logo
ActionSA calls on Mpumalanga premier for transparency and action regarding trio trapped at Lily Mine

ActionSA calls on Mpumalanga premier for transparency and action regarding trio trapped at Lily Mine

IOL News20-07-2025
After years of inaction, ActionSA demands the retrieval of three miners' bodies, emphasising government accountability in a long-running tragedy.
ActionSA has formally written to Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu to seek a detailed disclosure of the government's reported process to recover the bodies of the Lily Mine workers – Yvonne Mnisi, Pretty Nkambule, and Solomon Nyerende – who were trapped underground since the mine collapsed in 2016.
While ActionSA welcomes the provincial government's recent update that confirmed an estimated R18m budget and the involvement of the new investor, we express frustration over the long delays and previous exclusion from meaningful consultation.
Our numerous efforts, including through our members of parliament and members of the Mpumalanga legislature, have either been ignored or given the runaround. It is critical that government transparency be coupled with urgency in recovering the remains safely and swiftly.
In our letter to Premier Ndlovu, ActionSA emphasised the need for collaboration, but warned that the party will continue to pursue its parallel initiative to engage experienced mine rescue companies to prepare bids for the retrieval operation.
The families and communities impacted by this tragedy have waited long enough, almost 10 years. We will therefore not be sidelined or misled any longer by the government.
ActionSA calls on the Mpumalanga Provincial Government to show goodwill and collaborate with us in establishing a clear and open recovery plan that respects the dignity of the victims of this tragedy, as well as their families and community.
Herman Mashaba
ActionSA President
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

ActionSA demands accountability over R28 million Boipatong Old Age Home scandal
ActionSA demands accountability over R28 million Boipatong Old Age Home scandal

IOL News

time3 hours ago

  • IOL News

ActionSA demands accountability over R28 million Boipatong Old Age Home scandal

ActionSA is holding the ANC-led government accountable for the failure of the Boipatong Old Age Home project in Emfuleni, where R28 million has been wasted on a stalled construction that has yet to benefit the elderly. Image: Supplied ActionSA in Emfuleni is outraged by the state of the Boipatong Old Age Home, where R28 million has already been spent, yet construction has not progressed, and no elderly residents are benefiting from the stalled project. The project, launched by the Emfuleni Local Municipality in 2015, has been plagued by delays, from contractor failures and poor administration to community unrest. Most shocking of all, planning came to a halt nearly a decade later after the late discovery of a gas pipeline beneath the site. Bongani Dhlamini, ActionSA Emfuleni Regional Chairperson, said the Boipatong Old Age Home debacle highlights the ANC-led government's disregard for residents' well-being and blatant misuse of public funds, adding that those responsible must be held accountable. 'The Department of Infrastructure Development, Emfuleni Municipality, the appointed contractors, as well as all political and administrative officials who oversaw this project without intervening when the project was halted, must be held accountable. Political leadership cannot hide behind bureaucratic excuses - oversight is their duty, and failure to act makes them accessories to the failure of this project.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The Department of Infrastructure Development (DID) has now promised that the Boipatong Old Age Home project could be completed by the end of 2026, but only if all conditions are favourable. Dhlamini criticised the Department of Infrastructure Development, calling its 2026 completion promise nothing more than 'political theatre' in the absence of a transparent plan, secured funding, and confirmed contractors. He said ActionSA is demanding a detailed, publicly accessible recovery plan with monthly progress reports to ensure accountability. During an oversight visit last year, 2024, ActionSA said they interacted with residents and families of the would-be beneficiaries, and according to Dhlamini, their local structures have maintained regular contact. The feedback has been deeply troubling; many feel abandoned, have lost trust in the government, and doubt whether the project will ever be completed. Some community members expressed deep frustration and despair over the stalled Boipatong Old Age Home project, sharing their concerns and disappointment on social media. Lori Batista said, 'This is heartbreaking. Only black citizens can stop this. They need to be shown how they're being used. If they don't vote out the corrupt leaders, there's no future; South Africa will end up worse than Zimbabwe. My heart bleeds.' 'Not one project completed in more than 30 years of ruling. Only corruption and stealing to line their own pockets,' said Lettie Hattingh Kriel. Vivienne Haddad Kirkbride echoed these feelings, expressing disbelief that those involved in the project show no shame. She said, "I would never live with myself if I took even a teaspoon that didn't belong to me…We're not all cut from the same cloth." Theo Nkonki, spokesperson for Gauteng MEC Jacob Mamabolo, told The Star that the government is taking strong steps to ensure the Boipatong Old Age Home is finished by 2026: 'We have launched a detailed planning process that includes updated technical studies, revised project scopes, and active engagement with key stakeholders like SASOL.' Nkonki added that safety considerations and redesign efforts are underway, and new contracts will include penalties to hold contractors accountable. When asked why the gas pipeline wasn't detected during the early planning phases, Nkonki explained that the pipeline was only identified during a more thorough review after the department took over the project. 'The SASOL gas pipeline next to the construction site was uncovered during a comprehensive technical assessment that had not been done in the earlier stages. 'The lack of coordinated planning and inadequate initial evaluations contributed to the oversight. We are now in consultation with SASOL to reassess the project's feasibility and prioritise public safety,' he said. The Star

