Expectations for Gang Violence Inquiry

Expectations for Gang Violence Inquiry

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA

LISTEN HERE @KASIBCAUDIO

DA sets clear expectations for gang violence inquiry

The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the parliamentary inquiry into gang violence and organised crime, but we caution that this process must not become another talk shop without real accountability and measurable outcomes.

South Africans, particularly communities in the Western Cape, are living under siege from relentless gang violence. This inquiry must therefore move beyond broad assessments and deliver concrete answers on what is working, what is failing, and who must be held accountable.

The DA will be demanding clarity on several critical issues:

The effectiveness of the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU), including whether its interventions are producing sustained reductions in murders and shootings, or merely temporary stabilisation in hotspot areas.

The alarming gaps in data and performance measurement, which currently make it impossible to properly assess whether SAPS strategies are succeeding.

The integrity of the AGU, including how SAPS is managing internal investigations and ensuring that both legitimate misconduct and malicious or retaliatory complaints are dealt with appropriately.

The lack of focus on dismantling organised crime networks, including financial investigations, asset forfeiture, and targeting of gang leadership rather than low-level offenders.

Whether sufficient resources, intelligence coordination, and prosecutorial support are in place to secure convictions, not just arrests.

The extent to which SAPS is strengthening its working relationship with the National Prosecuting Authority to improve prosecution outcomes and secure convictions.

The state of intelligence capacity, and whether it is adequate to support effective, intelligence-led policing within the scope of the inquiry.

The role of the South African Revenue Service in targeting gang kingpins by disrupting the financial networks that sustain organised crime.

The state of forensic capacity, including how delays in drug analysis and ballistic testing are being addressed to fast-track prosecutions.

As well as lifestyle audits and polygraphs of all AGU members regularly.

Recent figures show activity, but not necessarily impact. Without clear evidence linking police operations to convictions, disrupted networks, and long-term reductions in violence, SAPS cannot claim success.

The DA will also push for greater transparency on how priority gang stations are identified, how often these are reviewed, and whether interventions are actually improving safety in affected communities.

This inquiry must ultimately answer one simple question: are we safer today than we were before these interventions were introduced?

If not, then government must be honest about failure and commit to a new, evidence-based strategy to defeat organised crime. We again emphasise the need for the expansion of policing powers to effectively tackle gang violence.

The people of South Africa deserve more than statistics they deserve safety, justice, and a police that works.

NEWS , AUDIO , VIDEO , EVENTS , TOURS , STORES

YOUR ADVERTS

Promote your Business KASIBC_AFRICA REACH MILLIONS of viewers DAILY!

Advertise With #KasiPeople

CONFIRMATION OF DATE OF JUDGMENT IN THE PHALA PHALA MATTER

CONFIRMATION OF DATE OF JUDGMENT IN THE PHALA PHALA MATTER

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA

EFF CONFIRMATION OF DATE OF JUDGMENT IN THE PHALA PHALA MATTER

LISTEN HERE @KASIBCAUDIO

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes the communication from the Constitutional Court confirming that judgment in the matter of Economic Freedom Fighters and Another v Speaker of the National Assembly and Others (CCT 35/24), which relates to the Section 89 report on the Phala Phala matter, will be handed down on Friday, 08 May 2026 at 10h00. 

This judgment comes exactly 521 days after the matter was argued before the Constitutional Court. The EFF approached the Constitutional Court to challenge the unlawful conduct of the National Assembly in abandoning its constitutional responsibilities regarding the Section 89 Independent Panel Report into the Phala Phala matter. 

At the centre of this case is the EFF’s demand that Parliament must properly process and consider the Section 89 report instead of allowing political interests and ANC majoritarianism to suppress accountability. From the beginning, the EFF has been the lone and consistent voice demanding accountability for the criminality, secrecy, and abuse of power surrounding the Phala Phala scandal. 

While many sought to protect Cyril Ramaphosa and preserve the image of the ANC, the EFF pursued every constitutional avenue available to ensure that no President is placed above the law. 

Throughout this period, the EFF undertook pickets and demonstrations outside the Constitutional Court demanding the finalisation of this matter. 

The EFF further addressed correspondence to the Chief Justice expressing concern over the prolonged delay in delivering judgment.  

We await the judgment with the expectation that the Constitutional Court ensure that the Section 89 report is properly returned to Parliament for lawful consideration and accountability processes. 

NEWS , AUDIO , VIDEO , EVENTS , TOURS , STORES

YOUR ADVERTS

Promote your Business KASIBC_AFRICA REACH MILLIONS of viewers DAILY!

