Youth Parliament: A real platform for youth to lead today

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Youth Parliament: A real platform for youth to lead today

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape welcomes the constituting of the Western Cape Youth Parliament (WCYP) on Saturday, 28 March 2026 - a bold step that sets this province apart as a leader in meaningful, inclusive governance.

Public Participation is not a slogan in the Western Cape - it is a governing principle. The WCYP is a flagship initiative that demonstrates how a DA-led government actively opens the doors of Parliament to young people, ensuring that their voices are not only heard, but directly influence decision-making. 

This platform empowers emerging leaders to engage with legislative processes, raise the real challenges facing their communities, and help shape practical solutions that improve lives.

DA Chief Whip in the WCPP, Gillion Bosman, said: “Whilst many legislatures in South Africa have hosted once-off youth parliament events, the Western Cape is breaking new ground. 

The WCYP is a structured, 12-month programme with multiple sittings - a first of its kind in the country. This is what real commitment to youth empowerment looks like.”

“Through credible, merit-based processes facilitated by municipalities and the Western Cape Education Department, WCYP Members are drawn from Junior Town Councils and the Provincial Forum of the Representative Council of Learners. This ensures authentic, diverse and representative youth voices from across the province.”

The establishment of the WCYP is yet another example of how the DA governs differently. We do not pay lip service to the idea that “young people are the future” - we create real platforms for them to lead today. 

This stands in stark contrast to other parts of the country where youth engagement is often reduced to symbolic gestures with no lasting impact.

Importantly, the launch of the WCYP coincides with the work of Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on Child Protection Reform - a clear indication of the DA’s reform-driven agenda. 

This Committee is tackling the urgent need to strengthen systems that protect the most vulnerable, by closing legislative gaps, improving coordination, and driving accountability across departments. It reflects a government that is not afraid to confront difficult challenges and implement real solutions.

Bosman added: “Both the Youth Parliament and the Ad Hoc Committee are more than symbolic exercises. They are structured, outcomes-driven platforms that will produce tangible recommendations, put questions to the executive, and strengthen oversight and accountability. This is how we build a responsive, capable state.”

The DA remains committed to expanding opportunities for young people and ensuring that governance in the Western Cape continues to be transparent, accountable, and people centred. 

Through initiatives like the WCYP, we are not only investing in the next generation of leaders - we are actively shaping a better future with them.

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THE PROPOSED DEPOSIT AMOUNTS FOR THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS

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THE PROPOSED DEPOSIT AMOUNTS FOR THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS 

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

The Electoral Commission will on Friday, 27 March 2026, publish a Government Gazette notice inviting political parties, independent candidates and all interested stakeholders to comment on the proposed deposit amount for the 2026/27 local government elections.  

By law, registered political parties and independent candidates intending to contest elections must pay deposits. The purpose of the deposit is to confirm a contestant’s intention to participate in the election and to create certainty on who the contestants in an election are. 

Deposits are refundable to contestants who obtain a seat in the applicable Proportional Representation election, or who obtain at least 10% of the valid votes cast in the applicable ward election. If a contestant loses, the deposit is not refundable and is paid into the National Revenue Fund. 

The proposed deposits are as follows: 

• The amount of the deposit to be paid in terms of Section 14(1)(b) of the Act is, in respect of each separate list submitted by a party-

• Four Thousand Seven Hundred Rand (R4700.00) in an election in a metropolitan municipality; 

• Two Thousand Eight Hundred Rand (R2800.00) in an election in a local municipality with wards;  

• One Thousand Eight Hundred Rand (R1800.00) in an election in a local municipality without wards and in an election in a district municipality. 

The Electoral Commission intends increasing the deposit as prescribed in Item 11(1) of the Municipal Electoral Regulations as follows: 

1) The amount of the deposit referred to in section 17(2)(d) of the Act, is R1 800.00 (one thousand eight hundred rand) in respect of an independent ward candidate and for a ward candidate nominated by a party who is not contesting the election of the relevant municipal council by way of a party list.” 

Representations or comment on the proposed election deposits may be emailed to Mr Kgosietsile Tshoke on deposits@elections.org.za or deliver written comments to Election House, Riverside Office Park, 1303 Heuwel Avenue, Centurion, 0157. 

The closing date for the submission of comments is Friday, 8 May 2026. 

The Electoral Commission emphasised that it had not yet decided on the election deposit amounts for the 2026/27 Local Government Elections. 

The Commission will review feedback and comments before making a final decision. 

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Approved Online Business Applications

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Approved Online Business Applications

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

Free State is upping its game in support of MSMEs

Following online business applications for micro, small & and medium enterprises (MSMEs) funding incentives, the Free State MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Ketso Makume will, on Thursday, 26 March 2026, announce the approved business applications and progress towards the applications referred to other institutions such as banks, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), entities including government departments.

During the tabling of the Budget Vote Speech for the current financial year, MEC Makume committed to assist and provide free State MSMEs with strategic resources such as skills, networking, financial, and non financial support to nurture their innovative ideas.

It is for this reason that the department embarked on massive initiative calling Free State spaza shops, informal business traders, and MSMEs to apply for online funding incentives.

Thus far, the department has received 1 064 applications during the 1st window period, which opened from 11 July 2025 to 21 July 2025.

Due to the demand and efforts to leave NO one behind, the MEC extended the online applications in the form of 2nd window period, which commenced on 11 September until 20 September 2025.

About 970 business applications were received during the second window period, and this brought the total number of applications received to 2034.

On Thursday, 26 March, MEC Makume will outline more details on the number of applications approved, incentive windows outcome, geographic spread, district disaggregation, financial performance, and disbursement value.

