TAXI VIOLENCE GAUTENG @KASIBCNEWS

The Taxi Industry in Gauteng acknowledges with deep concern the ongoing issues of corruption, violence, and killings that have plagued our sector. The leadership would like to express our deep concern regarding the recent surge in violence and killings that have plagued our communities and our industry in its entirety. We recognize that these challenges have not only affected taxi operators but have also had a devastating impact on the communities we serve and the safety of our passengers. 

We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have fallen victim to these tragic events. We understand that incidents of violence and criminal activity within our industry have led to a tarnished reputation, and we are committed to addressing these issues head-on. It is our duty to ensure that our operations are conducted with integrity and respect for all individuals, and we must work collectively to eradicate any form of corruption that undermines our service. 

The ongoing violence not only threatens the safety of our drivers and passengers but also undermines the hard work and dedication of countless individuals who rely on the taxi industry for their livelihoods. We acknowledge that this issue has persisted for far too long, and it is imperative that we take collective action to address the root causes of these conflicts. 

We call upon all stakeholders, including government authorities, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders, to work together to foster an environment of peace and security. It is essential that we engage in open dialogues and collaborative efforts to resolve disputes and prevent further loss of life. 

The taxi industry is committed to promoting safe and reliable transportation services for our communities. We urge our members to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

We also encourage our community members to support one another during these trying times and to stand against violence in all its forms. 

Let us work together to build a brighter, more peaceful future for Gauteng. To this end, the joint meeting amongst others agreed on the following: 

Transparency and Accountability: We urge all stakeholders, including government authorities, to implement stricter regulations and oversight to ensure that all taxi operations are conducted fairly and transparently. 

Community Engagement: We believe that engaging with our communities is essential in rebuilding trust. We are committed to working with local leaders and residents to foster a safer environment for everyone. 

Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: It is crucial to establish effective dispute resolution mechanisms that can address grievances within the industry without resorting to violence. We advocate for dialogue and mediation as the first steps to resolving conflicts. 

A Ceasefire has been agreed upon, and both provincial structures will engage all affected associations in the province and report back to the 20-aside meeting with the MEC on the 29 April 2025. 

The MEC and the provincial leadership of the Taxi Industry will convene a meeting on Tuesday, 15 April 2025 to attend to the FARADAY and ZONKESIZWE conflict. 

A Conflict Committee will be established, convening only in the presence of the MEC.

The committee will consist of:- 

5 representatives from Santaco Gauteng

5 representatives from regions under Santaco- 

5 representatives from regions under GNTA 

5 representatives from GNTA (province)  

This totals 20 members who will meet with the MEC. 

Decisions made by this committee will be binding, and law enforcement will be involved as necessary. 

There will also be permission to intervene in other areas. 

All parties are pledging their commitment and support to this agreement. 

Support for Law Enforcement: We call on law enforcement agencies to enhance their efforts in combating crime within the taxi industry. 

We pledge our cooperation in any initiative aimed at ensuring the safety of our drivers and passengers.

Education and Training: We will invest in training programs for taxi operators and drivers to promote ethical practices, conflict resolution, and customer service, reinforcing the values of professionalism and respect. 

The Taxi Industry in Gauteng is committed to being part of the solution. We understand that change will not happen overnight, but we are determined to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to create a safer, more reliable, and more respected taxi service for our communities. 

Together, we can address these pressing issues and pave the way for a brighter future for the taxi industry in Gauteng. 

The MEC made it clear that the meeting was part of her consultative process with affected and interested stakeholders regarding her intention to implement section 91 on extraordinary measures in areas besieged by fatal violence. 

Issued as read, agreed, and signed on behalf of all attendees by the Gauteng Taxi Initiative Secretariat constituted by the Secretary General of Gauteng NTA, the Secretary General of SANATCO Gauteng, and the Chairperson of Gauteng Provincial Regulatory Entity (GPRE).

DONALD TRUMP BAD THINGS @KASIBCNEWS

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has taken note of a social media post by the President of the United States of America (USA) Donald Trump, wherein he indicates his reservations regarding attending the G20 summit in South Africa. In his usual delusional manner, Trump cites land confiscations and genocide in South Africa as his reason and attaches to his ridiculous claim a video of the Commander in Chief and President of the EFF Julius Malema debating the land question in the Parliament of South Africa. 

In a clear indication of a man who has lost all sense and touch with reality, Donald Trump has decided to return to his disinformation campaign against South Africa, to distract the public from the mess he has created globally with his uneducated reciprocal tariff system. In a post on his Truth Social platform, 

Trump wrote that “How could we be expected to go to South Africa for the very important G20 Meeting when Land Confiscation and Genocide is the primary topic of conversation? They are taking the land of white Farmers and then killing them and their families. The Media refuses to report on this. The United States has held back all contributions to South Africa. Is this where we want to be for the G20? I don’t think so!”  

The EFF takes serious exception to Donald Trump’s connection of his false claims of land confiscations and a genocide against white South African families with the President of the EFF, especially since we know that Donald Trump governs through social media. 

As the EFF, we would like to tell the “tariff wielding barbarian” that he would be lucky to still be President of the USA by the time the G20 Summit occurs in South Africa, following his recklessness and economic illiteracy which has plunged the US-economy into a recession and launched them into a trade war with China and Europe. 

The G20 summit in South Africa should be the least of Donald Trump’s concerns, and he should focus on the allegations against him of manipulating the US stock market by imposing tariffs on numerous countries across the world and then giving trading advice to his billionaire friends before pausing the tariffs for 90-days. 

Trump essentially used the US economy as a means to practice insider trading and defraud the American people of billions in their life savings and pensions. He himself has committed an economic genocide on the ordinary American people and the US economy. 

As the EFF we condemn Donald Trump for the havoc he has caused to the global economy and view his utterances against South Africa as part of a premeditated strategy to impose sanctions on our country and our political leadership. It is the strategy of imperialism to frame a nation it intends to invade and disrupt politically and economically as a nation that is violating human rights, before making an intervention that disrupts that nations’ prosperity for decades to come. 

We have seen this strategy in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Cuba, Venezuela and many other nations. Today, because South Africa and the President of the EFF has correctly condemned the USA’s role in funding the genocide of Palestinian people by Apartheid Israel, Trump has turned his attention to South Africa. It is no coincidence that he uses the images of the President of the EFF to make his claims, because the President of the EFF is at the forefront of demanding the return of the land to the African majority and he has pursued this using constitutional means. 

The EFF advises Donald Trump not to use South Africa as a reason to avoid facing his global peers at the G20 Summit in South Africa, since he has embarrassed himself and the United States of America with his poor grasp of the tariff system. 

His non-attendance would be an opportunity for the leading nations of the world to consolidate an economic recovery plan that does not rely on the US-dollar and is welcomed, but it is clear that he fears facing his counterparts following his humiliating tariff stunt. 

PRINT AND DIGITAL MEDIA TRANSFORMATION @KASIBCNEWS 

The Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Kenny Morolong, held a strategic engagement today with the Print and Digital Media Transformation and Revitalization Committee to discuss policy and legislative support needed to accelerate transformation and revitalisation in the media sector. 

The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts by government to promote inclusive participation and equitable representation in the South African media landscape. Deputy Minister Morolong commended the Committee for its continued advocacy and monitoring of transformation within print and digital platforms, noting the importance of media as both a mirror and a shaper of society.

“We must commit to meaningful transformation and long term sustainability in the media industry to ensure that the voices of all South Africans are reflected in the stories that are told, and that the ownership, control and content of our media truly reflect the diversity of our country,” said Deputy Minister Morolong.

Discussions during the meeting focused on:

• Equity in advertising spend across traditional and digital platforms;

• Policy and legislative support needed to accelerate transformation and revitalisation ;

• The importance of ethical journalism and media accountability;

• Enhancing the role of public interest media in nation-building.

The Deputy Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to working closely with industry players  to ensure  long term commercial , community and digital media sustainability. 

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to ongoing dialogue and practical interventions that will unlock opportunities, promote media diversity and strengthen democratic discourse in South Africa. 

He further urged the sector to provide practical interventions to promote media diversity and transformed operational models that consider the entire value chain which is inclusive of the newsroom resourcing, publishing, news sources, printing, distribution and advertising. 