ActionSA tables bill to slash bloated Cabinet, wants deputy ministers out
ActionSA tables bill to slash bloated Cabinet, wants deputy ministers out

IOL News

time10 hours ago

  • IOL News

ActionSA tables bill to slash bloated Cabinet, wants deputy ministers out

A year into South Africa's Government of National Unity, political compromise remains elusive, raising concerns about gridlock, infrastructure decay, and coalition fragility amid hopes for economic reform and unity. Image: Supplied ActionSA has launched a scathing critique of South Africa's bloated executive, announcing a bold Constitutional Amendment Bill that seeks to overhaul the size and structure of Cabinet, starting with the complete abolition of all 43 Deputy Minister posts. In a statement on Sunday, ActionSA MP, Athol Trollip, described deputy ministers as a 'financial waste,' arguing that their inability to act in the absence of ministers renders them functionally redundant. 'If deputy ministers cannot step in during a crisis, what purpose do they serve beyond being instruments of cadre deployment?' he asked. This move comes amid renewed scrutiny of President Cyril Ramaphosa's cabinet management following a series of high-profile missteps. The most recent being the suspension of Police Minister Bheki Cele, referred to erroneously in ActionSA's release as Senzo Mchunu, amid allegations of interference in investigations. Despite the presence of two deputy ministers in the police ministry, Ramaphosa opted to appoint an outsider, Prof. Firoz Cachalia, as acting minister. Until Cachalia is sworn in, Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe holds the role in a temporary capacity. Trollip also cited the controversial appointment of Thembi Simelane—implicated in the VBS scandal—as Minister of Justice before a midnight portfolio switch with Mmamoloko Kubayi. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ ActionSA has since laid criminal charges against Simelane. ActionSA's Constitution Twenty-Second Amendment Bill proposes four key reforms, including abolishing all deputy minister roles, introducing parliamentary vetting for all ministerial appointments, empowering parliament to remove individual ministers through motions of no confidence and expanding non-MP appointments, allowing up to four ministers to be selected from outside parliament to attract technical expertise. These constitutional changes form part of ActionSA's broader 'Cabinet Reform Package,' first unveiled in March 2025. A companion bill, the Enhanced Cut Cabinet Perks Bill, has also been formally tabled. It seeks to strip the President of unchecked power over the Ministerial Handbook and impose tighter scrutiny on perks and privileges. ActionSA said the reforms could save taxpayers R1.5 billion annually, funds it believes should be redirected to public services and infrastructure instead of sustaining what it calls 'an overstaffed, underperforming executive.' With 75 ministers and deputies, South Africa's executive remains one of the largest in the world—a structure critics argue is unsustainable amid sluggish growth and a deepening fiscal crisis. IOL Politics

