eyewitness news

Former Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe has been removed from office, but a controversial R3 million trip to New York in 2025 remains under scrutiny. Bridget Masango, the chairperson of Parliament’s portfolio committee, has stated that the expenditure will not be left unprobed.

Accountability Over New York Expenditure

The trip, which involved Tolashe and several officials attending the Commission on the Status of Women, has become a focal point for parliamentary oversight. In October, Tolashe attempted to explain the expenses to the portfolio committee but was asked to provide further details.

Masango has accused the department of avoiding accountability regarding the matter. “The department has still not honoured its undertaking to provide a detailed breakdown of the costs relating to the taxpayers’ R3 million reportedly spent on a New York trip,” Masango said.

Leadership Transition and Departmental Scandals

Tolashe was fired last week following months of scandal involving irregular appointments within the department. Her temporary replacement, Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, is now overseeing the department’s operations.

Nazley Sharif, a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Democratic Alliance (DA), has appealed to Chikunga to take action against those implicated by the Public Service Commission. This follows a department forensic investigation into irregular staff appointments made during Tolashe’s tenure.

Sharif insisted that “all of those guilty of wrongdoing, including the former minister’s special advisor, must be held accountable.”

Future Outlook for the Department

Minister Chikunga has indicated that the department will focus on filling all critical posts. This includes the position of Director-General, as the previous appointment to that role was one of the factors that led to Tolashe’s removal.

Moving forward, the department may face continued pressure from the portfolio committee to disclose the full breakdown of the New York trip. It is also likely that the findings from the Public Service Commission and forensic investigations could lead to further disciplinary actions against remaining staff.

For more on this developing story, you can read about the Acting Minister’s views on the former minister and committee delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Sisisi Tolashe removed from office?

Tolashe was fired following months of scandal involving irregular appointments within the Department of Social Development.

What is the dispute regarding the New York trip?

Parliament’s portfolio committee is seeking a detailed breakdown of the R3 million spent by Tolashe and other officials to attend the Commission on the Status of Women in 2025.

Who is currently managing the department?

Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has stepped in as the temporary replacement for the former minister.

Do you believe that stricter parliamentary oversight of travel expenditure can prevent future irregularities in government departments?

City of Johannesburg officials have conducted a multi-departmental operation on Small Street in the inner city, resulting in the demolition of several illegally built structures. Shop owners were forced to watch as their stores were torn down during the cleanup effort.

Multi-Agency Enforcement

The operation was led by City Mayor Dada Morero and Sithembiso Zungu, the MMC for Group Corporate and Shared Services. The effort involved a coordinated response from several city entities.

Participating agencies included the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), City Power, and officials from both Economic Development and Community Development.

Illegal Infrastructure and Utility Theft

Officials targeted a number of structures, including those attached to the iconic Central Methodist Church. Sithembiso Zungu stated that these structures were unlawfully constructed.

Beyond the illegal building permits, Zungu noted that some of the structures had connected illegally to the city’s electricity supply.

Ownership and Immigration Concerns

The operation faced some resistance, with some owners claiming they had not received prior notice before the demolitions began.

Zungu highlighted a further complication regarding the workforce, noting that many of these shops are owned by foreign nationals and employ undocumented immigrants. “These shops are owned by foreign nationals and they still employ illegal foreign nationals, so we need immigration to be part of this campaign,” Zungu stated.

Regarding the Central Methodist Church, Zungu mentioned that a pastor claimed ownership of the building. The city intends to verify if payments are being made correctly, noting that shops not part of the original structure will be demolished.

Future Outlook

As the cleanup operation continues, most shops on Small Street remained closed for the majority of the day.

Moving forward, the city may seek the formal involvement of immigration authorities to address the employment of undocumented workers. The city is likely to continue verifying the payment status and structural legality of buildings associated with the Central Methodist Church.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city departments participated in the Small Street operation?

The operation involved the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), City Power, and officials from Economic Development and Community Development.

Why were the structures on Small Street demolished?

Officials stated the structures were unlawfully constructed, and in some instances, they were connected illegally to the city’s electricity supply.

What is the status of the shops near the Central Methodist Church?

Structures attached to the church that are not part of the original building are being demolished, while the city works to verify if the church is making the required payments.

How should cities balance the need for urban regulation with the livelihoods of small-scale traders?

The Alexandra Magistrates Court has heard testimony revealing that the victim in a shooting case involving Bellarmine Mugabe and Tobias Matonhodze was paid to remain silent. It was disclosed that Sipho Mahlangu, a security guard who was shot twice in the back at a Hyde Park residence, received R250,000, with an additional R150,000 allegedly promised.

Guilty Pleas and State Demands

Mugabe and his cousin, Matonhodze, have pleaded guilty to several charges linked to the shooting. Mugabe too admitted to a separate incident involving the pointing of a toy gun.

Despite the guilty pleas, the state is pushing for significant prison time. Prosecutor Lufuno Maphiri has requested 12 months of direct imprisonment for the charges of pointing a firearm and being in the country illegally.

For the more severe charges, the state is seeking five years of direct imprisonment for attempted murder and 12 years for a firearms offence. The prosecution proposed 12 months for defeating the ends of justice and a fine for the possession of ammunition.

Lack of Cooperation and Recovery Efforts

Investigating officer Colonel Raj informed the court that the firearm used in the shooting has not been recovered. He stated that both accused individuals have failed to cooperate with police efforts to locate the weapon.

Because of this lack of cooperation, Colonel Raj has urged the court to impose a harsh sentence. While the defendants have petitioned for a fine or a suspended sentence, the state argues that they have shown no remorse.

Next Steps in the Legal Process

The matter has been postponed to April 29 for sentencing. Depending on the court’s evaluation of the state’s requests and the defense’s plea for leniency, the duo could face several years of direct imprisonment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the victim in the shooting case?

The victim was Sipho Mahlangu, a security guard who was shot twice in the back at a residence in Hyde Park.

What sentences is the state seeking for the most serious charges?

The state has asked for five years of direct imprisonment for attempted murder and 12 years for a firearms offence.

Why is the investigating officer calling for a harsh sentence?

Colonel Raj urged a harsh sentence because the accused have not cooperated with police to locate the firearm used in the shooting, and the state argues they have shown no remorse.

Do you believe a guilty plea should outweigh a lack of cooperation in determining a final sentence?

Evidence presented at the Maglanga Commission today links Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema to allegations of tender manipulation within the Tshwane Municipality.

Allegations Detail 2024 Security Tender

The allegations concern a 2024 tender issued by the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) for private security firms to protect the city’s critical infrastructure. Gauteng Police Sergeant Fannie Nkosi testified before the commission regarding his relationships with metro officials and political figures.

Nkosi revealed that Dlamini’s message included a list of seven companies recommended by individuals representing the EFF and its leader. According to the testimony, these companies were also reportedly presented to the CFO, Gareth Mnisi.

“Juju” Identified

While Nkosi stated he did not know who “Juju” referred to, the commission recognized “Juju” as a widely known nickname for Malema, who is also referred to as the Commander-in-Chief (CIC) by his party.

It remains unclear at this stage of the inquiry whether the seven companies mentioned in the communication were ultimately awarded the security tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Maglanga Commission investigating?

The Maglanga Commission is investigating allegations of tender manipulation within the Tshwane Municipality, specifically concerning a 2024 security tender issued by the TMPD.

Who provided testimony to the commission?

Gauteng Police Sergeant Fannie Nkosi testified before the commission regarding his relationships with senior metro officials and political figures.

What was the role of Umashi Dlamini in the allegations?

TMPD Deputy Chief Umashi Dlamini allegedly sent a WhatsApp message containing a list of seven companies recommended by individuals representing the EFF and its leader.

As the Maglanga Commission continues its inquiry, what impact might these allegations have on the political landscape of Tshwane?

A building collapse in Ormonde, south of Johannesburg, has left at least 15 construction workers believed to be trapped. The second-floor deck of the structure gave way earlier on Monday, impacting those working on the first floor and ground level.

Search and Rescue Underway

Emergency services officials are currently engaged in search and rescue operations, though the full extent of casualties remains unclear. Parts of the building, understood to be a factory under construction, have been reduced to rubble. The scene is described as being filled with the smell of wet cement and dust as crews search for survivors.

One construction worker, speaking anonymously to Eyewitness News, reported being outside the building when the collapse occurred. He described hearing a loud bang and seeing dust, and stated that a colleague who escaped reported other workers had died.

Families Arrive, Public Asked to Stay Away

Families of the construction workers have been notified and are en route to the site. Authorities have requested that the public avoid the area to allow emergency personnel to work without obstruction.

The cause of the collapse is currently unknown.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many workers are believed to be trapped?

At least 15 construction workers are believed to be trapped under the collapsed structure.

What type of building was under construction?

The building is believed to be a factory.

What is the status of the search and rescue operation?

Emergency services officials are continuing search and rescue operations, but the number of potential fatalities remains unclear.

As rescue efforts continue, it remains to be seen what factors contributed to this collapse and what the long-term impact will be on the families and community involved.

The Gauteng government is set to take full ownership of the Gautrain high-speed rail system at the end of March, according to Finance MEC Lebogang Maile. The 80-kilometre rail system will officially become a fully paid asset of the provincial government after sixteen years of operation.

A Landmark Public-Private Partnership

The Gautrain was originally developed as a public-private partnership, involving joint management between the government and a private partner. MEC Maile confirmed that the Gauteng government has now fully settled its debt related to the project, resulting in complete provincial ownership.

Maile highlighted the success of this public-private partnership, stating, “When we built Gautrain, we spent R26 Billion. Today, it’s worth anything between R45 billion and R53 billion. So that’s the power of public-private partnerships.”

What’s Next for the Gautrain?

While full ownership is being transferred, plans for expansion are still underway. The Gauteng government is expected to announce the preferred bidder for a new concession by the end of March. The process to select a new operator is reportedly at an advanced stage.

The handover could lead to changes in operational strategies and potentially influence future investment in the rail network. A new concessionaire may bring fresh perspectives and approaches to managing and maintaining the Gautrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Gautrain officially be handed over?

The Gautrain will officially be handed over to the Gauteng government at the end of March.

Was the Gautrain built entirely with public funds?

No, the Gautrain was developed through a public-private partnership, with both government and a private partner jointly managing its operations.

Are there plans to expand the Gautrain?

Yes, plans to expand the Gautrain are still on the table, and the preferred bidder for a new concession is expected to be announced by the end of March.

As the Gautrain transitions to full provincial ownership, what impact do you foresee on commuters and the broader Gauteng economy?

The Department of Home Affairs has begun recognizing Khoisan traditional names on official documents, a move hailed as a significant step toward inclusivity. Minister Leon Schreiber recently handed over the first smart identity document reflecting a Khoisan traditional name to !Khūboab Oedasoua Lawrence, a first-year student at Stellenbosch University.

A Long-Standing Issue Resolved

The need for this upgrade stemmed from a technical limitation within the department’s IT systems. For over 18 years, !Khūboab’s family had been unable to obtain official documents—first a birth certificate, and now an ID—that accurately spelled his first name due to the system’s inability to process “special characters.” Minister Schreiber became aware of the issue a month ago and prioritized a solution.

Within four weeks, the necessary upgrades were implemented, enabling the use of traditional Khoisan names on birth certificates, smart IDs, and passports for the first time in South African history. The department’s technical team remains on standby to address any further adjustments needed for additional “special characters.”

A Moment of Recognition

Minister Schreiber described the handover as “a historic victory for the inclusion, equality and dignity of Khoisan communities.” He emphasized that a name is central to a person’s identity and that this reform demonstrates the benefits of digital transformation.

A circular will be issued to all Home Affairs offices informing them of the upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the Department of Home Affairs to make these changes?

The changes were prompted by the case of !Khūboab Oedasoua Lawrence, who was unable to obtain a smart ID due to the system’s inability to process the characters in his traditional Khoisan name. His family faced a similar issue 18 years prior when applying for a birth certificate.

What types of documents will now recognize Khoisan traditional names?

Birth certificates, smart IDs, and passports will now be able to recognize and record Khoisan traditional names.

What is the Department of Home Affairs doing to prepare for future needs?

The department’s technical team is on standby to effect further upgrades if additional “special characters” need to be adjusted.

As the Department of Home Affairs expands its ability to accommodate diverse names, what other steps might be taken to further promote inclusivity and recognize the cultural heritage of all South African communities?

More than 100 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested Friday during inspections of construction sites in Ekurhuleni, as the Department of Employment and Labour cracks down on non-compliant employers.

Inspections Reveal Widespread Non-Compliance

Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya led the inspections, which revealed multiple violations of labour laws and basic conditions of employment acts at two construction sites. The Department of Employment and Labour announced it will fine employers R10,000 for every undocumented foreign national they hire.

During a visit to a construction site in Tembisa, Sibiya questioned workers about their employment conditions, asking if they received leave, pay slips, contracts and overtime compensation. He stated the high unemployment rate in the country is, in part, due to the hiring and exploitation of undocumented foreign nationals.

Future Enforcement

The Department plans to deploy thousands of additional inspectors across various sectors to ensure compliance with labour laws. Sibiya indicated the department will build cases against employers who repeatedly violate the law, potentially leading to prosecution.

Sibiya promised tough action against employers found to be breaking the law, stating, “Each and every illegal foreign immigrant that we find, I believe in Gauteng its R10, 000 per illegal foreign national.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted these inspections?

The inspections were led by Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya to clamp down on employers who are not complying with labour laws and basic conditions of employment acts.

How many people were arrested?

More than 100 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested during the operation.

What will happen to employers found to be in violation?

Employers will be fined R10,000 for every undocumented foreign national they have hired, and repeat offenders may face prosecution.

As the Department of Employment and Labour increases inspections and enforcement, what impact do you foresee on the construction industry and other sectors reliant on foreign labor?