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Move to address Hammanskraal phase two water woes

Source: Government of South Africa

The City of Tshwane, in partnership with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Magalies Water (MW), has moved to address the water challenges in the affected communities in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria. 

This follows growing concerns from the Hammanskraal community over continued inconsistencies in water supply, particularly in the Phase Two target areas.

The affected communities include Majaneng (east of Makapanstad Road), Kudube Units 1, 2, 3, 6, 10 and Unit D, as well as the Jubilee Tower, Jubilee Direct, and Dominican Tower zones.

The department officially handed over Module 2 of the Klipdrift Water Treatment Works to the City of Tshwane on 29 June 2025.

The new module is designed to supply 12.5 megalitres of water per day, but due to unanticipated delays in completing the permanent pipeline to take water from Babelegi to Temba, an alternative, older pipeline was used to deliver water in the interim.

However, the pipeline has experienced setbacks due to frequent leaks and delivery of lesser volumes than anticipated.

“The project partners – Magalies Water Board, the City of Tshwane, and the Department of Water and Sanitation – have resolved to expedite the completion of the main planned pipeline. In the meantime, the old temporary pipeline is still being used to provide what is likely to be an intermittent water supply for flushing purposes,” the department said in a statement on Wednesday.

To cover the shortfall, the City of Tshwane has made available additional water tankers. A detailed schedule outlining tanker availability per area will be shared with the community to ensure continued access to water while the permanent pipeline is being completed.

To address these challenges and improve the water supply to the affected areas, with the aim of restoring water supply by the second week of August 2025, the following actions are being undertaken:

  • Permanent supply line from Babelegi to Temba Reservoir 3: The permanent pipeline is on track for completion, once completed, it will allow for a more stable and higher volume of water to be delivered. Water supply to the community through this route will be fully utilized after final testing confirms the water is safe to use and the pipeline is fit for transporting water.
  • Improving the temporary Bosplaas Line: The Bosplaas pipeline is currently delivering an average of 6.3 million litres per day, which is not enough to complete the system flushing process. The technical team is working on adjusting the system to deliver improved volumes while working on completing the pipeline. These adjustments will help the system work more efficiently and effectively.
  • Water quality testing and flushing: The process of cleaning and testing the water system is now over 90% complete and should be completed as soon as there is sufficient water to conclude the flushing, a week would be sufficient.

While some residents have called for the reactivation of water supply from the Temba Water Treatment Works, while waiting for increased volume, the department warned this would reverse the progress made to date and delay the completion of the flushing process to around mid-September 2025.

“The water currently being produced by the two modules meets the minimum safety standards (SANS 241:2015) and is being used to clean the system. However, residents in Module 2 are advised not to drink the water from their taps until official communication confirms the safe consumption and use of the water.

“We recognise the seriousness of the situation and assure the Hammanskraal community that all reasonable efforts are being made to restore a consistent and safe water supply. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and hardship caused by these challenges,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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AI chatbots can boost public health in Africa – why language inclusion matters

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Songbo Hu, PhD Candidate, University of Cambridge

Language technologies like generative artificial intelligence (AI) hold significant potential for public health. From outbreak detection systems that scan global news in real time, to chatbots providing mental health support and conversational diagnostic tools improving access to primary care, these innovations are helping address health challenges.

At the heart of these developments is natural language processing, an interdisciplinary field within AI research. It enables computers to interpret, understand and generate human language, bridging the gap between humans and machines. Natural language processing can process and analyse enormous volumes of health data, far more than humans could ever handle manually. This is especially valuable in regions with a stretched healthcare workforce or limited public health surveillance infrastructure, because it enables faster, data-driven responses to public health needs.

Recently, our interdisciplinary team, combining expertise from computer science, human geography and health sciences, conducted a review of studies on how language AI is being used for public health in African countries. Almost a decade’s worth of academic research was analysed, to understand how this powerful technology is being applied to pressing human needs.

Out of 54 research publications, we found that evidence of real-world effects of the technology was still rare. Only 4% of these studies (two out of 54) showed measurable improvements in public health, such as boosting people’s mood or increasing vaccine intentions.

Most projects stop at technology development and publication. Very few advance to real-world use or impact. Opportunities to improve health and well-being across the continent could be missed as a result.

Current limitations

In recent years, AI language technologies for public health have increased rapidly. This wave of technology development really took off as the COVID-19 pandemic renewed attention to public health. Health chatbots and sentiment analysis tools were developed in Africa and beyond.

Research on language AI for public health in Africa. Supplied

Health chatbots “talk” to people and provide reliable health information in a friendly, conversational way. Sentiment analysis tools scan social media posts to understand what people are feeling and talking about. Together they can identify misinformation or changes in public opinion and then provide accurate information.

Of course, new technologies come with imperfections. We found that most technologies for public health in Africa exist in just a few languages whose dominance can be traced to colonial times, namely English and French.

The consequences are clear: key health messages fail to reach many communities, leaving millions unable to access or act on essential information.

We also found that few projects have gone beyond the laboratory development stage. Our study found only one system in operation that had a measurable public health effect.

A successful model

This standout example comes from a team at the Center for Global Development and the University of Chicago, in partnership with the Busara Center for Behavioral Economics. Their chatbot, deployed on Facebook Messenger, was designed for people in Kenya and Nigeria who were hesitant about COVID-19 vaccines. It was only available in English.

More than 22,000 social media users used this app, sharing vaccine-related questions and concerns. The chatbot provided tailored, evidence-based responses to topics ranging from vaccine effectiveness and safety to misinformation. Its effect was notable. The intervention boosted users’ intention and willingness to get vaccinated by 4%-5%. The strongest effects were seen among those most hesitant to begin with.

Behind this success was the researchers’ commitment to understanding the local context. Before launching the chatbot, in-depth discussions were held with focus groups and social media users in Kenya and Nigeria. The aim was to learn about the specific worries and cultural factors shaping attitudes toward vaccination.

The chatbot was designed to address these concerns. This user-centred, locally adapted approach enabled the chatbot’s messages to address real barriers. As this example demonstrates, language technologies for public health are most effective when responding to the concerns and needs of the intended users.

From lab to life

These technologies take time and money to be put into practice. The COVID-19 pandemic jump-started development but public health language AI technologies are very new. It could be that a future survey would find a very different situation.

At the same time, advances in large language models such as GPT-4 are rapidly lowering the technical barriers to developing language technologies. These models can often be adapted to new applications with far less data and effort than previous methods. Recent advances could enable small teams of researchers or even individual developers to build tools tailored to the specific needs of their own communities. The path from lab to real-world effects may become much shorter and easier.

Investors, accelerators and state support could help make this transition from lab to life happen.

Technology developers can also contribute by rooting their work in community-driven, multi-disciplinary and cross-sector collaboration. Social science and public health research knowledge and skills can inform the design and development of new technologies.

To maximise the potential of language technologies for public health, the following needs to happen:

  • involving communities and health workers in natural language processing design

  • expanding provision in indigenous African languages

  • integrating language technologies into existing health systems.

Future research and development must move beyond technical prototypes and laboratory tests to rigorous real-world evaluations that measure health outcomes.

The other co-authors behind this research are: Abigail Oppong, Ebele Mogo, Charlotte Collins, and Giulia Occhini.

– AI chatbots can boost public health in Africa – why language inclusion matters
– https://theconversation.com/ai-chatbots-can-boost-public-health-in-africa-why-language-inclusion-matters-260861

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Togo’s ‘Nana-Benz’: how cheap Chinese imports of African fabrics has hurt the famous women traders

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Fidele B. Ebia, Postdoctoral fellow, Duke Africa Initiative, Duke University

The manufacturing of African print textiles has shifted to China in the 21st century. While they are widely consumed in African countries – and symbolic of the continent – the rise of “made in China” has undermined the African women traders who have long shaped the retail and distribution of this cloth.

For many decades Vlisco, the Dutch textile group which traces its origins to 1846 and whose products had been supplied to west Africa by European trading houses since the late 19th century, dominated manufacture of the cloth. But in the last 25 years dozens of factories in China have begun to supply African print textiles to west African markets. Qingdao Phoenix Hitarget Ltd, Sanhe Linqing Textile Group and Waxhaux Ltd are among the best known.

We conducted research to establish how the rise of Chinese-made cloth has affected the African print textiles trade. We focused on Togo. Though it’s a tiny country with a population of only 9.7 million, the capital city, Lomé, is the trading hub in west Africa for the textiles.

