The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Western Cape has received a significant boost in law enforcement capabilities, with the delivery of 362 vehicles during the 2022/23 fiscal year. Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, is credited with this development, owing to his effective and enhanced oversight efforts.
Starting on Thursday, May 11th, 2023, the Portfolio Committees of Gauteng Legislature will hold public meetings across the province to comprehensively review the budgets of Provincial Government Departments for the 2023/24 financial year. These meetings aim to create an open and transparent platform for Gauteng residents to participate actively, express their opinions, and ask questions, which is a crucial component of the Legislature’s mission to involve the public in legislative processes.
The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Premier, Finance, Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs has raised concerns over the alleged irregular awarding of a tender worth R130,484,335.86 by the Department of Social Development. The Committee plans to request the Provincial Treasury to investigate the possibility of reviewing and setting aside the tender due to inconsistencies in the bid documents.
The ongoing Thabo Bester prison escape case has gripped the attention of South Africans as new revelations come to light during the court proceedings. With 16 charges, including fraud, corruption, and arson, the accused – Thabo Bester and Nandipha Magudumana – have been joined by two former G4S employees: Natasha Jansen and Tieho Frans Makgotsa. These two individuals were identified during a court appearance on Wednesday, 03 May.
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has allocated R62 billion for the COVID19 TERS relief funds, of which KwaZuluNatal businesses received R9.2 billion. To verify that the monies were paid to workers who were meant to receive the relief funds, the “follow the money” audit was set up.
Astron Energy, a South African refinery company, faces criticism following a recent product spill from their Milnerton Refinery that leaked into Table Bay waterways, affecting local birds and wildlife. Environmental groups and community members are frustrated with Astron’s response to the spill, with concerns raised about the fall’s extent and the booms’ effectiveness.
World Press Freedom Day is an annual event that commemorates the importance of press freedom across the globe. This year, the event is particularly significant as it marks the 30th anniversary of the event. ## The Theme for 2021: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for Human Rights
Properly managing funds intended for student financial aid is crucial to ensure students can access the resources they need to succeed. Unfortunately, misappropriation of these funds is a severe issue that requires urgent attention. While the recent payment made by UJ to NSFAS is commendable, it is not enough to prevent future occurrences of mismanagement.
The tension between the Western Cape Government and the ANCnational government over the potential arrest of Russian President Vladimir Putin has highlighted the challenges of balancing international commitments with domestic needs. ## The Premier’s Statement
South Africa has taken a significant step towards a sustainable and lowcarbon future by publishing its 8th National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report (NIR). This detailed report provides an inventory of annual greenhouse gas emissions from 2000 to 2020, including sources of emissions and removals by sinks, such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, perfluorocarbons, and hydrofluorocarbons.
The recent claims made by former Eskom CEO, Andre de Ruyter, alleging the involvement of highlevel politicians in corruption at the power utility have caused a stir in South Africa. However, de Ruyter declined to disclose any names during a hearing with Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), citing legal advice and safety concerns.
Residents of Johannesburg are facing a nightmare on the city’s roads, which are in a state of disrepair. The lack of adequate maintenance has led to the proliferation of potholes that make driving a dangerous proposition. Despite the efforts of the newlyelected mayor, Thapelo Amad, the situation remains unchanged.
The South Cape Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College has been in the news lately after eight suspects were arrested for stealing funds from the institution. This news shocked many people in the community, unaware of the extent of the corruption at the college.
A recent investigative report has revealed a shocking illegal scheme involving a prison escape plot led by fugitive Thabo Bester and the alleged involvement of Dr. Nandipha Magudumana. The case has raised questions about the ethical boundaries in the medical profession, the criminal justice system, and the extent of corruption in our society.
Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba has been a vocal advocate for transparency and accountability in South Africa, particularly about the theft at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in Limpopo. During an Easter vigil at St. George’s Cathedral in Cape Town, the Archbishop emphasized the need for clarity and openness regarding the theft, calling on President Ramaphosa to provide a comprehensive account of what happened and why.
The recent rearrest of Thabo Bester and Dr. Nandipha Magudumana in Tanzania has been a welcome development for the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru). Bester, who had previously escaped from the Mangaung Correctional Center in South Africa, was on the run for several months before being apprehended by South African Crime Intelligence officers.