The department has received a number of complaints and concerns regarding the progress on applications. However, it was crucial for the department to openly conduct due diligence to all the applications and refer where necessary.

Furthermore, MEC Makume highlighted that the establishment of online incentive applications is informed by a need to enhance accoutability, transparency, and accessibility for all deserving businesses to remain sustainable and acquire production equipment including the machinery to contribute and create much needed jobs and grow the economy.

Failure to comply with the qualifying criteria resulted in automatic disqualification from funding consideration.

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THE ARREST OF 12 SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS IN THE R360 MILLION MEDICARE 24 TENDER SCANDAL

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THE ARREST OF 12 SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS IN THE R360 MILLION MEDICARE 24 TENDER SCANDAL

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes the arrest of 12 senior members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in connection with the corrupt awarding of a R360 Million Medicare 24 tender.

The officers, many of whom reportedly sat on the bid adjudication committee, stand accused of corruption, fraud, and violations of the Public Finance Management Act after facilitating an irregular contract intended to provide health services to over 180,000 police personnel. 

This contract has been tainted from its inception, with evidence of collusion, missing compliance requirements, and links to criminal kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who has long been associated with tender manipulation and criminal infiltration of state institutions.

These arrests must be understood within the broader context of the unfolding investigations before the Madlanga Commission and the Ad Hoc Committee— processes which the EFF played a central role in initiating to expose corruption within the security cluster.

The developments emerging from this scandal affirm what the EFF has long maintained: that corruption within SAPS is not isolated, but part of an entrenched network of criminality embedded at the highest levels of law enforcement. The testimony and evidence presented before the Commission have already revealed a pattern of collusion, abuse of procurement systems, and the systematic looting of public resources by those entrusted with upholding the law.

While the EFF welcomes these arrests as a necessary step towards accountability, we do so with caution. Our experience in South Africa has shown that high-profile arrests are often used to create the illusion of justice, only for cases to collapse due to weak prosecutions, political interference, or deliberate delays. We have seen time and again how individuals implicated in serious corruption evade meaningful consequences, returning to positions of influence while the public is left without justice.

We are, therefore, warning the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) that this must not be one of those cases.The arrest of these 12 officers should mark only the beginning of a far-reaching process to dismantle corruption within SAPS. There are numerous senior police officials, many of whom have appeared before the Commission and Ad Hoc Committee, whose testimony has raised serious questions about their conduct, relationships, and role in enabling corruption. These individuals occupy powerful

positions within the police service and cannot be shielded from scrutiny.

The EFF reiterates that justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done.

These arrests must lead to successful prosecutions, asset recovery, and the permanent removal of corrupt elements from the state. Anything less will confirm that South Africa remains a playground for criminal syndicates operating under the protection of political and institutional power.

The EFF will continue to monitor these developments closely and will not hesitate to intensify political and parliamentary action should this matter be allowed to collapse like many before it.

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Western Cape Office of the Premier on Joint Operations Centre

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Western Cape Office of the Premier on Joint Operations Centre

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

Fuel Supply Secured for March and April

The Fuels Industry Association of South Africa (FIASA) has reassured Premier Alan Winde and the provincial Joint Operations Centre (JOC) that despite concerns there is currently sufficient fuel available in the Western Cape to meet demand.

FIASA informed the JOC that fuel imports for March and April have been secured to maintain supply. However, currently, diesel stocks are under increased pressure due to high demand.

This update was provided yesterday, 24 March 2026, at the weekly meeting of role players constituting the JOC, established to coordinate provincial responses to the ongoing water security, Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), and fuel supply challenges.

The provincial government acknowledges the growing concern among residents and stakeholders regarding the potential impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict on fuel supply in the province.

The Premier requested that the FIASA provide the Western Cape Government with regular updates and that the public be kept informed through official lines of communication to counter any disinformation or misinformation.

Members of the public are strongly encouraged to rely on information and updates from reputable sources, such as the Western Cape Government and other industry bodies. Unverified social media posts and messages are often inaccurate or deceptive.

While overall supply remains stable, isolated reports of fuel shortages have been recorded. These are attributed to certain suppliers delaying the release of fuel to customers.

The Premier reiterated, “All suppliers must immediately release full fuel orders to clients. Hoarding will not be tolerated. This is unethical.”

“Fuel is essential to our economy, growth and job creation efforts, especially in the agricultural sector, as we enter the fruit harvesting and winter grain planting season. This sector is already under strain due to Foot-and-Mouth Disease,” he added.

The provincial government will continue to closely monitor developments.

More than 50% of Cape Town cattle vaccinated against Foot-and-Mouth Disease

The provincial response to the national Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in the Western Cape is proceeding well.

The JOC was informed that more than half of all cattle in the City of Cape have now been vaccinated.

So far, there have been 29 cases of FMD in the province. Each positive case triggers a coordinated response, which actively suppresses spread. The success so far in containing FMD is thanks to collaboration between several stakeholders, in line with established 21-point plan:

Movement control, including 24/7 border monitoring.

Monitoring, surveillance, and traceability, through on-the-ground rapid response from provincial veterinary services;

Protocols such as communication, by-law enforcement, and contingency plans; and

Recovery involving cleaning operations and monitoring quarantine areas.

More than 140,000 vaccine doses have been administered across 477 vaccination sites, with the support of 29 private veterinarians.

Water security challenges – Dams fall below 50%

The Western Cape Government is closely monitoring dams across the province, all of which are now at a combined capacity of just over 45%, significantly lower than at the same time last year.

As the province moves into the winter, the provincial government is engaging with the national Department of Water and Sanitation to ensure that silt is cleared from all infrastructure that feeds dams and reservoirs. This will ensure that all catchment areas effectively reticulate water to supply dams.

The Premier continues to urge residents to use water sparingly.

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