By Lerato Mutlanyane
Hailing from Bloemfontein, the City of Roses, Palesa “Lisa S” Sentso is stepping into her own spotlight — and bringing a sound that refuses to be boxed in. First known as part of the duo Harmonic Squared, which made waves on the Bloem music scene in 2018, Lisa S has since evol...
Fourteen North West municipalities are under intense scrutiny for violating the human rights of residents, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) revealed last week.
According to the Commission’s report, 14 of the province’s 19 municipalities have failed to deliver essential services, citing systemic failures in water supply, electricity provision, sanitation, refuse collection, and road maintenance—failures that collectively infringe on residents’ basic constitutional rights.
The municipalities implicated include the City of Matlosana, JB Marks Local Municipality, Maquassi Hills Local Municipality, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality, Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality, Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Mahikeng Local Municipality, Ditsobotla Local Municipality, Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality, Madibeng Local Municipality, Moretele Local Municipality, Moses Kotane Local Municipality, and Rustenburg Local Municipality.
These findings follow a series of complaints lodged by individuals, civic organisations, and political parties, all raising concerns about deteriorating service delivery across the province. The SAHRC says the pattern of failures reflects deep systemic issues within local governance, requiring a comprehensive response that addresses political, administrative, and social shortcomings.
“The complaints revealed deep and recurring challenges in the delivery of essential services, particularly water and sanitation, sewer management, waste collection, road maintenance, electricity supply, and stormwater infrastructure,” the report states.
“These failures have directly violated residents’ rights to dignity, access to sufficient water, sanitation, housing, movement, and an environment not harmful to health and well-being. They also undermine related rights such as access to basic education and personal security.”
Political analyst Professor Sethulego Matebesi from the University of the Free State says political parties leading these municipalities now face significant accountability pressure, as the revelations erode public trust in their capacity to govern and uphold constitutional obligations.
He adds that the crisis has fuelled instability within coalition-run councils and warns that continued deterioration could worsen living conditions, particularly for vulnerable communities.
“The erosion of democracy becomes the order of the day as citizens lose faith in local government, weakening democratic participation and accountability,” said Matebesi. “South Africa already has a high prevalence of social protests. Expected economic decline and governance failures can lead to additional protests, violence, and instability.”
Matebesi described the SAHRC’s findings as a wake-up call for all stakeholders to prioritise human rights and restore effective governance.
The report stresses the need for stronger oversight, improved accountability mechanisms, greater capacity within municipalities, and collaborative efforts to address deepening socio-economic challenges.
In response, the SAHRC has instructed all implicated municipalities to deploy operational teams to resolve sewage spillages within 24 hours of reporting and to submit 30-day progress reports on remedial actions taken.
Municipalities must also develop and implement costed, time-bound action plans within 90 days to permanently address service delivery failures and repair environmental damage caused by sewage leaks, waste accumulation, and illegal dumping—steps the Commission says are essential to restoring the dignity of residents.
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s testimony took an explosive turn on Wednesday afternoon, when he detailed his alleged cash payments of R500,000 to former Minister Bheki Cele.
The Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate the allegations made by the South African Police Service (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Head, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, had MPs hanging onto his every word when Matlala made several statements which detailed his relationship with Cele.
Matlala’s testimony was so captivating that at one point it prompted the Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson, Soviet Lekganyane, to critique MPs for getting ahead of the evidence leader, Advocate Norman Arendse S.C as he led Matlala through his statement.
The moment was preceded by Matlala sharing that Cele told him that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu wants to be president. Cele had allegedly said, “He thinks he (Mchunu) can be president of the country.”
Mtalala added that even Cele asked him how he was awarded the R360-million tender, assuming that there had been alleged involvement “between him (Mchunu), me and General Sibiya, because of them saying I'm close to Sibiya also, they might have participated for me to get this healthcare contract".
“They assumed that the money from the healthcare contract was supposed to fund his (Mchunu’s) presidential campaign.”
EFF’s Julius Malema shared with Matlala that when Cele appeared before MPs, they had asked him, “Why do you keep Matlala close to you, he said, ‘No, I kept him close because he was bringing information from Mchunu to my side, so I can't let him go, because he's giving me information.
“He said that under oath, and now you're saying he's the one who came with the information, the opposite of what he told us, so, effectively, I'm asking you, Mr Matlala, did former Minister Cele lie under oath about those issues in relation to your name?”
“Yes, he lied under oath,” Matlala said. “If he was asking, he was to me, sucking information. Why would he even ask me to ask my protectors to take him and his wife to a wedding somewhere in Lanseria? There was no way he would get information from those guys.
“He doesn't know them… I even gave him even money… I don't think he even declared that money. I gave him money twice,” Matlala said.
“How much did you give him, the first time and the second time?” Malema asked. Matlala answered, “I gave him R300,000, and then on the second occasion I gave him R200,000.”
