Gauteng Roads and Transport on innovative Road Construction project at Road D781

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Gauteng Roads and Transport on innovative Road Construction project at Road D781

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA 

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The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT) has taken a decisive and transformative step towards strengthening internal delivery capacity, following the convening of its first internal strategic engagement on the Heidelberg Construction Office’s leadership role in road construction within the province.

This pioneering initiative marks a major shift in how the Department plans, builds, and maintains road infrastructure, deliberately positioning internal technical expertise at the centre of service delivery.

The project on Road D781, located along the north–south corridor of the City of Ekurhuleni, has been identified as the flagship implementation of this new internal construction model.

The strategic objective of the project is to capacitate the Department to independently construct and rehabilitate roads, while reducing reliance on external service providers.

By leveraging internal skills, plant, and project management capability, the Department aims to significantly fast-track service delivery, contain costs, and ensure greater control over quality, timelines, and accountability.

MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela indicated that external procurement will be limited to highly specialised services that complement internal capacity, enabling the Department to deploy resources more strategically and efficiently.

With several regional offices located across the province, the Heidelberg Construction Office has been earmarked as the lead implementing unit, reflecting its core mandate in road construction, maintenance, and fleet management services.

"The office will serve as a proof-of-concept for internal road construction excellence, laying the foundation for a scalable model that can be replicated province-wide," the MEC explained.

The inaugural engagement brought together key internal stakeholders, including representatives from the Roads Branch, Finance, Risk Management, Stakeholder Relations, and Communications.

The meeting ensured full alignment on project objectives, governance processes, roles and responsibilities, and compliance requirements, thereby setting a strong institutional framework for implementation.

This integrated approach underscores the Department’s commitment to disciplined project execution, transparency, and inter-branch collaboration.

Beyond physical construction, the project is designed as an innovation platform. The Department will actively explore partnerships with institutions of higher learning to support a range of services, including:

Materials testing and quality assurance

Skills transfer and technical training

Work-integrated learning opportunities for students and graduates

Incorporating smart solutions will be a key feature of the project, positioning Road D781 as a modern, forward-looking infrastructure intervention aligned with evolving mobility, technology, and sustainability imperatives.

"This internally led road construction project represents a bold departure from conventional delivery models and signals the beginning of a new era in infrastructure development for the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport."

"By investing in its own people, systems, and capabilities, the Department is not only accelerating service delivery but also building long-term institutional resilience, skills depth, and operational sovereignty, ensuring better roads, delivered faster, by a capable and empowered public service," said the MEC.

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RUBICON COMMUNICATIONS TO REPAY R2.7 MILLION IN FUNDS

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RUBICON COMMUNICATIONS TO REPAY R2.7 MILLION IN FUNDS 

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA 

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SIU SIGNED AN AGREEMENT WITH RUBICON COMMUNICATIONS TO REPAY R2.7 MILLION IN FUNDS THAT WERE MISUSED, WHICH WERE INITIALLY INTENDED FOR SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured an Acknowledgement of Debt from Rubicon Communications CC and its Chief Executive Officer, Ms Hangwani Mudangawe Nengovhela, for the repayment of R2,699,000.00 received from the National Skills Fund (NSF). The repayment will be made in monthly instalments of R74,772.29 starting on 1 May 2026, with interest accruing until the full amount is settled.

Rubicon Communications CC was initially awarded R2,699,968.75 by the NSF in November 2018 to deliver a leadership and skills development programme for 100 learners. The project was meant to start in 2019 and run for 12 months, equipping learners with a National Certificate in Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather Manufacturing.

However, the SIU’s forensic analysis revealed that the funds were spent within two months of receipt, between November and December 2018, long before the training could begin. The money was diverted to cover Rubicon’s operational expenses, logistics, machinery purchases, rentals, loan repayments, school fees and personal transfers. 

For example, R1.39 million was spent on “operations and logistics,” R200,000 on machinery, R90,000 on rentals, and significant amounts were transferred to individuals linked to Rubicon. By the end of December 2018, the entire allocation had been depleted, leaving nothing for the learners the project was meant to empower.

This misuse of funds meant that the leadership programme never took place, and 100 learners were denied the opportunity to gain critical skills that could have improved their livelihoods. The SIU, acting under Proclamation No. 253 of 2025, investigated the matter and engaged Rubicon Communications CC to recover the misused funds. 

After negotiations, the company signed an Acknowledgement of Debt in February 2026, ensuring that the NSF will recover the full amount plus interest and costs. The agreement and payment that follow do not exempt the parties involved from being referred to the prosecuting authority for potential criminal prosecution.

This recovery underscores the SIU’s commitment to protecting public funds and ensuring accountability. Money meant to uplift South Africans through skills development will now be returned to the NSF, reinforcing the principle that corruption and maladministration will not go unchallenged.

In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU refers any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.

The SIU is also authorised to initiate civil proceedings in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation and to recover financial losses suffered by the State, including funds paid for services not rendered

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Health Welcomes arrival of Lenacapavir in South Africa

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Health Welcomes arrival of Lenacapavir in South Africa

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA 

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The Department of Health welcomes the arrival of the first batch HIV  prevention medicine, Lenacapavir in South Africa, which consists of 37 920 doses.

