The Bulletin News – Page 7

Misty Conditions Hamper Search for Missing Aircraft Near Howick

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October 15, 2025

Misty Conditions Hamper Search for Missing Aircraft Near Howick

Nottingham Road, KZN – A large-scale search and rescue operation is underway in the mountains near Nottingham Road after reports of a light aircraft crash on Wednesday. Emergency services were alerted to the situation after receiving distress calls from two aircraft, identified as ZU-PBC and ZU-PBD. Sources have since confirmed that ZU-PBC is the plane believed to have gone down.

The Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) immediately activated the KZN early warning network, mobilising a multi-agency response. The SAPS search and rescue team KZN is leading the operation, with assistance from SARZA KZN, Mountain SAR, HAMNET, K9SARA, Midlands EMS, IPSS search and Rescue, Freddies Fire Services and Clandestine Drone Operations. MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma stated that they are in liaison with experts from the ARCC to support the search and rescue efforts.

However, the search is being significantly hampered by adverse weather conditions. According to emergency responders on scene, thick mist and drizzle are creating extremely poor visibility, making it difficult to locate the downed aircraft. “A team has gone up the mountain to search. However, it’s very misty and drizzling, which is making things a bit challenging,” said one emergency services official.

Midlands EMS spokesperson Roland Robertson confirmed that crews are on scene near Nottingham Road, but have yet to locate the aircraft. The Howick SAPS and search and rescue teams are en route to the suspected crash site, with efforts focused on pinpointing the exact location of the aircraft.

At this stage, details regarding the number of people on board the missing plane and whether there are any casualties or injuries remain unknown. The exact location of the aircraft is also yet to be determined, although indications are that at least one aircraft has been found. We are still awaiting confirmation.

The aircraft departed from Secunda this morning.

The public is urged to contact the ARCC immediately with any sightings of the missing aircraft or relevant information at 0635054164 or 0635055485. Authorities are working tirelessly to overcome the challenging conditions and locate the missing aircraft as quickly as possible.

Sasol Highveld Photography Club Meeting – October 2025

Encee van Huyssteen

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October 14, 2025

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Sasol Highveld Photography Club Meeting – October 2025

The Sasol Highveld Photography Club held its October 2025 club meeting, featuring a variety of activities and presentations. Lynette Taljaard was the guest judge.

Key Highlights:

Entries Summary: A total of 59 photos were entered across various categories, including Nature (13), Photojournalism (3), Monochrome (7), Pictorial (13), Scapes (12), Nature – Birds Only (6), and Set Subject (5).

Club Member Promotions: Currently, there are no listed club member promotions.

Birthdays: The club recognised members with October birthdays, including Clarisa Orsmond (October 2), Hanno de Beer (October 10), and Adri Kirsten (October 14).

PSSA News:

Best Club Junior / Senior Competition: September winners were Sussa Pelser and Stian Griffin.
- Web Competition: September submissions included photos from Sussa Pelser, Leon Pelser, DNE Smit, Louis van der Walt, and Yolandi Geyser.
- Past Salon Result: The Durban Camera Club Digital Salon 2025 PDI – (2026) results were shared, recognising accepted entries from Sussa Pelser and DNE Smit in various categories.

Upcoming Salons: Information on upcoming salons such as Kroonstad Fotoklub, Nature Biennial, Rustenburg PDI National Salon, Vanderbijlparkse Fotografiese Vereniging Salon, Brandpunt Fotoklub Nasionale Salon, and Highway Salon was presented.
Photography Events: Participants can take part in the Take Heart Race on October 18, 2025.

Here are the winning photographs for October

The best Set Subject entry is “Out for Revenge” by Leon Pelser

The Best Senior entry is “Rainspider” by Leon Pelser

The Best Senior entry is “Sipping water” by Yolandi Geyser

Here are the COM and GOLD certificates

Category – Set Subject

Category – Photojournalism

Category – Pictorial

Tortoise staring at baboon by Leon Pelser

Category – Nature

Drinking Water Late Afternoon by Sussa Pelser

Category – Monochrome

Blue Jellyfish U2 – BW by Louis van der Walt

Stretching Flamingo M1 – BW by Louis van der Walt

Category – Scapes

Mysterious Chapel Cemetery on Hill – 1 by Louis van der Walt

Our Lady of the Rockies Church Canmore by Adri Kirsten

Fernwood Purple Sunrise 1 by Louis van der Walt

Buck In front Of Autumn Trees by Sussa Pelser

Category – Nature, Birds only

I am not greedy, I like a lot by Piet Potgieter

Brendan Village dilapidated and neglected

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Encee van Huyssteen

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October 13, 2025

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Brendan Village dilapidated and neglected

Brendan Village, once a shining example of the gold mining era near Evander, has fallen into neglect and disrepair. Historically, Brendan was a thriving settlement where mine workers lived harmoniously away from the hustle and bustle of nearby towns. It was maintained in good condition, with affluent mine managers residing in spacious, mansion-like houses. However, the current state of the village tells a starkly different story.

Today, Brendan is dilapidated and neglected. The area suffers from a lack of basic services, including a permanent water supply and electricity. The main kitchen building, once a vital community facility, was destroyed in a fire, and since then, the municipality has allowed the area to deteriorate significantly.

In August 2021, Govan Mbeki Municipality’s Executive Mayor revealed that Brendan Village was bought through the Department of Human Settlements with funds approaching R100 million. The initiative was aimed at addressing the housing backlog by providing low-cost housing solutions. However, the housing units acquired in Govan Mbeki have been left abandoned and neglected, with no effective measures taken to allocate or maintain them.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mpumalanga has called on the MEC of CoGHSTA, Speedy Mashilo, to intervene and compel the municipality to rehabilitate these abandoned housing units and turn them into habitable, low-cost homes. It has been alleged that acts of corruption and abuse of power by municipal officials and public representatives played a role in the failure to allocate these houses properly, with some officials allegedly helping themselves to the units.

empty Democratic alliance dissolved concerned — James Masango, DA MPL and Mpumalanga Spokesperson on CoGHSTA

James Masango, DA MPL and Mpumalanga Spokesperson on CoGHSTA, stated, “During an oversight visit, we confirmed that the municipality has numerous flats that have been neglected and are now in a state of disrepair. These flats have been vandalised beyond recognition and are currently used by homeless individuals.”

A year ago, unknown individuals reportedly wrongfully invaded these housing units. At that time, the municipality’s Executive Mayor, Nhlakanipho Zuma, admitted that the municipality lacked the capacity to manage the rental and proper allocation of these housing units. The situation is compounded by the municipality’s chronic issues with low revenue collection and a significant housing backlog, which should make the upkeep of existing housing a top priority.

Residents have been waiting for proper housing for decades, yet the government’s failure to utilise and maintain these housing units only worsens the housing crisis. The DA emphasises that the Department of Human Settlements and local authorities must prioritise fixing these neglected houses and allocating them to deserving residents.

James Masango added, “We call on MEC Mashilo to demonstrate leadership by addressing the housing issues faced by residents. The government cannot remain idle while housing units are left to rot. These neglected properties symbolise a failure to serve the community’s needs.”

The DA insists on urgent intervention by the municipality and the department, urging stakeholders to engage actively to restore confidence in service delivery and ensure that these housing units are properly managed, maintained, and occupied by residents in need. The ongoing neglect undermines efforts to alleviate the housing backlog and improve living conditions for the community.

Join Us for the 2025 Global Freedom Summit: Raising Awareness and Taking Action to End Human Trafficking

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Encee van Huyssteen

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October 11, 2025

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Join Us for the 2025 Global Freedom Summit: Raising Awareness and Taking Action to End Human Trafficking

Big things are ahead for A21 and our city!
After successfully hosting the Walk for Freedom in Secunda for three consecutive years, we have witnessed firsthand the incredible power of raising awareness and transforming it into meaningful action. Each year, countless community members have come together—walking, sharing, volunteering, and partnering—to shine a spotlight on the urgent issue of human trafficking in our local community. We are deeply grateful for the support and dedication we’ve received from everyone involved.

