Mangaung cash flow as Treasury threatens to withhold equitable share

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

Mangaung Cash Flow as Treasury threatens to withhold equitable share

The Democratic Alliance confirmed that the National Treasury has issued a formal notice to Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality under section 216(2) of the Constitution, warning that the Metro’s December equitable-share allocation may be withheld due to severe and persistent breaches of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).

This is one of the most serious financial enforcement measures available to the Treasury and signals a Metro on the brink of fiscal failure and service delivery collapse.

Despite the gravity of this threat, the Executive Mayor has failed to table the Treasury letter and its implications before Council, keeping both councillors and residents in the dark. This is not in compliance with legislation.
In terms of MFMA section 52(d), the Mayor must report to Council on “the implementation of the budget and the financial state of the municipality.”

A threatened stoppage of the equitable share is unquestionably a material financial event and must be disclosed immediately.

Furthermore, MFMA section 60(1)(c) requires the Accounting Officer to report “any impending financial problems” to the Mayor, and Council must be allowed to consider the City’s response as needed for the constitutional process under section 216(2).

Meanwhile, Mangaung’s finances are collapsing. Diesel shortages and non-payment to contractors have already led to a failure to provide basic service delivery in the City in November.

MPAC, the key oversight body mandated to deal with UIFW, is itself dysfunctional. As set out in a DA letter to the Speaker on 6 November, MPAC has not followed its approved work plan.

In a last-ditch attempt to address the Treasury and DA letters, on 18 November, a last-minute MPAC meeting was held without prior access to the documentation, contrary to the Standing Rules and MPAC Terms of Reference.

A day later, more than R7 million in UIFW expenditure was presented under the same procedural defects. This breakdown undermines lawful oversight at a time when Mangaung needs it most.

Treasury requires Mangaung to show a 75% reduction in its UIFW balances, implement consequence management, and demonstrate tangible action. The Metro is nowhere near compliance, placing its equitable share and service delivery at immediate risk.

We will therefore request an urgent Council meeting at which the Mayor must table the complete Treasury correspondence and provide a full account of Mangaung’s financial position and plans to rescue the City’s finances.

The residents of Mangaung deserve transparency, not secrecy, while their City stands on the edge of collapse.

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NATIONAL CRISES GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND FEMICIDE

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

NATIONAL CRISES GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND FEMICIDE 

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) welcomes and fully supports the Presidential call to declare Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) as a national crisis. 

This bold and necessary pronouncement marks a significant step in strengthening South Africa’s multi-sectoral response to one of the most devastating and persistent human rights violations affecting women, children, Persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. As the custodian of strategic leadership, advocacy, and coordination to mainstream the socio-economic empowerment of women, youth, and persons with disabilities, the Department will continue to lead efforts to ensure the full implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF (NSP-GBVF). 

The declaration underscores the government’s commitment towards accelerating the implementation of the Six Pillars of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF (NSP) (Accountability, Coordination & Leadership; Prevention & Rebuilding Social Cohesion, Justice, Safety & Protection, Response, Care, Support & Healing; Economic Power and Research & Information Management). Recognising GBVF as a violation of Human rights, the declaration will further elevate GBVF as a priority that demands urgent, coordinated action across all spheres of government, civil society, the private sector, and communities. 

The Department reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ending Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) in South Africa. Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga reiterated that the fight against GBVF requires sustained commitment from all sectors of society through collective action. “Government alone cannot end GBVF. It demands a united front—where communities, men, and institutions actively challenge harmful norms, protect survivors, and uphold justice,” the Minister said. 

As part of the upcoming 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the Department will launch the campaign under the theme “LETSEMA”, calling on Men, Women, Boys, Girls and media houses to work together to End Gender Violence and Femicide (GBVF). Bringing together Filmmakers, Media Professionals, Civil Society, Academia, Researchers, Development Partners and all stakeholders, to co-create a shared agenda for GBV prevention through responsible storytelling and inclusive media representation.  

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INTEREST RATE CUT AS RELIEF FOR HOUSEHOLDS

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

INTEREST RATE CUT AS RELIEF FOR HOUSEHOLDS

Government welcomes the decision by the South African Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee to cut the interest rate by 25 basis points, bringing the repo rate to 6.75% and the prime lending rate to 10.25%.

The rate cut is expected to ease pressure on consumers with loans, support small businesses, and encourage investment and economic activity. Government continues to prioritise measures that help reduce the cost of living, create jobs, and improve economic stability. 

The decision aligns with the Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen growth, support vulnerable communities, and build an economy that works for all. Government will continue to work with social partners to improve the economic environment and ensure that the benefits of growth reach the poor and those most affected by rising prices.

