SIU Investigation Siyathemba Municipality

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

SIU Investigation Siyathemba Municipality

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Siyathemba Municipality welcomes the proclamation by President Cyril Ramaphosa, authorising the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of maladministration and corruption into financial matters dating back from 2016 until now.

Over the years, the DA has fought to get the municipality to address the critical lack of financial oversight within the municipality, particularly the dysfunctionality of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC).

MPAC is responsible for examining financial statements and audit reports and recommendations. It is also mandated to investigate irregular expenditure. We heard during the recent provincial inquiry by the South African Human Rights Commission into the state of Siyathemba that, as a result of MPAC’s dysfunctionality, accumulated irregular expenditure ballooned to over R366,240 million over the last fifteen years.

Part of the reason for the dysfunctionality was the lack of financial competence in the administration and of the MPAC chairpersons, the withholding of financial statements from the committee, and a lack of political will to expose financial irregularities within Siyathemba. This crippled MPAC’s oversight duty.

The DA tabled a motion of no confidence (MONC) against the Speaker in as far back as 2018. We subsequently made repeated calls on political and municipal management to help get the committee working again. Last year, we came as far as getting a MONC against the MPAC chairperson on the agenda. The motion was unsuccessful due to opposition in council.

The time for excuses is now over. Transparency regarding the failure of officials to bank cash, as well as the entering into dodgy contracts, including the R3 million plus printer and copier contract and the Information Technology contract, which has been running unchecked for over a decade at a minimum cost of R200 000 per month, must now be scrutinized.

All legacy infrastructure projects must also be thoroughly investigated. Legacy projects in Prieska and Marydale remain unfinished with progress ranging from 40% to 99% across five stalled projects, while Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) funds have been depleted. This includes the bulk sewer line, pump station, reservoir and sewerage networks. Of particular concern to the DA is the Prieska Waterborne Gravitational Sewer Network for existing 472 erven, in the E’thembeni Plakkerskamp. Millions of rands were spent but it remains unfinished, with open trenches and some trenches filled up without pipes.

With efforts finally underway to hold the municipal administration and the relevant politicians accountable, we are hopeful that this will urge more municipal employees to come forward about wrongdoing and misconduct, and will ultimately end in criminal prosecution for those who have stolen millions of rands of taxpayers’ money.

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

RELEASE THE PHALA PHALA JUDGEMENT

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

RELEASE THE PHALA PHALA JUDGEMENT 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) will march to the Constitutional Court of South Africa to demand the release of the judgment on the review of Parliament’s decision to reject an Independent Panel Report, which found that there was prima facie evidence of criminal activity at and in relation to theft of dollars at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala Farm. 

On the 1st of June 2022, a criminal case was opened against the President of the Republic of South Africa for his involvement in corruption, bribery, kidnapping and money laundering as it relates to the theft of $580 000 on his Phala Phala Farm in February 2020. 

An Independent Panel was established to investigate whether there was prima facie evidence to pursue an impeachment inquiry by Parliament, led by Former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo. The inquiry found that prima facie evidence exists, and that Parliament ought to exercise its constitutional duty and hold the President accountable. 

It took intimidation by the then ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC) of Members of Parliament, and the irrational and unconstitutional use of Parliament majority to reject the Independent Panel Report for President Cyril Ramaphosa to escape accountability. 

The EFF resolved then to take this decision to the Constitutional Court so that it can be set-aside and the report sent back to Parliament which is constitutionally obligated to hold the Executive accountable. 

In what can only be described as a delay of justice that has for too long characterised the highest court in the land, which has been under scrutiny for delayed release of judgements, the Constitutional Court which heard the review application by the EFF of Parliament’s decision on the 26th of November 2024, is yet to release its judgment almost one year later. 

The failure by the Constitutional Court to provide this judgement and provide certainty on whether the decision by Parliament to refuse to hold the Executive accountable was lawful or not, gives the impression that the President of the Republic of South Africa is above the law. 

As there are continued concerns around the capture of law enforcement agencies and the judiciary, the continued and inexplicable withholding of the Phala Phala judgment gives credence to suspicions that our judiciary is captured.

