400 000 DRIVERS PERMITS DELAYS @KASIBCNEWS 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng calls on the Gauteng Department of Transport MEC, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela to urgently address a 40 000 backlog of unissued driver permits. This backlog is causing significant disruptions for motorists, forcing them to operate illegally and severely impacting key industries, including the taxi and e-hailing sectors.

This information was revealed by the department during the Roads and Transport Portfolio Committee meeting last week after the DA raised questions regarding the allocation of permits, highlighting complaints from motorists who have been left stranded and unable to drive legally. These frustrations have even led to large-scale protests across the province.

"It is concerning that the department continues to fail motorists by not finding ways to expedite the process of issuing operating permits within the regulated timelines. It is also troubling that the department continues to issue more permits while failing to address the backlog, which is holding thousands of motorists at ransom," said Evert du Plessis MPL, DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Roads and Logistics.

"The DA has long criticised the slow pace with which the department issues permits. This delay is primarily due to two known factors: hold-ups at the provincial and local government levels. Despite this, little to nothing has been done to streamline processes between these two levels of government and eliminate the unnecessary delays," says Du Plessis.

Rather than accepting responsibility for its shortcomings, the department has demonstrated that it is overwhelmed by blaming drivers who are victims in this scenario. The taxi industry alone generates thousands of jobs that support many families. Consequently, undermining such an industry due to administrative incompetence is intolerable.

The DA reiterates its demand for the department to find ways to eradicate the backlog and end the suffering of motorists who want to abide by the law but are not given the opportunity to do so.

A DA-led Gauteng provincial government would ensure that it addresses the permit backlog efficiently while maintaining fair and transparent processes for drivers who have long been left without information about how this process should unfold.

The DA is dedicated to ensuring that Gauteng motorists are not penalised by a department that is struggling to fulfil its primary responsibilities.

Luxury Audi Q5s for SA Navy amid Crisis @KASIBCNEWS

The DA demands answers on the South African Navy's purchase of six luxury Audi Q5 SUVs, each of which retail at over R1 million. This decision underscores the continued disregard for the severe crisis facing the SANDF. While essential vehicles and equipment remain in disrepair or obsolete due to limited funds, top officials continue to prioritise luxury over the basic needs of soldiers on the ground.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) will submit parliamentary questions to ascertain:

-  The justification for purchasing luxury Audi Q5s for top officials in the SA Navy while soldiers face critical resource shortages.
-  Whether this purchase was made in the final weeks of the 2024/2025 budget year to ensure fiscal dumping before the year ends.
-  The rationale behind prioritising luxury vehicles over essential equipment and vehicle repairs needed by the SANDF.

This extravagant spending exemplifies the ongoing culture of privilege - complete with red carpets and golf days - while ordinary soldiers struggle without proper resources. It is yet another indicator of weak leadership that fails to put South Africa and its military personnel first.

The timing of this purchase raises further concerns. Acquired in the final three weeks of the 2024/2025 budget year, with quotes obtained as early as January, it suggests potential fiscal dumping—deliberately exhausting the budget before the financial year ends.

The Democratic Alliance will not allow this matter to go unanswered. We demand full transparency from the Minister of Defence and the Chief of the SANDF. South Africans deserve military leadership that prioritises security and responsible governance over luxury.

HEALTH STANDARD COMPLIANCE AT HELEN JOSEPH HOSPITAL @KASIBCNEWS 

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has noted the joint report released by the Office of the Health Ombud (OHO) and the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) on the findings of the investigation and a risk-based inspection regarding allegations made in relation to Helen Joseph Hospital (HJH). 

The investigation was initiated after a request by the Minister of Health in the wake of allegations made by Mr Thomas Holmes aka Tom London during his admission at the hospital in September 2024. 

The reports provide clear recommendations on various areas such governance, human resource management, finance and supply chain management, and infrastructure and maintenance. 

The GDoH will fast track the process to implement the recommendations as outlined by both the OHO and OHSC. It must be pointed out that the Department has already initiated province-wide interventions that are aimed at addressing the identified issues and beyond. 

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These interventions include the reviewing of the organisational structure which is currently awaiting approval processes, while the infrastructure function within the department has been strengthened with the appointment of a Deputy Director General which has led to the development of a comprehensive maintenance and upgrade programme including procurement of health technology, and the process of filling the CEO post at HJH is prioritised for the new financial year commencing in April 2025, after the only  suitable candidate declined an offer post the interview process.  

The GDoH wishes to assure the public that it remains committed to improving the quality of care across its facilities and will continue to work with multiple stakeholders both within and outside the department to ensure the provision of universal healthcare. 

 

SHOPRITE SHUTDOWN WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT @KASIBCVIDEO

GONE TO SOON FOUR LEARNERS @KASIBCNEWS

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has conveyed her deepest condolences to families of the victims of accident that occurred this morning, Monday, 10 March 2025 along the N12 Westbound before Putfontein in Daveyton, City of Ekurhuleni.  

It is alleged that the accident involved a collision between multiple vehicles on the N12 westbound near the Putfontein Road off-ramp in Daveyton, resulting in the tragic loss of life of four learners. One of the vehicles happened to be a private scholar transport, which was transporting the learners to school. 

It was reported that four pupils aged 5,7,8 and 9 lost their lives, while four others were rushed to local hospital for medical attention.  

“We are deeply saddened by this accident and convey our deepest condolences to families and loved ones of the victims. As a Department, we continue to plead with drivers to be alert at all times, adhere to speed limits, exercise patience, ensure vehicles are roadworthy and most importantly, make informed decisions that will save lives on our roads”. The MEC added that while drivers bear the greatest responsibility for decisions relating to road use, passenger activism and awareness is equally important.  

Law enforcement agencies are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident to establish the exact cause. 

TRAGIC LOSS OF FOUR LEARNERS CAR ACCIDENT IN EKURHULENI @KASIBCNEWS

Gauteng MEC for Education, Mr Matome Chiloane, is saddened to confirm the tragic loss of four learners from Tom Newby Primary School, Rynfield Primary School and an ECD centre following a fatal car accident that took place this morning on Monday, 10 March 2025, on the N12 in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni. 

It is alleged that the accident involved a collision between multiple vehicles on the N12 westbound near the Putfontein Road off-ramp in Daveyton, resulting in the tragic loss of life of four learners. One of the vehicles happened to be a private scholar transport, which was transporting the learners to school. Law enforcement agencies are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident to establish the exact cause. 

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The deceased include two boy learners in Grade 1 and Grade 3, who were siblings from Tom Newby Primary School in Benoni; a Grade 1 boy learner from Rynfield Primary School also in Benoni, and a Grade R boy learner from an ECD centre that is still to be identified. Additionally, another girl learner in Grade 3 from Rynfield Primary School is in critical condition as a result of the accident, and has been admitted to a local hospital for urgent medical care. 

The GDE Psycho-Social Support Unit has been dispatched to both Tom Newby and Rynfield Primary Schools to provide immediate counselling services to learners and educators in the aftermath of this devastating incident. 

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of these young learners whose lives were tragically cut short by this unfortunate incident. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families, friends, and the school communities during this painful period. The Department stands ready to provide the necessary support to all affected,” said MEC Chiloane. 

South Africa and India Sign MOU @KASIBCNEWS

South Africa and India Sign MOU @KASIBCNEWS

The National School of Government (NSG) and the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster collaboration in capacity building, research, consultancy, and knowledge sharing to enhance governance and public sector performance.

The partnership will enable both institutions to utilize their expertise in training, research, advisory services, and professional development to equip public servants with the necessary skills and competencies to drive national development.

Key areas of cooperation under this MOU include:

• Capacity building and training programs for public sector professionals.
• Joint research initiatives to inform policy and governance best practices.
• Advisory and consultancy services.
• Knowledge sharing and networking platforms.
• Exchange programs.

The collaboration between the two institutions will take various forms, such as facilitated field study tours, seminars, workshops, and information sharing, to foster mutual learning and professional growth.

The NSG principal, Prof Busani Ngcaweni, said, “Partnerships are a key focus for the NSG as they enable us to expand the depth of training delivery and diversity and allow access to expertise that we do not have. This collaboration with ASCI aligns with NSG’s mission to build a highly skilled and ethical public sector. We aim to strengthen governance and service delivery through joint research, training, and advisory programs."

Prof Ngcaweni added that the signing of the partnership marked the beginning of a strategic partnership that will enhance public sector capacity and capabilities, promote good governance, and facilitate international best practices in administration and management. The signing of this MoU is a milestone in the growing bilateral relations between South Africa and India.

These relations were forged during the struggle against apartheid, with India becoming one of the first countries in the world to impose sanctions against the apartheid regime and bringing the issue of apartheid to the attention of the United Nations and other relevant international platforms