Urgent repairs to failing Stormwater Drainage Infrastructure in Koppies , Ngwathe Municipality

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Urgent repairs to failing Stormwater Drainage Infrastructure in Koppies , Ngwathe Municipality

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA©®™ 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to the Municipal Manager (MM) and intensified oversight to ensure urgent intervention and repairs to the failing stormwater drainage infrastructure in Koppies, which has remained unresolved since September 2025.

This continued neglect has directly affected residents, as collapsing infrastructure has led to persistent flooding, property damage, and growing safety risks within the community.

Critical water drainage pipes in the affected area have collapsed, and no adequate repairs have been undertaken. As a result, the situation has deteriorated significantly, particularly during the current rainy season, which has intensified water flow and placed additional pressure on already failing infrastructure.

Several homes on the affected street are now directly affected, with residents experiencing persistent water accumulation, property damage, and increased safety risks. What was initially an infrastructure concern has now escalated into a matter affecting residents' daily living conditions.

The DA finds it unacceptable that such a prolonged delay in addressing essential infrastructure has persisted, especially where it directly impacts vulnerable communities.

We urge the MM to act now and deliver the following:

Immediate repairs or replacement of the damaged stormwater drainage pipes are prioritised,

A comprehensive technical assessment of the affected infrastructure is conducted,

Temporary measures are implemented to mitigate water flow during ongoing rainfall, and

A clear and transparent timeline for resolution is communicated to residents.

Failure to act decisively will result in further damage to infrastructure, increased financial burden on both residents and the municipality, and potential health and safety hazards.

The DA remains committed to holding the administration accountable and to ensuring that residents receive the basic services they are entitled to.

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R5.8 MILLION SPENT BY THE NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY TO REMUNERATE SUSPENDED CITY MANAGER NOXOLO NQWAZI

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R5.8 MILLION SPENT BY THE NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY TO REMUNERATE SUSPENDED CITY MANAGER NOXOLO NQWAZI

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA©®™ 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is appalled by the reckless, wasteful, and fruitless expenditure of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, which has over a period of two-years and five months paid suspended ANC-appointed City Manager Noxolo Nqwazi, a cumulative amount of R5.8 million.

In what can only be described as irresponsible conduct by a municipality which has failed to exercise its due diligence and responsibility, Nqwazi has drawn a salary while on suspension since the 20th of October 2023, due to the failure of the municipality to timeously institute the necessary disciplinary processes and procedures.

This has resulted in not only her being a burden on the finances of the municipality, but has meant there has been a revolving door of acting City Managers in the City for two and a half years. As a result, millions have been spent remunerating these acting City Managers, while R5.8 million has been spent on the suspended City Manager.

Of greater concern is that the City has reportedly lost R1.6 billion in rollover applications from National Treasury over the years, due to the absence of a City Manager. The process of rollovers refers to instances where each financial year approved and unspent funds are reallocated for committed projects which can range from infrastructure and service delivery objectives, rather than returning that money to the National Revenue Fund.

This means residents are being denied funds which could improve their lives due to the lack of an active City Manager to claim these funds.

The EFF takes this opportunity to remind South Africans and the people of Nelson Mandela Bay that it was the EFF which led the charge against the fraud and corruption accused Noxolo Nqwazi, who was implicated in the irregular procurement of a toilet tender in the municipality which led to her arrest.

On the 01June2023, we called for the immediate resignation of Nqwazi, on the basis of the findings of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which revealed that she approved a R24.6 million tender to procure 2000 toilets during the COVID-19 pandemic, under the guise of emergency procurement.

Unsurprisingly and true to form for an ANC-appointed City Manager, only 200 toilets were procured, and it was revealed that Nqwazi sat at the head of a corrupt patronage network, wherein she is alleged to have utilised the proceeds of this irregular tender to control ANC and DA councillors using bribes, in order to shield herself from accountability.

Following consistent and principled calls and campaigns by the EFF, and a special motion which was introduced by the EFF in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal Council, Nqwazi was placed on a precautionary suspension on the 20th of October 2023.

It is therefore undermining to the good work of the EFF in fighting corruption, and disrespectful to the people of Nelson Mandela Bay, that money that could have been used to deliver basic services such as water, electricity, cleaning of illegal dumping sites and many other critical services, has been used to pay an individual who is sitting at home doing nothing.

The EFF will therefore bring an urgent motion in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal Council, to urgently begin and resolve disciplinary proceedings against Noxolo Nqwazi. The EFF wishes to make it clear that we will in no shape or form support any settlement agreement with Nqwazi, who has already been accused of defrauding the municipality using tenders, and has now defrauded the municipality by being remunerated for almost three years while on suspension.

