HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING BUDGET VOTE SPEECH @KASIBC_AFRICA

MAKE KASI GREAT 

HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING BUDGET VOTE SPEECH @KASIBC_AFRICA

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING  BUDGET VOTE SPEECH: NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES 

Honourable Chairperson and Members, It is my honour to present the Department of Higher Education and Training’s Budget Vote for the 2025/26 financial year. Our commitment remains steadfast: to build a post-school education and training system that is inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of our young people and our nation. We started this academic year with the reality of the cessation of United States funding to South African universities and researchers. 

The unexpected decision has had devastating consequences for the South African Higher Education system. Out of the 26 public universities, at least 13 were affected by the termination.  

However, there is reprieve as for the current Medium Term Expenditure Framework cycle the Department’s budget has increased at an average annual rate of 4.4%, in nominal terms.  2025 marks the first year of implementation of our five-year strategic plan for the period 2025 to 2030. 

Amongst others, during this period, our overall strategic focus areas will be on improving education outcomes and skills.  

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LAW ENFORCEMENT HIGHJACKED BUILDINGS JOHANNESBURG @KASIBC_AFRICA

LAW ENFORCEMENT HIGHJACKED BUILDINGS JOHANNESBURG @KASIBC_AFRICA

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

PUBLIC SAFETY MMC MEDIA STATEMENT ON AN OPERATION TARGETING HIJACKED AND UNSAFE BUILDINGS IN THE INNER CITY 

The Department of Public Safety today conducted a high-density operation targeting problematic and hijacked buildings. Law enforcement searched properties suspected of being unlawfully occupied or violating safety regulations. Officials enforced municipal bylaws to ensure compliance and maintain public

The building at 242 Marshall Street had shacks inside, contravening the building control bylaw, which is a potential fire hazard. 

The build contravenes the Fire Brigade Act, no escape routes, no fire extinguishers, and no signage. 

The building had illegally connected electricity and water, and all were disconnected. 

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GAUTENG HEALTH TENDERS @KASIBC_AFRICA

GAUTENG HEALTH TENDERS @KASIBC_AFRICA

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

The Democratic Alliance (DA) demands that the Gauteng Health Department stop buying from companies linked to the fishy Tembisa Hospital contracts that murdered whistleblower Babita Deokaran tried to halt.

It is outrageous that R327 000 was paid last year for toilet rolls from Nokokhokho Medical Supplies - one of three companies owned by ANC Ekurhuleni Treasurer-General Sello Sekhokho which got 55 contracts worth R14.5 million from Tembisa Hospital from 2019 to 2021.

This purchase is revealed by Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu-Nkomo Ralehoko in a written reply to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature.
She admits there were irregularities in the Tembisa Hospital contracts to Sekhokho's companies, and that the SIU and Hawks are investigating them. But they have not been blacklisted as "The Department has not received feedback with regards to the investigation in relation to the three companies to proceed with blacklisting the companies involved."

The MEC is disingenuous as there is ample justification to bar all implicated companies from further contracts without waiting for a final investigation report.

Shortly before her death, Babita had red-flagged contracts worth R850 million from 217 suppliers to Tembisa Hospital as "possibly fraudulent." According to the SIU, the total suspected fraud is more than R2 billion.

In March 2023, the Hawks raided Sekhokho's home and business premises, and he remains under investigation along with other implicated figures.
Sekhokho's companies have also scored 225 contracts worth R84 million from other Gauteng public hospitals. These deals included blatant overpricing, such as jerseys costing R11 500 each, and R10 000 for men's shoes.

Another scandal is that Nkomo-Ralehoko is reportedly supporting Sekhokho in his bid to be elected as ANC Ekurhuleni Regional Chairperson.
This shows the utter shamelessness of the ANC in Ekurhuleni which appears untroubled by Sekhokho's enrichment with questionable state contracts.
I will be asking further questions to check whether other corruption-linked companies are still getting contracts from the department.

The DA proposes rigorous checks to ensure hospital contracts are cost-effective and fairly awarded so the budget can provide quality healthcare.

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POWER GRAB MATZIKAMA @KASIBC_AFRICA

POWER GRAB MATZIKAMA @KASIBC_AFRICA

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

Today, the Western Cape High Court founded in favour of the Democratic Alliance’s application to set aside what was in effect an illegal coup perpetrated by the ANC, EFF, PA and GOOD in Matzikama. See attached here and here.

