Latest news with #SedibengDistrictMunicipality
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Quadcare opens 13th clinic in Bedworthpark
VEREENIGING.- With the aim of eventually opening 100 primary healthcare clinics in the country, Quadcare opened its 13th clinic at the Bedworth Centre in Bedworthpark, Vereeniging, on Friday. Quadcare has embarked on a mission of opening 100 primary healthcare centres with the sole mission of bridging the gap of affordable healthcare services in underserved communities, all while upholding the dignity of every individual we serve. This vision, seeks to transform the healthcare landscape nationally, bridging the gap between private and public health services, and ensuring that no South African is left behind. During the opening that was attended by Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM) MMC of Health, Lola Mokoena, and Ward 4 councillor Edward von Bodenstein, community members had access to free medical tests. Quadcare currently also has a clinic in Evaton. Quadcare is led by Dr. Dulcy Rakumakoe, a trailblazer in South Africa's healthcare landscape. Rakumakoe's pioneering spirit has seen her successfully open 13 medical practices across Gauteng, with two more set to launch before the end of the year. These efforts reflect not only the growing demand for equitable healthcare services but also the strength of her mission driven approach to primary healthcare. 'We believe that everyone deserves access to healthcare that is both of high quality and affordable. Healthcare is of importance to me, and through this opening, we are showing that we want to become members of this community. We want to serve our people so that they receive decent and dignified medical care. Our team is working tirelessly to bring that vision to life, one community at a time.' She added that the launch marks an important milestone in her ongoing commitment to community well-being and patient-centred care. 'We believe that the strength of any community lies in collaboration. Your presence at this launch not only honours us, but also affirms our shared commitment to a healthier, more equitable society.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
ANC Sedibeng goes to conference
VEREENIGING.- The Regional Conference of the ANC in Sedibeng is planned for the weekend of August 15 – 17. This was revealed to Sedibeng Ster by the current ANC Sedibeng Regional Secretary, Jason Mkhwane. The ANC, together with minority parties, is currently leading the most municipalities in Sedibeng. These are the Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM), where Lerato Maloka is the mayor, the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM), where Sipho Radebe is the mayor, and the Lesedi Local Municipality (LLM), where Mluleki Nkosi is currently at the helm. The exception is the Midvaal Local Municipality (MLM), where, under the leadership of Peter Teixeira, the DA has governed for years. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Mkhwane said that following a special Regional Task Team (RTT) meeting held yesterday, July 31, which was held to specifically assess progress on Branch Biennial General Meetings (BBGMs) and conference readiness, the following key points were resolved: • Sedibeng Region has 71 potential ANC branches across 73 wards. For the regional Conference to proceed, at least 50 compliant branches (70%) must have successfully held their BGMs and BBGMs. • 33 branches have successfully concluded both processes pending final verification of the National Office. 'It is therefore necessary to extend the BBGM deadline to allow the region to meet the required threshold and ensure that all branches are given adequate support or intervention where needed,' he said. Mkhwane added that the RTT has resolved on the following revised timeline: • Regional Conference: Now scheduled for August 15 – 17 • Dispute Resolution Period: May 18 to August 13 • Deadline for BBGMs: August 10 'This extension is intended to ensure that the process is inclusive, credible, and reflective of the democratic traditions of the ANC. The region remains committed to building strong, functional branches as the foundation of a united and renewed ANC.'
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
DA condemns Emfuleni waste crisis amid escalating resident protests
The DA has intensified its criticism of the Emfuleni Local Municipality's deteriorating waste management, labelling the situation a 'complete collapse' and a direct threat to public health. This condemnation follows a recent protest where residents dumped uncollected garbage at the Sedibeng District Municipality offices, expressing frustration over months of neglected waste collection. Dady Mollo, the DA's Central Constituency Political Head, highlighted the dire conditions: 'Streets are strewn with garbage, bins are overflowing, and illegal dumping is rampant. This is not just unsightly—it's a serious health hazard, especially for children, the elderly, and those in vulnerable areas.' The DA attributes the crisis to poor governance and lack of accountability within the ANC-led municipality. In response, the party proposes immediate reinstatement of regular waste collection, investment in waste management infrastructure, community awareness programs on responsible waste disposal, and strict consequence management for officials and contractors failing to meet their obligations. The recent protest at the Sedibeng offices underscores the residents' desperation. According to reports, the garbage had been left to rot in neighborhoods for over five months, prompting residents to take drastic action. The Vaal Business Cooperation commented on the incident, noting the sudden appearance of a refuse truck to clean up the protest site, a stark contrast to the prolonged neglect in residential areas. The DA says it is continuing to apply pressure through council and oversight mechanisms to ensure residents receive the dignified services they are entitled to. Mollo emphasized, 'The people of Emfuleni deserve dignity and proper service delivery. We will not stop until these rights are realized.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- The Citizen
Two years later: Sedibeng's missing mayoral chain still a mystery
Nearly two years after the disappearance of a lavish R465,000 mayoral chain from the Sedibeng District Municipality, key questions about its ownership, loss, and recovery remain unanswered. Despite formal inquiries and political pressure, neither Sedibeng District Municipality, nor the Emfuleni Local Municipality has provided clarity — and the chain itself is still missing. What first appeared to be a simple case of theft has since become a bizarre story of what appears to be municipal mismanagement, blurred lines of responsibility, and official silence. A golden symbol vanishes The gold mayoral chain — a ceremonial symbol of office — was last seen on June 23, 2023, following Sedibeng's State of the District Address (SODA). According to a February 2024 press statement by DA Emfuleni North Constituency Head, Kingsol Chabalala MPL, a criminal case of theft was only opened on November 12, 2023, prompting concerns about the delayed response. The Democratic Alliance questioned why the chain's disappearance was not immediately reported to police, raising suspicions of negligence or possible cover-up. They also noted that Mayor Lerato Maloka had previously been linked to another incident involving sabotage of her municipal vehicle. The twist: The chain belongs to Emfuleni In March 2025, Sedibeng councillor Lynda Parsonson revealed a startling twist: the missing chain may never have belonged to Sedibeng at all. According to her, a former Sedibeng mayor — Simon Mofokeng — allegedly swapped Sedibeng's original chain for Emfuleni's during his time in office. 'After official engagements, it was generally handed over to security officials to be secured in the municipal safe,' Parsonson wrote. 'However, after one event, the mayor decided to retain the chain and instead lock it in a cupboard in her office. The chain has not been seen since.' Even more striking, Parsonson stated that councillors were not informed of the disappearance until much later and that council is still waiting for a police report. Municipal Silence To verify this complex situation, Vaalweekblad sent formal queries to Sedibeng Communications Coordinator Reggie Moiloa and Spokesperson for the Emfuleni Local Municipality Makhosonke Sangweni on March 25, requesting responses to 12 specific questions regarding: *The chain's ownership, *Whether the asset exchange was documented or authorised, *The timing and nature of the theft report, *Cooperation with police, *Insurance claims, and *Possible consequences for the municipality. Initially, neither municipality responded. However, in a brief reply to a follow-up enquiry, Sangweni stated: 'The matter belongs to Sedibeng District Municipality and all we know is that the matter is before courts and shall await for the final outcome.' No further details were provided, and Sedibeng has remained silent. This limited response comes despite The Citizen reporting in February 2024 that the chain belonged to Emfuleni — and despite ongoing public calls for accountability. No resolution, no accountability To date no arrests have been made, no offical explanation has been provided for the delayed theft report and neither municipality has confirmed responsibility or insurance coverage. The chain remains unaccounted for What should have been a straightforward investigation has devolved into a bureaucratic mystery. The public, meanwhile, is left in the dark about how a R465,000 asset could vanish — apparently without consequence. A Symbol of Dysfunction Beyond the missing gold, the case seems to reveal deeper issues: poor asset management, confusion over municipal property, and a worrying lack of transparency. If the chain was never Sedibeng's to begin with, why did they use it? Why did they report it stolen under their name? And why, nearly two years later, are basic questions still being ignored? Unless authorities speak out, the chain will remain not only missing — but a symbol of dysfunction in Sedibeng's leadership. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
