FRAUD AND CORRUPTION IN MATLOSANA @KASIBCNEWS

Fraud and corruption continue to thrive unabated under the current leadership, it has exacerbated since the arrival of the two Provincial Executive Representatives (PER). The PER is a team that is voluntarily appointed to assist and give advice on financial decision-making. The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Matlosana has reported unauthorized payments made to MAXPROF to the Hawks for investigation.

During the Ordinary Meeting held on the 31st of March 2025, the DA was amazed by the presentation made by the PER, when they claimed achievements since assuming their responsibility in the municipality in January 2024, specifically claiming to have curbed 3 prohibited types of expenditure. This is a misrepresentation, as the latest Annual Report and various Financial Reports demonstrate a municipality in “autopilot” mode.

The DA queried a payment to the amount of R 3 496 835.92 to MAXPROF for completing a VAT 201 form that is system generated, dated 6 September 2024. The service provider’s 36-month legal contract had lapsed on the 20th of June 2023, with the unlawful emergency “12 months extension” also having run out on the 23rd of June 2024. MAXPROF did not have any valid legal contract with the municipality from the 24th of June 2024 to date. This has raised concerns among the DA due to the impunity of criminal and fraudulent conduct by the municipal officials in collusion with this service provider.

It was clear that the DA was ahead when the Executive Mayor, Fikile Mahlope, requested the Council Speaker, Stella Mondlane-Ngwenya, not to allow discussion for the item in question and reprimanded the DA for planning to report the specific item to the media.
Upon further investigation, the DA discovered that MAXPROF performed another VAT recovery in December 2024, still without a valid contract. MAXPROF has submitted another invoice for the amount of R4 150 574.62. This particular invoice from January 2025 remains unpaid because the municipal officials are aware that the Hawks are investigating this contract.

The officials have committed fraud in terms of Regulation 36, which was submitted and reported late to the council. This includes the report covering the period June to August 2024, which was received as part of the MFMA Section 52(d) and 72 Reports and tabled in January 2025.

The Maine report tabled in council a month ago revealed that duplicate payments to the amount of R 292 million were made between 1 July 2023 and 31 March 2024.

The DA continues to fight the abuse of using the Municipal Finance Management Act Regulation 36 as a vehicle to loot the municipality under the pretext of an emergency. The DA will hold top political leadership and management in the municipality accountable for benefiting substantially from this corruption, when the residents can barely afford to pay for services.

FF+DA STELLENBOSCH BY-ELECTION @KASIBCNEWS

The DA in the Western Cape is excited to announce our Ward 9 Stellenbosch by-election candidate, Isabelle De Taillefer. 

Moving over from the FF+, Councillor De Taillefer believes her values are aligned to the DA and sees the party as the only ideal vehicle to action her passion to serve.

She says: “I am very excited to be the DA candidate for Ward 9. It is not only the beautiful historic heart of Stellenbosch and the Winelands, but it also still guards the earliest memories and exudes the pristine energy that attract people from all over the world. Serving all who live, work, and invest in it, as well as helping to keep it a crucial tourist magnet, will be the honour of a lifetime.

“Ek het groot respek vir Burgemeester Jeremy Fasser en Onder-Burgemeester Mynard Slabbert en ondersteun hulle visie vir Stellenbosch heelhartig. In my tyd op die Munisipale Raad het ek goeie vriende gemaak onder die DA Raadslede wat my altyd onbaatsugtig met raad en daad ondersteun het om die beste te kan lewer vir al ons mense, so dis met vrymoedigheid wat ek die skuif maak na die koukus van die Demokratiese Alliansie.”

DA Stellenbosch Constituency Head Leon Schreiber says having a by-election candidate with strong local knowledge and ties to the community is great asset.

“Raadslid De Taillefer se besluit om by die DA aan te sluit is deel van ‘n groter patroon in Stellenbosch waar al hoe meer mense besef dat slegs die DA die waardes en grootte het om ‘n tasbare verskil te maak in ons gemeenskap en land. Eerder as om haar ervaring en kennis te vermors by ‘n irrelevante klein party, kan sy dit nou betekenisvol aanwend tot voordeel van die inwoners van wyk 9 asook die groter Stellenbosch.”

The Ward 9 by-election takes place on 14 May. If residents want excellent service delivery to continue, we encourage them to vote DA!

The joining of Cllr De Taillefer is another step in the process of preparing the party for the 2026 elections.

We need leaders from all walks of life to join the only non-racial party with a proven track record in service delivery to step up. In the Western Cape, like in Stellenbosch, we govern well and we need to continuously build on that brand.

Our applications for candidates across the Province are open and we call on all individuals who share our values, that are fighting for the poor and believe in effective governance to join our cause.

