Luxury Audi Q5s for SA Navy amid Crisis @KASIBCNEWS

The DA demands answers on the South African Navy's purchase of six luxury Audi Q5 SUVs, each of which retail at over R1 million. This decision underscores the continued disregard for the severe crisis facing the SANDF. While essential vehicles and equipment remain in disrepair or obsolete due to limited funds, top officials continue to prioritise luxury over the basic needs of soldiers on the ground.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) will submit parliamentary questions to ascertain:

-  The justification for purchasing luxury Audi Q5s for top officials in the SA Navy while soldiers face critical resource shortages.
-  Whether this purchase was made in the final weeks of the 2024/2025 budget year to ensure fiscal dumping before the year ends.
-  The rationale behind prioritising luxury vehicles over essential equipment and vehicle repairs needed by the SANDF.

This extravagant spending exemplifies the ongoing culture of privilege - complete with red carpets and golf days - while ordinary soldiers struggle without proper resources. It is yet another indicator of weak leadership that fails to put South Africa and its military personnel first.

The timing of this purchase raises further concerns. Acquired in the final three weeks of the 2024/2025 budget year, with quotes obtained as early as January, it suggests potential fiscal dumping—deliberately exhausting the budget before the financial year ends.

The Democratic Alliance will not allow this matter to go unanswered. We demand full transparency from the Minister of Defence and the Chief of the SANDF. South Africans deserve military leadership that prioritises security and responsible governance over luxury.

HEALTH STANDARD COMPLIANCE AT HELEN JOSEPH HOSPITAL @KASIBCNEWS 

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has noted the joint report released by the Office of the Health Ombud (OHO) and the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) on the findings of the investigation and a risk-based inspection regarding allegations made in relation to Helen Joseph Hospital (HJH). 

The investigation was initiated after a request by the Minister of Health in the wake of allegations made by Mr Thomas Holmes aka Tom London during his admission at the hospital in September 2024. 

The reports provide clear recommendations on various areas such governance, human resource management, finance and supply chain management, and infrastructure and maintenance. 

The GDoH will fast track the process to implement the recommendations as outlined by both the OHO and OHSC. It must be pointed out that the Department has already initiated province-wide interventions that are aimed at addressing the identified issues and beyond. 

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These interventions include the reviewing of the organisational structure which is currently awaiting approval processes, while the infrastructure function within the department has been strengthened with the appointment of a Deputy Director General which has led to the development of a comprehensive maintenance and upgrade programme including procurement of health technology, and the process of filling the CEO post at HJH is prioritised for the new financial year commencing in April 2025, after the only  suitable candidate declined an offer post the interview process.  

The GDoH wishes to assure the public that it remains committed to improving the quality of care across its facilities and will continue to work with multiple stakeholders both within and outside the department to ensure the provision of universal healthcare. 

 

SHOPRITE SHUTDOWN WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT @KASIBCVIDEO

GONE TO SOON FOUR LEARNERS @KASIBCNEWS

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has conveyed her deepest condolences to families of the victims of accident that occurred this morning, Monday, 10 March 2025 along the N12 Westbound before Putfontein in Daveyton, City of Ekurhuleni.  

It is alleged that the accident involved a collision between multiple vehicles on the N12 westbound near the Putfontein Road off-ramp in Daveyton, resulting in the tragic loss of life of four learners. One of the vehicles happened to be a private scholar transport, which was transporting the learners to school. 

It was reported that four pupils aged 5,7,8 and 9 lost their lives, while four others were rushed to local hospital for medical attention.  

“We are deeply saddened by this accident and convey our deepest condolences to families and loved ones of the victims. As a Department, we continue to plead with drivers to be alert at all times, adhere to speed limits, exercise patience, ensure vehicles are roadworthy and most importantly, make informed decisions that will save lives on our roads”. The MEC added that while drivers bear the greatest responsibility for decisions relating to road use, passenger activism and awareness is equally important.  

Law enforcement agencies are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident to establish the exact cause. 

TRAGIC LOSS OF FOUR LEARNERS CAR ACCIDENT IN EKURHULENI @KASIBCNEWS

Gauteng MEC for Education, Mr Matome Chiloane, is saddened to confirm the tragic loss of four learners from Tom Newby Primary School, Rynfield Primary School and an ECD centre following a fatal car accident that took place this morning on Monday, 10 March 2025, on the N12 in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni. 

It is alleged that the accident involved a collision between multiple vehicles on the N12 westbound near the Putfontein Road off-ramp in Daveyton, resulting in the tragic loss of life of four learners. One of the vehicles happened to be a private scholar transport, which was transporting the learners to school. Law enforcement agencies are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident to establish the exact cause. 

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The deceased include two boy learners in Grade 1 and Grade 3, who were siblings from Tom Newby Primary School in Benoni; a Grade 1 boy learner from Rynfield Primary School also in Benoni, and a Grade R boy learner from an ECD centre that is still to be identified. Additionally, another girl learner in Grade 3 from Rynfield Primary School is in critical condition as a result of the accident, and has been admitted to a local hospital for urgent medical care. 

The GDE Psycho-Social Support Unit has been dispatched to both Tom Newby and Rynfield Primary Schools to provide immediate counselling services to learners and educators in the aftermath of this devastating incident. 

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of these young learners whose lives were tragically cut short by this unfortunate incident. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families, friends, and the school communities during this painful period. The Department stands ready to provide the necessary support to all affected,” said MEC Chiloane.