Silencing the Messenger? Arts and Culture CFO on Trial for Exposing Fraud Claims

Sbonelo Shezi
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Silencing the Messenger? Arts and Culture CFO on Trial for Exposing Fraud Claims

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has vowed to investigate why a senior official is facing disciplinary charges after being accused of exposing alleged corruption within the Department of Arts, Sports and Culture.

The department’s suspended Chief Financial Officer, Zinhle Buthelezi, is currently appearing before a disciplinary committee. She has been accused of leaking confidential documents to ActionSA’s provincial leader, Zwakele Mncwango, in 2023. As an alternative, the department alleges she failed to pursue an internal probe to establish who might have passed the documents to Mncwango. Buthelezi was suspended in May last year.

Ntuli told reporters he was unaware of the developments and requested a full report.

“We cannot allow the victimisation of corruption whistle-blowers. We are on record saying people must report corruption or wrongdoing irrespective of who is involved, so I am going to look into the matter,” Ntuli said.

The case, heard on Thursday, was postponed to Monday for closing arguments. Additional charges include insubordination and breaching the terms of her suspension. According to the department, Buthelezi contacted then-MEC Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba to query her suspension, which was viewed as undermining the authority of the Head of Department. She is also accused of taking departmental documents while on suspension, allegedly in violation of her suspension notice.

Buthelezi’s lawyer, Logan Naidu, argued that the department was targeting the wrong person.

“We are disturbed that the department has hired lawyers to prosecute an official for allegedly blowing the whistle on corruption activities. My client is wrongly targeted because Mncwango knows who the whistle-blower is, not her,” Naidu said.

Mncwango also defended Buthelezi, saying he had previously appealed to Ntuli to protect her from victimisation. He denied receiving the documents from her. In 2023, he publicly exposed allegations that millions were allocated for fitness centres across municipalities, yet no facilities were built. He even published payment records he claimed showed work being paid for but not delivered.

The department’s Head of Department argued that such information was confidential and could only have been accessed by an insider. Meanwhile, spokesperson Ntando Mnyandu confirmed that current MEC Mntomuhle Khawula is awaiting a full report since the matter originated under the previous administration.

The controversy has raised questions over whether the department is clamping down on corruption or silencing those who attempt to expose it.

Seven Dead in Four Crashes on N2 North Coast

Ben Johnson
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Seven Dead in Four Crashes on N2 North Coast

Seven people lost their lives in four separate crashes on the N2 between Chakas Rock and Mandeni on Saturday night, according to emergency responders.

IPSS Medical Rescue spokesperson Paul Herbst confirmed that three of the collisions involved pedestrians.


“Three pedestrians were struck and killed in separate incidents along the N2,” Herbst said.

In one of the crashes near Chakas Rock, tragedy escalated when a vehicle struck a pedestrian and lost control.


“The vehicle burst into flames after the collision, sadly leaving the driver deceased,” Herbst added.

chaka's rock accident
The car caught fire after hitting a pedestrian in Chaka’s Rock

A fourth major accident occurred near Mandeni, claiming three more lives.
“Three occupants sustained fatal injuries in the collision. Two patients were left in critical condition and were stabilised on scene by our Advanced Life Support paramedics, while a third patient sustained serious injuries,” Herbst explained.

All injured patients were transported to nearby medical facilities for further treatment.

Emergency services worked throughout the night, with multiple teams responding. Herbst praised the cooperation on the ground.


“We are grateful for the teamwork of the Kwadukuza Fire Department, Mandeni Fire Department, EMRS and other private ambulance services who assisted at the scene,” he said.

IPSS extended its condolences to the families affected.


“Our thoughts are with the friends and family who lost loved ones in these tragic incidents,” Herbst said.

The N2 north coast route was heavily affected overnight as authorities cleared the crash scenes and continued investigations.

Suspect shot dead after attempting to disarm officer at Empangeni police station

Sbonelo Shezi
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Suspect shot dead after attempting to disarm officer at Empangeni police station

Police in KwaZulu-Natal are investigating after a man was shot dead inside the Community Service Centre (CSC) of the Esikhaleni Police Station in Empangeni.

According to police, the incident unfolded on Thursday when the suspect entered the station under the pretext of seeking assistance. He then allegedly attempted to wrestle a firearm away from a female officer.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda explained that the officer’s service pistol was secured with a retention cord, preventing the suspect from taking it.

“The suspect then drew out his own weapon and pointed it at the officer, attempting to shoot her,” Netshiunda said.

In response, another police officer at the scene opened fire to protect his colleague and other civilians inside the CSC. The suspect was fatally wounded and declared dead on the scene.

“Police in KwaZulu-Natal have opened an inquest docket after a man who attempted to shoot a police officer inside a police station was shot and fatally wounded,” Netshiunda confirmed.

Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased, and investigations into the incident continue.

Reed Dance 2025: Thousands of Maidens Join King Misuzulu at Historic eMashobeni Ceremony

Hlengiwe Mbedzi
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Reed Dance 2025: Thousands of Maidens Join King Misuzulu at Historic eMashobeni Ceremony

For the first time in over four decades, the AmaZulu nation’s annual Reed Dance, known as Umkhosi Womhlanga, is being staged at a new venue — the eMashobeni Royal Palace in oPhongolo, northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini confirmed the shift from the traditional venue at eNyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma, where the late King Goodwill Zwelithini revived the ceremony in 1986 to promote cultural preservation.

Prince Thulani Zulu, spokesperson for the AmaZulu king, said preparations were complete for the maiden reed dance at eMashobeni. “It’s all systems go,” he noted, adding that thousands of Zulu maidens are expected to attend the two-day ceremony.

The event, attended by the King himself, honours the beauty, purity, and cultural pride of the maidens, while also reinforcing the values of womanhood and moral regeneration.

Many young participants expressed excitement ahead of the event. One maiden explained:
“First and foremost, it teaches us to respect our bodies, so it taught me many things about being a Zulu lady, to know my culture and how to handle myself.”

Another added:
“The reed dance is important for me, it’s a sisterhood amongst us young maidens who have chosen to remain pure, it’s a decision I made. Apart from abstaining from sex, we are also taught about life, how to conduct ourselves as young women.”

The new venue has also brought a significant boost to the local economy. Pongola Mayor Bhekinkosi Thwala highlighted how the influx of visitors has benefitted small businesses.
“We do not take it lightly that this will contribute greatly to our local economy. Our accommodation establishments and restaurants are full to capacity, and the public transport and vendors are also trading,” he said.


“Umkhosi Womhlanga will support us to unlock our potential in terms of growing our local economy, the restoration of moral regeneration, strengthening of our culture and celebration of womanhood.”

Meanwhile, King Misuzulu used his address at the opening of the ceremony to caution the media against relying on what he called “unqualified voices” when reporting on Zulu tradition and the royal household.


“It’s difficult to hear someone who has no idea what it’s like to walk in my shoes trying to tell me what to do. You can’t go to school for the job I do — it can’t be taught. If you want to learn about Zulu culture, there are plenty of us you can talk to,” the King said.


He added that he has repeatedly warned broadcasters against hosting analysts he deems misinformed. “I have repeatedly warned the SABC to stop inviting this one individual to speak on matters involving the Zulu royal family, because what he says is nonsense.”

The 2025 reed dance thus marks not only a cultural milestone for the Zulu nation but also a turning point for oPhongolo, as it becomes the new home of one of South Africa’s most iconic traditional ceremonies.

Drunk Driver Causes Mayhem on N3, IT Specialist Arrested for Speeding on N2

Sbonelo Shezi
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Drunk Driver Causes Mayhem on N3, IT Specialist Arrested for Speeding on N2

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, has praised the province’s Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officers for their bravery following two major incidents on the N3 and N2 this weekend.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Duma detailed how a drunk motorist caused chaos on the N3 in the early hours of the morning. The incident began when a distressed female motorist alerted authorities after her vehicle was struck by a fleeing driver.

RTI officers later intercepted a white Mahindra bakkie on Chota Motala Road. When confronted, the suspect allegedly assaulted one of the officers before speeding off, colliding with several vehicles as he attempted to evade arrest. The pursuit stretched through Howick and Hilton, where the suspect’s vehicle again collided with other motorists.

During the chase, RTI officer Phiwokuhle Ndabezitha was injured after rear-ending the suspect’s vehicle in an attempt to bring the matter under control. He has since been commended for his courage, with Duma wishing him a speedy recovery.

The drunk driver was eventually apprehended and has been remanded in custody. He faces several charges, including assault, reckless and negligent driving, and fleeing the scene of an accident.

In a separate incident on the N2 southbound near Park Rynie, RTI officers arrested an IT specialist who was caught driving at 192km/h.

Duma said the arrests highlight his department’s commitment to cracking down on reckless road users. “Months ago, I mandated the RTI team to clean up our road networks by coming down very hard on reckless and drunk motorists. It is for this reason that we have advertised 278 new traffic officer posts to strengthen our dedicated and efficient RTI team,” he said.

