Latest news with #Imbizo
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Alexandra community safety structure dissolved amid internal misunderstandings
The Alexandra Community Policing Forum (CPF) has been dissolved, following 'misunderstanding among executives,' inactiveness of certain members and a breakdown in dialogue between its executives and Station Commander Brigadier Vusumuzi Ngubane. Brigadier Ngubane stated that he dissolved the forum after trying unsuccessfully to mediate tensions between CPF executives. 'I have been trying to solve this thing, but it looks like it is getting out of hand. I called the executives of the CPF, the sectors, and the members representing the community. We were discussing a way forward, but when we discussed, members were not happy about certain things, and they did not want to talk about it.' Also read: Alex CPF concerned about GBV victims' reluctance to press charges Reports emerged on social media claiming the forum was dissolved after a failed attempt to oust Ngubane, but CPF chairperson Sarah Matomeamohale rejected the claims. 'There is nothing like that. It is a lie. That they were not trying to remove the station commander,' Matomeamohale said. Asked if she knew anything about the disbandment of the CPF, she said that she was not told anything about that. Ngubane attributed the decision to dissolve the whole structure of the CPF to a myriad of issues, including inactive members, absenteeism, and growing misunderstandings. He said that sectors must have monthly meetings and activities meant to address crime, but that was not happening. 'In our monthly meetings with the detectives, the station commander, and the VISPOL, we raised issues that we must have a constitution, community safety plan and Imbizo in our community, and all those things were not happening.' Ngubane confirmed that the forum has been dissolved 'until further notice,' with the matter now referred to the district office and the MEC. A new structure will be formed from the ground up, starting with sector elections to appoint fresh CPF executives. In the meantime, an interim structure is expected to oversee CPF operations. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
The tyranny of party loyalty: how SA's politiccs is held hostage
HOLDING placards and singing 'Wenzeni uZuma?' (What has (President Jacob) Zuma done, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party members attempted to interrupt President Cyril Ramaphosa's Imbizo in Mpumalanga on Thursday. Intra-party factionalism and party loyalty is wrecking South Africa's democracy, argues the writer | Video/Screenshot Nco Dube There is a peculiar malaise gnawing at the heart of South African democracy. It is not the overt corruption or the brazen incompetence that so often dominate headlines, but something more insidious, something that quietly undermines the very foundations of our political system. This malaise is the cult of political party loyalty. In a country still wrestling with the ghosts of its past and the uncertainties of its future, blind allegiance to political parties and the toxic factionalism it breeds have become obstacles to genuine progress, independent thought, and the placing of the nation above narrow interests. In this piece, I attempt to interrogate the negative impact of party loyalty and intra-party factionalism in South African politics. I explore how these phenomena suffocate independent thinking, erode impartiality among commentators and political actors, and ultimately betray the public interest. I attempt to offer a critical, unapologetic assessment, one that refuses to tiptoe around uncomfortable truths. The Anatomy of Party Loyalty in South Africa Party loyalty in South Africa is not merely a matter of preference or ideological alignment. It is a deeply entrenched, almost tribal phenomenon. For many, political identity is inherited, not chosen. The African National Congress (ANC), the Democratic Alliance (DA), the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) and other parties have cultivated bases that often view dissent as treason and critical engagement as betrayal. This loyalty is reinforced by a history of struggle and liberation, particularly in the case of the ANC. For many South Africans, to question the ANC is to question the legitimacy of the very freedom they enjoy. But this sentiment is not unique to the ANC. Across the political spectrum, parties have weaponised loyalty, turning supporters into foot soldiers and critics into enemies. At first glance, loyalty may seem virtuous. A sign of commitment and stability. But in the South African context, it has become a double-edged sword. The cost is measured in the stifling of independent thought, the erosion of accountability, and the prioritisation of party interests over the national good. Intra-Party Factionalism: The Enemy Within If party loyalty is the glue that binds, intra-party factionalism is the rot that festers beneath the surface. Nowhere is this more evident than within the ANC, where factional battles have become a permanent feature of the political landscape. But the DA, MKP, IFP and EFF are not immune; they too have seen their share of internal rifts and purges. Factionalism thrives where loyalty is prized above principle. It is the inevitable result of a system that rewards sycophancy and punishes dissent. Intra-party factions form around personalities, patronage networks, and competing ambitions, rather than genuine ideological differences. The result is a politics of survival, not service. A contest for power, not principle. The consequences for governance are dire. Cabinet reshuffles, policy paralysis, and endless infighting are the order of the day. Decisions are made not on the basis of what is best for the country, but what is expedient for the dominant faction. The public becomes collateral damage in a never-ending game of thrones. Perhaps the most tragic casualty of party loyalty and factionalism is independent thought. In a healthy democracy, political actors and commentators should be able to engage critically with issues, challenge orthodoxy, and hold power to account. In South Africa, such independence is rare. Party structures are designed to suppress dissent. Whips enforce discipline, and those who step out of line face ostracisation, demotion, or expulsion. The message is clear: toe the line or pay the price. This culture of conformity extends beyond politicians to the media and civil society. Commentators who criticise their 'own' party are branded sell-outs; those who criticise others are dismissed as partisans. The Role of the Media The media, which should serve as a bulwark against abuse of power, is itself not immune. Many commentators, analysts, and journalists are openly aligned with political parties or factions. Their analysis is often coloured by loyalty, leading to selective outrage and a reluctance to hold their own side to account. The result is a public discourse that is polarised, predictable, and impoverished. Impartiality is the lifeblood of credible analysis and effective governance. Yet in South Africa, it is in short supply. Commentators, political players, and supporters alike are trapped in echo chambers, where loyalty trumps logic and partisanship overrides principle. Social media has amplified the echo chamber phenomenon. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook have become battlegrounds for party loyalists, where nuance is sacrificed on the altar of outrage. Algorithms reward conformity and punish complexity. The result is a toxic feedback loop, where only the loudest, most extreme voices are heard. Those who dare to be impartial, who criticise their own party or praise the opposition, are often vilified. They are accused of betrayal, subjected to harassment, and excluded from important conversations. This creates a chilling effect, discouraging others from speaking out and reinforcing the culture of conformity. Putting the Country and the Public First: A Lost Ideal The ultimate tragedy of party loyalty and factionalism is that they prevent political actors from putting the country and the public first. Decisions are made to protect party interests, secure positions, and settle scores, not to serve the people. Public service has become a means to an end, not an end in itself. The language of 'the people' is invoked at every turn, but rarely honoured in practice. Policies are crafted to win votes, not solve problems. Appointments are made to reward loyalty, not competence. The result is a state that is often unresponsive, inefficient, and corrupt. The public, for its part, is not blameless. Many voters continue to support parties out of habit, fear, or misplaced loyalty. They accept mediocrity and corruption as the price of belonging. In doing so, they perpetuate the very system that fails them. The Way Forward: Reclaiming Independent Thought and National Interest South Africa stands at a crossroads. The challenges we face like unemployment, inequality, corruption, and social unrest, are too great to be solved by party loyalists and factional warriors. What is needed is a new politics: one that values independent thought, impartiality, and the national interest above all else. We must create space for critical engagement within parties and society at large. Political actors should be encouraged to challenge orthodoxy and question leadership without fear of reprisal. Parties must become forums for debate, not echo chambers for loyalty. Party structures must be reformed to reward merit, not mediocrity. Internal democracy should be strengthened, and mechanisms for accountability put in place. Factionalism must be confronted head-on, with clear consequences for those who undermine unity and purpose. The media and civil society have a vital role to play in holding power to account. Journalists and commentators must strive for impartiality, even when it is unpopular. They must resist the temptation to become cheerleaders for one side or another, and instead serve the public interest. Ultimately, the public must take responsibility for the choices it makes. Voters must be educated to think critically, challenge party narratives, and demand better from their leaders. Blind loyalty must give way to informed citizenship. Conclusion: The Courage to Choose Country Over Party The time has come for South Africans to reclaim their democracy from the tyranny of party loyalty and factionalism. This will not be easy. The forces of conformity are powerful, and the incentives for loyalty are strong. But the stakes are too high to accept the status quo. We must have the courage to put the country and the public first. To demand independent thought, impartiality, and genuine service from those who claim to lead us. Only then can we build a politics worthy of our people, and a future worthy of our hopes. Let us remember: parties are vehicles, not destinations. They exist to serve the people, not the other way around. When party loyalty becomes an obstacle to progress, it is not loyalty at all, but betrayal. The time for euphemism and equivocation is over. South Africa deserves better and it is up to all of us to demand it. (Dube is a political economist, businessman, and social commentator on Ukhozi FM. His views don't necessarily reflect those of the Sunday Tribune or IOL)
The Citizen
19-06-2025
- The Citizen
‘Imbizo ya Madoda' programme
SHARPEVILLE.- The Sharpeville police together with various stakeholders held an 'Imbizo ya Madoda' in Tshepiso Phase 3, Sharpeville recently. The stakeholders included the ward councillor, the Department of Correctional Services members, the Community Safety Department members, Spiritual Crime Prevention members, MASP, and the Community Policing Forum (CPF) members. The Imbizo was held under the theme: #RestoringDignityOfAmadoda. Sharpeville police spokesperson, Constable Busisiwe Sango said that the purpose of the campaign was to celebrate Father's Day with men who are not honoured and recognised as fathers in their households. 'We also aimed to have discussions around issues of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Femicide, Alcohol abuse, and the importance of spirituality of a man as a head of the family.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
City's failing service delivery under fire
