By: Selloane Khalane
The first meeting of Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee—tasked with probing explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi—was anything but smooth. From the onset on 5 August 2025, political spats emerged, exposing tensions among the very members entrusted with investigating alleged criminal interference in South Africa’s justice and polic ing systems. Lt Gen Mkhwanazi’s now-infamous press conference on 6 July sent shockwaves across the country. His claims of political meddling, rogue intelligence contracts, and the disbandment of critical task teams within SAPS painted a disturbing picture. The fallout has already led to suspensions, arrests, and widespread scrutiny into the inner workings of the state. Watching democracy unfold in real-time is a privilege. Parliamentary processes, once confined to textbooks and legal journals, are now livestreamed for public view. In this first sitting, viewers saw Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) leader Julius Malema decline a nomination to chair the proceedings—a move that drew both praise and criticism online. Whether it was a strategic chess move or genuine disinterest remains a matter of public debate. Streamed on YouTube, the committee’s first sitting was convened primarily to elect its chairperson. What should have been a routine formality quickly turned into a performance of political theatre. ActionSA’s representative, Dereleen James, made it clear that trust in the process was already under strain. “We need to start off on the right foot, but how do we garner public trust this morning when we have a chairperson elected from the very same party where most of the people are embroiled in?” She went on to highlight South Africans’ fatigue with endless commissions and forums, and expressed that ActionSA did not have voting rights in electing the chairperson. Khusela Sangoni-Diko (ANC) responded, “We cannot, on the very first day, want to collapse this process. If members are coming here with the intention of being populist and using what is a grave concern of the people for cheap political scoring, then we are going to have a problem.” She further warned against grandstanding: “We cannot come here and have to defend state ments made merely to attract attention from the cam eras.” Malema came to James ‘ defense, asserting that every member has the right to raise concerns without being “character assassinated.” The 11-member ad hoc committee is composed of representatives from across South Africa’s political spectrum, reflecting a multiparty approach to the investigation into Lt Gen Mkhwanazi’s allegations. The African National Congress (ANC) holds four seats, represented by Mdumiseni Ntuli (Chief Whip), Khusela Sangoni-Diko, Xola Nqola, and Molapi Soviet Lekganya ne, who was elected chairperson. Glynnis Breytenbach and Ian Cameron represent the Democratic Alliance (DA), while the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has Sibo nelo Nomvalo and David Skosana. Julius Malema represents the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and the final two seats are held by Man gaqa Albert Mncwango of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and Ashley Sauls of the Patriotic Alliance (PA)— both representing smaller parties. To ensure continuity and representation, six alternate members were also appointed: Thoko Khanyile (ANC), Diane Kohler Barnard and Lisa Schickerling (DA), Leigh Ann Mathys (EFF), Dereleen James (ActionSA), and Wouter Wessels (Freedom Front Plus). These alternates are expected to step in should primary members be unavailable during proceedings. The biggest surprise of the day was Malema’s refusal to chair the committee, despite being nominated and seconded. His decision sparked heated debate on social media, with some questioning his patriotism while others viewed it as a strategic move. Ultimately, Molapi Soviet Lekganyane was elected unopposed, a move that reinforced concerns about the ruling party’s dominance over the process. For many, the real question remains: can this committee genuine ly investigate the very structures that appointed it? Established under National Assembly Rule 253, the ad hoc committee has been tasked with probing the veracity and implications of the explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police.
