POSITIVE TURNAROUND IN EMPLOYMENT FIGURES IN SOUTH AFRICA

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

POSITIVE TURNAROUND IN EMPLOYMENT FIGURES IN SOUTH AFRICA 

The African National Congress (ANC) welcomes the encouraging news released by Statistics South Africa, showing a significant and broad-based improvement in the employment landscape. The official unemployment rate has declined by 1.3% to 31.9%, while the expanded definition has dropped by 0.6% to 42.4% in the third quarter of 2025. 

This progress reflects the tangible impact of a coordinated economic interventions and the ANC’s 10-Point Plan to grow the economy, create jobs, and restore hope among our people. More than 248,000 new jobs were created during the quarter, bringing total employment to over 17.1 million South Africans, the highest level since before the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The number of unemployed persons decreased by 360,000, confirming that the country is steadily shifting from despair to renewal. This positive momentum underscores that our collective efforts to rebuild the economy, stabilise energy supply, and accelerate infrastructure investment are beginning to bear fruit. 

The ANC is encouraged that the state’s strategic support for key sectors, including manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and tourism, is helping to reignite economic activity and expand opportunities for ordinary South Africans. However, while we celebrate this progress, the ANC remains concerned that far too many of our people are still without work. 

The fight against unemployment remains our foremost priority. The ANC calls on government, labour, and business to deepen collaboration in unlocking industrial investment, supporting small and medium enterprises, and ensuring that every public rand spent contributes to productive and inclusive growth. As we enter the festive season, the ANC urges employers, particularly in retail, hospitality, logistics, and agriculture, to build on this progress by protecting and expanding jobs, ensuring decent working conditions, and paying workers on time. The movement’s vision remains rooted in building an economy that works for all, where young people, women, and rural communities are fully part of South Africa’s growth story. 

The ANC’s 10-Point Economic Plan, focusing on energy security, water provision, infrastructure rollout, industrialisation, and employment creation, continues to guide the Government of National Unity’s actions. This progress signals that South Africa is indeed turning the corner towards a period of stability, renewal, and inclusive growth. 

The ANC salutes all South Africans, workers, entrepreneurs, and communities, whose resilience and hard work are driving this recovery. 

Together, we are rebuilding our economy, restoring dignity, and realising the promise of a better life for all. 

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JOBS CORRUPTION EXPOSED EPWP AND CWP

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

JOBS CORRUPTION EXPOSED EPWP AND CWP 

On the back of the Minister of Public Works & Infrastructure Dean Macpherson’s nationwide Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Listening Tour, which has uncovered widespread allegations of corruption and abuse, the Democratic Alliance will be launching a crucial oversight in the EPWP and Community Work Programme (CWP) to champion their cause.

This also follows growing media reports of the ANC making use of the programme for its personal gain, including, most recently, the MMC for Treasury in the Bojanala District Municipality, who allegedly used EPWP workers to clean and maintain her private home in Lebotlwane, while coercing the workers to pay for ANC membership cards and fuel contributions.

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure also recently confirmed that R13.8 million was lost to corruption across the EPWP.

The Independent Development Trust (IDT) received R4.65 billion as an implementing partner, but serious irregularities have been exposed. Meanwhile, over 200 EPWP workers went unpaid for five months and were collectively owed R1.7 million.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) won’t tolerate a growing trend of political corruption in the work opportunity programmes of government, because this corruption is stealing jobs from people who need to put food on the table for their families. 

The DA cannot accept this, and we are taking up a fight against political corruption by launching a national probe.

We are furthermore reinforcing our support for the reform efforts underway by Minister Macpherson, which will see new levels of transparency and accountability being introduced in the EPWP programme to remove opportunities for abuse and provide new pathways towards permanent employment. 

This is because, as the Democratic Alliance, we want to see a system that works for all.

The crucial oversight initiative we are launching in the EPWP and CWP to help champion their cause.

This national initiative will help identify corruption, mismanagement, and political interference affecting these vital poverty-alleviation programmes.

All provincial structures of the DA are tasked with documenting issues with these programmes in their areas, as corruption is robbing the most vulnerable people of a work opportunity to put food on the table.

The findings we obtain will be compiled and delivered to the relevant committees to hold entities and individuals accountable. More information will be shared as respondents provide information.

Communities here have repeatedly raised concerns about political interference, delayed payments, and unfair recruitment. We will engage with affected participants will provide us with valuable information about the scale of abuse and help guide meaningful reforms.

The DA will support efforts to provide dignified work opportunities and ensure that all officials and politicians implicated face accountability.

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Six Accused Sentenced for Mob Justice Murder

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

Six Accused Sentenced for Mob Justice Murder

FREE STATE - The Thabo Mofutsanyana District Executive Detectives, in collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority, secured heavy sentences against six accused who brutally murdered the late Moratwe Mofokeng of Bohlokong in June 2024.

The case was heard at the Bethlehem Regional Court before Magistrate Matshaya, with Prosecutor Mr. Jaco Scholtz representing the State, and Detective Warrant Officer Bobo Hlabi of the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Detective Service leading the investigation.

On 11 November 2025, the Bethlehem Regional Court sent a strong message to the community that crime does not pay , particularly in matters of mob justice, which has become prevalent in some parts of Bohlokong where community members take the law into their own hands instead of involving the police.

The following accused were convicted of murder (mob justice) and sentenced as follows:

Eric Mabe (26), Tshepo Mofokeng (25), and Thabang Moloi (24) — each sentenced to 18 years’ direct imprisonment.

Thabo Mdledle Shabangu (28), Mosuwane Mokoena (29), and Lefu Patrick Shabangu (30) — each sentenced to 25 years’ direct imprisonment as they were regarded as the ringleaders.

On 29 June 2024, the deceased, Moratwe Mofokeng, was chased from a local tavern by the accused. He attempted to hide on the roof of a nearby shack, but the accused discovered him and began pelting him with stones. The deceased jumped off the roof and tried to flee, but was caught. He was then assaulted with bricks, bottles, booted feet, and knives.

Some community members attempted to intervene but were threatened with violence by the accused. The victim later succumbed to his injuries.

The South African Police Service strongly condemns acts of mob justice. Taking the law into one’s own hands is a criminal offence and leads to devastating consequences for both the victim’s and the perpetrators’ families.

No individual has the right to take another person’s life, even if they suspect that person of a crime. We urge all community members to report crimes to the police and allow the justice system to take its course. Let us resolve our differences through dialogue and lawful means, not violence.

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

BEE UNDER REVIEW DEPUTY PRESIDENT PAUL MASHATILE

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

BEE UNDER REVIEW DEPUTY PRESIDENT PAUL MASHATILE 

The DA welcomes that Parliament has been informed today that “BEE is under review” - announced by Deputy President Paul Mashatile.

Mashatile made the unexpected announcement in his reply to my oral question, about how the ANC can continue to justify and defend BEE when it only benefits political insiders at the top of his party.

44 Million South Africans - majority black South Africans - live in poverty because BEE has been captured by political elites, and has done nothing to help them out of poverty into economic opportunity.

The DA will not allow this entrenched poverty to go on, enforced by failing BEE that makes insiders rich and leaves everyone else behind.

The DA sees a much more prosperous future for all South Africans, if we can replace BEE together.

The DA is determined to replace BEE, with real economic inclusion for all, that is beyond reproach of political meddling. With our version of a procurement scorecard that assesses the actual means and needs of individuals, and will ensure value-for-money for public procurement, the DA’s alternative will lift millions out of poverty.

Now that Mashatile has confirmed BEE is up for review the DA’s “Economic Inclusion for All” Bill is the only current alternative to BEE on the table in Parliament, and the DA looks forward to thorough engagement on our plan.

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EMPD EXPOSED AT MADLANGA COMMISSION

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

EMPD EXPOSED AT MADLANGA COMMISSION 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the City of Ekurhuleni welcomes the revelations made at the Madlanga Commission of Enquiry relating to the grand scale criminality within the ranks of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).

We also welcome the long overdue suspension of EMPD Deputy Chief of Police, Julius Mkhwanazi, who has been a central figure in the allegations of EMPD criminal capture.

Many of the matters brought to the attention of the Commission are issues that we have been fighting tirelessly over a number of years.

These include:

The illegal CAT VIP blue-light matter

The implementation of the Independent Police Investigative Department (IPID) report recommendations relating to criminal activities by EMPD Deputy Chief of Police, Julius Mkhwanazi.

Rouge criminal EMPD syndicates

The implementation of criminal vetting of EMPD personnel

We are vindicated by the testimonies of both the suspended EMPD Chief of Police, Isaac Mapiyeye and former EMPD Deputy Police Commissioner, Revo Spies relating to political interference and high-level cover-ups of crimes committed by EMPD members.

Now that the spotlight is on these matters before the Commission, they must not be swept under the rug.

For too long have criminals, corrupt high-level officials, including former City Manager, Dr. Imogen Mashazi and shady politicians tainted the EMPD and made conditions for honest, hardworking members impossible.

The DA will never cease in its pursuit of a professional and ethical EMPD free from corruption and political interference.

Due process and justice are nothing less than what residents in the City of Ekurhuleni deserve.

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

Delft Triple Murder Suspect Arrested

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

Delft Triple Murder Suspect Arrested

WESTERN CAPE - Police deployments in the Delft Policing precinct, following a surge of violent crimes reported over the weekend, resulted in several arrests including a suspect in the murder case of three people in Sandrivier Street, Leiden on Sunday. Members of Operation Shanela II followed up on intelligence and arrested a 25-year-old male suspect for murder. 

The suspect was apprehended at around 19:00 in Bordaair Street, Voorbug, Delft yesterday. He was found with a firearm holster and an amount of R7400. Both the holster and the cash were confiscated, and more arrests are expected as the investigation continues. The suspect will make his first court appearance in the Bellville Magistrate’s court, once charged.

In an unrelated incident, Operation Shanela II members were patrolling when they spotted a group of school boys smoking dagga during school hours. The members questioned the boys and they pointed out the house where they bought the dagga. 

The police proceeded to the address in Kaiser Street and while searching, they found dagga trees and 20 5L bottles of liquor. 

The occupants were not co-operative, and five suspects were arrested for possession of dagga, possession of illicit liquor and resisting arrest. 

The five will appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s court, once charged.

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NDPP SHAMILA BATOHI’S REFUSAL TO COOPERATE WITH PARLIAMENTARY AD-HOC COMMITTEE

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

NDPP SHAMILA BATOHI’S REFUSAL TO COOPERATE WITH PARLIAMENTARY AD-HOC COMMITTEE 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is appalled by the arrogant and deliberate decision by the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Shamila Batohi, to not cooperate with the work of the Ad Hoc Committee of Parliament which is investigating allegations of corruption and infiltration of law enforcement in South Africa. 

Batohi whose tenure has been marked by inefficiency and incompetence, displayed utter contempt not only for Parliament but towards the people of South Africa during proceedings, wherein she blatantly refused to provide the name of a prosecutor who is allegedly involved in organised crime within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). 

This is despite this prosecutor being on suspension and referred to the Investigative Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC). Batohi’s refusal to name this prosecutor, in the wake of concerns that the NPA is complicit in the enabling of criminal syndicates and drug cartels, is part of a pattern of her shielding the corrupt in the NPA. 

It was on the 05th of June 2025 on a television interview on broadcaster Newzroom Afrika, where Shamila Batohi alleged publicly that the NPA is being infiltrated by people that do not have the rule of law at heart. Following a meeting with the Minister of Justice and the President of the Republic of South Africa, Batohi later rephrased her commentary and stated that she used inappropriate language to describe the situation which she had earlier characterised as infiltration. Today however at the Ad Hoc Committee in Parliament Batohi confirmed that she had received information from the National Police Commissioner Lt General Fannie Masemola and from Crime Intelligence Head Lt General Dumisani Khumalo, to corroborate the allegations she made of infiltration in the NPA. 

Adding that, amongst others, there is a prosecutor involved in organised crime whom she is not in a position to name, citing vague consequences that may arise should she do so. 

When pressed by the President of the EFF Julius Malema who, as a point of reference, highlighted that the South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andrew Chauke had been suspended by the President of South Africa on similar allegations of corruption. Malema noted that these allegations were being publicly ventilated, proving that her claim to protect the corrupt prosecutor by not naming the individual is inconsistent with precedence. To which, disappointingly, Batohi baselessly stood her ground. 

The EFF has been keenly observing the proceedings at the Ad Hoc Committee and at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry closely and has intentionally avoided conducting running commentary as these unfold to ensure that a comprehensive reflection can be made, which will inform subsequent recommendations. 

The deliberate decision however by the Head of the NPA to not assist the Committee with its work in defence of a suspended prosecutor who is alleged to be corrupt, demands that all South Africans register their displeasure and outrage. 

Batohi has disregarded the important work of uprooting the rot in our criminal justice system and has no sense of duty to the Republic which she has failed as her tenure comes to an end in January 2026. Her presentation of consulting with her legal counsel if she should provide the name of the prosecutor either through documentation or in camera testimony is an insult on its own, which is worsened by the fact that she places no set timelines on when she will submit the name, all while utilising state resources for legal counsel on a continuous basis. 

The EFF will, therefore, pursue all mechanisms to ensure that Batohi discloses the names of all those within the NPA who are alleged to be corrupted and complicit in crime. 

This is especially important in this climate where criminals receive lenient sentences or are set free due to incompetence by prosecutors and collaboration between prosecutors and those who terrorise South African people. 

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA