The Secunda Archery Club is thriving and providing a remarkable opportunity for archery enthusiasts in the area! With lessons available every Friday afternoon at Goedehoop Primary School, it’s a fantastic chance for both beginners and experienced archers to advance their skills in a welcoming environment. It’s noteworthy that the club has grown from just 5 members to over 100, reflecting the community’s increasing interest and passion for the sport.
The recent club meeting held at Laerskool Goedehoop, where trophies were awarded to recognise member achievements, underscores the club’s commitment to celebrating the contributions of its members. Particularly special is the Mari Curi trophy, awarded to the individual who has made the most significant impact on the club and its members. This kind of recognition fosters a sense of camaraderie and motivation within the group.
If you have any specific questions regarding the club, its activities, or archery in general, Christi-Arno would be more than happy to assist you! He may be contacted on 083 324 6586/ 084 250 3042
Thank you Deon Smit, Suzette en Divan for the photos
IN THE REGIONAL COURT FOR THE REGIONAL DIVISION OF KWA ZULU NATAL HELD AT NEWCASTLE CASE NO: KZN/NC/RC 955/2020
In the matter between: NAVANI CHETTY [PLAINTIFF] And BERTLEN DANIEL CHETTY [DEFENDANT]
ABBREVIATED SUMMONS
TO: Mr Bertlen Daniel Chetty (Defendant), a male formerly residing at Aloe Ridge 2, Unit 4121, 125 Stoneridge Drive, Greenhill Extension 30, Johannesburg, or 17 Crescrum Street, Palmridge, Germiston, but whose present whereabouts are unknown;
Abbreviated Summons dated 21 July 2021
TAKE NOTICE that by summons issued by this Court, you have been called upon to give notice within ten (10) days after publication hereof to the Registrar, 33 Murchison Street, Newcastle, 2940 (Private Bag X6655, Newcastle, 2940) and to the Plaintiff/Plaintiff’s legal practitioner of your intention to defend (if any) in an action wherein NAVANI CHETTY (Plaintiff) avers as follows:
Plaintiff and Defendant were married to each other in community of property at Ladysmith on the 25th of April 2015, which marriage still subsists.
Two minor children were born from the marriage between the parties, namely:
Tiaego Daniel Chetty, a boy born on 16 September 2015;
Ava Martez Chetty, a girl born on 17 August 2016.
The marriage relationship between the parties has irretrievably broken down for the following reasons, namely: 3.1. There is no meaningful communication between the parties; 3.2. Defendant has committed adultery; 3.3. Defendant has fathered a child with another lady; 3.4. The parties are not living together as husband and wife since August 2019; 3.5. The Defendant was physically and verbally abusive towards Plaintiff; 3.6. Plaintiff has lost all love and affection for the Defendant; 3.7. Plaintiff has lost all interest in the continuation of the marital relationship.
It will be in the best interests of the minor children if primary care and residence are awarded to the Plaintiff, subject to the Defendant having reasonable rights of contact with the minor children.
Plaintiff is in need of maintenance for the minor children in the sum of R1000.00 (One Thousand Rands) per month per child.
Wherefore Plaintiff prays for an order against the Defendant as follows:
a. A decree of divorce; b. Primary care and residence of the minor children, subject to the Defendant having reasonable rights of contact with the minor children; c. Defendant to pay maintenance in respect of the minor children in the sum of R1000.00 per month per child; d. Costs of suit only in the event of the action being defended; e. Further and/or alternative relief.
TAKE NOTICE FURTHER that if you fail to give such notice, judgment may be granted against you without further reference to you.
Sasol, in partnership with the Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM), are currently performing critical water infrastructure repairs on the Graceland Casino and Golden Village valve chambers.
In August 2025, Sasol responded to an appeal from GMM to mobilise resources as part of an emergency water restoration initiative. This appeal was informed by frequent water supply interruptions due to water pressure challenges in the distribution system. The interruptions threaten the provision of clean water to thousands of residents, local businesses, Sasol Mining operations, and nearby farms.
On 10 November 2025, Sasol launched Phase 1 of the emergency water restoration initiative. The first phase of the project involves the temporary installation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) spool pieces. During this phase, valves will be removed for inspection to determine if they need to be refurbished or manufactured. Phase 2 of the project will commence once a permanent repair solution is determined.
Workers at one of the water pipes being repaired by Sasol and Govan Mbeki Municipality
The new installations adhere to safety and environmental standards, and the project is expected to reduce water leaks and cut the frequency of water supply interruptions.
By helping the municipality to address infrastructure challenges, Sasol reinforces its position as a trusted partner in community development projects. This initiative is the latest major water infrastructure project by Sasol for GMM residents.
In 2023, Sasol, in partnership with Thungela, handed over an upgraded Leandra bulk sewerage infrastructure to GMM. In the same year, the community of Bethal benefited from a Sasol-led water pipes restoration project, where a network of pipes across the town was repaired, in an effort to curb water wastage due to leaks.
As Sasol marks 75 years of innovation, its water projects within GMM highlight the vital role of cooperation between the private and public sectors in driving sustainable community development.
The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has reiterated its call for a fundamental review of the Local Government Fiscal Framework and funding mechanisms to ensure municipalities have adequate revenue for their service delivery responsibilities.
Following the release of the 2025/26 Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF) by the National Treasury, it is clear that municipalities face operating deficits as expenditure is projected to outpace revenue. Key cost drivers include rising electricity and water tariffs, declining revenue collection, affordability challenges, and increasing employee-related costs.
These deficits will hinder municipalities’ ability to address infrastructure and maintenance backlogs. Over the past decade, bulk tariffs from Waterboards and Eskom have risen sharply, with Eskom tariffs increasing by 446% between 2007 and 2019.
A review by SALGA found that in 2020/21, municipal own revenue covered only 60% of recurrent expenditure, while the 9.9% allocation from the national fiscus was insufficient for local government mandates.
Employee costs now exceed inflation, adding further financial strain. To support struggling municipalities, SALGA has introduced a revised exemption process during wage negotiations using financial distress indicators from the National Treasury.
Municipal debt remains a critical issue. As of 31 March 2025, municipalities are owed R416 billion by various customers, including government entities. This debt undermines their ability to meet maintenance and other expenditure requirements, including servicing long-standing debts such as those municipalities owe to Eskom.
Meanwhile, SALGA has made substantive inputs to the review of the 1998 White Paper, aiming to strengthen local government.SALGA calls on all stakeholders, residents, businesses, government entities, and partners to:
Prioritise the settling of outstanding municipal accounts.
Collaborate on sustainable solutions for municipal funding and service delivery.
Engage actively in current policy discussions and reforms to ensure the long-term financial health of local government.
By working together, we can help municipalities achieve financial sustainability and fulfil their service delivery mandates for the benefit of all communities
In Bethal, a troubling situation unfolded at the home of Alarice Megan Smith. The once-vibrant Boerboel, known as Max, was found in a heartbreaking state of severe neglect. Over the course of several weeks, Max suffered immensely from emaciation, dehydration, and an untreated bite wound that had worsened into a serious infection, infested with maggots and leading to systemic sepsis.
In June 2024, concerned neighbours alerted local authorities about the condition of Max. Inspectors arrived at Ms Smith’s property and were met with a grim sight: the emaciated Boerboel lay among household refuse, coated in his own waste. One of his legs had swollen to nearly four times its normal size due to the untreated, maggot-infested bite wounds. Struggling to breathe and completely immobile, it became clear that Max needed immediate help. To prevent further suffering, he was humanely euthanised on site.
Photo: NSPCA
A necropsy revealed the extent of his suffering; severe muscle loss, bone infection, and large areas of dead tissue indicated that he had endured unimaginable pain. When questioned, Ms Smith claimed financial difficulties had prevented her from seeking veterinary care, despite living a short distance from the local animal shelter. However, neighbours could not comprehend how financial distress could justify allowing an animal to endure such agony.
Photo: NSPCA
The cruelty of the situation was profound, reflecting a conscious decision to neglect the animal rather than seek assistance. In the aftermath, Ms Smith faced legal consequences. She received a fine of R3,500 or a suspended six-month prison sentence for five years, conditional upon no future offences. Additionally, she was required to pay R1,000 to the local animal shelter to aid in the care of other animals. This tragic story serves as a reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the responsibility of individuals to ensure the well-being of pets in their care. The community is urged to remain vigilant and speak out against acts of neglect to prevent suffering like Max’s from happening again.
The Executive Council received a detailed presentation from the Public Protector of South Africa, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, on the outcomes of recent and current investigations and systemic findings relevant to the Mpumalanga Provincial Administration’s mandate.
The engagement provided EXCO with valuable insights into areas of strength by the Provincial Government as well as opportunities for improvement in governance, administrative justice, and service delivery.
MEC HlopheMEC MabuzaMEC MacieMR Thulasizwe ThomoMEC Lindi MasinaPremier NdlovuMEC MashiloMEC MajubaMEC Jesta SidellMEC MoeketsiMEC ManziniThe Executive Council
The Public Protector highlighted some general trends and nature of complaints which relate to irregular procurement of service providers, undue delay in allocating RDP houses, incorrect allocations of RDP houses, as well as defective RDP houses. The Public Protector also cited failures by the Provincial Government to provide feedback to complainants, poor and incomplete infrastructure projects such as the roads, schools, RDP houses and unused and dilapidated government properties.
The Public Protector also pointed out that there were 75 complaints against the municipalities, which included the irregular appointments of officials. Some complaints evolved around the irregular billing for electricity and water, failure to supply drinking water to the residents, unresolved account disputes and failure to issue title deeds.
The Public Protector further raised the matters received from Traditional leaders, amongst others, the slow recognition of amakhosi and izinduna by the Government, and the lack of collaboration between Government and Traditional leaders.
The EXCO welcomed the candid and constructive nature of the briefing and reaffirmed its commitment to cooperating fully with the Office of the Public Protector and appreciated its role in strengthening constitutional democracy and protecting the rights of citizens.
EXCO has directed the Provincial Administration to prioritise the implementation of all remedial actions and ensure compliance by proactively engaging with the Public Protector’s Office. EXCO reiterated its commitment to ensuring that there is value for money in the delivery of the services.
EXCO further appreciated the Public Protector’s roadshow in the province and all areas visited to engage with the communities of Mpumalanga Province.
MPUMALANGA READINESS FOR 2026 ACADEMIC YEAR
EXCO noted a progress report on the learner admission for the 2026 academic year, which showed that registrations opened from the beginning of May to August this year, and that there has been a steady increase in migration from rural to urban areas, making urban schools over-subscribed.
The pressure of admissions in the urban areas leads to a shortage of classrooms, and in some areas, there is a need for additional schools. There is a noticeable trend of learners applying for admission from outside the feeder zone.
EXCO was briefed about the refurbishment of various schools in the province. However, the report indicates the need to build new schools in the three districts, as well as the provision of temporary mobile classrooms as an intervention for inadequate space for learners.
EXCO received a briefing that textbooks have already been procured and that at least 70 per cent are already in the warehouse, and delivery is expected in December this year and January next year. Further, the retrieval of Grade 12 tablets is underway in preparation for redistribution to January 2026, whilst the Grade 10 tablets procurement is also underway for delivery in January 2026.
The Department of Education has issued a business process for filling teacher posts, and posts are filled promptly once vacant. The process in relation to substitute and temporary educator posts is done promptly to ensure that learners are not left without a teacher. All promotional teacher posts are handled using the management plan that is released together with captured applications. The department has compiled a comprehensive list of schools and learners to benefit from the scholar transport. EXCO welcomed the report and the assurance by the Department of the Province’s readiness for the 2026 academic year.
DEREGISTRATION OF THE MPUMALANGA INNOVATION HUB
The Executive Council approved the deregistration of the Mpumalanga Innovation Skills Hub (MISH) and incorporation of MISH functions into the Mpumalanga Regional Training Trust. The Mpumalanga Government took a decision in 2016 to establish MISH to address scarce and critical technical skills in priority economic sectors, aligning with the Province’s Vision 2030 to reduce unemployment, inequality, and poverty through skills development, enterprise incubation, and technological innovation.
The intention was to secure funding for MISH through the private sector, with a primary focus on the mining industry. The approach included a partnership arrangement with the Provincial Government. Mining companies would provide financial support linked to their social and labour plan obligations. The Provincial Government would support coordination, oversight, and alignment with provincial development priorities. The model was designed to ensure shared responsibility, reduce reliance on public funds, and align MISH outcomes by becoming a holding company. Due to a lack of support, funding didn’t come through from the private sector, hence the decision for its deregistration.
STATE LAND AVAILABILITY FOR SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN MPUMALANGA
EXCO has given approval that 1,701 hectares be advertised and availed to small-scale farmers on lease basis, that 71 hectares be donated to Emalahleni Local Municipality and that the 287 hectares with caretakers or unlawful occupiers be co-used with the government for productive use.
This is in line with the Provincial Government’s vision to empower the small-scale farmers to utilise the unused land to effectively participate in the newly built Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market.
Mpumalanga Provincial Government has 2,276 hectares of land assets comprising 21 farms of various sizes, of which 75 per cent (1701ha) can be considered for lease to small-scale farmers, 13 per cent (287,47ha) can be co-used by government and farmers to optimise productive use of the land asset. There are also three (71,05ha) to be donated to municipalities for human settlements, and the remaining ten per cent (216,95ha), which is considered not suitable for traditional agriculture, will be reassessed for possible smart agriculture technologies.
APPOINTMENTS
EXCO has approved the following key appointments:
Mr Mxolisi Mahlangu – Head of Department: Culture Sports and Recreation
Ms Makhazasi Radebe Radebe – Head of Department: Social Development
Mr Bhekizizwe Sydney Nkambule – Director: Partnerships (Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison)
Ms Shereen Talita Marsh – Director: Police Oversight (Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison)
Ms Thembi Florence Maluka – Director: Revenue Management (Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison)
EXCO is pleased that 60% of the appointments made are females, as an indication of the Province’s commitment to 50% women representation in the senior management of Mpumalanga Government.
AfriForum het ’n betaling van meer as R280 000 van die nasionale kommissaris van die departement van Korrektiewe Dienste (DKD) ontvang, vir regskoste wat in 2021 deur die Pretoriase Hooggeregshof aan AfriForum toegeken is in ’n saak oor die onregmatige toekenning van mediese parool aan oudpres. Jacob Zuma. Zuma en die DKD was gesamentlik en afsonderlik verantwoordelik vir die koste, maar die nasionale kommissaris het in die einde die volle bedrag betaal sonder dat Zuma ’n sent bygedra het. AfriForum voer aan dat nes Zuma tronkstraf vermy het, hy ook in hierdie geval verantwoording ontduik het.
AfriForum het ook ’n betaling van bykans R35 000 van die DKD ontvang vir koste toegeken vir dieselfde saak wat voor die Konstitusionele Hof gedien het. Zuma en die nasionale kommissaris van die DKD is egter nog ’n verdere bedrag van ongeveer R170 000 aan AfriForum verskuldig vir regskoste in die Hoogste Hof van Appèl.
Volgens Louis Boshoff, veldtogbeampte by AfriForum, is dit goed dat hofuitsprake, soos die betaling van regskoste, nagekom word, maar bly dit teleurstellend dat Zuma weereens nie die las van sy skuld moes dra nie. “Zuma is deur die Hooggeregshof, Appèlhof én Konstitusionele Hof skuldig bevind, maar hy het geen noemenswaardige tyd agter tralies deurgebring nie, nie ’n sent se regskoste betaal nie en is steeds die leier van die derde grootste politieke party in die land.”
Boshoff beklemtoon dat AfriForum sal aanhou druk plaas om Zuma aanspreeklik te hou vir uitstaande regskoste in elke saak waarby die organisasie betrokke is.
Agtergrond:
AfriForum en ander applikante het in 2021 ’n aansoek in die Pretoriase Hooggeregshof ingedien en aangevoer dat die mediese parool wat in September 2021 aan Zuma toegestaan is, onwettig was. AfriForum het dié saak met koste gewen. Zuma het egter teen die bevinding geappelleer, maar sy appèlsaak het in die in die Hoogste Hof van Appèl vasgeval waarna hy hom tot die Konstitusionele Hof gewend het. Uitspraak in dié saak is in Julie 2023 gelewer nadat Zuma se aansoek om verlof tot appèl téén die Appèlhofuitspraak van die hand gewys is. Teen Augustus daardie jaar het Zuma finaal tronkstraf vrygespring toe presidensiële kwytskelding aan hom toegestaan is.
The Bulletin is proud to shine a light on Menzy, a remarkable non-profit organisation founded by Zandramé and her partner, Anita, dedicated to transforming how young girls experience puberty.
In a world where open conversations about menstruation are often steeped in embarrassment and stigma, Menzy steps forward as a beacon of education, support, and empowerment. Zandramé shares that their core mission is to fight the societal taboo surrounding a girl’s first period and the entire female cycle, ensuring girls receive accurate, loving, and factual information.
“We want to break that chain,” explains Zandramé, highlighting the prevalent lack of information in many households, be it single-parent families, those led by grandparents with outdated views, or cultures where such topics are simply not discussed. This void often leaves girls feeling confused, ashamed, or resorting to unhygienic practices—a heartbreaking reality that Menzy is determined to change. Zandramé noted a particularly distressing discovery during their journey: girls in impoverished communities often use rags and other unsuitable materials from dumping sites as sanitary products due to a lack of access to proper resources, leading to significant health risks.
Menzy’s approach is multi-faceted. They visit schools to provide essential education, helping girls understand the biological changes they are experiencing and fostering a sense of pride in womanhood rather than shame. Beyond education, Menzy offers tangible support through two key initiatives:
The “Starter Pack”: These goodie bags are distributed to girls in need, containing basic necessities such as sanitary pads, soap, washcloths, deodorant, and a small treat like a lollipop, alongside an informative pamphlet. These packs are designed to offer immediate practical help and reinforce the educational messages.
The “Menzy Box”: Available for purchase, these boxes serve a dual purpose: generating vital funds for Menzy’s projects and acting as a powerful conversation starter for mothers and daughters. Each Menzy Box contains a more comprehensive selection of items, including a pack of pads, panty liners, a sensitive soap, and chocolate (deemed the most important item!), hygienic wipes, a discreet pouch, and even a microwavable heating pad for period cramps. Crucially, every box comes with a detailed pamphlet, making it easier for parents to discuss these sensitive topics and for girls to reference information whenever needed.
The name “Menzy” itself embodies their goal, with Menzy serving as their mascot – a relatable character who young girls can confide in, even anonymously. This accessibility ensures that no girl feels alone in navigating the challenges of puberty.
Zandramé passionately emphasises that by equipping girls with proper hygiene products and knowledge, Menzy also plays a crucial role in reducing school absenteeism. “It’s easier for them to stay away from school than to go through this whole process at school,” she states, pointing out how discomfort, lack of resources, and even teasing from peers can disrupt a girl’s education.
