Police on manhunt for Qumbu killers @KASIBCNEWS

Police on manhunt for  Qumbu killers @KASIBCNEWS 

The Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene strongly condemns the senseless and a brutal ambush of community patrollers, where six people were fatally shot, and four were injured at the Lugongozo Junior Secondary School in Tina Falls near Qumbu last night.

It is alleged that on Sunday, 6 October 2024 around 22:45, a group of at least eight (08) men, who were armed with rifles and handguns opened fire to a group of community patrollers. 

Six people succumbed to their injuries, and four victims were rushed to the nearest hospital. It is said that the patrollers were at a local school, and were preparing for their evening patrols when they were attacked. 

The suspects (unknown) are still at large, and a motive for the shooting is unknown at this stage. 

Police are urging anyone with information that could assist our investigating team to contact a team leader on 082 301 7762. The information may also be shared via Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.

Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene said, “We have mobilised maximum resources, and we are concerned that those who are working and assisting the police are being targeted and attacked. 

We will do our best to ensure that those who were behind this mass shooting are apprehended. As the Service, we condemn this incident, and we also extend our condolences to the families of the deceased persons. 

We would also like to wish those who are injured a speedy recovery, concluded Lt Gen Mene.

Soweto School Learners Poisoned @KASIBCNEWS

Soweto School Learners Poisoned @KASIBCNEWS

MEC CHILOANE SADDENED BY DEATH OF FOUR LEARNERS IN SOWETO 

Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation, Mr. Matome Chiloane, wishes to express his deep sadness over the tragic passing of four learners, three from Karabo Primary School and one from Khauhelo Primary School, both located in Soweto. These learners allegedly died on Sunday, 6 October 2024, after consuming food that is suspected to have been poisoned.

According to information at our disposal, a Grade 1 boy (age 7), a Grade 2 girl (age 8), and a Grade 3 boy (age 9) from Karabo Primary School sadly passed away on Sunday after allegedly consuming food suspected to have contained poison. Additionally, a Grade 1 boy learner from the school remains in ICU at a local medical facility after also having consumed the food.

In a separate incident, an 8-year-old Grade 2 boy from Khauhelo Primary School also passed away on Sunday after allegedly consuming snacks purchased from a spaza shop in Naledi.

Police are currently investigating circumstances surrounding these tragic incidents. 

The GDE, together with the affected schools, has activated the necessary support structures to provide psycho-social counseling to affected learners, educators, and family members. 

“We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and school communities affected by these tragic incidents. The safety and well-being of our learners remain our top priority, and we urge parents, guardians, and communities to exercise caution regarding the food consumed by children,” said MEC Chiloane.

NURSING INTAKE APPLICATIONS 2025 @KASIBCNEWS

 

NURSING INTAKE APPLICATIONS 2025 @KASIBCNEWS 

 Gauteng residents interested in studying nursing through the Gauteng Department of Health’s Gauteng College of Nursing (GCoN) in 2025 have until Friday, 11 October 2024 to submit their applications. 

Potential students are encouraged to apply to study for a three-year Diploma in Nursing offered at one of GCoN’s four campuses: Ann Latsky, Bonalesedi, Chris Hani Baragwanath, or SG Lourens. 

Applicants must be South African citizens residing in Gauteng and meet the specified educational requirements; a Senior Certificate (Standard 10), a National Senior Certificate (Grade 12) or National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4, with passes in key subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Life Sciences. Special consideration will be given to applicants from disadvantaged communities, including those from informal settlements, hostels, and rural areas within Gauteng. Individuals already working in the nursing profession as auxiliary or enrolled nurses and meet the entry requirements are also encouraged to apply. 

Applications must be submitted online by 11 October 2024 through the official GCON website: https://nursingintake.gauteng.gov.za applicants are required to upload certified copies of their Identity Document, educational qualifications, and/or latest school results. 

Successful applicants will undergo a psychometric assessment and medical screening before final selection, and it's important to note that meeting the entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Successful candidates will provide own funding. 

For further inquiries, applicants can email; Nomaswazi.Dhladhla@gauteng.gov.za or Morongwa.Mphamo@gauteng.gov.za or contact the GCoN Central Selection – Centre on 011 644 8946. 

SANDF crisis demands immediate action from Defence Minister Motshekga @KASIBCNEWS

SANDF crisis demands immediate action from Defence Minister Motshekga @KASIBCNEWS 

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga's failure to provide a report on the state of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is a clear indication that the Force is in crisis. The report, due on 17 September, has not materialised, and the Auditor-General's recent revelation of significant flaws in the Department of Defence's financial management for 2023/24 further underscores this alarming situation. This raises questions about why Motshekga has not delivered the necessary report.

