GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT NIGERIA @KASIBCNEWS

GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT NIGERIA @KASIBCNEWS 

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON has reiterated the commitment of the Tinubu-led administration to develop the grassroots for sustainable development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

SGF made the disclosure while receiving in audience a delegation from the National Association of Former Elected Local Government Council Chairmen of Nigeria (NALGON) Emeritus led by its Chairman, Rt. Hon. Shaba Ibrahim in Abuja.

He underscored the premium the administration places on bringing development to the grassroots through the Local Government Autonomy and other initiatives for meaningful development across the country.

In his words:

“grassroots development is the cornerstone of this administration. President Tinubu is committed to ensuring that the quality of life at the local level receives the needed attention. This is why he emphasised on the actualization of the Local Government autonomy”.

Senator Akume encouraged all Nigerians to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he steers the affairs of the country because he means well for the general well-being of everyone. He added that the steps taking so far by Mr. President is indicative of his unwavering determination to ensure sustainable development trickle down to people living in rural areas.

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Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the National Association of Former Elected Local Government Council Chairmen of Nigeria (NALGON) Emeritus, Rt. Hon. Shaba Ibrahim said the essence of the visit was to seek the SGF’s endorsement for the “One Nigeria” Project and to acquaint him with the preparations towards the forthcoming “One Nigeria” Project.

According to him, NALGON EMERITUS is committed to champion the One Nigeria Project and its seeking collaboration with the Office and other relevant stakeholders towards the success of the conference. He added that the forthcoming conference will bring together Nigerians across the 774 Local Government Areas to propagate unity for the progress of the country.

SUSPECTS ARRESTED AFTER SHOOTOUT WITH JMPD @KASIBCNEWS

SUSPECTS ARRESTED AFTER SHOOTOUT WITH JMPD @KASIBCNEWS

JMPD TACTICAL RESPONSE UNIT APPREHENDS SUSPECTS AFTER HIGH-SPEED CHASE AND SHOOTOUT IN TURFFONTEIN 

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit successfully apprehended three suspects following a high-speed chase and a shootout on Thursday, 23 January 2025, in Turffontein. 

Whilst conducting crime prevention patrols, officers observed a blue Hyundai Accent driving at high speeds. Upon attempting to stop the vehicle, the driver disregarded the officers' signals and fled the scene, endangering other motorists. A pursuit ensued, during which the suspects fired shots at the pursuing officers. 

The suspects continued their reckless driving, where they collided with a maroon Renault Kwid at the intersection of Kliprivier Drive and Turf Club Road. Despite this collision, the suspects persisted in their attempt to evade arrest. 

The pursuit finally concluded at the corner of Garden Road and Turf Club Road, where the suspects were apprehended. 

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A subsequent investigation revealed that the suspects were wanted in connection with a robbery in the Ridgeway area, where they allegedly stole a cellphone from a schoolchild. Furthermore, the vehicle was identified as being sought in connection with a series of robberies in the Mondeor area, as per the Mondeor SAPS case. 

All three suspects were arrested and detained at Booysens SAPS. They are scheduled to appear in court soon. 

The JMPD commends the bravery and professionalism of the TRU officers involved in this successful operation. This incident underscores the JMPD's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Johannesburg. 

R1BILLION TENDER FRAUD RAID ON DA JP SMITH OFFICES @KASIBCNEWS

R1BILLION TENDER FRAUD RAID ON DA JP SMITH OFFICES @KASIBCNEWS  

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes with serious concern the raid conducted by the Police Commercial Crimes Unit on the offices of Democratic Alliance (DA) Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith. 

This is said to be part of an  investigation into housing tender fraud within the City of Cape Town, exposing yet another layer of corruption within the DA administration. 

The raid comes as part of ongoing probes into fraudulent activities in the construction sector, with investigators targeting the offices of Mayoral Committee Members JP Smith and Xanthea Limberg. This follows charges of fraud already laid against Malusi Booi and others, the former DA Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, linked to tenders valued at over R1 billion. 

The DA-led municipality has now been implicated in what can only be described as a deep and systemic web of corruption, especially within the housing and construction sectors. This corruption is particularly damning, given the crisis of housing backlogs and infrastructure failures affecting the people of Cape Town. It is no coincidence that these allegations emerge in the same sector plagued by the  “construction mafia” and protection rackets. 

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The EFF has long maintained that political elements are behind this phenomenon, and these raids validate our assertions. The DA’s administration has not only failed to provide leadership in addressing this crisis but has seemingly facilitated criminality and collusion at the expense of the people it claims to serve. This is not an isolated incident. Just last October, allegations of tender corruption surfaced regarding a R186 million urban waste management tender involving senior managers within the City of Cape Town. 

