ANC COMMEMORATES THE 108TH ANNIVERSARY OF NELSON MANDELA’S BIRTH

KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR 

ANC COMMEMORATES THE 108TH ANNIVERSARY OF NELSON MANDELA’S BIRTH

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JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – The African National Congress (ANC) has joined South Africans and the global community in commemorating the 108th anniversary of the birth of former President and Isithwalandwe/Seaparankwe, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

​Reflecting on his legacy of sacrifice, humility, and public service, the party urged citizens to move beyond symbolic gestures during Mandela Day and take active steps to tackle poverty and inequality.

​Combating Poverty and Inequality

​Aligning with this year's Nelson Mandela International Day theme—"It's Still in Our Hands to Combat Poverty and Inequality"—the ANC highlighted that political freedom alone is incomplete without economic dignity and social justice.

​The party called on citizens to view the annual 67 Minutes of Service initiative as a continuous, lifelong commitment to uplifting local communities rather than a once-off event.

​Focus on Local Government and Upcoming Elections

​Connecting Madiba's legacy to current governance imperatives, the ANC emphasized that practical community action remains the truest tribute to its late leader.

​The party called on South Africans to register to vote for the ANC in the upcoming local government elections, framing the vote as a commitment to:

​Fixing and revitalizing local government structures.

​Improving municipal service delivery across all communities.

​Addressing poverty, inequality, and unemployment at the grassroots level.

​Renewing the vision of a united, non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic South Africa.

​The statement concluded with warm birthday wishes to "Ntate Madiba," reiterating the call to place selfless public service above personal self-interest.

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ANC AND BNF REAFFIRM HISTORIC FRATERNAL RELATIONS AND REGIONAL SOLIDARITY AT JWANENG CONFERENCE ​

KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR 

ANC AND BNF REAFFIRM HISTORIC FRATERNAL RELATIONS AND REGIONAL SOLIDARITY AT JWANENG CONFERENCE

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JWANENG, BOTSWANA – The African National Congress (ANC) and the Botswana National Front (BNF) have issued a joint statement reaffirming their historic fraternal relations and commitment to regional integration during bilateral talks held on the margins of the BNF National Conference in Jwaneng.

​The ANC delegation—led by National Executive Committee (NEC) members Cde Thandi Moraka and Cde Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams—met with senior leadership of the BNF, including Cde Moeti Mohwasa, Cde Bakang Lesole, Cde Lasten Modo, and Cde Mompati Seleka.

​Key Areas of Agreement & Engagement

​The bilateral discussions focused on strengthening the long-standing bonds between the two liberation and progressive movements, while addressing contemporary socio-economic challenges across Southern Africa:

​Historic Solidarity: Both parties reflected on their shared history of struggle, democratic participation, and the need to preserve historic ties while adapting to modern political and economic realities.

​Political Dialogue & Exchange: Delegates exchanged insights regarding internal party renewal, movement-building, governance, and democratic processes in both South Africa and Botswana.

​Targeted Cooperation: The ANC and BNF identified joint priority areas, including youth and women empowerment, economic transformation, and enhancing the role of progressive political movements in regional policy.

​Regional Integration: Both formations emphasized driving regional peace, stability, and development through the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the broader objectives of the African Union (AU).

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Addressing Socio-Economic Crises: The parties pledged collective action to combat poverty, inequality, and unemployment affecting communities across the continent.

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Strengthening Channels of Partnership

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Moving forward, the ANC and BNF agreed to establish regularized channels of political dialogue and structured cooperation. Both organizations expressed confidence that a closer, modern partnership will safeguard democratic gains and build stronger movements equipped to deliver inclusive growth and social justice across Southern Africa.

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DA REQUESTS PUBLIC PROTECTOR PROBE INTO SYSTEMIC SERVICE DELIVERY COLLAPSE IN JOHANNESBURG

KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR 

DA REQUESTS PUBLIC PROTECTOR PROBE INTO SYSTEMIC SERVICE DELIVERY COLLAPSE IN JOHANNESBURG

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​JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG – Following joint oversight inspections across the city, Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Leader Geordin Hill-Lewis and DA Johannesburg Mayoral Candidate Helen Zille have announced a formal complaint to the Public Protector. The submission calls for an urgent, systemic investigation into ongoing service delivery failures by the City of Johannesburg and the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements.