MINISTER ABRUPT, IRREGULAR, AND PARTISAN APPOINTMENTS @KASIBCNEWS 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) strongly condemns the blatant and irregular appointments being forced through by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson to senior positions in government, while there is looming doubt over the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) continued stay in the so-called Government of National Unity (GNU). In a desperate attempt to entrench political patronage in senior positions before the speculated exit of the DA from government, Macpherson has embarked on a mission to appoint unqualified individuals who are aligned to the DA into key roles without due process.

The Minister is abusing the newly issued circular from the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), which removes the requirement for consultation with the Minister of Public Service and Administration on contract appointments.

This reckless manoeuvre is being exploited to sideline transparent recruitment processes and impose hand-picked allies into critical government positions. 

The following appointments are at the centre of this unlawful interference: 

1. Sean Cox- Currently irregularly appointed through the DBSA as Chief Director of Stakeholder Management in the DG’s office. The Minister is now pressuring HR to immediately appoint him on a 12-month contract as Chief Director in the DG’s office, despite his lack of qualifications for the position. Sean Cox is a former official on the DA-led Tshwane administration under Mayor Cilliers Brink and is therefore being awarded for his political ties rather than competence. 

2. Michael Beyleveld- Currently the Minister’s Chief of Staff. The Minister is pressuring HR to appoint him as Chief Director of Intergovernmental Relations (IGR), bypassing all the proper recruitment procedures. 

3. James de Villiers- Currently serving as the Minister’s Media Liaison Officer. The Minster is now unlawfully manoeuvring to appoint him as Director of Communications for two years without any competitive process. 

4. Luke Albert- Presently a Parliamentary Liaison Officer to the Minister. The Minister is attempting to place him as Deputy Director in the DG’s Office, and once again without following due process. 

These appointments expose the GNU’s true nature: a corrupt arrangement where political elites prioritise cronyism over merit. It is unacceptable that a critical department like Public Works, which is supposed to serve the people by ensuring infrastructure development and job creation, is being turned into a patronage network for DA-linked individuals. 

The EFF demands that all recruitment in the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure be conducted transparently, fairly and based on qualifications and merit. 

We will not allow the Minister to manipulate state institutions to benefit political allies while millions of South Africans remain unemployed and deprived of opportunities. We call on the Public Service Commission (PSC) to urgently intervene and stop this unlawful interference in the hiring process. 

If these irregular appointments proceed, the EFF will explore all legal and parliamentary avenues to hold the Minister accountable. 

Gauteng Health owes R225 Million @KASIBCNEWS

The Gauteng Health Department owes R225 million to municipalities, blaming money shortages, invoice problems, and the lack of Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

This shockingly high amount is revealed by Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko in a written reply to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature.

The largest amount owing is R160 million to Emfuleni Municipality for Cost of Employment and Goods and Services, as well as R14.9 million to the Midvaal Council. The department says this is because of the "unavailability of active Service Level Agreements" with the two municipalities.

Johannesburg Council is owed R21.6 million for water, waste removal and electricity. This is blamed on late submission of invoices by the council.

Ekurhuleni is owed R17.84 million for services, including R5.7 million by the Far East Rand Hospital, R5.4 million by Pholosong Hospital, and R4 million by Tambo Memorial Hospital due to "cash flow challenges".

A total of R5 million is owed to West Rand municipalities, and R6.11 million to the City of Tshwane.

The councils claim that the amounts owing is far higher, so these disputes also need to be resolved speedily.

The DA in Gauteng will continue to push for strict financial management to ensure all suppliers are paid in good time, preferably within 15 days as happens in the DA-run Western Cape.

 

  

DONALD TRUMP IMPERIALIST TARIFFS @KASIBCNEWS

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) vehemently condemns the recent imposition of so-called “reciprocal tariffs” by the United States of America’s (USA) President Donald Trump on South Africa and other nations.

This act is a blatant manifestation of imperialist and extractive mechanisms designed to coerce sovereign nations into subjugation under the USA’s economic dominance. President Trump’s characterisation of these tariffs as “reciprocal” is a deliberate distortion of reality. 

The United States, with its entrenched control over the global economy and key manufacturing industries—a dominance achieved through centuries of colonial exploitation, conquest, and the deliberate underdevelopment of other nations—cannot claim reciprocity when imposing tariffs on countries still grappling with the legacies of such historical injustices.  For developing nations, particularly those in the Global South, tariffs serve as vital instruments to nurture and protect emerging local industries and economies from predatory global forces. 

In contrast, the USA’s imposition of tariffs under the guise of reciprocity is a coercive tactic aimed at preserving its hegemonic position at the expense of the economic sovereignty of other nations. 

The EFF calls upon nations within the BRICS alliance and the broader Global South to resist and reject these imperialist tactics. It is imperative that we fortify bilateral trade relations within our continent and among developing nations to diminish reliance on Western-dominated markets and to undermine the USA’s global economic supremacy. By fostering intra-continental trade and cooperation, we can build resilient economies that are less susceptible to the whims of imperialist powers. 

