PWC INVESTIGATE IDT R800MILLION  TENDER @KASIBCNEWS

• Public Works & Infrastructure Minister Dean Macphersony has welcomed the Department’s appointment of PwC to investigate the circumstances surrounding an R800-million Oxygen Plant tender at the IDT.
• This follows IDT’s admission last year that the Oxygen Plant tender—where three companies were appointed despite two lacking South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) registration—should be investigated.
• The independent investigation, which needs to be completed within eight weeks, will,among other tasks, determine whether any irregularities occurred during the process to award the tender and whether any officials need to be held accountable.

Following allegations made last year regarding possible irregularities in the awarding of the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant bids, Public Works & Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has welcomed the Department’s appointment of PwC to conduct a forensic investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deal and to provide recommendations for corrective measures to be taken.

This follows an admission by the IDT itself, in a statement last year, that concerns exist regarding the R800-million tender awarded to three companies and should be investigated.

These concerns include two companies lacking SAHPRA registration and one potentially having submitted fraudulent documentation.

The investigation by PwC, which must be completed within eight weeks and has followed public tendering processes, will, among other tasks:

• Identify the extent of any irregular or illegal activity and the involvement of IDT officials and/or external service providers in relation to the scope of work.
• Recommend appropriate courses of action against IDT officials and external service providers where irregularities are confirmed.
• Determine the full history surrounding the appointment of external services and whether due process was followed.
• Establish whether the Head of Department or any officials caused the IDT to incur irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure during the administration of the tender, the appointment of service providers, and the management of service providers’ contracts.
• Ascertain whether any IDT officials and/or other individuals contravened laws or duties related to the administration of the tender, the appointment of contractors, or subsequent events. 
• Determine the cause, nature, extent, and value of financial losses, including potential losses incurred by the IDT in relation to the tender.

“The independent investigation will, once and for all, determine whether irregularities occurred during the Oxygen Plant tendering process and whether any further action should be taken against complicit individuals. This move forms part of the critical steps we are taking to improve transparency and governance within the Department, ensuring no wastage of public funds has occurred,” Minister Macpherson said.

“As the Minister, I cannot turn a blind eye when serious allegations are raised regarding close to R1 billion of public money. This is why the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure will not be distracted by the noise surrounding the Oxygen Plant tendering process but will take all necessary actions to uncover the truth and hold officials accountable where required. The independent investigation should, therefore, be welcomed, as it will also clear any innocent individuals,” he concluded.

SASSA EXPIRED GOLD CARDS @KASIBCNEWS

SASSA EXPIRED GOLD CARDS @KASIBCNEWS

The DA has been inundated by worried South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries who fear that they will not receive their social grants, either because their SASSA Gold Cards are set to stop working at the end of February or because they are unable to verify their details for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant as SASSA’s verification system has been temporarily suspended.

The DA will write to Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe to request that no Gold Cards expire before all of them have been replaced, and that interim verification measures be introduced as a matter of urgency to ensure that no deserving recipients are left in the cold due to SASSA failures.

The DA further encourages SASSA Gold Card users to switch from Postbank to other reputable and reliable banks to receive their grants.

The switch to the Black Cards has been chaotic, with SASSA beneficiaries often being sent from pillar to post just to return home empty-handed. This causes untold stress on the recipients and also eats away at their meagre finances. Minister Tolashe needs to account to Parliament on the number of SASSA beneficiaries still reliant on their Gold Cards to receive their grants, as well as how many recipients have switched over the Black Cards or opened accounts at reliable banks. She also needs to account regarding the legitimate SRD grant recipients being locked out of their grants due to the verification system suspension.

SASSA has always caused as much harm as good to the people its mandated to serve – South Africa’s poorest and most vulnerable people. While people cannot survive without their grants, the inhumane suffering constantly inflicted on them in an effort to access their funds is beyond callous. While the DA supports and welcomes the eradication of fraudulent payments, it must be done in a way that does not harm legitimate recipients.

CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT @KASIBCNEWS

CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT @KASIBCNEWS

Please see attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Dr Chris Hunsinger MP @KASIBCAUDIO 

The DA will request an urgent Parliamentary Portfolio Committee hearing on the ongoing and growing breakdowns of service at South Africa’s major airports. Minister Creecy and the senior management of ACSA must be called to report to committee on the scope of the brewing crisis, and their plans to address it.

It is unacceptable that flights are being grounded at South African airports due to failures by entities within the Department of Transport. It simply cannot continue.

This week, flights were delayed and diverted at Cape Town International Airport due to a fuel pump failure under the management of Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). Earlier this month, alarming reports revealed that ACSA has fuel supply at OR Tambo International Airport only until the end of January 2025, raising grave concerns about operational stability in February.

Minister Creecy's interventions in the aviation sector are falling woefully short, and we believe it is high time for plans to move forward from patch-up repairs to systemic improvement and upgrades. Patch-up jobs will not keep our airports running in the long term.

Creecy should bring the country and its economy that needs functioning airports into her confidence about how she and ACSA will restore order at our airports.

We will hold her accountable and ensure that solutions are implemented.

The instability at our airports undermines business confidence and it cannot continue.

Last year, during critical peak tourist season, repeated failures by Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) disrupted flights and cost South Africa much-needed tourism revenue.

We cannot allow this pattern of incompetence to hamstring our economy further. Every grounded plane represents lost revenue, weakened investor confidence, and damage to South Africa’s global reputation.

Minister Creecy and her Department must act urgently and decisively to restore stability in the aviation sector, or else all South Africans will suffer the consequences of her inaction.

  

SANDF SOLDIERS GUNNED DOWN DRC @KASIBCNEWS

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the nine South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who tragically lost their lives during peacekeeping missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

These brave men and women, deployed as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMDRC) and the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission (MONUSCO), paid the ultimate price in service to our nation. We honour their courage and sacrifice. 

The EFF is deeply disturbed by the lack of urgency and respect shown by the SANDF in informing the public and the families of the fallen soldiers. It is unacceptable that South Africans were forced to rely on foreign sources for news of this devastating loss, as SANDF delayed in releasing critical information. 

This demonstrates a glaring failure in leadership and crisis communication. President Cyril Ramaphosa, as Commander-in-Chief of the SANDF, and Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga must account for this failure. 

It is unconscionable that the President remained silent, prioritising his engagement at the World Economic Forum while our nation grieved. Similarly, the Minister of Defence’s misleading public statements and delayed response reflect gross incompetence. Both must take responsibility for these failures, and we demand the Minister’s immediate resignation. 

The EFF reiterates its long-standing warnings that SANDF troops deployed in the DRC are under-resourced and ill-prepared to face the dangers posed by the well-equipped M23 rebels. In fact, it is reported that our soldiers had no supplies or ammunition as of Friday, a glaring case of neglect on the part of our government. 

These deployments appear to serve the interests of multinational corporations exploiting the DRC’s mineral wealth, rather than prioritising peace or South Africa’s sovereignty. On the 15th of February 2024, the Commander-in-Chief of the EFF Julius Malema warned about the dangers of the SANDF deployment to the DRC, as our army is ill-equipped, neglected and the deployments pose a risk of life of our soldiers. 

Therefore, the news of the death of nine SANDF soldiers in the DRC is painful and could have been avoided. The EFF calls on the deployment of South African soldiers to the DRC to be withdrawn with immediate effect! 

We further call for an emergency joint sitting of Parliament to hold President Ramaphosa accountable and to urgently present the withdrawal plan for our soldiers to return home safely. Lasting peace in the region can only be achieved by addressing the root causes of the conflict and resultant exploitation of the DRC. 

To the families of the fallen, we stand with you in this time of immense sorrow. May the memories of these heroes inspire a commitment to justice and peace across our continent. 

