WeeklySA_AdminPROGRAMME: President Cyril Ramaphosa to deliver a eulogy at the funeral…
By WSAM Reporter
The late Traditional Prime Minister to the AmaZulu nation, and founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party Prince Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi will be laid to rest tomorrow.
The day will start with a private family prayer. Mourners will then proceed to the Prince Mangosuthu stadium in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal for Buthelezi’s category one Special Official Funeral, which the President specifically accords to persons of extraordinary credentials.
The funeral will incorporate elements of military honours including the 21 Gun Salute. Since Tuesday the flags have been flying at half-mast and this will continue until later on Saturday evening.
Buthelezi was the traditional prime minister to the Zulu nation and founder of the IFP.
At least 20 000 mourners are expected to attend the funeral at which President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the eulogy. Other dignitaries expected to attend the funeral are former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma as well as Buthelezi’s lifelong friend the former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo. Not only was he the traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and Nation, a role he diligently and honestly fulfilled with distinction over seven decades, in the service of three Kings, but uMntwana also remained as Inkosi of the Buthelezi Clan.
On Wednesday, in a tribute to Buthelezi at memorial service in Ulundi, IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa said uMntwana wa KwaPhindangene was born into the Zulu Royal family as the son of Princess Magogo kaDinuzulu, King Solomon’s sister, and Inkosi Mathole Buthelezi, the King’s Prime Minister.
“At the age of 14, uMntwana lost his father, and was recognised as his heir and successor. In 1957, aged 29, he was installed as Inkosi of the Buthelezi Clan – a position he held for the rest of his life,’’ he said.
“We will always honour uMntwana for the smooth process that he led after the demise of the late King, allowing the new King to ascend the throne,” he said.
STATE MISSION TO ‘END ILLEGAL MINING ON COURSE’
DRAGNET: R34 million and Lamborghini seized during one sting operation…
By Own Correspondent
Law enforcement agencies have set their sights on the kingpins which perpetuate illegal mining in South Africa.
This is according to Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who was addressing the media yesterday on the outcomes of Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.
“In the first quarter of 2023 the Hawks arrested 611 suspects and seized various items including precious metals and diamonds, endangered species, vehicles, cash, firearms, ammunition, counterfeit goods, explosives and electronic devices worth R6 112 768 985.
“In addition, law enforcement arrested nine zama zama [illegal mining] kingpins and were granted preservation orders against their assets that include luxury vehicles such as a Lamborghini and precious metals and cash to the value of R34 million.
“This goes against the narrative that says in our fight against zama zamas we are only targeting runners. We are targeting the kingpins,” she said.
Ntshavheni said Cabinet had commended law enforcement agencies on “their fight to dismantle crime syndicates”.
“The successful actions in dealing with a heavily armed gang linked to a series of cash in transit heists in Limpopo is commendable. Cabinet reiterates that law enforcement should leave no stone unturned in dealing with those who seek to undermine South Africa’s national security and the laws of the Republic,” she said.
Turning to issues related to personal protective equipment (PPE) corruption, the Minister explained that although it is taking some time, progress is being made to bring wrongdoers to book.
“Cabinet welcomed the arrest of nine Northern Cape Department of Health officials for PPE corruption. The suspects are accused of fraud, corruption, money laundering and contravening the Public Finance Management Act.
“We know the impatience of our people in terms of the arrests of PPE corrupt officials and their business partners, but we are gradually making progress,” she said.
Regarding Operation Bring Back – which seeks to identify and recover illegally occupied properties owned by the state, Ntshavheni said Cabinet commended efforts to wrestle back control of the hijacked buildings.
“As part of this initiative, the national government is providing support to municipalities to ensure the enforcement of by-laws to eradicate hijacking of buildings, their effective management and utilisation, and ability to account for the utilisation of government’s immovable assets,” she said. – SA News
