Latest news with #PortfolioCommitteeonWomen
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
MacG responds to parliamentary backlash, extends olive branch to Minnie Dlamini
MacG has addressed the controversy surrounding his recent comments about television personality Minnie Dlamini. Image: File image In the latest episode of 'Podcast and Chill', Macgyver "MacG" Mukwevho addressed the controversy surrounding his recent comments about television personality Minnie Dlamini. MacG joked about the situation and stated, 'We took podcasting to another level; we're now honourable speakers.' He asked: 'Is it even a podcast if you haven't been summoned by parliament?" MacG went on to say that sometimes the backlash he receives makes him want to quit. 'Sometimes I feel like ah, f*** this s*** man, let me pack my bags and go back to Venda to start farming, I don't need this shit,' he said. Additionally, he said that seeing the love from his fans 'fuels him' and makes him want to keep going. This nonchalant attitude comes after Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike called for him to be summoned to Parliament over his remarks about Dlamini's breakup with Dr Brian Monaisa. The controversy began when MacG commented that the reason for the split might be due to Dlamini's hygiene, making a crude remark about her private part. 'Why can't she keep a man? There's got to be something wrong with her, maybe her coochie smells or something,' MacG said. 'It happens, man, especially with the hot girls,' he added. The backlash was swift, with Letsike condemning MacG's comments as online gender-based violence (GBV) and referring the matter to various constitutional bodies for investigation. However, the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities declined Letsike's request to summon the 36-year-old podcaster to Parliament, with some committee members accusing Letsike of 'grandstanding'. EFF MP Sihle Lonzi was particularly vocal in her criticism, stating that Letsike's actions seemed more like a publicity stunt than a genuine attempt to address GBV. 'This ANC Minister is CLOWNING. There are three SEPARATE arms of the State. The Executive, the Legislature (Parliament), and the Judiciary. A Minister, representing the Executive, cannot 'summon' anyone to Parliament. If you are going to grandstand, at least be smart about it,' said Lonzi on X. On another note, as the episode proceeded, MacG apologised to all the women who were offended by the comment he made on Dlamini, stating that it was not his intention to offend them. 'I want to apologise first and foremost to all the female chillers and just women in general in South Africa that I might have offended with that comment, that was not the intention. You know, we never say things to offend people.' He further extended an invite to Dlamini, saying she is more than welcome to be a guest on the show so they can 'squash it' once and for all. 'This thing started on the podcast, let's end it on the podcast. She said some things, I've said some things, let's squash it once and for all, bro,' said MacG. The debate continued, with co-host Sol Phenduka saying that it's a good thing that MacG extended an olive branch, but he does not see Dlamini setting foot in the studio for a chat. The controversial host (MacG) had a different opinion, stating that it was the same situation with radio personality Unathi Nkayi who once hated his guts but came to the show to express her frustrations and they 'chopped it up' which made them best friends. Ever since the incident, many have called out for MacG to apologise to Dlamini for his degrading comments. But for now, MacG seems content with the invitation he has extended to her for them to have a conversation.
The Citizen
03-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Lesufi suggests SA is being ‘abused' by illegal foreigners
Here's your daily news update for Saturday, 3 May 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. Today's news includes MacG being summoned to appear before Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities for his comments about Minnie Dlamini. Meanwhile, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says the 'honeymoon period' for illegal foreigners in South Africa must end. He suggests that they are contributing to some of the country's ills, such as strained health care services and crime. Futhermore, The Freedom Front Plus (FF+) on Saturday said the EFF's march to Kleinfontein 'was nothing but political theatrics'. It accused the EFF of trying to turn attention away from the poor performance of the Tshwane government. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. News Today: 03 May 2025 Parliament to summon MacG after comments about Minnie Dlamini Picture: X/@MacGUnleashed Macgyver Mukwevho, popularly known as MacG is set to be summoned to appear before Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities for his comments about Minnie Dlamini. Should the Podcast and chill host fail to appear, he may be liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months or to both the fine and imprisonment. Continue reading here 'It must come to an end': Lesufi suggests South Africa is being 'abused' by illegal foreigners Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. Picture: Gallo Images Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says the 'honeymoon period' for illegal foreigners in South Africa must end. He suggested that they are contributing to some of the ills in the country, such as strained health care services and crime. The premier made these comments at the ANC Gauteng lekgotla at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways on Saturday. The gathering aims to solve challenges in the province and develop strategies for the upcoming local government elections. Continue reading here EFF accused of hypocrisy after Kleinfontein march Supporters of the EFF march to Kleinfontein. Picture: Michel Bega The Freedom Front Plus (FF+) on Saturday said the EFF's march to Kleinfontein 'was nothing but political theatrics'. It accused the EFF of trying to turn attention away from the poor performance of the Tshwane government. The EFF is in a coalition with the ANC and ActionSA in Tshwane. Other parties in the coalition government are the ACDP, AIC, DOP, PA, PAC, ATM and GOOD. FF+ also accused the EFF of having a 'dangerously inflammatory and destructive culture'. The EFF marched to the Afrikaner-only settlement in Kleinfontein on Friday demanding that its 'segregation' policies be abolished. Continue reading here Joshlin Smith: Kelly's house burnt down after being found guilty Kelly Smith's house during the Joshlin Smith kidnapping trial in Saldanha Bay. The wooden shack was later burnt down. Picture: Gallo Images Hours after Joshlin Smith's mother was found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking by the Western Cape High Court on Friday, her house in Middelpos, Saldanha Bay, was burnt down. A video of the incident was posted on social media on Friday night. In it, a woman can be seen screaming and raising her fist in the air while standing in front of the flames. Continue reading here Trio found in Hennops River to be buried next week; joint memorial service on Tuesday The trio's joint memorial service will be held on Tuesday at Bobbies Park in Bloemfontein, Free State. Constable Boipelo Senoge will be buried on Thursday, Constable Cebekhulu Lindaon Friday and Constable Keamogetswe Buys on SaturdaY. Pictures: Supplied. A joint memorial service will be held on Tuesday for the three constables who were found in the Hennops River in Centurion, but their funerals will take place separately. Free State provincial premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, MEC Jabu Mbalula, and provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane announced the funeral arrangements on Friday. 24-year-old Constable Cebekhulu Linda, 30-year-old Constable Keamogetswe Buys, and 20-year-old Constable Boipelo Senoge went missing for days, before their lifeless bodies were recovered from Hennops River on Wednesday, 29 April 2025. Continue reading here Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: Kelly Smith, co-accused convicted | EFF Kleinfontein march | Fuel good news
The Citizen
03-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Parliament to summon MacG after comments about Minnie Dlamini
Should the Podcast and chill host fail to appear, he may be liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months or to both the fine and imprisonment. Macgyver Mukwevho, popularly known as MacG is set to be summoned to appear before Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities for his comments about Minnie Dlamini. Should the Podcast and chill host fail to appear, he may be liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months or to both the fine and imprisonment. In the recent episode discussing Dlamini's relationship break-up, MacG made distasteful comments about her [Dlamini]'s private part. 'Bro, I'm telling you, man. There's got to be something wrong with her; maybe her coochie smells or something. You know this happens, man, it happens, especially with the hot girls,' said MacG. Letsike, said MacG's comments were nauseating in their vulgarity and must be regarded as an unconstitutional violation of Dlamini's rights to freedom and security of the person, equality, and human dignity as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The deputy minister considers the comments to constitute online gender- based violence. According to the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP on GBVF), this type of violence is 'any act of gender-based violence against a woman that is committed, assisted or aggravated in part or fully by the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), such as mobile phones and smartphones, the internet, social media platforms or email, against a woman because she is a woman, or affects women disproportionately'. ALSO READ: Minnie Dlamini breaks silence following controversial MacG comments 'There is no room in our democratic Republic for any misogynistic and demeaning utterances that perpetuate patriarchal iterations of gender relations. 'We are encouraged that within the ranks of South African society, we have persons who are sober in mind to call out abhorrent tendencies that are a distraction from achieving gender equality,' she added. Letsike note and appreciate the stance Moja Love channel took regarding MacG's comments. However, they call on the channel to act swiftly to ensure consequences for the utterances they have publicly castigated. 'The chronic trend will cease only as there are tangible ramifications on the hosts of the podcast, and all other content aired by the Moja Love channel that perpetuates GBVF, whether sexual, physical, financial, emotional and/or online.' Actions to be taken Letsike said MacG's comments will be referred to the relevant Constitutional and statutory bodies for investigation including but not limited to the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA), among others MacG will be referred to Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities to summon Mr Mukwevho to appear before the committee and account in line with Section 56 of the Constitution. 'Should Mr Mukwevho fail without sufficient cause to appear before the committee, processes to implement section 17 (1)(c)(ii) of the Act must be engaged and Mr Mukwevho may be liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months or to both the fine and imprisonment.' ALSO READ: 'Disgusting!' – Nkosazana Daughter slams MacG's claim about Master KG relationship Criminal case The deputy minister also explained that legal counsel on a possible criminal case of crimen injuria with the South African Police Service (Saps) will be explored, and as it may be legally plausible. 'As the Deputy Minister responsible for Women, a long-time advocate for gender equality, and a woman myself, I find Mr Mukwevho's comments reprehensible. This incident is not a harmless joke or casual banter – it is a harrowing demonstration of online gender-based violence. 'Women cannot be reduced to vulgar slurs and the objectification of the female body as this is a damaging reinforcement of gender- based disrespect and consequently violence.' NOW READ: MacG says his partnership with MultiChoice is 'a natural evolution' despite it being criticised as a lazy move by the broadcaster [VIDEO]
