MTHATHA EASTERN CAPE FLOODS @KASIBC_AFRICA

MTHATHA EASTERN CAPE FLOODS @KASIBC_AFRICA

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) once again reiterates its sadness and sends its condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have been affected by the devastating floods in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. 

The death toll due to the floods stands at 101-people, with untold damage having occurred to homes and infrastructure as families continue to try and piece their lives together. 

The untold trauma of survivors who saw their homes, their families, their children and fellow South Africans lose their lives may take decades of healing and psychological help must be provided to survivors immediately. On the 28th of June 2025 the Commander in Chief and President of the EFF Julius Malema, the EFF Secretary General Marshall Dlamini alongside his Majesty King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo visited the hardest hit areas by the floods, including the centres that are now home to destitute and homeless South Africans. Additionally, the President and his Majesty attended the funeral of 14-year-old Siyavuya Mkatshane, who tragically lost his life after being swept away by floods on his way to school. 

The most disheartening aspect of the visits, was the absence of government officials at the centres and the lack of involvement of both provincial and national government in assisting these families with burials while their lives have been torn apart. To witness and hear the painful stories of neglect of survivors and bereaved families was a sign of a lack of compassion and humanity by government which must be condemned.

Instead, the Premier of the Eastern Cape Province Oscar Mabuyane has opted to take a family leave in the midst of one of the worst disasters and loss of life in our nations history. To make matters worse, the parasitic nature of government officials has once again reared its ugly head as residents told of irregular placements of survivors in residential properties at exorbitant prices. 

It has become clear that politically aligned individuals have utilised this human tragedy to enrich themselves by placing homeless residents in their B&B’s at a cost to the state. 

These resources could be better utilised to rebuild the lives of those affected, assist with burials and repair the lives of children who still need uniform to go to school. The EFF commends the AbaThembu King for his presence which was emphasised by community members in all community meetings held at the rescue centres. 

The resounding plea from all residents was the need for placement on suitable land to avoid disasters of this nature ever occurring again, and the EFF will work hand in hand with the AbaThembu Kingdom to ensure safe land is provided to the people for purposes of settlement. 

The EFF commends institutions such as Gift of the Givers for their role in providing relief and calls on law enforcement agencies to protect such institutions from extortion rings and criminals who undermine efforts to alleviate the challenges of our people. 

We call on those who are known for their philanthropy and charitable deeds in society, in particular Dr Patrice Motsepe, Robert Gumede, Mike Teke, Dr Mike Nuna, Dr Irvin Khoza, Dr Kaizer Motaung and many others to turn their hearts to the people of Mthatha. 

We call on industry, particularly mobile network operators such as Vodacom, MTN, retail and clothing outlets such as Makro, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, PEP, Mr Price and many more to take up their social responsibility and assist the people of Mthatha. If indeed the private sector is operating with goodwill in our country and envisions a social compact that will move away from viewing South Africans as subjects for profit maximisation, then now is the time to show it. 

The EFF will continue to support the flood victims through our Public Representatives and will monitor each and every cent allocated by National Treasury to provide relief to ensure that it is used for the right purposes and not looted by cruel and inhumane politicians. Let us unite and assist the people of Mthatha in their time of need.  

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E-TOLL DEBT OVER R2BILLION @KASIBC_AFRICA

E-TOLL DEBT OVER R2BILLION @KASIBC_AFRICA

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

MEC MAILE ANNOUNCES GAUTENG PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT’S SECOND PAYMENT TOWARDS E-TOLL DEBT AND OVER R2 BILLION TOWARDS SANRAL’S GAUTENG FREEWAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS 

Background 

On the 11th of April 2024, gantries of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project, popularly known as e-toll, were officially disconnected from the e-toll system across the province. Following the initial announcement by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana during his 2022 Mid-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) that e-tolls would be scrapped, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL), the National Department of Transport, the National Treasury and the Gauteng Provincial Government finalised a Memorandum of Agreement, according to which the Gauteng Provincial Government would contribute 30 percent to settling SANRAL’s debt and interest obligations, while the national government would cover 70 percent. 

This 30 percent share of the debt amounted to R12.9 billion, with interest of R3.3 billion, bringing the total payable amount to R15.9 billion. This contribution would be made in five equal annual instalments at government 5-year interest rate. In addition to the settlement of this debt, the Gauteng Provincial Government also made a commitment to contribute towards the rehabilitation of nine projects that SANRAL is undertaking. 