Menzy is more than just an organisation; it’s a movement towards empowering the next generation of women. The funds raised through the sale of Menzy Boxes directly support their efforts to reach more girls and ensure they can approach puberty with dignity and confidence.
To learn more about Menzy, how you can purchase a Menzy Box, or contribute to their invaluable work, please see the contact details below. Let’s join Zandramé and Anita in making a lasting difference in the lives of young girls.
South Africans are facing another tough year of rising medical scheme costs in 2026. Weighted average premium increases range between 6% and 9%, depending on the benefit option – despite the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) recommending that increases be limited to CPI (3.3%) plus reasonable utilisation.¹
Across the country’s leading open medical schemes, the announced increases are: Discovery (7.2%), Bonitas (8.8%), Medihelp (8.46%), and Bestmed (6.8%).¹ While these increases are marginally lower than 2025, the combined effect of electricity hikes, fuel inflation, and rising food costs means that household budgets are stretched to breaking point.
“For many households, the cost of medical scheme membership consumes a significant portion of monthly disposable income – yet it remains a non-negotiable given the state of the public healthcare system,” says Martin Rimmer, CEO of Sirago Underwriting Managers. “Even for those with employer subsidies, affordability has become a growing challenge as both employees and employers face tightening economic conditions.”
Martin Rimmer – Sirago
Paying More for Less: The Reality of Medical Inflation
Medical scheme contributions rise each year, driven by higher claims costs, increased utilisation, and an ageing membership base. As a result, members are paying more but receiving less cover, facing escalating co-payments, penalties, sub-limits, and out-of-pocket expenses.
“Medical schemes simply cannot keep pace with the rate of medical inflation while keeping premiums affordable,” Rimmer explains. “The result is continual benefit erosion and an increase in member exposure to self-funding.”
Gap Cover Claims Reveal the True Cost Pressure
Sirago’s five-year analysis of gap insurance claims (2021–2025) reveals a sharp rise in claim values – a clear indicator of both benefit erosion and the buy-down trend toward more affordable, “core” hospital plans.
Gap cover protects members from the shortfall between what specialists charge and what medical schemes pay for in-hospital procedures. Specialists often bill 300% to 500% above the agreed medical scheme tariffs, leaving members liable for the difference – often tens of thousands of rands.
“A few years ago, the average mega gap claim was between R6,000 and R12,000,” says Rimmer. “Today, we’re seeing daily mega claims exceeding R50,000 – a symptom of affordability pressures and widening gaps between medical scheme tariffs and provider fees.”
The rise in high-value claims underscores the need for members to review their cover carefully and understand the implications of buying down to lower-cost options. While these options reduce monthly premiums, they also come with limited benefits, stricter rules, and more penalties for non-compliance – significantly increasing the risk of out-of-pocket costs if no gap cover policy is in place.
Planning Your Healthcare Funding Strategy for 2026
In 2026, with premium increases outpacing inflation, healthcare funding requires strategic planning, informed choices, and professional guidance. Balancing affordability with adequate cover is more critical than ever to safeguard your health, your family, and your financial well-being. This balance is best achieved with the advice and direction from a professional, accredited and independent financial advisor
Medical scheme members have until the end of November 2025 to make benefit option changes to be effective 1 January 2026. Sirago advises members to work closely with their financial advisor to assess their personal needs, compare relevant options, and craft a sustainable healthcare funding solution.
Here are key considerations when reviewing your cover for 2026:
1. Maintain Your Medical Scheme Membership: Don’t delay joining a medical scheme or rely on enrolling later in life. Late joiner penalties and waiting periods apply – including a three-month general and 12-month condition-specific waiting period if you’ve had a break in cover.
2. Analyse Your Day-to-Day Spending: Review how much you’ve spent out-of-pocket versus what your medical scheme covered. Overspending or underutilising benefits may mean you’re on the wrong option.
