Municipal Public Accounts Committe ( MPAC ) Oversight process in Matlosana

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Municipal Public Accounts Committe ( MPAC ) Oversight process in Matlosana

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR 

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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the City of Matlosana expresses serious concern over the continued disregard for a legally binding oversight process that must be undertaken by the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC).

In terms of Section 129 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), MPAC is required to consider the Auditor-General’s report and table its oversight findings before Council by no later than 31 March each financial year. This process is critical to ensuring accountability for the use of public funds.

MPAC, established in terms of Section 79 of the Municipal Structures Act (117 of 1998), is intended to function as an independent oversight body reporting to Council. However, in Matlosana, this process has repeatedly been delayed, with the committee failing to meet its legislative deadlines due to ongoing disruptions and a lack of consistent participation by certain members.

The composition of the committee which includes a majority of ANC councillors and is chaired by an ANC representative, raises further concerns about the effectiveness of oversight, as it creates a situation where the governing party is effectively expected to hold itself accountable.

During the current oversight process, it has become evident that some councillors selectively attend sessions, particularly where there may be vested interests, while failing to attend other critical engagements without valid reason. This undermines the integrity of the entire process.

On 9 April 2026, the committee was scheduled, for the fourth time, to engage with the Technical and Infrastructure Department, which has recorded some of the poorest performance outcomes under the leadership of Mr Nelson Mongale, who has since been appointed as Acting Municipal Manager.

However, the meeting could not proceed due to a lack of quorum after four ANC councillors, one EFF councillor, and one F4SD councillor failed to attend, submitting late apologies only after councillors and senior management had already convened.

This repeated failure to form a quorum has directly prevented the committee from fulfilling its constitutional and legislative mandate.

The Speaker of Council, as the custodian of council processes and discipline, has been made aware of this pattern of non-attendance but has yet to take any meaningful action to address it.

While the committee’s work plan had to be adjusted due to additional council meetings, this does not justify the continued obstruction and failure to conclude a legally required process.

The DA will continue to closely monitor this matter and apply pressure to ensure that:

The MPAC process is urgently concluded

Councillors are held accountable for non-attendance and obstruction

The municipality complies fully with the provisions of the MFMA

Residents of Matlosana deserve transparency, accountability, and proper oversight of public funds. The continued failure to finalise this process undermines public trust and weakens governance.

The DA remains committed to ensuring adherence to the law and holding all those responsible accountable.

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NSFAS Applications Guide – Everything You Need

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NSFAS Applications Guide – Everything You Need

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR 

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As the cost of higher education continues to rise in South Africa, financial support remains a critical lifeline for millions of students. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has once again opened opportunities for qualifying students to pursue their academic dreams . Whether you are a first-time applicant or a returning student, understanding how NSFAS works—and how to apply successfully—can make all the difference.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about NSFAS applications, including eligibility requirements, application steps, deadlines, common mistakes, and expert tips to increase your chances of approval.

What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a South African government initiative that provides financial assistance to students from low- and middle-income households. It covers tuition fees, accommodation, transport, learning materials, and living allowances for students studying at public universities and TVET colleges.

NSFAS is not just a loan—it is primarily a bursary for qualifying students, meaning that in most cases, you do not have to pay it back, provided you meet academic requirements.

Who Qualifies for NSFAS ?

Before applying, it is important to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. For the  academic year, applicants must meet the following requirements:

- Be a South African citizen

- Come from a household with a combined annual income of:

  - R350,000 or less for general applicants

  - R600,000 or less for students with disabilities

- Be accepted or planning to study at a public university or TVET college

- Not already have a qualification funded by NSFAS

- Meet the academic requirements of your chosen institution

Students receiving SASSA grants automatically qualify for NSFAS funding, provided they meet admission requirements.

What Does NSFAS Cover?

If your application is approved, NSFAS funding typically includes:

- Full tuition fees

- Accommodation (either on-campus or private accommodation within approved limits)

- Transport allowance (for students living within a certain distance from campus)

- Living allowance for daily expenses

- Learning material allowance (books and study equipment)

This comprehensive support ensures that students can focus on their studies without financial stress.

NSFAS Application Opening and Closing Dates

NSFAS applications usually open towards the end of the year preceding the academic year. Applications are expected to:

- Open: September 

- Close: January 

It is strongly advised to apply as early as possible to avoid last-minute issues or system delays.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for NSFAS 

Applying for NSFAS is done entirely online.

Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Create a myNSFAS Account

Visit the official NSFAS website and register for a myNSFAS account. You will need:

- A valid email address

- Your ID number

- A cellphone number

Make sure all your details are accurate, as this information will be used throughout your application process.

Step 2: Complete Your Profile

Once your account is created, log in and fill in your personal details, including:

- Full name and surname

- Contact details

- Physical address

- Education history

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

You will need to upload certified copies of the following documents:

- Your South African ID or birth certificate

- Parent or guardian ID copies

- Proof of income (payslips, affidavits, or SASSA letter)

- Academic results (if applicable)

Ensure all documents are clear, valid, and not older than three months where applicable.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

After completing all sections and uploading documents, review your application carefully. Once satisfied, submit your application.

You will receive a reference number—keep this safe, as you will use it to track your application status.

How to Track Your NSFAS Application

After submission, you can track your application through your myNSFAS account. Status updates may include:

- Application submitted

- Documents pending

- Verification in progress

- Approved or rejected

Be patient, as processing may take several weeks due to high application volumes.

Common Reasons for NSFAS Rejection

Many students are rejected due to avoidable mistakes. Here are the most common reasons:

- Missing or incorrect documents

- Household income exceeding the threshold

- Incomplete application

- Academic ineligibility

- Duplicate applications

To avoid rejection, double-check all your information before submitting.

What to Do If Your Application Is Rejected

If your NSFAS application is declined, do not panic. You have the option to appeal.

NSFAS Appeal Process:

- Log into your myNSFAS account

- Select the appeal option

- Provide a valid reason for your appeal

- Upload supporting documents

Appeals must be submitted within 30 days of receiving your rejection notice.

NSFAS Allowances (Estimated)

While official figures may vary, students can expect allowances similar to previous years:

- Living allowance: Around R15,000 per year

- Transport allowance: Up to R7,500 per year

- Accommodation: Based on actual costs within limits

- Learning materials: Around R5,200 per year

These allowances are designed to cover essential student needs.

Important Tips for a Successful NSFAS Application

To improve your chances of approval, follow these expert tips:

Apply Early

Avoid last-minute applications. Early submission reduces stress and gives you time to fix any issues.

Use Accurate Information

Ensure all personal and financial details are correct. False information can lead to disqualification.

Upload Clear Documents

Blurry or unreadable documents are a common cause of delays and rejections.

Keep Copies of Everything

Save copies of your application and all uploaded documents for reference.

Check Your Application Status Regularly

Stay updated and respond quickly if additional information is required.

NSFAS for Returning Students

If you are already funded by NSFAS, you do not need to reapply every year. However, you must:

- Pass your academic modules

- Meet institutional progression requirements

Failure to meet academic standards may result in loss of funding.

NSFAS and Private Colleges

It is important to note that NSFAS does not fund private institutions. Only students enrolled in public universities and TVET colleges qualify.

If you are considering a private college, you will need to explore alternative funding options such as scholarships or private bursaries.

The Impact of NSFAS on South African Youth

NSFAS has transformed the lives of millions of young South Africans by making higher education accessible to those who would otherwise not afford it. It plays a crucial role in reducing inequality and empowering the next generation of professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders.

For many students, NSFAS is not just financial aid—it is an opportunity to change their future and uplift their families.

Final Thoughts

Applying for NSFAS could be one of the most important steps in your educational journey. With proper preparation, accurate documentation, and timely submission, you can significantly increase your chances of success.

Do not wait until the last minute. Start preparing your documents now, stay informed, and take full advantage of this life-changing opportunity.

Education is one of the most powerful tools for success—and NSFAS is here to help you achieve it.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa appoints Judges of the Constitutional Court

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President Cyril Ramaphosa appoints Judges of the Constitutional Court

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has in terms of section 174(4) of the Constitution appointed Justice Nambitha Christabel Dambuza-Mayosi and Justice Katharine Mary Savage as Judges of the Constitutional Court with effect from 1 May 2026.

As directed by the Constitution, President Ramaphosa has made these appointments after consultation with Chief Justice Mandisa Maya and leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly.

Justice Dambuza-Mayosi currently serves as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal – a position she has held since June 2015 and which included an extended period of acting as President of the Supreme Court of Appeal.

Justice Dambuza-Mayosi’s career spans more than three decades in legal practice, academia and the judiciary.

Justice Savage became a Judge of the Western Cape High Court in 2015 and has served as a Judge of the Labour Appeal Court since 2024.

President Ramaphosa wishes the new judges of South Africa’s apex court well in their new roles.

The President said: “Judge Dambuza-Mayosi and Judge Savage have for decades served the cause and practice of justice with great diligence, foresight and, most importantly, clear commitment to our Constitution.

“They join the Constitutional Court in the year in which we mark 30 years since the adoption of our democratic Constitution. This anniversary is a significant moment for our nation and serves as an inspiration for our Constitutional Court to sustain the entrenchment of our national values and the supreme law that underpins them.”

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THE COMMISSIONING OF THE BOLOBEDU SOLAR PLANT IN LIMPOPO

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THE COMMISSIONING OF THE BOLOBEDU SOLAR PLANT IN LIMPOPO

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA 

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The Government welcomes the successful commissioning of the Bolobedu Solar Plant, a 148-megawatt (MW) photovoltaic facility in Limpopo Province, completed in April 2026 and commissioned by Rio Tinto. 

This milestone represents a significant contribution to South Africa’s ongoing efforts to diversify its energy mix, strengthen energy security, and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. The plant, which spans approximately 347 hectares, is expected to generate around 300 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean energy annually, supplying power through the national grid.

