LIMPOPO SCHOOLS BLACK CHILD ON THE STREETS @KASIBCNEWS

LIMPOPO SCHOOLS BLACK CHILD ON THE STREETS @KASIBCNEWS

The Limpopo Education Department is working around the clock to ease the backlog of learners who are yet to be placed. The Province has just over 1 600 learners that are yet to be placed in the four hotspot circuits; Pietersburg, Mokopane, Tzaneen and Lephalale. Majority of the applicants were not admitted last year because their applications did not meet the set criteria, but they were afforded a chance to appeal.

The Department is currently processing appeals and late applications received early this year when schools re-opened. All qualifying unplaced learners will be allocated space on or before 29th January 2025 when the headcount exercise and other logistics are finalised. Pietersburg Circuit in Polokwane has the highest number of unplaced learners for grade R,1 and 8. 33 661 learners were placed across all grades in the circuit and the remaining 816 will be processed and placed accordingly.

Parents and guardians are urged to exercise patience and allow the department to finalise the admission process. The department wishes to assure parents that all qualifying learners will be admitted within the circuits where they reside and Transport will be provided for those who will be allocated spaces outside the 5 kilometres radius.

The Department has also noted that some parents are still submitting falsified documents and fraudulent addresses to secure space for their children who are not from the feeder zones. The Department has warned parents and caregivers to desist from falsifying documents as this is a criminal act, fraudulent and can result in cases being opened with the police. Parents are cautioned not to embark on a forceful admissions of their children.

PHALABORWA CORRUPTION @KASIBCNEWS

The DA in Limpopo is deeply concerned about the ongoing corruption and malfeasant governance, committed with impunity, that has brought Phalaborwa—once a thriving town with proud residents—to its knees.

The town’s infrastructure is in a state of severe decay. Most roads are riddled with potholes that worsen and multiply with every rainfall. Residents are forced to endure raw sewage running through their properties and down the streets. Raw sewage flows into and pollutes the Kruger National Park. Many residents have not had a reliable water supply in years and suffer. Frequent electricity outages worsen when summer rains seep into overly-patched cables that need replacement and no ring mains remain for alternative supply. The town’s economy suffers.

Corruption and malfeasant governance have hollowed out the municipality, rendering it impotent and incapable of taking corrective action. Mayor Malatji has openly admitted in public meetings that the Ba-Phalaborwa municipality lacks the resources to fix the damage that the ANC-led administration has allowed to fester and collapse.

Yet, no one has been held accountable by the ANC-dominated municipality or faced any consequences. In fact, it appears that ANC cadres are being protected, with their misdemeanours swept under the carpet of impunity.

A prime example is the reported imminent prosecution of the municipality’s former Municipal Manager, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who now serves as Minister in the Presidency. The corrupt actions for which she now faces prosecution were committed over a decade ago, yet during this time, the municipality took no action against her.

It was only after the Polokwane High Court  referred an incident of a ‘clear contravention of the provisions of the MFMA by officials of the municipality’ to the NPA, in a case where the municipality sought to revoke a tender, that Ntshavheni was finally brought under scrutiny and is now facing her day of reckoning.

Ntshavheni‘s reign as Municipal Manager was and she should be held accountable for the damage and malfeasance wrought upon the municipality and the community – apart from the matter at hand.

It is clear to the DA in Limpopo, and to the court, that the ANC-led municipality had no intention of holding their cadre accountable. In fact, they were intent on protecting her malfeasance and corrupt actions. As Judge Gerrit Muller remarked in the application to set aside the tender, he had the distinct impression that "officials were being protected to the detriment of the public" and that "the impact of corrupt activities is so devastating and repugnant that the courts should do all in their power to ensure that nobody should benefit from those activities, much less those in powerful positions."

Sadly, Ntshavheni’s impending prosecution is a rare victory for the public and the town of Phalaborwa. As the DA in Limpopo, we agree with the Judge’s assertion that "little, if anything, has been done in Limpopo, in particular, to prosecute corrupt officials and others who benefit from corrupt activities."

As the DA in Limpopo we reiterate the call from our national colleague, Dianne Kohler Barnard, MP, that  no Minister who is accused of corruption should retain their seat in Cabinet.

When Ntshavheni stands in the dock and faces judgment, so too will the ANC.

WESTERN CAPE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL MURDER @KASIBCNEWS

WESTERN CAPE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL MURDER  @KASIBCNEWS

The DA Western Cape strongly condemns the murder of the principal of Ekuthuleni Primary School, which took place outside the school in Wallacedene, Kraaifontein. We call on the South Africa Police Service (SAPS) to act swiftly and bring those responsible to book, and urge members of the community who have any information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators, to come forward.