Zawya
31-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Media Statement: Committee on Women, Youth and Persons With Disabilities Wraps Its KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Oversight Visit
The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has today wrapped its week-long oversight visit to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province where it assessed critical government programmes that included gender equality, youth development, gender-based violence (GBV), and the inclusion of children with disabilities in the education system. The committee chose KZN province for the March oversight due to the challenges that the province experiences. The challenges that include high rate of teen pregnancies and the highest reported incidents of rape in the country. GBV remains a top priority for the committee. The committee evaluated the implementation of the Sanitary Dignity Programme, which the province has touted as a best practice model. The committee raised concerns over inequality regarding the allocation of resource. Some girls received more sanitary products and others less, a very unfair situation. During its visit at the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), the committee emphasised the need for improved visibility of the Commission and its accessibility to the people it was established for. The committee noted that the location of CGE offices in the Durban CBD makes it inaccessible to those who stay in deep rural areas. The committee has urged the CGE to consider relocating its offices and utilising government mobile units for accessibility to its clients. At the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), the committee recommended that the agency improves its outreach by using municipal offices and mobile vehicles to connect with the youth, especially in rural areas. Furthermore, it urged the NYDA to address diversity concerns among its coordinators. The committee also visited Umlazi Police Station where it engaged with Rapid Response Teams (RRT) on infrastructure problems, high incidences of GBV, and the impact of liquor outlets in the area. Members of the committee expressed concerns over the backlog at forensic labs and called for improved staffing ratios. The committee visited the Arthur Blaxall School where it noted the lack of maintenance and the crumbling infrastructure. The committee expressed a concern over the socio-economic challenges faced by learners, health problems, and the lack of parental involvement. At the KZN Blind and Deaf Society, which the committee also visited, it noted a lot of problems that included non-accreditation of courses offered. It also called on the management of the institution to forge partnerships with accredited organisations. In a meeting with the Office of the Premier and the Standing Committee on Quality of Life, the committee received a briefing on the Premier's Women's Empowerment and Youth Empowerment Fund on new initiatives aimed at combating GBV. The committee appreciated the Premier's Office for its commitment to protect vulnerable people and it acknowledged the collaborative efforts that are applied to address the problems experienced by the people. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Zawya
07-02-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Women, Youth and Persons With Disabilities Committee Briefed on Commission on Gender Equality (CGE) Quarterly Reports and Teenage Pregnancy
The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities was briefed by the Commission on Gender Equality (CGE) on several reports this week. The CGE informed members of the committee of the legislative submissions it provided during the second and third quarters of the 2023/24 financial year. 'Our legislative submissions are crucial in shaping laws and policies to be more gender-sensitive and transformative,' explained Dr Dennis Matoto the CGE CEO. 'We are not just passive observers, but active participants in the policymaking process, ensuring that the voices of women, youth and persons with disabilities are heard and their needs are addressed.' In addition to its legislative work, the CGE conducted investigative hearings in the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga provinces. These hearings delved into critical issues such as the withdrawal of sexual offences cases and the challenges faced by Thuthuzela Care Centres, which provide essential services to survivors of gender-based violence. 'The hearings allowed us to engage directly with key stakeholders, including the National Prosecuting Authority and the South African Police Service, to understand the underlying factors contributing to these challenges,' said Dr Matoto. Regarding the CGE's report on teenage pregnancy, the committee welcomed the recommendations and urged the CGE to continue engaging with the Department of Basic Education to ensure the effective implementation of the report's findings. The committee noted the need for a more comprehensive and proactive approach to addressing the issue of teenage pregnancy, including focusing on the role of boys and young men, and strengthening collaboration between relevant government departments, such as Health, Social Development and the South African Police Service. With an annual budget of just R90 million, the CGE indicated that it is tasked with implementing an expansive mandate across the country, with a staff complement of only 90 people. The commission noted that its limited resources often force it to make difficult choices and prioritise interventions. Portfolio Committee Chairperson Ms Liezl van der Merwe said, 'As a committee, we plan to extend our oversight responsibilities during this term of Parliament by engaging the departments of Social Development and Education on a range of issues, including learner pregnancies. We acknowledge that despite the challenges faced by the CGE, they are stronger than before. This gives us hope. The committee looks forward to working with the CGE in service of the most vulnerable.' The committee also indicated its intention to conduct oversight visits to the CGE offices to better understand the challenges. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
