IRRESPONSIBLE GRANTING OF BAIL TO CRIME KINGPIN KATISO “KT” MOLEFE

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IRRESPONSIBLE GRANTING OF BAIL TO CRIME KINGPIN KATISO “KT” MOLEFE 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes, with outrage, the reckless decision by the Johannesburg High Court to grant R400,000 bail to crime kingpin Katiso “KT” Molefe, overturning an earlier ruling by the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court which had rightly denied him release. This decision, coming while Molefe is already out on bail in another murder case, is an indictment of a judiciary that continues to show leniency to powerful criminal figures at the expense of public safety and justice. 

Molefe is accused of masterminding the 2022 murders of popular music producer and nightclub owner DJ Sumbody and his two bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza. He faces multiple charges including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Firearms seized from his operations have been forensically linked to 18 other criminal cases, including attempted murders and assassinations. He was arrested in July 2025 by the SAPS Political Killings Task Team, yet continues to manipulate the justice system to secure his freedom. 

This is not Molefe’s first escape from incarceration through judicial indulgence. Earlier this year, the Deputy Judge President of the Pretoria High Court granted him bail in the Armand Swart murder case. The fact that Molefe now secures a second bail on appeal confirms the deep crisis within the judiciary that Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi warned of: a justice system captured, compromised, and increasingly protective of those with money and connections. Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo of Crime Intelligence has testified before the Madlanga Judicial Commission that Molefe, along with businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, lead a cartel known to be part of the “Big Five” and involved in contract killings, drug trafficking, cross-border hijackings, tender fraud, and extortion. Yet, despite such serious allegations, and despite the state’s evidence linking him to multiple homicides, the courts have chosen to release him back into society. 

This undermines every principle of justice and endangers the lives of witnesses, whistleblowers, and police officers working on these cases. The EFF demands that all witnesses and whistleblowers connected to Molefe’s cases be placed under immediate state protection. 

Their lives are at grave risk while a man accused of leading one of South Africa’s most dangerous syndicates walks free. History has shown that witnesses in politically or criminally sensitive cases are often silenced through intimidation, disappearance, or murder when protection is not guaranteed. 

The EFF further cautions against the imminent bail appeal hearing of Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, Molefe’s associate. Granting bail to another alleged syndicate leader will amount to a complete surrender of the state’s authority and will place entire communities at risk. These individuals have the means, networks, and influence to obstruct justice, tamper with evidence, and continue orchestrating violent crimes while awaiting trial. 

The leniency shown to Molefe must also be viewed against the backdrop of South Africa’s disturbing bail crisis. Over 16,000 offenders abscond bail every year, many of whom go on to commit further crimes. Yet, the judiciary continues to release dangerous and well-connected suspects and it is the poor, the working class, and the victims of violence who pay the price. 

The EFF will continue to stand with victims, whistleblowers, and communities terrorised by organised crime. We will not remain silent while the justice system becomes a weapon of privilege for the very criminals it should punish.  

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Minister McKenzie exploits MGE Fund to reward political allies

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Minister McKenzie exploits MGE Fund to reward political allies 

The DA has written to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture, Joe McGluwa to request that both the Minister and the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) adjudication panel be summoned to appear before Parliament. Their continued evasion of oversight cannot go unchecked while public funds are allegedly being used as a political campaign tool.

Unsurprisingly, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, is dodging my written parliamentary questions on the misuse of MGE funds, while using taxpayer-funded MGE money to support events linked to his own political party, leaving established festivals and artists without the funding they need to survive. This deliberate misappropriation of public resources must be urgently investigated by Parliament.

Official complaints reveal that MGE funds were prioritised for events linked to the Patriotic Alliance (PA), while long-standing festivals that sustain jobs and tourism, including the National Arts Festival, Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK), Woordfees, Suidoosterfees, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, the Cape Town Carnival, and the Open Book Festival, were defunded and told to apply to the MGE fund, only to have their applications summarily rejected. Thousands of artists, festival staff and tourism workers now face uncertainty because politically connected events were given priority over festivals that grow South Africa’s creative economy.

On 17 September, I submitted written questions to the Minister seeking clarity on the Department’s due diligence processes, the appointment of adjudication panel members and the rationale for withdrawing funding from established festivals. The Minister has failed to respond within the required ten-day period and has still not provided the Portfolio Committee with documentation he undertook to deliver at the start of September, including the full list of MGE-funded applicants and explanations for why deregistered companies were approved for funding.

These questions followed the MGE adjudication panel flatly denying any political ties when I first questioned them at the portfolio committee in early September 2025. It was only after I revealed their active political roles and that they had little experience in the arts and culture sector that they were forced to admit it. The PA spokesperson, who bizarrely chairs the panel, aggressively tried to defend himself by claiming his “constitutional right” to support the PA. I reminded him that the Constitution also guarantees transparency, fairness and accountability in public administration, principles that apply to everyone entrusted with public funds.

Both the King IV Code on Corporate Governance and the Public Service Regulations require a proper conflict-of-interest vetting process before appointments are made. Yet the panel and department openly conceded that none had been done, with the department further indicating the Minister solely set criteria and selected adjudication panel members. Serving as both a political party official and a decision-maker in the Department’s funding process is a textbook example of a conflict of interest and cadre deployment.

The Mzansi Golden Economy Fund was established to grow South Africa’s creative economy and expand opportunities for artists, not to bankroll the Patriotic Alliance’s political ambitions.

The DA will continue to pursue full transparency on MGE allocations and ensure that the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is held accountable for the misuse of public resources, the absence of conflict-of-interest safeguards and the Minister’s persistent disregard for Parliament’s oversight role.

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Minister Manamela condemns Fort Hare violence and tables Department’s 2024/25 Annual Report

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Minister Manamela condemns Fort Hare violence and tables Department’s 2024/25 Annual Report 

The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, has condemned the recent violence and destruction at the University of Fort Hare, describing it as criminal and unjustifiable. Briefing the media in Pretoria today, Minister Manamela said the government is working closely with the South African Police Service, the Eastern Cape government, and the university to restore calm and ensure that teaching and learning resume safely in the coming week. He urged all stakeholders to reject violence and protect the future of the historic institution, emphasizing that education must remain a space for progress and hope.

Furthermore, the Minister also tabled the Department’s 2024/25 Annual Report, highlighting achievements such as improved financial discipline, reduced irregular expenditure, and strong transformation in procurement. However, he expressed concern that only 49 percent of the department’s performance targets were met, calling for stronger accountability and internal controls. Manamela reaffirmed the department’s commitment to building an efficient, ethical, and accountable Post-School Education and Training system, saying efforts are underway to strengthen oversight, data integrity, and leadership capacity across institutions. 

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Tembisa Hospital “Prayer Day” Event

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Tembisa Hospital “Prayer Day” Event 

The Office of the Gauteng Premier has become aware of a poster circulating on social media and other platforms promoting a "Prayer Day" for Tembisa Hospital scheduled for 09 October 2025. 

This poster incorrectly features a picture of Premier Panyaza Lesufi, implying his endorsement and attendance. The Office of the Premier wants to categorically state that Premier Lesufi was not aware of the” Prayer Day” session and the event was never part of his schedule of events or activities. 

As soon as the Premier became aware of it, he advised the organisers to withdraw the poster and cancel the event. The event therefore is no longer happening.  Premier Lesufi’s focus remains unequivocally on the urgent work of restoring good governance and public trust in Tembisa Hospital. 

He has reiterated his commitment to ensuring that his office works closely with the Gauteng Department of Health to implement, without delay, all recommendations contained in the recently released Special Investigating Unit (SIU) interim report. 

This includes ensuring that swift and decisive action is taken against all officials implicated in the report, in line with the government's commitment to accountability and clean administration. 

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MINISTER GAYTON MCKENZIE EXPOSED MGE ( MZANSI GOLDEN ECONOMY)

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MINISTER GAYTON MCKENZIE EXPOSED MGE ( MZANSI GOLDEN ECONOMY) 

An Open Letter on the Alleged Misuse of Public Funds for Political Patronage and Campaigning

​To: The Public Protector, The South African Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture, The Auditor-General of South Africa, The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), and all citizens of South Africa.

​Date: October 7, 2025

​Subject: Deep Concern Regarding the Alleged Capture and Misappropriation of Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) Funding for Political Gain and Patronage.

​We, the undersigned, write to express grave concern over recent allegations that public resources, specifically funding from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC)—including the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) Fund—are being improperly used for political patronage and to advance the campaigning efforts of political parties, notably the Patriotic Alliance (PA).

​Public funds dedicated to arts, culture, and sport are intended to uplift communities, foster national heritage, create jobs, and support the sector based on merit and proven economic/social impact. The current allegations suggest a blatant disregard for these principles, which threatens the integrity of our democratic processes and the very fabric of the cultural and creative economy.

​The Alleged Pattern of Misconduct

​The core of our concern centres on reports detailing a worrying pattern of conduct:

​Political Adjudication of Funds: Allegations suggest that the MGE adjudication panel was stacked with active Patriotic Alliance members, including the Minister's spokesperson and former councillors. This constitutes a severe conflict of interest and political patronage, rendering the funding process non-transparent and unfair. Decisions appear to be made on the basis of political loyalty rather than artistic merit or community benefit.

​Defunding Established Festivals: Critical funding has allegedly been withdrawn from South Africa’s iconic, established, and economically-vital cultural festivals (such as the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, National Arts Festival, Suidoosterfees, KKNK, and others). These festivals are the backbone of regional creative economies, sustaining thousands of jobs and generating significant revenue.

​Channelling Funds for Political Campaigns: It is alleged that resources are being diverted to new projects and 'community festivals' which then feature PA-aligned artists and are used as de facto political rally points, effectively transforming public money into a campaign tool for the party in power of the department. This blurs the crucial line between party activities and the public administration.

​

Lack of Transparency and Accountability: 

The process is reportedly riddled with a lack of transparency, with calls for the full disclosure of all MGE allocations, including the names, registration status, and compliance history of successful applicants, being ignored. 

Furthermore, reports indicate that some successful applicant companies were found to be deregistered or in the process of deregistration, pointing to a potentially compromised system designed to benefit politically connected individuals.

​The Democratic and Economic Impact

​The alleged use of state resources for partisan political advantage is a direct threat to South Africa’s constitutional democracy, which demands a level political playing field. 

This form of political capture:

​Undermines Fair Competition: It grants the governing party an unfair advantage by financing its political activities with public money, disadvantaging opposition parties and independent artists.

​

Redirects Public Resources: It diverts funding away from its intended purpose—supporting the broad creative economy—and towards political self-interest and a personal patronage network, ultimately compromising the industries DSAC is meant to support.

​Threatens Cultural Heritage and Jobs: 

The withdrawal of funding from proven, established festivals risks the collapse of major cultural institutions and the resulting loss of thousands of jobs and billions of rands in economic activity in their respective local economies.

​

Our Demands for Immediate Action

​To safeguard public funds and the independence of our cultural sector, we demand the following urgent interventions:

​Immediate Independent Investigation: 

The Public Protector and Auditor-General must launch an immediate, comprehensive, and independent investigation into the allocation of the Mzansi Golden Economy Fund and all recent funding decisions by the DSAC.

​

Reinstate Fair Funding: Funding support must be reinstated for established festivals with a proven track record of economic and social impact, based on objective criteria, not political favour.

​Transparent and Depoliticised Adjudication: The DSAC must implement a fully transparent and depoliticised adjudication process for all funding, with a clear prohibition on the inclusion of active members of any political party on funding panels. Full details of all allocations must be made public.

​Strengthen Legal Frameworks: Parliament and the IEC must address the lack of explicit prohibitions in electoral law against the use of state resources for party political benefit, ensuring a clear separation between the state and any political party.

​We call on all South Africans to stand with the artists, cultural workers, and communities whose livelihoods are being held hostage by these alleged acts of political capture and patronage. We must protect public resources from being weaponised for political campaigns.