These projects, part of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project I (GFIP I) are aimed at the amelioration of the Gauteng freeway network, and will cost the provincial government a total of R4.1 billion. Congruent with this, in the Budget Speech in March of 2024, the Gauteng Provincial Government announced that as part of the province’s arrangement to service the debt, a provision for honouring this commitment would be pencilled into the 2024 Fiscal Framework. Since making this announcement in the said Budget Speech, we have maintained the necessary fiscal discipline to ensure adherence to this commitment. Payments of the first and second instalments of e-toll debt On the 30th of September 2024, the Gauteng Provincial Government made the first instalment amounting to R3.8 billion. 

This instalment consisted of R3.2 billion historical debt and the maintenance portion of R546 million. Today, we wish to announce that tomorrow, the 30th of June 2025, the Gauteng Provincial Government will honour the province’s obligation by paying the second instalment towards the e-tolls debt as disclosed in the 2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). The amount due on the 30th of June 2025, based on the Memorandum of Agreement, is R3.377 billion in terms historical debt. This is the amount that we will be paying to the National Treasury tomorrow as a second instalment as part of our 30 percent contribution. Payment towards the improvement of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project I With regards to the financing of SANRAL’s Gauteng freeway projects, the current outstanding amount is R3.559 billion. 

In addition to the e-toll payment, tomorrow, the Gauteng Provincial Government will also transfer an amount of R2.099 billion as part of the contribution towards the backlog of rehabilitation to restore the GFIP 1 freeways to an acceptable condition before SANRAL resumes its obligations for all future maintenance funded by the national fiscus. We must emphasise that in terms of the agreement, SANRAL cannot use these funds for any other purpose than the nine projects that are financed by the province. 

SANRAL is also required to report to the Gauteng Provincial Government on progress being made with the implementation of these projects. This will include providing credible information on developmental objectives such as how these projects contribute to economic growth in the province, the number of jobs being created through these projects and related social and economic benefits. 

In line with our commitment to transparency, below is the list of the projects that SANRAL is implementing with the contribution of R4.1 Billion from the Gauteng Provincial Government: 

1. 14th Avenue to Buccleuch 

2. Golden Highway to 14 th Avenue 

3. Buccleuch to Brakfontein 

4. Brakfontein to Scientia 

5. Heidelberg Rd to Geldenhuys 

6. Geldenhuys to Buccleuch 

7. Uncle Charlies to Elands 

8. Gillooly’s to Tom Jones 

9. Olifantsfontein to Hans Strydom The scope of these projects relates to maintenance, upgrades and capacity expansions on 185 kilometres on the N1, N3, N12, N14 and R21. 

These freeways are vital for facilitating efficient transportation and supporting economic activity by providing high-speed, controlledaccess routes for vehicles in the broader Gauteng City Region. Commitment to Gauteng Revenue Enhancement Strategy The implications of the e-toll debt and contributions to SANRAL’s Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project I requires the Gauteng Provincial Government to manage finances in a prudent manner whilst carefully balancing the service delivery needs of the citizens. 

The Gauteng Provincial Treasury has a five-year budget approach that will facilitate provincial delivery based on the Medium-Term Development Plan for the 7th administration. The five year budget approach will focus on introducing and implementing immediate, short-term, and medium-term budget reforms over the 2025 MTEF. This includes maintaining fiscal discipline and credibility, and impactful service delivery. Over the next few years, the Gauteng Provincial Government will have to allocate a substantial amount of funds each year to service the repayment obligations for e-tolls. 

This will be happening in a constrained fiscal environment, details of which we expressed in the initial Budget Speech and reiterated when we re-tabled the Budget for the 2025/2026 financial year. The reality of the situation is that the funding envelope is stretched by existing allocations, particularly in terms of keeping critical social programmes in health and education funded. 

Nevertheless, we reaffirm our commitment to the residents of Gauteng that the servicing of the e-toll debt will not compromise our priorities, particularly in relation to social services such as health and education. As the Gauteng Provincial Government, we are implementing various measures and reforms to ensure the sustainability of our fiscal environment. 