By: Matshidiso Selebeleng
South Africa, a country where diversity is celebrated and human rights enshrined in the Constitution, however a contentious debate has sparked a firestorm. Long queues, insufficient bed space, a long orthopedic surgery waiting lists, pregnant mothers sleeping on the floor due to insufficient bed space, and not enough medication for patients in need. These are just some of the challenges faces by the 84% of South Africans who rely on public healthcare services. They say the public healthcare system is overburdened. Section 27(3) of the South African Constitution guarantees basic healthcare services for all, regardless of nationality or immigration status. A heated debate has emerged and locals are saying no to free health services for undocumented foreigners. But activists have sparked controversy by advocating for the exclusion of illegal immigrants from using public health facilities. The past few weeks have seen Anti-migrant organizations such as Operation Dudula mobilizing their members to restrict foreigners’ access to public health facilities, demanding that undocumented foreigners produce identification documents before receiving care or not use the services at all. Members of the organisation have been blocking foreigners from accessing public health care services demanding that they pay. Dudula has been hard at work ensuring that measures are put in place, which include requiring people to produce their South African identity documents at the entrance of public health facilities. They say they are protecting the interests of South Africans, but the Human Rights Commission says this is a violation of human rights. This has caused public outrage, as some people are becoming frustrated because they have to carry their IDs with them whenever they visit health facilities. Karabo Xaba (25) a student from Bloemfontein says she fully supports Operation Dudula. She says she feels that South Africa as a country is being taken advantage of by foreign nationals. “It is not fair for us, as taxpayers to support everyone. “Free healthcare services are meant for South African citizens. I fully support what Operation Dudula is doing. Foreigners should pay for public health services or use private hospitals as they do not contribute to the tax system. Another patient Mpho Mohapi (42) from Bochabela in Bloemfontein who uses public facilities says she also supports the notion. Mohapi has been waiting to get help at the Pelenomi Tertiary hospital in Bloemfontein for over 24 hours. She says she is waiting in the queue with foreigners and thinks it is not fair. “I don’t have a problem with foreign nationals, my problem is that now I have to wait in long lines before I get help. I have been sitting on this chair ever since I arrived. “ I left my two children at home and they needed to go to school today, but they did not go to school because I am stuck in the hospital. “I think foreign nationals must go to private hospitals. Most of them are in South Africa to work, so they are employed and can afford private hospitals and clinics. Journal News went to the streets to get the views of foreign nationals about this issue and John Salimo* from Mozambique who has been in South Africa illegally for more than ten years says he is saddened by the treatment from South Africans. “I used to think that we are all brothers and sisters and we can come to each other’s rescue when we are in need, but now denying us healthcare access just shows the amount of resentment. “I have been here for years and witnessed the hatred every day, but it just keeps getting worse, he said. Despite how ordinary citizens feel about foreigners using public health care services for free, illegal immigrants who are in hospital say they receive the best care at facilities. Cliff Maimble, an illegal immigrant from Zimbabwe says he is aware of the health xenophobia that has been happening in South Africa. He says he has been in South Africa for two months and knows what is happening. When Journal News asked what put him in Pelenomi hospital, he said he had an accident at work which landed him in casualty. “Maimle told Journal News that he did not struggle to get assistance. “I am happy with the service and everything was given to me for free. I did not struggle and I did not pay anything. “I have done the tests and right now I am waiting for the doctor to see me so they can give me my test results, he said. In a formal letter addressed to the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister of Health Dr Aron Motsoaledi, Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber and the South African Human Rights Commission, a Zimbabwean Activist, Duke Maplanka, accused the government of turning a blind eye to the barbaric treatment that the immigrants face. Maplanka said if action is not taken against the individuals or groups that are behind these acts, he intends to lay a complaint against South Africa in the international human rights bodies. “I write this letter as both a concerned African citizen and a representative voice of thousands of foreign nationals, especially Zimbabweans, living in South Africa, many of whom are routinely subjected to inhumane treatment, open hostility, and systemic exclusion from basic services. “It is with growing alarm that we have witnessed the escalation of xenophobic violence, the entrenchment of vigilante groups, and the active blocking of foreign nationals from accessing life-saving healthcare in South Africa, he said. Maplanka further said South Africa has taken moral and legal action to speak out against injustice in Gaza, while they are not innocent themselves. “How can South Africa claim the mantle of human rights defender abroad, when at home it presides over de facto ethnic cleansing through economic and medical exclusion?” Last month the SHRC expressed concerns over the individuals who are denied access to health care facilities. The commission says these events are unethical, unlawful, and inconsistent with South Africa’s obligations under both domestic and international human rights law. “The SAHRC is concerned that people are taking the law into their own hands and making it difficult for people to access medical care due to their nationality. “It is important to note that no civic group or individual has the legal authority to control access to public health facilities or to enforce immigration laws. “The power to inspect, arrest, or detain undocumented persons lies solely with the Department of Home Affairs supported by the South African Police Service (SAPS) when lawfully required. The commission urged both the Department of Home Affairs and SAPS to diligently perform their duties, to avoid citizens from taking the law into their hands.” Spokesperson for the Department of Health Foster Mohale, said, “While we understand the genuine concerns raised by the organised groups and individuals on the issue of undocumented migration or foreign nationals, and its burden to public health system, we do not condone the manner in which they raise them, which is through illegal means which go against the laws of the country”. He says no one has got the right to demand proof of identity document except for the rel evant authorities such as the law enforcement agencies. “Thus we call for law enforcement agencies to enforce the law into their hands. “We call upon concerned organizations and individuals suggest long term solutions to this issue which is a societal one in nature,” said.
