logo
Parliament names MPs to serve on Ad Hoc Committee to probe Mkhwanazi allegations

Parliament names MPs to serve on Ad Hoc Committee to probe Mkhwanazi allegations

The Stara day ago
Mayibongwe Maqhina | Published 2 weeks ago
Parliament has named the MPs that will serve on the Ad Hoc Committee tasked with investigating the serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
This comes almost a week after the National Assembly unanimously resolved to establish the committee after adopting the report from the portfolio committees on Police and Justice and Constitutional Development, which made the recommendation.
The committee will be constituted by 11 members, with four members from the ANC, two each from the DA and the MK Party, one member from the EFF, and two representatives to be recommended by other parties.
Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said on Thursday that parties have nominated MPs who will serve on the committee.
The ANC has nominated its chief whip, Mdumiseni Ntuli, Khusela Sangoni-Diko, Soviet Lekganyane, Xola Nqola, as full members, with Thoko Khanyile as an alternate member.
The DA has fielded Ian Cameron and Glynnis Breytenbach as full members, while Diane Kohler Barnard and Lisa Schickerling are alternate members.
The MK Party is represented by Sibonelo Nomvalo and David Skosana, with Vusi Shongwe as an alternate member.
EFF leader Julius Malema will represent the EFF, and Leigh-Ann Mathys is an alternate member.
The small parties are represented by IFP's Albert Mncwango and Patriotic Alliance MP Ashley Sauls.
Freedom Front Plus MP Wouter Wessels and ActionSA's Dereleen James are alternate members for the small parties.
The committee has until October 31 to report to the National Assembly.
The committee's terms of reference include the alleged unlawful decision by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to disband the Political Killings Task Team.
It will also examine the alleged unlawful removal of 121 case dockets from the Political Killings Task Team on the direction of Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and the alleged moratorium by Mchunu on filling vacancies within the SAPS Crime Intelligence Unit.
The committee will also scrutinise the nature and the implications of the relationship between SAPS senior leadership and certain members of the public.
It will also probe whether the awarding of the R360 million contract to Vusumuzi Matlala's company for the provision of healthcare services to SAPS was irregular.
The alleged interference by the Investigative Directorate Against Corruption in police matters, including judicial issues, will form part of its focus, as well as consider the need for legislative policy and institutional reform to restore public confidence in the criminal justice system.
[email protected]
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

National Dialogue has big gaps in it
National Dialogue has big gaps in it

The Citizen

time33 minutes ago

  • The Citizen

National Dialogue has big gaps in it

A properly managed national dialogue, which could be an inclusive participatory exercise for all groups, would be beneficial. With so many top leaders and prominent South Africans boycotting the National Dialogue, it risks losing credibility if it continues in its current form, says an expert. He added that President Cyril Ramaphosa should listen to the dissatisfied leaders and review the process. Mbeki's vision: Civil society at the helm Political economy analyst Daniel Silke said instead of forging ahead, President Cyril Ramaphosa should review or reconstitute it to bring everybody on board. He said at the core of it all was widespread dissatisfaction with President Cyril Ramaphosa's leadership – both within and outside of the ANC. Former president Thabo Mbeki, who first floated the idea of a National Dialogue, indicated during a special congress of the SA Communist Party in December last year that he expected Ramaphosa would merely announce the process, while civil society would occupy the front seat 'for the first time'. Mbeki said the process would be different to the Convention for a Democratic South Africa, which was initiated and dominated by political parties and the elite. ALSO READ: Mazibuko reaffirms that the National Dialogue will be in the hands of South Africans Foundations and key players boycott National Dialogue The multi-stakeholder two-day national convention, which kicked off the National Dialogue, commenced on Friday in Pretoria, despite a stay away by six legacy foundations belonging to prominent anti-apartheid stalwarts, along with the FW de Klerk Foundation. The foundations, which cited rushing and centralising of the process by Ramaphosa, demanded that it should be led by civil society or citizens themselves. They were later joined by the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation, which pulled out but cited that its mandate had nothing to do with pursuing political projects. Motlanthe was quoted by the Sunday Times as saying: 'We work in accordance with the deed of trust and the foundation's work.' Among other boycotters were the DA and Freedom Front Plus. Non-participation by these parties meant most whites have no voice in a dialogue on their country's future. Several other parties were not at the event. ALSO READ: Still no confirmation on cost of controversial National Dialogue Ramaphosa unshaken by absentees At the gathering, Ramaphosa seemed unperturbed by the senior leaders' absence, emphasising the significance of his role in the process, saying he has to be 'allowed to be the president'. This was seen as a broadside against Mbeki, whom some accused of trying to outshine Ramaphosa. Silke, said the credibility of dialogue is bound to be undermined since it was being boycotted by to crucial players in the political setup. 'This is a botched attempt at something that could have been beneficial to SA,' Silke said. ALSO READ: The credibility of the National Dialogue is at stake Dialogue perceived as ANC-controlled A properly managed national dialogue, which could be a 'listening exercise' for the government and an inclusive participatory exercise for all groups, would be beneficial. But the process had clearly been seen as an attempt by the ANC to steer the discourse. Silke added: 'What is astonishing is that ANC-linked organisations are increasingly frustrated with the style of leadership of Ramaphosa and the way his ANC is steering South Africa. 'It seems the ANC cannot rely on the veterans any more to provide it with support. It seems it's free for all on all sides of the ANC in terms of self-criticism and very publicly so.' Political analyst Dr George Tsibani backed the view that Mbeki should give Ramaphosa a chance as president to lead the process. READ NEXT: National Dialogue: Concerns about financial transparency and hotel bookings for delegates

City says debt relief working, critics warn of looming crisis
City says debt relief working, critics warn of looming crisis

