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The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Gauteng department faces scrutiny over R8. 4 million contracts to questionable 'military veterans'
The Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation (SACR) is slated after awarding over R8.4 million to companies claiming to be owned by 'military veterans,' despite records showing some directors were born in the 1990s. The Military Veterans Act of 2011 defines a military veteran as any South African citizen who falls into one of the following categories: Those who rendered military service to any of the military organisations involved on all sides of South Africa's liberation war from 1960 to 1994; Those who served in the Union Defence Force before 1961; and Those who became members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) after 1994 have completed their military training, no longer perform military duties, and have not been dishonourably discharged from the military. Following questions raised by the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL), the party stated that Gauteng MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, confirmed that the department awarded contracts to 24 companies owned by military veterans over the past three financial years. Kingsol Chabalala, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, stated that the awarded companies have provided a range of services, including security at libraries such as Driezik and Kagiso, as well as managing events for wreath-laying ceremonies and celebrations for Human Rights and Heritage Day. He highlighted that the documents, in possession of The Star , exposed a troubling trend of false claims, pointing out that many companies on the list are directed by individuals born in the 1990s, which disqualifies them from being considered genuine military veterans. 'A closer inspection of the entities reveals a disturbing pattern of misrepresentation. Notably, several listed companies have directors who were born in the 1990s, making them far too young to be categorised as military veterans. For instance, the director of RE DLALA GAME TRADING, which received R459 156.46, was born in 1990; the director of Intellectditcom, backed with R147 700, was born in 1995; and the director of MATHABATSEME ENTERPRISE, which received R486 349.50, was born in 1996.' Chabalala further asserted that this represents a clear abuse of procurement processes to secure profitable contracts, exposing how certain individuals within the department are prepared to exploit veterans' legacy and public resources for personal benefit. He further stated that the DA will contact Chiloane to seek clarification on how this clear inconsistency was ignored or tolerated. 'The DA will write to MEC Chiloane, urging him to clarify how such a blatant discrepancy went unnoticed or permitted to persist under his watch. We will also demand that he conduct an urgent investigation into those responsible for awarding these contracts and ensure that they face appropriate consequences. This process must be carried out transparently and without bias,' Chabalala added. Responding to the concerns, Mxolisi Mkhonza, spokesperson for the Department of Military Veterans, explained that serving members of the SANDF qualify as military veterans once they leave the armed forces and are registered on the South African National Military Veterans Database. This includes individuals who have completed the Military Skills Development System (MSDS), which annually recruits citizens into the SANDF. Mkhonza also noted that the department is considering amending the registration process. 'Therefore, there will be no need for an investigation as these are legitimate military veterans according to the Act in its current state. The DMV is, however, looking to begin the process of amending the Military Veterans Act in order to circumvent such gaps, which are being exploited by certain individuals.' He added that the application and verification process for recognition as a military veteran involves several requirements, beginning with proof of having served or trained as a soldier, details of which are available on the DMV website. Once approved, individuals are listed on the South African National Military Veterans Database and issued a confirmation letter. This letter enables them to apply for various benefits outlined in Section 5 of the Act, provided they meet the qualifying criteria. Mkhonza explained that the DMV can not comment on other departments' procedures but works with them across government to deliver benefits. 'As a coordinating department, we work with various other government departments at all spheres of government in rolling out benefits. Each department may then have its criteria on how to go about issuing benefits to individuals specifically earmarked as military veterans. The DMV cannot speak on processes followed by other departments, such as the SACR.' The Star's attempts to get a comment from SACR were unsuccessful. We had not received a response by publication time. The Star [email protected]
The Star
23-07-2025
- The Star
DA slams Emfuleni municipality for R15 million cemetery outsourcing blunder
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Emfuleni has slammed the municipality for wasting R15 million on outsourced cemetery services, accusing officials of reckless spending while residents continue to suffer from collapsing infrastructure and poor service delivery. This comes after Kingsol Chabalala, the DA's constituency head for Emfuleni North, revealed that over the past five financial years (2019–2024), the municipality spent a staggering R15 million paying 65 different service providers for basic cemetery maintenance and grass-cutting. 'This spending is concerning, as the municipality has a Parks and Recreation Department equipped with full-time employees and the necessary equipment to handle these tasks.' Chabalala further stated that the DA will be submitting formal questions to Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Jacob Mamabolo, to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the municipality's current staff, particularly in light of the ongoing outsourcing of duties they are employed to perform. Previously, IOL reported in detail on the growing concern around neglected cemeteries in Emfuleni, situated in the Vaal Triangle, which have become dangerous hotspots for criminal activity. Due to the municipality's failure to maintain these graveyards, leaving them overgrown with tall grass and surrounded by broken fencing, criminals have found ideal hiding places to operate in. Evaton resident Nomsa Macha expressed frustration over the lack of basic facilities at the local cemeteries, noting that there are no toilets or access to water available on-site. 'There is no security, and I was once robbed at gunpoint inside the graveyard. I hear people complaining about the same thing.' She added that it's difficult to locate her family's graves as they are hidden beneath thick weeds and overgrown grass. Another resident, Lebohang Mabitle, echoed Macha's concerns, saying they frequently hear gunshots coming from the graveyard, making the area feel unsafe. 'And we are also struggling to find our family graves because the grass keeps growing and the municipality never sends people to come and cut it,' she said. However, Emfuleni Municipality Communications Manager Makhosonke Sangweni dismissed the allegations, stating that the municipality has systems in place to maintain cemeteries across the region. He explained that graveyards are cleaned on a rotational basis and that the municipality is fulfilling its mandate by cutting grass, pruning trees, and maintaining the overall grounds. Sangweni clarified that while the municipality ensures the general upkeep of the cemetery environment, the responsibility for maintaining individual gravesites lies with the respective families. He maintained that the municipality continues to do its part despite resource constraints and urged residents to distinguish between municipal responsibilities and personal obligations in cemetery care. He added that the use of external contractors is intended to support the municipality's efforts, especially given challenges like limited staffing and insufficient equipment. According to Sangweni, outsourcing is a practical solution to ensure essential services, such as cemetery maintenance, are carried out effectively despite internal resource constraints. 'It is not true that Parks and Cemeteries are fully equipped. In Parks, there are employees who do grass-cutting, and they do. The Municipality has just procured equipment valued at R1.7 million to support the grass-cutting service at Parks. However, during rainy seasons, grass grows fast. This is when complementary services are required.' Sangweni further explained that cemeteries are currently staffed only with caretakers who assist in coordinating funerals, but not with grave-digging. He added that the municipality is exploring the possibility of reinstating a dedicated grave-digging team. However, this plan would require acquiring the necessary equipment, which the municipality currently lacks. When asked about the payment breakdown for each service provider from 2019 to 2024, he said contracts are usually signed for three-year periods. Sangweni said staff will be urged to upkeep cemeteries, and called on residents to report crime. 'We encourage our employees to maintain cemetery grounds, and the public must report any criminal activity to the Municipality and SAPS,' he said. The Star sought comment from the Office of the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), but the department had not responded to queries at the time of going to print. The Star [email protected]
IOL News
23-07-2025
- IOL News
DA slams Emfuleni municipality for R15 million cemetery outsourcing blunder
