SIX ACCUSED ALLEGEDLY INVOLVED IN THE RHINO HORN TRAFFICKING SYNDICATE APPEARED IN COURT

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

SIX ACCUSED ALLEGEDLY INVOLVED IN THE RHINO HORN TRAFFICKING SYNDICATE APPEARED IN COURT

Six accused persons who are alleged to be involved in the rhino trafficking syndicate, John Frederick Hume (83), Former founder and owner of the Platinum Rhino Conservation Enterprise. Clive John Mervan Melville (63), Transport Maintenance Manager. Izak Hermanus Du Toit (50) Practicing attorney. Elizabeth Catharina Van Niekerk (58), Director of a non-profit organisation. Mattheus Hendrikus Wessels Poggenpoel (37), Insurance Broker and part time farmer and Johannes Abraham Hennop (52) Game Reserve Manager were all granted bail by the Pretoria Magistrates court.  

Hume was granted R100 000 bail, Melville and Van Niekerk were each granted R10 000 bail while Hermanus Du Toit, Poggenpoel and Hennop were each granted R20 00 bail.  

They are collectively facing a total of 55 charges of multiple counts of racketeering, fraud, contravention of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NAMBA), contravention of contravention of Riotous Assemblies Act, theft and money laundering 

It is alleged that between 2017 and 2024, the accused operated an international rhino horn trafficking syndicate and defrauded the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE). They allegedly obtained permits to trade rhino horn locally, while intending to channel the horns into illegal international markets in Southeast Asia. 

The fraudulent scheme is estimated to involve 964 rhino horns valued at R250 million.

After intensive investigations by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s (DPCI) Wildlife Trafficking Section of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, based at national headquarters, the six handed themselves over at the Pretoria Central Police Station on 19 August 2025, where they were formally arrested.

During bail proceedings, they all asked to be released on bail because they are not flight risk, they cooperated with the police investigations. Through their affidavits accused no 2 Melville disclosed to the court that he has 2019 previous conviction fraud and being in possession and transporting Rhino horns where he was sentenced to pay a fine. Accused no 5 Poggenpoel also disclosed to the court that he has 2009 previous conviction of possession of a Rhino horn where he paid an admission of guilt fee of R2500. Poggenpoel also disclosed that he has a pending case that will be appearing on 17 September 2025 at Winburg Magistrates’ Court because during the visit to his residence, the investigation team found ammunition that was not locked away in a safe and supposedly scheduled medicine without a permit.  

The state, Advocate Patsy Jacobs read into the record an affidavit by the investigating officer Edward Du Plessis, confirming that the State did not oppose bail as the accused were not flight risks, their addresses had been verified, and they had cooperated with investigators. The State, however, requested bail conditions.

The court granted bail with the following conditions:

• All accused must surrender their passports and may not apply for new travel documents while the matter is pending.

• They must report to their nearest police station once a week.

• They may not interfere with investigations, tamper with evidence, or influence witnesses.

• They must not commit any offences while on bail.

The matter was postponed to 09 December 2025 in Court 16 for further investigations.

 MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

PUBLIC STATEMENTS MADE BY CDE MALUSI GIGABA AND CDE SENZO MCHUNU

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

PUBLIC STATEMENTS MADE BY CDE MALUSI GIGABA AND CDE SENZO MCHUNU 

The African National Congress has noted with serious concern and disapproval the recent conduct and public statements made by Cde Malusi Gigaba and Cde Senzo Mchunu. Their conduct represents a flagrant violation of ANC internal communication protocols and undermines the fundamental discipline of the movement. 

These comrades acted outside of any sanctioned organisational mandate or collective structure making pronouncements that amount to deliberate de-campaigning of the ANC. Their remarks do not reflect the views of any legitimate structure of the movement and must be seen as an opportunistic assault on the collective image, credibility, and cohesion of the African National Congress. 

