SANDF R823MILLION DEPLOYMENT

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SANDF R823MILLION DEPLOYMENT

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR

 

The latest reports of millions spent on lavish Armed Forces Day celebrations, including exorbitant subsistence and travel payments of up to R70 000 per individual, alongside ongoing spending on golf days and social events - demonstrate precisely why Parliament cannot take the Department of Defence’s financial assurances at face value.

This is not an isolated incident. The Department has failed to obtain a clean audit from the Auditor-General for years, and 34% of current SIU and Hawks investigations within the security cluster relate to the Department of Defence and Military Veterans to the tune of R2.5 billion. Against this backdrop, reckless or poorly controlled spending is not merely embarrassing - it is a direct risk to operational readiness and public trust.

The DA raised these concerns during Friday’s meeting of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, where the Minister of Defence was present for an earlier agenda item, but was excused when the Committee turned to the critical matter of the President’s employment letters authorising the imminent SANDF deployment. This was the second ANC Minister to snub the committee to provide answers to urgent deployment questions.

The DA objected to Minister Angie Motshekga’s departure, particularly given the many unanswered questions regarding the timeline, planning, command and control structures, and, most importantly, the very specific figure of R823 153 960 attached to the deployment.

This is a figure that was already presented to Parliament as early as 6 March, yet to date no detailed breakdown has been provided to justify how this amount was calculated or how it will be spent.

The Sunday revelations about excessive spending on Armed Forces Day serve as a case in point. They illustrate how easily public funds can be mismanaged when Ministers continuously fail to appear before Parliament or answer oversight questions.

The DA has therefore formally requested that the Minister of Defence and the SANDF appear before the joint meeting of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence and the Portfolio Committee on Police on Friday, 27 March, to provide a full and proper breakdown of the R823 million deployment cost, including how the amount was determined and what safeguards are in place to prevent waste or corruption.

There can be no price tag on people’s lives, but there must always be accountability for how public money is spent - especially when hundreds of millions of rand are involved and when the same Department has repeatedly failed to meet basic standards of financial governance.

Friday’s meeting must provide answers to MPs and the people waiting urgently for this deployment.

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DA VERSUS ANC IN WESTERN CAPE

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DA VERSUS ANC IN WESTERN CAPE 

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape notes with serious concern the conduct of the African National Congress (ANC) in the provincial legislature today.

The ANC’s repeated disregard for established procedures and rulings undermines the integrity of the House and the democratic principles that guide its work.

The House met on Thursday to debate the Western Cape Provincial Budget. Instead of offering constructive input, the ANC chose political theatre for the cameras. Its members also appeared to use the debate and the chamber as a rehearsal space for their planned “People’s March” this weekend.

Parliament is an institution governed by rules, precedent and discipline. All members are equally bound to uphold the decorum of the House. When those rules are ignored, proceedings are disrupted and public trust in democratic institutions is weakened.

The ANC’s conduct was disruptive, unserious and unworthy of a budget debate. It raises the question of whether its members entered the chamber to contribute meaningfully or simply to provoke removal and then claim victimhood afterwards. That is not principled opposition. It is performative politics.

The DA calls on the ANC to respect the authority of the presiding officer, comply with the rules and rulings of the House, and conduct itself in a manner that reflects the dignity and discipline expected of elected public representatives

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Exposes Shocking Neglect of Sport Facilities in Madibeng

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Exposes Shocking Neglect of Sport Facilities in Madibeng

 CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is deeply concerned about the deteriorating condition of sports facilities in Madibeng Local Municipality, which reflects a broader failure to maintain essential community infrastructure.

During a recent oversight inspection, it became evident that key facilities have been severely neglected. Sports fields are overgrown and unusable (see photos here and here), while critical infrastructure such as spectator stands and perimeter fencing is in a state of disrepair. Basic maintenance appears to have been absent for an extended period.

Of particular concern is the condition of the ablution facilities. These are vandalised, unhygienic, and effectively unusable (see photos here and here). The presence of litter, damaged infrastructure, and sewage-like conditions poses a serious health risk to community members, especially young people who should be able to safely make use of these facilities.