In a major step towards advancing medical educa tion in South Africa, North West University (NWU) has officially begun the construction of the R600 million Desmond Tutu School of Medicine at its Potchefstroom campus. This milestone follows the approval granted by former Minister of Health, Dr. Joe Phaahla, in De cember 2023, which allows the university to pro ceed with establishing its own medical school. The Desmond Tutu School of Medicine will fea ture state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced medical technologies and innovative learning spac es. The facility aims to meet the increasing demand for skilled medical professionals while promoting research and improving community health servic es. Its establishment arrives at a crucial time, as the North West province continues to experience a se vere shortage of doctors and medical specialists. Once operational, it will become one of only 11 accredited medical schools in South Africa, with its first cohort of students expected to enrol in 2028. NWU has also established a strategic partnership with the North West Department of Health to pro vide students with hands-on clinical experience. This alliance also supports the broader goal of strengthening healthcare delivery across the prov ince. “The medical school buildings are a hub of new technology—an opportunity to implement best practices in medical education through immersive technology, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, high-fidelity simulation, laparoscopy, and diagnostic tools. In this tech-enhanced context, partnerships with the private sector become essential,” said NWU spokesperson Pietra Bester. The school will offer comprehensive medical training at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, ensuring a strong balance between academic theory and practical application. “It represents the formal launch of a scholarly pursuit of the highest order: the establishment of a premier centre for medical education, research, and professional training,” NWU Vice-Chancellor, Profes sor Bismark Tyobeka, declared. Provincial health department spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane, also emphasised the impor tance of the initiative. “Our health facilities across the province will serve as training grounds for these medical students. “As a predominantly rural province, this school will help address rural retention challenges, improve health equity, and promote research focused on the specific health needs of our communities,” added Lekgethwane. Construction is now underway and is expected to take between 18 and 20 months. According to Professor Binu Luke, project lead for the medical school, the facility will ultimately ac commodate over 400 students. “This building is planned for a maximum annual intake of 150 students. As students will remain at the facility for the first three years of study, it will serve up to 450 students at a time,” Luke disclosed. When the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine offi cially opens in 2028, it will mark the beginning of a new era for healthcare education in the province - one poised to close critical gaps in access to medical training and care while shaping the next generation of medical pioneers.
