DA Accuses Matatiele Officials of Travel Claim Fraud

“The Municipal Manager, Mayor, and Speaker are assisting in approving these fraudulent claims.” The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Matatiele says it has noted with grave concern the alleged fraud that has taken place at the Matatiele Local Municipality. This follows claims that some ANC councillors submitted travel allowance claims after attending a strategic planning session…

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Appeal to Business Community to Support Rural Athletes

“Many talented athletes don’t have the financial means to buy proper running shoes or afford transport to races and accommodation.” A 38-year-old teacher from Ntabankulu is making strides in long-distance running while calling on local businesses to support rural athletes who lack resources but possess immense talent. Zoe Mbiko, affectionately known as “our Gerta Steyn,”…

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ANC Eastern Cape in Crisis After Conference Collapsed

The African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape has been plunged into turmoil after its much-anticipated provincial elective conference in East London collapsed before it could even get off the ground. What was meant to be a decisive gathering to elect new leadership instead exposed deep divisions, unresolved disputes, and a growing culture of…

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EFF Reaffirms COGTA’s Authority Amid KuGompo Tensions

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has reiterated the authority of the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in determining and legitimising traditional leadership, following unrest linked to a disputed coronation in KuGompo. In a statement issued on Monday, 30 March 2026, the EFF emphasised that only legally recognised processes can confer royal status…

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EFF Intervenes After Chaotic Shutdown of Prayer Gathering for Missing Kokstad Girl.

“The area is under strict environmental regulations, and activities of any nature are prohibited due to the presence of hazardous substances.” The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Kokstad has accused local authorities of mishandling a community prayer gathering for missing seven-year-old Lathitha Mtolo, after the event descended into chaos over the weekend. The gathering, organised…

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Workshop equips Kokstad businesses with compliance and funding tools

Small businesses and cooperatives in Kokstad received a boost this week following a business development workshop aimed at improving compliance and access to funding. The “Access to Finance and Business Compliance Workshop” was hosted through a partnership between the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) and the Greater Kokstad Local Municipality…

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Municipality cracks down on non-compliant businesses in CBD raid

The Umuziwabantu Local Municipality has intensified efforts to enforce by-laws and regulatory compliance following a joint inspection operation in the central business district (CBD). The multi-departmental raid, conducted along Musgrave and Hawkins streets, brought together several municipal units, including Protection Services, Fire Services, Local Economic Development (LED), Waste and Environmental Services, and Electricity. External stakeholders…

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