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Gauteng residents calls for action after Lesufi calls for action on undocumented migrants

Gauteng residents calls for action after Lesufi calls for action on undocumented migrants

eNCA04-05-2025

eNCA's viewers say they are not phased or moved by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi's new proclamation.
Lesufi said on Saturday that South Africa cannot have informal settlements where over 45 percent of the residents are foreign nationals.
According to Lesufi, Ubuntu cannot be abused.
Responding eNCA's social media platforms, here is what South Africans had to say:
X
Panyaza must [stop] confusing us. We don't want to document illegal foreigners in our country. We don't want them. The issue is created by him and his ANC [in] the same way they give foreigners employment and tenders in our country's government @Miz_Ruralitarian
Renewal talks @MadMan_Musa
These people know the problems, but they deliberately don't do anything about them so they can use the problems to campaign every time there are elections @Siya_ZA
Instagram
The same should apply for formal settlement as well, check those expired hospital visas @black_breeze
They are everywhere and in everything @zoe_zoecchiz
So, what are you going to do about it? @tersia_hassbroek

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'A man of unwavering principles': Ramaphosa delivers eulogy at activist cleric Tshenuwani Farisani's funeral
'A man of unwavering principles': Ramaphosa delivers eulogy at activist cleric Tshenuwani Farisani's funeral

TimesLIVE

time22 minutes ago

  • TimesLIVE

'A man of unwavering principles': Ramaphosa delivers eulogy at activist cleric Tshenuwani Farisani's funeral

President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the late activist cleric Rev Tshenuwani Simon Farisani as a man of unwavering principles who did not yearn for the limelight and positions. Ramaphosa delivered the eulogy at the funeral of the ANC politician at the University of Venda stadium in Limpopo on Saturday. Farisani was accorded a special official provincial funeral category two. 'He was a man of unwavering principles. Nothing could sway him from what was right, from his dedication to the cause of the people of South Africa and their total emancipation,' he said. Ramaphosa said Farisani saw himself as a mentor and 'indeed he was my mentor and he was my teacher as well'. Scores of politicians, including ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, attended the funeral. Farisani was a revered South African theologian, Lutheran minister, anti-apartheid activist and political leader. He was a man of unwavering principles. Nothing could sway him from what was right, from his dedication to the cause of the people of South Africa and their total emancipation. President Cyril Ramaphosa He was born on August 30 1948 in Songozwi village (then part of the Venda homeland in the Transvaal). He rose from rural hardship to become one of the most influential voices in liberation theology and the struggle for freedom in apartheid South Africa. 'We have lost an extraordinary man who lived an extraordinary life. This obituary, which has been read by his child, is an obituary that includes the life of Tshenuwani in full,' Ramaphosa said. He further added Farisani's year of birth, 1948, was a turning point in the history of South Africa, a year when the National Party swept to power and ushered in an evil spirit of apartheid that was declared a crime against humanity by the UN. 'Dean Farisani was born into circumstances that mirrored the lives of millions of black South Africans at the time. He was just a child, barely three years old, when his family was confronted with the ugly face of injustice.' He said many years later, in 1996, Farisani would testify at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on how his family became victims of forced removals from Songozwi near Makhado (formerly known as Louis Trichardt). Farisani, he said, rebelled against the dubious teachings of the Lutheran theological college at Maphumulo, from which he was expelled in 1972. Ramaphosa hails late Mam Motlana as a 'fearless and resolute' opponent of oppression President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africans should pay tribute to activist and Member of the Order of the Baobab Sally Motlana by emulating her ... Politics 1 year ago He developed an interest in liberation theology and its message that the true Christian faith demands active resistance to all forms of oppression and solidarity with the poor. He became involved with underground political organisations like the Black People's Convention, the black consciousness movement. It was at this time that Farisani travelled extensively across the country. In his many travels, he visited Mphaphuli High School, where Ramaphosa was a pupil. 'Farisani was a guest at our school's flourishing debating society, which a number of us, including Judge Raulinga, Tshifhiwa Muofhe and people like Willy Mudau, had set up. Farisani and I formed an immediate and lasting bond of friendship, comradeship and loyalty based on respect and love. He opened to me the radical interpretation of the Bible, which Farisani was later to become famous for. 'He argued the Lutheran church must turn away from political conservatism and become an instrument of opposition,' said Ramaphosa. He said Farisani was a courageous revolutionary who inspired a generation to reclaim their pride and to stand up for their rights. 'I was one of those who were hugely inspired by him. He was, in addition to everything else, a renowned academic, a prolific scholar whose writings gave voice to the voiceless. He was a guide and a mentor to many.' Ramaphosa said Farisani's activism continued into the democratic era, where he became an MEC and speaker of the legislature in Limpopo province. He said those roles placed him in a position of power and influence, yet did not change him. 'He was a servant leader who came, served and left. When he saw corruption being perpetrated by those who are trusted with public funds, he was vocal and scathing in his criticism, and that is why he was one of those when the VBS looting happened who spoke out. 'He spoke out to a point where a number of people started to hate him, but it never moved him. The foundation that bears his name continues to be an influential voice in the public space in advancing social justice. Neither beatings nor torture could make Farisani surrender his principles' .