The EFF will therefore march to the Constitutional Court to demand the release of the Phala Phala Judgement under the following details; 

Date: 28 November 2025 

Time: 10:00am 

Starting Point: Mary Fitzgerald Square, 120 Lilian Ngoyi Street, Newton, Johannesburg 

End Point: Constitutional Court of South Africa, Constitutional Hill, Braamfontein, Johannesburg  

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

IFP ANNOUNCES NEW MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

IFP ANNOUNCES NEW MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL

The IFP is pleased to announce the appointment of five new members to its National Council, following the acceptance by the Party’s NEC of nominations submitted by the President of the IFP, Hon Velenkosini Hlabisa MP.

The new appointments have been made to fill five vacancies that have recently arisen within the National Council.

The National Council, the highest decision-making body of the Party between conferences, plays a vital role in guiding the IFP’s strategic direction, policy development, and governance. These appointments form part of the Party’s continued efforts to strengthen its leadership structures and ensure that the IFP remains agile, inclusive, and well-positioned in its onward march toward the 2026 elections.

The newly appointed members of the National Council are:

 1. Dr Andile Biyela

 2. Ms Nothile Zungu

 3. Mr Mncedisi Nxumalo

 4. Ms Tumi Ramakoaba

 5. Mr Velangenkosi “VM” Gumede

These dedicated members bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and passion for service that will enrich the work of the National Council. Collectively, they embody the IFP’s enduring principles of integrity, accountability, and people-centered leadership.

The IFP remains committed to its ongoing renewal and generational balance in the IFP’s leadership ranks.

The IFP congratulates the newly appointed members and extends its best wishes as they take up this important responsibility in advancing the vision and mission of the Party.

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

Man sentenced to four life imprisonments for multiple rapes of minor boys

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

Man sentenced to four life imprisonments for multiple rapes of minor boys

HERTZOGVILLE - The Free State police welcomes the sentence handed down by the Wesselsbron Regional Court on Wednesday, 30 October 2025, in the case of a barber who preyed on little boys.

The suspect was found guilty on four counts of rape involving four minor boys, aged 12, 13, 15, and 15. He has been sentenced to life imprisonment on each count by the Wesselsbron Regional Court.

The rape incidents occurred at the accused's rented shack in Malebogo township back in May 2024, which he used as both a residence and a hair salon. The first and second victims were lured into the shack after school under the pretense of a haircut. 

The accused sexually assaulted both victims in his back room. The third victim was collected by the first and second victims and taken to the accused's premises, where he was also sexually assaulted.

The fourth victim, a 12-year-old relative of the accused (his nephew), was visiting the premises and was also sexually assaulted in the shack. None of the victims initially reported the incidents, which were only discovered after one of the victims confided in his teacher about the assault. 

Four cases of rape were opened against the suspect and investigations on the matter were carried out by Warrant Officer Ntomzoto Selemogo of Bultfontein Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit guided by National Prosecuting Authority Mr Masisi. 

The suspect was sentenced to four life sentences and all sentences are to run concurrently. His name will also be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

This successful conviction sends a clear message that crimes against children will be pursued with the utmost seriousness, and perpetrators will face the full might of the law.

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

DA takes VD from ANC in Govan Mbeki By-Election

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

DA takes VD from ANC in Govan Mbeki By-Election

The DA in Mpumalanga continues to increase its support in ANC strongholds. Yesterday’s by-election in Govan Mbeki saw the party grow from 10% in 2024 to 26%, surging past the EFF and MK to take the party’s first VD in this ward.

This goes to show that the DA is making inroads in our townships and rural areas. Our commitment to service delivery and residents of this ward remains unchanged. The outcome of this by-election is an indication that a substantial number of residents in this ward are rallying behind the DA for change. 

This growth comes at a critical time as we gear up for the 2026 Local Government Elections.

The DA remains the only party capable of turning around this Govan Mbeki Local Municipality. Residents of Govan Mbeki deserve a government that prioritises their needs. 

The DA will continue expanding its footprint throughout the province from rural and urban areas. Notably, our candidate put up a good fight and this is shown in the results. 

We extend our gratitude to residents who came out and voted for the DA. Their commitment to the DA does not go unnoticed. 

We will continue to amplify our visibility in this ward and continue to assist residents whenever they are faced with service delivery challenges

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA