Mcebisi Jonas Special Envoy to USA @KASIBCNEWS 

The African National Congress (ANC) welcomes the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa of the appointment of Mr Mcebisi Jonas as his Special Envoy to the United States of America. 

This appointment is a reaffirmation of South Africa’s strategic intent to deepen bilateral and multilateral relations anchored in mutual respect, shared interests, and inclusive development. 

Mr Jonas credentials reflect an unwavering commitment to South Africa’s constitutional democracy, economic renewal, and global cooperation. His prior service as Deputy Minister of Finance and as one of President Ramaphosa’s Investment Envoys has demonstrated his capacity to advance South Africa’s developmental agenda and inspire investor confidence. 

The ANC is confident that Mr Jonas will, in his new role, promote South Africa’s priorities including trade, investment, technology exchange, and youth development, while ensuring that our voice remains prominent in global dialogue on peace, equity and sustainability. 

The ANC reiterates its belief in progressive multilateralism, international solidarity, and respectful diplomacy. As relations between South Africa and the United States evolve, we are encouraged by this move to strengthen engagement through principled dialogue and the pursuit of common goals that serve both our nations and the broader African continent. 

This appointment comes at a time when the world requires cooperation over confrontation, dialogue over division. 

We therefore support President Ramaphosa’s firm commitment to ensuring that South Africa’s foreign policy remains a tool for transformation, development, and peaceful global engagement. 

SUSPECTS FOUND WITH STOLEN FOOD @KASIBCNEWS

Gauteng Education MEC, Mr Matome Chiloane, wishes to commend police for arresting two suspects who were found with stolen school nutrition food from Minerva Secondary School in Alexandra, Johannesburg on Saturday, 12 April 2025.

According to information at our disposal, the two suspects – a 60-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman – were found next to the school with boxes of food supplies which belonged to the school. The stolen food included bulk packs of tinned fish, fresh cream milk and other perishable goods.

The suspects were arrested and charged with possession of suspected stolen property. They are expected to appear before the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 14 April 2025.

The food that was stolen forms part of supplies that are provided to the school through the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). This programme provides nutritious meals to learners in primary and secondary schools, aiming to improve learning by addressing malnutrition and hunger.

It must be noted that the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) recently appointed new service providers under the NSNP for the next three years commencing in April 2025. We must acknowledge that, since their appointment, some service providers had delayed with their deliveries to a few schools. However, this was rectified by Friday, 11 April 2025, and we can confirm that all schools received their stock. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience that might have been caused to the affected schools.

“We are concerned by this senseless crime which takes away from the good we are trying to achieve through the School Nutrition Programme and ensuring learners are fed at schools. We vehemently condemn such criminal acts and call upon communities to safeguard the food supplies which are meant to nourish their children. We also urge members of the public to report any crime happening at our schools to the police, and refrain from purchasing any goods stolen from our schools,” said MEC Chiloane.

SPECIAL ENVOY TO USA @KASIBCNEWS

I ( CYRIL RAMAPHOSA  ) hereby announce the appointment of Mr Mcebisi Jonas as my Special Envoy to the United States of America, serving as the official representative of the President and the government of the Republic of South Africa. 

In this capacity, Mr Jonas is entrusted with the responsibility to advance South Africa's diplomatic, trade and bilateral priorities. He will lead negotiations, foster strategic partnerships and engage with U.S. government officials and private-sector leaders to promote our nation’s interests. 

An eminent South African leader, Mr Jonas served as one of four   Presidential Investment Envoys that I appointed in 2018 to facilitate investment into South Africa.  

As a former Deputy Finance Minister of South Africa, Mr Jonas brings extensive governmental experience to his new diplomatic role. Concurrently, he holds the position of Independent Non-Executive Chairman of the MTN Group, a role he will maintain alongside his responsibilities as my Special Envoy.  

This appointment underscores his distinguished career and continued commitment to advancing South Africa’s national and economic interests.

For decades, South Africa and the United States of America have maintained a historical and strategic relationship. In the interest of our country, our region and the rest of our continent, I remain committed to rebuilding and maintaining this relationship for more decades on the basis of mutual respect, recognition of each other’s sovereignty and benefit for our respective peoples. 

VAT EN SIT 1% @KASIBCNEWS

VAT EN SIT 1% @KASIBCNEWS 

This morning, a negotiating team appointed by the Federal Executive of the Democratic Alliance (DA) met a delegation from the African National Congress (ANC) in Johannesburg. The discussion follows in the wake of the recent dispute over the Fiscal Framework, which contains a 1% VAT increase over two years.

The engagement took place in a constructive atmosphere, with both sides speaking respectfully yet frankly about the need to resolve the impasse over the budget and to enhance cooperation between the two parties in the context of the Government of National Unity (GNU). 

The DA reiterated our position that a VAT increase is unaffordable in the absence of meaningful reform that will increase economic growth and create jobs.

The DA is committed to finding solutions in the best interests of the people of South Africa, both in relation to the budget and to strengthen the GNU.

GNU COLLAPSED @KASIBCNEWS

Today, the African National Congress (ANC) negotiating team led by Secretary General, Comrade Fikile Mbalula, held a constructive engagement with the leadership of the Democratic Alliance (DA) as part of ongoing efforts to break the current budget impasse and the reconfiguration of the Government of National Unity (GNU).  

The meeting forms part of the ANC’s unwavering commitment to the principles of dialogue, nation-building, and collective leadership in addressing the urgent socio-economic needs of our people. At the centre of these engagements is the future of our country – South Africa – and the responsibility we all carry to ensure it remains united, stable, and focused on development. 

The ANC reaffirms its position as the leader of society, guided by the historic mandate it has received to transform South Africa into a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous nation for all who live in it. In all negotiations, the ANC remains rooted in its values and resolutions, and will not compromise on the fundamental goals of social and economic justice, equity, and transformation. 

The ANC entered the GNU process with clear intentions: to build a broad-based consensus on rebuilding the country, accelerating service delivery, creating jobs, and tackling inequality. These goals are not negotiable.  South Africa must come first. As leaders, we owe it to the people of this country—black and white, young and old— to rise above narrow political interests and work together in the spirit of unity and shared progress.  

The ANC will continue to engage all GNU partners, civil society, and other stakeholders in pursuit of a stable, inclusive, and effective government that places the interests of South Africans at the heart of all its decisions. 

ISREAL TREASONOUS VISIT @KASIBCNEWS 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemns the disgraceful and treasonous visit by Members of Parliament from the Democratic Alliance (DA), Patriotic Alliance (PA), African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) to the genocidal, apartheid state of Israel. 

This so-called “fact-finding mission” is nothing less than a betrayal of the South African people, the Palestinian people, and all oppressed peoples of the world. It is a shameful attempt to legitimise a regime that is currently engaged in one of the most brutal and well-documented genocides of the 21st century — the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza. 

That these MPs chose to meet with the Israeli President, Isaac Herzog, a key political figure presiding over this mass slaughter, is a disgusting stain on South Africa’s democracy. 

Let us make it clear that this visit was not innocent nor was it private. These individuals travelled to a state our democratic Parliament, through a motion brought by the EFF, has condemned and agreed to sever ties with. 

They travelled with diplomatic passports, as representatives of South Africa, to a country that our own government has taken to the International Court of Justice for genocide. 

This is not only morally reprehensible, but it is a potential compromise of our national security as we have  already become a target of Isreal’s white supremacist ally, the United States of America under Donald Trump. 

The visit was deliberately kept secret, hidden from the public and from Parliament. According to reports, DA MP’s Glynnis Breytenbach who is a member of the Portfolio Committee on Justice, Nicholas Myburgh who is a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence and Emma Louise Powell who is a member of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations were also part of this delegation. 

That individuals occupying such sensitive positions within our state machinery could engage in secret diplomacy with a genocidal regime, without government authorisation or public accountability, is not only unethical but it also borders on espionage. 

The DA, PA and ACDP have shown once again that they are agents of white imperialism and global Zionist aggression. They do not speak for the people of South Africa, nor do they represent the values of justice, peace, and solidarity that our antiapartheid struggle stood for. They stand with murderers, with occupiers, with colonisers, and they do so in our name. This visit must be investigated. Parliament must demand full transparency. 

Who funded this trip? What was discussed? What intelligence, if any, was shared? And what consequences will follow for these MPs who have undermined the sovereignty of our state and the moral standing of our democracy? 

The EFF demands that all Members of Parliament involved in this visit be summoned to appear before the Speaker and the Joint Standing Committee on Ethics; their diplomatic privileges be suspended pending investigation; the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) issue a formal statement disassociating the Republic of South Africa from this rogue delegation; and Parliament reaffirm its commitment to the complete isolation of the apartheid Israeli regime by following through in removing the Israeli embassy from our country and cutting all ties. 

The EFF will never stand with genocide, will never stand with apartheid, and will never be silent when our country's name is dragged into complicity with war crimes. From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. 

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).