Lekganyane intervened, saying, “You can see that the witness has a lot of information that he wants to share with the committee.
“The witness mentioned the meeting that happened with General Cele at the Beverly Hills (hotel). The witness mentioned the matter of Mr Brown Mogotsi, and the witnesses also mentioned the statement that General (Dumisani) Khumalo was about to be removed.
“Fourthly, the information about the presidential ambitions (of Mchunu). Fifthly, about the payments that were made for flight bookings, including those ID copies (for ANC January 8th celebrations), and now, lastly, that there is money which has been given to Cele. So these issues must not go away so that we do not scupper the work of the legal counsel.”
Matlala explained that he had met Cele for the first time on the 23rd of December 2024 at the Beverly Hill hotel in uMhlanga, as he had been introduced to Matlala as someone who could help alleviate the alleged harassment issues that he faced from the police.
Matlala’s property and his workplace had been raided twice by police; in the process, his firearms had been confiscated. Matlala had instituted court proceedings against the police following the harassment, with Cele then encouraging him to withdraw his interdict as a sign of goodwill.
Thereafter Matlala said he returned to Pretoria, and he was able to retrieve his firearms, but he does not know “if they were registered or not”.
A new Safety Index report by Ipsos, commissioned by leading ride-hailing platform Bolt, reveals a transformative shift in how South Africans perceive transport safety. An overwhelming 90% of ride-hailing users now deem these services inherently safer than conventional modes of transport like buses and traditional taxis. This shift underscores the increasing dependence on technology-driven mobility solutions in a country where personal security remains a daily concern.
As safety issues weigh heavily on the minds of many South Africans, ride-hailing has evolved from merely a transport option to a vital lifeline. The survey highlights that young adults aged 25 to 34 form a substantial 43% of ride-hailing users, leaning on these services for flexibility and reliability in their daily routines. Most users employ the service several times a week or month, indicating its growing relevance in their lives.
The study further highlights that 90% of respondents choose ride-hailing primarily for the feeling of safety it provides compared to public transport, especially during night travel, navigating unfamiliar areas, or returning from social outings. Notably, this sense of security increases after dark, with 92% of riders reporting that they feel safer using ride-hailing apps at night. Key safety features such as real-time GPS tracking, driver identification, vetted drivers, and door-to-door drop-offs contribute significantly to these perceptions.
The findings also illuminate the profound trust South Africans place in ride-hailing services to safeguard their loved ones. An impressive 93% of passengers have booked rides for someone else, often to ensure a family member or friend arrives home safely. Additionally, nearly 96% of users concur that in-app safety features enhance the overall safety of ride-hailing options, reflecting the essential role digital tools play in reassuring users and ensuring secure journeys.
Simo Kalajdzic, Senior Operations Manager at Bolt South Africa, articulated the company's unwavering commitment to enhancing safety.
“Safety is deeply personal for South Africans, and it remains an absolute priority for us at Bolt. Every decision we make, from product innovation to driver training is rooted in creating an environment where riders and drivers feel protected, respected, and supported. These findings affirm the trust the public has placed in us, and we are committed to continuously improving our in-app safety features to meet the evolving needs of everyone who uses our platform.”
Reflecting on the findings, Ipsos Director of Strategy for Sub Saharan Africa, Soyinka Witness, emphasised the significance of the results.
“Conducting this study offered a unique window into how South Africans perceive mobility, security, and trust. The results highlight how essential ride-hailing has become and how strongly safety considerations shape mobility choices. Features that provide control, visibility, and reassurance are central to users’ sense of security, particularly for women and young adults. We are proud to have partnered with Bolt on a study that brings meaningful data into an important national conversation.”
As South Africa continues to grapple with complex safety challenges, Bolt's investment in research, technology, and user education strengthens its mission to redefine mobility into a safer, more trusted experience for all. Insights from the Ipsos Safety Perception Study will guide ongoing enhancements to the platform, ensuring that both riders and drivers can move with confidence, day or night.
Former Public Protector and uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party member Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane has expressed interest in becoming the City of Johannesburg’s mayoral candidate, claiming she has the experience to “turn things around” in the metro.
In a recent interview with IOL News, Mkhwebane, who serves as the MK Party’s Mpumalanga convener, said she believes she has what it takes to be the Joburg mayor.
Mkhwebane was removed from office in 2023 by President Cyril Ramaphosa on grounds of misconduct and incompetence.
Asked whether the MK Party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, had approached her about the Johannesburg mayoral candidacy, she said she would be open to the role but emphasised that the decision rests with Zuma.
“I think that will be up to the president. Actually, it's not MK Party, it’s the president who decides. I must say I’m more than capable of doing any work, especially after six years, seven, 11 months as Public Protector. My record speaks for itself,” she said.
Although expressing interest in the mayoral race, Mkhwebane said she would respect the party’s decision.
“Now they have deployed me in Mpumalanga, and it’s up to them.”
Mkhwebane pointed out her experience investigating maladministration, service delivery failures, and corruption across state institutions as Public Protector.
She said this experience would make it easier for her to address Johannesburg’s challenges.
“To be hands-on, to be on the ground, especially with local government, you need somebody who understands the needs of communities, listens to the public, and works with them. Service delivery protests often happen because authorities fail to listen,” she said.
She added that effective leadership requires hiring competent personnel, particularly Section 56 managers, to ensure technical expertise in areas such as water and sanitation.
“I was also once a public servant up to the level of chief director. We need people who are committed, service delivery-orientated, and available to listen to the public,” she said.
The race for Johannesburg’s mayoral seat is heating up ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
So far, two candidates have officially entered the contest: Democratic Alliance (DA) federal council chairperson Helen Zille and Patriotic Alliance (PA) MMC for Transport Kenny Kunene.
Johannesburg continues to face severe service delivery issues, including water and electricity shortages, potholes, uncollected waste, and non-functioning streetlights and traffic signals.
The African National Congress (ANC) has not yet confirmed whether it will retain incumbent mayor Dada Morero or appoint a new high-profile candidate.
Morero previously told IOL News that the decision lies with the party.
ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has indicated he would consider contesting the mayoralty if the party cannot find a suitable candidate like City of Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya and City of Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Xolani Dlamini.
Mkhwebane criticised both Zille and Kunene, claiming they would prioritise certain communities over others.
She said Zille, who previously served as Cape Town mayor and Western Cape premier, would continue to neglect predominantly black areas.
“You will find that Zille would not be bothered at Hillbrow, where there is hijacking, lack of services, and crime,” she said.
She similarly criticised Kunene, suggesting that his focus would be limited to serving coloured communities rather than addressing the needs of all residents.
Mkhwebane also took aim at the ANC, saying that the party had failed to improve the lives of Johannesburg residents over the past decade.
“Implementing bylaws, creating employment within the municipality, ensuring cleanliness, and maintaining service points are very simple service delivery issues that remain unaddressed,” she said.
IOL News reached out to MK Party national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela for comment on the mayoral race and Mkhwebane’s potential candidacy, but calls and messages went unanswered.
The DA’s director of communications, Matthew Gerstner, and PA national spokesperson Steven Motale acknowledged the receipt of the questions, but did not respond before publication.
Tensions escalated after Donald Trump announced that South Africa would be barred from the 2026 G20 summit and lose US financial support. He accused South Africa of ignoring human rights abuses. Pretoria rejected the claims, defended its G20 standing, and said the US skipped this year’s summit despite being invited.
Tensions between South Africa and the United States reached an all time low on Wednesday night after US President Donald Trump announced that South Africa would be barred from attending the next G20 summit.
Trump, speaking on his social media platform Truth Social, said he would block South Africa’s participation in the 2026 G20 summit – set to be hosted in Miami – and halt all financial support to the country.
His remarks followed South Africa’s refusal to symbolically pass the G20 presidency to a senior US Embassy representative at the close of this year’s summit in Johannesburg.
"The United States did not attend the G20 in South Africa because the South African government refuses to acknowledge or address the horrific human rights abuses endured by Afrikaners and other descendants of Dutch, French and German settlers,” Trump posted.
“To put it more bluntly, they are killing white people and randomly allowing their farms to be taken from them… At the conclusion of the G20, South Africa refused to hand off the G20 Presidency to a senior representative from our US Embassy, who attended the closing ceremony. Therefore, at my direction, South Africa will NOT be receiving an invitation to the 2026 G20, which will be hosted in the great city of Miami, Florida next year.”
“South Africa has demonstrated to the world that they are not a country worthy of membership anywhere, and we are going to stop all payments and subsidies to them, effective immediately,” Trump added.
In a late-night response, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said Ramaphosa had noted the statement regarding South Africa’s G20 participation.
“South Africa will continue to participate as a full, active and constructive member of the G20,” Magwenya said.
“We call on all members of the G20 to reaffirm its continued operation in the spirit of multilateralism, based on consensus, with all members participating on an equal footing in all of its structures. It is regrettable that, despite the efforts and numerous attempts by President Ramaphosa and his administration to reset diplomatic relations with the United States, President Trump continues to apply punitive measures against South Africa based on misinformation and distortions.”
Magwenya confirmed that the US was invited to all meetings held under South Africa’s G20 presidency but had chosen not to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg.
“South Africa is a member of the G20 in its own name and right. Its membership is endorsed by all other member states. South Africa is also a sovereign, constitutional and democratic country, and does not appreciate insults from another nation about its standing in global forums,” Magwenya said.
“South Africa will never insult another country or question its standing in the international community.”
Magwenya concluded by clarifying that the handover of the G20 presidency had occurred in line with protocol: “As the United States was not present at the summit, the instruments of the G20 Presidency were duly handed over to a US Embassy official at the headquarters of South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation.”