New rules shake up Uber and Bolt operations in South Africa

Bavesh Soobremoney
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New rules shake up Uber and Bolt operations in South Africa

South Africa’s transport department has officially gazetted major amendments to the National Land Transport Act, with the changes taking effect from Friday, 12 September 2025.

The amendments follow years of consultation and are designed to close gaps in public transport law exposed by the rise of e-hailing platforms such as Uber and Bolt.

For the first time, the Act formally recognises e-hailing services as part of the regulated public transport sector. This means metered and minibus taxis can no longer dismiss ride-hailing as “illegal”. However, the recognition comes with new obligations for both drivers and platforms.

Operating licences and stricter compliance

E-hailing drivers will now be required to obtain operating licences before they can legally provide services. “This will ensure that services remain authorised and safe,” the department explained.

According to the department, the Provincial Regulatory Entity offices will check compliance before issuing operating licences.

To boost security, all vehicles must display branding or signage identifying their company and be fitted with panic buttons for passengers. “Vehicle owners are responsible for making sure these are installed,” the department said.

“The panic button for commuters will assist with crime detection and enable a rapid response by law enforcement or tracking companies.”

Passengers are also urged to double-check that vehicle and driver details match those displayed in the app. “Commuters are also required to ensure that the vehicle and driver are compliant,” the department added.

Heavy penalties for non-compliance

The legislation introduces severe fines and penalties for e-hailing companies and developers who bypass the law. Any app that allows unlicensed drivers to operate could face fines of up to R100,000 or jail terms of up to two years.

Companies must also be fully registered under the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and comply with SARS requirements. Additional costs may apply outside the department’s oversight. To guide operators, workshops will be held nationwide from next week.

Limits on where drivers can operate

The new rules also set boundaries on where drivers may legally operate. As transport department spokesperson Collen Msibi explained, operating licences will specify a driver’s area of jurisdiction.

Drivers may accept trips that take passengers outside their operating area, but they are not permitted to pick up new passengers beyond it. For example, a driver licensed in Gauteng can take a trip into Limpopo but must return empty, without payment, unless licensed for that region.

Addressing tensions and public trust

Bolt and Uber dominate South Africa’s ride-hailing industry, but their operations have long been a point of tension with taxi associations. These legislative changes aim to ease some of that friction, though it remains uncertain whether they will succeed.

Beyond compliance, both companies face the challenge of restoring consumer trust. Complaints about deteriorating vehicle standards, inadequate safety features, and weak customer service have dogged the platforms.

Wayne Duvenage, CEO of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse, told MyBroadband that service quality should be a top priority. “This has resulted in a less customer-centric experience, vehicles that are tired and a general reduction in attention to detail and all-around professional experience,” Duvenage said.

He also criticised the industry model, noting that drivers are often allowed to work across multiple platforms, with companies prioritising high-volume, low-margin operations. “Apart from the occasional outlier, I certainly don’t get the impression that drivers are trying to exceed one’s service level expectations,” he added.

Duma launches recruitment drive: 278 traffic officer posts open in KZN

Hlengiwe Mbedzi
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Duma launches recruitment drive: 278 traffic officer posts open in KZN

KwaZulu-Natal is set to bolster its road safety enforcement with the hiring of 278 new traffic officers, announced Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma during a media briefing at Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House on Friday, 12 September 2025.

“We wish to announce that we are looking for honest, hardworking and fit South Africans to join our highly efficient and dedicated team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate,” said Duma.

The available posts include:

  • Control Provincial Inspector (1)
  • Senior Provincial Inspector (10)
  • Provincial Inspector (67)
  • Trainee Provincial Inspector (200)

According to the MEC, the recruitment forms part of a broader strategic effort to make KwaZulu-Natal safer and more prosperous. “We have started this recruitment process of traffic officers as part of efforts aimed at building KwaZulu-Natal to be a prosperous and safe province for all of us and future generations,” Duma stated.

The initiative is tied to the department’s “Zero Tolerance | No Nonsense | Alufakwa” campaign, aimed at curbing lawlessness on the province’s roads.

Cracking down on reckless driving

Highlighting recent enforcement measures, Duma revealed that over 160 motorists were arrested for drunken driving in August alone. Among those apprehended were a senior public prosecutor, two police officers, and a correctional services officer.

“It is very disappointing that civil servants with the responsibility to enforce the law and also uphold it were caught breaking it,” he said.

Read | Three Killed in Tragic N3 Highway Crash Near Pietermaritzburg

The MEC stressed the gravity of the situation, particularly the arrest of the prosecutor. “The arrest of a senior public prosecutor – someone entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the law – strikes at the very heart of the justice system and is viewed by this Department with the utmost seriousness.”