In light of this, the DA has formally written to the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms. Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, urging the Minister to fulfill her commitment to reporting to the House on why she disputes the DA’s assertion that South Africa’s Defence Force is indeed in crisis. Immediate accountability is essential for safeguarding our national security.

On 3 September, Motshekga had the opportunity to address the National Council of Provinces regarding the SANDF's status. However, when the DA raised concerns during a question-and-answer session, she dismissed their claims as "exaggeration." Nicholas Gotsell MP highlighted findings from a recent oversight visit, revealing that South Africa's Navy has no combat-ready vessels and is hindered by an ineffective Armscor - a claim the Minister refuted.

The Navy's recorded sea hours have drastically declined from 12 000 in 2018/19 to just 2 770 last year. Similarly, the Air Force lacks strategic airlift capacity, and its members’ flying hours have significantly diminished. This lack of resources severely impacts the Air Force's ability to conduct effective maritime territorial patrols, leaving South Africa's borders vulnerable to piracy and poaching, especially given the weakened state of the Navy.

During the session, the Minister acknowledged her Department's financial struggles, stating that they are “constantly engaging with Treasury” and warned, “You have to help us before the system collapse(s) because the level of poor funding is affecting the effectiveness of the defence force.” She conceded that inadequate funding leads to the loss of vital air and sea hours.

Despite these alarming realities, it emerged that the Head of the Air Force, Lt. Genl. Wiseman Mbombo, had recently acquired two Audi Q7s at a cost of R3 million, while the SANDF announced the establishment of a “Space Command” that they claim is crucial for advancing multi-domain warfare and ensuring strategic advantage.

In light of these misguided priorities, last week the DA wrote to the Chairperson of the Select Committee on Security and Justice, demanding that the Minister explain the Department’s choices amid budget constraints. Unfortunately, this request went unanswered.

Faced with a defence crisis and the imminent risk of “system collapse,” it is imperative that we demand strong, level-headed leadership, discipline, and austerity.

The DA calls on Minister Motshekga to cease wasting taxpayers’ money on unnecessary luxuries and focus on restoring South Africa’s Defence capabilities.

DA 2026 Local Government Election Plans @KASIBCNEWS

 

DA 2026 Local Government Election Plans @KASIBCNEWS

This weekend, the Democratic Alliance (DA) held an extended Federal Executive (FedEx) meeting in Cape Town, where the party's leadership gathered to deliberate on the roadmap towards the 2026 Local Government Election. This crucial meeting, attended by the party’s national and provincial leadership, as well as senior staff from across the country, comes at a time when the DA is stronger and more unified than ever.

The DA remains positive that it will continue its winning streak and is poised to secure even more metros and municipalities in the upcoming election. Based on the 2024 results, we can emerge as the biggest party in major metros.

The successes of the 2024 election have set the DA on a powerful trajectory. We are more determined than ever to expand our footprint in 2026, which will further solidify our position to lead nationally and provincially in 2029. The response we receive from South Africans across all levels of government drives us to raise the bar.

The meeting thoroughly explored the current state of the South African political landscape, focusing on election opportunities, potential threats, and meticulous preparations for the campaign ahead. Chairperson of the Federal Council, Helen Zille, led discussions on the party’s objectives and strategies, ensuring that the DA is well-positioned to build on its successes.

With increasing support in national polls and a renewed sense of purpose, the DA is fully prepared to tackle the challenges ahead and lead South Africa toward a brighter future in 2026 and beyond.

Oversight visit by Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation to Kopanong @KASIBCNEWS

Oversight visit by Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation to Kopanong @KASIBCNEWS

The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the oversight visit of Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo in Springfontein, Kopanong Local Municipality (KLM), on Saturday, 5 October 2024, following complaints regarding serious sewerage challenges in the municipality.

Recently, local farmers were alarmed when their livestock was exposed to untreated sewage leaking into the veld from a nearby sewage treatment plant in Springfontein. Unfortunately, this is the case across Kopanong, with seven out of the nine sewage treatment plants being dysfunctional, not to mention the many blocked and overleaking sewerage manholes across Kopanong, many of which are in close proximity to rivers, dams and other water sources.

The sporadic collection of refuse in KLM also negatively affects the sewerage system as was clear during the oversight visit. KLM must ensure effective delivery of refuse removal and civic education to lessen the burden on the strained sewerage system.

The DA supports the Deputy Ministers call to KLM, and other local municipalities in the Free State, to move away from the reactionary approach to sewerage challenges and the protection of water sources, to a pro-active approach. For far too long, municipalities have only acted once severe environmental and/or economic damage has been done, rather than taking a proactive approach to maintenance, system upgrades and risk management of sewerage plants and infrastructure.

The DA looks forward to the Deputy Minister's involvement and monitoring of the sewerage challenges in Kopanong.

