16 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
2 And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
3 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.
5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.
7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
8 And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.
32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.
33 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,
34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.
35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
37 And set up over his head his accusation written, This Is Jesus The King Of The Jews.
38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.
39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.
43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.
44 The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.
45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
47 Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.
48 And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.
49 The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.
50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedees children.
57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:
58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.
59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
61 And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.
62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.
64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
65 Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.
66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.
ANOTHER SENIOR TRAFFIC OFFICER IN COURT FOR CORRUPTION
MPUMALANGA – Thembisile Octavia Yende (44), a Senior Traffic Officer from Msukalikwa Local Municipality appeared in the Ermelo Magistrate Court on Wednesday 30 March 2021 facing a charge of corruption
Yende was arrested yesterday by the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation team as a second traffic officer in the area to be charged with corruption. Their arrest followed several complaints received about the law enforcement officers who were allegedly soliciting bribes from the public who committed traffic violations.
Subsequent to the outcry, a waylay investigation was put in place on 22 February 2021 and the officers allegedly demanded gratification from a police agent.
This was followed by a joint operation led by the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation team in Mpumalanga together with members of the Road Traffic Management Cooperation (RTMC) Head Office on Wednesday 03 March 2021. Leading to the arrest of Mfanafuthi Gift Hleza aged (32) on similar charges.
Yende was released on R1000 bail and is expected to be back in the same court on 22 April 2021.
MEC Shongwe applauds all security agencies involved in busting corruption suspects
“Corruption, like crime sets the country back and diminishes the resources that are meant for development to the pockets of those involved.”
“It further tarnishes the image of government in general and law enforcement in particular. That is why we must all fight corruption and help bring to book those who are corrupt so that they answer for their misdemeanours.”
This is according to Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe who was responding to the arrest of suspects who include senior members of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Head for Human Settlements in Mpumalanga.
MEC Shongwe
Three suspects are appearing today, 31 March 2021, in the Pretoria Magistrates Court following their arrest on corruption to withdraw a case of fraud and contravention of the Immigration Act.
The allegations are that the Lieutenant Colonel was paid a gratification of R28 000 of R100 000 to assist in getting the case withdrawn against the accused person. The matter was then reported to Serious Corruption Investigation at Head Office and an operation was conducted.
In the process, a senior member of NPA in Mpumalanga also approached the complainant with a similar request of having the case withdrawn against the accused person. The NPA official offered and handed a gratification of R5 000 and an 18 years old bottle of Glenfiddich Scotch whiskey.
MEC Shongwe has applauded the arrest of the trio and was today singing praises for the security agencies involved in securing these arrests.
He states that with increased cooperation among all the stakeholders particularly in the criminal justice system, the war against crime and corruption will be won.
He also encouraged other law enforcement officers to take a leaf out of the efforts by the HAWKS.
He adds that he continues to advocate for lengthy sentences for those who are guilty of corruption as this will also serve as a deterrent.
He further calls on all public servants to serve with utmost dedication and report any corruption in public institutions.
He adds that security agencies are custodians of government’s efforts to fighting corruption and it was therefore disturbing when some become implicated in such activities.
“Without casting aspersions on the case at hand, we expect the police to remain faithful to the badge or else leave the service. Police management must ensure the few corrupt ones are flushed out of the system,” says the MEC.
He is also calling on communities to play their part by reporting corruption whenever they see or suspect any wrongdoing.
The ANC majority in council today voted to appeal the High Court ruling interdicting any proceedings against the Municipal Manager
The past week was buzzing with the news that The Govan Mbeki Municipal Manager, Mr Felani Mndebele won his case against GMM. It is not exactly true.
Mr Felani Mndebele was able to obtain a court interdict against the municipality effectively halting the continuation of disciplinary actions against him. If GMM complies with certain laws and regulations they can continue with the proceedings.
Govan Mbeki Municipal Manager, Mr Felani Mndebele
The saga can only be described as a ping pong game where the ball is tossed from one to the other.
The judgement of the High Court is not painting a rosy picture of the municipality. It would appear as if the ANC in their majority in council will not hesitate to use any means possible to get rid of the MM.
“The DA is of the opinion that the incurrence of exorbitant legal fees on the part of the municipality to fight battles in the high court intended to protect ANC cadres, and the double payment of acting officials and suspended officials is further wastage of public funds that the bankrupt Govan Mbeki Municipality simply cannot afford – and could have been put to better use if it was allocated towards delivering much needed services that residents and businesses have been stepping up to the task for at their cost,“ said Councillor Jordaan before the council meeting.
“This ruling further affirms that the attempts of individuals within the ANC to avoid accountability from serious allegations that have come to light by throwing others under the bus – and wasting away whatever pennies the municipality has left in the process – is a poor and obvious strategy that is continuously emphasizing the incapability of the ruling party to govern.” She concluded.
Councill considered the judgement and way forward in a closed session (for this item) today during a scheduled council meeting.
The ruling majority party continued to push through the appeal process against the High Court ruling, even in the face of stiff opposition calling for the adherence to the court ruling.
All opposition parties present in the meeting asked to have their discomfort and disapproval noted against the ANC vote. The ANC councillors were all in favour to appeal the ruling despite the exorbitant costs involved with High Court litigation.
Sources within the municipality speculates that these costs are already close to a million Rand but this could not be confirmed.
It is also clear that any method necessary would be used to rid the municipality of the MM.
The disciplinary procedures call for certain steps to be taken that was not done.
Judge Brauckmann said in his judgement Govan Mbeki’s failure to follow the procedures is not only a breach of the agreement, but also unlawful as it violates the regulations.
Brauckmann also said that the court is of the view that Govan Mbeki Municipality and Mphoke Magane (as the second respondent) disregarded Felani’s right to a fair hearing before the disciplinary committee, and even before the hearing.
The forced participation by Felani in proceedings without his council was also criticized by Brauckmann
That the disciplinary procedures instituted against the Govan Mbeki Municipal Manager, Mr Felani Mndebele, is declared unlawful, null and void
No further disciplinary action can continue until GMM complies with Local Government: Municipal Regulations on Financial Misconduct, Procedures and Criminal Proceedings dated 30 May 2014.
That the appointment of the presiding officer of the disciplinary hearing, Mphoke Magane, is declared unlawful, null and void.
GMM is in breach of the contract entered into between GMM and the MM on 5 October 2015
Costs are awarded in favour of the applicant, Felani Mndebele
Against all this the ANC majority chose to appeal the judgement.
The municipality have had several doubtful appointments in the past. One such appointment would be the past CFO. Opposition parties refused to approve the appointment of the CFO but was overruled by the ANC majority. This is even despite the fact that that his psychometric tests returned with only a basic competency. The appointment was approved with an ANC majority despite the applicable laws prohibiting such an appointment.
Disciplinary procedure were instituted against the CFO. This was also not handled correctly and the CFO was reinstated, only to have new procedures instituted against him. This also came with a huge price tag to GMM.
Ciska said that “the residents of Govan Mbeki deserve a capable and accountable municipality that is run by a party that is characterized by good service. The chance to elect such a party is presenting itself in the upcoming Local Government Elections. We implore voters in Govan Mbeki to give the DA a chance to govern with capability and accountability, as we are in the Western Cape where innovation and service takes precedence to petty politics.”
Sasol donates thousands of fuel litres to support Govan Mbeki Municipality community service delivery during the pandemic
Sasol donated fuel to the cash strapped Govan Mbeki Municipality today
In a small ceremony at the Secunda Fire Station, Sasol Head of Community Affairs Mashudu Ndou, said that the Sasol and Secunda relationship is like marriage partners. “There are good times and bad, ups and downs,” said Ndou.
“We are here to strengthen the partnership that we have with Govan Mbeki Municipality” said Mashudu.
“The donation could not come at a better time,” said Cllr Nhlakanipho Zuma, Executive Mayor of Govan Mbeki Municipality, “everyone knows that the municipality is not in good financial standing and therefore we really appreciate the donation.”
“Today, Sasol is officially handing over the donated fuel to Govan Mbeki Municipality. The fuel amounts to 18 500 litres of ULP93,” said Mashudu Ndou, Head Community Affairs at Sasol Energy Operations in Secunda. “The donated fuel is aimed at assisting the municipality to optimise its services to the communities as the pandemic is continuing. These services include water provision, waste management, emergency services, and the transportation of essential needs to communities,”
“Today, Sasol is officially handing over the donated fuel to Govan Mbeki Municipality. The fuel amounts to 18 500 litres of ULP93,” said Mashudu Ndou, Head Community Affairs at Sasol Energy Operations in Secunda.
“The donated fuel is aimed at assisting the municipality to optimise its services to the communities as the pandemic is continuing. These services include water provision, waste management, emergency services, and the transportation of essential needs to communities,”
“We must also appreciate the work that Sasol is doing for the community,” said Zuma, “as it is the people that will benefit from this donation when services are rendered.”
2 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