We conducted over 100 interviews with traders, street sellers, port agents or brokers, government officials and representatives of manufacturing companies to learn about how their activities have changed.

“Made in China” African print textiles are substantially cheaper and more accessible to a wider population than Vlisco fabric. Our market observations in Lomé’s famous Assigamé market found that Chinese African print textiles cost about 9,000 CFA (US$16) for six yards – one complete outfit. Wax Hollandais (50,000 CFA or US$87) cost over five times more.

Data is hard to come by, but our estimates suggest that 90% of imports of these textiles to Lomé port in 2019 came from China.

One Togolese trader summed up the attraction:

Who could resist a cloth that looked similar, but that cost much less than real Vlisco?

Our research shows how the rise of China manufactured cloth has undermined Vlisco’s once dominant market share as well as the monopoly on the trade of Dutch African print textiles that Togolese traders once enjoyed.

The traders, known as Nana-Benz because of the expensive cars they drove, once enjoyed an economic and political significance disproportionate to their small numbers. Their political influence was such that they were key backers of Togo’s first president, Sylvanus Olympio – himself a former director of the United Africa Company, which distributed Dutch cloth.

In turn, Olympio and long-term leader General Gnassingbé Eyadéma provided policy favours – such as low taxes – to support trading activity. In the 1970s, African print textile trade was considered as significant as the phosphate industry – the country’s primary export.

Nana-Benz have since been displaced – their numbers falling from 50 to about 20. Newer Togolese traders – known as Nanettes or “little Nanas” – have taken their place. While they have carved out a niche in mediating the textiles trade with China, they have lower economic and political stature. In turn, they too are increasingly threatened by Chinese competition, more recently within trading and distribution as well.

China displaces the Dutch

Dating back to the colonial period, African women traders have played essential roles in the wholesale and distribution of Dutch cloth in west African markets. As many countries in the region attained independence from the 1950s onwards, Grand Marché – or Assigamé – in Lomé became the hub for African print textile trade.

While neighbouring countries such as Ghana limited imports as part of efforts to promote domestic industrialisation, Togolese traders secured favourable conditions. These included low taxes and use of the port.

Togolese women traders knew the taste of predominantly female, west African customers better than their mostly male, Dutch designers. The Nana-Benz were brought into the African print textile production and design process, selecting patterns and giving names to designs they knew would sell.

They acquired such wealth from this trade that they earned the Nana-Benz nickname from the cars they purchased and which they used to collect and move merchandise.

Nana-Benz exclusivity of trading and retailing of African print textiles cloth in west African markets has been disrupted. As Vlisco has responded to falling revenues – over 30% in the first five years of the 21st century – due to its Chinese competition, Togolese traders’ role in the supply chain of Dutch cloth has been downgraded.

In response to the flood of Chinese imports, the Dutch manufacturer re-positioned itself as a luxury fashion brand and placed greater focus on the marketing and distribution of the textiles.

Vlisco has opened several boutique stores in west and central Africa, starting with Cotonou (2008), Lomé (2008) and Abidjan (2009). The surviving Nana-Benz – an estimated 20 of the original 50 – operate under contract as retailers rather than traders and must follow strict rules of sale and pricing.

While newer Togolese traders known as Nanettes are involved in the sourcing of textiles from China, they have lower economic and political stature. Up to 60 are involved in the trade.

Former street sellers of textiles and other petty commodities, Nanettes began travelling to China in the early to mid-2000s to source African print textiles. They are involved in commissioning and advising on the manufacturing of African print textiles in China and the distribution in Africa.

While many Nanettes order the common Chinese brands, some own and market their own. These include what are now well-known designs in Lomé and west Africa such as “Femme de Caractère”, “Binta”, “Prestige”, “Rebecca Wax”, “GMG” and “Homeland”.

Compared to their Nana-Benz predecessors, the Nanettes carve out their business from the smaller pie available from the sale of cheaper Chinese cloth. Though the volumes traded are large, the margins are smaller due to the much lower final retail price compared to Dutch cloth.

After procuring African print textiles from China, Nanettes sell wholesale to independent local traders or “sellers” as well as traders from neighbouring countries. These sellers in turn break down the bulk they have purchased and sell it in smaller quantities to independent street vendors.

