R55M Refurbished Sanitation System to be handed to Phokwane Local Municipality, Northern Cape

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R55M Refurbished Sanitation System to be handed to Phokwane Local Municipality, Northern Cape

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in Northern Cape will hand over newly refurbished wastewater pump station and an outfall line in Jan Kempdorp to Phokwane Local Municipality, on Sunday, 22 March 2026 as part of World Water Day commemoration.

The Pokwane Local Municipality’s sanitation infrastructure underwent an emergency refurbishment and upgrade at a tune of over R55 million, through DWS Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG), to assist in bringing relief of sewage spillages affecting the environment and improve sanitation services to a population of 8300 and more than 2000 households as well as to enable future developments for the town.

Over the years Jan Kempdorp has expanded, and land use increased without the municipality upgrading of existing old wastewater infrastructure and this resulted in the existing pump station pumping sewer to Valspan Wastewater Treatment Works to overflow due to overwhelming capacity of sewerage inflows.

The scope of the refurbishment and upgrading project entailed constructing a new pump station and rising mainline with sufficient capacity to accommodate current and future sewer runoff and connecting the infrastructure to the existing reticulation network to ensure that it functions optimally without blockages.

The handover is part of the series of activities by the Department to mark World Water Day, a global commemorative day, is held annually on March 22. The day focuses on protecting freshwater resources, addressing the global water crisis, and supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 water and sanitation for all by 2030.

This year’s global theme is: ‘Water and Gender’ with the slogan “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows.” Therefore, the handing over of the refurbished sanitation infrastructure will contribute to ensuring dignified sanitation for women and girls, and to of protection the environment that has a direct impact on the quality of available water resources.

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COMPLAINT AGAINST SUNDAY TIMES / TIMESLIVE OVER MISLEADING REPORTING

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COMPLAINT AGAINST SUNDAY TIMES / TIMESLIVE OVER MISLEADING REPORTING

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

The African National Congress (ANC) has noted with serious concern a report published by the Sunday Times / TimesLIVE alleging that the organisation sought to interfere with the programming decisions of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). 

The ANC categorically rejects these allegations as baseless, unsubstantiated, and devoid of any factual foundation.

It is deeply regrettable that the publication failed to afford the ANC an opportunity to comment prior to

publication. This omission constitutes a fundamental breach of the principles of fair, accurate, and balanced reporting as enshrined in the Press Code of the Press Council of South Africa. Of particular concern is the headline, “ANC not prepared to Face The Nation?”, which, despite later being reframed, remains misleading and not supported by the substance of the article. No credible evidence is presented to substantiate claims of interference or alleged lack of preparedness. On the contrary, individuals cited in the report, including government representatives, explicitly indicate that no formal complaint was ever made.

This represents a clear contravention of the Press Code, which requires that headlines must not mislead the public and must fairly reflect the content of the report. The ANC views this matter in a serious light, as it undermines public trust in the media and distorts democratic discourse. Accordingly, the organisation is actively considering lodging a formal complaint with the Press Ombudsman of South Africa against the Sunday Times / TimesLIVE.

The ANC has historically been at the forefront of the struggle for freedom of expression and a free,

independent media in South Africa. These rights are not incidental, but are deeply rooted in the values of our Constitution and the liberation struggle itself. The ANC therefore remains firmly committed to defending media freedom and the right of journalists to operate without fear, favour, or prejudice.

However, this freedom carries with it a responsibility to uphold truth, accuracy, fairness, and ethical journalism. Freedom of expression must not be abused to advance misleading narratives or unverified claims that undermine democratic accountability.

Having noted the clarification issued by the SABC, the ANC further calls on the public broadcaster to take the people of South Africa into full confidence regarding its editorial and programming decisions. Transparency in decision-making processes, including the disclosure of criteria used, will strengthen public trust in the institution.

The ANC will continue to engage openly with the public and the media, guided by the principles of

accountability, transparency, and democratic integrity. The movement will not allow misleading narratives to go unchallenged or to undermine its role in advancing a democratic and informed society.

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THE DECISION TO TERMINATE FACE THE NATION AND THE VICTIMISATION OF JOURNALISTIC INTEGRITY AT THE SABC

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THE DECISION TO TERMINATE FACE THE NATION AND THE VICTIMISATION OF JOURNALISTIC INTEGRITY AT THE SABC

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (“MK Party”) notes with grave concern and deep suspicion the

abrupt termination of the Face The Nation programme on the South African Broadcasting

Corporation (SABC), a programme anchored by seasoned journalist Clement Manyathela,

whose fearless and uncompromising commitment to holding those in power accountable has become a hallmark of ethical journalism in our democracy.

While it is generally understood that media institutions periodically review and adapt their

programming in line with industry practices, the circumstances surrounding the cancellation

of Face The Nation cannot be viewed in isolation from a troubling pattern of hostility directed at journalists who dare to interrogate the executive authority of the so-called Government of National Unity (GNU). Dr. Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh suffered the same fate for holding the executive to account whilst anchoring the same show. 

What is unfolding bears all the hallmarks of

victimisation, intimidation, and the systematic erosion of journalistic independence within a

public broadcaster that belongs to the people of South Africa, not to politicians.

It cannot be overlooked that the Presidency allegedly took exception to Clement Manyathela’s persistent and legitimate questioning of Mr Cyril Ramaphosa regarding the Phala-Phala scandal, a matter of profound public interest that goes to the heart of accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. 

In executing his professional duty, Clement did precisely what the Constitution and democratic norms demand of journalists; to speak truth to power without fear or favour. It must be acknowledged that a Minister in the Presidency reportedly refused to grant an interview to Clement Manyathela after allegedly facing internal political repercussions when he rigorously questioned her superior, Mr

Ramaphosa, on the Phala-Phala matter. Such conduct, if true, signals a disturbing attempt by political authorities to blacklist journalists who refuse to become instruments of political convenience.