Calls for investigation into KZN MEC Sipho Hlomuka amid school nutrition programme allegations
Calls for investigation into KZN MEC Sipho Hlomuka amid school nutrition programme allegations

IOL News

time3 days ago

  • IOL News

Calls for investigation into KZN MEC Sipho Hlomuka amid school nutrition programme allegations

Under fire education MEC Sipho Hlomuka Image: Independent Newspapers Archives Pressure is mounting on the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education, Sipho Hlomuka, amid growing calls for an investigation into allegations that he interfered in the awarding of contracts for the school nutrition programme. KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said he had written to Hlomuka and asked for a comprehensive report 'detailing all relevant facts, context, and any recent developments pertaining to the allegations.' 'As the head of a government founded on the principles of accountability, transparency, and ethical governance, I am duty-bound to respond promptly and decisively,' Ntuli said. ActionSA and MK Party have both voiced their concern about the serious allegations of irregularities and corruption, while labour union federation Cosatu has stated that the department must come out clearly and explain how the tenders have been awarded. The allocation of tenders for the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), which will provide meals to schools in the coming year, has come under scrutiny amid allegations by an association of service providers that contracts were awarded to individuals with political connections. Finance MEC Francois Rodgers stated that he has received multiple media queries regarding allegations of tender fraud and bias in the NSNP. 'I have noted media reports indicating that an association of NSNP service providers plans to report allegations of tender fraud to my office for investigation. However, I have not received any formal representations on this matter at this stage.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'It is my responsibility as KZN Finance MEC to ensure fiscal discipline. Allegations of tender fraud deeply concern me. To this end, my office remains open to anyone with evidence so that this matter may be probed further.' DA spokesperson on education, Sakhile Mngadi, stated that they will submit a formal briefing document to Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube — the custodian of the NSNP at a national level — urging her to intervene decisively. Their recommendations will include transferring future KZN NSNP grant disbursement responsibilities from the province's Department of Education (DoE) to the provincial Treasury to ensure transparency, clean governance, and uninterrupted service delivery to learners. 'In the event that the allegations prove true, MEC Sipho Hlomuka must be removed from office without delay. Corruption cannot be tolerated at the expense of hungry children and the future of our province,' Mngadi said. ActionSA provincial chairperson Zwakele Mncwango said: 'The allegations of interference in the tender process for nutrition programmes by the MEC of Education are grave and require immediate attention.' 'As the head of the provincial government, we urge you to take swift and decisive action to investigate these allegations thoroughly and transparently. The people of KwaZulu-Natal deserve to know the truth,' he said. The MK Party stated that the Department of Education is implicated in many irregularities. 'The MK Party demands the immediate suspension of the rotten and illegal tender process and calls for a full, independent investigation. We demand the immediate resignation of Hlomuka.' Cosatu provincial leader Edwin Mkhize said: 'We are on the side of the people. If people say something is amiss, that is something that must be looked at to ensure that everything done was above board.' The ANC also noted the allegations made against its members involved in the NSNP programme and stated that it understood the process was at the appeal stage, where those who made bids could lodge appeals. The ANC called for that process to be allowed to unfold. Meanwhile, Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane is also under fire, as she has been accused of getting a radio DJ fired. Premier Ntuli said he had also written to her and asked for a comprehensive report on the matter. The matter relates to Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, who was a DJ on radio station Vuma FM. On Sunday, she said in a media statement that she had received a letter last Tuesday stating that her employment was being terminated. She joined Vuma FM back in 2019. Ngobese-Zuma is the founder of the March and March movement which has held protests objecting to undocumented foreign nationals accessing healthcare and other services. According to IOL, it was suggested on social media that the KZN Health department had been behind her dismissal, but the department denied this. 'We categorically state that the Department has no authority, influence, or interest in the employment matters of any media house or entity outside of our jurisdiction. Any suggestion of our involvement in the termination of the presenter is entirely false and without merit. We respect the autonomy of all independent organisations, including Vuma FM, in making their internal staffing decisions,' the department said. THE MERCURY

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store