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Dear EditorSASSA has urged all R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant recipients to open bank accounts to receive their grant money, because they are unable to properly distribute grants themselves. Once again, SASSA is failing in their mandate of “ensur(ing) the provision of comprehensive social security services.” Ultimately, the president is writing cheques which SASSA cannot cash. I have written to the regional head of SASSA in the Western Cape to ascertain how many approved SRD grant … [Read more...] about Ramaphosa writes cheques that SASSA can’t cash

Dear EditorThe DA has submitted parliamentary questions to the Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Ayanda Dlodlo, requesting that she, amongst other things, provide a breakdown of the individual departments that are currently conducting disciplinary cases into the theft of the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant by public servants and the progress made by the individual departments in concluding these disciplinary cases. It cannot be business as usual when it has become … [Read more...] about About DPSA’s reluctance to act against public servants who stole R350 grants

Dear EditorThe Democratic Alliance would like to extend its sincerest condolences on the passing of Traditional Leader, Nkosi Ngangomhlaba Matanzima. Indeed, a great tree has fallen. Our heartfelt sympathies to his family, the House of Traditional Leaders and the Moral Regeneration Movement on his passing. Matanzima was one of the founding members of the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders and served the people of this province diligently and with integrity throughout his lifetime. He … [Read more...] about Condolences on the passing of Nkosi Ngangomhlaba Matanzima

Dear EditorThe Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana’s budget speech offered a welcome but cautious narrative on the state of South Africa’s fiscal trajectory. The DA is, however, concerned that he did not go far enough to address the elephant in the room, the public sector wage bill, escalating costs of our national debt and precise detail on the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). Public sector wage bill  The Minister anticipates more salary increases for public sector workers arising from the … [Read more...] about An overly cautious budget hampered by radicals who oppose growth

Dear EditorIn 2021, voters in the Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality voted for change and to oust the failing ANC-led government. At a council meeting yesterday, the Compatriots of South Africa (CSA) again betrayed the wishes of their voters and sided with the ANC during an important council election. When the election of a Speaker once again ended in a deadlock, with the CSA voting with the ANC, the position was decided by a coin toss (as per legislation). The coin fell in favour of Cllr … [Read more...] about New Speaker decided by coin toss

Over 7 000 supporters of the 2021 Virtual Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer raised sufficient funds to pay for a brand-new transporter for the Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC), as well as sporting equipment for a rural club.The seven-seat transporter will be used in and around East London to transport children affected by cancer as well as their care givers. “The CHOC ‘vehicles of hope’ are safe and reliable methods of transport, enabling patients and their caregivers to be driven to … [Read more...] about Walkers fund a new vehicle for CHOC

The multi-party coalition formation in Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni today signed new coalition agreements to bring the Patriotic Alliance into the formation. These agreements will not only pave a new path forward towards expanding the Gauteng metro coalitions but will consolidate the majority coalition in the City of Johannesburg.The statement said that it has been the express goal of the coalitions since their inception to keep the ANC out of power and bring honest, transparent, and service … [Read more...] about New Multi Party Coalition Agreement Signed

Dear EditorThe Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor, Cllr Eugene Johnson, to express our concerns after the municipality finally admitted that the Metro’s water supply is not safe for human consumption. This admission only followed after the municipality’s hand was legally forced by the Democratic Alliance (DA). We submitted two PAIA applications requesting the results of testing concluded on the discoloured and dirty water flowing from residents’ taps. Even … [Read more...] about Immediate action needed after NMB municipality possibly puts residents’ health at risk with tainted water supply