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Emfuleni has slammed the municipality for wasting R15 million on outsourced cemetery services, accusing officials of reckless spending while residents continue to suffer from collapsing infrastructure and poor service delivery. This comes after Kingsol Chabalala, the DA's constituency head for Emfuleni North, revealed that over the past five financial years (2019–2024), the municipality spent a staggering R15 million paying 65 different service providers for basic cemetery maintenance and grass-cutting. 'This spending is concerning, as the municipality has a Parks and Recreation Department equipped with full-time employees and the necessary equipment to handle these tasks.' Chabalala further stated that the DA will be submitting formal questions to Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Jacob Mamabolo, to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the municipality's current staff, particularly in light of the ongoing outsourcing of duties they are employed to perform. Previously, IOL reported in detail on the growing concern around neglected cemeteries in Emfuleni, situated in the Vaal Triangle, which have become dangerous hotspots for criminal activity. Due to the municipality's failure to maintain these graveyards, leaving them overgrown with tall grass and surrounded by broken fencing, criminals have found ideal hiding places to operate in. Evaton resident Nomsa Macha expressed frustration over the lack of basic facilities at the local cemeteries, noting that there are no toilets or access to water available on-site. 'There is no security, and I was once robbed at gunpoint inside the graveyard. I hear people complaining about the same thing.' She added that it's difficult to locate her family's graves as they are hidden beneath thick weeds and overgrown grass. Another resident, Lebohang Mabitle, echoed Macha's concerns, saying they frequently hear gunshots coming from the graveyard, making the area feel unsafe. 'And we are also struggling to find our family graves because the grass keeps growing and the municipality never sends people to come and cut it,' she said. However, Emfuleni Municipality Communications Manager Makhosonke Sangweni dismissed the allegations, stating that the municipality has systems in place to maintain cemeteries across the region. He explained that graveyards are cleaned on a rotational basis and that the municipality is fulfilling its mandate by cutting grass, pruning trees, and maintaining the overall grounds. Sangweni clarified that while the municipality ensures the general upkeep of the cemetery environment, the responsibility for maintaining individual gravesites lies with the respective families. He maintained that the municipality continues to do its part despite resource constraints and urged residents to distinguish between municipal responsibilities and personal obligations in cemetery care. He added that the use of external contractors is intended to support the municipality's efforts, especially given challenges like limited staffing and insufficient equipment. According to Sangweni, outsourcing is a practical solution to ensure essential services, such as cemetery maintenance, are carried out effectively despite internal resource constraints. 'It is not true that Parks and Cemeteries are fully equipped. In Parks, there are employees who do grass-cutting, and they do. The Municipality has just procured equipment valued at R1.7 million to support the grass-cutting service at Parks. However, during rainy seasons, grass grows fast. This is when complementary services are required.' Sangweni further explained that cemeteries are currently staffed only with caretakers who assist in coordinating funerals, but not with grave-digging. He added that the municipality is exploring the possibility of reinstating a dedicated grave-digging team. However, this plan would require acquiring the necessary equipment, which the municipality currently lacks. When asked about the payment breakdown for each service provider from 2019 to 2024, he said contracts are usually signed for three-year periods. Sangweni said staff will be urged to upkeep cemeteries, and called on residents to report crime. 'We encourage our employees to maintain cemetery grounds, and the public must report any criminal activity to the Municipality and SAPS,' he said. The Star sought comment from the Office of the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), but the department had not responded to queries at the time of going to print. The Star
IOL News
03-07-2025
- IOL News
'Filthiest perpetrator': Judge berates rapist Musa Chabalala who assaulted 91-year-old gogo
The High Court in Thohoyandou, has sentenced 34-year-old Musa Walter Chabalala of Tshisaulu village to multiple terms of direct imprisonment, including life imprisonment for rape. Image: NPA The High Court in Thohoyandou, sitting at the Waterval Magistrate's Court, has sentenced 34-year-old Musa Walter Chabalala of Tshisaulu village to multiple terms of direct imprisonment, including life imprisonment for rape. Chabalala was also handed 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, and five years for housebreaking with intent to commit an offence. 'The sentencing follows the court's finding that Chabalala was guilty of a heinous attack on a 91-year-old woman in her home on 21 August 2020 in Tshisaulu village,' according to Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, Limpopo regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). The court heard how Chabalala forcefully gained entry into the nonagenarian's home by opening a window and breaking the door to her bedroom. Armed with a knife, Chabalala threatened the elderly woman, instructed her to hide under a blanket, and demanded money. Chabalala managed to steal approximately R40 and a sound system, then forced the victim to undress and he raped her multiple times before fleeing the scene. 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 ✕ The traumatised woman immediately reported the incident. A thorough police investigation, led by Sergeant Madzivhandila, later linked Chabalala through forensic evidence. Despite pleading not guilty, the State, represented by advocate Steven Muavha, presented compelling evidence that proved Chabalala's guilt beyond reasonable doubt. In aggravation of sentence, the prosecution told the court that the scourge of rape has reached 'pandemic levels' in the Vhembe district. The prosecution demanded that harsher sentences are necessary to protect vulnerable citizens, especially the elderly. It was further highlighted that Chabalala is a repeat offender, and had been undeterred by his previous convictions. In delivering judgment, Judge Thogomelani Caution Tshidada described Chabalala as 'one of the filthiest perpetrators who does not deserve to live in our communities'. The judge lamented that the victim was old enough to be Chabalala's grandmother and should have been treated with dignity and respect. The court also highlighted Chabalala's lack of remorse and found no mitigating factors to justify leniency. Meanwhile, the NPA has welcomed the sentencing heaped on Chabalala, adding that the jail terms will serve as a strong deterrent to would-be offenders. Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, advocate Ivy Thenga, has commended the prosecution and investigation teams for their diligence and commitment to justice. 'This sentence reinforces our resolve to protect the most vulnerable in our society and ensure that justice prevails,' said Thenga. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL News
The Citizen
03-07-2025
- The Citizen
‘Filthiest perpetrator' handed life in jail for raping 91-year-old woman
He managed to steal approximately R40 and a sound system, then forced the victim to undress and raped her. A man who raped a 91-year-old woman in Limpopo has been described as 'one of the filthiest perpetrators' after being sentenced to life in prison for the heinous crime. Musa Walter Chabalala of Tshisaulu village appeared in the Thohoyandou High Court sitting at the Waterval Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, where sentence was handed down. Sentence The court sentenced Chabalala to multiple terms of direct imprisonment, including life in prison for rape, 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, and five years for housebreaking with intent to commit an offence. ALSO READ: Zimbabwean national sentenced to 50 years in jail for kidnapping The sentencing follows the court's finding that Chabalala was guilty of a heinous attack on the 91-year-old woman in her home on 21 August 2020 in Tshisaulu village. Rape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said the court heard how Chabalala forcefully gained entry into the victim's home by opening a window and breaking the door to her bedroom. 'Armed with a knife, he threatened the elderly woman, instructed her to hide under a blanket, and demanded money. 'He managed to steal approximately R40 and a sound system, then forced the victim to undress and raped her multiple times before fleeing the scene,' Malabi-Dzhangi said. Arrest Malabi-Dzhangi said the traumatised elderly woman immediately reported the incident, and a thorough police investigation, led by police, later linked the accused through forensic evidence. 'Despite pleading not guilty, the state, represented by Advocate Steven Muavha, presented compelling evidence that proved Chabalala's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 'In aggravation of sentence, the prosecution argued that rape has reached pandemic levels in the Vhembe district, and harsher sentences are necessary to protect vulnerable citizens, especially the elderly,' Malabi-Dzhangi said. 'Filthiest perpetrators Malabi-Dzhangi said the court also heard Chabalala is a repeat offender, undeterred by previous convictions. 'In delivering his judgment, Judge Thogomelani Caution Tshidada described the accused as 'one of the filthiest perpetrators who does not deserve to live in our communities.' 'The judge lamented that the victim was old enough to be the accused's grandmother and should have been treated with dignity and respect. He noted the accused's lack of remorse and found no mitigating factors to justify leniency,' Malabi-Dzhangi said. Sentenced welcomed The NPA has welcomed the sentence, saying it trusts it will serve as a strong deterrent to would-be offenders. Advocate Ivy Thenga, Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, commended the prosecution and investigation teams for their diligence and commitment to justice. 'This sentence reinforces our resolve to protect the most vulnerable in our society and ensure that justice prevails,' said Advocate Thenga. ALSO READ: Man accused of murdering KZN municipal manager found guilty