The Citizen

time3 hours ago

  • The Citizen

City says debt relief working, critics warn of looming crisis

The metro has defended its controversial debt relief programme, maintaining that consumer debt has declined. This comes after criticism from opposition parties who claim it encourages non-payment and threatens the metro's financial health. Opposition claimed that despite the debt relief programme, residents' outstanding debt increased by more than R700-million in the previous financial year. The Freedom Front Plus said it was particularly concerned about a 600% increase in new defaults within the 31-60-day payment period. However, metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo argued that consumer debt has been decreasing since the launch of the incentive in May. 'Between February and March, the debtors' book fell by 13.56%, with a further drop from R26.6-billion to R25.8-billion over the next two months,' Mashigo said. He said these figures prove the initiative is working, allowing residents to settle arrears and keep their accounts in good standing. 'The plan offers ratepayers a 70% discount on outstanding municipal bills if they pay the balance in full, and was introduced to address a historic R30-billion debtor's ledger.' Mashigo dismissed claims of a 600% spike in new defaults as 'factually incorrect'. 'Nevertheless, the city remains committed to addressing all arrear accounts, particularly those that are 30 days and more in arrears.' He said intensified credit control measures are being implemented to reduce the debtors' book and to improve the overall payment levels. 'These measures include stricter enforcement of credit control policies, targeted customer engagement, and proactive monitoring of payment patterns to prevent accounts from falling into longer-term arrears.' Mashigo stressed that the metro maintains a structured payment arrangement with Eskom, honoured in full and on time. 'We have never defaulted on our commitments to Eskom and disciplined financial management has kept essential services running.' Despite the metro's reassurances, opposition parties remain unconvinced. Freedom Front Plus Councillor Mark Surgeon warned that outstanding debt climbed by more than R700-million in the past financial year, even with the debt relief scheme in place. He accused the ANC-led coalition of using the policy as a quick political fix rather than a long-term financial strategy. 'The FF Plus has always maintained that general debt write-offs foster a culture of non-payment,' said Surgeon. Surgeon also cited a R2.28-billion increase in the city's own debt in 2024/25 and a 43% rise in what it owes Eskom, warning of looming fiscal collapse. He said underspending on projects further erodes public trust, calling the budget a 'political wish list' rather than a binding service delivery plan. Surgeon argued that without structural reforms, the debt crisis will only deepen, worsening service delivery and public confidence in municipal governance. The DA shared similar concerns. Former MMC for Finance Jacqui Uys said the policy benefits residents who can pay but choose not to, while doing little for struggling households or for restoring payment discipline. 'The processes followed by the coalition do not ensure the inclusion of defaulting ratepayers back into the payment net,' she said. Uys said the DA had proposed alternative repayment models to help those who want to pay but cannot, but these were rejected. 'The debtors' book might even be closer to R28-billion,' said DA caucus leader in Tshwane Cilliers Brink. Brink said it is clear that there hasn't been an uptake by residents of the incentive scheme of the city. 'The DA warned that the scheme is inadequate, but the bigger problem is that credit control is not happening.' He said other measures, such as rolling out smart meters to indigent residents, are also not happening. 'Instead of collecting what is already due to the city, the ANC coalition has sought to introduce a new tax, the so-called city cleansing levy. Now that the High Court has set the levy aside, it means that there is about R500-million shortfall on top of the R850-million shortfall from the financial year ending in June,' said Brink. Mashigo insists that the metro's approach, combined with stronger credit control and targeted revenue collection campaigns, will stabilise its finances and support long-term service delivery. He said the underspending experienced in the 2024/25 financial year can largely be attributed to delays in project implementation, procurement processes, and the finalisation of contractor appointments. 'In some cases, unforeseen technical challenges and compliance requirements also contributed to slower capital expenditure. While underspending may temporarily affect the pace of certain service delivery projects, the city is actively working to fast-track delayed initiatives and reallocate resources where possible to ensure service delivery targets are met.' He said the city has instituted a 'war room' initiative led by the mayor. 'In this forum, service delivery departments are required to report regularly on the progress of their respective capital programmes and others.' According to Mashigo, the political leadership provides oversight, ensuring accountability and alignment with strategic priorities. 'Importantly, this process operates in conjunction with the statutory oversight functions of the Section 79 Committees and the city's council, which continues to hold the administration accountable for sound budget planning, disciplined execution, and prudent financial management. This layered oversight structure mitigates the risk of undue political interference.' Mashigo said the metro has adopted an approved service delivery budgetary implementation plan that outlines clear performance targets for each department. 'This plan is supported by a funding plan aimed at ensuring financial viability, achieving strategic financial objectives, and strengthening the city's liquidity position. By enhancing revenue collection and optimising expenditure, the city can sustainably deliver essential services to communities, thereby restoring public trust and reinforcing confidence in its financial stability.' He denied that the debt relief programme has fostered a culture of non-payment, saying on the contrary, it has provided much-needed financial reprieve to residents across the city, enabling them to settle arrears and remain in good standing. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.

Parliament moves to set probe into Mkhwanazi's explosive SAPS claims in motion
Parliament moves to set probe into Mkhwanazi's explosive SAPS claims in motion

IOL News

time3 hours ago

  • IOL News

Parliament moves to set probe into Mkhwanazi's explosive SAPS claims in motion

The ad hoc committee established to investigate the explosive allegations made public by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, will meet again on Monday to further engage on its Terms of Reference. The committee, earlier this month, elected Molapi Soviet Lekganyane as its chairperson. During a media briefing in July, dressed in his Special Task Force camouflage uniform, Mkhwanazi implicated police minister Senzo Mchunu, his close associate Brown Mogotsi and Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya, as key and central tenets to the alleged interference in police operations, including the disbanding of a task team investigating political killings.

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