NOMVULA MOKONYANE LEADS DELEGATION COMMUNIST PARTY OF VIETNAM (CPV) @KASIBCNEWS

NOMVULA MOKONYANE LEADS DELEGATION COMMUNIST PARTY OF VIETNAM (CPV) @KASIBCNEWS 

The African National Congress’ (ANC) Deputy Secretary-General, Comrade Nomvula Mokonyane, is leading a delegation of the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) on a high-level working visit to the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) from 19 to 21 May 2025. 

The visit is aimed at consolidating longstanding party-to-party relations and enhancing economic cooperation between our two nations. This important engagement follows a productive high-level conversation held in April between ANC President, Comrade Cyril Ramaphosa, and the CPV General Secretary, Comrade To Lam.

 Accompanying Comrade Mokonyane are NEC member Comrade Dakota Legoethe and senior representatives from the ANC’s International Relations Department. The three-day visit commences on 19 May 2025 with a bilateral meeting at the CPV Headquarters in Hanoi, where the ANC delegation will engage with the Standing Member of the Secretariat of the CPV, Comrade Tran Cam Tu. 

A central highlight of this visit is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the ANC and the CPV, outlining key areas of cooperation and reaffirming our mutual commitment to progressive internationalism. 

The MOU covers critical areas including political education, cadre development A highlight of this visit is marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines key areas of cooperation, reinforcing our commitment to strengthening party-to-party relations. The MOU encompasses vital areas of cooperation such as political education, cadre development, party building and collaboration in other areas of interest and mutual benefits including developmental programs focusing on women and youth.  

The enduring solidarity between the ANC and the Communist Party of Vietnam is rooted in shared struggles for liberation and anti-imperialism, shaped by the spirit of the 1955 Bandung Conference that called for unity among oppressed peoples of Africa and Asia. 

Our parties have long been united in the fight for justice, peace, and progressive internationalism. Vietnam has been a steadfast ally of the ANC, providing invaluable support during our fight against apartheid. The legacy of our collaboration continues to inspire our efforts towards mutual development and prosperity. 

This working visit is particularly significant, marking the revitalisation of historical relations building strong ties in the global South and strengthening multilateralism and progressive internationalism. This is also part of the continues celebration of 33 years of diplomatic cooperation between the nations. 

We believe that this renewed engagement will not only strengthen the bonds between our parties but also enhance economic ties that will benefit both nations. As we move forward, we are committed to deepening our partnership with the CPV, fostering solidarity, and working together towards a future defined by justice and equality for all. 

The ANC is delighted that today’s meeting took place on a day that is significant to the CPV and the people of Vietnam and generations across the global south, a champion of freedom, dignity & self-determination.   

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA WEEKLY LETTER @KASIBCNEWS

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA WEEKLY LETTER @KASIBCNEWS   

We must honour those who suffered for our freedom 

Across the world, countries are having to grapple with their past as they confront the challenges of today. The past that countries deal with is often about atrocities that were committed against sections of their people.

Dealing with the memory of past atrocities is one of the most difficult and delicate tasks a nation can undertake. This can be a cathartic process but is vital if a country is committed to enhance national healing, cohesion and unity. The way a country remembers its painful past can shape the character of it democracy, the legitimacy of its institutions and the resilience of its people.

As a country, we have had to contend with our past in the interests of social cohesion and nation-building. We have advanced policies of restitution and redress to both acknowledge and correct the historical injustice of apartheid. 

We remain equally committed to restoring the dignity of apartheid’s countless victims and to bringing closure to their families. 

Over the past weekend we reburied the remains of Adv Duma Nokwe, a hero of the anti-apartheid struggle and former Secretary-General of the African National Congress, who died in exile in Zambia in 1978. 

Nokwe was the first black advocate to be admitted to the Johannesburg Bar, and both a defendant and a member of the defence team in the treason trial of 1956. In recognition of his contribution to the legal fraternity, we conferred him the status of senior counsel posthumously.