​For Accountability, Transparency, and a Fair Democratic Process.

Theunisen Andrews aka Bumper Morgan 

Obo Concern Tax Payers of SA (CTPA) 

065 057 8308

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GOVERNMENT URGES VIGILANCE AGAINST RISING CYBER THREATS

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GOVERNMENT URGES VIGILANCE AGAINST RISING CYBER THREATS

Government, in partnership with stakeholders across law enforcement, civil society, and the private sector, hosted a webinar on Cybersecurity Awareness and Responsible Use of Online Platforms as part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The webinar brought together experts to empower South Africans with knowledge and tools to protect themselves online.

Deputy Director for Cybersecurity Operations at the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, Noma-Efese Mnqeta, highlighted the role of the National Cybersecurity Hub, a Computer Security Incident Response Team hosted by the department. The Hub works closely with the South African Police Service on cybercrime investigations, the Internet Service Providers’ Association on fraudulent website takedowns, and the Government Communication and Information System on public awareness. She warned about the growing prevalence of tender scams, investment scams and online shopping fraud, which continue to target unsuspecting citizens. 

Omphile Kgwathe-Nkiwane, Head of Client Services at Digify Africa, encouraged South Africans to practice safe digital habits through platforms like Kitso on WhatsApp (076 593 7181), which provides parents, teachers, and learners with digital safety tips. She urged citizens to use strong passwords and avoid personal information in them. Never share one-time pins (OTPs) or banking details, avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions and to stay alert to suspicious links, unsolicited calls, and fraudulent emails.

Acting CEO of the Film and Publications Board (FPB), Hulisani Ramugadi, raised concern about the rise in harmful online content, including image-based abuse, cyberbullying, hate speech, and malicious AI-generated material. He emphasised that sharing intimate images without consent is a crime and highlighted FPB’s partnerships with social media platforms to issue takedown notices for harmful material.

Brigadier Rapula Mosito, Section Head of Cybercrime Investigation at the HAWKS, indicated that cybercrime is enforceable under the Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020, while cybersecurity matters are guided by the forthcoming Cybersecurity Bill. He identified phishing, ransomware, malware, identity theft, online child exploitation, and personal data theft as key threats. 

Government calls on members of the public to remain vigilant, responsible, and digitally literate to ensure their safety in cyberspace. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and by working together, we can protect citizens, especially vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, from the ever-growing threats in the digital space.

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BOSA , GOOD , RISE MZANSI ,UNITE FOR CHANGE

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BOSA , GOOD , RISE MZANSI ,UNITE FOR CHANGE 

  

UNITE FOR CHANGE: FIRST THREE PARTIES - BOSA, GOOD AND RISE MZANSI -UNITE TO FORM NEW POLITICAL CENTRE FOR CHANGE

Today, three national political parties, and their respective leaders, have heard the call of the nation, put aside their differences, and taken the formative steps towards building an offering for citizens to unite around in bringing change and hope to villages, towns and cities across South Africa.

We proudly announce the launch of Unite for Change, a new political party and movement that will campaign in the 2026 Local Government Elections under one shared banner. 

The first three founding parties are Build One South Africa (BOSA), the GOOD Party, and RISE Mzansi.

We are united for change under one name, one set of electoral lists, one shared platform and one purpose.

This new political party will be registered with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), and all current and future parties that join will run for election under the new name and banner. 

Our founding Leaders’ Council brings together a diverse and experienced leadership that recognises that true strength comes from unity of purpose. 

The members of the Leaders’ Council, in no particular order, are Dr Mmusi Maimane MP, Minister Patricia de Lille MP, Songezo Zibi MP, Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster MP, MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa MPL, and Brett Herron MPP. 

This is a new offering to voters, a credible and consolidated alternative to the lack of real options South Africans face on the ballot paper.

It is not a coalition of convenience but a coming together of equals, demonstrating the responsibility of leadership which often requires a different approach to the one we once believed was right. 

