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SIU probe uncovers over R2bn in looting from Tembisa Hospital

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has revealed in its probe into Tembisa Hospital, that three coordinated syndicates are responsible for the looting of over R2-billion from the hospital coffers.

The SIU released its interim investigation report on Tembisa Hospital on Monday, with the expected completion of the investigation by November 2027.

SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago pointed to a complex investigation that required further investigation.

"As complex as it is, we have been able to uncover irregularities, fraudulent activities and corrupt activities by officials and service providers," he said.

The three syndicates implicated in the coordinated looting of hospital funds include the Maumela Syndicate, which is linked to Hangwani Morgan Maumela, who is the nephew of President Cyril Ramaphosa, through a previous marriage.

The SIU is reviewing 1 728 bundles worth R816 560 710 related to the Maumela syndicate and has completed 924 analyses, uncovering significant irregularities.

Kganyago pointed out that the SIU had traced 41 suppliers or service providers linked to Maumela. Meanwhile, three of the companies that were awarded contracts to the value of R13 538 292 in this syndicate are linked to controversial businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala.

Kganyago also revealed the involvement of the Mazibuko Syndicate, which is linked to tender kingpin Rudolph Mazibuko.

The SIU reviewed 651 bundles valued at R283 504 291, with 392 completed analyses revealing assets worth R42 646 502, including multiple properties in the Western Cape and Gauteng.

The SIU is currently assessing 1 237 procurement bundles, valued at R596 424 356, linked to Syndicate X.

An analysis of 646 bundles has revealed numerous procurement irregularities, and the identification of secondary conduit accounts used to launder funds connected to Tembisa Hospital, with assets tied to this syndicate valued at approximately R150 000 000.

Kganyago noted that this staggering sum, intended for the provision of healthcare to the most vulnerable, was instead ruthlessly siphoned off through a complex web of fraud and corruption, representing an "egregious betrayal of the nation's trust".

"As complex as [the investigation] is, we have been able to uncover irregularities, fraudulent activities and corrupt activities by officials and service providers," he said.

The SIU has worked closely with the Office of the Gauteng Premier in the Tembisa Hospital investigation, after the Office referred matters to the SIU to be investigated in September 2022.

"Key officials from the Gauteng Department of Health (GDOH) and Tembisa Hospital are accused of benefiting from corrupt payments that facilitated the irregular appointment of service providers, involving money laundering and fraud through fronting and the use of false supply chain management documentation," Kganyago said.

The investigation currently involves 207 service providers which traded with the Tembisa Hospital under 4 501 purchase orders (PO).

He said each PO was linked to a purported three-quote procurement process purportedly involving three competing bidders.

Kganyago highlighted that the total value of matters under investigation by the SIU in terms of the Proclamation was R2 043 293 404.10.

"These numbers are constantly updated as new companies are identified through ongoing investigations and the flow of funds involving irregularly appointed service providers at the Tembisa Hospital," he explained.

Kganyago highlighted that the SIU's evidence had revealed that the total value of corrupt payments linked to officials and employees of GDOH and Tembisa Hospital was R122 228 000.

He said the SIU had identified at least 15 current and former officials involved in activities such as corruption, money laundering, collusion, and bid rigging with improperly appointed service providers at Tembisa Hospital.

To date, the SIU has prepared 116 disciplinary referrals against 1...

Ramokgopa says electricity package for ferrochrome smelters to include 'significant concessions'

Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has confirmed that government is finalising an electricity package for the ferrochrome sector that goes beyond the negotiated pricing agreement framework available to other electricity-intensive enterprises.

Speaking during a briefing on September 26, Ramokgopa said the industry had raised the negative impact that high electricity tariffs were having on the viability of the smelters, and that he had, thus, secured Cabinet approval to enter into negotiations with the industry alongside Eskom.

Such approval was required, he said, because the intervention involved "significant concessions" outside the parameters of the NPA framework approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa.

That framework arises from a government policy decision to provide qualifying companies with an incentivised tariff, paid for by standard tariff customers. Applicants for the incentive must prove that electricity is a significant driver of their operating costs and that they are consuming a minimum of 80 GWh yearly at a load factor of greater than 70%.

As part of the discussions with the ferrochrome sector, feedback had also been received on what level of electricity the ferrochrome companies would require to sustain those smelters that remained open, as well as to potentially resume production at those that had been mothballed.

The figure had been measured against Eskom's capacity to deliver for a sustained period of at least five years. This, Ramokgopa said had been bolstered materially by recent improvements to the energy availability factor of the coal fleet, even quipping that "we are leaving megawatts on the floor" currently.