By: Abigail Visagie and JN Reporter
As ANC wields the axe in crackdown on underperforming municipalities In a sweeping move to restore public confidence and tighten its grip ahead of the 2026 elections, the African National Congress (ANC) is reported ly preparing to remove underperforming mayors across several municipalities in the Free State. This follows a recent oversight visit by Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), which uncovered widespread dysfunction, including missing billions in funds, sewage spills, illegal tenders, and critical vacancies in local government. While the ANC has officially denied any imminent mayoral dismissals, insiders reveal that an announcement is expected shortly after the party’s provincial executive committee (PEC) meeting next week. A senior party source confirmed that the move is part of a broader strategy to enforce accountability, improve service delivery, and address long-standing governance failures at the municipal level. “I can tell you that at least five mayors are likely to be recalled next week. The final number may change, but the message is clear, this bold step signals a clear warning that no mayor is safe if they fail to meet the party’s performance benchmarks or deliver on their mandates,” said a source. Dr Zweli Mkhize, chair of the parliamentary committee on cooperative governance, has described the state of municipalities in the Free State as “disastrous”. The Auditor-General’s latest report paints a similarly grim picture, highlighting rampant irregular expenditure, lack of accountability, and numerous audit disclaimers across municipalities. ANC provincial spokesperson Thabo Meeko, while not confirming the planned mass-recall, stated on Wednesday that “The party has not made a decision to recall any mayors. However, where we find that a mayor has failed their community, we will act accordingly and remove them.” ANC provincial secretary Polediso Motsoeneng has stated that recent developments only reinforce the par Free State Premier, Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and MEC for Cogta Saki Mokoena. Picture: Supplied ty’s longstanding concerns about the state of municipali ties, as highlighted during their provincial roadshows. “We need to determine the appropriate course of action, given the seriousness of the problems we are facing. COGTA’s visit confirmed what we had also observed during our roadshows. It reinforces our concerns about what has gone wrong in our municipalities—and what must be done to fix it,” Motsoeneng said. Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, while acknowledging her limited authority over mayors, stressed the need for consequence management—particularly in municipalities that refuse to cooperate with the teams deployed by the Provincial Government. To address non-compliance, the Premier revealed that an official has been appointed within municipalities to assist with monitoring and evaluation. “We have established a Premier Coordinating Forum (PCF), which is proving to be a critical platform to engage, assist, and hold municipalities accountable,” she said. Letsoha-Mathae added that the forum is also focused on enforcing payment commitments, particularly to entities like Vaal Central Water and Eskom. “We are pleased that, following our intervention, the Kopanong Municipality has finalised a debt repayment plan with Vaal Central Water. Additionally, we have recruited 17 graduates to provide municipalities with essential technical skills, including hydrology, resource management, and engineering support,” she said. As the ANC PEC meeting looms next week, all eyes are on whether the party will finally act decisively on its deployed comrades.
Families left with bare graves and no money speak out after years of deception as they continue to scramble for answers and ultimately justice
By: Abigail Visagie
Dozens of grieving families in Mangaung have been left heartbroken and financially drained after a local tombstone supplier allegedly van ished with their money – leaving them not only out of pocket but emotionally shattered. Michelle Jacobs, accused of posing as a legitimate business owner of Tombstone Retailers in Bloemfon tein, has allegedly vanished with over R111 500 paid by various bereaved families - something she denies after being tracked down by this publication. She instead shifted the blame to the new tenant. It is alleged that Jacobs accepted payments for tombstones that were never delivered, while others received the wrong orders. Her disappearance has left many families unable to properly honour their loved ones, while scrambling for answers and justice. Moretimang Malope fell in love with the tomb stone design she saw in the catalogue Jacobs’ company posted online. She claims Tombstone Re tailers – which was still owned by Jacobs at the time - scammed her out of R37 500. Malope’s husband passed away in 2010 and she says she had set that amount aside to honour her late husband’s memory. According to her, communi cation with Tombstone retailers gradually began to fade after making full payment in May last year. When she followed the matter up, she was assured that the business was operating as usual and that her late husband’s tombstone would be erected soon. “A month later, the company visited my husband’s grave and began the work, but they left without completing it. They promised to return and finish the job, but never did,” a distressed Malope told Journal News.
Families with bare graves and no money - speak out after years of deception as they scramble for answers and justice
She explained that despite numerous verbal and written requests to demand a refund from Jacobs, no action was taken. Eventually, Jacobs vanished without a trace. Malope claims she was shockingly turned away when she attempted to open a case at the police station. “I was told I couldn’t open a case because I had willingly given the money to Tombstone Retailers. According to the police, Jacobs, through her compa ny, didn’t steal the money from me,” said Malope. Upon investigating the matter further, Journal News discovered that there are several other alleged victims with similar complaints. They all claim to have been deprived of justice when they sought police intervention. It is further alleged that Tombstone Retailers would either deliver incorrect tombstone orders or fail to rectify defective erections. The company would allegedly cancel contracts without issuing any refunds to customers. Another alleged victim is Pulane Dikgoele from Thaba Nchu, which is 63 km east of Bloemfontein. She claims to have paid R74 000 to Tombstone Retailers for memorial tombstones for the graves of four of her family members. Despite completing the full payment over a set 12-month period, Dikgoele also claims was defraud ed as she only received a poor-quality tombstone - with no delivery or installation as promised. According to her, the day before the planned tombstone unveiling, Jacobs and her company’s receptionist – only known as Hilda - informed her that the contract had been astonishingly cancelled. Dikgoele told this newspaper that they subsequently accused her of threatening company staff - claims Dikgoele strongly denies. “Tombstone Retailers gave me the run-around for the longest time. The owner disappeared with my R74 000. I’m heartbroken because I had planned to honour my family by erecting tombstones for them, but this has only brought me more pain. I want jus tice and my money back (sic),” said Dikgoele. Journal News is in possession of a copy of the ter mination letter, allegedly sent to Dikgoele on 28 Feb ruary 2025. The unsigned letter cites alleged threats made by Dikgoele towards company employees as the reason for terminating the contract. “The customer threatened our workers, telling them they will spill fuel on them and burn them to death. Our workers doesn’t feel save leaving for Thaba Nchu to do the installations as they were threatened and are afraid of their lives (sic),” an excerpt in the letter reads. Dikgoele vehemently refutes the claims, affirming that the company cancelled the promised free instal lation unilaterally, while failing to deliver the correct tombstones order. She further disclosed that the only refund she received was half of the transpor tation cost for the incorrect tombstones that were sent to Thaba Nchu. “The accusations that I threatened workers are fabrications meant to cover up the fact that they failed to deliver on their promises,” she insists. “In the letter sent to me, Jacobs clearly stated that installation and the transportation of the incorrect tombstones would be free. Yet, I had to cover the cost and pay the delivery person who assisted with the transport. Only R1 500 – half of the cost – was refunded from that expense,” she added. Upon visiting the premises where Tombstone Retailers is supposedly located, Journal News dis covered that the property had a new tenant in Keke Mabule, who also runs his tombstone business from the premises. When asked about his connection to Jacobs, Mabule explained that Jacobs and her company had moved out of the premises, citing business-related stress. “I am currently renting the premises, and I must say it has been difficult to run my business here, because many people assume I am in partnership with the previous owner (Jacobs). “In our last conversation, she told me she was closing shop due to a divorce and could no longer work late nights with her children, as it had become unsafe. “My business is suffering because of the ongoing issues involving Tombstone Retailers,” said Mabule who further revealed that the police had also pre viously visited the premises to specifically enquire about Jacobs and her business. This publication managed to get hold of Michelle Jacobs contact numbers and tried to reach out to her for comment for three weeks with no success. She surprisingly responded to questions that were sent out to her by text on WhatsApp two days prior to the publication of this article. In her response, Jacobs denied all accusations levelled against her by her former clients further stating that her Mabule had agreed that the latter would settle all outstanding matters in relation to her clients upon concluding the sale of her business. “This is not true at all. The company was sold to the new owner, and it was agreed that he would settle matters with the clients, including paying a labour fee and using the materials that were already available,” Jacobs said in a WhatsApp message. She claims to have sold her tombstone business to Mabule for R450 000 but declares that she only received R10 000 from him. According to Jacobs, Mabule failed to honour the sale agreement as well as the outstanding obliga tions to clients. “He agreed during our meeting that he would take responsibility for the clients. My genuine concern was ensuring that my clients were looked after and didn’t encounter any problems - I had built relation ships with all of them. “I never took anyone’s money. I had already sourced all the materials, which were at the compa ny premises. The new owner, who was supposed to pay me and assist the clients with their tombstones, failed to do both. Neither the clients received ser vice, nor did I receive my money,” claimed Jacobs. In response to this Jacobs’ narrative, Mabule questioned why Jacobs would be avoiding her clients and the police if she was truly innocent. “I only bought machinery from Jacobs — nothing more. I never received any money from her clients,” he stated. Mabule confirmed that he has a written contract with Jacobs outlining their business arrangement and noted that Tombstone Retailers is still officially registered under her name. According to Mabule, Jacobs is not only evading her former clients but also her former employ ees who have since taken matters to the CCMA. He claims that employees have opened a case of non-payment against Jacobs and that authorities have since ordered the machinery she sold him to be sold off to compensate the workers. “I almost lost my machines because of her, but that didn’t happen. I now officially own them. I have a clear conscience. I’m still running a reputable, reliable businesses. If Jacobs can say the same, she should face her disgruntled clients, former employ ees, and the police,” Mabule concluded. While clients bemoan lack of service and poor workmanship, Jacobs and Mabule seem to be stuck in their own business dealing fracas. Nevertheless, Jacobs has committed to resolving all outstanding matters with all aggrieved clients who are in possession of the necessary documen tation. She further undertook to revert to Journal News on Tuesday morning in relation to this matter.
Although South Africa is ready for a female president, financial resources and difficulties limit women to challenge the position.
ANC veteran and member of the National Executive Committee (NEC), Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, said there was no reason for the country not to have a woman president.
She said while the number of women serving as heads of State in Africa remains a minority, several women have excelled in these roles, demonstrating strong leadership and positive impact.
The former chairperson of the African Union (AU) executive council members, said this record is evident in countries such as Liberia and Namibia.
Elle Johnson Sirleaf was the first female head of State in Africa, after she was elected as the President of Liberia from 2006 to 2017.
She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for her work in promoting peace, democracy and women’s rights.
Her presidency was marked by efforts to rebuild Liberia after years of civil war, including debt relief and economic development and she also focused on promoting education and women’s empowerment.
Nicknamed NNN, Ndemupelila Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was the first woman elected as Namibia’s President on March 21, 2025.
“There is no reason why we shouldn’t have a woman president. We have seen that Liberia did well when a woman was in charge. In Namibia it is still early but we can see that she is doing well and the decisions she is taking are very decisive and Pan-Africanist. I like her decisions and I think she will do well for Namibia,” said Dlamini-Zuma.
Dlamini-Zuma also contested to become the ANC president in 2017. However, she lost the battle to businessman-turned-politician Cyril Ramaphosa who won 2,440 against her 2,261 votes during the ANC elective conference conference in Nasrec, Johannesburg.
She said although nothing prevents women from becoming president, financial challenges limit them to compete for such positions. She added that this is because it is difficult for women to access financial resources.
“Women don’t have money and men are able to use money to get to these positions. But there is no country that doesn’t have capable women,’’ she said, adding that South Africa is ready for a woman president.
Political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe said Dlamini-Zuma is correct, adding that money assumed the centre stage in the ANC’s presidential contest.
He said both Black and White businesses threw their weight behind Ramaphosa to ensure that Dlamini-Zuma did not emerge as the winner.
“Again, typical of the corrupting nature and possible corrupt nature of the financial support Ramaphosa received, the whole matter had to be sealed from the public. Unlike Ramaphosa, who had to hurriedly rush to the courts, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has had no objection to the investigation being done as to where she received support.”
Another political analyst, Professor Siphamandla Zondi, said it is a known fact that patriarchy is a generalised condition of South African society and political parties exhibit it. He said this expresses itself in many ways including in equal access to essential resources and assets.
“Challenging the presidency of the ANC requires resources and these resources are mostly in the hands of men who support other men more than women. This gives a strong man an advantage over a strong woman contender,’’ he said.
He said that patriarchy also gives advantage to men, providing a perception that they are more competent, stronger and leader-like than women.
Dlamini-Zuma said that South Africa should also look up to countries such as Rwanda, which is the first to have more than 60% women representation in parliament, adding that even though the ANC advocates for 50/50 representation, other political parties are not adhering to the policy, which brought the number to 46% in parliament.
Dlamini-Zuma added that although women hold 50% of all leadership positions within the ANC, the percentage is not equal in the top positions.
*This article was first published by IOL News