This year, although the approach will be different, our core mission remains unchanged: to continue raising awareness and inspire action that can bring about real change.

“In Secunda, we, as the A-Team Secunda, are partnering with the Bulletin to further this mission by hosting a screening of the Global Freedom Summit this Saturday, 11 October 2025, on the Bulletin Facebook page. This event is a vital opportunity for our community to come together virtually and learn how we can contribute to ending human trafficking and protecting vulnerable children. We invite everyone to be part of this important initiative,” Said Nadia Heyns.

One of the most pressing issues highlighted at this year’s summit is online child exploitation—a subject that has taken on new urgency in our increasingly digital world. Nadia Heyns, a passionate advocate, emphasises, “Today, playgrounds are digital. This is where kids spend a lot of their time. This is where strangers gain access and where exploitation begins. Quietly. Invisibly. Behind the scenes.”

Global Freedom Summit | 2025 Trailer

Digital platforms, while offering amazing opportunities for learning and connection, also pose significant risks for children and teenagers. Strangers can exploit these online spaces to gain access unknown to parents and guardians, often with devastating consequences. It’s crucial for parents, teachers, and communities to understand what these digital playgrounds offer and how to better safeguard our children.

Change begins with individuals taking proactive steps. The summit aims to equip viewers with knowledge, tools, and resources to recognise the signs of online exploitation and to foster safer environments for children both online and offline. Whether you have participated in previous awareness events or are learning about this issue for the first time, your involvement can make a difference.

We encourage everyone to join us in turning awareness into meaningful action. As a community, we can work together to ensure that every man, woman, and child is free from the horrors of human trafficking and exploitation.

Let’s stand united in this movement—until every man, woman, and child is free.

What is the Global Freedom Summit?

The Global Freedom Summit is a powerful event designed to raise awareness about human trafficking and equip communities to take action.

This hybrid experience combines the accessibility of online events with the power of in-person gatherings. Through this format, we hope more people than ever before will have the opportunity to understand the reality of exploitation, protect themselves and their loved ones, and safeguard their communities.

Event Details:
2025 Global Freedom Summit Broadcast
Date: Saturday, 11 October 2025
Location: Facebook – The Bulletin Page
Watch the broadcast here: https://youtu.be/jiEKsjsKvns?si=ASMCzLzXtiA9pp39

You can also visit the A21 page and register: https://www.a21.org/content/global-freedom-summit-2025/gwonpk?permcode=gwonpk

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for partnering with us and spreading the word. Your support is essential in creating a safer and more aware community. If you have any questions or would like to know more about how you can help, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can end human trafficking.

Secunda Mall Celebrates Excellence: A Night of Inspiration and Recognition at the 2025 Tenant Awards

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Encee van Huyssteen

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October 9, 2025

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Secunda Mall Celebrates Excellence: A Night of Inspiration and Recognition at the 2025 Tenant Awards

Secunda Mall celebrated its highly anticipated yearly tenants’ awards tonight, an event that recognises the outstanding contributions and achievements of its valued tenants. The evening was held at the elegant Symphony’s Cafe, providing a perfect setting for an inspiring and celebratory occasion.

The event featured Hykie Berg as the keynote motivational speaker, who delivered a powerful message about the importance of having a vision. He emphasised that without a clear direction or vision, one cannot truly succeed or make meaningful progress. His words resonated with the audience, reminding everyone present that vision and purpose are essential ingredients for growth and success.