ANC FIRST LEKGOTLA 2025 @KASIBCNEWS

 

ANC FIRST LEKGOTLA 2025 @KASIBCNEWS

Today, the Three-Day National Lekgotla of the African National Congress got under way. It began with  President Cyril Ramaphosa’s presentation of a political overview outlining the strategic context and  priorities to guide the discussions and deliberations of this important gathering, along with messages of support from our Alliance Partners.  

The Lekgotla, which brings together the ANC leadership, alliance partners, and other stakeholders, is an opportunity to evaluate progress, address challenges, and chart a way forward in advancing the National Democratic Revolution (NDR) and the aspirations of the Freedom Charter.  Setting the Context for the Lekgotla  President Ramaphosa’s political overview emphasized the broad national and global factors shaping this year’s Lekgotla, including the theme for 2025: “The Year of Renewal to Make the ANC a More Effective Instrument of the People to Achieve the Vision of the Freedom Charter: The People Shall Govern! The People Shall Share in the Country’s Wealth!”  As the ANC celebrates the 70th Anniversary of the Freedom Charter, the President reminded the gathering that the society envisioned in the Charter remains unrealized due to persistent challenges such as racism, patriarchy, inequality, and economic exclusion. 

These realities underline the need for the ANC to remain resolute in its mission to achieve the vision of the Freedom Charter and lead the transformation agenda.  National and Global Challenges  The President highlighted key challenges shaping the domestic and global context. Domestically, the  persistence of the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty, and inequality remains a critical issue. There is a pressing need to address ongoing service delivery issues, crime, gender-based violence, and the high cost of living. 

Strengthening the ANC’s role in the Government of National Unity (GNU) is crucial to ensuring the implementation of ANC resolutions and policies.  Globally, rising instability and attacks on multilateralism continue to affect South Africa and the developing world. Increasing conflicts in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, along with global economic challenges, exacerbate poverty and unemployment in South Africa, requiring a strategic response.  

Priorities for the Lekgotla Deliberations The President emphasized three urgent and interrelated priorities to guide the Lekgotla discussions. First, the renewal and rebuilding of the ANC must focus on strengthening its structures, especially branches, to serve as vibrant centers of community life. 

The renewal agenda must prioritize restoring public trust and ensuring the ANC remains a decisive and ethical leader. Second, economic growth and job creation must be at the forefront of the ANC’s agenda. Opportunities in manufacturing, the green economy, and digital technologies should be leveraged to stimulate inclusive economic growth and job creation. 

Addressing youth unemployment through targeted education reforms, skills development, and entrepreneurship programmes is critical. Third, improving service delivery and accountability is essential. Efforts must focus on addressing water insecurity and eradicating water mafias that sabotage infrastructure. 

The formalization of informal settlements must be accelerated, and access to basic services for indigent households must be expanded. Developing a comprehensive indigent register will provide critical support to vulnerable households facing rising costs. On eskom's 300 days without loadshedding The African National Congress applauds Eskom’s achievement of over 300 consecutive days without loadshedding, a significant milestone that underscores the progress made under the ANC-led government’s commitment to addressing South Africa’s energy challenges. 

This accomplishment is a direct result of the comprehensive measures outlined in the ANC Manifesto, including the maintenance and refurbishment of Eskom’s infrastructure, additional energy procurement, and the transition to renewable energy sources. Stable energy supply is key to unlocking economic growth, attracting investment, and improving the quality of life for all South Africans. It ensures the uninterrupted operation of schools, hospitals, and businesses while advancing the ANC’s vision of social transformation. 

We commend the dedication of Eskom’s workforce and all stakeholders involved and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring energy security for the benefit of the nation. Accelerating Land Reform and the Expropriation Act The President reaffirmed the importance of accelerating land reform as a key pillar of transformation. The recent enactment of the Expropriation Act provides a legal framework to address historical injustices and promote equitable access to land. 

The Act enables the expropriation of land in the public interest, including for land reform and socio-economic development. Government must prioritize the implementation of the Act to unlock opportunities in agriculture, human settlements, and industrial development. 