EFF AND ANC BUDGET MEETING 2025 @KASIBCNEWS

A delegation of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) led by the President and Commander in Chief Julius Malema met with the leadership team of the African National Congress (ANC) led by its Secretary General Fikile Mbalula this afternoon, 11 April 2025 at the Southern Sun Hotel, Sandton. 

The ANC delegation consisted of; a) Fikile Mbalula: ANC Secretary General and Chair of the ANC Delegation to the Meeting b) Gwede Mantashe: ANC National Chairperson c) Gwen Ramokgopa: ANC Treasurer General d) Nomvula Mokonyane: ANC 1st Deputy Secretary General e) Maropene Ramokgopa: ANC 2nd Deputy Secretary General f) David Makhura: ANC NEC Member and Head of Political Education g) Zuko Godlimpi: ANC NEC Member and Chair of Economic Transformation Committee h) Parks Tau: ANC NEC Member i) Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri: ANC NEC member and National Spokesperson j) Comrade Andries Nel: ANC Legal Adviser 

The EFF delegation consisted of; a) Commander in Chief and President of the EFF, Julius Malema b) Secretary General of the EFF, Marshall Dlamini c) Deputy Secretary General of the EFF, Leigh-Ann Mathys d) Treasurer General of the EFF, Omphile Maotwe e) National Spokespersons of the EFF, Sinawo Thambo and Thembi Msane f) EFF Head of Presidency, Vuyani Pambo g) EFF Senior Researcher, Dr Gumani Tshimomola  

The meeting follows months of uncertainty around the National Budget for 2025, and particularly the recent passing of the Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals for 2025 in the National Assembly on the 03rd of April 2025. 

The EFF reaffirmed its principled rejection of a 0.5 percentage point increase in Value Added Taxes (VAT) for the year 2025 as a mechanism to generate revenue. Our rejection of VAT Hikes was exhibited by our vote against the adoption of the Standing Committee on Finance’s Report in the National Assembly, which was a product of a flawed and irregular process that is now subject to judicial review. 

The discussion reflected on the importance of resolving the budget impasse while ensuring that the poorest of the poor are safeguarded through sound economic planning. Furthermore, the meeting reflected on the upcoming budgeting processes regarding the Division of Revenue Bill and Appropriations Bill. 

The EFF wants to make it categorically clear that we are under no illusion that there is any legislative possibility of reversing the VAT increases which were supported in the Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposal by various political parties in the Standing Committee on Finance and subsequently in the National Assembly. Our engagements with the ANC must therefore not be mistaken as participation in a fruitless exercise to seek alternatives to the VAT increases within 30-days under the false hope that such alternatives will be implemented before the 01st of May 2025. This is simply not practical, realistic or legislatively permissible. 

All political parties which voted in support of the Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposal which included the VAT increases must take responsibility for their actions and desist from giving the people of South Africa false hope that non-binding recommendations can reverse what they supported. 

The EFF correctly made its proposed amendments which were permissible under the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Other Related Matters Act during the Standing Committee on Finance Meeting on the 02nd of April 2025 and additionally submitted these proposals which were not captured in the Committee Report to the Minister of Finance. Additionally, we have since circulated a comprehensive document containing our sensible alternative revenue generation mechanisms to the public. 

The EFF engagements with the ANC are part and parcel of the road towards the upcoming budget process, and form part of the ANC’s outreach to other political parties in its claimed efforts to reset and/or reconfigure the Government of National Unity (GNU). 

This was the first round of these engagements and the EFF will provide updates to the nation as is necessary on progress regarding these negotiations. Our position with regards to participation in the GNU and support for any legislation that is a product of a GNU government constituted by the DA and Freedom Front Plus remains clear and consistent. 

The EFF will not support any financial piece of legislation that will be presided over by racists who reject such legislation, yet want to continue operating in Cabinet using budgets they did not support. 

Furthermore, the EFF will only participate in the GNU on the condition that it does not include the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus (FF+) who are at the centre of the chaos and confusion occurring in government today. 

CLOSURE OF KHUTSONG WEST CLINIC @KASIBCNEWS

 The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) wishes to inform Khutsong community of the indefinite closure of Khutsong West Clinic with effect from 01 May 2025. This decision follows ongoing geotechnical challenges caused by active sinkhole activity in the Khutsong West area which poses serious safety risks for both healthcare users and staff members. 