Duma Nokwe was one of 42 former liberation heroes and heroines who passed away in exile whose remains were repatriated from Zambia and Zimbabwe in September last year. We are grateful for the countries that gave our people shelter and support in exile and provided a resting place for those who died before they could return home.

Many families in this country lost their loved ones to apartheid brutality and live with these scars. The apartheid regime even pursued activists that had fled the country and their whereabouts remain unknown.  

In 1994 we chose a path of national reconciliation. We established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to shed a light on the atrocities committed during apartheid.  

Even as democratic South Africa attempted to unearth what happened and to hold those accountable to account, many apartheid-era security officials either refused to appear before the TRC or did not fully disclose their actions. Others resorted to delaying tactics and obstruction to evade trial. 

As we recently announced, I am in the process of establishing a judicial commission of inquiry to look into allegations of interference in the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes referred by TRC. 

As government we remain steadfast in our commitment to restoring the dignity of activists who died and were buried abroad, and to our country men and women who were subjected to indignities in foreign lands. 

This is being done within legal frameworks such as the National Heritage Resources Act. This framework facilitated the repatriation of Sara Baartman’s remains for burial in South Africa in 2002. We have also developed a draft National Policy on the Repatriation and Restitution of Human Remains and Heritage Objects which will guide our efforts going forward. 

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and other government institutions continue to engage with several countries to facilitate the return of human remains. 

Even today some museums and universities in western Europe have collections that contain human remains of South Africa’s Khoi and San people. In 2012, South Africa facilitated the return of the remains of a Khoi couple dubbed Klaas and Trooi from a museum in Vienna, after they had been illegally exhumed and smuggled abroad more than 100 years earlier.  

The American novelist William Faulkner once wrote: “The past is never dead, it’s not even past.”  

For the many families and communities across this country who never got the opportunity to lay their loved ones to rest or to even know how they died, the past will continue to cast a long shadow. 

In the interests of national reconciliation, in the interests of moving forward, we will continue with our efforts to restore dignity to all those who were denied it in life.  

A heavy price was paid by many for the democracy we have today. This should continue to inspire us as we work together towards a shared future. 

With best regards, 

President Cyril Ramaphosa 

 

SCHOOL SEXUAL MISCONDUCT @KASIBCNEWS

SCHOOL SEXUAL MISCONDUCT @KASIBCNEWS

The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the Free State Department of Education’s swift action in dismissing a Makabelane Technical School teacher found guilty of sexual assault and harassment involving three learners. Although this is a positive step in the battle against sexual predators in our schools, there is still a broader crisis that must be dealt with.

For the 2024/25 period, the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) reported that 12 sexual harassment and abuse of learners by teachers in the Free State were referred to them. It would be extremely negligent if the matter were not treated with urgency and decisiveness.

Parents need to know that they are sending their children to a safe place where their well-being and dignity are protected. There needs to be systematic changes and reforms in the Free State schooling system that will ensure comprehensive vetting and monitoring of teachers, as well as a zero-tolerance policy for offenders. This must go beyond safeguarding learners from potential abuse by teachers and must include safeguarding them from the potential threat of abuse by other learners.

The Department must also work to prevent delays in disciplinary processes, which often allow learners to be further exposed to perpetrators. In some instances, investigations and proceedings have taken years, while taxpayers continue to fund positions that remain vacant due to suspensions and continue covering the cost of substitutes.

WITHDRAWAL OF SANDF MEMBERS FROM GOMA TO CHATO @KASIBCNEWS

WITHDRAWAL OF SANDF MEMBERS FROM GOMA TO CHATO @KASIBCNEWS

  The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) wishes to assure the public that the withdrawal of the SAMIDRC contingent from the Democratic Republic of Congo is currently underway and proceeding according to plan, as previously communicated at the DoD Media Briefing held on Sunday, 4 May 2025. 

The logistical arrangements for the withdrawal remain under the full coordination and control of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). 

We further assure the public that all SANDF members deployed as part of this mission are safe, adequately supplied for and continue to receive their daily meals and essentials. No member is stranded or without support. 