This is part of integrated, differentiated and people-centred HIV prevention services  which offer new hope for people who face barriers to existing HIV prevention methods.

Lenacapavir will boost the country’s efforts to reduce new HIV infections to end AIDS  as a public health threat by 2030 and sustain the HIV response after 2030 in line with the Global AIDS Strategy for 2026–2030.

This six-monthly injectable has arrived in the country last week on Thursday and it is  expected to expand HIV prevention choices, improve adherence especially amongst  the most vulnerable priority groups including adolescent girls and young women, sex  workers, Men having sex with men, among others.

The Department will in the next few weeks announce the official launch of this gamechanger where the phased implementation plan will be outlined. Lenacapavir is preventive medicine, not a vaccine, considered one of the most exciting HIV prevention advances in years.

The Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi is very excited about this development  and will, in consultation with the President, announce the date for the launch to be led  by the President.

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CHALLENGES NPA DECISIONS IN HIGH COURT OVER WITHDRAWAL OF RACKETEERING CHARGES

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CHALLENGES NPA DECISIONS IN HIGH COURT OVER WITHDRAWAL OF RACKETEERING CHARGES

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA 

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The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (“MK Party”) has today filed an application in the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Pretoria, to review and set aside the illegal and controversial decisions by the former National Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Shamila Batohi to withdraw serious racketeering and related charges against former senior police officials Johan Wessel Booysen and Jan Johannes Eugene van Tonder.

It has also emerged that not only did Adv Batohi, illegally withdraw the said charges, she also entered into a secret settlement agreement with Mr Johan Booysen and Mr Jan van Tonder, in terms of which the National Prosecuting Authority agreed to pay substantial settlement amounts to Mr Booysen and Mr Van Tonder.

It is notable that the settlement agreements were entered, and the payments made as Adv Batohi was left with no more than a month of her controversial tenure as the country’s NDPP, which itself raises probity questions about these settlements.

Therefore, the MK Party is challenging:

• The decisions taken in 2019 to withdraw racketeering charges and predicate offences against the respondents and their co-accused.

• The subsequent settlement agreements concluded between the NPA, the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, the Minister of Police, and the two individuals.

• The payment of public funds as part of those settlements.

The Party is seeking an order declaring these decisions and agreements unlawful and unconstitutional, setting them aside, directing the repayment of all settlement amounts to the State, and reinstating the original prosecution instituted in 2016. 

The withdrawal of these serious charges and the subsequent pay out of taxpayers’ money raises serious questions about accountability and the administration of justice in South Africa.

The MK Party will not stand by while decisions that appear to undermine the fight against corruption and organised crime are allowed to stand. We are taking this step to restore the rule of law and ensure that no one is above the law.” The application is supported by the founding affidavit of Party Leader in Parliament, Deputy President Dr. Mandlakayise John Hlophe.

The MK Party remains committed to defending the Constitution, combating corruption, and holding those in positions of power accountable.

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Welcoming of Prominent MKP Leader

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Welcoming of Prominent MKP Leader  

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA 

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Today marks an important moment for the Inkatha Freedom Party as we officially welcome Dr Bongani Mncwango, former Secretary-General of the Umkhonto weSizwe Party, into the IFP family. Dr Mncwango brings with him a wealth of leadership experience from both the private and public sectors. 

His distinguished career includes serving as Chief Executive Officer of Sanlam Healthcare, Chief Executive Officer of Netcare 911, and Managing Director of Bonitas Medical Fund Administration. His expertise and strategic insight will significantly strengthen the IFP as we intensify our mobilisation efforts ahead of the upcoming Local Government Elections. 

His decision to join the IFP is not incidental—it is a clear affirmation of the growing confidence in the IFP as a credible, principled, and values-driven political home. 

This is not an isolated development. Across the country, South Africans from diverse political backgrounds are choosing the IFP because they recognise in us a party rooted in integrity, constitutionalism, and ethical leadership. At a time of deep political uncertainty, the IFP stands firm as a beacon of stability, unity, and good governance.  

On Sunday, 12 April, I will continue this momentum by welcoming new members at Inkosi Langalibalele in Estcourt—further evidence that the IFP is expanding its footprint and reconnecting with communities on the ground.  

We enter this period with confidence and purpose. 

The IFP is fully in election mode. Our recent by-election successes reflect a growing trust from voters, and we are determined to build on this momentum.  

On 13 April, we will convene our National Council Meeting to chart a decisive path towards the Local Government Elections. 

This will be followed by an Extended National Council on 20 April 2026, bringing together over 600 leaders from across the country to consolidate our strategy and readiness.  

We call on all South Africans to register to vote without delay. Do not wait for the voter registration weekend in June. Registration is already open online and at IEC offices. 

The future of our municipalities—and our country—depends on active citizen participation.  

To the members of the media, we thank you for your continued support and commitment to informing the public.  The IFP is growing. 

The IFP is ready. And the IFP is the future. 

I thank you. 

President VF Hlabisa Durban , KwaZulu-Natal Wednesday, 08 April 2026

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