Andrew Fehrsen

If SA fined non-voters like Australia (A$20 each), the 2026 local elections would have raised about R3.2 billion from 14 million no-shows. ~R225 per person If it was compulsory registration, like Aus: R5.9bn (~41m adults)

Auditor-General Raises Alarm Over Gayton McKenzie’s Department of Sport, Arts and Culture After R67 Million Irregular Spending And R1.68 Million Wasteful Expenditure Is Uncovered The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, led by Minister Gayton McKenzie, has been flagged for R67 million in irregular expenditure, according to findings by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA). The findings have raised concerns about financial management, accountability and weaknesses in internal controls within the department and its entities. The department initially reported R10.43 million in irregular expenditure for the 2024/25 financial year, but the Auditor-General established that the actual amount was R42 million. This figure increased to R67 million in 2025/26. The AGSA warned that the amount could be higher because the Mandela Bay Theatre Complex and Robben Island Museum could not quantify their irregular expenditure. The department's historical irregular expenditure balance also remained substantial, although it decreased from R861 million to R839 million. The Auditor-General further identified R1.68 million in fruitless and wasteful expenditure across 11 entities, alongside concerns about unspent grants, budget overspending and weaknesses in financial oversight. Responding to parliamentary questions, McKenzie said the department had developed an audit action plan, reviewed by Internal Audit, to address the root causes of the 2024/25 audit findings. He said corrective measures were assigned to responsible programmes with deadlines and monitored through quarterly reports to departmental management and the Audit Committee. Parliament is expected to monitor progress in strengthening financial accountability.

Before you go to bed. Here’s a reminder.

The City of Johannesburg and SAMWU have officially signed the Addendum to the Politically Facilitated Agreement (PFA), marking a watershed moment in the City’s governance and labour relations history. We recognise the significance of this milestone and do not take it for granted. All parties involved share a common responsibility to act in the best interests of the City and, most importantly, the residents of Johannesburg. This agreement demonstrates the importance of constructive engagement and a shared commitment to resolving longstanding challenges in the interest of a stable, functional and responsive City.

One vote, one chicken. How far we have come.

[WATCH] Joburg Mayor Dada Morero says the city is gradually moving towards operating its own fleet of water tankers, to reduce reliance on contractors. He says 20 tankers procured in 2025 are already operational, while a further 16 are being rolled out in phases. #Newzroom405

WATCH | Water and sanitation minister Pemmy Majodina says South Africa needs at least R400bn to fix its entire water system, money the country doesn’t have.

Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy officially opened N2 KokStad Interchange Project as part of October Transport Month. HISTORIC: Infrastructure Revolution changing the face of Harry Gwala district and Kokstad municipality. R795 million invested by both SANRAL and KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport to construct N2/R56 Kokstad Interchange and state-of-the-art RTI Centre & Weighbridge #TransportZA #OTMSA2026

The city of Tshwane is using its own water tankers to respond to the Bronkhorspruit water issue. This is a move that was made by the ActionSA mayor Dr.Nasiphi Moya to buy the city its own water tankers. This move has saved the city from issuing out tenders whenever theres a need.

The Durban High Court has found this billboard by the DA in eThekwini to be “harmful” and ordered the party to take it down along with any any social media posts referencing it. (NB: The billboard has already been taken down by the advertising company). TCG

[BREAKING] Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has announced a temporary cut to the fuel levy, reducing the levy by R3 per litre on diesel and R1.50 per litre on petrol from 4 November until 1 December 2026. Tune in to #eNCA, on #DStv403.

A better future is built through the things that matter in people’s everyday lives; a safe place to grow, a decent home to call your own, opportunities to learn, work and earn a living, and communities where reliable services, dignity and opportunity are a reality for all.

“Now people are blaming me, you are blaming the guy that brought VAR. I put it on the table that VAR must be called McKenzie when it comes, because I've really fought tooth and nail for VAR.” Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie