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News24
38 minutes ago
- Politics
- News24
Court orders dissolution of Ngwathe Municipality amid service delivery collapse
The Free State High Court has ordered the dissolution of the Ngwathe Local Municipality, citing gross failures in fulfilling its constitutional, legislative and regulatory responsibilities toward residents in towns such as Parys, Heilbron, Koppies and Vredefort, among others. The ruling follows a case brought by AfriForum, supported by the Save Ngwathe community group. The parties successfully acquired an interdict compelling the Free State provincial government to immediately intervene in the municipality's affairs. Ngwathe becomes the second municipality in the Free State to be placed under administration. Last month, Matjhabeng Local Municipality was placed under administration following the province's MEC for Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements, Saki Mokoena, finally invoking Section 139 of the Constitution, which outlines the process for provincial intervention in municipalities unable to fulfill its executive obligations. READ | Matjhabeng Municipality finally under administration as province moves to address governance collapse Mokoena's actions followed a Bloemfontein High Court judgment, handed down on 23 October 2024, which found financial mismanagement, collapsing infrastructure and poor service delivery. Ngwathe residents allegedly suffered for years According to court papers which AfriForum submitted, pertaining to Ngwathe, the lobby group said residents had suffered for years under dire conditions - including persistent water shortages, raw sewage flowing in the streets, crumbling infrastructure and widespread financial mismanagement. The municipality owes more than R1 billion to Eskom and Rand Water. In delivering judgment on Friday, Judge Johannes Daffue described the municipality and its council as 'dysfunctional' and criticised the provincial government for its inaction. He said the case warranted judicial oversight, calling it a 'suitable case where the court should play the role of a watchdog'. The court order instructed Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and her executive council to: Dissolve the municipal council and appoint an administrator; Develop and implement a recovery plan to restore service delivery and ensure financial stability; Approve a temporary budget and revenue measures to support the recovery plan; and Submit written progress reports to the court every three months under oath. The municipality and eight other respondents, including the premier, were also ordered to pay AfriForum's legal costs. The judgment comes after a series of public protests in 2024, sparked by water cuts, potholes as well as a catastrophic 11% Blue Drop water quality score. The crisis worsened when Free State's Provincial Treasury rejected Ngwathe's R2.099 billion draft budget for 2025/26, citing a falsified surplus based on an unrealistic 100% collection rate. AfriForum's Alta Pretorius called the ruling a 'massive victory' for long-suffering residents. Pretorius said: This not only brings justice, but legal grounds for real intervention. The government can no longer look away. The DA's Carina Serfontein welcomed the judgment, saying it confirmed what residents had known for years. 'We will closely track the premier's progress reports and take further action, if necessary,' she said. The mayor of Ngwathe, Victoria De-Beer Mthombeni, acknowledged the ruling, stating: 'The executive mayor respects the judgment of the Bloemfontein High Court and is studying the judgment in detail and will communicate in due course on the processes going forward.'
News18
38 minutes ago
- Sport
- News18
Broad Makes 1st Test Prediction: 'Don't Think England Will Find Batting...'
Last Updated: Stuart Broad feels England will face tougher batting conditions than India in the first Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test. Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad believes the hosts will face more challenging batting conditions compared to India in the ongoing first Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test at Headingley. India were bowled out for 471 in 113 overs, with captain Shubman Gill (147), vice-captain Rishabh Pant (134), and Yashasvi Jaiswal (101). For England, captain Ben Stokes (4/66) and Josh Tongue (4/86) were the standout bowlers, playing a crucial role in ensuring India lost their last seven wickets for just 41 runs. 'Because if Ben Stokes can get it to swing and seam, then Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah can too. So, I don't think England will find batting quite as easy as the Indian batters did yesterday," Broad was quoted as saying on JioHotstar. Broad also commented on Stokes' bowling performance this home summer after recovering from hamstring surgery. 'Ben Stokes is a great character — in his mind, he never feels like he's out of the game. He never lets his brain turn negative or think he's defeated or beaten. He likes to lead from the front, and he's grown as a captain in that way." 'He's like: 'Give me the ball. I'll show you how to do it — this is how I want us to go about our business.' And let us remember — Ben Stokes is a cricketer who hasn't played much cricket this year, and yet he comes back and hits the straps straight away. He's looked like England's best bowler by far. Yes, he is their most experienced bowler and also looked as their best bowler, and that's a concern for England a little," he added. Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar was also impressed with Stokes' bowling, which kept England in the game. 'Ben Stokes, the bowler — now, he's just in a different league. In terms of getting wickets, reading the batter, and manufacturing these great moments for his side, something that others just aren't able to do. That's the great thing about Ben Stokes. When he's fit as a bowler, this is what he brings. Because this is something only he can pull off." (With inputs from IANS) First Published: June 21, 2025, 20:33 IST
News18
38 minutes ago
- Politics
- News18
Iran-Israel Conflict: 400+ Dead, Israel Strikes Isfahan Nuclear Facility, UN Warns Of Refugee Crisis
Israel has launched a second wave of strikes on Iran's Isfahan nuclear facility, targeting two centrifuge production sites overnight, a military official revealed. The Iran-Israel conflict entered its ninth day on Saturday, marked by a rising death toll, continued military strikes, and growing international concern. With over 400 reported dead in Iran, the crisis has prompted warnings from the UN about a looming refugee emergency, even as Tehran calls on countries like India to condemn Israel's actions. Iran Says Over 400 Killed Since Outbreak of War with Israel More than 400 people have been killed in Iran since Israeli airstrikes began last week, according to an updated toll shared by Iran's health ministry on Saturday. 'As of this morning, Israeli attacks have claimed the lives of over 400 defenseless Iranians and left 3,056 others wounded by missiles and drones," said Hossein Kermanpour, spokesperson for the health ministry, in a statement posted on X. The toll reflects mounting casualties as the conflict between Iran and Israel intensifies. Israel Says It Killed Three Iranian Commanders The Israeli military announced that it had eliminated a senior Iranian official responsible for military coordination with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, along with two other commanders, in overnight airstrikes. In a statement, the military said its fighter jets struck near the city of Qom, killing Saeed Izadi, the commander of the Palestine Corps of Iran's Quds Force and the key liaison between the Iranian regime and Hamas. The Quds Force operates as the foreign arm of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). During a press briefing on Saturday, a military official further confirmed the deaths of two additional Iranian commanders—Behnam Shahriyari and Aminpour Judaki—also targeted in the same round of strikes. Israel has launched a second wave of strikes on Iran's Isfahan nuclear facility, targeting two centrifuge production sites overnight, a military official revealed. 'Isfahan was among our initial targets during the first 24 hours of operations. We have now conducted a second wave of strikes to deepen the impact and inflict further damage on Iran's centrifuge production," the official said during a media briefing, speaking on condition of anonymity. Israel Targets Military Sites in Southwest Iran The Israeli military announced on Saturday that it had launched strikes on what it described as 'military infrastructure" in southwestern Iran. These strikes mark the ninth day of sustained hostilities following Israel's initial attack on Iranian territory. 