Guests were treated to a delectable three-course meal courtesy of Symphony’s Cafe, which added a touch of sophistication to the evening. The ambience was warm and lively, with dignitaries, tenants, and staff alike enjoying the fine dining experience as they celebrated the achievements of their fellow tenants.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the announcement of the winners in various categories of the Secunda Mall Tenant Awards for 2025. The awards recognise excellence across different aspects of tenant performance and contribution to the mall community.

In the coveted Tenant of the Year category, Lovisa took home the top honour, applauded for its outstanding performance and exceptional service. The Valuable Contribution to Secunda Mall Activities award was presented to Food Lover’s Market, reflecting their active involvement and positive influence on mall events and initiatives.

The Look & Feel award was proudly awarded to @Home, recognising their stylish presentation and inviting atmosphere that enhances the shopping experience. Customer Experience went to Bogart, acknowledged for their exemplary service and dedication to customer satisfaction. In the category of Excellence in the Community, Woolworths was celebrated for its ongoing efforts and positive engagement within the local community.

The Most Improved Store accolade was awarded to The Fix, highlighting their impressive growth and revitalisation efforts over the past year. Finally, the People’s Choice award was presented to Checkers Hyper, as voted by the shoppers and patrons who appreciate their quality offerings and friendly service.

Overall, the evening was a wonderful celebration of achievement, community spirit, and shared vision. It highlighted the remarkable dedication of tenants who continue to drive the mall’s success and foster a vibrant shopping environment for the community.

DA calls for heads to roll as Mpumalanga Government records over R10 billion worth of irregular expenditure

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Encee van Huyssteen

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October 7, 2025

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DA calls for heads to roll as Mpumalanga Government records over R10 billion worth of irregular expenditure

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has issued a strong call for immediate and decisive action by Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu following the release of the latest Auditor General’s (AG) report for the 2024/2025 financial year. The report reveals a troubling state of financial mismanagement and accountability within the province’s government, with over R10 billion recorded as irregular expenditure and several departments regressing in their audit outcomes.

Bosman Grobler, MPL and DA Caucus Leader in Mpumalanga, emphasised the seriousness of these findings, stating, “The recent AG report paints a disturbing picture of a government that has regressed rather than improved in matters of financial oversight. This failure to manage public funds is unacceptable, and it requires urgent action from the Premier and his leadership team.”

Bosman Grobler – DA Caucus Leader Mpumalanga Legislature

According to the report, five key departments—Sports, Education, Agriculture, Social Development, and the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency—have shown regression from their previous clean audit outcomes. The reasons cited include salary overpayments, approving housing allowances for civil servants who did not qualify, unfilled critical vacancies, lack of IT resources between departments and provincial treasury, and instability at the management and leadership levels. Grobler asserted, “These issues highlight systemic failures across multiple departments. It’s clear that accountability has been sidelined, and the province’s finances are suffering as a result.”

The report further details that the Mpumalanga Provincial Government recorded an alarming R10.8 billion worth of irregular expenditure during the 2024/2025 financial year. The departments contributing the most to this figure are the Health Department with R5.8 billion, followed by Education with R1.8 billion, Human Settlements with R0.5 billion, and Social Development with R0.3 billion. Grobler condemned this situation, saying, “Such massive irregular spending indicates a lack of proper financial controls and oversight. It is the taxpayers’ money that is being misused or lost through poor management.”

The DA is calling on Premier Mandla Ndlovu to act in accordance with the recommendations made by the AG. These include monitoring and supporting department accounting officers in investigating unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure, as well as implementing appropriate consequence management. Grobler emphasised, “Premier Ndlovu must not only support these investigations but also hold those responsible accountable. Failure to do so undermines public trust and perpetuates a culture of impunity.”

Furthermore, the party insists that the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature must ensure that the Premier is held accountable for addressing these financial irregularities. “The legislature has a duty to ensure that investigations are completed thoroughly and that appropriate consequences are enforced against those implicated,” Grobler added.