All African print textiles from China arrive in west Africa as an incomplete product – as six-yard or 12-yard segments of cloth, not as finished garments. Local tailors and seamstresses then make clothes according to consumer taste. Some fashion designers have also opened shops where they sell prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear) garments made from bolts of African print and tailored to local taste. Thus, even though the monopoly of the Nana-Benz has been eroded, value is still added and captured locally.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese actors have become more involved in trading activity – and not just manufacturing. The further evolution of Chinese presence risks an even greater marginalisation of locals, already excluded from manufacturing, from the trading and distribution end of the value chain. Maintaining their role – tailoring products to local culture and trends and linking the formal and informal economy – is vital not just for Togolese traders, but also the wider economy.

– Togo’s ‘Nana-Benz’: how cheap Chinese imports of African fabrics has hurt the famous women traders
– https://theconversation.com/togos-nana-benz-how-cheap-chinese-imports-of-african-fabrics-has-hurt-the-famous-women-traders-260924

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Affluenz Magazine Unveils Commemorative Issue Spotlighting United Arab Emirates (UAE) Founding Father Sheikh Zayed, Noura Al Kaabi, and African Visionary Elvis Sepenya

Source: APO

Affluenz Magazine (www.Affluenz.com), International’s leading global luxury, leadership, and impact publication, has officially released its much-anticipated July/August 2025 issue — a special edition commemorating the 20th anniversary of the passing of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates.

This commemorative edition features a powerful trio of cover stories — spotlighting the enduring legacy of Sheikh Zayed, the cultural diplomacy of UAE’s Minister of State, Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, and the entrepreneurial excellence of Elvis Sepenya, CEO of Skywise Group, one of Africa’s most innovative investment firms.

This historic issue celebrates Sheikh Zayed’s vision of unity, progress, and inclusion — a legacy that continues to define the modern UAE. Affluenz Magazine delves into his leadership, values, and role in positioning the Emirates as a hub of diplomacy, innovation, and tolerance.

Also on the cover is Noura Al Kaabi, a global advocate for cultural dialogue and creative economies. In her exclusive interview, she discusses the UAE’s mission to foster global cultural exchange and its investment in youth empowerment across the Arab world and Africa.

Rounding out the trio is Elvis Sepenya, the young African magnate who has risen to prominence through Skywise Group’s diversified holdings in aviation, real estate, and tech. His story of resilience, reinvention, and corporate leadership offers inspiration for a new generation of African entrepreneurs.

Beyond the covers, the issue features in-depth profiles on several influential leaders and institutions across Africa and the Middle East — from oil and gas executives and royalty to social innovators and philanthropists — all of whom are making measurable impact in their sectors and communities.

Beyond its striking covers, the July/August 2025 edition of Affluenz Magazine delivers an enriching array of exclusive features and compelling interviews that spotlight transformative figures shaping Africa and the global stage.

Among the celebrated personalities is Ameera Abraham, the trailblazing founder of The Nail Bar, who shares her journey in redefining luxury wellness and empowering a new wave of African beautypreneurs. Equally inspiring is Tonya Lawani, the formidable force behind SEAL Group, whose strategic leadership continues to drive innovation and empowerment across industries.

Linda Turner, founder of Linda Hope Initiatives and CEO of Jat Holdings, exemplifies the powerful blend of business acumen and humanitarian spirit. With ventures spanning real estate, fashion, interior design, and hospitality, she personifies resilience and compassion, balancing her roles as a mother, wife, entrepreneur, and advocate—all grounded in her unwavering commitment to uplifting lives.

Adunni Rinwa emerges as a beacon of integrity and innovation in Nigeria’s real estate sector. As founder and CEO of Rinwa Realty, she has revolutionized property investment and homeownership, raising the bar for transparency and delivery in the industry.

The issue also features Hassan Imam, Managing Director of Keystone Bank, recognized for his strategic role in redefining digital banking and financial inclusion in Nigeria. From the UAE, Hussain Abdulrahman Khansaheb is profiled for his contributions to sustainable urban development and visionary leadership in construction and infrastructure.

Adding to the intellectual gravitas of the edition is Peace Hyde, celebrated media entrepreneur, educator, and founder of Aim Higher Africa. Her voice continues to inspire a generation to dream big and build boldly.

Together, these stories reflect the essence of Affluenz Magazine: a publication committed to elevating Africa’s voices, capturing legacies in the making, and connecting excellence across continents.

Founded in 2011 as Pleasures Magazine and rebranded as Affluenz Magazine in 2024, the publication has evolved into a world-class platform that highlights African and Middle Eastern excellence, entrepreneurship, and culture. With editorial offices in Abuja, Dubai,Riyadh Accra, Washington DC and London, the magazine reaches readers in over 103 countries and maintains syndication through platforms like Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, and Washington Times.

Speaking about the new edition, Executive Publisher Adedotun Olaoluwa remarked:

“This special issue is not just a tribute to Sheikh Zayed, but a celebration of global visionaries — individuals building bridges across continents. Affluenz continues to be a vessel for celebrating our shared humanity and transformative leadership from Africa to the Middle East.”

The July/August 2025 issue is now available in digital and print formats across select global outlets, including Barnes & Noble (US), WHSmith (UK), and Virgin Megastore (UAE), as well as through Affluenz’s official website: www.Affluenz.com and Selar (https://apo-opa.co/4f7wBiA).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Affluenz (formerly Pleasures Magazine).

Contact:
Dotmount Communications
Email: info@affluenz.com
Instagram: @ affluenzmag
Phone: +234 816 090 6918
https://apo-opa.co/4f7wBiA

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Kenya: Amb. Guo Haiyan Visits Local Industrial Park

Source: APO

On July 22, H.E. Amb. Guo Haiyan visited Tatu City Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kiambu County and held discussions with Tatu City Executives and the representatives of Chinese companies invested in the SEZ. Minister Counselor Zhou Zhencheng was present.

Amb. Guo said that the partnership initiative for industrial chain cooperation is an important part of the ten partnership initiatives of the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit. She hoped that Chinese companies deepen the cooperation with Kenyan companies in industrial and supply chain, enhance China-Africa as well as China-Kenya interconnected industrial development, strengthen technology transfer and local employee training, and support Kenya’s industrialization.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Kenya.

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Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Meets State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia

Source: APO


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HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met on Wednesday with HE State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia Ali Mohamed Omar, who is currently visiting the country.

During the meeting, they reviewed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them. They also discussed the latest developments in Somalia, in addition to several issues of mutual interest.

HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign reaffirmed the State of Qatar support for efforts aimed at promoting security and stability in Somalia, and achieving development and prosperity for its people.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.

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Ambassador Gao Wenqi visits Early Childhood Development (ECD) center with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) country representative to Rwanda

Source: APO

On July 22, Ambassador Gao Wenqi, along with Ms. Lieke van de Wiel, UNICEF country Representative to Rwanda, visited the cross-border Early Childhood Development center in Burera District, Northern Province. They were warmly received by District Mayor MUKAMANA Soline and briefed by the ADEPE team and young parents on how the project has helped and empowered local children and families. The field trip also featured lively interactions with the kids.

Ambassador GAO noted that as a signature tripartite cooperation project between China, UNICEF and Rwanda, the ECD project in Rwanda has made positive contributions to improving children nutrition and health, empowering education for young generations, and promoting Rwanda’s national strategic transformation. China will continue to work with UN agencies and the Rwandan government to support the country’s socio-economic development with more and more early harvest.

The cooperation with the Chinese government has effectively enhanced local children’s well-being and promoted Rwanda’s sustainable development, the UNICEF Representative to Rwanda said. She expressed willingness to strengthen cooperation with the Embassy in the near future.

The Early Childhood Development project is funded by the Chinese government through the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund and implemented by UNICEF Rwanda. It has been carried out across six districts in three provinces of the country since March 2025.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Rwanda.

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Ambassador Yin Chengwu met with Liberian Foreign Minister Nyanti

Source: APO


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On July 22, Yin Chengwu, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, met with H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia, and the two sides exchanged views on China-Liberia relations.

Yin stated that China is willing to work with Liberia to steadily promote the implementation of the outcomes of the meeting between the two heads of state and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit, and promote the continuous development of the China-Liberia strategic partnership.

H.E.Nyanti spoke positively of the development of bilateral relations and said that Liberia adheres to the one-China principle and is willing to strengthen cooperation with China and work together to advance the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Liberia.