The safety and wellbeing of the community and employees remain the department’s high priority. Patients who previously accessed services at Khutsong West Clinic are advised to visit any of the following nearby facilities for uninterrupted primary healthcare services which are mainly within 6km radius from Khutsong West Clinic: • Khutsong Community Health Centre • Khutsong South clinic • Khutsong Extension 3 clinic • Khutsong East clinic • Welverdiend clinic To ensure seamless continuity of care, patients are kindly requested to bring valid identification documents (ID, passport, or driver’s licence) and inform staff at the alternative clinic that they are former patients of Khutsong West Clinic. 

This will enable linking them with their medical records for ongoing treatment and follow-up. In addition, the Ward-Based Primary Health Care Outreach Teams will continue to operate and provide services in the Khutsong West area to reach those who may have difficulties accessing alternative facilities. 

The current staff at Khutsong West Clinic will be re assigned to the nearby health facilities.

 

JOBURG HOST IDP @KASIBCNEWS

JOBURG HOST IDP @KASIBCNEWS

The City of Johannesburg held an Integrated Development Plan (IDP) session at Marlboro Community Hall in Region E on Thursday, 10 April 2025. This vital community engagement platform enabled residents to interact directly with city leadership, voice concerns, and help shape Johannesburg’s development priorities.

The session, chaired by Council Speaker Cllr Nobuhle Mthembu, was attended by members of the mayoral committee, the chief whip of council, local councillors, and senior officials. Executive Mayor Cllr Dada Morero led the proceedings, outlining the city’s roadmap for service delivery and key interventions to improve quality of life across Region E.

“We are committed to building trust through transparency, getting the basics right, and placing people at the heart of development,” said Mayor Morero. “This includes long-term planning for bulk infrastructure, addressing the illegal erection of structures, and tackling air pollution.”

The mayor highlighted several priorities, including cemetery maintenance, repairing burst water pipes, crime prevention, by-law enforcement, road resurfacing, dealing with illegal electricity connections, and promoting economic opportunities through skills development.

Residents used the platform to express concerns about persistent service delivery issues, including potholes, rising crime, noise pollution, inadequate by-law enforcement, and incomplete Rea Vaya bus stations—particularly along Louis Botha Avenue, which some say contribute to criminal activity. Residents of Ward 75 in Alexandra also raised the long-standing issue of the permanently closed Rotary Sports Field. Once a vibrant community space, it was repurposed into a temporary container housing project that remains unoccupied—leaving local children without a vital recreational facility.

In response, city officials shared ongoing interventions such as the installation of solar-powered high-mast lights in Alexandra to enhance safety during power outages and ease pressure on the electricity grid. The Johannesburg Roads Agency is also upgrading traffic infrastructure, installing new traffic signals and replacing outdated cables and controllers.

The 2025/2026 IDP is built on principles of equity, inclusivity, and responsiveness. The city’s budget continues to prioritise historically underserved communities, with a strong commitment that no area or resident is left behind. “This is a people-driven plan, informed by community voices and underpinned by strong partnerships and shared responsibility,” affirmed Mayor Morero.

As Johannesburg advances its development agenda, the IDP sessions remain a cornerstone of participatory governance—fostering accountability, empowering communities, and laying the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable urban future.

1,650 NEW HEALTHCARE POSTS @KASIBCNEWS

The African National Congress (ANC) welcomes the announcement by Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi approving 1,200 posts for doctors, 200 for nurses, and 250 for other healthcare professionals. This timely and much-needed intervention demonstrates government’s commitment to strengthening the public healthcare system and ensuring that quality care is accessible to all South Africans. It reflects a serious and proactive response to the challenges facing the sector.

The ANC has long recognised the urgent need to increase the number of healthcare professionals, particularly in under-resourced communities. While this measure may not fully meet the growing demand, it is a significant step forward. We are confident it will help ease pressure on healthcare facilities and enhance patient care. 

We reaffirm our commitment to a people-centred budget — one that prioritises service delivery and responds to the real needs of our citizens. This decision exemplifies how the budget can be used as a tool for transformation and the delivery of essential services.