Hlabisa Warns Municipalities Must Become Investment Ready as Service Failures Threaten Economic Growth

South Africa’s municipalities must urgently overhaul the way they manage infrastructure, finances and basic services if they are to attract investment and drive economic growth, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has warned.

Hlabisa said municipalities could no longer treat water, electricity, sanitation, waste management and other trading services simply as administrative functions, arguing that the reliability of these services was directly linked to investor confidence, business productivity, employment and the economic competitiveness of cities andREAD MORE

The United Democratic Movement has welcomed Prince Mlimandlela Ndamase as a new member and volunteer as the party moves to strengthen its structures ahead of the November local government elections.

UDM president and Deputy Minister Bantu Holomisa announced Ndamase’s arrival on Tuesday, describing the political activist and strategic communications specialist as an addition who would bring experience in government, local government, rural development and communications.

The announcement comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 4 NovemberREAD MORE

Orlando Pirates have on Monday night confirmed the departure of attacking midfielder Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi after reaching an agreement with Bahrain Premier League side Alkhaldiya Sports Club.

The 28-year-old playmaker leaves the Buccaneers after three seasons in the famous black-and-white jersey, having grown from an exciting newcomer into one of the club’s most recognisable and decorated midfielders.

The move to the Gulf in West Asia brings an end to a memorable chapter that began in June 2023,READ MORE

Seven Emfuleni Local Municipality employees accused of fraud, theft, money laundering and tampering with essential infrastructure will remain in custody until their next court appearance on 31 August 2026.

The accused appeared briefly in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court on Monday following their arrests over alleged illegal electricity reconnections involving businesses and residents whose municipal accounts were in arrears.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the seven employees have not been granted bail and remainREAD MORE

The City of Tshwane has marked the start of construction of The Yard at the Rosslyn Hub development with a sod turning ceremony as part of its programme to advance the City’s 17 Strategic Urban Developments.

The ceremony marks the commencement of construction of the approximately 9 700 square metre convenience retail development, which forms part of the broader 100 hectare Rosslyn Hub precinct and the Tshwane Automotive City.

The City said the development demonstrated the potentialREAD MORE

The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) has expressed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Regional Court Magistrate Susan du Pisane following her death.

In a statement issued on Monday night, the OCJ said it had learnt with sadness of du Pisane’s passing and extended condolences to those who knew and worked with her during her years in the administration of justice.

The OCJ said du Pisane was a member of the Gauteng Judiciary andREAD MORE

The bail application of lawyer Charlotte Tibana, the wife of co-accused Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) officer Peter “Greater Gagash” Nonyane, took a new twist on Monday.

This was when the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court heard that two luxury vehicles were allegedly purchased in the name of her younger sister, Rirhandzu.

The allegations were made by Hawks investigating Officer, Constable Khutšišo Thobejane, who is vehemently opposing Tibana’s application for bail.

However, he could not explain why Nonyane’sREAD MORE

A new civic survey has exposed a significant accountability gap between communities and local government in the North West, with 38% of residents saying they have never engaged with their ward councillor since the 2021 Local Government Elections.

The findings, released by Civic Root Advocacy (CRA) on Monday, have raised concerns about the accessibility of elected representatives, public participation in municipal affairs and access to basic services across communities in the province.

The Citizen Well-being Survey wasREAD MORE

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has adjourned to consider arguments by Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s legal team after his lawyers opposed the continuation of his testimony in the absence of his lead counsel.

Tensions escalated at the commission on Monday after Advocate Fatima Missi told chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga that Matlala was not comfortable proceeding without his primary counsel, Advocate Anneline van den Heever, who was absent due to ill health.

Missi said Matlala had instructed his legalREAD MORE

The criminal case against television personality and musician Molemo Maarohanye, popularly known as “Jub Jub”, has been postponed to 7 September after he failed to appear before the Germiston Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said a warrant of arrest was issued after Maarohanye failed to attend court because of alleged ill health. The warrant has, however, been held over until his next appearance.

The NPA said the State is readyREAD MORE