 The President noted that land reform is essential not only for justice and redress but also for economic growth and national food security

Global Leadership and Solidarity The President reiterated the ANC’s commitment to building a better Africa and a better world, guided by principles of anti-colonialism, Pan-Africanism, and human rights. South Africa will utilize its G20 Presidency to advance the interests of Africa and the Global South, focusing on green industrialization and the strategic use of critical minerals. 

The ANC will continue to support the struggles for selfdetermination in Palestine and Western Sahara. Looking Ahead The President reminded delegates of the importance of the upcoming National General Council (NGC), scheduled for the second half of the year, as a platform to assess the effectiveness of ANC policies and programmes. This will coincide with celebrations of the 70th Anniversary of the Freedom Charter, a moment to recommit to the principles enshrined in this historic document. 

The Lekgotla will deliberate on these priorities and tasks in the coming days, guided by the ANC’s Elections Manifesto, National Conference resolutions, and the January 8th Statement. Conclusion The ANC remains committed to uniting the country, addressing the challenges facing the people, and advancing the aspirations of the Freedom Charter. 

The outcomes of this Lekgotla will chart a path toward renewal, service delivery, and economic transformation, ensuring the ANC remains a trusted and effective instrument of the people.  

RUSSIA DEVELOPING INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC RELATIONS @KASIBCNEWS

RUSSIA DEVELOPING INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC RELATIONS @KASIBCNEWS 

The officials exchanged views on the current situation and prospects for developing international economic relations as well as on the growing role of SCO member-states therein

Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk held a working meeting in Moscow with Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Nurlan Yermekbayev.

During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on the current situation and prospects for developing international economic relations, in which the SCO member states play a growing role.

Alexey Overchuk advised the SCO Secretary-General on the work during the Russian chairmanship of the SCO Heads of Government Council in 2024–2025, stressing the Russian side's focus on giving a new impetus to cooperation within the organisation on the economic track.

They noted the importance of combining national economic development strategies and multilateral integration projects, developing multimodal transport corridors linking the countries of Northern and Southern Eurasia, ensuring energy security in the SCO region, developing cooperation in the industrial and innovation spheres, as well as further developing humanitarian ties.

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The Deputy Prime Minister pointed out the need for deeper economic cooperation between the SCO countries subject to the strategic goals provided in the Declaration of on further development of economic processes within the EAEU until 2030 and for the period until 2045 ”The Eurasian Economic Path,“ as well the CIS development strategy until 2030.

Alexey Overchuk and Nurlan Yermekbayev agreed on keeping regular contacts to ensure coordinated work of the SCO Secretariat and to provide substantive content for the forthcoming SCO Heads of Government Council meeting scheduled to be held in the autumn of 2025

EGYPT WIFI CALLING ROLLOUT @KASIBCNEWS

Egypt has officially rolled out a new service that allows mobile phone calls to be made via fixed internet networks (WIFI-calling), with the goal of enhancing call quality and improving overall telecommunications services.

In a conference held on Monday, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat explained that the service addresses network coverage challenges in areas with high population density, narrow streets, and tall buildings, where providing sufficient mobile network coverage is often difficult.

 

“WIFI-calling makes it easier for users to send and receive calls with good quality,” Talaat stated during the announcement.

 

The new service, called WIFI calling, addresses the long-standing issue of mobile network coverage, especially in areas where users struggle to get a stable signal, such as those living in lower floors of buildings or in densely populated urban areas.

 

The service was developed over the course of a year in collaboration with Egypt's four major mobile operators and the telecommunications regulator, explained a MCIT statement.

ADVERTISE HERE @R2500.00 

WIFI-calling relies on the user's fixed internet connection through WIFI to carry mobile calls, instead of relying on traditional mobile network towers. This allows users to make regular mobile calls using their home internet connection, which is especially beneficial in areas with poor mobile network coverage.

 

Talaat also mentioned that by mid-year, the government plans to complete the installation of mobile network coverage across all highways and villages included in the Haya Karima (Decent Life) initiative, which aims to improve living conditions in rural and underserved areas.