Masilela was accompanied by Deputy Speaker, Sam Masango and MMCs from Steve Tshwete Municipality.
Traditional leader, Inkosi J Mahlangu welcomed the donation, saying it is painful to see helpless children with no support. He appealed for government to continue assisting struggling families and raised challenges of children born to undocumented foreign mothers struggling to get documents at Home Affairs.

READ | Ehlanzeni TVET College Signs MOU with Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature

The centre, operating since 2003, feeds and supports disadvantaged children. Dr Nkabinde-Matoane from the Nkangala Department of Social Development said the department funds the centre with R529 120 in the current financial year for 71 children. She said the department helps with laundry, gardening, sport and monthly monitoring by a social worker.

READ MORE | Premier commits to prioritise mining in Mpumalanga

Masilela said the legacy project aims to protect children’s self-esteem and help them attend school without hindrance due to lack of basics. She urged stakeholders to help families register children at Home Affairs to access grants and services, and warned against misuse of funds.

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Ramaphosa was delivering the Inaugural Nokuthula Simelane Memorial Lecture at the University of Mpumalanga on Thursday, 3 September 2026.

Simelane, 23, was a student and Umkhonto we Sizwe courier who was lured to Johannesburg, abducted by apartheid security police, tortured and murdered in 1983. More than 40 years later, her remains have never been found.
“For more than four decades, the Simelane family has not been permitted the basic dignity of laying their daughter to rest,” Ramaphosa said.

The President told the Simelane family, led by her sister, Minister Thembi Simelane, that their pain is the nation’s pain. He said the State owes the family the truth about where she is buried, after former Security Branch officers admitted to her capture, but gave conflicting accounts of her murder.

The lecture also launched the Nokuthula Simelane Foundation and the Centre for Gender and Intersectional Studies at UMP.
Ramaphosa described Simelane as young, but purposeful, who rejected apartheid at a young age and risked her life carrying messages between Swaziland and South Africa.

“She would not surrender to fear of arrest, of torture or of death,” he said. He said her legacy challenges young people today to find purpose, to vote, and to build the non-racial, equal South Africa she died for.

On justice, Ramaphosa rejected the notion that the work of the TRC brought the country’s transitional justice process to an end.

“There is a view that has taken root in parts of our national life- that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission concluded this business and that it is time to move on. We must resist this view. Without justice, there can never be lasting peace. We owe the Simelane family and every family still waiting for a grave to visit, nothing less than the whole truth,” he said.

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The gesture formed part of the association’s activities, which also included donating sanitary towels to young women at local schools.

Muzi Sibeko, chairman of the drivers’ committee under the association, said the decision was aimed at showing appreciation while taking a stand against gender-based violence (GBV).

READ | Pienaar taxi operators wrap up Women’s Month in style

“We felt it was important to celebrate women in a unique way because we know that many women are facing gender-based violence. When women speak about being abused by men, we want them to know that we do not support such behaviour. We are saying, ‘Not in our name,” said Sibeko.

He said the association also sought to address the challenges faced by young women in the community who cannot afford sanitary products.

READ MORE | Female-only law enforcement roadblock in honour of women

“We also donated sanitary towels to young girls at local schools because we knew that some could not afford these essential products, which could make it difficult for them to attend school,” he said.

Another driver, Lucky Dlamini, called on men to protect women and children and take a stand against violence. “As we wrap up Women’s Month, we are calling on men to protect our women and children. We are saying no to gender-based violence,” he said.

The association hopes the initiative will have a lasting impact and encourage more men to protect and support women and children.

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The DA held a media briefing led by its Caucus Leader, Bosman Grobler, who welcomed Chuene. Grobler described him as a valuable member of the party who brings experience and will strengthen the DA’s work in holding the executive accountable.

READ | Provincial EFF in solidarity with its leader on defamation case

Grobler said that, although Chwenyi comes from a local government background, he will adapt to his new role as he gains experience. “I think it’s really something you learn as you go along. One thing I’ve personally learned about Cyril is that he takes the time to read documents. I think it’s one of the most important things an MPL can do. He was just in the Speaker’s office and was handed all the relevant legislation, as well as the members’ rules and order book.

“If you work through that, you know what you’re allowed to do and what you’re not allowed to do. Ultimately, you understand your mandate. From there, you learn on the job. Representing people in local, provincial or national government is essentially the same thing – it’s just at different levels of government.”

Grobler added that Chuene’s extensive experience in local government would serve him well in the provincial legislature.
“I have no doubt that he will hold the executive accountable. One of our key responsibilities is oversight. We receive reports and read them, but as the late Ellen Susman used to say, ‘Go and see for yourself.’ You need to verify whether what departments report is accurate and whether it reflects the reality on the ground. I am confident that Cyril will do that and serve very well.

“If you take up a position as a councillor, MPL or MP and choose not to work, you are not going to excel.”
Grobler said he knows Chwenyi to be a hard worker and a self-motivated individual. He added that the DA requires public representatives who can identify issues, conduct research and perform effective oversight.

READ MORE | Msibi’s next move revealed as he joins newly-formed SDP!

“There’s no doubt in my mind that he will be able to step into his role and make the best of it,” said Grobler.
Meanwhile, Chuene said he has an extensive political background, although he only joined the DA in 2019. He served on the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) in the Mbombela Local Municipality for two terms.

“My educational background is in public affairs and local government, and I hold a postgraduate qualification in the field. Therefore, it was not difficult to grasp the issues. Since 2021, we have made a significant impact. We have exposed a great deal of corruption, including matters involving some provincial departments. As a result, people have trust in the DA,” he said.

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Macie made the commitment during a stakeholder engagement last Friday, where residents voiced their frustrations over escalating crime in the area and called for immediate intervention. Addressing the gathering, he said the situation in the township could no longer be ignored and required urgent, coordinated action from both government and the community.

“We have gathered here because the crime situation confronting the people of Pienaar demands urgent, coordinated and decisive action. This is not a ceremonial meeting and it cannot become another talk show. It must mark the beginning of a disciplined partnership between government and the people to reclaim this community from violence, fear and criminal control,” he said.

The intervention comes as Pienaar Police Station has been identified as one of Mpumalanga’s top 30 police stations for community-reported serious crimes. Macie said the station would be prioritised under the Police Ministry’s Reset Agenda to strengthen police visibility, crime intelligence, detective services and operations against organised crime.

For many residents, however, the high crime rate has already had a devastating impact on their lives, with sexual violence emerging as one of the community’s greatest concerns.

A 29-year-old mother told Mpumalanga Mirror that her two-year-old daughter was sexually assaulted in 2022, but the case has still not been resolved, leaving her with unanswered questions.
“It’s heartbreaking because, to this day, the perpetrator is still walking freely in our community. I just want justice for my child,” she said.

READ | Rape cases-most problematic in the province

Her experience echoed concerns raised by Mduduzi Mnisi, chairperson of the Zone B Safety Stakeholders, who said residents continued to grapple with housebreakings, car hijackings, gangsterism, extortion and other violent crimes. Resident, Micha Nhleko, welcomed the government’s intervention, but said the community wanted to see action rather than hear promises.

“We are grateful that they came to listen to our concerns, but we need more police visibility,” he said.
Some residents also claimed they had lost trust in the police, alleging that certain officers were working with criminals. Macie said the allegations would be investigated and dealt with decisively.

“An officer who abandons the constitution and assists criminals, ceases to be a protector and becomes part of the criminal threat,” he said. The MEC urged residents to report crime, refuse to harbour offenders and work with the police to reclaim their community.

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Preliminary assessments by the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) as of Thursday, 13 August 2026, recorded mortalities of more than 320 cattle, 40 goats and 10 sheep. Officials say the number is likely to rise as assessments continue.

The affected animals succumbed to hypothermia after prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, wind and wet conditions. MEC, Khethiwe Moeketsi, said the department was saddened by the losses.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of livestock, which are a critical asset for our farmers and rural communities. These losses impact directly on livelihoods and food security,” Moeketsi said.

“Government remains committed to working with our farming communities during this period. We encourage cooperation with our officials on the ground to ensure timely support.”

The department has urged farmers to take the following precautionary measures:

Provide shelter: Erect windbreaks or corrugated sheets on the side where wind and rain are coming from

Keep animals dry: Move livestock to higher ground to avoid waterlogging

Insulate kraals: Put down dry grass, straw or kraal manure to protect animals from the cold ground

Increase feed: Provide more roughage and energy blocks/licks to help animals generate body heat

Ensure clean water: Remove ice and clean water troughs regularly

Monitor vulnerable stock: Pay close attention to calves, pregnant and weak animals

Group animals: Allow livestock to huddle together for warmth

Livestock farmers are encouraged to contact extension and veterinary officials at their nearest DARDLEA office for advice on supplementary feeding, shelter, and management of vulnerable animals during extreme weather.

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This if following an attack that occurred on January 24 this year in White River, where Mdlovu was selling vetkoeks at her stall. Nkosi was unknown to the victim at the time.

Evidence presented by the state established that Mdlovu noticed Nkosi engaged in an argument with another man. The altercation escalated into a physical fight and moved closer to where she was frying vetkoek in a large pot of hot cooking oil.

In a statement issued by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Concerned for their safety and her own, Mdlovu instructed the men to stop fighting and move away, warning them that the oil could cause serious injuries.

“Nkosi then directed his aggression towards her. Fearing for her safety, Mdlovu fled from her vending station. Nkosi grabbed the pot containing the hot oil, chased after her, and, upon catching up with her, poured the hot oil over her body. The attack left Mdlovu with severe burn injuries,” reads the statement.

READ | Family of murdered woman accuse lover of abuse

An eyewitness travelling in a vehicle observed Nkosi pursuing Mdlovu and pouring the hot oil over her. The witness immediately intervened and called for assistance. Police responded swiftly and arrested Nkosi shortly thereafter. Mdlovu was transported to hospital by ambulance for urgent medical treatment.