The ANC categorically states that it is a revolutionary movement guided by democratic centralism principles and led through disciplined structures. No comrade, regardless of their history or standing is above the requirements of organisational discipline. 

These comrades are casting aspersions on the character and unity of the ANC, portraying the organisation as divided, incoherent and collapsing. These actions serves only the strategic agenda of counter-revolution and weakens the people’s confidence in their movement. No disciplined comrade would out of their own volition make statements that embolden forces that have long sought to reverse the gains of our revolution. Communications in the ANC is a constitutional mandate of the Secretary-General, these powers are entrusted to the National Spokesperson for operational purposes. Any deviation from this established protocol undermines internal cohesion, unity and renewal. 

The ANC will take the necessary steps to correct this behaviour and no comrade will be exempt from the discipline of the organisation which demands unity, discipline, and revolutionary morality from all. As we advance the programme of renewal in the ANC and society, we must intensify our efforts to serve our people with humility and dignity. 

The renewal programme cannot co-exist with ill-discipline; we have no tolerance for conduct that seeks to weaken the collective. 

We call on all members and leaders of our movement to return to the basic principles and values of our movement, and be committed to respecting the integrity and sanctity of our organisational processes. 

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

COPS MOONLIGHTING AS TAXI BOSSES WILL BE PROSECUTED

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

COPS MOONLIGHTING AS TAXI BOSSES WILL BE PROSECUTED

We received complaints and allegations that certain police officials are involved in the taxi industry and that they and their spouses/partners are operating taxis.

Police officials, as custodians responsible for the enforcement of the National Land Transport Act (NLTA), cannot be involved in the “taxi industry”.

Based on the provisions of section 13 of the NLTA, no police official, his or her spouse are allowed to own taxis. Police officers and their spouses therefore commit an offence should they own taxis or otherwise are involved in the public transport industry.

They also contravene the National Instruction 18 of 2019: Integrity Management in the South African Police Service. All police officials are well aware of this national instruction and are sensitised on a frequent basis of integrity management.

If any police official is found to be involved in a prohibited industry, such as the transport or security sector, a disciplinary investigation must be initiated for the purpose of remedial steps.

Where there are allegations, suspicions or complaints that police officers (or their spouse, partners and/or immediate family) are involved in the public transport industry and there is sufficient information available, line managers/commanders must immediately institute internal disciplinary processes and where applicable also register criminal case dockets.

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

Qalakabusha Prison Bakery stands idle while Minister speaks of self-sustainability

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

 ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

Qalakabusha Prison Bakery stands idle while Minister speaks of self-sustainability

During an oversight visit to Qalakabusha Correctional Centre in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, on 14 August 2025, the DA found that the prison’s bakery — built with the facility’s own labour and resources — remains idle despite assurances earlier this year that it would be operational. View images here, here, here and here. View video here. 

The DA calls on the Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald, to prioritise the immediate installation of bakery equipment at Qalakabusha; provide an implementation timeline for making the bakery fully operational; and conduct a site visit to see firsthand the consequences of his Department’s neglect.

The findings of the oversight are particularly troubling given the Minister’s recent pronouncements about the need for correctional facilities to become self-sustaining, with a specific emphasis on bakeries and food production.

The DA will submit parliamentary questions to the Minister to determine the progress of self-sustainability at all correctional facilities.

At Qalakabusha, the bakery has a trained team of staff and inmates ready to begin operations. However, the facility has only one mixer and none of the additional equipment required to make the bakery functional. This represents a lost opportunity to

- Cut costs significantly on bread and food provision;

- Provide skills training and rehabilitation for inmates; and

- Advance the Department’s own stated goals of self-sufficiency.

The Minister must personally visit Qalakabusha to see the gap between policy pronouncements and on-the-ground realities. It is unacceptable that a bakery capable of saving taxpayers millions of rand, while simultaneously contributing to rehabilitation, stands unused due to departmental inaction.

While there are many infrastructure challenges at Qalakabusha — including non-functional laundry machines, widespread plumbing failures, and broken access control equipment — the bakery is a clear example of how lack of follow-through directly undermines the Department’s strategic objectives.

The Department speaks of sustainability, but at Qalakabusha the reality is wasted opportunity. The Minister must act, not just talk.

 MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

ABANDONMENT OF BAIL APPLICATION IN ELDORADO PARK CHILD MURDER AND ABUSE CASE

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

 

ABANDONMENT OF BAIL APPLICATION IN ELDORADO PARK CHILD MURDER AND ABUSE CASE

The Portfolio Committee on Community Safety in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature notes the decision by the two accused in the Eldorado Park case facing charges of murder, rape, and child abuse of a 4-year-old child to abandon their bail application at the Protea Magistrate Court today.

 

The Committee views this decision as a clear acknowledgment by the accused of the seriousness of the charges they face. It is the Committee’s firm position that individuals accused of such heinous crimes should remain in custody, as they pose a grave threat to the safety and well-being of our communities.

 

As elected representatives of the people of Gauteng, the Committee will continue to monitor developments in this matter closely until its conclusion. It calls on law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to ensure that a watertight case is presented. Furthermore, the Committee urges the courts to impose the harshest possible sentences should the accused be found guilty.

 

The Committee stands in solidarity with the community of Eldorado Park and all those affected by this tragic case. It remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for justice, accountability, and the protection of women and children who continue to bear the brunt of gender-based violence and violent crimes in our province.

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

NATIONAL DIALOGUE , ALL SYSTEMS GO

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

NATIONAL DIALOGUE , ALL SYSTEMS GO 

The first National Convention of the National Dialogue took place over two days of vibrant discussion with over 1,000 delegates from over 200 organisations at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Tshwane. The National Convention was convened by President Cyril Ramaphosa as the launch of a National Dialogue to engage all South Africans in a countrywide engagement on the challenges facing the country, and accelerated actions to forge a new vision and to agree on a programme of action to take the country forward. 

The National Convention was described by President Ramaphosa as the moment at which the people of South Africa take over the National Dialogue and ensure that it is led and driven by citizens. Delegates were resounding in their endorsement of an inclusive National Dialogue process that focuses on the issues that concern the people. 

For the National Dialogue to be successful, Delegates affirmed that it needs to include communities who are often not heard and those who are often not consulted on important decisions. One of the noteworthy features of the dialogue was the wide diversity of the delegates. The Convention brought together people and groups who would ordinarily not be in conversation with one another. This added to the robust nature of the discussions. 

Over the last two days, delegates engaged in robust discussion putting forward their hopes, aspirations, fears and frustrations. The conversation was open and rigorous. It emphasised the need for deep, genuine dialogue that leads to action, where people have power. 

Delegates were able to outline key themes for discussion. These included the economy, jobs, children, livelihoods, crime and corruption, education, health and gender-based violence and femicide. Other themes included fixing the state and the Constitution, building South African values and culture, strengthening our social fabric, and dealing with intergenerational trauma and healing. 

The Convention agreed that these themes should be seen as a guide to discussion, but that it would ultimately be up to citizens to raise any issues that are important to them. 

The Convention also reflected on the draft roadmap towards a Citizen-led Dialogue, outlining a 6-9 month dialogue proposes of thousands of engagements led by communities with a mandate to call for radical change, catalyze rapid response to our most urgent challenges and lastly, to make renewed efforts to rebuild and heal the nation. 

The Convention called for diverse methods of dialogue, crafted in communities using local knowledge and expertise. Delegates said it was important that all those who participate in the National Dialogue should have the space and opportunity to use the approaches that best suit them and their specific conditions. The Convention discussed the process for establishing a representative Steering Committee that would take over the work of directing and coordinating the National Dialogue process. 

