ISRAEL LATEST ATTACKS ON GAZA @KASIBCNEWS

ISRAEL LATEST ATTACKS ON GAZA @KASIBCNEWS 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) unequivocally condemns the latest mass killings of Palestinians by the apartheid state of Israel, which on 15 May 2025 massacred over 140 innocent people, including 45 children, in Gaza and continued its systematic campaign of destruction against hospitals, clinics, and vital infrastructure in Gaza. 

This latest attack coincided with the 77th anniversary of the Nakba, the catastrophic expulsion of over 700,000 Palestinians from their land in 1948 to make way for the colonial creation of Israel. 

That this bloodshed occurred on Nakba Day is not accidental, it is part of the sustained and deliberate cruelty that has become a hallmark of the Zionist state. 

To murder Palestinians in their sleep on the very day that marks their historical dispossession is to rub salt into generations of open wounds.  This is the real genocide — the deliberate annihilation of a people through mass killings, starvation, the denial of humanitarian aid, and the decimation of every means of survival. 

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have now been slaughtered in Israel’s brutal and illegal assault, with the full backing of the United States and its allies. 

The EFF calls on the international community to stop entertaining the double standards of Western imperialist powers. While the United States tries to distract the world with politically motivated unfounded accusations of a white genocide against South Africa — the very country that has led the charge against Israeli war crimes at the International Court of Justice — it is actively arming and funding the real genocide in Gaza. 

We, therefore, reject with contempt this attempt to divert global attention away from the suffering of the Palestinian people through “refugee” programmes for white supremacists. The billions in military aid sent by the US government to Israel are not for “defence”; they are bullets for the bodies of Palestinian children, missiles for hospitals, and tanks for refugee camps. 

In light of this, the EFF reaffirms its call for the complete isolation of Israel. All diplomatic, economic, cultural, and sporting ties must be severed until the apartheid regime is dismantled and justice is restored to the people of Palestine. 

We further reiterate our call for the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador from South Africa and the closure of the Israeli embassy. As South Africa, a nation born of struggle and international solidarity, we refuse to be silent. Palestine will be free in our lifetime. 

MURDER JMPD OFFICER WHILST ON DUTY @KASIBCNEWS

MURDER JMPD OFFICER WHILST ON DUTY @KASIBCNEWS

The Public Safety MMC in the City of Johannesburg Councillor Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku welcomes the successful arrest of three suspects involved in the murder of JMPD Officer Matome Mokoena, as well as other serious crimes such as possession of illegal firearms, possession of state firearm, house robbery, and murder. 

The suspects were apprehended by the JMPD TRU and K9 unit on May 16, 2025, at around 04:00 in Vlakfontein. The operation was informed by crime intelligence, and the TRU unit responded promptly to track down the suspects. 

The suspects have been detained at Johannesburg central police station.  "We commend the JMPD TRU and K9 units and crime intelligence for their exceptional work in bringing these suspects to justice. Their dedication to keeping our communities safe is truly commendable", Said MMC Dr Tshwaku.  

The Public Safety Department will continue to support law enforcement agencies in their efforts to combat crime and ensure justice is served for victims and their families. 

We will ensure that the case is followed up to make sure that these perpetrators are locked up.   

R.I.P 155 CHILDREN @KASIBCNEWS 

The DA is devastated to learn that 155 children across our country under age 5 have died in public health facilities with moderate (MAM) or severe acute malnutrition (SAM) as an underlying condition since January 2025. 

The majority of children affected were in Limpopo (32), Gauteng (30), and KwaZulu-Natal (29)

This has been revealed by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, in answer to a written parliamentary question by the DA.

Last year a staggering rise in malnutrition cases was revealed: severe acute malnutrition in children younger than five has risen by 26% over the past five years.

This is a serious and growing tragedy across South Africa, correlating with a legacy of increasing unemployment and increasing cost of living.

The DA believes that the solution is a cross-cutting intervention, because both the Departments of Health and Social Development must work together to address this.

