The Bulletin News

WARNING: DISTURBING PHOTOGRAPHS. VIEW AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION. ⚠️

Residents and animal welfare advocates in the Bethal area have been left shocked and grieving after Inspector Lombard of the Bethal SPCA attended an appalling scene on Baanbreker farm road (about 6 km west of the Bethal–Secunda road). Two dogs — Rocky, a husky, and Boesman, a pitbull cross — were found strung up on a fence at a crossroads. Both animals bled from their mouths and noses, and no bullet wounds were observed when the bodies were collected and returned to the SPCA, leading inspectors to suspect poisoning. A note was left at the scene and initially included a contact number; that number was later removed.

The display of the animals in this manner has compounded community distress. Regardless of motive or circumstance, the apparent poisoning and public exhibition of these dogs is widely seen as a callous affront to the dignity of the animals and the sensitivities of local residents.

Legal context in South Africa

Under South African law, cruelty to animals is a criminal matter. The primary statute dealing with animal welfare is the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, which prohibits acts of cruelty and neglect toward animals. In addition to statutory protections, perpetrators can also be prosecuted under common-law offences relating to malicious injury to property or other relevant criminal statutes where applicable. Where poisoning is involved, there may also be contraventions of environmental or public-safety legislation if toxic substances were used or disposed of in a way that endangers other animals or people.

Penalties for animal cruelty can include fines and imprisonment, and convicted persons may face further civil and administrative consequences. Exact charges and sentences depend on the facts of each case and prosecutorial decisions. Anyone seeking definitive legal guidance should consult an attorney or the relevant authorities.

What to do if you have information or evidence

• If you have any information about this incident, contact Inspector Lombard at 072 573 3122. All information will be treated confidentially.
• Report any suspected animal poisoning or abuse to the Bethal SPCA and the South African Police Service (SAPS) so a criminal investigation can be opened.
• Preserve evidence: do not move or touch items at the scene; take clear photos (if safe to do so) and note dates, times, vehicle details, or any suspicious activity. Provide witness statements to investigators.
• If you find a live animal showing symptoms of poisoning (salivation, vomiting, seizures, collapse), seek immediate veterinary help and, if possible, bring a sample of the suspected poison or the container to the vet or police.

Community response and prevention

Incidents like this underline the importance of vigilance and community cooperation. Neighbours, farmers, and road users should be encouraged to report suspicious behaviour and to secure pets and stock. Local SPCA branches and animal-welfare groups often work with communities to raise awareness about responsible animal care, the dangers of poisons, and how to report abuse.

If you can help, please contact Inspector Lombard on 072 573 3122. Together, the community and authorities can pursue answers, seek justice, and help ensure animals receive the dignity and protection they deserve.

The disqualification of Cllr AV (Tesh) Mbokasi from the Govan Mbeki Municipality’s Ward 29 councilor candidacy has emerged as a notable development in South African politics, raising important questions about electoral integrity and the ethical conduct expected from political candidates. This decision follows grave allegations regarding the manipulation of the electoral process through financial inducements, ultimately violating the guiding principles of the African National Congress (ANC).

Background and Allegations

On June 1, 2026, the ANC’s Gert Sibande Region issued a press release expressing serious concern over video evidence depicting individuals allegedly distributing cash to sway voter decisions in favor of Cllr Mbokasi. This footage, which circulated widely on social media, catalyzed a storm of controversy, as it not only implicated the candidate but also questioned the sanctity of the electoral process. Such acts are not only illegal but starkly oppose the democratic tenets essential to party governance and public service.

As details of the allegations unfolded, the ANC reiterated its firm stance against corrupt practices. High-ranking officials within the ANC condemned the distribution of money and alcohol as “barbaric acts,” calling on members and community members to report any misconduct. This statement was not just a response to the specific incident but also an affirmation of the ANC’s commitment to maintaining the moral high ground in its electoral processes.

Preliminary Investigation

In light of the allegations, a disciplinary hearing was scheduled, and on June 13, 2026, the Provincial Dispute Resolution Committee (PDRC) convened a Zoom hearing that allowed for the participation of all involved parties. The hearing aimed to address several critical questions:

1. Whether credible evidence existed to prove that money or other incentives were distributed to influence members during the candidate selection process.
2. Whether these actions constituted a breach of Rule 7.7 of the ANC’s 2026 Local Government Election Guidelines.
3. Whether integrity had been compromised in the candidate selection process.

The PDRC received testimonies from complainants, branch representatives, and electoral officers, as well as video evidence of the alleged vote-buying activities. The videos, which showed individuals handing out cash outside the community meeting venue, were pivotal in the investigation. However, the reliability of witness testimony became a focal point of discussion, as some individuals hesitated to identify those involved in the misconduct captured on tape.

Findings and Verdict

After thorough deliberations, the PDRC determined that the evidence presented established a prima facie case of a breach of Rule 7.7. This rule categorically prohibits candidates from resorting to financial inducements or gifts to influence voting outcomes. The Committee noted that the principles of fairness, transparency, and organizational discipline expected from ANC members were fundamentally compromised.

The verdict concluded that Cllr Mbokasi’s actions were inconsistent with the ANC’s values, warranting his disqualification from the Ward 29 candidate selection process. Crucially, the PDRC’s authority extended only to recommending disqualification; any more severe repercussions such as expulsion or suspension would require action from the ANC’s established disciplinary structures.

The verdict stated as follow:

The candidate found to have benefited from or participated in conduct prohibited by Rule 7.7 is DISQUALIFIED FROM THE WARD 29 WARD COUNCILLOR CANDIDATE SELECTION PROCESS, subject to confirmation by the competent organisational authority in accordance with the ANC 2026 Local Government Election Guidelines.

The matter is REFERRED TO THE PROVINCIAL SECRETARY for referral to the appropriate ANC disciplinary structures to institute disciplinary proceedings in accordance with the ANC Constitution and Disciplinary Code.

Implications for Party Integrity and Future Elections

The ramifications of Cllr Mbokasi’s disqualification extend beyond his individual case, serving as a critical reminder to all members of the ANC about the importance of ethical behavior and adherence to party guidelines. The ANC has consistently positioned itself as a champion of democracy and champion of integrity in its operations, and this incident highlights the challenges inherent in maintaining these standards, particularly in the face of electoral pressures.

Chairperson Comrade Ngelosi Ndlovu reinforced the Committee’s findings, stating that the organization must not only uphold its electoral integrity but also ensure that such principles are transparently implemented. The ANC calls upon all its branches to remain vigilant and proactive, reporting any instances that could undermine the democratic processes.

Moreover, voters and party members are urged to engage actively in ensuring ethical practices are upheld during candidate selection processes. The integrity of electoral processes is not solely the responsibility of the party leadership; it is a collective duty that requires vigilance from all stakeholders involved.

Looking to the Future

As South Africa prepares for the upcoming local government elections, the ANC’s reiteration of its commitment to a transparent and fair selection process is essential. The party recognizes that the actions of a few can tarnish the reputation of the many, and therefore, the message is clear: there will be zero tolerance for corrupt practices.

The ANC’s Gert Sibande Region is tasked with ensuring that the necessary organizational measures are put in place to conduct the Ward 29 candidate selection process with the utmost integrity. This includes implementing strategies that foster transparency and encourage members to report any suspicious activities.

In conclusion, the disqualification of Cllr Tesh Mbokasi is a significant step in upholding the ANC’s foundational principles. By confronting corruption head-on, the ANC not only clarifies its stance on unethical behavior but also reinforces its dedication to nurturing a

Growing public interest in injectable weight-loss medicines, including semaglutide products, has highlighted the importance of patient awareness, appropriate medical oversight and the use of medicines supplied through the formal regulatory framework.

Recent regulatory concerns in South Africa have drawn attention to the potential risks associated with unregistered or improperly supplied GLP-1/GIP injectable products, particularly where patients may not have clarity on a product’s origin, quality controls or appropriate use.

The issue is broader than any single supplier or product. For patients, the key consideration is whether a medicine has been reviewed by the appropriate authorities and is prescribed, dispensed and monitored through recognised healthcare channels.

Growing demand and patient awareness

The growing demand for these treatments has also created confusion for some consumers, particularly when products are promoted online or through wellness channels as easier or lower-cost alternatives to registered medicines.

Few medicines have generated as much public interest in recent years as semaglutide. Originally developed to help people with Type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar, it has also gained attention for its role in weight management. While demand continues to grow, there are currently no registered generic semaglutide products on the South African market.

This landscape is expected to change soon. Many pharmaceutical companies are expected to enter the market in due course, which should further expand patient access to registered, quality-assured medicines. For patients, the most important step is to speak to their healthcare professional about an appropriate SAHPRA-registered treatment option, rather than relying on unverified products or informal channels.

Safety concerns

While semaglutide itself has been extensively studied and approved for specific medical uses, experts say the real concern lies in where the product comes from, whether it has been properly assessed by regulators, and how it is being used. Like all medicines, semaglutide can have side effects and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. However, medicines that have not been properly reviewed by regulators, or that are taken without appropriate clinical oversight, may expose patients to additional and potentially serious risks.

This is according to Cindi Benjamin, Pharmacovigilance and Compliance Pharmacist at Pharma Dynamics – a leading pharmaceutical company within the pharmacovigilance sector.

The distinction, Benjamin explains, is not between a medicine that is completely without risk and one that is unsafe, but between products that have undergone formal regulatory review and those supplied outside established quality, safety and monitoring systems.

“Patients may assume that all products marketed as semaglutide are equivalent, but that is simply not the case. A SAHPRA-approved medicine has undergone extensive evaluation for quality and efficacy. With unregistered products, there may be uncertainty around ingredients, sterility, potency, storage conditions and dose accuracy. These are particularly important considerations for injectable medicines.”

Before a semaglutide medicine can be approved by SAHPRA, manufacturers must submit evidence relating to quality and efficacy. This includes information on the active ingredient, manufacturing process and manufacturing site, quality controls, stability, labelling, dosing and clinical data. For injectable medicines, sterility, purity, dose consistency and cold-chain integrity are also carefully assessed.

International regulators have similarly cautioned patients and healthcare professionals about the risks associated with compounded or unregistered semaglutide products, including concerns around dosing accuracy and appropriate clinical oversight.

Clear dosing instructions, appropriate packaging and healthcare professional guidance are important safeguards, particularly for injectable medicines where incorrect administration may increase the risk of adverse effects.

Approved products are manufactured to defined specifications and supplied with standardised dosing information. Products supplied outside formal regulatory and quality systems may not offer the same level of assurance around consistency, storage, traceability or safe use.

What patients should look out for

Benjamin says consumers should be cautious about products promoted through social media, online sellers or unauthorised distributors.

“Patients may be attracted by lower prices or easier access, but they should first confirm that the product has undergone formal assessment for quality and efficacy, and that it can be appropriately traced and monitored should a safety concern arise.”

Advice for consumers:

·       Only use semaglutide that is prescribed and dispensed through a healthcare professional

·       Confirm with your pharmacist that the product is SAHPRA-registered

·       Avoid products sold via social media or unverified online platforms

As interest in semaglutide and other weight-loss medicines continues to grow, patients are encouraged to prioritise quality over convenience, seek guidance from a doctor or pharmacist, and verify that any medicine they use has been supplied through appropriate, regulated healthcare channels.

The National Treasury has announced that it will temporarily withhold the July 2026 equitable share transfers to a number of municipalities to enforce compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and to address persistent Unauthorised, Irregular, Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure (UIFWE). The measure is described as corrective, not punitive, and transfers will resume once required conditions are met and proof is submitted.

Reasons and context

• Withholding is authorised by section 216(2) of the Constitution read with section 38 of the MFMA.
• The Treasury says the action follows continued non‑compliance despite guidance, engagements and training.
• Concerned issues include unfunded budgets, failure to process UIFWE through Municipal Public Accounts Committees (MPACs), weak consequence management, late payments to Eskom, water boards and third parties, and threats to financial sustainability of suppliers and statutory bodies.
• Persistent weaknesses in municipal financial management such as UIFWE, irregular and unauthorised expenditure and deteriorating budget credibility underpin the Treasury’s decision.

Key figures

• R24.12 billion in fruitless and wasteful expenditure since 2021/22.
• R145.21 billion irregular expenditure since 2021/22 (R40.14 billion in 2024/25).
• R118.13 billion unauthorised expenditure since 2021/22 (54% non‑cash items).
• 116 municipalities (45%) adopted unfunded budgets in 2024/25.
• By 2024/25 year‑end municipalities owed R3.40 billion to Eskom and R1.21 billion to water boards.
• 48 municipalities (20%) had third‑party deductions overdue by more than one month.

