Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has firmly denied allegations that she authorised the irregular appointment of her personal assistant, Lesedi Mabiletja, to the position of chief of staff — a role reportedly paying R1.4 million annually.Speaking before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Social Development on Thursday, Tolashe dismissed the accusations as false, defamatory, and politically motivated.- Advertisement – “These reports contain false and to some extent unlawful allegations which have the sole intention of causing damage to my reputation and dignity,” she said.She argued that the allegations aimed to distract from her ongoing efforts to restore governance and accountability within the…
Author: Anjianjei Constantine
South African taxpayers are footing a salary bill exceeding R14 million annually for the offices of two deputy ministers in the Presidency.This revelation came to light in Parliament after Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni disclosed detailed expenditure figures in response to a question from ActionSA MP Athol Trollip.- Advertisement – According to Ntshavheni, Deputy Minister IK Morolong’s office employs seven staff members, costing the state R7.4 million per year in salaries. Morolong himself earns R2.2 million annually, including a R10,000 monthly allowance.His staff salaries range from R1.2 million for Moleme M (plus a R7,330 monthly allowance) to R163,680 for…
Former police minister Bheki Cele has delivered a stern message to the African National Congress (ANC), saying the party cannot continue deceiving its supporters. Speaking in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday during a memorial service for the late ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, Cele said the ANC’s credibility is wearing thin among its base.“We may think that we are bluffing people, but you can fool some people, but you cannot fool all the people all the time. There comes a time when people say, ‘We see what you are up to.’ Then they leave you to walk alone, you will be thinking…
Patriotic Alliance (PA) deputy president Kenny Kunene has taken a swipe at Democratic Alliance (DA) federal chair Helen Zille, saying she should “stay home and look after her great-grandchildren” rather than run for Johannesburg mayor in 2026.Kunene, who described Zille as a “Cape Town reject,” made the comments on Wednesday in Diepkloof, Soweto, during a pothole repair drive with the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) board and CEO Zweli Nyathi.- Advertisement – The outspoken politician recently returned as the City of Johannesburg’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport after being sworn in by Council Speaker Margaret Arnolds on Monday.Kunene…
Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Dianne Kohler Barnard is facing renewed calls to recuse herself from Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee probing alleged criminal infiltration, corruption, and political interference in South Africa’s criminal justice system.Several committee members voiced concerns after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi implicated Kohler Barnard during his testimony at the Madlanga Commission, claiming she had accessed crime intelligence information she was not authorised to view.- Advertisement – Committee members said her continued participation could compromise the integrity and impartiality of the inquiry.DA Promises Swift ResponseThe DA has confirmed it is aware of the growing calls for Kohler Barnard’s…
Questions have emerged over whether the African National Congress (ANC) is receiving funds from ethical sources following claims by controversial businessman Brown Mogotsi. Speaking to the SABC this week, Mogotsi revealed that he has helped raise money for the ruling party, sparking a renewed debate about transparency in political donations.Mogotsi, who insists he remains an ANC member until his membership expires at the end of October, said it was common for businesspeople to step in and assist with party logistics.- Advertisement – “The January 8 function, the ANC itself cannot transport all the people, so if there is any businessman…
President Cyril Ramaphosa is on an official working visit to Ireland, where he aims to enhance bilateral relations and expand trade between the two nations. Accompanied by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Ramaphosa is focusing on attracting new investment and building on existing economic links.Ireland remains South Africa’s largest trading partner in Africa, with major imports including aircraft, data processing machinery, and pharmaceutical products. According to Ramaphosa, trade between the two countries rose by 12% to $638 million in 2024, up from just over $500 million the previous year.- Advertisement – Growing Investment and Cultural ConnectionsThe president emphasised the strong cultural…
Former President Kgalema Motlanthe has called for the expansion and strengthening of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policy, saying it remains crucial to South Africa’s economic transformation despite challenges in its implementation.Speaking at the Frank Dialogue event in Sandton on Tuesday — which explored the history and future of the empowerment policy — Motlanthe acknowledged that while B-BBEE has faced criticism and shortcomings, its principles remain vital to building an equitable economy.- Advertisement – He emphasised the importance of addressing weaknesses in the system rather than discarding it entirely.“The challenge before us is difficult, yes but it is necessary.…
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has announced that it is seeking legal advice regarding the participation of its MP, Dianne Kohler Barnard, in Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating issues related to national security.The committee was formed to examine allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption, and political interference within South Africa’s criminal justice system — claims made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in July.- Advertisement – During his appearance before the committee this week, Mkhwanazi implicated Kohler Barnard, accusing her of having access to and sharing classified information with the media. His testimony led several MPs to call for her recusal…
Controversial North West businessman Brown Mogotsi has come out swinging against ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, insisting that he remains a fully paid-up member of the ruling party — and daring the ANC to “charge or expel” him if they believe otherwise.Mogotsi, who has been linked to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and accused of using political connections to solicit money from businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to fund ANC operations, says the party’s leadership is misleading the public.- Advertisement – YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Mbalula Dismisses Contact From Mogotsi: “He Sent Me A Message, I Wont Respond”Last week, Mbalula told reporters that…