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United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) supports efforts to protect inmates from cholera at Aweil Central Prison

Source: APO


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Across South Sudan, tens of thousands of inmates are crammed into overcrowded prisons with dire living conditions, including poor sanitation and limited access to food, clean water and healthcare. In some locations male and female prisoners are housed in the same cells due to a lack of space, creating safety concerns and the risk of abuse.

The Aweil Central Prison, in Northern Bahr El Ghazal, is not immune from this problem. Constructed with the capacity to house 150 inmates, it is now overwhelmed by more than 700 prisoners. In these conditions, disease can run rampant, particularly cholera, with more than 9300 cases already recorded in the region since the deadly outbreak began last year.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan is responsible for monitoring prison environments, management, and the rights and wellbeing of inmates. After assessing conditions in the Aweil Central Prison, the mission’s Rule of Law team requested prison authorities and the State Minister of Health to prioritize health services.

“We advocated very strongly for improved hygiene and sanitation for the prisoners, and particularly requested improved disease prevention because, if cholera takes erupts in this closed environment, it would be disastrous,” said UNMISS Corrections Advisor, Amina Kavirondo.

As a result of this advocacy, all inmates and prison officers have now been vaccinated with the support of the World Health Organization and State Ministry of Health.

“Given the large number of inmates accommodated in such a crowded facility with dire living conditions, we were very worried about their exposure to disease and felt it was important to vaccinate the prisoners to prevent cholera taking hold,” said the Ministry of Health’s immunization manager, Philip Malong Thiel.

“We were afraid because of the rumors that there were already cholera cases in the prison,” says one female inmate. “I now feel prepared and protected after my vaccination.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

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South Africa: Select Committee on Security and Justice Recommends of Provisional Suspension and Withholding of Remuneration of Gauteng Magistrate

Source: APO


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The Select Committee on Security and Justice has recommended that the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) confirm the provisional suspension from office of Ms SSE Fredericks, an additional Magistrate at the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court, and the determination to withhold her remuneration.

Committee Chairperson, Ms Jane Seboletswe Mananiso, said the recommendation to withhold her remuneration is in terms of the Magistrates Act.

She went on to say that the recommendation follows its consideration of the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development’s report, tabled in Parliament on 1 July 2025. This report, dated 26 June 2025, was based on advice from the Magistrates Commission following an extended period of unauthorised absence by Ms Fredericks since November 2019, during which she continued to receive full remuneration.

The committee previously heard that, the matter was brought to the Commission’s attention in April 2024, when the Secretary of the Commission learned of Ms Fredericks’ prolonged absence during a departmental leave management meeting. Subsequent investigations confirmed her continued absence from her duties at the Booysens Magistrate’s Court, with no official permission or satisfactory explanation provided.

Following a series of internal processes—including attempts to engage Ms Fredericks, legal consultations, and correspondence with the Department of Social Development—the Magistrates Commission resolved in June 2025 to recommend a disciplinary hearing and to advise the Minister that provisional suspension and the withholding of remuneration were warranted.

Ms Mananiso said the committee found that as Ms Fredericks has been absent from duty since November 2019 without authorisation; while continuing to receive full remuneration, her absence has adversely affected the functioning of the court and the administration of justice. Despite being offered the opportunity to respond, Ms Fredericks failed to make any representations to the Commission. All reasonable avenues to resolve the matter were exhausted before a recommendation was made.

She said the committee resolved to recommend that: “Having considered the Minister’s Report concerning the provisional suspension from office of Ms Fredericks, pending the outcome of a hearing into her fitness to hold office as a magistrate, the Committee recommends that the NCOP confirm the provisional suspension of Ms Fredericks. The committee further recommends that the NCOP resolves to confirm the determination to withhold Ms Fredericks remuneration pending the outcome of the hearing into her fitness to hold office as a magistrate,” emphasised the Chairperson.

The committee also adopted the reports on two other magistrates. The committee recommended to the NCOP confirm the provisional suspension from office of Ms TF Kekana, an additional District Court Magistrate at Secunda, Mpumalanga pending the outcome of a misconduct hearing into her fitness to hold office as a magistrate.

Ms Mananiso said the committee also recommended that the NCOP resolves not to restore Ms N Naudé, an additional magistrate in the district court at Kimberley, to the office.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.