PARLIAMENT ONE STOP BORDER POST BILL

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

PARLIAMENT ONE STOP BORDER POST BILL 

One Stop Border Post Bill: SA’s immigration problem is the result of state inaction and poor cooperation with our neighbours 

The following remarks were delivered in the National Assembly during the Second Reading Debate on the One Stop Border Post Bill. Ndza khensa, Mutshami wa Xitulu, Honourable Members, Fellow South Africans 

I have said this before, and I will say it again: it must be easy to enter our country legally, and near impossible to enter illegally. Yet, today, we face the opposite situation. Far too many people cross our borders illegally, while illicit goods, drugs, and minerals flow in and out of our country with alarming ease. So, as we debate the One Stop Border Post Bill, we must ask: does this Bill make it easier for the legal movement of people and goods, while making it harder for illegal movement and corruption? Honourable Members, this Bill has great potential.

If implemented properly, it can help us address long-standing border management challenges. It can make our borders more efficient, ease congestion, enable faster trade, and enhance South Africa’s competitiveness within the region. A more efficient border system can stimulate legitimate business and strengthen our economic integration within the Southern African Development Community, SADC region. Every person that enters South Africa through land borders is either from the SADC region or passes through the region. Our neighbours have neighbours. But potential alone is not enough. 

This Bill will not succeed unless it is supported by strong regulations, effective enforcement, and binding international agreements that uphold both security and human dignity at our borders.   

We must be honest about one thing, our borders are porous. But the solution is not to build a wall between South Africa and her neighbours. 

The success of this Bill depends on partnership and trust among SADC member states. We share borders, economies, and families. If one state fails to manage its documentation processes, the entire region feels the impact. Many of the undocumented foreign nationals in our country are not here out of malice, they are victims of weak administrative systems in their own countries, where obtaining a passport or travel document is expensive or nearly impossible. 

For this Bill to succeed, SADC and broader African governments must ensure that their citizens have access to proper travel and identification documents. Our immigration problem is the result of both state inaction and poor cooperation with our neighbours. Our government has failed to consistently enforce our laws, leaving our people exposed to criminal syndicates and leaving migrants vulnerable to a broken, corrupt immigration system. 

This failure is not only embarrassing — it is dangerous. Let us know who and what enters our country. Let it be near-impossible to smuggle anything or anyone across our borders. And let it be fair, safe, and simple to enter and stay in our country legally. 

Honourable Members, let this Bill mark the beginning of a new era, one of cooperation within SADC, efficiency at our borders, and dignity for all who cross them lawfully. 

That is how we build a safer and more prosperous South Africa. 

Ndza khensa! 

Makashule Gana MP RISE Mzansi National Assembly Whip 

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THE PASSING OF MATRIC LEARNER FROM LAKESIDE SECONDARY SCHOOL

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

THE PASSING OF MATRIC LEARNER FROM LAKESIDE SECONDARY SCHOOL

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is deeply saddened by the passing of a Grade 12 girl learner from Lakeside Secondary School in Sedibeng West, who reportedly passed away on the evening of Monday, 3 November 2025. According to information at our disposal, the said learner began vomiting while in bed. When her condition rapidly deteriorated, she was immediately transported to a local medical facility, where she was unfortunately certified dead on arrival. 

The South African Police Service (SAPS) are investigating circumstances surrounding this sad incident.  The Department conveys its heartfelt condolences to the learner’s family, friends, educators, and the entire Lakeside Secondary School community during this very difficult time.  The GDE’s Psycho-Social Support Unit, through its Institutional Support and Support (ISS) team, has been dispatched to the school to provide counselling and emotional support to learners and staff affected by this tragic incident. 

This tragedy occurs during a critical period for our matriculants, and we wish to remind learners, parents, and school communities that emotional and psychological support services are available to anyone in need during the examination period. 

NSC EXAMINATIONS UPDATE AND NOTICES

The Gauteng Department of Education is pleased to report that the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) Examinations are progressing smoothly across the province, with no major disruptions reported thus far. We commend the #ClassOf2025GP for their commitment and discipline and urge all candidates to continue adhering to the NSC Pledge, which promotes honesty, integrity, and respect during this critical period. Learners are strongly cautioned not to bring crib notes or cellphones into examination centres. 

The Department has consistently observed that these items feature prominently in examination reports, and any learner found in possession of them will face serious consequences, including possible disqualification from writing future exams. We have also noted a significant pattern of absenteeism among part-time candidates, and as such call upon all registered candidates to attend and write all their scheduled papers. 

Every paper counts, and we want to see every candidate complete their examinations successfully. As the examinations continue, we remind learners to manage stress effectively through rest, exercise, and healthy routines. 

Those who feel anxious or overwhelmed are encouraged to seek support through the following helplines: • South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG): 0800 567 567 • Childline South Africa: 116 These services are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day. 

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GTI APPREHENDS UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS IN OVERLOADED MINIBUS TAXI

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

GTI APPREHENDS  UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS IN OVERLOADED MINIBUS TAXI 

The Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) has intensified its highimpact stop-and-search operations, yielding significant enforcement breakthroughs and strengthening the province’s strategy to combat criminality, eradicate lawlessness, and ensure strict compliance with traffic regulations. Between 27 October and 02 November 2025, GTI officers conducted coordinated operations across all major provincial corridors. During these enforcement drives, twenty-six undocumented Malawian nationals were apprehended in Randburg for contravening the Immigration Act. 

 The individuals were found traveling in a 15-seater Quantum minibus taxi that was severely overloaded and carrying excess luggage inside due to the absence of a trailer. These results underscore the Inspectorate’s unwavering commitment to tackling both traffic violations and criminal conduct on Gauteng’s roads. Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, commended the GTI officers for their dedication and professionalism, emphasising that the province will not tolerate lawlessness on its roads. “Road safety is not negotiable. Every driver, every operator, and every passenger must play their part in protecting lives on our roads,” said MEC Diale-Tlabela. 

She further highlighted that the ongoing enforcement operations form part of a broader provincial strategy to improve road safety, protect lawabiding motorists, and hold offenders accountable.  

The MEC also urged public transport operators to prioritise compliance and passenger safety. In addition to the arrests, GTI officers issued numerous infringement notices to non-compliant public transport operators, addressed unroadworthy vehicles, and made several arrests linked to serious traffic offences. 

Key results include: • Over 200 manual infringement notices issued. • 171 electronic notices processed via GTI’s e-Force system. • 62 vehicles issued with discontinue notices for non-compliance. • 33 vehicles impounded for severe violations. A concerning level of illegal operations was also uncovered: • 50 minibus taxi operators were found driving without valid licences. • 69 minibuses were operating without licence discs. • 28 minibuses were discontinued for various forms of noncompliance. 

Additionally, GTI officers effected arrests for serious offences, including one case of attempted bribery and eight cases of driving under the influence of alcohol, further highlighting the persistent challenge of reckless and unlawful behaviour on Gauteng’s roads. 

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BLUE FLAGS CITY OF CAPE TOWN BEACHES

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

BLUE FLAGS CITY OF CAPE TOWN BEACHES 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape congratulates the City of Cape Town after eight City beaches have successfully secured the international Blue Flag status for the upcoming 2025/26 season.

This prestigious recognition is a direct result of the dedicated efforts and effective oversight demonstrated by the City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department and other supporting municipal teams. The DA commends this commitment to good governance, which ensures our coastal assets meet and sustain the highest possible international benchmarks.

This accreditation, administered locally by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), is a globally respected standard that directly supports our reputation as a premier destination. It confirms that these beaches consistently adhere to high standards across environmental management and education, water quality, safety, and services, offering visitors the world-class experience they expect from the Western Cape. The rigorous international criteria provide an invaluable assurance of quality and environmental custodianship for travellers and residents alike.

The eight accredited beaches for the 2025/26 Blue Flag season are:

• Bikini Beach
• Camps Bay
• Clifton 4th
• Fish Hoek
• Llandudno
• Melkbosstrand
• Muizenberg
• Silwerstroomstrand

Securing this status is not a singular event but rather a confirmation of ongoing, dedicated municipal performance. It highlights the City’s sustained commitment to maintaining excellence and infrastructure necessary to meet these benchmarks.

The confirmation of this international quality marker is particularly significant as the official Blue Flag season commences on 1 December. Ahead of the Festive Season, this recognition serves as a vital assurance for both local and international visitors, positioning Cape Town competitively on the global tourism map. Blue Flags are key enablers of the province’s tourism offering, attracting arrivals, underpinning job creation, and securing foreign investment.

Noko Masipa, MPP, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, said: “The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the announcement that eight City beaches have successfully secured the international Blue Flag status for the upcoming 2025/26 season. The successful retention of Blue Flag status for eight of Cape Town’s beaches is a significant endorsement of our tourism offering. By consistently maintaining safety, cleanliness, and environmental quality on our coastline, the City is providing the critical foundation needed to stimulate our tourism economy, attract investment, and support sustainable job creation in the Western Cape.”

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Hammanskraal Health Crisis

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

Hammanskraal Health Crisis

Since Friday’s reports that typhoid has broken out in Hammanskraal, Mayor Moya has been silent on the serious health risk that this poses.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes the statement by the City of Tshwane that no Typhoid related bacteria have been detected in routine tests, but it is important that this data be released to the public or at least be given to independent water experts. We need second party verification.

Moya’s silence on the matter does nothing but undermine trust in the City’s ability to effectively manage the situation.

Although the City’s statement makes reference to safety protocols related to treated water, additional reassurance is needed that the same applies to water supplied by water tanker contractors. Especially as the City, and in particular Hammanskraal, relies heavily on water tankers.

We do not want to cause unnecessary alarm, but it is essential that the City and its political leadership are prepared for different scenarios, especially in light of the 2023 Cholera outbreak.

The typhoid outbreak confirms the importance and the urgency of infrastructure-based solutions that removes the need for water tankering which has become one of the biggest operational expenses in Tshwane under the ANC/EFF/ActionSA coalition.

If Tshwane wants to ensure that residents stay calm, healthy, and informed, they need to talk to them. The radio silence, and the accompanying silence on the front of proper water testing and second party verification only serves to alarm.

The DA has discovered that Nasiphi Moya is currently abroad in Brazil on business unrelated to the nuts and bolts of service delivery. While a Typhoid crisis rages, she needs to be here, talking to residents.

Today, we once more call on Moya to break her silence, and communicate with Hammanskraal residents. They, and the public at large, deserve to know the results of routine tests taken by the Tshwane Department of Water and Sanitation for second party verification.

Tshwane, and importantly, the people of Hammanskraal, cannot afford another health crisis.

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Umlazi Murderer Sentenced to Five Terms of Life Imprisonment

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

Umlazi Murderer Sentenced to Five Terms of Life Imprisonment

DURBAN - The Durban High Court has on Friday, 31 October 2025, sentenced 30-year-old Sphamandla “Chillies” Gumede to five terms of life imprisonment plus 40 years in prison after he was found guilty for the murder of five people, attempted murder and robbery which he committed in Umlazi in November 2023.

Just after midnight on 13 November 2023, six people were shot at Uganda informal settlement in Umlazi. Five of them died and one survived with gunshot wounds. 

The Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit detectives attended to the crime scene and took over the investigations. Shrewd investigative work unmasked the identity of the suspect, and with efforts of finding him proving insufficient, dedicated investigators connected the dots and found that the man they were looking for was in Qalakabosha Prison following his arrest on a different case of murder which he had committed in Eshowe. 

The suspect was duly charged for the murder of five people, one count of attempted murder and two counts of robbery.

Police detectives successfully opposed his bail application and he was kept behind bars until the day of his sentencing.

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SAPS and PSIRA R667 Million Irregular Spending

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

SAPS and PSIRA R667 Million Irregular Spending

SAPS and PSIRA recorded over R667 million in irregular spending, showing severe governance and accountability failures.

SAPS has R2.5 billion in unresolved irregular expenditure, with weak oversight endangering public safety.

The DA demands urgent action to enforce accountability and restore trust in policing and oversight.

The Auditor-General’s report presented in the Police Portfolio Committee this morning exposes the shocking reality that SAPS and PSIRA are operating with a complete absence of consequence management.

Together, the two entities account for over R667 million in irregular spending in 2024/25, which includes R184 million identified this financial year, but relating to the prior year. Further, SAPS alone is sitting on R2.5 billion in unresolved irregular expenditure.

The same audit findings keep repeating, oversight is weak, and governance failures are persistent, eroding public confidence in policing and its oversight.

SAPS is in a state of near-collapse. Mismanagement here is not an abstract concept. It affects the safety and security of South Africans every single day. Delayed crime statistics, poorly functioning forensic labs, malfunctioning digital systems, and unchecked tender irregularities directly put people at risk.

Public trust is further shaken by revelations in the Madlanga Commission and the Ad Hoc committee, which show systemic leadership failures at the top.

PSIRA is no better. Ongoing financial misstatements, overspending, reliance on external contractors, and weak internal audit functions make it clear that governance and accountability at this regulator are dangerously inadequate.

The Democratic Alliance demands immediate action:

• Fill the long-vacant SAPS Internal Audit post and enforce accountability at every level;
• Conduct lifestyle and skills audits for all SAPS senior management;
• Introduce Treasury-aligned tender reforms with strict due diligence;
• Fast-track digitisation of crime and forensic systems to produce accurate, timely data;
• PSIRA must implement an in-house billing system and fix internal controls immediately; and
• All unresolved irregular expenditure cases must be submitted for disciplinary or condonation action.

Repeated failure to act on audit findings is unacceptable. Every day that mismanagement continues, the safety of South Africans, the integrity of policing, and trust in law enforcement are further undermined.

The DA will hold both entities fully accountable and ensure these actions are implemented immediately. South Africans deserve a police service and oversight system that is competent, accountable, and deserving of public trust.

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