Municipalities affected (listed by province)

• Eastern Cape: Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela Bay, Makana, Sundays River Valley, Inxuba Yethemba, Port St Johns.
• Free State: Mangaung, Letsemeng, Kopanong, Mohokare, Xhariep District, Masilonyana, Tokologo, Matjhabeng, Nala, Dihlabeng, Nketoana, Maluti‑a‑Phofung, Phumelela, Mantsopa, Ngwathe, Mafube.
• Gauteng: City of Johannesburg, Emfuleni, Lesedi, Sedibeng District, Merafong City, Rand West City.
• KwaZulu‑Natal: iMpendle, uMzinyathi District, Newcastle, eMadlangeni, Amajuba District, AbaQulusi, uMkhanyakude District.
• Limpopo: Mopani District, Musina, Thabazimbi, Modimolle‑Mookgopong, Fetakgomo Tubatse.
• Mpumalanga: Victor Khanye, Emakhazeni, Nkomazi.
• Northern Cape: Kamiesberg, Khâi‑Ma, Ubuntu, Umsobomvu, Emthanjeni, Renosterberg, Thembelihle, Siyathemba, !Kai !Garib, Magareng, Phokwane.
• North West: Madibeng, Kgetlengrivier, Tswaing, Mafikeng, Ditsobotla, Ngaka Modiri Molema District, Naledi, Mamusa, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, City of Matlosana, Maquassi Hills, JB Marks.
• Western Cape: Theewaterskloof, Laingsburg, Beaufort West.

What municipalities must do

• Municipalities were given written notice and an opportunity to provide reasons not to withhold funds.
• Transfers will be reinstated once municipalities meet the Treasury’s conditions and submit proper proof.
• The Treasury will continue working with municipalities and provincial treasuries to strengthen financial management.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially announced the activation of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act (AARTO) in 62 municipalities across South Africa, beginning this week.

In a series of gazettes released by the Presidency, through the Department of Transport, the commencement of both the AARTO Act and the AARTO Amendment Act has been proclaimed. The initial gazette outlines the activation of sections 17, 18, 19, 19A, 19B, 20, 23, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, and 35 of the AARTO Act in 60 municipalities, detailing the framework for issuing infringement notices, penalties, and other regulatory measures essential for the system’s operation. Notably, section 24, which pertains to the points demerit system, will be introduced at a later date.

This rollout encompasses major metropolitan areas such as Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela Bay, Mangaung, City of Ekurhuleni, Durban and Govan Mbeki Municipality, while Johannesburg and Tshwane will not participate at this stage, as they have had the AARTO system operational for several years.

The second gazette announces the full implementation of the AARTO Amendment Act, excluding section 2(g), across all 62 municipalities, including the previously mentioned cities. The system will also roll out in Govan Mbeki Municipality

This launch signifies the beginning of phase 2 in the overhaul of national driving laws, originally slated for December 2025. The complete system is targeted for implementation by September 1, 2026, at which time the driving demerit system will operate nationwide.

The Transport Department had delayed the rollout in November 2025 due to readiness assessments revealing challenges with municipal integration, including the need for finalized law enforcement personnel and the alignment of various municipal law enforcement systems. This postponement effectively pushed back the rollout by six months.

A critical feature of the AARTO system is the new driving demerit system, for which a specific launch date has yet to be announced.

Phase 1 focused on establishing the necessary AARTO infrastructure and service centers. Phase 2 will commence on July 1, 2026, targeting 62 municipalities, down from the previously planned 69. Phase 3 is anticipated to begin in the third quarter of 2026, expanding the system to 151 municipalities, and Phase 4, which will introduce the demerit system, is expected to roll out sometime in 2027.

After years of starts, stops and revisions, South Africa is moving nearer to enacting far-reaching controls on tobacco and e‑cigarette products. On Thursday the Portfolio Committee on Health voted that the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill is “desirable,” clearing a major procedural hurdle and setting the stage for detailed amendment and debate.

What the bill would do The draft legislation proposes one of the most comprehensive overhauls of tobacco and vaping regulation in South Africa’s recent history. Key measures include:

• A ban on indoor smoking and vaping in public spaces.
• Mandatory plain packaging for tobacco products with large graphic health warnings.
• The removal of retail product displays.
• A blanket prohibition on advertising, sponsorships and promotion of tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery products.
• Tighter restrictions on sales — including limits on vending-machine sales and prohibitions in certain private venues where children or non‑smokers are present.
• Treating vaping and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) under the same regulatory framework as combustible cigarettes.

The bill also proposes criminal and civil penalties for non‑compliance, including fines and potential custodial sentences, though exact penalty scales remain subject to amendment.

Public consultation and committee process The committee’s endorsement follows an intensive public consultation process restarted after the 2024 national elections and concluded at the end of 2025. The committee held hearings in 27 municipalities across all nine provinces, attracting nearly 7,900 attendees, about 1,113 oral submissions and roughly 40,000 written submissions — making it one of the most widely consulted health bills in recent memory.

Committee members voted in favour of the bill’s desirability but were explicit that support is conditional on substantive amendments. A principal area of contention raised repeatedly during consultations is whether the law should continue to regulate combustible tobacco products and non‑combustible nicotine products (such as many vaping devices) identically.

“It has become unmistakable, through the scientific submission and through our own deliberations as a committee, that not all tobacco and nicotine products carry the same risk,” the committee said in its statement. The Department of Health, in responses to public comments published in March 2026, similarly accepted differentiating product risk as a guiding principle.

Next steps With the desirability motion passed, the bill will move into clause‑by‑clause deliberations in the Portfolio Committee on Health. During that stage, Members of Parliament will consider specific amendments — including provisions that seek to differentiate regulation by product risk and address other stakeholder concerns raised during consultations.

Once clause-by-clause scrutiny is completed and the committee finalises its report, the bill will be tabled for debate in the National Assembly. Only after parliamentary approval, and subsequent assent by the President, would the law come into force — a process that could still take many months.

Implications If adopted largely as currently drafted, the bill would significantly tighten the regulatory environment for tobacco retailers, manufacturers and the growing vaping market in South Africa, aligning the country with stricter global tobacco control trends. Public health advocates have welcomed the move as likely to reduce tobacco-related harm, while some industry and consumer groups have argued for differentiated treatment of lower‑risk products and for measured transitional arrangements.

The Bulletin News will continue to follow developments as the bill enters clause-by-clause scrutiny and moves toward National Assembly debate.

The steady progress reflected in the 2024/25 Municipal Audit Outcomes released by the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) this morning (24 June 2026) provides a stable foundation upon which the incoming the 7th Administration of local government can build.

This is the view of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) following the release of the consolidated general report on local government audit outcomes by the AGSA.

Welcoming the report, the association commended the work of the AGSA in its ongoing efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance within local government.

“The sector is not yet where we want it to be in so far as municipal audit outcomes are concerned, however, we do take note of what the AGSA calls ‘positive shoots’ that are emerging and the tailored recommendations and insights the report provides on areas of intervention,” commented SALGA President Bheke Stofile.

Notable improvements

In reviewing the 6th administration’s term, SALGA observes several notable improvements attributable to sustained reforms and collaborative efforts by stakeholders. There has been a marked reduction in disclaimers of audit opinion – the most adverse audit outcome – from 29 municipalities in 2020/21 to just 8 in 2024/25. The next term of local government should strive towards the complete eradication of disclaimers.

Furthermore, compliance with financial reporting deadlines has improved dramatically: over 98% of municipalities submitted their annual financial statements on time in 2024/25 and for the first time ever, all 257 municipalities produced annual performance reports. This demonstrates that the sustained focus on improving sound financial management and governance over the term is yielding encouraging results.

SALGA’s Municipal Audit Support Programme (MASP) has been a key contributor to these gains.  Since 2021/22 SALGA financial year, the MASP has progressively expanded from supporting just 3 municipalities to 18 municipalities and 2 municipal entities by 2025/26 SALGA financial year.

Confidential

Participating municipalities in the MASP have shown measurable improvements, reducing their audit findings by up to 47% and achieving improved audit outcomes in at least five municipalities, with no MASP-supported municipality suffering a regression in its audit status over the five-year term. This tangible progress underscores how targeted support and capacity-building interventions are effectively strengthening municipal financial oversight.