These include active debt management strategies, spending restraint, improving compliance with rules and regulations in supply chain management, as well as revenue enhancement. Our Revenue Enhancement Strategy is already been actualised. Provincial departments are implementing various strategies to enhance revenue collection, anchored on this strategy that is underpinned by the following five principles: 

1. Accelerating the completion of interventions that has already started. 

2. Optimising the existing revenue sources. 

3. Enhancing revenue collection processes and systems to increase efficiency, cost effectiveness, and eliminate leakages. 

4. Identifying potential new revenue sources that have not been explored. 

5. The use of alternative funding and implementation models to achieve more value. 

We are confident that, alongside other interventions such as the implementation of advanced technologies and digitisation of our Supply Chain Management, we will be able to realise the objectives that we have set before ourselves with the provincial Revenue Enhancement Strategy. Conclusion To re-state, the Gauteng Provincial Government will, tomorrow, make a transfer totalling R5.476 billion towards the e-toll debt and the contribution towards the SANRAL Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project I. 

Much more work needs to be done to unpack the financing model of GFIP 2 and 3 from a policy perspective and financial impact as well as practical impenetrability. In terms of GFIP 2 and 3, the majority of the studies undertaken to date have been commissioned by SANRAL. 

Thus, there is substantial institutional knowledge in terms of the new routes in Phase 2 and upgrades on existing routes in terms of Phase 3. 

The Gauteng Provincial Government will, in time, be able to communicate developments pertaining to these phases of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project whose value to the economy of our province and its residents is incalculable. 

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OFFICIAL OPENING TRADE TEST CENTRES AT SOUTH WEST GAUTENG TVET COLLEGE @KASIBC_AFRICA

OFFICIAL OPENING TRADE TEST CENTRES AT SOUTH WEST GAUTENG TVET COLLEGE @KASIBC_AFRICA

 

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

THE MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING, DR NOBUHLE NKABANE, TO OFFICIALLY OPEN TRADE TEST CENTRES AT SOUTH WEST GAUTENG TVET COLLEGE 

The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane, will officially open the Trade Test Centres for Mechanical Fitter and Fitter and Turner Workshops at South West Gauteng TVET College’s Molapo Campus in Soweto. This important milestone is made possible by the collaboration between the college and merSETA. It forms part of the Department’s broader commitment to expanding and strengthening the country's technical and vocational education and training. 

These state-of-the-art trade test centres are designed to provide students with industry-relevant practical skills, ensuring they are better prepared to enter the labour market and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s economy. 

This strategic development supports the goals of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030, which identifies skills development as a cornerstone of economic transformation, youth employment, and inclusive growth. 

The centres will help close the skills gap, support artisan training, and enable young South Africans to take up opportunities in the technical and engineering sectors. 

This initiative further reflects the Department’s commitment to producing a skilled, capable, and competitive workforce through targeted investment in TVET infrastructure, industry partnerships, and innovation. 

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NATIONAL DIALOGUE AND STABILITY IN THE GOVERNMENT OF NATIONAL UNITY @KASIBC_AFRICA

NATIONAL DIALOGUE AND STABILITY IN THE GOVERNMENT OF NATIONAL UNITY @KASIBC_AFRICA

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

The African National Congress (ANC) has noted the public statement made by the Democratic Alliance (DA) regarding what it alleges to be violations by the President and certain members of the Executive, particularly in relation to the functioning of the Government of National Unity (GNU). 

While we continue to engage constructively within the GNU framework, we are compelled to correct and rebut several misleading assertions made by the DA.

Foremost among these is the DA’s dismissive stance on the recently announced National Dialogue. It is rather surprising that the DA has chosen not to support the National Dialogue, not because they oppose its principles, but because a DA deputy minister was dismissed, not only for defying the President, but for also violating established rules. 

This response speaks volumes about the DA’s character, they are willing to undermine national interests in pursuit of their narrow partisan agenda. The ANC firmly believes that this dialogue is not merely an event, it is a critical process in pursuit of social compacting, unity, and national renewal. Ours is a nation built on dialogue, negotiation, and consensusseeking. 

From the founding of the ANC in 1912, to the 1955 Congress of the People in Kliptown that adopted the Freedom Charter, to the historic CODESA negotiations that ended apartheid, and culminating in our world revered democratic Constitution of 1996. South Africa has time and again chosen the path of dialogue over division. 

 

The ANC reiterates that the National Dialogue is rooted in this proud tradition. It seeks to bring all sectors of society together to address the pressing socio-economic challenges confronting our country including poverty, inequality, and economic exclusion, through inclusive engagement and joint commitment to solutions. 

We have also taken note of the DA’s threat not to support key budget votes, including those for the Ministries of Human Settlements and Higher Education. Such actions are not only disruptive but undermine the very spirit and functioning of the GNU, to which the DA has committed itself. 

These ministries are critical for improving the lives of South Africans, particularly the poor and working class. At this juncture, it is imperative for the DA to clarify its stance: is it a genuine and principled partner in the GNU, or is it positioning itself as a quasi-opposition within the Executive? South Africans deserve clarity and leadership guided by national interest, not short-term political expediency. 

The ANC remains committed to the success of the Government of National Unity and will continue to work with all willing partners in advancing the values of our Constitution, deepening transformation, and building a better life for all.  

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70th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ADOPTION OF THE FREEDOM CHARTER.

70th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ADOPTION OF THE FREEDOM CHARTER @KASIBC_AFRICA

 ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

ANC VETERANS LEAGUE WILL HOST AN INTERGENERATIONAL DIALOGUE TO COMMEMORATE THE 70th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ADOPTION OF THE FREEDOM CHARTER. 

The ANC Veterans League invites colleagues of the media to attend the opening plenary session of an Intergenerational Dialogue to Commemorate the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Freedom Charter. 

The objectives of the dialogue are to bring the leadership of the Veterans League and Youth formations together to:  

● Build better understanding, appreciation and respect of the views of veterans and young people; 

● Increase understanding of the clauses of the Freedom Charter and their ongoing relevance today; and; 

● Review how to achieve the vision and clauses of the Freedom Charter. The dialogue will be attended by NEC members of the ANC Veterans League, ANC Youth League, COSAS, SASCO and the ANC Women’s League’s Young Women’s Desk. 

The speakers at the opening plenary will be the President of the ANC Veterans League, Cde Snuki Zikalala and the President of the ANC Youth League, Cde Thlologelo Collen Malatji. 

Details are as follows: Date:  Saturday 28th June Time:  Venue: 9:00 to 10:30  

Gauteng Legislature [Entrance on Helen Joseph Street cnr. Civic Boulevard.

] Kindly confirm your attendance and parking arrangements with Cde Mosa Monyama @075 015 4282 or Cde Bonnie Ramaila @072 573 7583  

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ARREST OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL DUMISANI KHUMALO @KASIBC_AFRICA

ARREST OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL DUMISANI KHUMALO @KASIBC_AFRICA

ONLINE EDITOR @KKASIBC_AFRIA

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is concerned about the arrest of Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, the Head of South Africa’s Crime Intelligence Division, a development that once again exposes the deep rot within of South Africa’s law enforcement agencies. Lt. Khumalo’s arrest, reportedly linked to unlawful senior appointments within crime intelligence, is a scandal of national significance. 

It comes at a time when crime intelligence is expected to lead in the fight against gender-based violence, cashin-transit heists, cross-border drug and sex trafficking, and the broader web of organised criminal networks that are tearing our communities apart. Instead, we are faced with the reality that the very head of this unit, appointed to restore credibility after years of dysfunction, is now in police custody, alongside senior officers including Brigadier Daniel Ncube, Brigadier Nozipho Madondo, and Major-General Gabela. This signals not only the collapse of internal integrity within the SAPS, but also systemic failure in intelligence vetting, and institutional leadership.  

The EFF has long argued that South Africa’s law enforcement bodies are politically polluted, unable to act independently, and often used as instruments of corruption. The arrest of Lt. Khumalo is not an isolated scandal, it is the latest symptom of a sick, and hollowed-out policing system, which urgently requires structural overhaul. 

In particular, this arrest should also be looked at in light of the recent revelations by National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Shamila Batohi, that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the broader law enforcement architecture has been infiltrated by criminal and political interests. 

That the head of crime intelligence could allegedly secure or facilitate appointments through corrupt means raises urgent questions about the legitimacy of all actions, investigations, and strategies taken under his leadership. 

The EFF finds it necessary to highlight that if crime intelligence in South Africa is compromised, who is watching the syndicates? Who is dismantling the cartels? Who is protecting whistleblowers? The implications are far-reaching. 