Advertise With #KasiPeople

Electoral Commission ( IEC ) engages MK Party on election preparations and state of Democracy in KZN

Electoral Commission ( IEC ) engages MK Party on election preparations and state of Democracy in KZN

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA

LISTEN HERE @KASIBCAUDIO

The Electoral Commission is encouraged by the constructive and meaningful engagement with the leadership of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, led by its President Mr Jacob Zuma in Nkandla. The meeting held on Monday, 4 May 2026, formed part of the Commission’s ongoing stakeholder engagement programme in KwaZulu-Natal, which includes consultations with leaders of various political parties. 

The Commission, led by its Chairperson, Mr Mosotho Moepya, briefed the leadership of the MK Party on the Electoral Commission’s ongoing efforts to strengthen electoral preparedness, enhance stakeholder engagement, and reinforce public trust in the electoral process ahead of the 2026 municipal elections. 

Mr Moepya described the engagement as “refreshing” and “frank” in dealing with concerns from both parties. The Chairperson noted that issues raised by the MK Party that required further consideration by the Commission and committed to these being addressed through ongoing engagement. “Consultation is not only when you agree. In the environment in which we work, we must consult and that is why we will consult. 

We leave this meeting with clarity and with our heads held up high knowing that we must still fashion out solutions for some of the challenges we face,” said Mr Moepya. The meeting with the MKP follows the Commissioners having to date already met with His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thami Ntuli leaders of political parties, including the NFP, IFP, ANC, and EFF, as part of the ongoing stakeholder engagement programme. 

The engagement included a broad spectrum of institutions of leadership across the province, faith-based formations and civil society organisations.  Consultations with more institutions and leaders are ongoing. 

These engagements respond directly to the findings of the Human Sciences Research Council’s Voter Participation Survey (VPS), which indicate a significant decline in public confidence in democracy and governance institutions among many citizens in the province.  

Both the Commission and MK party highlighted the importance of continued engagement on electoral preparations and the strengthening of democratic processes in the lead-up to the local government elections. 

They committed to regular meetings and continued dialogue to address emerging issues.  The two entities agreed that such engagements were vital to strengthening transparency, trust and accountability in the electoral process, particularly as preparations for the 2026 Municipal Elections continue. 

The upcoming elections requires concerted preparations from all electoral stakeholders. The Commission reiterates that the integrity of the electoral process remains robust and that election outcomes cannot be tampered with. 

We affirm our commitment and readiness to deliver a free and fair municipal election on 4 November 2026. 

NEWS , AUDIO , VIDEO , EVENTS , TOURS , STORES

YOUR ADVERTS

Promote your Business KASIBC_AFRICA REACH MILLIONS of viewers DAILY!

Advertise With #KasiPeople

National Lottories Commision ( NLC ) Reaffirms its Commitment to Funding “Good Causes” in Historically Disadvantaged and Marginalised Communities

National Lottories Commision ( NLC ) Reaffirms its Commitment to Funding “Good Causes” in Historically Disadvantaged and Marginalised Communities

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA

LISTEN HERE @KASIBCAUDIO

The 2024/2025 Call for Applications opened on 2 December 2024 and closed

on 19 December 2025. It was the first call to be handled through the Thuthuka online grant management

system, which requires organisations to register their profiles and comply with the legislative

requirements of the Department of Social Development (DSD), the Companies and Intellectual Property

Commission (CIPC) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS), amongst others.

During the current Call for Applications, 3,137 compliant applications were received across all provinces, and adjudication commenced in August 2025. 

To date, the Distributing Agency has adjudicated over 1,281 applications. This represents 28.6% of the total applications received, with the remaining applications to be rolled over into the new financial year for completion. 

The approved funding amounts to R 1.199 billion, with R804,533,451.32 allocated to Charities, R170,336,714.76 to Arts, Culture and National Heritage and R224,584,918.43 to Sports and Recreation sector.

With regard to declined applications, the system reflects the following reasons: incomplete or  inadequate financial documentation, quotation deficiencies, insufficient project planning and programme details, governance, registration, and institutional compliance gaps, prior funding history ,risk flags, and compliance status, legal agreements, ownership, and asset control and capacity, accreditation, and service delivery credibility.

The NLC recognises stakeholder concerns regarding processing timelines. It is important to contextualise this within the current operating environment. There was a period of transition to the NLC Thuthuka Online Grant Management System. 

The implementation of the new Thuthuka system was designed to stream-line and automate processes, enhancing efficiency across the Grant Funding value chain. 

The current funding environment reflects a deliberate tightening of compliance controls, including but not limited to:

• Verification of the legitimacy of applicant organisations and their directors.

• Verification of applicant organisations’ programmes and projects.

• Verification of applicant organisations’ physical operating addresses.

• Assessment of financial and governance capacity.

• Referral of non-compliant entities for further review or investigation where required.

While assessing received applications, we encountered a high volume of non-compliant applications.