The Department of Social Development must ensure that mothers, fathers and carers receiving the Child Care grant are assisted and thoroughly informed on the best and most nutritious foodstuffs that the grant should buy every month. 

This is not a passive obligation, but one that the Social Development Department and SASSA must do actively for all mothers, fathers and carers who struggle to nourish their children in trying economic circumstances.

The Department of Health must address childhood malnutrition deaths with vastly enhanced public information campaigns on the signs of malnutrition and clear direction on seeking treatment before it is too late. 

This must be stopped with greatly improved public information campaigns that reach millions of mothers and carers.

With more than a quarter (28.8%) of South Africa’s children under five being stunted and the number of children still succumbing because of limited access to nutritious food, it is clear that the Departments of Health and Social Development must review and strengthen the effectiveness of interventions.

Working Visit to the Russian Federation @KASIBCNEWS 

Minister Lamola has concluded a two-day working visit to the Russian Federation. During his visit to Moscow, Minister Lamola co-chaired the 18th session of the Joint Inter-Governmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) alongside Mr. Alexander Kozlov, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation.  ITEC is a structured bilateral mechanism aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation between South Africa and the Russian Federation.

The 18th ITEC session facilitated a comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including:  

- Trade and Investment: Strengthening economic partnerships and exploring opportunities for mutual growth.  

- Agriculture:Enhancing collaboration in sustainable agricultural practices and food security.  

- Education:Expanding academic exchanges and skills development initiatives.  

- Digital Technologies and Mass Communication: Advancing innovation and connectivity in the digital era.  

- Transport:Promoting infrastructure development and logistical efficiency.  

On the margins of the ITEC proceedings, Minister Lamola held a constructive dialogue with Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. The discussions underscored the enduring diplomatic ties between South Africa and the Russian Federation.  

Minister Lamola extended sincere appreciation to the Russian Federation for its unwavering support for South Africa’s G20 Presidency and its advocacy for the reform of the United Nations Security Council to ensure that there is equitable representation of the Global South, including African nations, within multilateral institutions.  

In reaffirming South Africa’s principled commitment to global peace and stability, Minister Lamola emphasised the urgent imperative of resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict through inclusive dialogue and diplomacy. He articulated profound concern over the devastating humanitarian consequences of the conflict, including the tragic loss of civilian lives, destruction of critical infrastructure, and broader regional instability.  

South Africa reiterates its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities to pave the way for a negotiated settlement. Such a process must be anchored in the principles of international law, including the United Nations Charter, and uphold the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of all states. South Africa stands ready to support all credible inclusive multilateral efforts aimed at addressing the root causes of conflicts , achieving a just, sustainable, and comprehensive peace.  

South Africa participates in several initiatives aimed at bringing about peace between Russia and Ukraine, including the African Peace Initiative, the Ukraine Peace Formula process and the Joint Group of Friends for Peace. South Africa’s approach in these processes are to emphasise peace and the acceleration of humanitarian assistance. In this regard, at the held Ministerial Conference on the Human Dimension of the Ukraine Peace Formula that was held in Montreal, Canada, in October 2024, South Africa agreed to work with Qatar and the Holy See to engage with both parties to the conflict regarding the return of children to Ukraine.

South  Africa remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering international cooperation and peaceful resolution to conflicts.

 

PASSING OF TWO EDUCATORS @KASIBCNEWS

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of two male educators (aged 26 and 28) from Ennerdale Secondary School in Johannesburg, who had been reported missing over the weekend. Their deaths have now been linked to a fatal motor vehicle accident that took place on Saturday, 12 April 2025.

According to information at our disposal, the motor vehicle accident occurred on Saturday morning on the R28 near the Lenasia turnoff in Jachtfontein. One of the two vehicles that were involved in the incident reportedly had three occupants. Tragically, two of the three occupants - the two educators - were declared deceased on the scene. The circumstances surrounding this incident are currently under investigation by police.

“We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, as well as to the learners, colleagues, and the broader Ennerdale school community. This is an immense loss to the education sector, and to all who knew and worked with these educators,” said MEC Chiloane.

The GDE has arranged for wellness professionals, including support from the Teddy Bear Clinic, to visit the school and provide trauma counselling and psychosocial support to both staff and learners following the school’s internal communication of the tragic news.

Taxi Rank @KASIBCNEWS 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Moqhaka will be writing to the municipal manager and portfolio director to address the growing crisis of illegal taxi ranks, which are compromising public safety, obstructing main roads, and undermining confidence in the formal transport system.

This intervention follows increasing pressure from the Public Safety Portfolio Committee, which has demanded that the issue be urgently addressed by Provincial and Local Traffic Departments, law enforcement authorities, and taxi associations.

Station Street is currently the only legal taxi rank in the area. However, unregulated and illegal taxi operations have been observed along Oranje, Brand, and Reitz Streets in Kroonstad.

These illegal ranks are being occupied by taxis operating without permits, rendering roads impassable for legitimate users. These areas have also become hotspots for crime.

To restore order, the DA will:

Call on city authorities and the police to intensify action against unauthorised taxi operations and ensure only compliant operators are licensed to operate on the roads.

Support targeted investment in infrastructure for regulated taxi ranks, including designated parking bays, shelters, and facilities that cater to passenger needs.

Launch public awareness campaigns to highlight the dangers of illegal taxis and promote the use of regulated transport services.

Convene a roundtable with stakeholders, including taxi associations, passenger forums, and enforcement agencies, to collectively address the root causes of informal operations and develop sustainable, legal alternatives.

Allowing unlawful taxi ranks to operate on our streets presents a serious threat to public safety and weakens the local transport infrastructure.

Legitimate operators are disadvantaged, roads become congested, and law-abiding citizens are exposed to increased criminal activity.

By taking action now, the DA aims to help maintain order, enhance road safety, and preserve local economic activity through properly managed taxi operations.
We believe in safe, accessible, and efficient public transport for all citizens.

Free Screenings, Edutainment, and Impactful Awareness @KASIBCNEWS 

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) South Africa is proud to announce its proposed participation at The Rand Show 2025 as part of the exhibition’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives. AHF seeks to offer visitors a range of free, high-impact health services and educational engagement - bringing health to the heart of the community at one of the country’s most iconic events.
 
Operating in 47 countries and present in South Africa since 2002, the AHF is the world’s largest non-profit HIV and AIDS healthcare provider, funded primarily through private donors, global partnerships, and a self-sustaining social enterprise model. With a presence in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, the Eastern Cape, and Gauteng, AHF partners with provincial Departments of Health to reach underserved populations and expand access to care.

At The Rand Show 2025, AHF proposes an engaging, family-friendly health activation, including:

Free health screenings for HIV, TB, STIs, and blood pressure

Condom distribution and safer sex education, supported by friendly condom mascots

An interactive Commitment Wall, games, and giveaways

Health awareness documentaries screened on-site
Visibility for the Girls Act programme, which promotes empowerment and health education for adolescent girls and young women
 
In partnership with the Gauteng Department of Health, AHF will ensure smooth linkage and referral of individuals for further care and support. The mobile van and gazebo setup will serve as an accessible hub for both services and awareness, making public health approachable, informative, and entertaining.
 
“This initiative aligns with The Rand Show’s commitment to community upliftment and offers a unique opportunity to extend essential healthcare services to thousands of attendees,” says Ngaa Murombedzi, Southern Africa Regional Advocacy and Policy Manager for AHF South Africa. “It also represents a powerful example of how public-private partnerships can drive real change in South Africa’s health outcomes.”
 
AHF’s presence promises to amplify the event’s value offering while enhancing The Rand Show’s reputation as a socially responsible platform. It brings health services directly to the public at no cost, making it a valuable initiative and a practical way to help meet national health goals.