On 29 May 2025, the councillors of these parties stayed behind after a Council was adjourned, and in a caricature of school yard politics, removed the DA/FF+ coalition from government and placed themselves in governing positions.

They then immediately proceeded to gain control of the processes and finances of the Municipality - after painstaking work by the DA to reverse the near bankrupt state of the municipality over the past two years.

It is no coincidence that this happened just as the finances of the Municipality started to recover and, more importantly, the Council was going to launch investigations into past staff appointments, past attempts by councillors and officials in regards to business ventures with the Council and launch other accountability measurements.

The DA is pleased that court ruled that these ludicrous actions by these parties (with an attending cost order) were unconstitutional, unlawful and invalid.

Democracy was restored.

The DA will now not only reoccupy its position but pursue its cleaning up of corrupt cadre networks in Matzikama with renewed vigour.

We will also involve institutions from other tiers of government to prevent this type of attempts to prevent us from succeeding.

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MTHATHA EASTERN CAPE FLOODS @KASIBC_AFRICA

MTHATHA EASTERN CAPE FLOODS @KASIBC_AFRICA

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) once again reiterates its sadness and sends its condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have been affected by the devastating floods in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. 

The death toll due to the floods stands at 101-people, with untold damage having occurred to homes and infrastructure as families continue to try and piece their lives together. 

The untold trauma of survivors who saw their homes, their families, their children and fellow South Africans lose their lives may take decades of healing and psychological help must be provided to survivors immediately. On the 28th of June 2025 the Commander in Chief and President of the EFF Julius Malema, the EFF Secretary General Marshall Dlamini alongside his Majesty King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo visited the hardest hit areas by the floods, including the centres that are now home to destitute and homeless South Africans. Additionally, the President and his Majesty attended the funeral of 14-year-old Siyavuya Mkatshane, who tragically lost his life after being swept away by floods on his way to school. 

The most disheartening aspect of the visits, was the absence of government officials at the centres and the lack of involvement of both provincial and national government in assisting these families with burials while their lives have been torn apart. To witness and hear the painful stories of neglect of survivors and bereaved families was a sign of a lack of compassion and humanity by government which must be condemned.

Instead, the Premier of the Eastern Cape Province Oscar Mabuyane has opted to take a family leave in the midst of one of the worst disasters and loss of life in our nations history. To make matters worse, the parasitic nature of government officials has once again reared its ugly head as residents told of irregular placements of survivors in residential properties at exorbitant prices. 

It has become clear that politically aligned individuals have utilised this human tragedy to enrich themselves by placing homeless residents in their B&B’s at a cost to the state. 

These resources could be better utilised to rebuild the lives of those affected, assist with burials and repair the lives of children who still need uniform to go to school. The EFF commends the AbaThembu King for his presence which was emphasised by community members in all community meetings held at the rescue centres. 

The resounding plea from all residents was the need for placement on suitable land to avoid disasters of this nature ever occurring again, and the EFF will work hand in hand with the AbaThembu Kingdom to ensure safe land is provided to the people for purposes of settlement. 

The EFF commends institutions such as Gift of the Givers for their role in providing relief and calls on law enforcement agencies to protect such institutions from extortion rings and criminals who undermine efforts to alleviate the challenges of our people. 

We call on those who are known for their philanthropy and charitable deeds in society, in particular Dr Patrice Motsepe, Robert Gumede, Mike Teke, Dr Mike Nuna, Dr Irvin Khoza, Dr Kaizer Motaung and many others to turn their hearts to the people of Mthatha. 

We call on industry, particularly mobile network operators such as Vodacom, MTN, retail and clothing outlets such as Makro, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, PEP, Mr Price and many more to take up their social responsibility and assist the people of Mthatha. If indeed the private sector is operating with goodwill in our country and envisions a social compact that will move away from viewing South Africans as subjects for profit maximisation, then now is the time to show it. 

The EFF will continue to support the flood victims through our Public Representatives and will monitor each and every cent allocated by National Treasury to provide relief to ensure that it is used for the right purposes and not looted by cruel and inhumane politicians. Let us unite and assist the people of Mthatha in their time of need.  

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