The United States must be allowed to isolate itself if it so chooses. Engaging in retaliatory tariff wars only serves to entangle our economies further in the web of the USA’s economic manipulation. Instead, our focus should be on diversifying our markets, investing in regional value chains, and strengthening economic ties with partners who respect our sovereignty and developmental aspirations. 

We also note with grave concern that President Trump’s announcement of these “reciprocal tariffs” towards South Africa was prefaced by unfounded comments about “bad things” happening in our country. This is yet another instance of disinformation aimed at rationalising punitive economic measures, reminiscent of the manufactured narratives used to justify interventions in nations like Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Such rhetoric not only misrepresents the realities of our nation but also sets a dangerous precedent for unwarranted foreign interference under the pretext of fabricated crises. Furthermore, these “reciprocal tariffs” signal the effective end of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) as it pertains to South Africa. The preferential trade terms that once facilitated our exports to the USA market have been unilaterally revoked, underscoring the unreliability of trade agreements with partners who operate with imperialist motives. 

This development serves as a clarion call for South Africa and its peers to re-evaluate our trade partnerships and to prioritise relationships that are predicated on mutual respect and benefit. 

The EFF remains firm in its commitment to economic emancipation and the pursuit of a just global economic order. We will continue to advocate for policies that protect our national interests, promote self-reliance, and challenge the exploitative practices of imperialist nations, and call on all South Africans to stand together in defence of our sovereignty. 

Our struggle is not only against unjust tariffs but against the entire network of economic imperialism that seeks to perpetuate the subjugation of the Global South. 

POLICE PREVENTING CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES IN SOWETO @KASIBCNEWS

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety commends the outstanding efforts of the Gauteng Police for their swift and decisive action in preventing two separate criminal activities in Soweto on Tuesday, this week, demonstrating a firm commitment to combating crime in the Province.

In the first incident, Police successfully intercepted a group of armed suspects who were intending on committing a cash in transit robbery.  Two suspects were shot and killing during the confrontation disrupting the planned heist.

In an unrelated incident, Police confronted another group of criminals intending to rob two courier vehicles in Soweto.  The quick response from law enforcement led to the shooting and killing of four suspects who were allegedly involved in a plan to rob two courier vehicles in Soweto.

The Committee is convinced that these decisive interventions demonstrate the Police’s unwavering commitment to combating crime in the Province.  The Committee applauds the bravery and dedication displayed by the Police Officers in both incidents.

The Committee has noted the steady decline in crime incidents in Gauteng, which is a direct result of the ongoing, relentless efforts of the Police and would like to warn criminals that their actions will not be tolerated.  Those who persist in terrorizing our communities face the real increasing risk of being apprehended, shot and killed or spending years in prison.

In addition to these recent successes, the Committee stands in solidarity with the people of South Africa in demanding justice for Cwecwe, a seven year old learner who was allegedly raped at a school in the Eastern Cape Province.

The Committee calls on all Gauteng residents to join the nationwide campaign demanding justice for Cwecwe, protect children and women from any form of abuse and urge authorities to ensure the swift arrest and prosecution of the perpetrator(s).

 

TSHWANE DISTRICT HOSPITAL DIGITAL UPGRADE @KASIBCNEWS 

Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, today unveiled a state-of-the-art Health Technology Centre at Tshwane District Hospital, anchored by three high-performing digital X-ray machines that are already changing how patients experience care. The unveiling was followed by the official launch of the “I Serve With a Smile” campaign, a provincial initiative aimed at improving the patient experience through kindness, empathy, and professional service by healthcare workers. 

Speaking at the event, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko said the department’s investment in technology and people must always go hand in hand. “These X-ray machines are more than just equipment they represent our commitment to deliver quicker, safer, and more accurate diagnoses. But the real power lies in how we use them, with care, pride, and a smile,” she said. 

The hospital now boasts three new machines, a Digital Ceiling Suspension Radspeed Pro, a Control X Ceiling Suspension System, and a Fujifilm Go Plus Mobile Unit, collectively worth over R7 million. According to Tshwane District Hospital CEO, Ms. Monene Mogashoa, the machines are already having a major impact. “We are seeing an average of 70 patients a day, with shorter waiting times and better-quality images. Staff morale is up, and we have moved from frequent breakdowns to seamless digital diagnostics. 

These machines have improved the patient journey and the quality of care,” she stated. In line with the unveiling, the MEC led a symbolic staff pledging ceremony and badged team members under the “I Serve With a Smile” banner, an initiative that encourages healthcare workers to live the department’s values and make every patient feel valued. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that 70% of medical decisions depend on diagnostic imaging, underscoring the critical role the new technology will play in patient outcomes. 

The MEC applauded the hospital’s progress and reminded all staff that quality care begins with the people who deliver it. “Our goal is to make public health facilities places of healing and humanity where the machines are smart, but the people are even smarter and kinder,”she said. 

The department remains committed to modernising healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that patients receive timely, quality services closer to where they live.