To remedy the situation, we are currently in constant engagement with our Application Programme  Interface (API) partners which include amongst others; the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), Department of Home Affairs (DHA), Department of Social Development (DSD) and South African Revenue Services (SARS) to assist the NLC to resolve some of the non-compliance matters encountered.

“Non-compliance of applications contributed to extended timelines, particularly for applications requiring further verification or validation. Importantly, where applications are compliant and adjudicated, the NLC achieved 92% adjudication within the legislated 150-day period.This demonstrates that delays are not systemic across all applications but are largely concentrated in cases requiring compliance resolution,” said NLC Commissioner, Ms Jodi Scholtz.

Extended processing times for applications are primarily attributable to ongoing compliance verification processes, which include requests for additional information and the correction of deficiencies identified during assessments. These steps are necessary to ensure that all submissions meet the required regulatory and policy standards prior to finalisation.

The analysis of current and historical applications indicates notable levels of non-compliance within the sector, and the interventions currently being implemented reflect the NLC’s commitment to safeguarding public funds. In early 2025, the Department of Social Development (DSD) reported that out of 280,000 registered NPOs, more than 200,000 were at risk of deregistration for failing to meet basic compliance requirements, primarily the submission of annual reports as mandated by the NPO Act. About 6,000 organisations have already been deregistered at the time of reporting. Noncompliance with regulatory requirements leads to ineligibility for funding, prompt audits and delays in approving funding.

Commissioner Scholtz said: “The NLC recognises that many non-profit organisations experience compliance challenges that can affect their ability to access funding. We have embarked on capacity-building initiatives focused on governance, compliance, and institutional strengthening. These include education and awareness sessions, financial and operational reporting workshops and helpdesks that target stakeholders across the country.”

The NLC’s is working around the clock to ensure that all outstanding applications are ready for adjudication by 31 May 2026. It is further anticipated that the adjudication of these applications will be completed by October 2026, subject to budget availability.

“The NLC board is re-affirming its commitment to funding "good causes" in historically disadvantaged communities by ensuring the NLC prioritises grant distribution toward projects that alleviate poverty, reduce inequality, and empower vulnerable groups, specifically in rural and underserved South African areas. The board overhauled its policies to restore public trust, confidence and ensuring that funds reach the intended beneficiaries and compliant organisations,” said NLC Board Chairperson, Professor Barney Pityana

NEWS , AUDIO , VIDEO , EVENTS , TOURS , STORES

YOUR ADVERTS

Promote your Business KASIBC_AFRICA REACH MILLIONS of viewers DAILY!

Advertise With #KasiPeople

Summon Minister Buthelezi over R800 Million Suspension Scandal

Summon Minister Buthelezi over R800 Million Suspension Scandal

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA

LISTEN HERE @KASIBCAUDIO

DA calls on Portfolio Committee Chair to Summon Minister Buthelezi over R800 Million Suspension Scandal

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration, urgently requesting that the Minister of Public Service and Administration, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, be summoned to account for the alarming misuse of public funds highlighted in yesterday’s media reports.

According to the Sunday Times, approximately R800 million of taxpayers’ money is spent each year on the salaries of hundreds of suspended public servants, many of whom have remained at home for years while their cases remain unresolved.

This is not a minor administrative issue. It points to a serious breakdown in accountability across all spheres of government.

The report shows that at least 674 provincial and national officials are currently suspended, most of them well beyond the 90-day guideline. In some cases, individuals have remained on paid suspension for years, even after disciplinary processes have concluded.

Municipalities, already under intense financial pressure, are among the hardest hit, with millions of Rands lost due to prolonged, unresolved suspensions.

There are also growing concerns that lengthy suspensions are being misused either to quietly remove officials from their posts or to delay accountability processes, thereby allowing misconduct to continue unchecked.

At a time when service delivery is collapsing in many communities and every Rand counts, it is unacceptable that so much public money is being spent on officials who are not working and are not held to account. Parliament cannot afford to look away while this situation continues.

The DA therefore calls on the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee to urgently summon the Minister to account for the scale of precautionary suspensions across government, and:

⁠Explain why disciplinary processes are routinely allowed to exceed legal and regulatory timeframes.

⁠Set out clear steps to ensure suspensions are properly managed and time-bound.

⁠Provide a plan to recover funds where maladministration or abuse is identified.

The Minister must also explain the apparent failure of oversight within departments and the lack of consequences for those responsible for prolonged delays.

South Africans deserve a public service that is accountable, efficient, and focused on delivery, not one in which employees are paid for years while cases drag on without resolution. The DA will continue to use all parliamentary mechanisms at its disposal to enforce accountability and safeguard public funds.

NEWS , AUDIO , VIDEO , EVENTS , TOURS , STORES

YOUR ADVERTS

Promote your Business KASIBC_AFRICA REACH MILLIONS of viewers DAILY!

Advertise With #KasiPeople