MK Party to prioritize quality over cadre deployment for mayoral candidates
via The Citizen2 min read
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party MKP announced its intention to prioritize quality over cadre deployment when selecting mayoral candidates for the upcoming local government elections. Sibonelo Nomvalo, the party's secretary-general, stated that quality must supersede cadre deployment to avoid compromising service delivery, a pitfall he attributed to the ANC. Nomvalo emphasized that mayoral candidates must possess the ability to understand council reports, particularly those related to city budgets, highlighting the importance of experience, knowledge, and skills. He added that the party aims to deploy individuals who can effectively address the needs of the populace at the local government level. Regarding potential alliances, Nomvalo indicated that the MK Party would ideally collaborate with progressive, leftist parties following the elections. He also addressed and denied claims of factional battles within the party, despite recent suspensions of leaders, including the party's Chief Whip in parliament, Nthabiseng Mabatho Mokoena-Zondi, and previously the party's spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela. Nomvalo asserted that enforcing discipline is crucial for the organization's principles and to prevent anarchy.
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The cash-strapped Ramotshere Moiloa local municipality in North West has had 13 vehicles seized by a sheriff due to an alleged unpaid R4 million contract with Vimtsire Protection & Security Services. This action follows a default judgment related to a security contract that was terminated early, with Vimtsire providing services between 2020 and 2023. The municipality disputes the R4 million claim, stating the outstanding amount is closer to R2 million. Municipal manager Lekgetho Mokgatlhe called the incident unfortunate, noting that the municipality plans to settle the R2 million debt in the first week of July after receiving its equitable share allocation. A source within the municipality indicated that the sheriff seized all available municipal cars, as many were inoperable. Odirile Selomo, a local SA National Civic Organisation leader, stated that the dispute originated from the municipality's demand for Vimtsire to pay R4 million for stolen cables under their supervision, which the company refused. Ramotshere Moiloa DA councillor Imaan Sayed Suliman commented that this setback is negatively impacting service delivery and maintenance operations.
Members of the Lusthof community, north of Pretoria, are mobilizing against farm attacks and murders following the killing of a farmer on Monday morning. Farm crime activist Petrus Sitho has urged for immediate intervention and invited residents and acting police minister Firoz Cachalia to a safety meeting on June 13 to discuss the ongoing violence. Tshwane district SA Police Service spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk confirmed that police responded to a house robbery and murder at a smallholding in Hammanskraal, where a 69-year-old white male was found with multiple gunshot wounds to the head. Preliminary investigations indicate that three male suspects entered the main house, tied up the deceased's brother, and then shot the farmer when he opened his room door. The suspects stole household and garden items, fleeing in a silver Volkswagen Passat. No arrests have been made, and investigations are ongoing. AfriForum community safety spokesperson Jacques Broodryk highlighted the government's silence on the 10 farm attacks and related violent incidents reported in May, emphasizing that the high levels of violence necessitate recognizing farm attacks as a unique and serious crime. Broodryk noted that victims, including farm workers, have been assaulted, tied up, and shot, with several attacks thwarted by local security and community safety structures.
The MK party has reinforced its leadership structures in Mpumalanga and the North West province in preparation for the local government elections on November 4. Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo announced that Deputy President Tony Yengeni will serve as the provincial election convener in Mpumalanga, supported by Lindi Mtshali, Qiniso Cibane, Bonginkosi Khumalo, and 15 other regional leaders. In the North West, national organiser Aleck Nkuna, Nomsa Diamil Nkateko Mkhabela, and 17 regional leaders have been deployed. Nomvalo addressed concerns raised by the March and March movement on immigration, stating that while the party is not formally aligned with the movement, it supports citizens' constitutional right to peaceful protest. He emphasized that immigration to South Africa must adhere to legal parameters and that illegal immigrants should seek voluntary repatriation. The party's national officials also discussed parliamentary processes regarding accountability and oversight concerning President Cyril Ramaphosa and the impeachment committee on the Phala Phala saga, reaffirming that no public office bearer is above accountability and calling for Ramaphosa to vacate office. The MK party expressed reservations about the appointment of Makashule Gana as Chairperson of the impeachment committee. Additionally, the party voiced support for Iran's call for peace in Gaza, demanding an immediate end to violence and protection for civilians, and urged Israel to declare a ceasefire. I
Must ReadThree security guards linked to a taxi association in KwaZulu-Natal KZN have been arrested following a violent altercation with an e-hailing driver that was captured on video and circulated widely. The guards, aged 28, 41, and 49, face charges of attempted murder, malicious damage to property, and assault. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning, June 3, 2026, on the MR518 road when the e-hailing driver was picking up passengers and was blocked by two security vehicles. Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda stated that the driver initially managed to drive away but was pursued. One of the security vehicles then bumped the e-hailing car, bringing it to a halt. During the confrontation, one guard reportedly shot the e-hailing vehicle's tire while two others allegedly assaulted the driver. Police officers in the vicinity intervened and rescued the driver. The security guards were brought to the police station by taxi association representatives on Thursday morning and subsequently arrested. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, Major General Phumelele Makoba, urged security companies employed by taxi associations to adhere to their PSIRA mandate and not interfere with transport industry activities. Makoba emphasized that no one has the right to prevent others from transporting passengers and that firearms must be used according to the Firearms Control Act. Three firearms were confiscated for ballistic analysis, and an investigation into the implicated s