'VBS was our lifeline': Ramokgopa pressures treasury to restore Limpopo's lost bank
'VBS was our lifeline': Ramokgopa pressures treasury to restore Limpopo's lost bank

IOL News

time3 hours ago

  • IOL News

'VBS was our lifeline': Ramokgopa pressures treasury to restore Limpopo's lost bank

ANC treasurer-general Gwen Ramokgopa pleads with government to help rebuild VBS. Image: File photo ANC treasurer-general Dr Gwen Ramokgopa issued a stirring plea to the South African Reserve Bank and National Treasury: step in and help to rebuild the looted and collapsed Venda Business Society (VBS) Mutual Bank. Ramokgopa was speaking on Thursday at a packed memorial service for ANC veteran and revered liberation figure, Reverend Dr Tshenuwani Simon Farisani, held at the George Phagadi Town Hall in Thohoyandou. The late struggle stalwart and former Lutheran bishop passed away on May 29. His funeral will take place on Saturday at the University of Venda Stadium. In her tribute, Ramokgopa honoured Farisani's lifelong commitment to justice, recalling his outspoken defence of VBS victims who lost life savings and community investments when the bank collapsed under a staggering R2 billion looting scandal. 'Government, under President Cyril Ramaphosa, has been for the people. We always said those who stole from VBS must be punished and languish in jail,' Ramokgopa said, adding that the Finance Department and the Reserve Bank should assist the suffering community to revive their only hope, VBS. In her address, Ramokgopa reminded the nation of the Vhembe community's enduring pain — a pain worsened by betrayal and scandal. 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 ✕ Ad Loading Since the shocking collapse of VBS in 2018, over 53 individuals have been charged with theft, fraud, corruption, money laundering, and violations of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act — accused of siphoning more than R2 billion from the mutual bank that once symbolised financial hope for Limpopo's people. Ramakgopa emphasised that the government has successfully rebuilt several institutions and therefore VBS should not be an issue. 'We have also successfully rebuilt the Limpopo provincial government after it collapsed through fraudulent activities,' she said. IOL Politics

Rebuild VBS, urges ANC treasurer-general
Rebuild VBS, urges ANC treasurer-general