These repeated scandals in one municipality expose the DA’s false claims of clean governance and confirm that corruption is entrenched within their ranks. The raid on JP Smith’s office also comes in the wake of another case of corruption involving the DA, where the EFF had to open a case against DA Minister Dan Macpherson for interfering in the Independent Development Trust (IDT) to manipulate financial processes for corrupt purposes. This pattern of behaviour within the DA demonstrates that they are no different from those they hypocritically criticise. They are shamelessly abusing public office for personal and political gain. 

The EFF calls for the swift and thorough prosecution of all those implicated in corruption within the City of Cape Town and the Democratic Alliance at large. We demand transparency in these investigations, as they reveal the true nature of the DA’s governance model: one that prioritises profit and patronage over accountability and service delivery. 

We further call on the people of Cape Town, and South Africans at large, to reject the DA and its fraudulent claims of good governance. Corruption in housing and construction, sectors that are vital to resolving the urgent needs of our people, is not just a betrayal—it is a direct attack on the dignity and livelihoods of the poor. 

The EFF will continue to expose and challenge the corruption that is rife within the DA, and we stand with the people of Cape Town in demanding justice and accountability from this failing municipality.

R100BILLION BBBEE FUND @KASIBCNEWS

R100BILLION BBBEE FUND @KASIBCNEWS

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) wishes to contextualise the objectives of the Transformation Fund and the process underway to generate discussion and arrive at consensus for its eventual implementation. This Fund is a critical initiative that advances South Africa’s constitutional commitment to economic redress and inclusive growth, which the dtic is bound by. Rooted in Section 9(2) of the Constitution, it aims to promote shared equality through legislative and other measures to empower black-owned enterprises and small, medium, and microenterprises (SMMEs).

The Fund also reflects the statement of intent of the Government of National Unity (GNU), which emphasizes fostering redress and inclusive economic growth. The GNU’s transformative agenda seeks to dismantle systemic barriers to economic participation, ensuring that historically-disadvantaged communities are afforded equal opportunities to thrive in all sectors of society.

In addition to advancing the constitutional imperative of economic redress, the Fund is anchored in the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act, particularly Section 2(h), which obligates government to "increase the effective economic participation of black-owned and managed enterprises, including small, medium, and micro enterprises and cooperatives, and enhance their access to financial and non-financial support." The Fund directly addresses these priorities while promoting greater compliance with B-BBEE requirements and unlocking opportunities for sustainable growth.

Aligned with the National Development Plan’s (NDP) Vision 2030 to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality, the Fund supports Outcome 4: decent employment through inclusive economic growth. It also reinforces the Department’s Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024–2029, which prioritizes job creation and inclusive economic participation, as outlined in the revised Annual Performance Plans (APPs). 

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Objectives of the Transformation Fund:

The Transformation Fund:

1. Promotes Economic Inclusion: Provides financial and non-financial support to black-owned enterprises, ensuring meaningful participation in the economy.

2. Addresses Fragmentation: Aggregates resources from existing Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) obligations and other

sources to enhance impact and efficiency.

3. Fosters Sectoral Growth: Focuses on high-impact sectors, including agriculture, tourism, ICT, manufacturing, and businesses in township and rural areas.

4. Enhances Market Access: Offers technical assistance, pre- and postinvestment support, and market access opportunities to beneficiaries.

5. Supports Industrialization: Aligns with South Africa’s industrial policy to stimulate growth in productive sectors and underdeveloped areas.

The Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, Mr. Parks Tau, states, “The Transformation Fund is not about imposing new obligations but about ensuring that existing commitments under the B-BBEE legislation are strategically utilized to create meaningful economic transformation. It embodies our constitutional mandate to achieve equality and empower historically disadvantaged communities.”

As outlined in the Department’s revised Annual Performance Plans (APPs), the Fund’s conceptual framework will be opened for public consultation and stakeholder engagement with a target to mobilize R100-billion by 2029. We welcome the ongoing

debate on transformation and look forward to broad participation during the consultation process. This timeline underscores the dtic’s commitment to achieving sustainable and impactful transformation.

Minister Tau adds, “The Transformation Fund is not merely a funding mechanism, it is a catalyst for change. Through collaboration with the private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders, we will create an economy that is inclusive, sustainable, and reflective of South Africa’s diversity.”

R100BILLION TRANSFORMATIVE FUND @KASIBCNEWS

R100BILLION TRANSFORMATIVE FUND @KASIBCNEWS 

The African National Congress (ANC) welcomes the proposal for a R100 billion Transformation Fund as a bold and transformative initiative. This proposal gives concrete form and substance to our country’s constitutional principles of equality and redress. The proposed Fund seeks to address critical barriers faced by black entrepreneurs, particularly with limited access to finance, markets, and technical support. 

This initiative aligns with the ANC’s broader commitment to inclusive growth, job creation, and addressing historical inequalities, as outlined in our National Conference resolutions by empowering previously marginalized communities.  This is a comprehensive initiative aimed at empowering Black entrepreneurs, addressing market failures, and fostering inclusive economic growth. 

