accountable for their failings in the Gauteng Provincial legislature.

But the most pressing question we have, is whether any member of the Gauteng Executive would be willing to be treated in this clinic?

We urge the Gauteng Department of Health to take immediate action to address these critical shortages and infrastructure challenges. The people of Vosloorus deserve access to quality healthcare services in a safe and dignified environment.

DEFEND ITHALA SOC @KASIBCNEWS

IFP YOUTH BRIGADE COMMENDS KZN PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT FOR ITS RESOLUTE STANCE TO DEFEND ITHALA SOC

The IFP Youth Brigade unequivocally commends the Honourable Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thamsanqa Ntuli, for his unwavering commitment and bold leadership in defending the Ithala SOC. As the IFP Youth Brigade, we fully support the efforts of the Premier and the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government in their fight to protect this historic financial institution from the unwarranted and ill-conceived actions of the Prudential Authority (PA) and Reserve Authority (RA).

Ithala SOC has been a beacon of hope and empowerment for marginalized communities in KwaZulu-Natal. Its legacy, deeply rooted in the vision of the IFP's Founding President, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, embodies the principles of economic justice and inclusion. For decades, Ithala has been the only financial institution providing essential banking services to rural and underserved areas, empowering small businesses, fostering savings through stokvels, and supporting SMMEs that lack access to other financial assistance.

We question the timing and intention of the RA and PA in their decision to force a halt and restrain Ithala SOC from conducting transactions and continuing operations. This unjust intervention, implemented just before the end of the month, appears calculated to create widespread panic and destabilization. The timing disrupts Ithala clients from receiving their salaries, paying policies, and preparing children for school. 

Even more egregiously, it prevents Ithala staff from being paid their salaries, deliberately fostering distrust and frustration among Ithala’s clients and employees. This orchestrated chaos seeks to undermine confidence in Ithala and pave the way for its closure, while simultaneously erasing the proud legacy of Prince Buthelezi to the benefit of commercial banks.

What is even more troubling is the PA's reported actions in sending direct messages to Ithala clients, encouraging them to leave Ithala and migrate to other commercial banks. There are also allegations of some municipalities dissuading their employees from banking with Ithala and instead urging them to transition to commercial banks. We must ask: what is the true intent behind these actions? Such behaviour is not only unethical but also points to a targeted campaign to dismantle Ithala SOC entirely. We warn such Municipalities to be very careful not to be tangled along in an attempt of destroying Ithala, in fact if we hear of any municipality doing that, we will take stern actions against it.

We call on municipal workers and every employee banking with Ithala to resist these coercive tactics and refuse to collaborate in any scheme aimed at destroying Ithala SOC. Municipalities have a responsibility to stand with the people of KwaZulu-Natal and preserve this vital institution that has been instrumental in empowering communities and driving economic development.

The IFP Youth Brigade stands firm in its support for the Provincial Government as they take a principled stand against the Prudential Authority’s malicious actions. The Premier’s decision to escalate this matter to President Cyril Ramaphosa demonstrates his commitment to ensuring that justice prevails and that Ithala SOC continues to serve the people of this province.

Ithala SOC’s financial position remains robust, as evidenced by clean audits, assets exceeding liabilities, and its continued ability to meet depositors’ needs. These facts contradict the PA's baseless claims and underscore the necessity of protecting Ithala SOC from undue interference.

We reiterate our unwavering support for the Provincial Government’s efforts to preserve Ithala SOC. This fight is not just about a financial institution; it is a fight for economic justice, the empowerment of marginalized communities, and the protection of Prince Buthelezi’s enduring legacy. The IFP Youth Brigade will continue to advocate for Ithala SOC and calls on all stakeholders to unite in defence of this invaluable institution.

PWC INVESTIGATE IDT R800MILLION  TENDER @KASIBCNEWS

• Public Works & Infrastructure Minister Dean Macphersony has welcomed the Department’s appointment of PwC to investigate the circumstances surrounding an R800-million Oxygen Plant tender at the IDT.
• This follows IDT’s admission last year that the Oxygen Plant tender—where three companies were appointed despite two lacking South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) registration—should be investigated.
• The independent investigation, which needs to be completed within eight weeks, will,among other tasks, determine whether any irregularities occurred during the process to award the tender and whether any officials need to be held accountable.

Following allegations made last year regarding possible irregularities in the awarding of the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant bids, Public Works & Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has welcomed the Department’s appointment of PwC to conduct a forensic investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deal and to provide recommendations for corrective measures to be taken.

This follows an admission by the IDT itself, in a statement last year, that concerns exist regarding the R800-million tender awarded to three companies and should be investigated.

These concerns include two companies lacking SAHPRA registration and one potentially having submitted fraudulent documentation.

The investigation by PwC, which must be completed within eight weeks and has followed public tendering processes, will, among other tasks:

• Identify the extent of any irregular or illegal activity and the involvement of IDT officials and/or external service providers in relation to the scope of work.
• Recommend appropriate courses of action against IDT officials and external service providers where irregularities are confirmed.
• Determine the full history surrounding the appointment of external services and whether due process was followed.
• Establish whether the Head of Department or any officials caused the IDT to incur irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure during the administration of the tender, the appointment of service providers, and the management of service providers’ contracts.
• Ascertain whether any IDT officials and/or other individuals contravened laws or duties related to the administration of the tender, the appointment of contractors, or subsequent events. 
• Determine the cause, nature, extent, and value of financial losses, including potential losses incurred by the IDT in relation to the tender.

“The independent investigation will, once and for all, determine whether irregularities occurred during the Oxygen Plant tendering process and whether any further action should be taken against complicit individuals. This move forms part of the critical steps we are taking to improve transparency and governance within the Department, ensuring no wastage of public funds has occurred,” Minister Macpherson said.

“As the Minister, I cannot turn a blind eye when serious allegations are raised regarding close to R1 billion of public money. This is why the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure will not be distracted by the noise surrounding the Oxygen Plant tendering process but will take all necessary actions to uncover the truth and hold officials accountable where required. The independent investigation should, therefore, be welcomed, as it will also clear any innocent individuals,” he concluded.