As we prepare for the 2026 elections, our campaign will focus on five urgent priorities to uplift municipalities across the country:

1. Capable and Ethical Leadership. Identifying and unearthing new and existing skills and talent, values-based leadership, and ending cadre deployment and corruption in government. 

2. Local Economic Recovery. Creating jobs and growth through local investment. Positioning cities as the main drivers of change, the focus is on the digital economy, creative economy, care economy, and tourism economy. 

3. Dignity Through Basic Services. Providing what no citizen should go without: water, electricity, refuse, reliable public transport, basic housing, and decent healthcare. 

4. Safety and Justice. Tackling crime, corruption, and violence at their roots, underpinned by the promotion and protection of the Rule of Law. All rules must be applied and adhered to, and those who come here from other countries must do so legally and contribute positively to South Africa.

5. Digitisation. Harnessing technology to drive smarter resource allocation, enable predictive modelling to anticipate community needs, guide planning, ensure proactive infrastructure maintenance, and make procurement corruption-proof.

This offer to citizens is based on our shared vision for the South Africa we all deserve, where every person lives a dignified life, every community is served, and every sphere of government is held to account. 

The birth of Unite for Change does not signal the end of its founding parties. 

Current councillors, MPs and MPLs will continue to serve under existing party brands, as they were elected to do.

BOSA, GOOD and RISE Mzansi remain fully intact as entities, with their current electoral mandates and responsibilities honoured in full. 

This is the first step towards the long-term mission we are on. 

 

It honours a generational mandate to end dysfunction, neglect, and inequality that defines life for far too many in our country

It is but the start and signals an open invitation. 

We recognise that politics and politicians alone cannot repair and build South Africa. 

This work requires all citizens, businesses, academics, civil society organisations, NGOs, and other organised groups to work in unison.

Today we invite:

• Political parties that share our values 

• Prominent individuals willing to step forward

• Community organisations and NGOs working for dignity and justice

• South Africans ready to stand as councillor candidates in their own wards and municipalities; and 

• Citizens who want to roll up their sleeves and campaign to build our country.

The door is wide open, with conversations already underway with others to grow this movement.

However, we must state categorically that our values act as both an invitation and a necessary deterrent. 

Any parties, organisations or individuals who exist to capitalise on division have no safe harbour in this new party. We exist for all, and our ethos explicitly and overtly prioritises that. 

Moreover, we reject the insidious narrative that voters must choose between values and competence, as some political parties wish to frame electoral choices. 

It is insulting to assume that a political party cannot both align with your values while also providing solid and effective governance and service delivery.

The new party is soundly rooted in the foundational values of social justice, non-racialism, anti-corruption, and constitutionalism, aligned with South Africa’s social-democratic and constitutional tradition.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by all three founding parties states that the National Executive Committee will adopt a candidate selection model that prioritises merit-based selections in respect of all candidate lists.

The model will have an intense focus on getting people to stand for election as councillors who are from their community, known in their community, and accountable to their community. 

We invite councillor candidates, especially new ones, to put their hands up and play their part in turning around towns and cities across the country. 

The MOA also mandates a policy review process. 

This will measure every proposal against three tests: is it constitutional, is it evidence-based, and will it expand opportunity for all South Africans. 

Where differences exist, we’ll reach consensus based on what is credible and works for the country.

In the immediate term, the organising mission for policy formulation will be local government focused. 

Unite for Change is a proactive approach to our most urgent crises. That is fixing municipalities and rehabilitating local government - which we see as the most important sphere of government.

Our immediate priority is direct engagement with communities. Beginning this month, we will embark on a series of town halls, community dialogues, and roundtables. 

This nationwide tour will form the foundation for the rollout of our unified policy platform ahead of the 2026 local government elections, ensuring that our agenda reflects the real needs and aspirations of the people we aim to serve.

We invite all South Africans who are ready to be part of meaningful change to take action today. 

Visit our website, sign up as a member, and stay connected to the heartbeat of this movement.  

Today, we unite for working municipalities. Today, we unite for dignity. Today, we unite for safety. 

Today, we Unite for Change!

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