The NPA opposed Nkosi’s release on bail, resulting in him remaining in custody until the conclusion of the case. During the trial, Nkosi pleaded not guilty to the charge. However, State Prosecutor Simon Mamabolo presented compelling evidence from both the victim and the eyewitness, supported by medical evidence confirming the seriousness of Mdlovu’s injuries.

The court subsequently found Nkosi guilty of attempted murder. In aggravation of sentence, the State argued that Nkosi posed a danger to society and emphasised that the offence was committed in broad daylight.

The prosecution further highlighted that Mdlovu was an innocent bystander who was simply conducting her daily business to earn a livelihood and support her household when she became the victim of the accused’s violent actions.

The court sentenced Nkosi to 15 years’ direct imprisonment and further declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

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Of the 24 suspects arrested, 12 were arrested for offences relating to illegal mining, while one suspect faces charges of assaulting police officers and resisting arrest.

A further 11 suspects, who were found to be undocumented illegal immigrants, are facing additional charges relating to illicit mining and possession of suspected gold-bearing material and equipment.

During the operations, police also discovered various items that had allegedly been abandoned at an illicit mining site. These included 27 pendukas, 147 steel balls, two water pumps, two cutting torches, two hammers, 10 head torches and one gas bottle. The recovered items were seized for further investigation.

The operations form part of SAPS ongoing efforts, together with relevant law enforcement stakeholders, to disrupt illicit mining activities and address criminal activities associated with illegal mining, including the exploitation of natural resources and possession of suspected gold-bearing material and equipment.

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Wet and icy conditions on tarred roads make them slippery and difficult to drive on. Visibility is greatly affected, especially at night, making road users vulnerable to avoidable crashes.

As a result, excessive speed must be avoided and switch on lights to be visible to other road users. Drivers should also increase their following distance and, wherever possible, delay or postpone their journeys.

Motorists are further advised to avoid driving through low-lying bridges and flooded areas. Snowfall has been reported on the N11 towards Volksrust and on the N3 in the province towards KwaZulu-Natal.

READ | Extreme caution urged as winter hits SA roads

Other hazardous conditions include misty conditions on some roads during the night and early morning.

No major crashes have been reported so far. However, traffic law enforcement officers and emergency personnel remain on high alert and are closely monitoring the situation.

“Let us be on high alert and adjust our driving in line with these adverse conditions to stay out of danger. We must monitor conditions and remain updated, especially when travelling,” the MEC stated.

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Government urges members of the public to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution as severe winter weather, including heavy snowfall, freezing conditions, rain and strong winds, affect several parts of the country.

The weather has already resulted in a number of road closures and disruptions across several provinces.The SAWS has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive snow, with parts of the Eastern Cape and Free State among the hardest hit, with snowfall affecting a number of major routes and mountain passes.

Other areas, including parts of Mpumalanga and the Western Cape, are also experiencing adverse winter weather, with some routes affected by snowfall, icy conditions and strong winds.

A Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive winds has also been issued for parts of the Northern Cape and Western Cape. Strong winds may result in localised impacts, including hazardous travelling conditions, reduced visibility and disruption to transport.

READ | PHOTOS | Heavy rains flood Nkomazi region

Government, through the National Disaster Management Centre, provincial and local disaster management structures, traffic authorities, emergency services and other relevant stakeholders, continues to monitor the situation and coordinate response measures in affected areas.

Authorities are assessing road conditions, managing closures where necessary and working to keep affected routes safe and accessible where conditions permit. Government further appeals to motorists to exercise patience and cooperate with traffic and emergency officials. Road closures are implemented to protect lives, and motorists should not attempt to bypass barriers or access roads that have been declared unsafe

Members of the public are reminded that weather and road conditions can change rapidly. Roads that are currently open may subsequently be closed if conditions deteriorate, while previously closed routes may be reopened once they have been assessed and cleared by the relevant authorities.

The public is urged to rely on official updates from the South African Weather Service, provincial traffic authorities, road agencies, disaster management structures and emergency services for the latest information.

Government will continue to closely monitor the weather system and its impacts across the country and will coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect communities and road users.

Government urges the public to take the following precautions:

• Avoid unnecessary travel to areas affected by heavy snowfall, ice, strong winds, flooding or other hazardous weather conditions.
• Do not attempt to drive on roads that have been closed by traffic or emergency authorities.
• Motorists travelling on roads that remain open should reduce their speed, maintain a safe following distance and exercise extreme caution, particularly on mountain passes.
• Follow the instructions and guidance of traffic officials, emergency services and disaster management authorities.
• Check the latest weather and road conditions from verified sources before undertaking long-distance journeys.
• Where possible, postpone travel until conditions have improved and affected routes have been assessed and declared safe.
• Avoid sharing unverified information about road closures and weather conditions, as this may cause confusion and place motorists and communities at greater risk.
• Take precautions to protect children, older people and other vulnerable people from extreme cold.
• Farmers and livestock owners are encouraged to ensure that livestock and other animals are kept in safe, warm and adequately sheltered areas during periods of severe cold and snowfall.

Government urges all members of the public to remain vigilant, exercise caution and prioritise their safety as winter weather conditions continue to evolve.

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