Investigation into Unlawful Mpumalanga Government Buildings

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA 

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

Investigation into Unlawful Mpumalanga Government Buildings

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mpumalanga condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the ANC government’s outright refusal to support accountability and transparency in the management of provincial infrastructure projects. 

Today, the ANC used its majority in the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature to block a DA motion that sought to uncover widespread non-compliance with the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977), and municipal building control by-laws across multiple government projects. 

This motion called for Premier Mandla Ndlovu to do the following: 

Establish a Provincial Task Team to investigate all provincial government infrastructure projects initiated and/or completed in the last ten (10) financial years; 

Submit a comprehensive report to the Legislature detailing when building plans were submitted, approved, or refused; and when Certificates of Occupation were issued, or why they were not. 

Identify responsible officials, contractors, and professional service providers involved in illegal or irregular construction; and 

Ensure accountability through appropriate disciplinary and legal action, with a final report to be tabled before the Legislature within ninety (90) days. 

This proposal followed shocking revelations that several flagship provincial projects were constructed without approved building plans or Certificates of Occupation, a blatant violation of the law. 

Among the implicated projects are: 

The Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market,

 

The Parliamentarian Village, 

The Mkhondo Agri-Hub, and 

The Mpumalanga Traffic Training Centre. 

Alarmingly, some of these facilities are already being occupied or used despite lacking legally required Certificates of Occupation. This not only exposes public officials, contractors, and users to potential criminal and civil liability but also places the entire provincial government in breach of statutory obligations, jeopardizing billions in public funds. 

The ANC’s decision to block this motion is a direct betrayal of the people of Mpumalanga. It is clear that they would rather conceal maladministration and protect those responsible than allow the truth to come to light. 

By rejecting this motion, the ANC has confirmed that accountability, legality, and transparency are not priorities under their government.  

The DA will not allow this matter to be swept under the carpet. We will continue to pursue every available avenue through the legislature, law enforcement, and oversight bodies to ensure that those responsible for these unlawful acts face the full consequences of their actions. 

It is time that the people of Mpumalanga knew the truth: this government cannot even build within the law, let alone govern within it. 

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

SRC Victory at Nelson Mandela University

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ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

SRC Victory at Nelson Mandela University 

The Democratic Alliance Student Organisation (DASO) thanks the students of Nelson Mandela University for voting in large numbers to re-elect DASO to lead the university's Student Representative Council (SRC).

Momentum continues to build behind the DA across South Africa, on campuses, in Wards, Municipalities and Provinces. This growth bodes very well for the DA in Nelson Mandela Bay.

NMU students have reaffirmed their strong support for the good governance and stability delivered by the DA on campus, where our Student Organisation has delivered over the past year.

DASO's Somila Komani was elected as SRC president. We won four out of five NMU campuses, secured representation in all seven faculties, gained the majority of off-campus student seats, and received the highest number of votes overall - claiming 31 of the 43 seats.

The DA extends our gratitude to all NMU students for their support in this election, and to all our activists who worked tirelessly throughout the campaign to secure this victory.

DASO also thanks our outgoing NMU SRC President, Lathitha Mbuzwana, and his team, whose hard work made this result possible.

We have full confidence in this new generation of young leaders and look forward to the positive change they will bring during their term. The DA charges them to deliver on our manifesto promise to deliver good governance and leadership which can be trusted.

DASO believes that an effective SRC must be accessible, responsive, transparent, and accountable to the student body, ensuring that no student is left behind.

Momentum and growth are on the side of the DA, and with the trust of the electorate the DA will deliver.

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

NEW GAZA PEACE DEAL

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA 

NEW GAZA PEACE DEAL 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) cautiously welcomes the recent ceasefire agreement in Gaza, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, Turkey, Egypt and Qatar with a sense of historical skepticism. While the deal marks a significant step toward ending the devastating conflict, the EFF remains apprehensive due to Israel’s historical pattern of violating agreements and the uncertainties surrounding the implementation of this new deal. 

The ceasefire agreement, signed on October 9 in Egypt, under Trump’s 20-point plan, outlines several key provisions. These include the release of all living Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences and 1,700 detained. 

This exchange is to occur within 72 hours of the Israeli military’s withdrawal from designated areas in Gaza. Additionally, Israeli forces have committed to pulling back to pre-designated lines within Gaza, a process initiated promptly following the agreement’s approval.  The agreement also facilitates the entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, aiming to alleviate the suffering of its 2.4 million residents. 

Furthermore, a transitional Palestinian administration, composed of technocrats and supervised by an international “Board of Peace,” is to oversee Gaza’s governance, with “potential pathways” toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood contingent upon the successful implementation of the plan. 

Despite the agreement’s ambitious framework, several critical aspects remain vague. The plan lacks clear, binding measures to ensure compliance from Israel, raising concerns about its long-term viability. Specifics regarding the disarmament of Hamas and the dismantling of military infrastructure in Gaza are not comprehensively addressed. 

While the agreement mentions an economic development plan, it provides limited details on the reconstruction of Gaza’s devastated infrastructure and the provision of essential services to its residents. Furthermore, the self determination of Palestinians is not addressed as they are to simply be governed until some arbitrary conditions are met for them to self govern. This is not freedom but a continued occupation. 

The involvement of Trump in brokering this deal also raises additional concerns. Trump’s foreign policy actions are often unpredictable and controversial, leading to questions about the sustainability and fairness of this agreement. His administration’s track record does not inspire confidence in the long-term success of this peace initiative. Nevertheless, there is a glimmer of hope as many Gaza residents begin to return to their homes, and efforts toward reconstruction and stabilisation commence. 

The EFF remains vigilant and committed to supporting the Palestinian people’s right to selfdetermination and the end of Israel’s occupation. 

We will, therefore, continue to monitor the implementation of this agreement closely and advocate for the rights and dignity of all Palestinians. 

 MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

FAILURE BY PROVINCIAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS TO SPEND MILLIONS

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ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

FAILURE BY PROVINCIAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS TO SPEND MILLIONS

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemns, in the strongest terms, provincial education departments which have collectively failed to spend hundreds of millions in conditional grants meant to feed hungry children, build classrooms, and strengthen South Africa’s collapsing education system. According to the Department of Basic Education’s 2024/25 Annual Report, seven provincial education departments, including Limpopo, Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, North West, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape, failed to spend crucial funds allocated for the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), Maths, Science and Technology (MST), and Early Childhood Development (ECD) infrastructure. 

The most shocking failure occurred in Limpopo which left R69.7 million unspent. This includes R33.2 million meant for the NSNP, R18.3 million for the MST grant, and R11.3 million for education infrastructure. 

These are funds that could have provided daily nutritious meals for hungry learners, built safe classrooms in rural schools, and equipped laboratories to improve science and mathematics learning. 

In the same report, Gauteng surrendered R53 million in unspent education grants to the National Treasury after failing to obtain a rollover. Provinces such as Mpumalanga (R22.2 million), Free State (R21.5 million), North West (R10.2 million), KwaZulu-Natal (R3.3 million), and Eastern Cape (R1.6 million) also failed to use their allocations. Of the total amount, R40.1 million was meant for the National School Nutrition Programme, an intervention designed to improve school attendance and learning outcomes by ensuring that no child learns on an empty stomach. 

Limpopo, Free State, and Eastern Cape were the worst performers in this regard, while Eastern Cape has one of the highest child malnutrition and hunger rates in the country. 

It is inexcusable that in a province where a majority of learners depend on the school feeding scheme, funds meant to sustain them are returned unused. Equally disgraceful is the underspending of R28.6 million in the Maths, Science, and Technology (MST) grant, which is aimed at increasing the number of pupils taking these critical subjects. Provinces such as Limpopo, North West, Free State, and Mpumalanga collectively failed to utilise these funds. 

This is in a context where South Africa’s maths and science performance continues to rank among the lowest globally, and where fewer than 40% of learners pass mathematics. The failure to spend R37.4 million of ECD grants is equally shameful, especially given the dire state of early childhood centres across the country. Provinces such as Gauteng (R20.3 million),

Limpopo (R4.3 million), and Mpumalanga (R7.6 million) abandoned funds meant to improve the safety and infrastructure of ECD centres, essentially robbing children of the early learning foundation critical for long-term academic success. At the same time, schools across South Africa remain crippled by teacher shortages, while tens of thousands of qualified educators remain unemployed. 

There are over  31,000 vacant teaching posts nationwide, with KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, and Limpopo among the hardest hit. This means classrooms remain overcrowded, learners go untaught in key subjects, and rural education collapses while billions are transferred to provinces that then fail to use them. 

The EFF views this failure as a deliberate act of cruelty. To refuse to feed children, to withhold funds for science and education, and to neglect early childhood centres is to destroy the very foundation of the nation. It is a betrayal of the constitutional promise of equality, dignity, and access to basic education. 

The EFF demands that those responsible for these failures be dismissed for incompetence and neglect. South Africa cannot continue to be by people who lack the political will to feed hungry children while claiming to serve the people. 

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

SUSPENSION HOD GAUTENG HEALTH DEPARTMENT WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT

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ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

SUSPENSION HOD GAUTENG HEALTH  DEPARTMENT WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT 

Suspension of the Head of Gauteng Department of Health and Wellness

Gauteng Premier Mr Panyaza Lesufi has placed Mr Lesiba Arnold Malotana, Head of the Gauteng Department of Health and Wellness, on suspension with immediate effect. 

The Premier has appointed Dr Darion Barclay as the Acting Head of the Department of Health and Wellness. Dr Barclay, who currently leads the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), will ensure stability and continuity in this critical department and his appointment highlights the importance of prioritising seamless service delivery. On Thursday, 16 October 2025, the Premier's Office will also make the signed performance agreements of all Members of the Executive Council (MECs) available to the public. 

The Gauteng Provincial Government reaffirms its full support for the work of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and other law enforcement agencies. 

We remain steadfast in our commitment to root out maladministration and to uphold the highest standards of accountability and ethical leadership. 

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

ANOTHER BIG FATAL ROAD CRASH IN LIMPOPO

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 ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

ANOTHER BIG FATAL ROAD CRASH IN LIMPOPO

Transport Minister Ms. Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mr. Mkhuleko Hlengwa are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of 42 lives and 49 injured passengers in a devastating road accident that occurred on Sunday 12 October 2025 at approximately 18:00 on the N1 North near Ingwe Lodge, Limpopo. Consequently, they have expressed their heartfelt felt condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the passengers who were injured 

The crash involved a bus that was travelling from Johannesburg to Zimbabwe that overturned and went down on an embankment. The following casualties were reported from the scene: 42 fatalities, consisting of: 7 children, 17 adult males and 18 adult females.

There were 49 injured persons, consisting of: 6 critically injured, 31 seriously injured and 12 slightly injured occupants. The injured persons transported to Louis Trichardt , Siloam and Elim hospitals. 1x critically injured child was air lifted to Tshilidzini hospital. The cause of the crash is unknown at this stage. 

 The RTMC together with the local law enforcement authorities are conducting a full scene reconstruction and mechanical investigation of the vehicle. A preliminary report will be concluded in due course. Both Minister Creecy and Deputy Minister Hlengwa have expressed their concern regarding the persistent trend of road crashes involving public transport. 

They have emphasized that the current review of the National Road Safety Strategy will strengthen efforts in promoting road safety in both the scholar transport and public transport system. 

 MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

Gauteng Health Denies Negative Effects of Slow Emergency Ambulance Times

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ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

Gauteng Health Denies Negative Effects of Slow Emergency Ambulance Times

Despite poor response times for emergency ambulances, the Gauteng Health Department claims that "no negative effect has been registered".

This astounding denial is made by Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko in a written reply to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature.

Response times for Priority 1 calls in urban areas used to be measured within 15 minutes, but this standard has now been dropped, and they only give figures for calls responded to under 30 minutes.

This is because the National Health Department sets the indicators for each province, and recently dropped the 15 minutes indicator, probably because it exposed generally poor response times.

According to the provincial department, 61% of P1 patients in Gauteng were responded to within 30 minutes in August this year, an improvement on the 54% in August last year, but well below world standards of 80% within 15 minutes.

They blame slow responses on the following:

• Service delivery protests.
• Hotzones/ Redzones requiring SAPS escorts due to Paramedic attacks and robberies.
• Delays of calls transfer from 112 call centre when routing calls to Gauteng EMS Emergency Communication Centre (ECC).
• Traffic gridlocks during peak morning and evening periods affecting drive times to scenes.

I am concerned that the department denies negative effects of slow response times as the survival chances of P1 patients decline severely if they are not treated within what is known as the "golden hour."

The poor emergency response time is the biggest complaint at all public participation meetings held by the Gauteng Legislature's Health Oversight Committee.

A DA-led administration would not accept lower standards and would give a high priority to speedy emergency responses by ensuring sufficient ambulances with well-trained staff to save as many lives as possible.

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA