Remarks by ActionSA’s Member of the Mpumalanga Legislature Thoko Mashiane during the Debate on the State of the Province Address (SOPA).

ActionSA condemns the violent trespassing at the Matsediso Primary School in Katlehong, where machete and rifle-wielding men marched on the school’s premises, threatening staff, learners, and parents.

ActionSA welcomes efforts by the new MMC for Finance in Ekurhuleni, Cllr Dhabathi, on finally implementing some of the recommendations on ActionSA’s motion on hijacked buildings in Ekurhuleni.

ActionSA wishes to extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Cllr Moshe Mphahlele of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who was tragically shot on the 4th of August.

On 03 May 2024, the families of the Lily Mine victims were visited by officials from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), led by Deputy Chief Inspector of Mines Mr. Mthokozisi Zondi. They informed the families that Minister of Minerals and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe had decided to issue mining rights to Vantage Goldfield, a decision that brought a glimmer of hope for the families and former miners’ long-standing fight for justice and resolution.

ActionSA rejects the appointment of Mr. Andile Gobinca as Secretary to the Johannesburg Municipality due to his lack of the necessary qualifications for the position.

ActionSA notes the planned visit of Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, to Pretoria Girls High following troubling allegations of racism.

ActionSA expresses concern over a troubling incident that occurred over the weekend involving a young man who was in a car accident. Despite his critical need for assistance, the response from the police officials at the Barberton Police Station was shockingly inadequate.

ActionSA notes with concern the lack of progress in the restoration of Lilian Ngoyi Street, formerly known as Bree Street.

ActionSA has written to the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, requesting urgent intervention in the Matatiele Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape.

There can be no question that the 2024 elections saw political parties drive voter choice with tactics of identity and fear. Parties that grew in support were those who mobilized around ideas like switching off the life support machines at Raheema Moosa Hospital, sending young pregnant women to Robben Island or the gewaar tactics reminiscent of politics of the past. 

ActionSA expresses our deep concern over domestic intelligence failures in South Africa over the past week, including the 95 Libyan nationals who were arrested for possible military training and the Mexican national who were arrested for a R2 billion drug manufacturing facility.

ActionSA commends the South African Police Service (SAPS) in KwaZulu-Natal for their decisive actions in recent days, which have led to the killing of multiple suspects.

ActionSA is pleased to extend its heartfelt congratulations to Justice Mandisa Maya on her historic appointment as the first female to hold this esteemed position. This milestone is not only a significant personal achievement for Justice Maya but also a landmark moment for our judicial system and our nation’s ongoing commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women in all spheres of society.

ActionSA is deeply concerned about the unexpected postponement of the Ordinary Council by the delinquent Speaker, Mncedi Nzwanana, in the City of Tshwane today.