It is unfortunate that the City Press article published on Sunday, 18 May 2025 was released without soliciting comment from the SANDF, despite the significance and sensitivity of the matter. 

The SANDF appeals to members of the public and the media to exercise discernment and patience during this sensitive withdrawal phase. Inaccurate or speculative reporting may cause unnecessary concern and mislead the nation. 

The SANDF remains committed to transparency and will continue to provide updates as the withdrawal progresses

4th Joint Cooperation Commission South Africa and Netherlands @KASIBCNEWS

4th Joint Cooperation Commission South Africa and Netherlands @KASIBCNEWS

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Mr. Ronald Lamola, has arrived in The Hague, Kingdom of the Netherlands, to co-chair the 4th biennial Joint Cooperation Commission (JCC) alongside  Mr. Caspar Veldkamp, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. 

This high-level dialogue underscores the enduring partnership between the two nations, rooted in shared values and a commitment to advancing mutual priorities across strategic sectors.  

The JCC serves as a cornerstone of bilateral relations, fostering collaboration in areas critical to sustainable development and inclusive growth. Key focal points of this year’s discussions include advancing cooperation in agriculture, water and waste management, and energy security, reflecting both nations’ dedication to climate resilience and food sustainability. 

Cyber-security, innovations in digitalisation, trade and investment, and higher education, science, and innovation will also feature prominently, highlighting the role of technology and knowledge exchange in driving economic progress.  

Further, the Commission will deepen partnerships in arts and culture to strengthen people-to-people ties. Environmental stewardship remains a shared priority, with joint initiatives aimed at protecting ecosystems and advancing green transitions.  

Minister Lamola emphasised the importance of the JCC as a platform to deepen South Africa’s engagement with the Netherlands, stating, “Our collaboration transcends traditional diplomacy, embracing pragmatic solutions to global challenges. By aligning our expertise in these pivotal sectors, we reaffirm our commitment to a future marked by equity, innovation, and shared prosperity.”

The outcomes of the JCC are expected to yield actionable frameworks to enhance bilateral cooperation, reinforcing the robust ties between South Africa and the Netherlands. Both nations remain steadfast in their resolve to leverage this partnership for the benefit of their citizens.

GBV ATTACK IN NDWENDWE #KASIBCNEWS

GBV ATTACK IN NDWENDWE #KASIBCNEWS

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Women’s Brigade in KwaZulu-Natal is outraged and deeply saddened by the vile act of gender-based violence (GBV) perpetrated against Ms Sindi Gumede, a dedicated volunteer and member of the IFP in Ward 12 of the Ndwedwe Constituency.

According to a report, last week Thursday on 8 May 2025, Ms Gumede was kidnapped, physically assaulted, and repeatedly raped by Mr. Sifiso Nkwanyana, her alleged former lover and the father of her child. The incident took place in the Ndwedwe area, after Nkwanyana collected Ms Gumede under pretenses in Verulam, claiming to take her home. Instead, Nkwanyana forcefully locked Ms Gumede at his residence, subjected her to prolonged abuse overnight, and violated her bodily autonomy in the most horrific manner.

Ms Gumede displayed immense courage by escaping her captor and reporting the matter to Tongaat Police Station, where a case was opened under *CAS 79/5/2025.* As the IFPWB, we commend the swift arrest of the perpetrator on Wednesday (14 May 2025) by Ndwedwe Police.

However, it is with grave concern that we note the continued harassment Ms Gumede is experiencing from the suspect’s family and associates. She has received multiple intimidating phone calls pressuring her to withdraw the case, with some escalating to outright threats. This pattern of secondary victimisation is unacceptable and underscores the broader systemic failure in protecting survivors of gender-based violence.

The IFPWB today attended the case of Ms Ayabonga Mjilo, who was a victim of GBV and was found buried by the suspect in December 2024. The case has been postponed to 23 June 2025. The investigation has been completed, and the matter will be transferred to the High Court following this appearance.