He confirmed that the prosecutor’s case has been formally enrolled, with court proceedings postponed to October 2025 pending forensic blood test results. “We expect that the matter will be handled with transparency, integrity, and in full accordance with the law,” Duma emphasised.

The department, working with the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster, is closely monitoring the case along with others involving law enforcement officials.

Commitment to road safety

“We want to clean our road networks and save innocent lives through our campaign,” Duma declared, adding that no one is above the law.

Despite limited resources, he praised the commitment of RTI officers and partner stakeholders. “We commend RTI officers, and all stakeholders for their continued vigilance and dedication to protecting the lives of innocent citizens,” he said.

Application process

Those interested in applying for the posts may hand deliver their applications to the Department of Transport at Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House, 172 Burger Street, Pietermaritzburg. Alternatively, applications can be couriered via postal services to the Recruitment & Selection Section, Human Resource Administration Directorate, Private Bag X 9043, Pietermaritzburg, 3200.

Applicants are also encouraged to use the KZN online e-Recruitment system available at www.kznonline.gov.za/kznjobs

Outrage as Ministers Get Green Light to Splurge R1.1 Million on Luxury Cars While Nation Goes Hungry

Sirisha Pillay
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Outrage as Ministers Get Green Light to Splurge R1.1 Million on Luxury Cars While Nation Goes Hungry

Government ministers, deputies, premiers, and MECs will now be allowed to spend up to R1.1 million on official luxury vehicles. This follows a new directive from Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and the National Treasury, raising the limit from the previous R800,000 cap.

The revised threshold was outlined in an instruction signed by Treasury director-general Dr. Duncan Pieterse, dated July 11 and implemented earlier this week. The amount includes VAT, maintenance plans, and security upgrades.

This change comes at a time when economic pressures are weighing heavily on ordinary citizens, sparking criticism from several quarters, especially opposition parties.

The previous limit of R800,000 was introduced by former finance minister Tito Mboweni as part of broader cost-containment measures. That cap itself had replaced a R700,000 ceiling set in earlier years.

Dr. Pieterse stated that the finance minister is required to consult with the ministers of police, transport, and state security to determine the price ceiling for executive vehicle purchases on an annual basis.

In the instruction, Pieterse confirmed that “The minister has adjusted the price limit for official vehicles from R800,000 to R1.1 million inclusive of VAT, maintenance plans and security upgrades with effect from the date of this instruction.”

No Room for Creative Spending Loopholes

The Treasury made it clear that the new R1.1 million limit cannot be exceeded under any circumstances. Executive members are forbidden from making personal contributions or negotiating trade-ins that allow them to technically stay within the limit while acquiring a more expensive car.

Departments are also warned against bypassing the rules by leasing higher-value vehicles through services like Fleet Management Trading Entities or similar channels.

Temporary vehicle hire will only be allowed if departments cannot procure an appropriate make and model, and only under strict conditions laid out in the guide for members of the executive.

Departments must report all vehicle purchases in their annual financial statements.

Not the First Time the Cap Has Been Raised

This increase follows a previous exception granted to the Eastern Cape government in September last year. Treasury allowed the province to purchase an official vehicle worth R900,000, excluding security features capped at R100,000. Departments were instructed to work with SAPS for the installation of those upgrades.

Opposition Slams the Increase as Elitist and Immoral

ActionSA MP Alan Beesley was among the first to condemn the Treasury’s move, calling it completely unjustifiable in the current economic climate.

“With close to 50% of households going to bed hungry tonight, the luxury lifestyle of the executive is morally incomprehensible. Under the GNU, we have a bloated cabinet whose perks continue to increase,” he said.

Beesley continued, “How can the Cabinet tell hard-pressed South Africans to tighten their belts when their own belts are getting considerably looser? It is wrong on so many levels.”

He added that corruption does not always look like bribery or theft, but often takes the form of systemic abuse of public resources. ActionSA has introduced the Enhanced Cut Cabinet Perks Bill to amend the law governing executive compensation. The aim is to ensure that such decisions reflect the country’s economic reality.

Maimane: The GNU Has Become a Patronage Machine

Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane, who chairs Parliament’s standing committee on appropriations, echoed similar sentiments.

According to Maimane, “The GNU is not working for the people but serving politicians. Compounding the issue is a bloated executive, VIP protection, and a R3 billion expenditure. The priority is clearly not on education or economic growth.”

BOSA is now calling for a drastic overhaul. Their proposal includes reducing the number of ministries, cutting perks, and eliminating wasteful VIP expenses. They also want to see underperforming departments merged or disbanded.

“We will continue to fight against such excesses and will ensure that National Treasury is held accountable for these decisions,” Maimane said.