The R6.5 million settlement which she has reportedly agreed to is a spit in the face of the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay who suffer indignity on a daily basis.

Corruption must not be rewarded, and the EFF will fight tooth and nail to ensure that there are consequences for the irresponsible conduct of the municipality, and that the monies which have been paid to the ANC’s Noxolo Nqwazi are recovered.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa Appoints New SARS Commissioner

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President Cyril Ramaphosa Appoints New SARS Commissioner

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA©®™ 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Dr Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for a period of five years with effect from 1 May 2026.

President Ramaphosa has made this appointment in terms of section 6 of the South African Revenue Service Act of 1997, following an unanimous recommendation by a selection panel convened by Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana.

Dr Makhubu, who has held the position of Deputy Commissioner: Taxpayer Engagement & Operations since 2023, succeeds Commissioner Edward Kieswetter whose two-year contract ends on 30 April 2026.

The incoming Commissioner is a seasoned public and private sector executive with more than 17 years of senior leadership experience spanning tax administration, commercial, finance and operations management.

He has worked in complex, regulated and large-scale organisations across multiple industries including fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), mining, power generation and public revenue services.

Dr Makhubu has worked on the formulation of the SARS strategic direction since 2020 and has actively worked to implement the Vision 2024 strategy together with the current Commissioner.

The implementation of Vision 2024 achieved revenue collections with a compounded annual growth rate of 7.6% while voluntary compliance increased by 3.4 percentage points.

President Ramaphosa congratulates Dr Makhubu on his appointment to lead the revenue service as the institution that provides the financial resources necessary for the Government to function, fund infrastructure, and pay for social services.

President Ramaphosa has also expressed his appreciation and high regard for Commissioner Kieswetter’s incisive and innovative leadership that has positioned SARS as a critical enabler of fiscal stability, social delivery, trade facilitation, and the enablement of domestic and foreign investment.

President Ramaphosa says the change in the leadership of SARS shows how sound succession planning contributes to the capability of the State.

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PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA APPOINTS NEW SARS COMMISSIONER

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MKP YOUTH LEAGUE LEADERSHIP STRATEGIC VISIT TO CHINA

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MKP YOUTH LEAGUE LEADERSHIP STRATEGIC VISIT TO CHINA

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA©®™

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party extends its best wishes to the leadership of the MK Youth League as they embark on an important visit and diplomatic mission to the People’s Republic of China aimed at exploring global innovations, skills development models and sustainable developmental opportunities to empower the youth of South Africa.

This strategic engagement reflects the Youth League’s commitment to learning from international best practices, fostering cooperation and identifying practical solutions that can contribute to job creation, technological advancement, and economic participation for young people in our country. 

The delegation will be led by the President of the Youth League, Cde. Qiniso Cibane, accompanied by the Secretary General, Cde. Nkateko Mkhabela, and Member of Parliament, Cde. Noma Buthelezi. Their participation in this mission represents a forward-looking approach to youth development and international solidarity. 

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party is confident that this visit will yield valuable insights and partnerships that will strengthen efforts to build a capable, skilled and globally competitive generation of young South Africans. 

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The passing of Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s Albert Mazibuko

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The passing of Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s Albert Mazibuko

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR AFRICA 

It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Albert Mazibuko, a legendary member of the world-renowned group Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

His passing on Sunday, at the age of 77, is a loss not only for South Africa’s music industry, but for the nation as a whole.

Albert Mazibuko was more than a performer; he was the custodian of a uniquely South African sound that travelled across the world and united people through music. Through Ladysmith Black Mambazo, he helped carry the story, resilience and soul of our nation onto the global stage.

Founded in 1960 in KwaZulu-Natal by the late Joseph Shabalala, Ladysmith Black Mambazo became one of South Africa’s most celebrated musical groups and global ambassadors of the traditional isicathamiya style. The group rose to international prominence following their collaboration with Paul Simon on the landmark album Graceland, which introduced millions around the world to South African choral music during a pivotal moment in our history.

Over the decades, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has become synonymous with musical excellence, earning multiple Grammy Awards and performing on some of the world’s most prestigious stages. 

Their music has served as a bridge between cultures while proudly preserving the Zulu vocal traditions that form part of South Africa’s rich cultural heritage.

South Africa has lost one of its cultural giants. Albert Mazibuko and his fellow members of Ladysmith Black Mambazo showed the world the beauty of our traditions and the power of harmony. His voice and presence will be deeply missed, but the legacy he leaves behind will continue to inspire generations of artists.

On behalf of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and the people of South Africa, I extend my sincere condolences to the Mazibuko family, the members of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the music community, and all South Africans mourning the loss of a beloved cultural icon.

May his soul rest in peace, and may his music continue to remind us who we are as a people.

Gayton McKenzie

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

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