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IOL News
4 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Drakenstein Municipality denies illegal firearms possession claims
The Drakenstein Municipality has denied allegations that it is illegally in possession of 64 firearms in violation of the Firearms Control Act. Image: File THE DA-led Drakenstein Municipality has dismissed as misinformation claims that it was illegally in possession of 64 firearms in violation of the Firearms Control Act. The GOOD Party had sounded the alarm that the municipality had allegedly never applied for recognition as an official institution after the Firearms Control Act came into force on 1 July 2004. GOOD councillor Keagen Gertse said the municipality was in breach of Schedule 1 of the Act, which 'required non-recognised institutions to surrender such firearms to SAPS'. 'Drakenstein is not authorised to own, store, or use firearms. Yet, it continues to do all three, with full knowledge of the law and in blatant defiance of it. This revelation raises serious concerns about the safety of residents and the credibility of the DA's governance. How can the same party summon SAPS to Parliament over gun crime when its own municipality is hoarding illegal weapons and potentially using them for training or operational purposes? 'The GOOD Party can confirm that Drakenstein Municipality never applied for recognition as an official institution after the Firearms Control Act came into force on 1 July 2004. Instead, it has continued to unlawfully possess an arsenal of weapons, for 21 years, in breach of Schedule 1 of the Act, which required non-recognised institutions to surrender such firearms to SAPS,' said Gertse. He said GOOD will be 'tabling this matter in the relevant oversight forums and demanding that SAPS act swiftly to seize these illegal firearms'. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ However, according to the municipality they had been authorised by police to be in possession of firearms and ammunition. 'The allegation that Drakenstein Municipality is in possession of illegal firearms is deprived of any truth and aims to bring the Municipality in disrepute, which is regrettable. Misinformation spread in this regard is not only reckless but also very irresponsible. The Municipality is authorised by the South African Police Service or SAPS (the delegated authority of the National Commissioner) to be in possession of firearms and ammunition in terms of the law, and firearms are kept and managed in line with prevailing rules and legislation. Regular firearms inspections are carried out by SAPS, of which the latest one was done by the SAPS Provincial Office on 7 June 2025,' the municipality said. Gertse said the visit from SAPS was not a regular firearms inspection, 'it was as part of the Municipality's application to become an official institution in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000'. 'There exists no alternative legal framework in which a Municipality can own or be in possession of firearms or ammunition, outside of being an official institution and registered in the national Registrar or by authorisation from the National Commissioner. It was admitted in a Portfolio Committee that they did opt to apply for recognition when the Firearms Control Act came into effect and are only exploring this avenue now as they want to procure new firearms,' he said. Western Cape police were unable to answer questions seeking confirmation of the inspection and what authorisation the municipality did have and when it was obtained. They also asked to be provided with a case number and where it was registered to source correct information. DA Western Cape leader, Tertuis Simmers said the issue was a governance matter which the Drakenstein Municipality had responded to. 'On 7 June 2025 SAPS inspected and gave the Drakenstein Municipality and its Law Enforcement, who use firearms, a thumbs up,' he said. Cape Times
The Citizen
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Saps vehicle repairs stall crime prevention in Gauteng, says DA
Lesufi confirmed that of the 372 mechanic positions across Saps garages in the province, only 262 are currently filled. A severe shortage of mechanics at Gauteng's South African Police Service (Saps) garages is hampering police visibility and crime prevention efforts across the province. According to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi's written response to the questions posed in the Provincial Legislature, 110 mechanic posts remain unfilled at Saps vehicle workshops. DA Gauteng shadow MEC for community safety, Crezane Bosch, said that the unfilled posts result in long delays in repairing police vehicles. 'Vehicles often remain in garages without repairs for up to a year, leading to shortages of vehicles at our police stations. 262 positions filled Lesufi said the legislature confirmed that of the 372 mechanic positions across Saps garages in the province, only 262 are currently filled. Bosch said this situation could have been avoided if the vacancies were filled and the garages properly staffed. 'This is unacceptable and shows that the Lesufi-led government is not prioritising the protection of the people of Gauteng or addressing unemployment.' Bosch said the impact of the shortage is being felt on the ground, where police stations are left with few or no operational vehicles. 'The lack of vehicles directly undermines crime-fighting efforts and increases risks for our residents,' she said. ALSO READ: Teacher shortage deprives Gauteng pupils of these vital tech skills Call for urgent intervention Additionally, the DA member noted that families could have been fed if these vacant posts had been advertised, giving qualified individuals the opportunity to apply. 'There is no justification for leaving essential positions unfilled, especially when thousands of qualified individuals are unemployed and desperate for work,' Bosch said. The party says a DA-led provincial government would have prioritised filling the vacancies, improving operational capacity and creating job opportunities. 'This approach would not only strengthen law enforcement but also create valuable job opportunities for qualified mechanics,' she added. Bosch further criticised the Lesufi administration for failing at 'the most basic tasks' while touting high-tech initiatives like intelligent number plates. 'The people of Gauteng need functioning police vehicles before they can trust futuristic security plans,' she said. NOW READ: City of Johannesburg councillor allegedly used municipality's BMW X3 for political activities in KZN, says DA
Daily Maverick
11-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Paying more, getting nothing — the Nelson Mandela Bay ward whose capital budget was slashed to zero
'I have been a ward councillor for 25 years and this has never happened to me,' said DA caucus chief whip Gustav Rautenbach. The capital budget for Lorraine and its surrounding suburbs — which makes up Ward 8 — has been slashed from R1.2-million to zero in the draft budget scheduled for discussion and a vote on Thursday. It is one of four DA-led wards in the metro that have been allocated no capital budget — and there is no mechanism for residents to appeal against the decision. The DA caucus chief whip, Gustav Rautenbach, said on Tuesday that there were rumours that the ward might still receive about R500,000 — but this had not been confirmed. Ratepayers are facing increases of 5% for property rates, 5.50% for water, 5.50% for sanitation and 6% for refuse collection, as well as a 12.8% increase in electricity prices if it is approved by the National Energy Regulator of SA. Last year, Ward 8 used its capital allocation to tar and repair part of Circular Drive, a major arterial road. But for the next year, Rautenbach said, there would be no capital allocation. 'It is very problematic,' he said, 'because this means that the Integrated Development Plan and the budget are not talking to each other. 'I think it is important to note that this doesn't mean that no potholes will be filled or no sewage spills will be fixed,' he said. 'That would come from the operational budget.' However, it does mean that no big new projects will be scheduled for the ward in 2025. 'We contribute millions to the municipal treasury,' said Rautenbach. 'Parts of this ward are old and must be replaced. How is that fair?' Lorraine has 122 townhouse complexes with around 3,000 houses, in addition to freestanding homes. 'I would say there are about 21,000 residents who live here,' said Rautenbach. Two of the main roads in the area, Dijon Road and Luneville Road, require major work. 'We don't even have an office,' said Rautenbach. 'We don't have a community hall, and we have no recreational facilities.' He said they had received only R100,000 for a humanitarian fund, like all other wards in the metro. Short-sighted 'This is very short-sighted from the municipality,' he said. 'Because it should be clear that the only direction in which Gqeberha can grow is in this westerly direction. 'I am very upset. Residents are making their contributions, and they are getting nothing.' Three other wards are facing the same outcome. However, Ward 41, represented by Luyanda Lawu, the mayoral committee member for safety and security, is set to receive about R48-million in the upcoming budget and R42-million and R37-million, respectively, for the next two financial years. The ward has several informal settlements that need major infrastructure projects. Last week, the budget was once again 'noted' in the council as Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe said negotiations around ward allocations were ongoing. According to the budget document, the metro faces 'significant challenges' with the new budget, including: A declining collection rate; The poor financial performance of the electricity service, which now operates at a huge deficit; Escalating electricity and water losses that are at unacceptably high levels; Allocation of the required operating budget provision for newly created infrastructure and facilities, with a consequential impact on the level of property rates and tariff increases; Allocation of the required budget provision for the rehabilitation and maintenance of infrastructure; Underfunded mandates, such as the Library Services, negatively affect the municipality's budget; and Financial commitments emanating from previous council decisions, such as the insourcing of security guards, which become an ongoing cost on the municipality's payroll. DM
The Citizen
10-06-2025
- The Citizen
Teacher shortage deprives Gauteng pupils of these vital tech skills
Numerous schools lack access to computers, electricity, or internet connectivity in classrooms, making it impossible to implement the curriculum. Gauteng pupils are missing out on critical technology education due to a significant shortage of teachers for subjects such as Coding and Robotics, Information Technology (IT), and Computer Applications Technology (CAT). This crisis was revealed in a written response by Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane to questions posed in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. More than 370 tech teacher vacancies According to the legislature, seen by The Citizen, the province currently faces a shortfall of 300 teachers for Coding and Robotics, 36 for IT, and 35 for CAT. DA Gauteng spokesperson for education, Michael Waters, said that these subjects are essential to equipping students for the demands of the digital economy. 'This is unacceptable as learners are being left out in preparation for future workplaces that are increasingly reliant on new technology,' added Waters. However, the lack of qualified teachers and resources threatens to derail Gauteng's efforts to build a future-ready workforce. ALSO READ: From classroom to boardroom: How SA companies are future-proofing talent pipelines through Inqubeko Policy implementation gaps Waters claimed that the teacher shortage means Gauteng is failing to comply with the national education policy, which stipulates that coding should be introduced from Grade R. 'If Premier Lesufi is serious about growing the technology workforce in Gauteng, his government must start investing in infrastructure gaps and teacher shortages,' Waters added. He warned that with nearly half of all current teachers expected to retire within the next decade, urgent action is needed to avoid further disruptions to critical learning areas. ALSO READ: Education experts hail DF Malan ruling as victory for school autonomy Infrastructure challenges Beyond teacher shortages, many Gauteng schools lack the infrastructure to support IT education. Numerous schools do not have access to computers, electricity, or internet connectivity in classrooms, making it impossible to implement the curriculum effectively. 'The digital economy continues to accelerate at an ever-increasing speed while Gauteng learners are left behind,' said Waters. Waters said a DA-led Gauteng government would prioritise investment in school infrastructure and teacher recruitment to ensure every student has access to IT-related subjects. 'We will also prioritise the speedy roll-out of the Gauteng Broad Band Network to ensure all schools are connected to the internet,' he said. NOW READ: KZN Education slams student violence at Lakehaven Secondary School
IOL News
09-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Criticism mounts over 12. 91% planned increase for rental units
The DA-led City is proposing a 12.9% increase for residents living in Council-owned Community Residential Units (CRUs), mostly on the Cape Flats Image: Picture: Supplied OPPOSITION parties are outraged with the DA-led City's plans for a 12.91% increase in rental costs for some of Cape Town's poorest residents living in Council-owned Community Residential Units (CRUs), mostly on the Cape Flats. The City's budget has come under severe criticism by residents and opposition politicians over what they said were unaffordable rates and tariffs proposed in its initial budget. Despite some changes with the second draft, GOOD councillor, Axolile Notywala said 'Under the guise of 'expanded rates relief,' the City's Budget 2.0 claims to offer financial support, yet its so-called 'innovative' approach includes a 12.91% increase in rental costs for CRU tenants'. 'This sharp hike is more than double the 4.40% increase initially proposed in the original draft budget. "This decision was pushed through in a Special Human Settlements Portfolio Committee meeting on 29 April 2025, where every DA councillor present voted in favour of the increase. This happened as the City scrambled to defend its original draft budget amid public outcry over unaffordable rates and tariffs,' he said. "Rather than easing the pressure, the DA has chosen to squeeze Cape Town's most vulnerable residents even further. Shockingly, DA councillors continue to justify the increase by claiming Cape Town has 'some of the lowest rentals in the country'. But the truth is, in a city where affordable housing is scarce and public housing is a last refuge for many, these increases are nothing short of punitive. If the City is serious about being 'pro-poor' then its actions, especially those affecting people's homes and livelihoods, must match its rhetoric,' said Notyawala. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The City's Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Carl Pophaim said the increase was endorsed by the committee but will be considered for next year. 'The proposal was tabled and endorsed by the Human Settlements Portfolio Committee but not carried by the executive in the final budget proposal. This increase was tabled as part of the original public participation process in order to fund a Public Housing Safety Unit to ensure safety and compliance in rental stock as well address anti-social behaviour. However, the change has not been affected in the latest budget out for public participation. 'It will be reconsidered at the January 2026 adjustments budget if feasible at the time. The proposal amounts to approximately R50 extra a month per tenant, noting this in the context of the lowest public housing rates in the country. The City also offers generous rebate and rental relief,' said Pophaim. Advocate Rod Solomons, convenor of the #SA1stForum and coordinator of the Push Back Against the City Of Cape Town's Proposed Unaffordable Rates and Service Increases campaign said this increase was 'inhumane' and bordered on being 'criminal'. 'We need to know the names of those councillors who voted in favour of this diabolical decision so that they can be publicly shamed. This is another example of this tone deaf DA-led City paying lip service to being at service of all Capetonians. This is even more of a reason why Capetonians must object to this latest budget as proposed by the Mayor,' said Solomons. The National Coloured Congress (NCC) in the Cape Metro Region said they were 'outraged' by the proposed increase but not surprised.