The Bolobedu Solar Plant stands as a strong example of how strategic public-private collaboration can unlock investment, drive infrastructure development, and support inclusive economic growth. During its construction phase, the project created employment opportunities for approximately 800 local residents, with a clear emphasis on skills development, empowerment of women-led enterprises, and meaningful community upliftment.

Government commends all stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of this project for prioritising local participation and ensuring that communities benefit directly from infrastructure investments. Initiatives such as these play a vital role in addressing unemployment, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and building resilient local economies.

As South Africa continues to confront energy challenges, projects like the Bolobedu Solar Plant demonstrate the critical role of renewable energy in stabilising electricity supply while advancing the country’s climate commitments.

Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for further investment in renewable energy and infrastructure development that delivers both economic and social value.

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THE IPID REPORT INTO THE PHALA PHALA SCANDAL AND THE SYSTEMATIC COVER-UP OF PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA

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THE IPID REPORT INTO THE PHALA PHALA SCANDAL AND THE SYSTEMATIC COVER-UP OF PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA 

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The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes the report released by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) on the Phala Phala farm scandal where millions of stuffed Rands were stolen from the President’s home, and we state without hesitation that its findings confirm a coordinated abuse of state power to conceal criminal conduct linked to Cyril Ramaphosa.

The IPID report highlights a disturbing pattern of illegality, misconduct, and institutional decay within the Presidential Protection Unit (PPU) and sections of the South African Police Service. It confirms that senior SAPS officials, including Major General Wally Rhoode and Constable Hlulani Rekhoto, were informed of the theft of foreign currency of $580 000 from the President’s private farm but deliberately failed to register a criminal case or report the matter in accordance with the law.

Instead of complying with the legal prescripts of the SAPS Act and the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, these officials embarked on an unlawful investigation. The report finds that this included the concealment of the crime, the use of state resources to pursue suspects, and the abuse of police authority to protect the private financial interests of the President.

The report further details how SAPS members conducted unlawful apprehensions of suspects and witnesses, interrogated suspects outside of legal procedures, and engaged in acts amounting to kidnapping. It reveals that suspects were tracked, detained, and questioned without any registered case docket, in complete violation of constitutional and policing protocols.

More concerning is the finding that there was unlawful handling of the stolen money, including allegations of bribery aimed at silencing suspects and concealing the events that took place on 9 February 2020. The report also highlights unlawful cross-border activities, including engagements with suspects and law enforcement in Namibia, raising serious questions about the extent of the cover-up and the misuse of state machinery beyond South Africa’s borders.

The IPID investigation exposes how official state resources were repurposed for a private matter. Police personnel were deployed under false pretences, travel arrangements were misrepresented, and public funds were used to conduct what was effectively a private recovery operation for the President’s undeclared foreign currency. This constitutes fruitless and wasteful expenditure and a gross violation of public trust.

Both Major General Rhoode and Constable Rekhoto were, according to the report, recommended for disciplinary action in the face of these investigations, however acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia last year stated that Rhoode was subjected to an internal disciplinary process regarding this matter and was found not guilty. This is a glaring contradiction coming from Ramaphosa’s own Minister.

It is now clear, when this report is read together with the findings of the Section 89 Panel Report, that President Cyril Ramaphosa has a clear case to answer for. The convergence of these findings demonstrates a consistent pattern of concealment, abuse of power, and evasion of accountability at the highest level of the state.

The EFF is additionally concerned by the delays surrounding the release of the IPID report, as well as the continued delay in the EFF Constitutional Court case on Section 89 report, which seeks to reinstate the Section 89 process in Parliament. These delays point to a deliberate attempt to shield President Ramaphosa from accountability and to suppress processes that would expose the full extent of wrongdoing.

This pattern of institutional protection is not new. It mirrors the conduct of key state institutions such as the South African Revenue Service, the South African Reserve Bank, and the Office of the Public Protector South Africa, all of which have, in relation to Phala Phala, acted in a manner that raises serious concerns about their independence and willingness to hold the President accountable.

Moreover, the conduct exposed in this report bears a striking resemblance to the revelations emerging from the Madlanga Commission and the Ad Hoc Committee on the criminal infiltration of Police and Intelligence services. These processes have pointed to a dangerous trend of political interference, parallel power structures, and the erosion of lawful governance within South Africa’s security apparatus.

This combination of evidence is deeply worrying. It reveals a state that is increasingly manipulated to serve the interests of a political elite, rather than the people of South Africa. It confirms that the President is not only politically compromised but is at the centre of a network of actions that undermine the rule of law.

We therefore demand the immediate institution of criminal proceedings against all SAPS members implicated in the unlawful activities outlined in the report, and a full, transparent criminal investigation into the role of President Cyril Ramaphosa in the concealment of the crime and the subsequent abuse of state resources.

The findings of IPID, read together with other processes, make it increasingly clear that this is a matter that demands criminal accountability. As we have consistently stated President Cyril Ramaphosa has a case to answer, and that the trajectory of these revelations points to a leader that has no place in public office, but must face the full might of the law.

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