The DA has submitted questions to the MEC of COGTA regarding the sewerage crisis in several towns in KLM, including Bethulie, Gariepdam, Philippolis and Trompsburg. Of great concern is the sewerage plants and leaks located close to the Gariepdam and Orange River. Unfortunately, the DAs questions to the MEC remain unanswered to date.

The DA has brought these leaks to the attention of the Deputy Minister in a letter and again during the oversight visit.

During the recent Public Accounts meetings in the Provincial Legislature, the committee was informed about the high level of vandalism and theft of public infrastructure across the Province. The DA calls on the Provincial Government to insure Municipalities, especially those in rural areas of the province, implement mechanisms to better safeguard critical infrastructure such as pump stations, sewerage plants and electrical substations.

Solutions posed by the DA include simple suggestions such as installing adequate lighting on sites, community cooperation and liaison with the local SAPS and CPFs to better patrol and police critical infrastructure, all in an attempt to curb theft and vandalism.

The DA will continue to call the Kopanong Local Municipality and the Free State Provincial Government to action in the Council and Provincial Legislature to ensure basic services are delivered to the residents of Kopanong and that our valuable freshwater resources are protected.

Gauteng Premier Awards Departments 100% Unqualified Audits in 2023/24 @KASIBCNEWS

 

Gauteng Premier Awards Departments 100% Unqualified Audits in 2023/24 @KASIBCNEWS

Gauteng Premier awards departments and entities for maintaining 100% unqualified audits in 2023/24 

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has on Sunday, 6 October 2024, awarded departments and entities for achieving clean and unqualified audit outcomes noting that there has been a steady increase in the number of departments and entities achieving clean audits over the past three years. 

Seven departments and 14 entities received clean audits while the seven departments and four entities received unqualified audit opinions in the 2023/24 financial year. Six departments sustained their clean audit opinions from the previous financial year.

 The Community Safety improved from unqualified audit to a clean audit. Premier Lesufi noted that seven departments remained stagnant on unqualified opinions with findings in the current year. “We need to encourage them to work hard to get the clean audit. We also need to pay our service providers within 30 days and support the departments that are struggling,” said Lesufi. 

He said he was proud that there was no department that got disclaimer or unqualified audit opinion. “While there are no regressions in the current year’s audit outcomes, there are notable stagnations on unqualified audit opinion with findings from seven departments,” said Lesufi. He further said the Gauteng government was committed to maintain the clean audits that have been achieved, and at the same time improve audit outcomes of other departments and entities going forward. “We will intensify internal controls to ensure that we do not regress,” said Lesufi. He singled out the G-Fleet for starting with a disclaimer to qualified but in the last two years it has achieved a clean audit. Lesufi said this was a demonstration that it is doable.  

He also said the provincial government was working on strengthening the forensic unit in the Office of the Premier and create a mini forfeiture unit to deal with all the small cases instead of taking them to Special Investigating Unit. Meanwhile, the Head and Chief Executive of Special Investigating Unit, Advocate Andy Mothibi, said as part of corruption prevention, the SIU was looking at awareness, education and lifestyle audit amongst other things. “The lifestyle audit is a chapter on its own under the prevention. As part of rolling out the important work of government of ensuring that we are proactive in fighting maladministration. 

At this stage, he said 19 accounting officer level lifestyle audits have been done, which include CEOs and HODs. “We have concluded this process, and the report has been presented to the premier. 

We found that 37% of the audited accounting officers were high risks or they failed the test. Sixteen (16 %) were found to be medium risk while 47 % were low risk. We require that action must be taken against those that failed,” said Mothibi. 

 The following seven departments achieved clean audit opinion: 

1. Office of the Premier 

2. Education 

3. Economic Development 

4. e-Government 

 5. Finance 

 6. Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs 

7. Community Safety 

The following departments achieved unqualified audit opinions: 

1. Health 

2. Social Development 

3. Human Settlement 

 4. Roads and Transport 

5. Agriculture and Rural Development 

6. Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation 

7. Infrastructure Development 

The following entities achieved with clean audit opinions: 

 1. Gauteng Infrastructure Financing Agency (GIFA) 

2. Gauteng Film Commission 

3. Gauteng Liquor Board 

4. Gauteng Growth and Development Agency 

5. Supplier Park Development Company 

6. Constitutional Hill Precinct 

7. Innovation Hub 

8. IDZ Development Company 

9. Cradle of Humankind World Heritage 

10. Dinokeng 

11. Gautrain Management Agency 

12. Gauteng Gambling Board 

13. Gauteng Tourism Authority 

14. G-Fleet Management 

The following entities achieved unqualified audit opinions: 

1. Gauteng Enterprise Propeller 

2. G-Fleet Management 

3. MEDSAS 4. Gauteng Partnership Fund