It cannot be ignored that the Spokesperson in the Presidency expressed visible displeasure

following an interview in which Clement Manyathela pressed him on the President’s apparent evasiveness regarding the Phala-Phala scandal, as well as the President’s failure to act decisively against Minister Senzo Mchunu, mirroring the earlier failure to act swiftly against then Minister Zweli Mkhize amid the Digital Vibes scandal and related oversight processes before the Madlanga Commission and the Parliamentary Ad-hoc Committee.

With these developments in mind, it is both striking and deeply concerning that Deidre Uren now appointed as Group Executive for News and Current Affairs at the SABC is reportedly the very same person who was allegedly pressured to terminate Face The Nation. The timing and sequence of events create the unmistakable impression of a reward system in which compliance with political pressure is compensated with elevation to positions of authority.

This appointment reeks of political patronage and signals a calculated attempt to sanitise the

SABC, transforming a constitutionally mandated public broadcaster into a propaganda machinery designed to shield the executive from scrutiny and to manufacture favourable narratives ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

The MK Party warns that the capture of the public broadcaster, whether through intimidation, censorship or strategic appointments, poses a direct threat to democratic accountability and media freedom in South Africa. Objective reporting and the fearless interrogation of those in

power cannot be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. The SABC must never become a megaphone for the ruling elite nor a battlefield where journalists are punished for doing their jobs.

The MK Party condemns, in the strongest possible terms, any attempt to silence independent voices, intimidate journalists, or manipulate editorial decisions for political gain. 

We remind the leadership of the SABC and the political authorities behind these actions that the public broadcaster is funded by the people of South Africa and is constitutionally obligated to serve the public interest, not the interests of politicians seeking to evade accountability.

The MK Party stands firmly on the side of media freedom, journalistic integrity and the

constitutional right of the people to be informed without censorship, intimidation or manipulation. 

We call on all defenders of democracy, journalists, civil society and the public at large, to resist any attempt to weaponise the public broadcaster for partisan political ends.

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Deputy Minister Dr Mimmy Gondwe leads Intergovernmental crackdown on Bogus Colleges in Polokwane

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Deputy Minister Dr Mimmy Gondwe leads Intergovernmental crackdown on Bogus Colleges in Polokwane

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

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The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, together with the City of Polokwane Executive Mayor, Cllr Makoro John Mpe, will lead an Intergovernmental Bogus Colleges Awareness Campaign to crack down on illegal colleges in the Polokwane CBD on Thursday, 19 March 2026.

The Polokwane leg is the latest stop in a series of three Bogus Colleges Awareness campaigns launched to coincide with the start of the 2026 academic year, a period when most learners are applying for and confirming higher education placements. 

Two successful campaigns were held in the City of Johannesburg and the City of Tshwane. 

The bogus colleges campaign is being carried out in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Employment and Labour, and relevant South African quality-assurance organisations.

As part of the programme, the Deputy Minister, accompanied by officials from DHET, SAPS, and other government departments, will conduct oversight visits to private colleges in Polokwane CBD to verify their registration status and programme accreditation.

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GOVERNMENT KEEN TO BUILD ON SUCCESS OF PREVIOUS INVESTMENT MOBILISATION DRIVE – MINISTER TAU

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GOVERNMENT KEEN TO BUILD ON SUCCESS OF PREVIOUS INVESTMENT MOBILISATION DRIVE – MINISTER TAU 

 

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

LISTEN HERE : KASIBC_AUDIO

South Africa is finally turning the corner on slow growth. Thanks to government’s pro-growth reformist agenda, green shoots are emerging in nearly all key sectors of the economy. 

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition stresses that the four consecutive quarters of growth recorded leading into early 2026 were a result of government led interventions - critical of which was government’s successful investment mobilisation drive. “Consistent energy supply, an improved transport and logistics environment including the drop in inflation to 3.5% recorded early this year have had a positive knock-on effect on key sectors of the economy. 

Mining and Agriculture have both shown strong growth – factors which bode well for sustained growth,” says Tau. He adds that to augment this growth, South Africa is scheduled to host the 6th Investment Conference (SAIC) at the Sandton Convention Centre on 31 March 2026. In line with the President’s commitment at the 2026 State of the Nation Address, this investment conference promises to set South Africa on an even bolder investment target over the medium term. “To date, over R600 billion has already flowed into the economy, resulting in the opening of new factories, mines, and various other industrial facilities. 

These investments play a critical role in South Africa’s national goals of socio-economic development by creating sustainable jobs, reducing poverty, and addressing inequality,” adds Tau. Launched in 2018 by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the SAIC has become the country’s premier platform for attracting global and domestic delegates to discuss emerging opportunities. 

The 2026 conference occurs during a period of significantly improved investor perception. 

Over the last 18 to 24 months, several critical economic challenges have been addressed, most notably the improvement in the country’s energy reliability. 

Tau stresses that forthcoming conference will be anchored on South Africa’s new futurefocused economic and industrial policy including the targets in the Medium Term Development Plan, the Economic Growth and Inclusion (GAIN) programme and South Africa’s New Industrial Policy which is being finalised. Tau reinforced that the 6th SAIC will continue building on the achievements of the dtic family since the beginning of the 7th administration. “Over the past year and a half, we have implemented industrial reforms in targeted sectors and incentivised industry to create jobs. 

We have embarked on market and export diversification through our Butterfly Strategy and are redesigning Transformation through the Transformation Fund and B-BBEE policy review”, Tau emphasises. 

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