3. Consider Chronic Conditions: If you or a dependant has a chronic illness, ensure that it’s registered with the scheme and covered under the Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) list, as well as the prescribed medication is part of the scheme’s medicine formulary. Evaluate whether savings from a cheaper option justify the potential loss of chronic benefit access.
4. Know How Much You Can Self-Fund: Lower premiums mean fewer benefits. Be realistic about what you can afford to self-fund and consider setting up a dedicated medical savings card/account for routine care and medication.
5. Get Gap Cover: Gap cover bridges shortfalls for in-hospital procedures – a critical safety net as specialists often charge far above medical aid rates. Without it, members risk facing shortfalls of R50,000 to R200,000 or more.
6. Understand Core Plans: Hospital or “core” plans only cover in-hospital events. Members must self-fund all GP visits, medication, dentistry, and optometry. Consider pairing such a plan with a complementary health insurance product that provides primary care benefits.
7. Stay Within the Same Scheme if Possible: If you’re changing options, try to stay within your current scheme to avoid waiting periods. Most allow a “buy-down” any time during the year, but “buy-ups” are generally only permitted at the start of a benefit year.
8. Beware of Waiting Periods: Waiting periods and late-joiner penalties can apply even when switching between schemes. Professional guidance is essential to avoid being caught off guard.
“Healthcare in South Africa is complex, and the consequences of poor planning can be financially devastating. Always work with an accredited, experienced healthcare advisor who can explain your benefits, exclusions, and options – and help you put the right mix of medical scheme and gap cover in place to protect your health and your finances,” concludes Rimmer
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has uncovered troubling facts regarding the flawed processes behind the Mpumalanga Department of Education’s initiative to send students to study in Russia. The scheme, which was intended to benefit hundreds of students, ultimately left over 200 of them stranded without food, accommodation, or tuition fees.
In 2016, the Mpumalanga Department of Education appointed Green Tutu Trading (RACUS) as service provider, awarding a contract worth R65 million. The company was tasked with managing logistics and the well-being of 368 students pursuing studies in fields such as medicine, engineering, aviation, and cybersecurity in Russia.
However, in October 2021, the Auditor-General of South Africa raised serious concerns about this contract, which was marred by numerous irregularities. According to Annerie Weber, MPL and DA Spokesperson on Education in Mpumalanga, “The AG highlighted that the department was overpaying or being overcharged by RACUS, the company provided uniform costs for all students without breakdowns of individual flight costs, and the exchange rate used to convert USD invoices to ZAR was not disclosed. Furthermore, the department continued paying RACUS even after it failed to provide invoices, while students faced threats of expulsion from their universities for non-payment. Shockingly, some students enrolled in the program were not even South African citizens.”
Annerie Weber MPL DA Spokesperson on Education Mpumalanga Province
A recent report by the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), seen by the DA, revealed that the contract with RACUS expired in 2021 and was not renewed. As a result, payments for tuition and accommodation for 221 students remained pending, leaving many stranded in 14 Russian universities. Weber explained, “These students were left with no access to food, accommodation, or their R5000 monthly stipends, and some faced an uncertain future in a country caught in the turmoil of international sanctions due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.”
The situation worsened with the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022. The war and subsequent sanctions severely impacted Russia’s economy, making it even more difficult for students to cope with their circumstances, adding to their frustration and distress.
Encouragingly, Weber noted, “The Mpumalanga Department of Education eventually took steps to rectify the crisis by taking over the management of the program from RACUS. Responsibility was transferred to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), which now manages the students’ welfare through the South African Embassy in Russia.”
The DA believes that the R65 million spent on this scheme could have been better allocated within South Africa. “Investing these funds in our local universities would have provided greater value for taxpayers’ money and allowed more students to benefit from quality education at home,” Weber stated.
The failure of this scheme underscores the importance of proper oversight and transparent processes when public funds are involved. Weber emphasised, “It is crucial that future initiatives prioritise the interests of students and ensure the responsible management of resources to prevent such disastrous outcomes again.”