Residents across several suburbs in the east of Pretoria feel neglected by the metro, as they continue to endure long delays before water leaks, sewage spills, power outages, and potholes are addressed. The metro is currently grappling with a significant service delivery backlog that has persisted for months, leaving many residents frustrated as critical issues remain unresolved for extended periods. City officials have not provided a clear timeline for when services will return to normal, citing backlogs that date back to previous financial years. According to the officials, ageing infrastructure, particularly deteriorating roads nearing the end of their lifespan, has led to a surge in service complaints, nearly three times more than the city's current capacity can handle. Some water leaks are attended to after only a month or two, and sewage leaks after three weeks, despite multiple escalations. Lucia Venter, a Moreleta Park resident for the past 27 years, said she was extremely frustrated with the deteriorating service delivery, lack of communication and their non-deliverance of promises. 'I attended a meeting earlier this year at the Erasmuskloof Fire Brigade, where the mayor and her colleagues hosted a so-called Imbizo. What a circus, not only did the mayor contradict herself several times, but empty promises were made yet again,' Venter said. 'They went as far as to take down our names of those who posed questions to the mayoral team and promised to revert back to us personally. Well, guess what? I am still waiting,' she said. Venter said, 'Potholes have not been fixed, our streetlights don't work. 'We have crime that has escalated in our area, of which the most recent was on Saturday evening, gunshots around 22:00 and an attempted break-in a couple of streets down at 23:00 and not to mention the rest.' She said they have homeless people sleeping at a bus stop and making the area look like a dumpsite. 'We are inundated with the recyclers/dustbin pickers roaming our streets. Most of the time, these guys are the eyes and ears for criminals. They sometimes hide stolen goods in their trolleys, including break-in tools. We are at our wits' end,' she explained. She added that the ward councillors are trying their utmost best to assist where they possibly can, but are met with the incompetence Tshwane. 'Moreleta Park is becoming a decaying suburb, and we are going nowhere slowly.' A resident of Wekker Street in Moreleta Park endured raw sewage spillages for three weeks as Tshwane tried to unblock and repair an overflowing manhole. Elzabe Booysen told Rekord that the manhole started overflowing on April 24, flooding her yard with raw sewage, damaging her garden, and causing severe discomfort for her and her family. Booysen said she was deeply frustrated and emotionally drained after dealing with an overflowing manhole on her property for over three weeks with no response from Tshwane. She said, despite logging more than 17 complaints with the city and contacting numerous officials, the issue remained unresolved even after May 8. 'I first logged a complaint when the sewage spillages began, then three days later, it was not resolved, and I had to do follow-ups. Despite numerous follow-up calls and emails, no help, I had to deal with rude customer care assistants.' Booysens added that to her shock, some municipal employees blamed her for the delay in repairs, claiming that 'reporting it too many times' was the reason the issue had not been fixed. 'I was told I'm the reason it hasn't been fixed simply because I followed up more than once. How is that fair?' Booysens said she has lost hope in the city' ability to deliver services. Connie Groenewald from The Wilds Estate said the turnaround time from Tshwane is not adequate. 'We waited 21 days for a water leak to be repaired and seven days for a blocked sewer,' she said. She said she reported a water leak on April 30. 'The main issues we have with the municipality are the turnaround time and when following up on reported matters, phone calls are not answered, nor is there any detailed information shared.' She said the lack of maintenance and repair undermines the confidence that residents [rate payers] have in the city's capability to uphold basic infrastructure standards. 'One of our ongoing frustrations lies in the lack of communication. When following up on reported matters, residents often receive no response, phone calls go unanswered, and no detailed updates are provided.' She said the metro leaving issues unresolved is a huge problem, as it's not only a waste of a valuable resource, but it also presents a public safety risk. 'The continuous flow of water is damaging both the road surface and private property, and the wet, slippery conditions could easily lead to injury or accidents.' She said this lack of timely maintenance and repair erodes public confidence in the city's ability to uphold even basic infrastructure standards. Gillian Bittienie, a resident of Die Wilgers, expressed her outrage over a persistent water leak at the corner of Wakis Place and Verkenner Avenue, which has been left unattended for more than six weeks. 'This water leak has been running for over six weeks now with no action. Councillor Uys said she's begged and pleaded for it to be fixed,' said Bittienie. 'We, as Tshwane residents, are being punished for the absolute uselessness of the city when it comes to fixing water pipes on time. Potholes grow bigger by the day, and nothing is being done,' she said. Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed that Region 6 is facing a substantial infrastructure backlog, with 1 152 pothole repairs still pending, alongside numerous unresolved water leaks and sewage spills. 'The backlog is widespread across Region 6, but the most affected areas are wards 91, 45, 83 and 85,' said Mashigo. Mashigo said the backlog in the east of Pretoria, unfortunately, dates back to previous financial years. 'There is currently no timeline to resolve the backlog, as some roads are old and at the end of their lifespan, resulting in three times more complaints than available capacity.' He said the core challenges are ageing infrastructure and limited resources, although efforts are underway to address them. 'We currently have five teams deployed in Region 6, which comprises Pretoria east suburbs, two comprising city officials and three from appointed service providers via tenders.' He added that budget constraints are also a significant factor, as they directly impact the ability to hire sufficient manpower and secure the necessary machinery to carry out repairs. 'As it stands, there are no formal plans to fast-track or accelerate service delivery in the coming weeks or months. However, residents can still report or follow up on service issues through their ward councillors or by contacting the city's customer care line at 012 358 9999.' He said in the past month alone, we received 209 new complaints related to water, sewage, and road maintenance in Region 6, of which only 101 have been resolved.' Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. 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