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Disastrous Conditions at Inspected Infrastructure

​The party's leadership conducted site visits to highlight what they described as decades of criminal neglect:

​Nancefield Sewer Pump Station: Broken infrastructure has turned the vital facility into a "Niagara Falls of sewage," with raw waste continually cascading into surrounding wetlands, leaving local businesses and residents to deal with severe health hazards and environmental degradation.

​Neglected Municipal Housing: Inspections at Maxwell Court and the Helen Joseph Women’s Hostel laid bare deteriorating, unsafe living conditions where thousands of residents continue to live with collapsing infrastructure.

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Core Mandates Requested from the Public Protector

​Primary Focus: Investigating the systemic failure of provincial and local government to provide basic services, account for public funds, and enforce previously issued remedial actions.

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The formal complaint lodged with the Public Protector’s office requests five decisive actions:

​Conduct Systemic On-Site Inspections: Directly inspect damaged infrastructure and municipal housing projects across the metro.

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Secure Urgent Interim Interventions: Order immediate state action where sewage spills and unsafe structures pose direct threats to public health and safety.

​Audit Compliance on Past Reports: Audit the government's failure to implement the remedial directives issued five years ago in the 2021 Alexandra Report.

​Subpoena Concealed Documentation: Obtain missing forensic, financial, and implementation records concerning the Alexandra Renewal Project and the Helen Joseph Women’s Hostel.

​Refer Evidence to Law Enforcement: Escalate findings of corruption or financial mismanagement to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and the Auditor-General.

​The DA's Call for Governance Reform

​The DA stressed that local government must fulfill its basic duty to keep clean water flowing, contain sewage, maintain public housing, and account for every rand of public money.

Pledging a shift toward measurable deadlines and strict consequence management, the party stated that Johannesburg residents deserve a government that acts before infrastructural neglect becomes a permanent crisis.

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MINISTER GAYTON MCKENZIE DEFENDS R31 MILLION FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 DELEGATION EXPENDITURE

KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR 

MINISTER GAYTON MCKENZIE DEFENDS R31 MILLION FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 DELEGATION EXPENDITURE

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​PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – Following public scrutiny and opposition criticism regarding the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s (DSAC) spending during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Minister Gayton McKenzie has released a detailed statement outlining the department’s R30.95 million expenditure.  

​Rejecting claims that the funds were misused, Minister McKenzie insisted that "spending a budget is not a scandal" and asserted that the national branding, cultural diplomacy, and investment promotion efforts delivered clear value for South Africa on the global stage.  

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Official Expenditure Breakdown

​The department's R30,945,370.15 budget was allocated across five primary operational areas:

​Official Travel & Delegations (R7,865,134.97): Covers international flights, accommodation, local transport, daily allowances, and travel insurance for 18 official delegation members—including the Minister, two support staff, the Director-General, and a 14-member project team.  

​2010 Bafana Bafana Legends Match (R6,706,925.00): Funded 27 participants to play an official exhibition match against Mexico's 2010 legends team and participate in legacy events celebrating South African football history.  

​Hospitality & Working Suites (R3,361,845.18): Established dedicated working and networking spaces in Atlanta and Monterrey for government leaders, sponsors, investors, and international partners.  

​Spectator Match Tickets (R3,011,465.00): Paid for 294 official FIFA match tickets across host cities for delegation members, stakeholders, and program participants.  

​Fan Engagement & Pavilion Activations (R10,000,000.00): Covered the design, build, lighting, equipment, logistics, security, and performance costs for exhibition pavilions in Mexico City, Atlanta, and Monterrey—including 30 artists and cultural performers.  

​Delegation Composition & Private Sector Sponsorship

​Minister McKenzie clarified that the broader delegation contingent of over 150 people was heavily offset by corporate partnerships.  