The case involving Ms Sindi Gumede sat today and was postponed to 21 May 2025 at the iNdwedwe Magistrate’s Court. The accused is facing charges of rape, assault, and kidnapping.

The IFP Women’s Brigade Demands:

*Immediate Protection:* Law enforcement must act swiftly to provide protection for Ms Gumede against all forms of intimidation and further threats to her safety.

*Victim Support Services:* Ms Gumede must be granted access to comprehensive psychosocial counselling, and ongoing support as she navigates the justice process.

*Public Condemnation of GBV:* We call on all political parties, civil society, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders in Ndwedwe and KwaZulu-Natal to stand together in unequivocal condemnation of this despicable act and the culture of impunity that enables such violence.

As the KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, noted today at the Legislature’s Worker’s Parliament in Dannhauser:

“It is no coincidence that in communities where young people are idle and disconnected from opportunity, we also witness higher levels of violent crime. In places where economic despair festers, so too do the conditions that fuel gender-based violence and abuse. 

The numbers may speak in percentages, but the reality is written on the bodies and in the lives of women and children who live in fear within their own homes.

And so we must understand this: gender-based violence is not only a crime of power; it is a symptom of powerlessness. A symptom of systems that have failed to give men meaningful work, of economies that have failed to offer women safety, and of societies that have failed to teach boys and girls the equal worth of every human being.”

As the IFPWB in the province, we echo these words and urge the government at all levels to invest in sustainable economic empowerment, community education, and targeted interventions that address the root causes of violence, not only its symptoms.

This case is not an isolated incident, it reflects the harsh reality faced by thousands of women across South Africa. 

The IFP Women’s Brigade reaffirms our unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence in all its forms. We stand with Ms Sindi Gumede and every survivor who dares to seek justice. 

Furthermore, the IFPWB vows to stand with GBV victims irregardless of their political affiliation. We believe GBV affects everyone no matter the colour of your t-shirt.

*We will not be silent. We will not be intimidated. We will not rest until justice is served.*

Massacre 143 Palestinians @KASIBCNEWS

Massacre 143 Palestinians @KASIBCNEWS

South Africa condemns the killing of 143 Gazans by the Israel Defence Force on 15 May 2025, as Palestinians commemorated the 77th Anniversary of Nakba Day, which marks the beginning of the displacement of Palestinians in 1948.

The Head of UNICEF, Catherine Russell has said that the world should be shocked by the killing of 45 children in Israeli airstrikes in just two days, but it has been met with indifference. She has also noted that more than one million children in Gaza are at risk of starvation, and are being deprived of food, water, and medicine. 

South Africa’s assertion during its recent presentations at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) during the hearings regarding the Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organisations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, were that Gaza has become a killing field and warned of the human-made famine in Gaza due to the deliberate blockade of humanitarian aid by the Israeli government.

As famine conditions worsen in Gaza, and the ceasefire efforts remain stalled, Israel’s complete blockade of aid into Gaza and its restrictions on humanitarian access contravene Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian law and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Israel’s persistent grave violations are part of a broader strategy to remove Palestinians from their land by subjecting them to starvation and making the Gaza Strip uninhabitable. 

South Africa reiterates its call for an immediate ceasefire and for the resumption of a political process to end the occupation.

The international community must act decisively to hold Israel accountable for violations of international law, pertinently international humanitarian, and human rights law. This includes the implementation of effective measures to bring an end to the occupation, the ongoing policies and practices of collective punishment, and the illegal blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip.

Furthermore, there must be an immediate halt to the practices of arbitrary and administrative detention, as well as to acts of torture and ill-treatment of Palestinian detainees, particularly children. These actions are in clear violation of international humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, and international human rights norms/standards as enshrined  in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. 

It is imperative that all Palestinian detainees held without due process be released, and that all victims - especially children - be provided with adequate compensation and rehabilitation, in accordance with international law and justice.

The credibility of the international order depends on the consistent application of international law and accountability for all violations, regardless of the perpetrator.