COPE general secretary and former Free State Education MEC Papi Kganare dies from Covid-19 news24.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from news24.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
By Vuyolwethu Sangotsha - 01 April 2021 Buffalo City Metro mayor Xola Pakati. Image: SUPPLIED
Buffalo City Metro residents must not drop their guards as the Covid-19 crisis was far from over, warned mayor Xola Pakati on Thursday.
Delivering his Easter message, Pakati said it was important not to overlook the pandemic as many people prepared for worshipping and visiting their families.
He said the move to lockdown alert level 1 was only meant to address the economic devastation caused by the hard lockdown and decline in Covid-19 infections.
“It was not a declaration that Covid-19 does not exist or its risk has subsided. It, therefore, requires vigilance so that we do not find ourselves leading in the rise of cases once more,” said Pakati.
By Dispatch Reporter - 09 March 2021 Helen Neale-May. Image: BUFFALO CITY
Buffalo City Metro council elected ANC councillor Helen Neale-May as deputy mayor in a special council meeting on Tuesday.
Neale-May, who was serving as a mayoral committee, headed the finance portfolio before her election.
Last week, DispatchLIVE reported that Neale-May had been lined up to replace Zoliswa Matana, who succumbed to Covid-related complications in December.
BCM chief whip Humphrey Maxegwana chaired the virtual meeting.
Council had to go to a vote after two councillors were nominated.
Helen Neale-May was up against DA councillor Sue Bentley.
“I want to congratulate councillor Neale-May. I know that you have a lot of experience in local government and I know you will do as expected, said Maxegwana.
Battle for BCM deputy mayor’s seat hots up PREMIUM By Sandiso Phaliso - 27 January 2021
ANC circles in Buffalo City Metro are buzzing with debate over who will take the seat of deputy mayor after the ANC s Zoliswa Matana died of Covid-19 in December.
This article is reserved for DispatchLIVE subscribers. Get access to ALL DispatchLIVE content from only R45.00 per month. Already subscribed? Simply sign in below. Already registered on HeraldLIVE, BusinessLIVE, TimesLIVE or SowetanLIVE? Sign in with the same details.
Citizen reporter The Hawks. Picture: Bloemfontein Courant.
In a statement, Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale confirmed that the investigating unit had raided the offices in an effort to retrieve documents relating to the matter.
Hawks confiscated documents and electronic equipment. Picture: SAPS
“This morning the serious corruption investigation in the Buffalo City Municipality conducted a search and seizure operation at the municipal offices where there are allegations of corruption in of an estimated R30 million earmarked for Covid-19 food vouchers.”
Mogale said officers confiscated documents and electronic equipment which contained information to further the investigation.
“The allegations are that supply chain processes were flouted by the supply chain manager with 18 service providers in the procurement of food vouchers for Covid 19. The investigation continues.”