Grobler concluded with a call to action: “We urge Premier Mandla Ndlovu to follow the recommendations of the AG without delay. The time for excuses has passed. The people of Mpumalanga deserve responsible leadership that prioritises accountability, transparency, and good governance. Only then can we restore trust and ensure proper management of public resources.”

South African Local Government Association (SALGA) – Mpumalanga Assembly

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Encee van Huyssteen

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October 7, 2025

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South African Local Government Association (SALGA) – Mpumalanga Assembly

On Monday evening, the first day of the Mpumalanga Assembly, SALGA took the opportunity to recognise and honour the outstanding contributions of various municipalities within the province. This celebration underscored the vital role that local government plays in driving development, fostering community engagement, and ensuring service delivery reaches every corner of Mpumalanga.

A Night of Celebration and Recognition

Speaking at the event, SALGA Deputy Chairperson, Councillor Nomsa Mtsweni, expressed her pride and appreciation for the dedication demonstrated by local government officials and their teams. “Tonight, we celebrate those who have transformed challenges into platforms for progress — leaders with integrity, vision, and resilience. We also pay tribute to the countless municipal officials, technical staff, community partners, and volunteers whose tireless efforts often go unnoticed but are the backbone of effective service delivery,” she said.

Highlights of the Excellence Awards

The awards ceremony highlighted exemplary achievements across several categories, encouraging municipalities to continue striving for excellence:

Best Geographic Information System (GIS): Awarded to Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, recognising innovative use of digital mapping technology to improve urban planning, service delivery, and infrastructure development.
Best Performing District Municipality on Local Economic Development Stakeholder Management: Presented to Nkangala District Municipality, acknowledging efforts in fostering partnerships among local businesses, government, and community organisations to stimulate economic growth.
Best Performing Local Municipality in Capacitating Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs): Awarded to Thembisile Hani Local Municipality for its successful initiatives in providing relevant skills training and support programmes that empower local entrepreneurs.
Best Municipality on Migration Management: Recognising Ehlanzeni District Municipality’s effective policies and programmes in managing internal migration and ensuring inclusive services for all residents.
Best Municipality on Municipal Health Services: Awarded to Nkangala District Municipality, highlighting improved healthcare delivery and health promotion activities at municipal clinics and outreach programmes.
Best Municipality on Arts, Culture, and Heritage: Presented to Nkomazi Local Municipality, celebrating its efforts to preserve and promote local cultural heritage through projects, festivals, and events.
Best Municipality in Combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide: Recognising Steve Tshwete Local Municipality’s proactive approach in addressing GBV through community awareness campaigns, support services, and partnerships.
Best District Development Model (DDM) Coordinating District: Awarded to Nkangala District Municipality for its exemplary coordination and implementation of integrated district development strategies.
Best Transport Forum Coordination: Presented to Ehlanzeni District Municipality, acknowledging its effective management of transportation planning and service delivery frameworks.

The event also recognised municipalities for specific operational excellence:

Runner-up for Implementation and Cascading of the Performance Management and Development System (PMDS): Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, for its commitment to staff development and performance accountability.
Best District Municipality on Implementation of PMDS: Ehlanzeni District Municipality, for embedding performance management into daily operations to improve service quality.
Best Local Municipality on Implementation of PMDS: Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, promoting a performance-driven culture amongst municipal staff.
Best Municipality in Addressing Climate Change and Biodiversity: Nkangala District Municipality, demonstrating leadership in environmental sustainability initiatives and climate resilience.
Best Municipal Environmental Management Team: Recognising Ehlanzeni District Municipality’s outstanding efforts in promoting environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
Best Municipality in Fire and Rescue Services By-laws and Performance: Multiple awards were presented to Gert Sibande District Municipality, Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, Victor Khanye Local Municipality, and Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality for their comprehensive fire safety regulations and effective emergency response services.

Significance of the Awards

These awards serve as a reminder that local governments are key drivers of community development and social stability. They motivate municipalities to continually improve service delivery, adopt innovative solutions, and foster inclusive growth. SALGA’s recognition aims to inspire a spirit of healthy competition and a shared commitment towards building resilient, prosperous, and better-performing local governments across Mpumalanga and beyond.

Looking Ahead

As SALGA’s Mpumalanga Assembly continues, the focus remains on strengthening governance, capacity building, and citizens’ participation. The organisation believes that through collaboration, transparency, and dedication, local governments can meet the diverse needs of their communities and achieve sustainable development goals.

#SalgaMPAssembly25
#InspiringServiceDelivery
#Asisho

AfriForum temporarily blocks Nersa and Eskom settlement that would cost South Africans billions

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Encee van Huyssteen

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October 7, 2025

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AfriForum temporarily blocks Nersa and Eskom settlement that would cost South Africans billions

Eskom and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa)’s controversial settlement agreement – which would cost consumers around R54 billion over a three-year period – was today put on hold for the time being, thanks to AfriForum. Due to pressure from the civil rights organisation, Eskom agreed to transfer the case from the uncontested to the contested role. The agreement was to be ratified by a court order in the Pretoria High Court today. However, this move now creates the opportunity for AfriForum and other interested parties to join the case as parties. AfriForum believes that this settlement can be considered unlawful and unreasonable due to a lack of transparency.

Soundbite: Deidré Steffens (English)

AfriForum wrote to Eskom in September this year, requesting that this case be removed from the uncontested roll so that the organisation could join the case as a party. Eskom opposed the request, arguing that AfriForum did not have the right to intervene and that the public did not have a veto right. According to Eskom, this settlement did not require public participation.

If this settlement were to proceed, consumers would face rate increases of almost 9% per year.

Deidré Steffens, AfriForum’s advisor for Local Government Affairs at AfriForum, believes that the energy giant’s response is short-sighted as the public will be directly affected by this decision. “To say that the public, who must fund the decision, has no interest in the matter shows Eskom’s blatant arrogance, and it can no longer be tolerated and blindly funded.”

Eskom and Nersa must act transparently and responsibly, especially after Nersa’s several tariff missteps and Eskom’s uncertain financial management. According to AfriForum, Nersa is undermining public trust by attempting to conclude this settlement without public participation.

“This development is a victory for transparency and consumer rights. AfriForum will ensure that the public’s voice is heard and that Nersa and Eskom are held accountable for their decisions,” concludes Steffens.

Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Celebrated as a Historic Day for Mpumalanga’s Taxi Industry

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Encee van Huyssteen

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October 7, 2025

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Tuesday, October 7, 2025, will go down in history as a landmark day for the taxi industry in Mpumalanga. This significant milestone was marked by a groundbreaking deal between Santaco South Africa and Absa Bank South Africa, aimed at easing the financial burdens faced by taxi operators across the province.

Provincial Chairman and Deputy President of Santaco South Africa, Mr FJ Sibanyoni, announced that a special agreement has been signed that will drastically reduce the monthly instalments for the purchase of brand-new Toyota Quantums. Under this deal, taxi operators will now pay a flat rate of R12,000 per month, inclusive of insurance and tracker fees—a substantial reduction from previous payments, which sometimes soared as high as R18,000 per month.

This initiative comes as a relief to many taxi owners who have been struggling to keep their vehicles on the road. The high monthly instalments had led to numerous instances where banks repossessed taxis due to the inability of operators to meet their payment obligations, causing financial distress among local drivers and entrepreneurs.

Speaking to members at the Santaco offices in Middleburg, Mr Sibanyoni assured all eligible taxi operators that they should approach their nearest vehicle dealers with the required paperwork to take advantage of this new deal. He emphasised that this initiative is designed to support the industry, promote sustainability, and enable taxi owners to expand their businesses without the crippling financial strain that previously plagued them.

He also urged taxi operators facing difficulties to seek assistance from their local association leadership, who are ready to provide guidance and support through the process.

This development is seen as a significant step forward in empowering Mpumalanga’s taxi industry and fostering economic growth within the province. It demonstrates a commitment by industry stakeholders and financial institutions to work together in building a resilient and prosperous transport sector.

#MpumalangaAProvincesThatWorksForAll
#Santaco
#Vukta

Pretoria High Court condemn late Deputy President DD Mabuza in landmark R306m judgement in MTPA Case

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Encee van Huyssteen

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October 4, 2025

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Pretoria High Court condemn late Deputy President DD Mabuza in landmark R306m judgement in MTPA Case

The Pretoria High Court has delivered a scathing critique of the late Deputy President David Dabede “DD” Mabuza, condemning him even after death for his purported involvement in a corrupt and ruthless campaign aimed at dismantling a landmark conservation initiative and ejecting its founder from the region.

In a comprehensive 181-page judgment handed down on September 25, Judge Neil Tuchten laid bare a complex web of political misconduct. He awarded R306 million in damages to Grand Valley Estates, the principal entity behind the ambitious “Nkomazi Wilderness” project. The ruling cast a harsh spotlight on Mabuza’s alleged abuse of power, which the court described as an orchestrated effort to persecute Fred Daniel, a legitimate businessman and key architect of the project, who refused to partake in a large-scale land claims fraud.

The legal battle dates back over a decade, to 2010, when evidence emerged of a secretive “collusive agreement” involving the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), the Regional Land Claims Commission (RLCC), and Mabuza, who served as Mpumalanga’s Premier and MEC for Agriculture before ascending to national politics.

Central to the case was Daniel’s achievement of consolidating 30,000 hectares of land, backed by R380 million invested by Kerzner International and the support of the Development Bank of Southern Africa. His vision was to develop a premier eco-tourism reserve, but the court found that his efforts were deliberately undermined after he exposed and refused to participate in a land-brokering scheme led by Pieter Visagé. According to court findings, Mabuza called Daniel and pressured him to admit land claims over the project area and to sell these claims to the Ndwandwe Trust, a move the judge characterised as coercive.

When Daniel refused, Mabuza allegedly leveraged his political influence to incite violence, instruct police to stay absent during protests, and create an environment of lawlessness to intimidate the project’s founder.

*late Deputy President David Dabede “DD” Mabuza*

Evidence revealed that about 150 protesters, bused in from Middelburg, descended on the site in August 2008, setting tyres alight and damaging fences, while police were ordered to refrain from intervening. Mabuza later addressed the crowd, reportedly promising them land—a move the court interpreted as fomenting unrest rather than protecting property rights.

A pivotal piece of evidence was a 13-minute phone call in late August 2008, during which Mabuza told Daniel that protection could only be guaranteed if he “admitted the land claims over the Project lands and sold them to the Ndwandwe Trust.” Judge Tuchten condemned this as a form of extortion, stating that Mabuza’s language suggested he was withholding police protection unless Daniel complied with his demands.

Further allegations described political interference within provincial offices, where officials, overheard by witnesses, planned to use land claims as justification to deny Daniel’s permits needed to operate his reserve. Evidence also pointed to violent sabotage, including a controversial raid in June 2008, where officials seized and ultimately shot a leopard and other animals from Daniel’s sanctuary—an operation the court found to be unjustified and timed to coincide with legal proceedings against him.

Judge Tuchten emphasised that the raid was a demonstration of how officials had moved beyond their lawful roles, becoming perpetrators of intimidation and cruelty designed to crush Daniel’s aspirations.

In his final order, the judge dismissed technical legal objections raised by the defendants, asserting that justice could only be served through the claim for damages. The R306 million awarded consisted of R38 million for the undervalued land sale and R268 million for projected future profits lost. The court also imposed a punitive costs order, holding the involved agencies jointly responsible for Daniel’s legal expenses, including the entire history of the case.

This ruling reveals a disturbing picture of political abuse and state-sponsored intimidation, with the court asserting that even after Mabuza’s passing, his actions remain a matter of grave concern.