Before announcing the package, the Minister intended meeting with other energy-intensive subsectors to explain why the ferrochrome sector was being prioritised.

The Minister had also met with the National Union of Mineworkers, the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa and Solidarity, whose members had been issued with Section 189 retrenchment notices by some of the smelters.

He indicated that priority was being given to salvaging jobs at the smelters, and promised to share the details of the package with the unions once an agreement had been reached and approvals had been received.

"We are going to protect and save the South African economy," Ramokgopa averred.

No timeframe was provided for the announcement of the package, but the Minister indicated that a briefing would be called once it was finalised.

DA nominates Haniff Hoosen as eThekwini mayoral candidate

The Democratic Alliance announced DA KwaZulu-Natal provincial executive committee member Haniff Hoosen as its eThekwini mayoral candidate, expressing confidence in his leadership.

Hoosen has served in council and in Parliament, with DA leader John Steenhuisen describing him as a leader who has the knowledge, the experience, and the courage to rebuild the eThekwini municipality.

"Under his leadership, we will restore dignity to our neighbourhoods, invest in our townships, light our streets, fix our water and sewage systems, and make this city work for all its people. Not just for the insiders," he said.

Steenhuisen noted the party's successes, highlighting the Cape Town metro, which he said had achieved 21 unqualified audits since the 2003/4 financial year.

"Its financial statements are open to scrutiny on its website," he said.

He explained that Midvaal received its eleventh consecutive clean audit in the 2023/4 financial year.

"The uMngeni municipality, just up the road, which is run by the DA, has been ranked the best-performing municipality in KwaZulu-Natal for household access to essential services, according to the Provincial Spatial Integration Report 2024/25," he said.

He claimed that where the DA governed the "best" pro-poor programmes had been implemented, such helping the elderly pay for water and electricity, and improving lighting and roads in the most neglected areas to make them safer.

In acceptance of the nomination, Hoosen said the DA could build a city where all children had a future, a home, safety and economic opportunities.

"Regardless of the colour of our skin, for as long as our children are willing to work hard and build a better future, they deserve a government that does the basics right to give them the foundation to thrive, whether they are black or white, Indian or coloured," he said.

He highlighted that he had seen firsthand in the city over the years, how this city government, and the one before, had torn people apart, just because they looked different, or spoke differently, or prayed differently.

"I want you to envision with me a different City and a different Metro. I want us together to chart a new way forward, where the gains of freedom and equality will see a city delivering services to all residents, and will mean that everyone has an equal foundation. A metro that delivers on the basics, fairly, for all people," he said.

He noted that there were still far too many desperate people in the city, who lived in extreme poverty and could not afford to put a decent meal on the table for their families.

He explained that the highest number of informal settlements in the country existed in Durban, with thousands of families living in about 600 informal settlements. For them, life had not yet realised the change they deserved.

He noted the many critiques of the party, saying they were without facts.

"…and the facts do not lie. Where the DA governs in Metros, we put 75% of the budget to low-income homes. "If we work hard and turn things around in this city, we can create a place where people run to our city for opportunities, and not away from the city," he said.

REDUCING WASTE

He highlighted that if elected as mayor, within the first few days of taking over the city, he would start a process of reducing waste and make life easier and more affordable for people in the city.

"From day one, we will start a process to recover more than R40-billion that this city has not bothered to collect, and we will direct that money towards fixing the pipes, so people can get better access to water and not have to pay for water seeping into the ground," he said.

He expressed confidence that the DA could turn around what he termed decades of "poor governance, mismanagement and corruption" in the city.

"…but I also know that over the next 12 months as we campaign, there will be those who will want to break our spirits and tell us that what we are trying to a...

DA writes to Firoz Cachalia demanding urgent release of delayed Q1 crime statistics

The Democratic Alliance on Friday demanded the immediate release of the delayed first quarter crime statistics, saying the delay raises serious questions about South African Police Service's capacity and willingness to ensure accountability.

The party said it would be writing to Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia, demanding the release to Parliament and the public, as required by law and established Cabinet practice, and to provide clarity on the reasons for the omissions and delays.

The last crime statistics were released on May 23, with the party noting that Q1 statistics are overdue.

The party have been calling for greater transparency and timely updates from the Ministry of Police, citing concerns about accountability and public information.

"The DA is deeply concerned that Saps has yet to release the Q1 crime statistics for the 2025/26 financial year, which were due at the end of August 2025," said DA spokesperson on Police Lisa Schickerling.

Schickerling said the Saps was both legally and constitutionally obligated to keep the public informed.

She pointed out that the "deliberate" delay in publishing the Q1 crime statistics undermined transparency, eroded public trust in policing, and fuelled suspicion that Saps was withholding vital information at a time when violent crime remained at crisis levels.

"South Africans cannot be left in the dark about the realities of crime in their neighbourhoods while the State withholds information," she said.

Schickerling noted that her party's concern was further fuelled by the fact that in the previous quarter, statistics on crimes committed against women and children were omitted owing to what Saps described as a "system error."

"This omission was both deeply troubling and unacceptable, as these are among the most vulnerable groups in society who deserve focused protection. The repeated failure to provide comprehensive and timely statistics raises serious questions about Saps' capacity and willingness to ensure accountability," she explained.

Schickerling explained that crime statistics were not the property of Saps or the Minister of Police - they belonged to the people of South Africa.

"Transparent, consistent, and timely reporting is essential for communities, civil society organisations, and all spheres of government to respond to crime trends and hold Saps accountable.

"South Africans deserve the truth about the state of crime in their country - not secrecy, excuses, and further erosion of trust," she said.

Ramaphosa urges reformed global tax rules to curb illicit financial flows

To close the Sustainable Development Goals financing gap, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the United Nations General Assembly needs faster, fairer and more comprehensive debt relief and restructuring.

He noted the need for an estimated $4-trillion annually to close the financing gap.

Ramaphosa was participating in the inaugural Biennial Summit for a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy, convened and chaired by UN Secretary General António Guterres.

He said a succession of crises had exposed the fragility of interconnected economies and revealed deep inequities in the capacity to respond.

"While some nations are able to mobilise trillions to shield their citizens and economies from pandemics and other emergencies, others are left constrained by debt and denied fair access to global capital," he explained.

He urged the need to mobilise affordable, accessible financing from a wide range of sources, calling for strengthened coordination by the UN.

"We must strengthen coordination between the UN, the African Union, the G20, international financial institutions and other global financial actors, embedding inclusivity at the heart of global economic governance," he said.

He noted that beyond financial instruments, there was a need for commitments that would be honoured and global rules that would be shaped by all members, not just a few.

He also called for reforming of global tax rules to curb illicit financial flows

Ramaphosa urged the rechannelling of unused Special Drawing Rights to countries in need, and to scale up concessional finance through development banks.

"Let us forge a new compact for financing sustainable development rooted in solidarity, equity and mutual accountability. South Africa stands ready to ensure this Summit becomes a turning point in our collective effort to build a sustainable, inclusive and resilient global economy," he highlighted.

DA rejects motion to change Kruger National Park name

The Democratic Alliance on Thursday dubbed the motion in the Mpumalanga legislature to change the names of Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, and the Kruger National Park, nothing more than political posturing lacking legally binding effect.

The party rejected the motion, which it said sought to destroy the tourism economy of the Kruger National Park.

The Economic Freedom Fighters in the Mpumalanga legislature has introduced a motion to rename several prominent landmarks in the province.

The motion was reportedly voted for by uMkhonto weSizwe Party and the African National Congress, and adopted in the legislature, but discussions are still ongoing before the renaming can take place.

DA national spokesperson Willie Aucamp said the motion was nothing more than an opinion and had no legal force or effect.

"The fact that it is of no legal effect is a very good thing, because changing the name of South Africa's most attractive and defining tourism drawcard, would wipe out decades of tourism goodwill, and tourist name-recognition for the national park.

"This international reputation is what makes the park a defining attraction for tourists into South Africa who bring with them millions of dollars, euros, yen, yuan, pounds among hundreds of others, into South Africa to grow our economy and create more jobs," he explained.

Aucamp highlighted that the motion was brought with a crude misunderstanding of the legal process to name or rename geographical features of South Africa.

"…no provincial legislature can do so, or can even start such a process," he said.

He noted that his party believed that retrospective name changes wasted millions of rands and did not build unity in South Africa.

"Unless geographical names are very hurtful or otherwise indisputably offensive, existing names should be retained," he said.

He explained that the law required that name changes followed a national process, including the South African Geographical Names Council because this is the name of a national park, and because it spans more than just Mpumalanga, the legislature for that province does not have jurisdiction for this process.

"…even if such a name change made its way to the final approval by the Minister, it is very fortunate that the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is DA Minister Dr Dion George," he added.

He stated that the country's tourism draw, based on the international standing of attractions, was essential for the economy - and therefore any political party that tried to destabilise the tourism sector is committing publicly to destroy jobs and ruin livelihoods.

He said every foreign and local tourist to the Kruger National Park spent money in a host of associated businesses such as transfers, accommodation, car hire, local restaurants, guides, drivers, souvenirs, and killing these small businesses would leave thousands jobless and without income.

"This is what the ANC, EFF and MK would do. This is precisely the type of 'Doomsday Coalition' politics against which the DA has committed to fight, and which was an essential motivation for us to be part of the Government National Unity - to keep the EFF and MK out," said Aucamp.

He noted the operational costs of such name changes, which he said would cost the local, provincial, and national governments millions of rands.

"Every change from road signs, to rebranding, to maps, websites, uniforms, and vehicles - all come at enormous cost from taxpayer money that South Africa cannot afford," he explained.

Ramaphosa appeals for Agoa's renewal, encourages US to collaborate with S Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa appealed for the US's support in advocating for the African Growth and Opportunity Act's renewal, encouraging greater collaboration between US companies and the country's universities, research institutions and training programmes, in order to jointly build the skills and innovation capacity needed for the future.

Ramaphosa was speaking during the SA-US trade and investment dialogue, in New York, where he noted that Agoa's expiry would not only undermine the gains it made, but also remove the link to the Generalised System of Preferences, which had been so critical to many of the country's exporters.

The current authorisation of Agoa is set to expire on Tuesday, making its renewal a significant topic of discussion for future US-Africa trade relations.

Ramaphosa highlighted that Agoa had been the foundation of US-Africa trade for nearly a quarter of a century.

"In South Africa, it has supported jobs from auto assembly plants to farms to high-tech manufacturing hubs," he said.

He stated that predictable, preferential access to the US market was vital not only to South Africa but to American companies who depended on reliable imports, noting that more than 600 US companies were already invested and operating successfully in South Africa.

"…they are invested in areas as diverse as aerospace, mining and energy, consumer goods and finance. These investments have built industries, created jobs and anchored long-term partnerships that have benefited both our peoples," he explained.

He expressed satisfaction with some of South African companies which had established a footprint in the US, from chemicals and financial services to mining, hospitality and food products.

"These firms are ambassadors of our entrepreneurial spirit, our innovation and our global competitiveness.

"We have in our midst a number of leading South African companies that are eager to engage with their US counterparts to explore new areas of collaboration, joint ventures and investment," he said.

Relations between South Africa and Trump's administration came to a head earlier this year, after the signing of the Expropriation Act, tensions which many believe were exacerbated by the Solidarity Movement and its members AfriForum and Solidarity lobbying the US.

In August, US President Donald Trump introduced tariffs on goods reaching the US from countries around the world, with South Africa being amongst the countries worst affected.

Ramaphosa noted that these measures had already disrupted supply chains and created uncertainty for both South Africa's exporters and American importers.

"The reality is that such measures do not only affect one side. They ripple across industries and communities in both our countries," he said.

He noted that South Africa wished to deal with these issues constructively.

"…we understand the concerns that have been raised by the United States and are willing to engage to find solutions that are mutually beneficial. Our goal is simple: to sustain and expand trade flows, to keep our companies competitive, and to ensure that consumers and workers in both countries benefit from our partnership," he explained.

TRADE AND INVESTMENT FORUM

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa welcomed the establishment of a South Africa-US Trade and Investment Forum, which will take place next year in South Africa, alongside the annual South Africa Investment Conference.

He explained that the Forum would allow the countries to engage more systematically to address obstacles as they arose and to pursue opportunities in a coordinated way.

Ramaphosa highlighted that South Africa wanted to secure partnerships that brought more US investment into South Africa, into renewable-energy projects, digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and the green hydrogen economy.

AFRICA LAUNCHPAD

"We want to see collaboration in life sciences and health innovation, areas where we have stro...

DA satisfied with uMngeni municipality's positive strides

The Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal expressed satisfaction with the positive strides that uMngeni Mayor Chris Pappas, Deputy Mayor Sandile Mnikathi and their team continue to make in the municipality.

This after the Provincial Spatial Integration Report 2024/25 ranked the municipality as number one in the province for ensuring households have access to essential services.

DA KwaZulu-Natal leader Francois Rodgers explained that the 93.75% access score reflected the number of households with the minimum level of access to essential services in uMngeni.

uMngeni local municipality is the DA's first outright municipality in KwaZulu-Natal. The municipality was won by the DA from the African National Congress in the 2021 municipal elections.

Rodgers stated that in just one term, the DA had delivered more than the ANC ever did in over 25 years.

"The DA continues being a beacon of hope in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Conceded by the opposition, DA governments across the country continue being effective and delivering efficient services," he said.