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MINISTER STEENHUISEN SALUTES SOUTH AFRICA’S SIX WORLD-CLASS VINEYARDS

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

MINISTER STEENHUISEN SALUTES SOUTH AFRICA’S SIX WORLD-CLASS VINEYARDS 

The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, is today celebrating the remarkable achievement of the South African wine industry for being awarded six coveted spots on the top 100 list of the World’s 50 Best Vineyard 2025 Awards. “We have always known we have great wine, and this exceptional performance, with six of our winery estates securing places amongst the world’s best, is a resounding endorsement of our wine tourism’s consistent standards and innovation,” the minister said. Two vineyards made it to the top ten list. Klein Constantia Wine Estate, in the Western Cape, was named the Best Vinyard in Africa and also the recipient of the Highest Climber Award. 

This estate is now ranked as the sixth top vineyard globally. It has climbed 35 places from its 2024 ranking.  Creation, in the Hemel-en-Aarde area, Western Cape, is ranked number seven globally. This estate has been dominating the regional category and, until last year, was voted the Best Vineyard in Africa. Four local vineyards made it to the extended 51-100 list: • Tokara Wine and Olive Estate (Stellenbosch): No. 71;   • Delaire Graff Estate (Stellenbosch): No. 79;   • La Motte Wine Estate (Franschhoek Valley): No. 94 (New Entry); and   • Hamilton Russell Vineyards (Hemel-en-Aarde): No. 99 (New Entry).   “We applaud the dedication of the teams at all six vineyards for elevating the South African brand to compete on the global stage. Their commitment to excellence not only produces world-renowned wines, but also enhances our reputation as a premier destination for wine tourism,” Minister Steenhuisen said. Economic value of wine tourism The minister highlighted the sector’s crucial contribution to the national economy, noting that wine tourism is a powerful job creator and driver of regional development. 

“Our wine tourism sector demonstrates robust growth, which contributed R9,3 billion to South Africa’s GDP in 2022. It has created around 11 000 jobs at the farm gate and 40 108 employment opportunities. Wine tourism now accounts for 17,3% of the total turnover for all grape-crushing cellars in South Africa.” Minister Steenhuisen added that it is no surprise that our domestic market is the biggest driver of wine tourism. “Local visitors account for 58% of all Cape Winelands room nights in 2024. 

This strong local foundation is the anchor of the sector, ensuring resilience and driving consistent demand.” South Africa produces approximately 4% of the world’s wine and in 2024, the country’s wine industry was ranked the seventh-largest wine producer globally. 

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GAUTENG HANDS OVER 300 OPERATING LICENCES AS IT INTENSIFIES EFFORTS TO CLEAR BACKLOG

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

GAUTENG HANDS OVER 300 OPERATING LICENCES AS IT INTENSIFIES EFFORTS TO CLEAR BACKLOG 

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport today handed over 300 operating licences to compliant public transport operators during a ceremony held at the Ekurhuleni Council Chambers.

This forms part of the province’s ongoing programme to clear the operating license backlog and stabilise the public transport sector. Since 1 September 2025, the department has issued a total of 525 operating licenses. MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, said that the handover demonstrates government’s commitment to strengthening regulation and improving service delivery to operators and commuters. “Today is more than a handover ceremony. It is a statement of our commitment to rebuilding a licensing system that is transparent, efficient and fair. We are working tirelessly to ensure operators receive services closer to their communities and within predictable timeframes,” said MEC Diale-Tlabela. 

The MEC emphasised that public transport remains the backbone of mobility in Gauteng, moving millions of commuters daily, and that regulatory stability is essential for safety, economic participation and job creation. 

Furthermore, the strengthened provincial licensing system is designed to validate applications, improve data accuracy, and protect operators from fraudulent middlemen. “We are taking a firm stance against corruption, fraudulent applications and individuals who extort money from operators under the pretext of consulting. These practices will not be tolerated. We are working closely with law enforcement agencies and our stakeholders to ensure that only legitimate operators are licensed,” said the MEC. MEC Diale-Tlabela emphasised that an operating license is not just a document but an instrument of economic empowerment and responsibility. “We expect operators to honour the rules of the road, provide safe and reliable services, and contribute to a public transport system that the people of Gauteng can trust. This partnership is key to building a stable, modern and accessible transport network,” she added. 

The Department will continue to implement measures aimed at eliminating the remaining backlog and strengthening the regulatory framework to ensure a safer and more efficient public transport environment for all Gauteng residents. 

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