It is reported that another person was wounded in the attack and we wish her a full and speedy recovery. Our sincere condolences go out to the principal’s family, friends and the school community.

This heinous act marks a terrifying start to the new school year for pupils, teachers and parents of Ekuthuleni Primary. It issues an unwanted wave of fear and grief among the education fraternity.

Western Cape Provincial Minister of Education, David Maynier, said: "Our district team is on the ground at the school to offer support to the staff and learners today and in the coming days."

The safety of our pupils and educators must be a top priority for SAPS and for every community in our country. The DA will monitor the situation closely with the hope that the principal’s loved ones receive the justice they deserve.

CHILD PORNOGRAPHY SUSPECT NO2 ARRESTED @KASIBCNEWS

Police arrest girlfriend of Midrand child pornography suspect following intensive investigation

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested a 25-year-old woman, a web designer by profession, in Houghton on Thursday, 23 January 2025. She faces charges of possession of child pornography and money laundering.

This arrest follows the takedown of her 35-year-old boyfriend, who was apprehended last week during a joint operation conducted by the national and Gauteng provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) Units in Midrand.

An intensive investigation by the SECI Units uncovered evidence linking the woman to criminal activities, including the possession of an estimated 10 million child pornography images and videos. These materials were discovered on various electronic devices seized during an operation on Friday, 17 January 2025.

The suspect is set to appear before the Randburg Magistrates' Court on Monday, 27 January 2025.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

HISTORIC SIGNING EXPROPRIATION BILL @KASIBCNEWS

HISTORIC SIGNING EXPROPRIATION BILL @KASIBCNEWS 

The African National Congress (ANC) warmly welcomes the historic signing of the Expropriation Bill into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa, a significant milestone in South Africa’s transformation agenda. 

This development repeals the outdated Expropriation Act of 1975 and brings legislation in line with the transformative spirit of the Constitution, which prioritizes social justice and equitable access to resources. 

The signing of this Bill reflects the ANC’s continued implementation of resolutions adopted at the 54th and 55th National Conferences, as well as the commitments outlined in the ANC’s 2024 Election Manifesto. 

This momentous achievement reinforces the ANC’s dedication to addressing the persistent legacy of colonial dispossession and apartheid spatial planning, ensuring that the land and resources of South Africa are used to benefit the majority of its people. 

The Expropriation Bill provides a framework to facilitate land reform in the public interest, creating opportunities for economic inclusion and development while ensuring that the rights of property owners are respected. 

It guarantees that expropriation is conducted fairly, justly, and with due process, ensuring alignment with Section 25 of the Constitution, which permits expropriation for a public purpose or in the public interest, subject to just and equitable compensation. 

The ANC views this law as a progressive and transformative tool to advance land reform in ways that enable inclusive economic growth and social cohesion. By unlocking access to land, the legislation will promote the development of sustainable human settlements, enhance agricultural productivity for emerging farmers, and enable urban land development to address spatial inequality. 

This is a direct response to the needs of millions of South Africans who have been excluded from land ownership and access to natural resources for far too long. This law is a critical step towards fulfilling the vision articulated in the Freedom Charter, which declared, “The land shall be shared among those who work it.” It reflects the ANC’s commitment to achieving economic justice and creating a South Africa where all citizens enjoy equal access to the nation’s wealth and resources. 

The ANC recognizes and appreciates the five-year journey of public consultations and parliamentary deliberations that have led to this milestone. The extensive engagement demonstrates the importance of collective efforts in shaping legislation that addresses the needs and aspirations of the people. 

This historic moment takes place as South Africa commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter. It serves as a reminder of the ANC’s enduring commitment to building a society that is inclusive, equitable, and prosperous. 

The Expropriation Bill represents a bold step forward in advancing the ANC’s transformative agenda and reaffirming our commitment to a South Africa that truly belongs to all who live in it. 

The ANC calls on all sectors of society to support the implementation of this groundbreaking legislation and work together to ensure that it achieves its intended objectives of advancing social and economic transformation. 

CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CHAOS @KASIBCNEWS

CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CHAOS @KASIBCNEWS 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes the recent chaos at Cape Town International Airport which paralysed flights, left passengers stranded, and triggered a cascade of disruptions at airports across the country. This can only be characterised as a national embarrassment that warrants urgent action and accountability.  

The chaos is said to be as a result of a fuel pump failure whose ripple effects were felt nationwide, with grounded flights and widespread delays at other airports, demonstrating how a single point of failure in our aviation system can spiral into national chaos.  Passengers at Cape Town International Airport missed connecting flights, incurred financial losses, and endured immeasurable personal disruptions due to airlines unable to operate as a result of this catastrophic mismanagement.  