​Private Sponsors—including Coca-Cola, HONOR, Betway, Cell C, and Old School—funded 76 non-state participants (47 "Lucky Fans" and 29 journalists, influencers, and podcasters), keeping them entirely off the public payroll.  

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Addressing his own expenses, McKenzie stated that his personal travel footprint totaled R1,058,379.75. 

This figure covered five weeks of travel, which included a mandatory return flight to South Africa to attend official June 16 Youth Day commemorations in Soweto.  

​"Rather than a dedicated driver in every city, I took a lift with my adviser in his respective rental cars... I turned down expensive state protocol lounges in every city we visited—because I wanted to contain budget costs. 

I even turned down claiming my own subsistence and travel allowance of R55,000... I did not approve this programme for myself, it was done for the country." — Minister Gayton McKenzie

​Response to Political Critics

​The Minister fired back at political opponents, including ActionSA and the Democratic Alliance (DA), accusing them of taking a lawful, mandate-aligned budget expenditure and attempting to frame it as a personal luxury trip.

​McKenzie invited any party claiming corruption or financial mismanagement to submit evidence directly to Parliament, law enforcement, or the Auditor-General.

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He emphasized that a comprehensive close-out reconciliation report is currently being prepared and will be tabled before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee once all supplier invoices and sponsorship accounts are finalized.

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HOME AFFAIRS URGES SOUTH AFRICANS TO REGISTER CUSTOMARY MARRIAGES AHEAD OF CRITICAL DEADLINE

KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR 

HOME AFFAIRS URGES SOUTH AFRICANS TO REGISTER CUSTOMARY MARRIAGES AHEAD OF CRITICAL DEADLINE

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​PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – The Department of Home Affairs has issued an urgent reminder to the public that 31 August 2026 is the final deadline to register qualifying customary marriages under a special registration grace period.

​The special window, which began on 1 September 2024, was introduced by the Minister of Home Affairs to allow couples in unregistered customary unions to regularize their marital status under South African law.

​With only a few weeks remaining, the department is urging eligible couples to complete the process immediately to avoid last-minute queues and administrative delays.

​Who Needs to Register?

​The special registration period is designed to accommodate couples whose customary marriages were not registered within the legally prescribed timelines. This includes:

• ​Pre-2000 Marriages: Customary marriages concluded before the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act officially came into effect in November 2000.

• ​Post-2000 Marriages: Customary marriages concluded after November 2000 that were never formally registered within the standard statutory timeframe.

​While cultural practices—including the negotiation and payment of lobola—form the foundation of a customary marriage, cultural ceremony alone does not automatically grant a couple a formal marriage certificate under civil law.

​Why Formal Registration is Crucial

​Legal experts and pension funds warn that leaving a customary marriage unregistered can lead to devastating legal and financial complications, particularly if a spouse passes away or the relationship dissolves.

​A registered marriage certificate provides essential legal protections, securing:

• ​Inheritance Rights: Protecting a surviving spouse’s right to inherit from an estate.

• ​Joint Assets: Ensuring equal claims to joint property and matrimonial assets, as customary marriages are automatically recognized as being in community of property unless opted out via an antenuptial contract.

• ​Spousal & Pension Benefits: Allowing surviving partners to successfully claim pension, medical aid, and state-backed dependency benefits.

​What You Need to Register

​To officially register a customary marriage, both spouses must visit a Department of Home Affairs office or consult an authorized traditional leader in person.

​The application requires the presence of at least one witness from each spouse's family (or representative of the families) to verify the union. Applicants must present:

1. ​Identity Documents: Valid South African green barcoded IDs or smart ID cards for both spouses.
2. ​The Lobola Agreement: Written proof of the lobola negotiations or traditional ceremony (if applicable).

1. ​Completed Form: The standard registration form (BI-1699).

1. ​Justification: A valid reason detailing why the marriage was not registered within the initial prescribed timeframe.

​The Department of Home Affairs has called upon traditional, religious, and community leaders, as well as civil society organizations, to aggressively raise awareness in their communities to ensure no couples are left legally vulnerable when the grace period closes on 31 August 2026.  

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