Author: Silver Sibiya

The memory of finding struggle stalwart Chris Hani lying bloodied after his assassination remains painful for former Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula, who has strongly rejected allegations that he colluded with apartheid-era security generals to secure pardons for human rights abuses. Nqakula was testifying before the Commission of Inquiry into Stopped TRC Investigations and/or Prosecutions, chaired by retired Justice Sisi Khampepe. Taking the commission back to the dark days of apartheid, Nqakula recalled his close working relationship with Hani, whom he served as deputy when Hani was secretary-general of the South African Communist Party (SACP). Hani was assassinated in…

The partially decomposed body of a 25-year-old man has been recovered from a space between the ceiling and the metal roof tiles of a house in Moeketsane Street, Kwa-Thema, Springs. The City of Ekurhuleni’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) said its technical rescue teams from the Brakpan and Kwa-Thema fire stations worked together to retrieve the body on Friday. According to DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi, emergency crews were called out after paramedics approached the Brakpan fire station for assistance. While the Brakpan team was responding, the Kwa-Thema rescue team was also mobilised. “On arrival, neighbours were engaged and apparently…

Former Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula has told the Commission of Inquiry into Stopped TRC Investigations and/or Prosecutions that cases referred to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) were never discussed at security cluster meetings when he took office in 2002. Nqakula, who served under former President Thabo Mbeki, testified before the inquiry chaired by retired Justice Sisi Khampepe. He was led in his testimony by Advocate Ngwako Maenetje SC. He said the government’s priority at the time was to restore peace and stability following years of political violence in the country. Explaining what he understood by TRC cases,…

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) is taking its campaign to the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, with party president Velenkosini Hlabisa set to lead a series of rallies ahead of the November 4 local government elections. The campaign drive follows the party’s engagements in Johannesburg, where Hlabisa visited Kliptown in Soweto earlier this week and spoke to the media about poor living conditions and immigration. During the Kliptown visit, Hlabisa criticised the conditions facing residents, saying the area should be developed to match more affluent parts of Johannesburg. “This place should be at the level of Sandton, if not better,” he said.…

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz says his side must score first as they look to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Zambia’s Red Arrows in the second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup tie on Friday. Amakhosi host the Zambian side at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, with a place in the 2026/27 competition’s group stage at stake. Chiefs lost the first leg in Ndola after conceding from a corner late in the match. Da Cruz believes his team has the quality to turn the tie around but says securing the opening goal will be crucial. “It is imperative for…

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has removed Sibonelo Nomvalo as its secretary-general and appointed Lindiwe Mtshali as acting secretary-general, marking another change in the party’s leadership since its formation in December 2023. In a statement issued by the Office of Party President Jacob Zuma, the party said Nomvalo had been relieved of his duties following concerns about the councillor selection process and several internal administrative and organisational matters. These include alleged internal factionalism, issues relating to dual remuneration, delays in campaign materials and changes within the parliamentary caucus and administration that were reportedly not communicated to the party’s senior leadership.…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned that municipalities that fail to deliver essential services could lose some of their functions as government moves to overhaul South Africa’s local government system. Ramaphosa was speaking at the launch of the Revised White Paper on Local Government at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, on Thursday. The reforms propose linking municipal powers and responsibilities to their size, financial resources, capacity and performance, with some functions potentially transferred to other institutions or delivered at a regional level. “This White Paper represents a fundamental reassessment of how local government is structured, financed, managed…

North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi, says government appointments should be based on merit, skills and qualifications rather than political affiliation. Molapisi was speaking at the launch of the Revised White Paper on Local Government at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg, Gauteng, on Thursday. He said government should prioritise the appointment of suitably qualified people with the necessary skills and capacity to serve in public office. “It is important to us as government to appoint people based on meritocracy,” Molapisi said. “We must appoint people based on…

Como produced one of the biggest results of the UEFA Champions League Matchday 3 fixtures, thrashing Manchester United 4-1, while Arsenal fought back to secure a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich on Wednesday. Aston Villa, Real Betis and Real Madrid also maintained their perfect starts to the league phase, recording their third consecutive victories in the competition. Como humble Manchester United Como delivered a stunning attacking performance to overwhelm the three-time European champions, with Nicolás Paz leading the charge. The Argentine international opened the scoring after just two minutes with a curling effort before setting up Tasos Douvikas early in…

City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero says the City is exploring microgrids to address persistent electricity challenges in Ennerdale and surrounding communities. Morero made the remarks during a City Power community imbizo in Ennerdale, following ongoing electricity supply problems across the Lenasia Service Delivery Centre that require urgent leadership intervention. Residents in Ennerdale, Lawley, Vlakfontein, Lenasia South, Finetown, Freedom Park and Zakariyya Park have been affected by mounting pressure on the electricity network. Morero identified growing electricity demand from informal settlements as one of the factors placing strain on existing infrastructure. He said microgrids could provide safer, metered electricity…