The Citizen

time5 hours ago

  • The Citizen

Rebuild VBS, urges ANC treasurer-general

Ramokgopa advised ANC leaders to speak with one voice to preserve the dignity of the party. VBS Mutual Bank customers queue outside the bank, demanding their money in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, on 20 June 2018. Picture: Gallo Images/ANTONIO Muchave/Sowetan ANC treasurer-general Gwen Ramokgopa has pleaded with the Reserve Bank and National Treasury to assist the Vhembe community in Limpopo to rebuild the collapsed Venda Business Society (VBS) Mutual Bank. More than 53 people have been charged for theft, corruption, fraud, money laundering, contraventions of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, and racketeering for stealing and looting more than R2 billion of VBS Mutual Bank money since 2018. Ramokgopa was speaking during a well-attended memorial service of the late ANC veteran, Reverend Dr Tshenuwani Simon Farisani, at the George Phagadi Town Hall in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, this week. Farisani passed away on Thursday, 29 May 2025, and his funeral will be held at the University of Venda Stadium, outside Thohoyandou, on Saturday. The former prominent Lutheran Church Bishop and known political struggle hero was honoured for his resilience in the fight for freedom and equality against the apartheid regime. The service was attended by South African Communist Party deputy national chairperson Thulas Nxesi, Limpopo first female premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Limpopo ANC secretary Vhamusanda Reuben Madazhe, Speaker of the Limpopo Legislature Dr Makoma Makhurupetsa, Mopani district municipality Mayor Pule Frelimo Shayi and leaders from various religious and political structures in the province and beyond. Speaking to the mourners at the service, Ramokgopa said Farisani had fought for VBS victims. 'Government, under the tutelage of President Cyril Ramaphosa, has been on the side of the victims. We always said those who stole from VBS must be punished and languish in jail. 'The Reserve Bank and the Department of Finance, under the tutelage of Minister Enoch Godongwana, must assist the grieving communities to rebuild the collapsed VBS Mutual Bank,' she said. 'We have many times successfully rebuilt our country, including the health system in Gauteng during the predicaments of Life Esidimeni. We have also successfully rebuilt the Limpopo provincial government after it collapsed through fraudulent activities after some in the era of mismanaged government funds. 'There is nothing that can stand in our way to rebuild the VBS Mutual Bank and begin on a clean sheet,' she said to thunderous applause. ALSO READ: Simelane VBS matter will not be swept under carpet Lazy mayors The treasurer also scolded lazy mayors, who sit idly while communities face poor service delivery. 'When I came here, I drove a sizeable number of potholes, and the feeling was unbearable. For the record, good roads are important to us because they have a positive impact on the economy of our communities, our regions, our province and our country. 'They attract investment that often blossoms our economy. I therefore implore you, Honourable Premier Ramathuba and your mayors, to fix all your roads and patch potholes so that investors can invest in your municipalities. 'Through this, we can win the fight against the triple challenges of inequality, unemployment and poverty,' she said. ALSO READ: Mayor claims she was exonerated of VBS graft allegations ANC conference slammed However, the memorial service did not go without controversy. Veteran journalist Mathatha Tsedu was invited to the stage to give testimony on the life well spent by Farisani and how his political acumen bolstered his journalism prowess. However, Tsedu used the platform to voice criticism of the irregularities surrounding the ANC Vhembe regional elective conference in May. 'This is the ANC of Farisani. He would be disappointed by how you skipped vital items in the programme, only to jump into nominations and elections of the top five officials. 'How do you jump the secretariat report and other vital items on the programme as if the main objective of the conference was to elect leaders,' he asked. The conference saw Tshitereke Matibe living up to his name — 'Tshitereke,' a Venda name meaning 'protest' — as he staged a bold demonstration at the venue, ultimately securing a fourth term. Tsedu's criticism was challenged by an ANC regional executive committee (REC) member. 'Tsedu does not understand the politics of the ANC. This is not journalism, he must just leave politics to politicians, and journalism to the newsroom. You can just read from his address that he is far from within,' said the senior member, speaking to The Citizen on condition of anonymity. The leader, who asked for his name to be withheld for fear of reprisal, said that despite the woo-ha, Matibe won the conference hands down. In response, Ramokgopa advised ANC leaders to speak with one voice in an effort to preserve the dignity of the party. NOW READ: Calls for VBS-linked Bojanala mayor to go

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