A senior official testified before a parliamentary committee that a private investigator, Paul O’Sullivan, exerted extensive and improper influence over several key law enforcement bodies. Cedrick Nkabinde, the chief of staff for the suspended Police Minister, alleged that O’Sullivan operated without any official authority yet effectively directed activities within the South African Police Service, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, and the National Prosecuting Authority.
Nkabinde claimed this influence included blocking appointments and orchestrating a campaign to remove the former acting national commissioner, Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane. He described a secret meeting at O’Sullivan’s home where participants...
A planned water shutdown will affect several eastern Pretoria suburbs, including Die Wilgers, La Montagne, and parts of Equestria. The City of Tshwane announced the eight-hour interruption to allow technicians to connect a new pressure management chamber to the existing water supply network. This essential maintenance is intended to improve water pressure and long-term supply reliability for the region.
City officials advised residents to store adequate water in advance and to use grey water for tasks like garden irrigation during the outage. They apologized for the inconvenience while emphasizing that the infrastructure upgrade is necessary. The municipality routinely conducts such repairs to address its aging water infrastructure and...
The University of the Free State has endorsed a planned national shutdown against gender-based violence, authorizing a 15-minute silent demonstration across its three campuses. The university encouraged its entire community to participate in the protest, which was organized by the activist group Women for Change. The demonstration is part of a broader call for women and LGBTQI+ individuals to withdraw from labor and economic activity, demanding the government declare gender-based violence a national disaster.
This action highlights the severe rates of violence against women in South Africa. The protest aims to pressure authorities for more substantial policy changes and increased funding for victim support services. The university's...
Lieutenant General Molefe Fani, a senior police official, defended the awarding of a R360 million healthcare contract to Vusimuzi Matlala's company, Medicare24 Tshwane District. Testifying before a parliamentary committee, Fani stated that all procurement regulations were followed during the initial selection process. He acknowledged, however, that the winning bidder was later found to be not fully compliant with requirements.
The tender was canceled following media reports that exposed irregularities, including the company's lack of a valid operating license. Fani explained that an internal audit, ordered by the Police Minister, confirmed these flaws. Under questioning, he conceded that Medicare24 had not submitted all necessary...
President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared gender-based violence and femicide a national crisis, demanding urgent societal action. He made this announcement at the conclusion of the G20 Social Summit in Boksburg, emphasizing that the violence impedes national development and inclusive growth. Ramaphosa called upon men and boys to become partners in challenging the harmful social norms that enable such crimes.
His statement preceded a planned national shutdown organized by Women for Change, which is demanding that the government classify gender-based violence as a national disaster. The protest urges women and LGBTQI+ individuals to abstain from work to demonstrate their essential role in society and to push for increased funding and...
Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi welcomed a R65 million investment from China as a significant demonstration of faith in South Africa's HIV response. He stated that the funding, facilitated by the China South-South Cooperation Fund and UNAIDS, was especially important given the current context of shrinking global health budgets. The minister explained that the initiative would enhance prevention services for adolescents, young people, and persons who inject drugs.
The program will be implemented across 16 technical and vocational education colleges in seven provinces. Minister Motsoaledi emphasized that young people remain central to the nation's unfinished agenda on HIV. He also noted the growing necessity for tailored support for...
Brian Mogotsi is facing accusations of providing false testimony at the Madlanga Commission, with critics labeling his actions a pathological disregard for the truth and an assault on the nation's legal institutions. It was alleged that Mogotsi, who claims to be a crime intelligence agent, committed perjury, an act that demands legal consequences. He was said to be operating alongside Aan de Haus in a coordinated effort to discredit Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and spread misinformation about King Misuzulu.
Their alleged deception was characterized as a direct challenge to South Africa's democratic processes and constitutional principles. Commentator Rev. Mo’hau Khumalo stated that such conduct insults every citizen who...
Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi earned the African Footballer of the Year honor, breaking a 52-year streak for a defender last achieved by Bwanga Tshimen. The Paris Saint-Germain right-back secured the award ahead of competitors Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen. His victory recognized a standout season where he contributed to his club winning the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the UEFA Super Cup.
Hakimi expressed his profound gratitude during the ceremony in Marrakech, dedicating the accolade to aspiring African footballers and those who supported his career from its beginning. His performances for both club and country during the year, which included 11 goals and 12 assists, were widely praised.
Morocco’s...
South Africa has rejected a United States demand to forgo a joint leaders’ declaration at the conclusion of the G20 summit, asserting that Washington’s decision to boycott the event nullifies its influence over the outcome. A US diplomatic note had called for no consensus document, a move South African officials dismissed as an invalid attempt at coercion by an absent party.
The summit, the first held on African soil, will proceed in Johannesburg despite the US boycott. President Cyril Ramaphosa has characterized the American absence as their loss, emphasizing the event's role in advancing global solidarity. South Africa intends to pursue a consensus among attending nations on its key priorities, which include debt sustainability for...