'Fighter jets are currently striking military infrastructure in southwestern Iran," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in an official statement. Iran's Supreme Leader Identifies Possible Successors from Secure Location In the face of growing threats to his life amid the ongoing conflict, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly taken refuge in a fortified bunker and named three senior clerics as potential successors. According to a report by The New York Times, citing Iranian officials, Khamenei has also begun selecting replacements for top military commanders killed in Israeli airstrikes. Contrary to earlier reports, officials clarified that Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, is not among the clerics under consideration to succeed him. They also stated that Khamenei is fully aware of the threat of assassination from either Israel or the United States, and views the prospect of dying under such circumstances as an act of martyrdom. Iran Urges India To Condemn Israeli Military Actions Iran expects countries like India to publicly denounce Israel's military actions, which it views as violations of international law, a senior Iranian diplomat stated on Friday. Mohammad Javad Hosseini, deputy chief of mission at the Iranian embassy, emphasized this expectation during a media briefing. He also addressed Pakistan's role, urging the country to refrain from actions that could undermine Iran's security. This comment came in response to questions regarding Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir's recent meeting with former US President Donald Trump at the White House. Speculation is growing that Washington may seek access to Pakistani military bases should it decide to initiate strikes on Tehran. UN Warns Against New Refugee Crisis Amid Iran-Israel Conflict The United Nations has raised concerns that the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel could lead to a new refugee crisis in the Middle East. In a statement released Saturday, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cautioned that once large-scale displacement begins, it is often irreversible in the short term. The agency noted that the intensity of the fighting has already prompted civilian movements in both countries. Early reports indicate that people have begun fleeing from Tehran and other Iranian cities, with some reportedly crossing into neighboring nations. According to Israeli assessments, the repeated air raids have severely disrupted Iran's ability to manufacture centrifuges used in uranium enrichment, dealing a significant blow to the country's nuclear infrastructure. Iran Arrests 22 Over Alleged Israeli Spy Links Authorities in Iran's Qom province have arrested 22 individuals allegedly linked to Israeli intelligence services since June 13, local police announced. Citing the province's police intelligence chief, the Fars news agency reported that those arrested face charges of collaborating with the 'Zionist regime's spy network," spreading disinformation, and supporting Israel. In a related development, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that a European national had also been detained on suspicion of espionage, though details such as the individual's nationality or arrest date were not disclosed. Meanwhile, the Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights stated that at least 223 people have been arrested across the country on charges of collaborating with Israel. The group warned that the actual number of detainees could be considerably higher. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 21, 2025, 20:04 IST News world Iran-Israel Conflict: 400+ Dead, Israel Strikes Isfahan Nuclear Facility, UN Warns Of Refugee Crisis
France 24
40 minutes ago
- Politics
- France 24
Belarus opposition leader Tikhanovsky freed from jail following visit from top Trump envoy
A top Belarus opposition leader, Sergei Tikhanovsky, has been released from jail after being pardoned, Belarusian human rights group Viasna said on Saturday. His wife Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who took over the opposition cause after his jailing, shared a video of him smiling and embracing her after his release with the caption: "FREE". Tikhanovskaya's team said that the popular blogger and activist had arrived in Vilnius, Lithuania, alongside 13 other political prisoners. Tikhanovsky's release came just hours after the Belarusian authorities announced that the country's authoritarian President, Alexander Lukashenko, met with Trump's Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg in Minsk. Tikhanovskaya said Saturday that officials from the United States had helped secure her husband's release. "It's hard to describe the joy in my heart," she said in a post on X, thanking US President Donald Trump, US envoy Keith Kellogg and European allies. Belarus marks one year since disputed presidential election 02:04 Tikhanovsky, 46, had been imprisoned for more than five years. He planned to run against Lukashenko in the August 2020 presidential election, but was arrested and detained weeks before the vote. His wife Svetlana – a political novice at the time of his arrest – took his place in the polls. He was sentenced in 2021 to 18 years in prison for "organising riots" and "inciting hatred" and then to 18 months extra for "insubordination". Belarus, ruled by Lukashenko since 1994, has outlawed all opposition movements and is the only European country to retain the death penalty as a punishment. There are more than 1,000 political prisoners in the country, according to Viasna.
News18
40 minutes ago
- Politics
- News18
Punjab to amend Beggary Act to make stricter enforcement
Agency: PTI Chandigarh, Jun 21 (PTI) Punjab Women and Child Development Minister Baljit Kaur on Saturday said the government will make amendments to the Beggary Act to launch a stricter crackdown on racketeers. The amendments to the Punjab Prevention of Beggary Act, 1971, will carry heavy penalties against racketeers, guardians, or parents found forcing children to beg at traffic lights and other intersections, she said. Kaur said the state will form special teams to identify and act against those operating these rackets and rescue and rehabilitate children. The minister said that since July 2024, under the Jeevanjot project, 286 children have been rescued. She also said that this year, a pilot project 'Smile' will be launched in Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, SAS Nagar, and Bathinda. Under the initiative, child beggars will be identified, and their families will be tracked through DNA tests, she said. The minister said she has issued directions to all deputy commissioners to strive to make their districts beggar-free. PTI CHS VN VN