The meeting confirmed that the process to establish a Steering Committee should be extended by two weeks. The 22 sectors that were initially identified were expanded to accommodate more diversity. Each of the sectors held discussions on how they would select their nominee for the Steering Committee and agreed that they would provide the names of their nominees by the end of August 2025. To ensure nobody is left behind, this period will provide space to include organisations in sectors who did not attend the National Convention.  

The first National Convention was citizen-led, iterative in nature with robust engagement.

It reflected the complexity of our nation. It was a call for a new era of citizen activism for radical change, rapid response and it was a call to rebuild the nation. 

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

Department of Sport, Arts and Culture update on the 17 Cultural and Creative Industry Clusters to drive Economic Growth and Sector Development

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

Department of Sport, Arts and Culture update on the 17 Cultural and Creative Industry Clusters to drive Economic Growth and Sector Development

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) is introducing the 17 Cultural and Creative Industry Clusters — a national framework designed to formalise, strengthen, and grow South Africa’s creative economy.

These clusters will serve as strategic platforms for coordination, professionalisation, and advocacy across diverse cultural and creative sectors, ensuring that artists, creators, and industry stakeholders have a unified voice and structured pathways for development, funding, and market access.

The establishment of the clusters is part of DSAC’s broader mandate to:

- Promote inclusive economic growth within the cultural and creative industries (CCIs);

- Facilitate sector coordination and reduce fragmentation;

- Enhance skills development and professionalisation of creative practitioners;

- Enable access to domestic and international markets;

- Preserve and promote South Africa’s diverse cultural heritage.

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, speaking on the establishment of the 17 clusters said: “The creative economy is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world, and South Africa is rich in talent, heritage, and innovation. These 17 clusters will not only strengthen our cultural identity but also create jobs, attract investment, and position South Africa as a leading hub for creative excellence.”

The newly established clusters cover the full spectrum of South Africa’s cultural and creative ecosystem:

1. Theatre, Musical Theatre, Opera

2. Dance

3. Exhibitions, Events, Festivals, Technical Productions

4. Visual Arts

5. Spoken Word, Poetry, Storytelling, Stand-up Comedy

6. Music – Mass participation and community-based (choirs, brass bands, traditional music)

7. Music – Modern sounds (pop, amapiano, rock, kwaito, hip hop, Bacardi) including recording and business management

8. Music – Goema, Kaapse Klopse and Folk

9. Books and Publishing – Content Developers and Creators

10. Books and Publishing – Manufacturing and Distribution

11. Film, Cinema and Television

12. New Media

13. Animation and Gaming

14. Product, Jewellery, Fashion and Textile Design

15. Craft

16. Communication Design and Interior Design

17. Arts Education

The clusters have been established to:

- Create sector-specific advocacy bodies that represent the interests of practitioners nationally;

- Foster collaboration between creatives, industry bodies, training institutions, and government agencies;

- Enable targeted funding and policy interventions to address the needs of each sector;

- Support cultural exchange and market development locally, regionally, and internationally;

- Integrate traditional and contemporary practices into a cohesive national creative strategy.

- Each cluster will operate as a recognised platform within the national creative economy framework, with leadership structures, membership representation, and formal channels for engagement with DSAC and other stakeholders.

Through the clusters, creative professionals will gain:

- Access to industry-specific training and skills development programmes;

- Increased visibility and market opportunities;

- Representation in policy formulation and funding allocation;

- Platforms for networking and collaborative projects;

- Support in intellectual property management and export readiness.

The Department calls upon all creative practitioners, cultural organisations, and industry stakeholders to engage with and participate in their relevant clusters, contributing to a united and thriving cultural and creative sector.

“The strength of these clusters lies in the collective voice and vision of the creative community,” the Minister added. “Together, we can ensure that our arts, heritage, and cultural industries not only survive but thrive in a rapidly changing world.”

The respective sectors will provide further communication and guidance on opportunities for public participation as creatives in due course.

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA