Author: Zimasa Matiwane

Former chairperson of the SA Communist Party in KwaZulu-Natal, Mchunu, has resigned from the ANC due to his loss of hope in the party’s ability to pursue the national democratic revolution for the working class and the poor. He expressed his acceptance of the GNU status quo but confessed to being critical of many aspects of the ANC’s organizational and governmental life. Mchunu stated that he does not want to be a destructive member of the ANC and made the painful decision to leave. In response, ANC provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo expressed pain but respected Mchunu’s decision. He challenged Mchunu’s…

KwaZulu-Natal is set to host a crucial climate change and sustainability dialogue, bringing together key stakeholders to develop a coordinated response to climate challenges in the province. The focus is on integrating ecosystem-based approaches into climate change adaptation, mitigation, and disaster risk reduction strategies. The region has faced severe weather events like tornadoes, floods, snow, and damaging winds, causing significant damage and loss of life. Following discussions with Maryland, the premier highlighted plans for collaboration on climate change, agriculture, and weather prediction technology. The government aims to lead efforts in acquiring advanced weather prediction tools and visit environmental observatory stations…

ActionSA has taken a bold step by laying a criminal complaint against justice minister Thembi Simelane regarding a nearly R600,000 loan she received from Gundo Wealth Solutions while serving as the mayor of Polokwane. The parliamentary caucus leader Athol Trollip has accused Simelane of violating the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act and committing the common law crime of forgery in connection with the questionable loan. In 2016, Simelane allegedly obtained a R575,600 loan from Gundo Wealth Solutions, a company believed to have shady dealings with VBS Mutual Bank. Trollip raised concerns about the authenticity of the loan agreement,…

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the National Council of Provinces, emphasizing that corruption is a major obstacle that leads to infrastructure projects being abandoned, affecting service delivery and economic progress. He stated that as the government ramps up investment in infrastructure, tackling corruption and other key issues will be a priority in upcoming reforms. Ramaphosa pointed out the numerous unfinished projects across the country due to corruption, some only at the foundation stage. He assured NCOP members that actions have been taken against those involved in corrupt practices, with investigations ongoing to hold them accountable. He emphasized that individuals responsible for…

Struggling to access vital information on the Case Administration System (CAS)/Integrated Case Docket Management System (ICDMS)? According to Mchunu, a thorough analysis per station is required to retrieve this data, as it is not readily available on the systems. This manual extraction from archives will consume significant time and resources, impacting service delivery. Mchunu’s recent report highlighted a 0.9% decrease in serious crimes like murder in the first quarter of the 2024/25 financial period. Coastal provinces still face challenges related to murders despite the overall decrease. While Gauteng recorded the highest number of cases, it witnessed a notable drop in…

The national policing policy is set to revolutionize the way law enforcement operates in less than two months. Announced by the cabinet, this policy aims to tackle crucial challenges faced by the police force. Acting minister in the Presidency, Maropene Ramokgopa, highlighted that the policy will focus on improving police stations and infrastructure by adhering to set norms and standards. The vision of this policy entails a police service that is professional, well-equipped, and highly competent, capable of understanding and addressing both internal and external obstacles. Emphasizing the importance of building legitimacy and trust, this police service aims to provide…

The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has strategically entered into a government of national unity (GNU) to revive the party after facing a significant electoral defeat. This decision has allowed the ANC to maintain its leadership in government and drive transformation initiatives, despite its declining support in the province. Province secretary, Bheki Mtolo, addressed critics who branded the ANC’s choice of GNU partners as a “sell-out position”, emphasizing the need to dispel these false narratives. Mtolo highlighted the importance of rebuilding party branches and educating members on the significance of the GNU, aligning it with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s state of the nation…

Negotiations Deadlocked as ANC Refuses to Sign Draft Order for Water Crisis Solution 28 August 2024 – 17:40 By ZIMASA MATIWANE Despite a stable provincial government partnership, the DA in KwaZulu-Natal faces opposition in eThekwini due to a deadlock in coalition negotiations caused by the ANC’s refusal to sign a draft order aimed at addressing the city’s water and sanitation crisis. In a recent development, the formation of a coalition government in eThekwini has hit a roadblock, as the ANC has declined to endorse a draft order that would establish a legal framework to tackle the pressing water and sanitation…

King Misuzulu: The Rightful King of the Zulu Nation Despite the recent decision to set aside his recognition, counsel confirms that King Misuzulu remains the rightful and lawfully identified king of the Zulu nation. The ongoing legal battle has not changed his status as the leader of the Zulu people. In these turbulent times, it is crucial to support independent media like the Sunday Times. From historic events like World War 1 to present-day South Africa, the Sunday Times has been a reliable source of news and information. For just R80, you can become a premium member and access digital…

The eThekwini municipality’s EPWP programme is facing challenges after a significant reduction in the incentive grant from the department of public works and infrastructure. This has led to almost 3,000 workers being affected, with their employment contracts being terminated. These workers recently disrupted service delivery in protest. According to Meyer, a major issue with the EPWP is that when contracts expire, beneficiaries often fall back into poverty due to being paid below minimum wage. Efforts are being made to explore solutions to revive the programme, including engaging the National Treasury. However, the newly appointed MEC is facing administrative challenges, including…