By Abigail Visagie
Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul has announced changes to his provincial cabinet, appointing a new Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for the embattled Department of Health amid mounting pressure to stabilise the province’s healthcare system. The department has been without a political head for nearly four months following the abrupt resignation of former Health MEC Maruping Lekwene in November last year. MEC for Social Development, Youth, Women and People Living with Disabilities, Nontobeko Vilakazi, has now been appointed as the new MEC for Health. Meanwhile, MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, Mase Manopole, has been moved to the Social Development portfolio. Manopole’s former position has been filled by the ANC’s former John Taolo Gaetsewe regional secretary, Lebogang Motlhaping. Lekwene resigned on 5 November 2025 amid growing calls for the Department of Health to be placed under administration. His departure followed a damning Health Ombudsman’s report that exposed systemic failures at Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital (RMSH) and Kimberley Mental Health Hospital (KMHH), failures that were linked to the deaths of three psychiatric patients. An Auditor-General’s report further deepened the crisis, revealing R15.5 billion in financial irregularities within the department. Critics have since raised concerns about the stability of the province’s healthcare system, questioning the timing of Lekwene’s resignation and warning that the department was on the brink of collapse. Lekwene had served as MEC for Health since June 2020 and was reappointed following the 2024 general elections. His tenure was marred by controversy, including the department operating without a permanent head of department (HOD) for more than three years. Reacting to the cabinet reshuffle, the Democratic Alliance (DA) questioned Premier Saul’s intentions, arguing that the changes would not result in meaningful reform within the health sector. “He is simply rearranging the cabinet to fill the gap left by the resignation of former Health MEC Maruping Lekwene, without introducing the specialised, determined and ethical leadership required to restore integrity and turn the ailing health department around,” said DA Northern Cape provincial leader Isak Fritz. Fritz added that decisive leadership was crucial given the prolonged leadership vacuum caused by the ongoing HOD crisis, which has seen Dr Dion Theys seconded to an alternative position while he faces a corruption conviction and additional charges. The absence of a permanent accounting officer, he said, has resulted in the department being managed by a succession of acting appointees. “The state of the health sector will ultimately reflect Premier Saul’s legacy more than the performance of the many MECs who have held this portfolio during his tenure,” Fritz said. “At present, he risks being remembered for failing to address rampant corruption, deadly ambulance failures, crippling healthcare backlogs and the mental health hospital tragedy. It is now up to him, together with Vilakazi, to change this.”
By: Abigail Visagie
Anticipation is mounting within the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) as the party’s commander-in-chief, Julius Malema, faces the possibility of imprisonment, with sentencing scheduled for today at the East London Magistrate’s Court in the Eastern Cape. Malema’s sentencing follows his conviction for unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition and discharging a firearm in a public place during the EFF’s fifth birthday celebrations at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane in 2018. The court found that his actions amounted to reckless endangerment, placing members of the public at risk. Malema has maintained his innocence throughout the trial, insisting that the firearm in question was a toy. His co-accused, Adriaan Snyman, was acquitted due to insufficient evidence. Judgment in the matter was delivered nearly seven years after the incident, which the EFF has consistently described as part of the party’s celebratory programme. It is understood that Malema intends to appeal any sentence imposed, potentially escalating the matter to the highest courts in the country. He has previously characterised the case as a “political witch-hunt” against him. Despite the high stakes, the EFF has remained tight-lipped ahead of sentencing. J ournal News spoke exclusively to EFF communications officer Sinawo Thambo, who said the party and its leadership would only comment after court proceedings conclude. “We will not be engaging in any preview commentary with media houses ahead of today’s sentencing,” Thambo said. The outcome of the case could have significant political consequences for the party. In terms of the Constitution, any Member of Parliament sentenced to more than 12 months’ imprisonment without the option of a fine is disqualified from holding public office for a period of five years. The firearm and ammunition charges were initially brought to light following a complaint by AfriForum, which argued that the matter had not received adequate legal attention and that Malema should face the same legal consequences as any other citizen. Malema faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years’ imprisonment following his conviction on five charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a public space, reckless endangerment, and failure to take reasonable precautions. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has indicated that the case underscores the principle that no individual is above the law. Earlier this week, the EFF confirmed that Malema would be absent from ad hoc committee work due to the court proceedings. Deputy Secretary-General Leigh-Ann Mathys will represent the party in parliamentary committee engagements for the remainder of the week.
By: Lerato Mutlanyane
Legislature oversight visits boost morale, performance and accountability in Moses Kotane schools
Last Monday, North West Provincial Legislature Speaker Dr Desbo Mohono and her leadership team did more than simply walk school corridors — they embarked on a purposeful oversight mission. Armed not with criticism, but with curiosity and collaboration, the delegation spent four days, from 13 to 16 January 2026, engaging directly with schools in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality. The outcome was more than a compliance report. It produced a practical roadmap for improvement, energising educators and boosting learner engagement across the visited schools. In line with the Legislature’s constitutional mandate, the oversight visits assessed schools’ readiness for the 2026 academic year. The focus areas included learning conditions, learner welfare, infrastructure, governance, and overall academic performance in public schools across the North West province. Several no-fee schools were visited, including Gabonewe Secondary School, Bogatsu Primary School, Mojabeng Primary School, Morare Secondary School, Shadrack Zibi Secondary School and Khayakhulu Primary School. Despite operating in rural and semi-rural settings, many schools demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of ongoing challenges. Attendance levels among both educators and learners were reported to be encouraging. The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) continues to play a vital role, ensuring that learners receive nutritious meals that support wellbeing and academic concentration. Academic performance across the schools remained stable, with notable improvements recorded: • Gabonewe Secondary School reported only one learner failure in the previous academic year • Mojabeng Primary School achieved an estimated 95% pass rate • Morare Secondary School produced 84 matric passes in 2025 • Shadrack Zibi Secondary School improved its matric pass rate from 79% in 2024 to 87.5% in 2025 However, the visits also highlighted persistent infrastructure and security challenges. These include ageing buildings, damaged ceilings, shortages of furniture, sanitation risks and the absence of permanent security personnel at some schools. Pit toilets, vandalism, theft of infrastructure components and inadequate fencing continue to pose serious safety concerns. Administrative delays and limited parental involvement in learner discipline were identified as recurring obstacles. Learner welfare remains a priority, with schools maintaining close collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), social workers and health authorities to address issues such as teenage pregnancy, school violence and related social challenges. Addressing learners directly, Dr Mohono urged them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to their education. She emphasised that success is built on perseverance, self-belief and consistent effort. The Speaker reaffirmed the Legislature’s commitment to sustained oversight and strengthened collaboration with the Department of Education, traditional leaders and local communities. Dr Desbo Mohono’s school oversight week underscored the power of visible, engaged leadership. The insights gained are now driving a renewed collective effort to build safer, more supportive and dynamic learning environments across North West schools — marking not the conclusion of a report, but the beginning of a new chapter.
By: Matshediso Selebeleng
... Q&A with Matric 2025 Best National Achiever in Mathematics
Dedication, hard work, and perseverance best describe 17-year-old Bokang Mokubung, following his outstanding performance in the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations. Journal News recently caught up with Mokubung on the sidelines of the Free State Provincial Government’s annual Matric Well-Done Function, hosted at the Central University of Technology (CUT), where the province honoured the top 100 achievers of the Class of 2025. Below is a conversation between Mokubung and Journal News reporter Matshidiso Selebeleng.
Congratulations on your achievement. Apart from what we have been hearing, please tell us: who is Bokang Mokubung and how did your academic journey begin? My name is Bokang Mokubung. I am 17 years old and I come from the dusty streets of Bluegumbosch in Qwaqwa. I started my academic journey at the age of five at Justice Lefuma Primary School, where I attended from Grade R to Grade 7, before transitioning to Bluegumbosch Secondary School. Let us start at the beginning. How was your primary school experience? My primary school days were fun. I had a lot of friends who made school enjoyable, and there was not much academic pressure because the workload was lighter. That is also where I developed a love for English, which became my favourite subject. Comparing that “fun” life with your secondary school experience, what changed and what caused that change? The transition from primary school to high school was tough. My marks dropped when I got to secondary school, and I had to dig deep to find my footing. Eventually, I adapted to the more serious and demanding academic environment. It was not a smooth journey, but I made the most of it and ensured that my schoolwork remained my top priority. Apart from the drop in marks and missing the fun, what were the biggest challenges you faced during high school? High school was never easy, but things became more difficult in Grade 12. I could not attend extra classes for Life Sciences and Geography like other learners until Grade 12 because they clashed with the extra classes I attended on weekends and during holidays at the Kutlwanong Centre for Maths, Science and Technology. At the centre, I focused on Mathematics and Physical Sciences, which meant I had to teach myself Life Sciences and Geography. That was extremely challenging and required a lot of discipline.
We understand that you will be studying Actuarial Science at the University of Pretoria. Has that always been your dream? Growing up, I wanted to study teaching and eventually become a teacher. However, as time went on and I was exposed to different opportunities, my plans changed. Studying Actuarial Science only became a dream in Grade 12, after conducting research and reviewing the South African economy. I chose Actuarial Science because I am interested in business and plan to start several ventures in the future. I want my businesses to succeed, and I believe my strong mathematics skills, combined with this qualification, will help me achieve that. What is one high school moment that you will always carry with you? Being a Dux learner for two consecutive years is a memory I will always carry with me. It serves as a reminder of what I am capable of, especially during difficult times. Grade 12 was a challenging year. I struggled with procrastination and had to sacrifice my social life to stay focused. I lost touch with many friends and had no time for social media. I also helped many learners at my school by teaching them during extra classes. You have spoken extensively about challenges and sacrifices. Did you ever feel so exhausted that you considered giving up? No, I never thought of giving up. Although I sometimes felt exhausted, it was never to the point of throwing in the towel. I constantly reminded myself of my goals, which motivated me to keep going. When my energy was depleted, I pushed myself to study anyway — as we say in Sesotho, “ka nkane.” Academics took up 100% of my time, and I lived entirely in my books. My greatest accomplishment and a realization of my dream was passing matriculation with eight distinctions.
By: Abigail Visagie
Mercy Phetla’s prospects are increasingly becoming bleak as her fight-back strategy and support wane
Dark clouds seem to be gathering swiftly around the former City of Matlosana Local Municipality Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mercy Phetla, who is fighting tooth and nail to ward off several criminal charges she is currently facing. Phetla, who is entangled in two distinct criminal cases comprising alleged corruption, fraud, and money laundering, has her back against the wall as she faces imminent dismissal from her municipal role, while the legal net is also slowly but surely closing in on her. A council sitting that was convened yesterday, 22 January 2026, to deliberate on a scathing disciplinary report that recommended Phetla’s immediate dismissal degenerated into political theatre. The sitting failed to reach a quorum due to ANC council members staging walkouts, while the Democratic Alliance (DA) accused the City’s Executive Mayor and Speaker, Stella Mondlane-Ngwenya, of deliberately withholding the original report from the council’s agenda. Mondlane-Ngwenya stated that the postponement was crucial as the Municipal Manager was not present, and a legal team had to be available to reveal the findings against Phetla. There is some speculation, however, that the walkouts were staged to “shield” Phetla from being held to account for the allegations she is facing. This politically driven tactic came as a shock since the provincial chairperson of the party, Nono Maloyi, previously indicated that the ANC would act against councillors who fail to comply with the law - yet the exact opposite transpired in the council meeting. Maloyi was quoted as warning that adherence to the constitution and legislative framework remains the only legitimate basis for resolving municipal matters. He further stressed that any attempt to bypass or dilute these processes has the potential to weaken local government rather than strengthening it. This stance originally pleased the opposition party, the DA, and for a rare moment, it seemed that the two parties were in accordance. In another instance, the DA has already welcomed a significant decision taken at the Mahikeng High Court in September last year, to dismiss an urgent application brought by Phetla to halt disciplinary action against her. It is believed Phetla attempted to stop the hearings, claiming they were a political method used to weaponise the law and discard her. However, the disciplinary inquiry was finalised late last year, leading to the CFO being charged with gross misconduct, dishonesty, and dereliction of duty. Although Phetla pleaded not guilty to all five charges, she was found guilty on every count. Among the findings, Phetla was held responsible for an unauthorised payment of R2.9 million to a company called Variegated (Pty) Ltd for electrical materials that were ultimately never delivered. She was further pertinently charged with going beyond her delegated authority. While it is established that a municipal manager can only authorise up to R1.5 million, Phetla bypassed these regulations to authorise the R2.9 million payment. The third charge involved wasteful expenditure amounting to R528 000, which caused significant financial turmoil and loss to the Matlosana Municipality. Furthermore, Phetla was found to have received and accepted gratification in the form of a Volkswagen Amarok worth R1.4 million from a municipal service provider, GMHM Construction and Projects. This led to her being found guilty of bringing the municipality into disrepute. Although Phetla claimed she purchased the vehicle herself, she failed dismally to back this unsolicited claim with evidence. To add more fuel to the fire, it was alleged that the CFO’s bail was paid by the son of a director at GMHM. Besides this gift, Phetla has been linked to various other luxurious assets, such as a Porsche, a Range Rover, and a Maserati, allegedly bought with municipal funds. The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) has already attained preservation orders for these vehicles, yet the embattled CFO continues to deny she owns them. AFU communications officer, Kelebogile Moleko, confirmed that the council has not yet sat to finalise the matter and could not comment further by the time of print.
By Lerato Mutlanyane and Abigail Visagie
The newly elected leadership of the uMkhonto weSizwe Liberation War Veterans (MKLWV) has come out in defence of former president Thabo Mbeki’s controversial remarks about a so-called “counter-revolution”, dismissing criticism of his comments as coming from “expelled individuals or those facing disciplinary processes within the ANC”.
Speaking at the inaugural MKLWV conference in Bloemfontein over the weekend, Mbeki told delegates that counter-revolutionaries had deliberately misrepresented former president Jacob Zuma’s imprisonment and the July 2021 unrest as expressions of public anger. His remarks drew criticism from various quarters, with some accusing him of inflaming divisions in South African society.
“You have a mayhem that happened in 2021. It was said that people were angry with the ANC … because the ANC had allowed the Constitutional Court to sentence Jacob Zuma, and he was going to go to jail … that was a complete lie; it was the counter-revolutionary testing its strength to see if it could destabilise the country,” Mbeki said, adding that the narrative was “a lie, a complete lie”.
According to Mbeki, the unrest was a deliberate intervention by what he termed the “counter-revolution”, aimed at testing its capacity to destabilise and paralyse South Africa.
In response, MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela accused Mbeki of portraying MK Party support as illegitimate and externally engineered.
“This reckless language places lives at risk. The MK Party rejects, as politically reckless, socially dangerous and intellectually dishonest, the narrative advanced by former president Thabo Mbeki,” Ndhlela said.
He called on Mbeki to withdraw the statements unconditionally and apologise to the people of KwaZulu-Natal, hostel communities and MK Party supporters.
Defending Mbeki’s remarks in response to an enquiry from this publication, newly elected MKLWV chairperson Dan Hatto said the organisation fully concurred with the former president’s analysis.
“Reflections by President Mbeki have drawn responses from a political formation whose leadership includes individuals expelled or facing disciplinary processes within the ANC for conduct that undermined the organisation. Some among them have been criminally charged and convicted for cash-in-transit-related offences during the democratic period, yet continue to occupy seats in Parliament,” Hatto said.
He added that those who disputed Mbeki’s views had recourse to the courts.
“The MKLWV will not expend further organisational time responding to individuals or formations that rely on provocation rather than political substance. This statement closes our engagement on the matter,” Hatto said.
The Conference was also addressed by senior leadership of the African National Congress, including the Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, the Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula, and the National Chairperson, Gwede Mantashe, among others.
