DFA News -julkaisun 2026-04-17 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

EFF NORTHERN Cape provincial leader Shadrack Tlhaole says he is confident that commander-in-chief Julius Malema will succeed in his appeal – even if the matter has to be taken to the Constitutional Court. Malema was sentenced in the East London Magistrate’s Court on April 16 to an effective five years’ imprisonment for taking an assault rifle from his former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, and discharging several shots into the air during the EFF’s anniversary celebrations at Mdantsane Stadium in 2018. Snyman has indicated that he intends to sue the State for R20 million after being acquitted of all charges. Around 300 EFF members from across the Northern Cape gathered outside the Northern Cape High Court from April 15 to 16 while awaiting the outcome of the sentencing. EFF rejects 'the madam's'…

THE WOMEN who laid rape charges against former Department of Education spokesperson and freelance journalist Douglas Mthukwane, 45, (pictured) have described him as “a monster” and say they do not believe he is capable of rehabilitation. Mthukwane was sentenced to an effective 25 years’ imprisonment by the Northern Cape High Court last week. He was convicted on four counts of rape involving three women between 2016 and 2019. One of the complainants fled to Johannesburg, stating that she did not feel safe in Kimberley. The three women, who met as strangers, forged a bond and supported each other throughout the lengthy trial. “We are overwhelmed, relieved and disappointed at the same time,” they said this week. The complainants believe Mthukwane should have been handed a life sentence without the option…

The SAFA Frances Baard Hollywoodbets Regional League heads into another crucial round of fixtures this weekend, with all three streams finely poised as the season moves into its decisive phase. In Stream A, Dalton Brothers have edged into control at the top, opening a gap over Kimberley United, while Sol Plaatje University have moved within striking distance of second place. Dalton’s advantage is reinforced by a superior goal difference and one of the league’s most effective defences, suggesting a side built not just on results, but consistency. Behind them, the chasing pack remains close enough to capitalise on any slip. Stream B presents a different picture. Log leaders FC Barcelona remain unbeaten and statistically dominant, particularly in defence, but pressure is building from Celtics, who continue to chip away at…

THERE’S a widely shared meme online attributed to Mary Anne MacLeod, a young woman who immigrated from Scotland to New York in 1930. She worked as a domestic servant for a while, but later married Fred Trump. Yes, as it turns out, Mary is the mother of the current US president, Donald J Trump. The meme, in the form of an old newspaper clipping, quotes Mary saying: “My son Donald is an idiot with ZERO common sense, and no social skills. He is an egomaniac sociopath beyond belief, but he is my son. “I certainly hope he never gets into politics. He would be a disaster for the United States and a catastrophe for humanity!” It’s a jarring quote. The kind of thing that makes you stop scrolling. Certainly worth…

THE SUZUKI Griquas continue to set the pace in the SA Cup, with head coach Pieter Bergh’s side tightening their grip on top spot after another disciplined and hard-fought performance that extended their unbeaten run and reinforced their status as early favourites. The Peacock Blues outfit remain firmly in control of the standings after five wins from five, but Bergh believes the most recent victory over Boland also revealed a different, more mature dimension to his squad. Reflecting on the 24-14 away win in Wellington, Bergh praised his team’s ability to adapt their approach in-game, particularly after building a commanding halftime lead. “People expected us at 19–7 to go to 40 points, but we almost earned the right to – if I can use a soccer slogan – ‘park the…

WHILE it is believed that the legal costs now deemed the personal liability of the Sol Plaatje executive mayor and Speaker have not yet been settled, it has been reported that Speaker Dipuo Peters paid around R193,000 this week to prevent the attachment of her vehicle. The Northern Cape High Court ordered the mayor and Speaker to personally pay the legal costs arising from court battles linked to the suspension of municipal manager Thapelo Matlala. It is believed that the legal costs related to two court orders amount to approximately R1.8 million, while fees for senior counsel who represented Sol Plaatje Municipality are estimated to have reached R3 million to date. Opposition parties have insisted that no expenses should be borne by the municipality, arguing that no council mandate was…

SOL PLAATJE opposition councillors were pelted with eggs during a collapsed special council meeting convened to approve the draft budget this week. Speaker Dipuo Peters, whose microphone was switched off during proceedings, said she had “no option but to adjourn” after a gas substance was apparently discharged into the council chamber. She called in security and the police in an attempt to restore order, as councillors covered their mouths and exited the chamber, citing safety concerns. The municipality has already missed the March 31 deadline to approve both its draft budget and Integrated Development Plan (IDP). Division over municipal manager deepens Tensions in the chamber mirrored divisions outside, where a group gathered demanding the removal of municipal manager Thapelo Matlala. The protesters also accused councillors of attempting to loot funds…