Sports facilities are vital community assets that play an important role in youth development, social cohesion, crime prevention, and promoting healthy lifestyles. When these spaces are allowed to deteriorate, communities are deprived of safe recreational opportunities and young people are left without constructive alternatives.

The current state of these facilities is not only unacceptable but also reflects a disregard for the wellbeing and dignity of residents.

The DA calls on Madibeng Local Municipality to urgently prioritise the restoration of these facilities. This must include immediate grass cutting and cleaning, the repair and rehabilitation of ablution blocks, and the implementation of a structured and ongoing maintenance plan to ensure that facilities remain safe and usable.

In addition, the municipality must take steps to secure these facilities to prevent further vandalism and protect public infrastructure.

This matter will be pursued through the appropriate oversight channels to ensure accountability and to compel the municipality to act.

Residents of Madibeng deserve safe, clean, and functional recreational spaces. The DA will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for the proper maintenance and management of community facilities.

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Unsafe drinking Water in Phatsima

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Unsafe drinking Water in Phatsima

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Rustenburg is deeply concerned about the poor quality of water being supplied to residents in Phatsima, which poses a serious risk to public health.

Recent on-site evidence confirms that the water is heavily discoloured, brown in appearance, and contains visible foam. This is not only unacceptable but potentially dangerous for residents who rely on this water for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene.

Access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental constitutional right. The current conditions in Phatsima undermine the dignity, health, and wellbeing of residents and point to serious failures in water treatment, bulk supply management, or possible contamination within the system.

The DA has formally written to Magalies Water, as the bulk supplier, as well as to the Executive Mayor and the Municipal Manager of Rustenburg Local Municipality, demanding urgent intervention and accountability.

Magalies Water must immediately conduct comprehensive water quality testing on the water supplied to Phatsima and make the results publicly available. Residents have a right to know whether the water they are consuming is safe.

In addition, urgent corrective measures must be implemented to ensure that only potable water is supplied. This must include a full investigation into the source of the contamination and the implementation of long-term solutions to prevent recurrence.

Rustenburg Local Municipality must also ensure proper reticulation, ongoing monitoring of water quality within the distribution system, and clear communication with affected residents.

Given the serious health risks involved, the DA will escalate this matter to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to ensure that the constitutional rights of residents are protected and that all responsible parties are held accountable.

Residents of Phatsima cannot be expected to live with unsafe water. Clean, reliable drinking water is not a privilege — it is a basic human right.

The DA will continue to pursue this matter until residents receive the safe and dignified services they deserve.

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Government and Industry reassure stable Fuel Supply and urge Public not to Panic-Buy

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Government and Industry reassure stable Fuel Supply and urge Public not to Panic-Buy

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has noted with concern the circulation of statements and messages by certain organisations and individuals encouraging members of the public to rush to filling stations due to a perceived fuel shortage and anticipated fuel price increases.

The Department and Fuels Industry Association wish to firmly reiterate that South Africa’s fuel supply remains stable in the immediate term, and there is no basis for panic-buying.

While there may be isolated localised logistical challenges affecting the movement or availability of fuel in certain areas, these are operational in nature and do not constitute a national supply shortage. These issues are being actively managed through established industry and regulatory channels.

It is therefore incorrect and misleading to link such isolated domestic logistical matters to broader geopolitical developments. Such claims risk creating unnecessary alarm and confusion among the public.

Calls for the public to rush to the pumps are irresponsible. They place undue pressure on supply systems, congestion at service stations, and anxiety among consumers.

The Department calls all organisations, public representatives, commentators and social media users to act responsibly and to refrain from spreading unverified or speculative claims regarding fuel supply and fuel price developments.

Members of the public are encouraged to continue purchasing fuel in the normal course and to rely on official government communication for accurate and verified information.

Consumers who experience fuel-related challenges or wish to lodge complaints are encouraged to report these to fuel.complaints@dmpr.gov.za, enabling the department’s inspectors to respond and intervene where necessary.

The Department and the Fuels Industry Association will continue to monitor the situation closely and will communicate any confirmed developments through official channels.

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