This incident is more than an operational inconvenience—it is a stark security risk. That such a large-scale disruption occurred highlights how unprepared the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and other aviation authorities are to respond to crises. Moreover, it comes on the heels of a series of aviation failures, marked by relentless cancellations and delays at East London Airport, ongoing legal battles between airlines, the courts, and the department over non-compliance, and recurring technical failures that have grounded airlines and exposed systemic incompetence.  

This fiasco, therefore, highlights the glaring vulnerabilities in South African aviation and exposes the inadequacy of SACAA to manage and prevent such crises. A breakdown in the airport’s ability to facilitate essential operations represents a broader pattern of systemic failure that calls into question the leadership and governance of SACAA and the Department of Transport.   

As South Africans we demand answers, and accountability must be swift and transparent. SACAA owes it to the public to release a comprehensive report on this incident and its ripple effects, as well as an immediate plan of action to restore trust and ensure operational continuity. This shameful lack of preparedness must be addressed before it leads to a more severe catastrophe.   

As the EFF, we will not stand by while mismanagement and incompetence in the aviation sector threatens the economic and personal well-being of South Africans. This latest incident must be the last. Any further failures will signal not only the clumsiness of SACAA but also the failure of leadership in the Department of Transport.  

The EFF demands decisive and immediate measures to professionalise operations, upgrade infrastructure, and ensure that South African aviation can compete on the global stage without compromising passenger safety and national security. 

LAND EXPROPRIATION @KASIBCNEWS

LAND EXPROPRIATION @KASIBCNEWS

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes the decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa today to assent to the Expropriation Bill, thereby passing it into law. The EFF opposed the Expropriation Bill in Parliament, citing that it provides no radical departure from the past, and that it merely aligns the country’s expropriation laws with the 1996 Constitution. 

Previously, expropriation was governed in terms of the Expropriation Act of 1976. Primarily, we opposed the Act because it provides a legislative mechanism for the implementation of Section 25 subsections 2 and 3 of the Constitution, which provide that property (land) may be expropriated in terms of a law of general application for a public purpose or in the public interest. 

More importantly, Section 25 (2)(b) of the Constitution provides that expropriation can only be done subject to compensation, the amount of which must be decided by the parties concerned or by courts. Section 25 (3) of the Constitution sets out factors which must be taken into consideration when calculating compensation for expropriation. 

Those who conceptualised the Expropriation Act are of the view that the factors listed in Section 25(3) of the Constitution can be creatively interpreted to mean that in some instances, compensation for expropriation could be nil. This is a very wild hypothesis, rooted in some utopian understanding of the Constitution. 

In at least one instance where this judicial adventurism was attempted by the Land Claims Court in the matter of Uys & another v Msiza & others (1222/2016) [2017] ZASCA, in terms of which the Land Claim Court reduced an amount that was to be payable to the owner from R1.8 million to R1.5 million, the Supreme Court of Appeals (SCA) upheld an appeal against that judgement.

 The SCA relied heavily on the provisions of Section 25(3) of the Constitution, and found that there was no justifiable reasons for the decision taken by the Land Claims Court. 

The Constitutional framework remains the same, expropriation in South Africa is compensation-centric, and this is rooted in the Constitution. The new Expropriation Act seeks to legislate the legal absurdity that was rejected by the Supreme Court of Appeals.

 It provides that there are instances in which compensation for expropriated property could be calculated to nil, which in their view equals expropriation without compensation. 

 The Act then provides a closed list of instances in which compensation for expropriation could be calculated to mean nil compensation. These instances include cases where land is held for speculation purposes, abandoned land, land that poses health hazards, and so forth. Even if it were true that these categories of land could be expropriated at nil compensation, this would not change the structure and nature of landholding in South Africa, because it would basically mean that only land that is of little value could be expropriated without compensation. 

Those who own the categories of land listed in the Act as subject to nil compensation still enjoy constitutional protections as outlined in Section 25 of the Constitution, and they would be able to challenge this sort of expropriation in court, and win. The Expropriation Act is, therefore, a legislative cop-out by the African National Congress (ANC), and only used to fool our people into believing that the party is doing something to address the almost tyrannical neglect of the land question in this country. 

It will not assist in resolving the tragedy of land restitution in this country, which has hollowed out State coffers for compensation to white settlers who illegitimately own our land. The only democratic mechanism through which the land question can be resolved is in amending the entirety of Section 25 of the Constitution. 

This must include provisions for State custodianship of the land, a mere Act of Parliament cannot override the constitution. 

We, therefore reject this Act, and we will soon table a new set of legislative proposals in Parliament to resolve the land crisis in this country.