The proposed Fund focuses on entrepreneurship, procurement, and franchise finance, with a target of ensuring 40% ownership and management by Black women entrepreneurs. It also promotes township and rural development through funding for new ventures, acquisitions, and expansions, while supporting early-stage investments to empower Black industrialists and deliver transformative, long-term socio-economic benefits. 

The proposed Fund includes a Designated Groups Fund to increase the economic participation of Black women, youth, and people living with disabilities by improving access to capital and building entrepreneurial capacity. 

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Additionally, the Rural, Township, and Community Development Fund revitalizes local economies and infrastructure in underdeveloped areas.  It also includes the Venture Capital Fund that will support Black-owned enterprises through acquisition, expansion, and new venture finance, focusing on projects of national importance that create jobs and enable further transformative investments. 

This initiative represents a bold step toward addressing historical inequalities and building a more inclusive and equitable economy for all South Africans. The ANC notes with concern the opposition to this transformative proposal from certain anti-transformation elements. 

This resistance reflects a troubling unwillingness to embrace efforts aimed at achieving economic inclusion and addressing the legacy of historical injustices. Such opposition risks undermining equitable economic growth and delaying meaningful progress for all South Africans. 

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It is imperative to remind those resistant to transformation that, as Parties in the Government of National Unity (GNU), there is a shared commitment to the priorities of the 7th administration. These priorities, articulated in the statement of intent, emphasize the urgent need for rapid, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth to achieve a more just and equitable society. 

The ANC remains resolute in supporting progressive proposals that advance transformative objectives and foster economic empowerment for all South Africans. 

AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS LEKGOTLA 2025 @KASIBCEVENTS

 

AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS LEKGOTLA 2025 @KASIBCEVENTS

The African National Congress (ANC) will hold its annual National Lekgotla from Saturday, 25 January to Monday, 27 January 2025. The Lekgotla serves as a critical platform for the ANC to review the implementation of its 2024 priorities and develop the organization’s Programme of Action for 2025. 

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The Lekgotla will focus on the implementation of the ANC Manifesto, the renewal and rebuilding of the organization, and strategic interventions to tackle pressing socio-economic challenges. 

Discussions will emphasise inclusive economic growth, basic service delivery, and the fight against poverty, corruption, and inequality. 

Abomashonisa Overcharge Interest @KASIBCNEWS

Abomashonisa Overcharge Interest @KASIBCNEWS 

This season is challenging for some consumers to the extent that they need to apply for credit to meet their financial obligations such as school fees, school uniforms, transport and rent, among others. 

The Gauteng Office of Consumer Affairs urges consumers who will be borrowing this month to be wise and ensure that credit providers do not violate their rights. Unregistered credit providers such as Abomashonisa overcharge interest, and take consumers’ identity documents and SASSA cards to enforce payment. This is unfair business practice, says Ms Milly Viljoen, Director: Education, Awareness and Stakeholder Relations.  Sometimes, when consumers’ credit applications decline, consumers resort to borrowing from Abomashonisa.  

However, this does not help the consumer because of the exorbitant interest rates that are charged by these unregistered credit providers.  If your application is declined by all registered credit providers, it means that you have a bigger financial problem than you realise. Rather seek assistance by negotiating for lower instalments with your current credit providers, paying off and closing some accounts than accessing more credit through unregistered credit providers, adds Viljoen.  According to the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), consumers have a right to receive information in plain and understandable language. Consumers should read and understand the terms and conditions, and further ask questions if they seek clarity. 

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This will allow them to understand Credit Life Insurance, which can be a lifesaver when they are unable to repay the debt due to loss of income, unemployment, disability, etc.  Ms Viljoen provides the following tips to consumers: • Borrow only when it is necessary.  Avoid using credit for consumables such as groceries. • Verify the authenticity of credit providers, even the ones that are advertising on social media, by contacting the National Credit Regulator first before applying for credit. 

Unregistered credit providers will make you more financially constrained by overcharging interest. • Understand the additional cost that comes with credit. The cost of credit includes interest rates, once-off initiation fees, monthly service fees, credit life insurance, etc. Consumers should read and understand the pre-agreement statement and quotation which will include all the costs involved. • Do not sign immediately when applying for credit. The pre-agreement or quotation has five (5) days cooling period. 

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Sign ONLY when you understand the terms and conditions. • Do not sign a blank credit agreement/document. Read, understand, and ask relevant questions if you seek clarity. Sign ONLY when satisfied with the terms and conditions. • Check your credit report often- You are entitled to a free credit report once a year. You have the right to dispute any information that is wrongfully written on your credit profile. • Do not agree to pay an ‘upfront fee’ when applying for credit. Fake credit providers may force you to pay a fee before granting you credit. 

 The Gauteng Office of Consumer Affairs works with different stakeholders in consumer protection to ensure that consumer rights are protected. Thus, consumers should contact the National Credit Regulator on 0860 627 627 or e-mail complaints@ncr.org.za to report unregistered credit providers or any credit provider that violates their consumer rights in the credit industry.