Women Flood SAPS With Applications in Historic Recruitment Wave as Over 1 Million Eye Police Careers

Hlengiwe Mbedzi
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Women Flood SAPS With Applications in Historic Recruitment Wave as Over 1 Million Eye Police Careers

In an unprecedented show of public interest, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has received more than one million applications for its 2025/2026 Basic Police Development Learning Programme. For the first time, women are leading the surge in numbers.

The police service confirmed that a staggering 1,049,998 applications were submitted before the midnight deadline on July 18. This record-breaking figure signals a powerful wave of interest from young South Africans who are eager to serve and protect their communities.

What stands out even more is the gender shift. Women submitted 595,049 applications, surpassing the 454,949 applications submitted by men. SAPS has described this as a promising step toward greater diversity and inclusion within the force.

“This positive development speaks volumes about the evolving face of our police service,” said a SAPS spokesperson.

Gauteng Leads in Numbers While Northern Cape Trails

When it comes to provincial distribution, Gauteng generated the highest number of applications at 267,031. KwaZulu-Natal followed closely with 205,802, and Limpopo recorded 115,877. Other notable contributions came from the Eastern Cape with 108,709, Mpumalanga with 100,516, and the Western Cape with 86,496. The Free State submitted 73,214, the North West 66,167, and the Northern Cape came in with 26,186.

Applicants Bring Impressive Qualifications

SAPS also noted the academic readiness of applicants. A total of 334,765 individuals hold a qualification at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 6 or higher. This indicates a well-educated applicant pool with strong potential to meet the demands of modern policing.

“This is a strong indicator that applicants are serious about a career in law enforcement and come equipped with the knowledge to back that ambition,” the spokesperson added.

What Happens Next in the Recruitment Process

With the application phase now closed, SAPS confirmed that no further submissions will be accepted through their website. Candidates who meet the recruitment criteria will be contacted within three months regarding the next phase of the process.

Due to the overwhelming number of submissions, only qualifying applicants will receive communication. Those who do not meet the entry requirements will not be contacted.

A New Generation of Officers on the Horizon

This surge in interest, especially the unprecedented response from female candidates, marks a shift in the national attitude toward policing as a career. It reflects both a desire for stable employment and a commitment to public service.

As SAPS begins reviewing the applications, the country now turns its attention to the next generation of officers preparing to step forward in service of justice and safety.

Zuma and MK Party Launch Constitutional Court Bid Against Ramaphosa Over Mchunu Suspension

autologin
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Zuma and MK Party Launch Constitutional Court Bid Against Ramaphosa Over Mchunu Suspension

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, led by former president Jacob Zuma, has approached the Constitutional Court to challenge President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent suspension of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

The legal challenge follows serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who claimed that Mchunu had attempted to meddle in ongoing police investigations. The MK Party argues that the president’s actions are unconstitutional and must be overturned.

During a national address last Sunday, President Ramaphosa announced that Mchunu was being placed on suspension. He also revealed plans to establish a judicial commission of inquiry—chaired by acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga—to examine Mkhwanazi’s accusations. Law professor Firoz Cachalia was named as Mchunu’s temporary replacement, effective from August 1. In the interim, Ramaphosa appointed Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe to serve as acting police minister with immediate effect.

In the court application, filed urgently, the MK Party calls for all three executive actions—the suspension, the interim appointment, and the establishment of the inquiry—to be nullified. The party describes Ramaphosa’s decisions as “irrational” and “invalid,” claiming they breach his constitutional duties and violate his oath of office.

“The president’s decision to establish a judicial commission of inquiry is inconsistent with the obligations under section 83(b) of the Constitution and the presidential oath of office, in conjunction with sections 84(2)(f), 177, 178(4), and 180,” the legal filing states.

Read also: MK Party Prepares for First Birthday Rally as Zuma Set to Address Supporters

The applicants in the case are Zuma and the MK Party, with Ramaphosa, Mchunu, Mantashe, Cachalia, and Madlanga listed as respondents. The MK Party is demanding that the president issue constitutionally sound decisions within 15 days.

According to the filing, the respondents have until 10am on Monday to indicate whether they intend to oppose the application, and until 5pm on Tuesday to file their responses. The MK Party will submit its reply by Thursday, with final legal arguments from all parties due by Friday.

Meanwhile, on Friday, MK Party supporters gathered at the Union Buildings and police headquarters in Pretoria to deliver memorandums demanding Mchunu’s prosecution and calling for protections for Mkhwanazi. Similar demonstrations were held across the country earlier in the week, with the party vowing to continue its protest action in the days ahead.

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