By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said Cabinet has received an update on Ditsobotla’s status and approved for it to be placed under administration.
She announced on Friday that the municipality will be taken over in terms of section 139(7) of the Constitution, with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and the National Treasury leading the recovery plan.
Ntshavheni said the intervention aims to restore stability and ensure that the municipality can carry out its constitutional duties.
“The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs will coordinate inter-governmental relations structures to facilitate restoration of administrative functions to assist the municipality in fulfilling its legislative mandate. A Joint Operations Task Team will also focus on criminal activities,” said Ntshavheni.
North West Presidential visit
She said President Cyril Ramaphosa and his delegation will visit North West on September 12 to support provincial government efforts.
“The visit is part of the President’s initiative to strengthen support to provincial governments and improve coordination in efforts to unlock provincial economic growth and improve service delivery. This is the fifth such visit to a provincial executive council, “said Ntshavheni.
Ntshavheni said the opening of the $90 million (R1.59 billion) Qala Shallows gold project by West Wits Mining Ltd in the Witwatersrand Basin is celebrated as the first new underground gold mine in 15 years.
“With production scheduled to begin in 2026, the South African economy will receive a major boost in new jobs, skills, development, and economic development, “said Nshavheni.
F1 Grand Prix
Cabinet approved the sports department’s request to bid for the Kyalami racecourse in 2027.
Ntshavheni announced that the bid to host the event will be for three years, starting in 2027.
“The bid is fully financially supported by the reputable South African private sector and, if successful, will contribute to job creation and economic development.
“The mere granting of an opportunity for South Africa to bid for the prestigious Formula One Grand Prix is an affirmation of South Africa as an important world actor and confidence in the country,” Ntshavheni said.
British-based company Apex Circuit Design was tasked with drawing up plans for Kyalami’s upgrades last year to achieve the required Grade 1 status to host F1.
The grading is determined by the kilogramme-to-horsepower ratio. The ratio of F1 cars is the lowest of any motorsport class and therefore requires the highest FIA certification.
The Kyalami circuit hosted 21 Grands Prix from 1967 to 1993. Its list of winners includes Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Jim Clark and South Africa’s very own Jody Scheckter, a former F1 champion.