He noted that the upcoming 2026 Local Government Elections gave the residents of uMngeni as well as across the province an opportunity to vote for progress in their municipalities.

Ramaphosa urges all States to comply with collective obligations under international law

In celebration of the eightieth anniversary of the UN General Assembly, President Cyril Ramaphosa called for the removal of obstacles to the two-State solution, including a halt to illegal Israeli settlements and removal of the separation wall.

Ramaphosa was speaking during a meeting in New York on a two-State solution in the Middle East, where he urged member States to recognise Palestinian statehood and act in solidarity with its people.

He noted that the world was appalled at the brutal acts of genocide and grave war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza, aimed at eradicating the Palestinians from that narrow strip of land, and the illegal expansion of settlements in the West Bank.

He highlighted that the situation had been made worse by Israel's stated intention to annex the entirety of the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Ramaphosa said the viability of a two-State solution depended on full and universal respect for international law.

"It requires the immediate and full implementation of resolutions of the United Nations, as well as the Provisional Measures and Advisory Opinions of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)," he explained.

He said all States, including the State of Israel, must comply with the collective obligations under international law.

Ramaphosa pointed out that in restoring the prospects of a two-State solution, South Africa called for global recognition of Palestine and its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

South Africa also called for an immediate ceasefire, an end to the genocide and the release of hostages by Hamas and political prisoners by Israel, while also calling for restoration of humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza.

Ramaphosa wants full respect for international law, including UN resolutions and opinions and decisions of the ICJ.

He expressed concerns at UN reports stating that all areas of Gaza had reached acute starvation levels and that the residents were facing famine.

"South Africa joins calls for unhindered and expanded humanitarian access, encompassing all air, land and sea borders, to allow for vital aid and basic services to reach those living in Gaza," he said.

He highlighted that this was a conflict that had raged for almost as long as the UN has existed.

"It will be a blight on our collective conscience if self-determination, sovereignty and human rights continue to be denied to the Palestinian people.

"We trust that the practical measures and requirements outlined in the outcome document of the International Conference will provide crucial momentum towards achieving lasting peace," he said.

DA urges Lamola to backtrack on diplomatic disrecognition of Taiwan

The Democratic Alliance has called on Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola to urgently repeal the Government Gazette of July 21, 2025, which removed formal recognition of the Taipei Liaison Office in Pretoria, deferring to the One China Policy, saying the decision is in direct conflict with South Africa's national interest.

The move signals government's mounting pressure on Taiwan to move out of its Pretoria office and relocate to Johannesburg.

Taiwan has rejected and strongly protested the "unilateral action" and said it would "take appropriate action in accordance with the circumstances".

DA spokesperson on International Relations and Cooperation Ryan Smith said a decision by Taiwan to formally restrict the export of its world-leading silicone semiconductor chips to South Africa, following the Department of International Relations and Cooperation's irrational decision to downgrade the status of the Taiwanese Foreign Mission, would decimate South Africa's manufacturing industry, compromise the country's industrial competitiveness, and shed tens of thousands of jobs in an already strained international trade environment.

Smith highlighted that Taiwan's dominance in the production and supply of silicone semiconductor chips made them the preferred component for many of South Africa's largest manufacturers, especially in the automotive, IT, and AI sectors.

"…restricted access to these crucial industrial components, as a direct result of Dirco's reckless foreign policy under the African National Congress (ANC) and Minister Ronald Lamola, now directly threatens South Africa's economy," he said.

The party noted that Lamola's assertion that the decision to downgrade the status of the Taipei Liaison Office in Pretoria was in line with international consensus was patently false.

"No such convention exists. Even among fellow BRICS member States such as Brazil and India, which understand the crucial role of trade with Taiwan for growth and manufacturing, Taiwanese Foreign Missions enjoy representation in the capital cities of Brasília and New Delhi, respectively," explained Smith.

He stated that as an emerging economy, South Africa must deepen existing trading relationships and identify new opportunities to expand market access.

He added that South Africa's recognition of the One China Policy should not come at the expense of diversified trade, economic growth, and jobs.

"South Africa is a sovereign nation that must pursue its national interest independent of external influence.

"By pursuing a foreign policy that forces us to choose trading partners, Dirco is undermining South Africa's economic growth agenda and placing South African jobs on the line. There is no justifiable reason for South Africa to treat key trading partners with such contempt. South Africa's foreign policy must always serve our national interest and not be subject to the ANC's whims and outdated worldview," said the DA.

Smith pointed out that considering the decrease in trade with Taiwan in recent years, Lamola should have attempted to boost the countries' trading relationship rather than further undermine it.