We, therefore, demand full transparency and accountability from the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), the SAPS, and the Ministry of Police. While the IDAC has refused to engage the public regarding the details of the arrest, the public has a right to know the full extent of the allegations against Lt. Khumalo; how far-reaching these unlawful appointments and related misconduct were; who may have benefited politically or financially from Lt. Khumalo’s leadership; whether any high-profile investigations were derailed or manipulated under his watch; and most importantly, what mechanisms have failed to prevent this from happening. 

The EFF also calls for a full, thorough, and independent investigation in this regard. The safety and security of the people of South Africa cannot rest in the hands of compromised individuals. 

Crime intelligence must be led by individuals of impeccable ethics, professional independence, and a proven track record of protecting the nation.  

 

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PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA CABINET RESHUFFLE @KASIBC_AFRICA

PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA CABINET RESHUFFLE @KASIBC_AFRICA

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

On 25 June 2025, I removed Mr Andrew Whitfield from the position of Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition in terms of section 93 (1) of the Constitution.

It is not common practice for the President of the Republic of South Africa to provide reasons either for the appointment or dismissal of Members of the Executive. 

However, due to several unfortunate statements and outright distortions by a number of people, especially Mr John Steenhuisen and Mr Whitfield himself, it is necessary for me to make a public statement on the circumstances surrounding Mr Whitfield’s removal.

Mr Whitfield was removed as a Deputy Minister because he undertook an international visit without the permission of the President.

His travel to the United States was a clear violation of the rules and established practices governing the conduct of Members of the Executive. This requirement is known to all Ministers and Deputy Ministers. These rules and established practices were expressly communicated to all members of the Executive during the induction sessions at the commencement of the 7th administration. 

These rules and practices were repeated in Cabinet in March this year by me as President. All international travel by members of the executive must always be undertaken with the express permission of the President. 

This practice is rigorously observed and adhered to by all members of the Executive. However, Mr Whitfield deliberately chose to violate this rule and practice.

Prior to the removal of Mr Whitfield, I informed Minister John Steenhuisen as the leader of the Democratic Alliance that I had decided to remove Mr Whitfield from his position as Deputy Minister and that I expect him to present to me for approval a replacement for Mr Whitfield from his party as the DA is entitled to a Deputy Minister as agreed.

 In that discussion, Mr Steenhuisen informed me that Mr Whitfield had been expecting that he may be dismissed on the grounds that he had undertaken an international trip without the President’s permission. 

This expectation, along with a perfunctory letter of apology that Mr Whitfield wrote to me following his travel to the USA without the required permission, indicated that he was aware that his actions had violated the rules and established practices governing the conduct of Members of the Executive.

During my discussion with Mr Steenhuisen, he asked me if there was precedent for the action that I intended to take in relation to Mr Whitfield. I informed him that there was indeed prior precedent.

 I told him that in 1995, President Nelson Mandela dismissed the late Deputy Minister Madikizela-Mandela and that in 2007 President Thabo Mbeki dismissed then Deputy Minister Nosizwe Madlala-Routledge on the grounds of undertaking international travel without permission. 

Given all these circumstances there is consequently no reasonable grounds for Mr Steenhuisen and the Democratic Alliance to issue ultimatums and threats when the President exercises his constitutional prerogative and responsibility. Nor are there any grounds to try link this with matters that have no bearing on the conduct of the former Deputy Minister.

There is really no basis for suggestions that the dismissal of the former Deputy Minister is related to any other reason than his failure to receive permission to travel and adhere to the rules and established practices expected of members of the Executive of the Republic of South Africa.

While Mr Steenhuisen asked that he be allowed to brief the Democratic Alliance Federal Executive prior

I am amazed at Mr Steenhuisen’s intemperate reaction to the removal of Mr Whitfield. He knows very well that the blatant disregard of the rules and practices that govern the international travel of members of the executive is a serious violation that should not be permitted. 

It is unprecedented in the history of our democracy that the exercise by the President of his constitutional prerogative and responsibility with respect to a clear violation of rules and established practices governing the conduct of Members of the Executive has met with such irresponsible and unjustifiable threats and ultimatums from a member of the executive.

Let it be clear that the President shall not yield to threats and ultimatums, especially coming from members of the Executive that he has the prerogative to appoint in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

President 

Cyril Ramaphosa 

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