Building on Success

SALGA celebrates the beacon municipalities that have sustained clean audits year after year since 2016/17, including Midvaal Local Municipality (Gauteng) and Cape Winelands, Overstrand, Witzenberg, and Cape Agulhas all in the Western Cape.

These consistently well-performing municipalities serve as benchmarks of excellence in governance and financial management, offering valuable lessons that should be replicated across the country.

Key drivers of positive audit outcomes SALGA agrees with AGSA’s findings that the key drivers of positive audit outcomes are stable and capable leadership, strong accountability, and adequate capacity in critical positions. All councillors and officials should take note that filling posts with skilled, ethical professionals and enforcing effective oversight (by mayors and speakers) are vital steps to sustain and expand these gains.

Addressing weaknesses

Despite the positive trends, SALGA remains deeply concerned that 39% of municipalities still received audit outcomes below the unqualified audit standard. This ongoing underperformance highlights persistent shortcomings in areas such as financial health, governance, and compliance with legislation.

It is particularly concerning that even some major metropolitan municipalities regressed in 2024/25, slipping from previously positive audit outcomes to lower ratings due to issues like supply chain management failures, financial sustainability challenges, and non-compliance with laws and regulations.

These setbacks reinforce the urgent need for strengthened accountability and rigorous consequence management. The poor quality of financial statements in struggling municipalities, along with repeated non-compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), must be decisively addressed without delay.

Zero tolerance to financial misconduct

SALGA reiterates its call for zero tolerance toward the persistent lack of consequences for financial misconduct. By the end of the 2025/26 financial year, all municipalities must take concrete action to recover mismanaged funds and ensure every instance of irregular, unauthorised, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure is met with appropriate sanctions in line with the law.

Confidential

Tackling Financial Health Risks and Structural Challenges SALGA is also acutely aware that underlying financial risks must be mitigated if the gains in audit outcomes are to be sustained. Municipal consumer debt has swelled to over R484 billion as of 31 March 2026, severely undermining municipalities’ ability to pay for essential services like electricity and water.

SALGA urges strict enforcement of credit control policies and implores residents, businesses, and government departments to settle outstanding municipal bills so that municipalities can remain financially viable. Moreover, the structural funding gap in local government remains a concern: municipalities are expected to deliver nearly 46% of government services but receive only 9.1% of national revenue.

Addressing this fiscal imbalance, along with unfunded mandates and payment arrears by other spheres of government, is essential to empower municipalities to fulfil their obligations to communities.

Reform agenda and Outlook for the 7th Administration

As we near the end of the current local government term, SALGA reaffirms its unwavering commitment to work with municipalities overcome challenges confronting the local government sector and build on recent progress.

In partnership with the AGSA and other stakeholders, SALGA will continue to strengthen leadership, governance, financial management and oversight through its programmes, such as MASP, thereby ensuring that the foundations laid in this term carry into the seventh administration.

SALGA will engage even more actively with municipalities to bolster institutional capacity – leveraging experienced former leaders to enhance council oversight – and to entrench a culture of accountability and consequence management across local government. By expanding and refining support initiatives SALGA aims to contribute significantly to increase the number of municipalities attaining clean audits in the coming term.

As a key pillar of its outlook for the 7th administration, SALGA is putting political leadership capacity-building front and centre. The Association working with the National School of Government and other institutions has put together an Integrated Councillor Induction Programme (ICIP).

The training intervention will be rolled out immediately after the 2026 local government elections to orient and upskill newly elected and returning councillors across the country, instilling sound governance practices, ethical leadership, effective oversight and financial accountability from the outset.

The ICIP features a blended learning approach and unified curriculum, combining interactive in-person orientation with digital learning tools, as well as targeted leadership development modules (including portfolio-based training and skills audits), to strengthen the governance and oversight capabilities of new council members.

Through this proactive investment in councillor development, SALGA aims to ensure that the seventh term of local government begins with a higher level of competency and institutional Confidential readiness than ever before, laying the groundwork for sustained improvements in clean governance and effective service delivery.

“By equipping the incoming cohort of councillors with essential knowledge and skills, SALGA aims to directly address the leadership and oversight gaps that have contributed to past governance shortcomings and ensure that municipalities begin the next term with a solid foundation for improved accountability and performance,” points out Stofile.

SALGA extends its appreciation to all municipalities that submitted their Annual Financial Statements on time and notes with encouragement the overall stability in the audit results, with 157 municipalities (62%) achieving unqualified or clean audits. These municipalities collectively manage around R361 billion, roughly 58% of the local government budget, indicating that the majority of public funds are handled with a commendable degree of accountability.

SALGA remains optimistic that the collective actions of all stakeholders have set a strong trajectory of improvement. With sustained political will and support, the forthcoming generation of local councils can deliver even stronger financial governance and better services for communities, cementing public trust in local government.

Sasol has completed critical repairs to key bulk water supply valves in Secunda, addressing persistent leakages that impacted reliable water delivery to residents and surrounding businesses.

Sasol had initiated an Emergency Water Relief Project in response to a request from the Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM), to carry out repairs to the Graceland Casino and Golden Village water valves. The Graceland valve regulates the main water pipeline to Secunda, Trichardt households as well as Sasol Mining operations and Esperanza. To address the threat to water security, repairs were undertaken on three 600mm gate valves across two bulk water supply lines

Access to quality water supply is central to improved wellbeing and the quality of life for communities, and this latest intervention is a continuation of several water infrastructure projects which have been rolled out by Sasol across GMM over the years. In 2023, Sasol in partnership with Thungela, handed over an upgraded Leandra bulk sewerage infrastructure to GMM, in what was a significate collaboration between private entities and the municipality. In the same year, the community of Bethal benefitted from Sasol-led project of water pipes across the town, in an effort to curb water wastage due to
leaks.

Also in 2023, schools around GMM, including Mzinoni Secondary School and Laerskool
Marietjie van Niekerk in Bethal, have taken ownership of water tanks provided by Sasol.

Elsewhere in Mpumalanga province, Thfolinhlanhla Primary School in Hazyview benefitted from a refurbishment of its borehole by Sasol. In another initiative to support local communities, a study to assess water-related challenges across communities in Nkomazi and Chief Albert Luthuli municipality was conducted in 2023, with the aim of providing assistance to residents impacted by a drought. In this current financial year, Sasol has delivered 15 water tanks to schools in Dipaliseng Local Municipality as well as 15 more to schools in GMM.

By helping the municipality to address infrastructure challenges, Sasol reinforces its position as a trusted partner in community development projects

On a crisp Friday evening, June 5, Sasol Highveld Photography Club members gathered at the Sasol Recreation Club in Secunda for their June club meeting and monthly competition. The turnout was excellent—members entered their best work and the room buzzed with anticipation as entries were arranged and the guest judge prepared to begin.

Leon Drotsky presided as guest judge, bringing a rigorous eye and uncompromising standards to the judging table. His critiques were precise and frank: every merit and deduction came with clear reasoning, and it was obvious that any accolade had been hard won. Under his strict but constructive guidance, members left with a deeper appreciation of composition, exposure and storytelling.

The evening was also a night of recognition and advancement. Several members earned promotions to higher categories in acknowledgement of their sustained excellence: Yolandi Geyser moved up from 2-Star to 3-Star, Edmund Hattingh advanced from 3-Star to 4-Star (Senior), and Leon Pelser climbed from Senior Master Gold to Senior Master Platinum. The room erupted in applause as each name was announced—milestones that reflect dedication, growth, and consistent high-quality work.

Club members also celebrated successes beyond the meeting: congratulations were extended to those with recent wins at PSSA and for the acceptances their images received in various salons. It was an encouraging reminder that the club’s talent is being recognized regionally and nationally.

The June meeting closed on a high note—members energized by useful feedback, inspired by their peers’ achievements, and already planning their next projects. With steady mentorship, exacting critique, and rising standards, Sasol Highveld Photography Club continues to foster photographers who push their craft to new levels.

The Best Senior Photographer for June is Leon Pelser with “Nite time stock taking”

The Best Junior Photographer for June is Ina Annandale with “Basking in Gold”

The Best Set Subject Photographer for June is Sussa Pelser with “Time To Make A Move”

Here are a selection of the Gold and Certificate of Merit winners

Category: Set Subject

Category: Nature – Birds Only

Category: Scapes

Category: Monochrome

Category: Nature

Category: Pictorial

Category: Photojournalism