MDN News

15/12/2025

International News Update with Nonn Botha

Iran's foreign minister is to visit Russia and Belarus.

And Ecuador investigates the death of 15 prisoners, amid health concerns.

Finally, Australia is to tighten gun laws after a father and son allegedly killed 15 people at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia.

15/12/2025

Hugo Broos issues public apology over controversial comments

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has publicly apologised for remarks he made last week about defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi and the player’s agent, Basia Michaels, that sparked widespread criticism and accusations of racism and sexism.

In a press briefing today, Monday, 15 December 2025, the Belgian tactician acknowledged that his “choice of words” was wrong and expressed regret for how his comments were received.

Broos, who has led the South African national team since 2021, reiterated that he did not intend any racist or sexist meaning in his remarks.

The controversy began after Broos criticised Mbokazi’s late arrival to the national team camp ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, and also took aim at decisions made by the player’s agent.

Some of his phrasing was interpreted by critics, including the United Democratic Movement which filed a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission, as racially and gender insensitive.

Despite the backlash, Broos has firmly denied any discriminatory intent and emphasised that his frustration stemmed from professional concerns, not bias.

South African Football Association officials have supported the coach, suggesting a language barrier may have contributed to the misunderstanding.

The national team now turns its focus back to preparations for AFCON, where Broos and his squad are expected to compete later this month.

15/12/2025

Batohi walks out, Nkabinde inquiry adjourned to January 2026

The Nkabinde Inquiry into the fitness of Advocate Andrew Chauke to hold office as Director of Public Prosecutions for South Gauteng was adjourned today, 15 December 2025, after National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Shamila Batohi refused to return to the witness stand, citing the need to consult her legal counsel before continuing her testimony.

Batohi’s unexpected exit, taken without submitting a formal application for excusal to the inquiry panel, disrupted the planned sequence of witnesses and brought proceedings to a halt. At the time, Advocate Chauke’s legal team, led by Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi SC, was in the midst of cross-examining her.

Following the disruption, the inquiry panel, evidence leaders, and the legal teams for both the NPA and Chauke met to discuss a way forward. They agreed that a revised schedule of remaining witnesses will be submitted to the panel by 16 December 2025, after which the panel will determine whether additional time is required to conclude the inquiry.

The inquiry is now scheduled to resume on 26 January 2026 at 09h00. The panel may approach the President, through the Minister of Justice, to request an extension beyond the original four-month timeframe, which is due to expire in January 2026.

The parties also confirmed that the interlocutory application brought by the NPA for the amendment of the inquiry’s terms of reference will be decided by the panel without the need for oral argument.

Today’s dramatic developments underscore the tense atmosphere surrounding the inquiry and highlight the challenges in completing the process on schedule.

15/12/2025

Boshielo warns corrupt officers during safer festive season inspection in Limpopo

Deputy Minister of Police Dr Polly Boshielo is leading an inspection of Safer Festive Season operations at Mankweng Police Station in Limpopo’s Capricorn District today, as part of a nationwide effort to bolster community safety during the busy holiday period.

During the visit, Boshielo urged officers to assert the authority of the state, uphold integrity, and reject any form of collaboration with criminals. She commended police for their work but raised concerns about serious crimes, including r**e and murder, warning that corrupt officers would face decisive action. Boshielo stressed that criminals would never be allowed to rule the state.

15/12/2025

Advocate Shamila Batohi says that she does not know when she will return to testify.

The proceedings were halted after she raised concerns about the line of questioning and decided to seek legal advice.

15/12/2025

Members of the MK Party in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature clashed with SAPS officers following the failure of a motion of no confidence against Premier Thami Ntuli.

During the altercation, one member of the provincial legislature was injured and had to be taken to hospital.

15/12/2025

Chairperson Nkabinde angrily tells Batohi that she has been disrespectful to the inquiry, while Batohi responds firmly, 'I will not be shouted at'.

15/12/2025

MK Party’s no‑confidence motion against KZN premier fails; tensions flare in legislature

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party’s attempt to unseat KwaZulu‑Natal Premier Thamsanqa “Thami” Ntuli through a motion of no confidence failed today, Monday in the provincial legislature, leaving the incumbent premier securely in office.

The motion, moved jointly by the MK Party and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), accused Ntuli of failing to deliver services and favouring municipalities led by his coalition partners.

Supporters of the motion described the premier as ineffective in tackling KwaZulu‑Natal’s persistent economic and service delivery crises.

Results of the vote showed the MK Party had 37 votes, with the EFF pledging 2 additional votes bringing their total to 39 in an 80‑member legislature. However, the motion needed 41 votes to pass and therefore fell short, allowing Ntuli to remain premier.

Parties in the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) including the African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA) and other smaller groups backed Ntuli, ensuring the motion’s defeat.

The vote was held openly rather than by secret ballot, a decision that provoked heated exchanges and was a key complaint from MK and EFF members.

Following the announcement of the result, chaos erupted in the legislature, with scuffles between opposition members and police as demonstrators protested the outcome. One MK Party Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) was reportedly injured and taken to hospital amid the clashes.

Speaker Nontembeko Boyce confirmed the motion’s defeat before adjourning the sitting, stating:

“The motion has failed. Honourable Ntuli remains the premier.”

The failed motion highlights deepening political fault lines in KwaZulu‑Natal, where the MK Party has positioned itself as a vocal critic of the GPU’s leadership but has struggled to convert opposition into a governing majority.

15/12/2025

Batohi: “I Will Not Be Shouted At” as Ngcukaitobi Issues Stark Warning

Tensions erupted at the Nkabinde Inquiry after National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Shamila Batohi halted her testimony during cross-examination, declaring: “I will not be shouted at.”

https://youtu.be/-2ZbirKyF-w?si=0mvlD4DgqmzyVxnW via YouTube

Tensions erupted at the Nkabinde Inquiry after National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Shamila Batohi halted her testimony during cross-examination...

15/12/2025

NDPP head Shamila Batohi tells the Nkabinde Inquiry that she had no intention of returning after the lunch adjournment, having decided to seek legal representation.

15/12/2025

NDPP head Shamila Batohi did not return after the lunch adjournment, saying she wanted to be excused to seek legal representation due to the line of questioning, which she believed could have legal implications.

She was later compelled to return and explain herself before the inquiry.

15/12/2025

NPA Boss Batohi Walks Out of Nkabinde Inquiry Amid Heated Cross-Examination

National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Shamila Batohi has excused herself from the Nkabinde Inquiry after abruptly halting her testimony while under cross-examination.

Batohi informed the panel that she would not continue testifying until she had consulted with a legal adviser, a move that drew sharp criticism from members of the inquiry panel.

The panel questioned her decision to leave without prior permission while still under oath, describing her conduct as disrespectful to the proceedings. The inquiry was triggered by Batohi herself following her referral of Advocate Chauke’s conduct to the President.

The panel emphasised that the process is grounded in statute and not a voluntary engagement.

https://youtu.be/IqcZKtWr7MI?si=e7KUbZIiJ_Om_vsi via YouTube

National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Shamila Batohi has excused herself from the Nkabinde Inquiry after abruptly halting her testimony while und...