Dolphins Clinch One Day Cup Title as Tuskers and Iinyathi Share Division 2 Honours
PAARL: The Hollywoodbets Dolphins were crowned 1 Day Cup champions on Sunday after clinching what turned out to be a tense...
PAARL: The Hollywoodbets Dolphins were crowned 1 Day Cup champions on Sunday after clinching what turned out to be a tense...
Free State police arrest 12 for illegal mining
Twelve foreign nationals have been arrested in connection with illegal mining activities in the Free State, said the South African Police Service (SAPS).
This follows a coordinated operation by the Mission Area Joint Operational Center (MAJOC) Roving team, which included combat operators, proactive members, and various other participants of Operation Valu uMgodi.
The arrests happened on Saturday, while the suspects were actively engaged in illegal mining.
The operation, aimed at disrupting illicit mining activities, was carried out in different identified hotspots within the province.
Foot patrols, including vehicle patrols, air-to-ground drone patrols and vehicle check points, were conducted in the Stone and Allied area, Bambanani SS1 Slam Dam, Kudu Mine Shaft, Stilte Farm and G-Hostel in Thabong Extension 4.
“During the operation, the 12 foreign nationals were found in possession of gold bearing material weighing at 132.52 kilograms and gold processing equipment such as steel balls, garden spades, shovels, pick axes, steel plates, buckets and washing basins were all seized,” said the SAPS in a statement.
The suspects (aged between 26 and 40), face charges of the possession of suspected gold bearing material, illegal gold processing equipment, trespassing and the contravention of the Immigration Act.
They 12 are expected to appear in court soon. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 03/17/2025 - 08:31
0 views
Introduction to the World of Saunas The concept of the sauna has evolved from ancient traditions to modern wellness technology, becoming a coveted feature in homes and health facilities worldwide. Saunas offer a plethora of health benefits, including relaxation, improved circulation, and aid in muscle recovery. Whether you are considering installing one at home or …
The thrill of a mystery weekend in Franschhoek is set to return in 2025, promising the ultimate escape—brimming with surprises and blissfully stress-free. A highlight of the winter Winelands calendar, these highly anticipated weekends provide guests with a seamless getaway, eliminating the stress of planning while showcasing the finest experiences Franschhoek’s renowned Valley of Dreams …
Bail Fund will address the “injustice of being detained simply because of poverty”
South Africa, Dutch collaborates to improve water management
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), together with the Dutch Water Authorities, have held a Blue Deal Steering Committee meeting, focusing on the Blue Deal South Africa Programme, which aims to improve water management and access to clean water in South Africa.
According to the department, the meeting, held in Pretoria, on Friday, aimed at enabling environment for future Blue Deal partnerships, discuss lessons learned from the various projects, and provide strategic direction to address key bottlenecks.
“This Blue Deal Programme is a collaboration between the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Netherlands to support water management by exchanging knowledge and experiences, assisting national, regional, and local organisations, and cooperating with key stakeholders. The Blue Deal South Africa Programme will specifically contribute to clean and sufficient water,” the department said in a statement.
During the meeting, the two parties discussed the Crocodile River Revitalisation Action Plan and its adoption and the Theewaterskloof Project Non-Sewer Sanitation pilot project.
“The Crocodile River faces threats of pollution from agriculture, industry, and municipalities. The performance of the wastewater treatment plants in the area is inadequate. The challenge is to improve the operation of the municipal wastewater management systems to ensure better water quality in the river.
“The objective of the Theewaterskloof project is to reduce pollution by improving sanitation and solid waste management through innovative solutions, such as non-sewered sanitation and harnessing the circular economy.
“General discussions covered the status of ongoing projects, a recap of 2024 Blue Deal activities, the outlook for the 2025 projects, and developments regarding international collaborations,” the department said.
DWS Director of International Relations, Albert Mmbidi said: “Today was an important day in the history of the Blue Deal programme. As a team, we managed to review the progress that the project has already made, the challenges, and we proposed solutions to the issues raised.
“We are confident that out of the solutions we have proposed, the programme will be able to run efficiently and strengthen the relationship between the two countries,” Mmbidi said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 03/16/2025 - 12:23
543 views
Expulsion of SA ambassador to US 'regrettable' - Presidency
The Presidency says it remains committed to building a relationship with the United States of America (USA), despite the "regrettable" recent expulsion of SA Ambassador to the US, Embrahim Rasool.
Rasool was expelled after US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, took to social media, X, to declare that Rasool was not welcome in the US.
“South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country. We have nothing to discuss with him and so he is considered persona non grata” [person not welcome] (sic),” Rubio post reads on social media.
In a statement on Saturday, The Presidency noted the regrettable expulsion of Rasool and urged all relevant and impacted stakeholders to maintain the established diplomatic decorum in their engagement with the matter.
“South Africa remains committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States of America,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 03/16/2025 - 12:42
561 views
Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile has today, 16 March 2025 arrived at Narita International Airport in Tokyo, Japan on a Working Visit aimed at reaffirming the strong cooperation between South Africa and Japan in areas of mutual interest.
The two countries enjoy well-established diplomatic relations which are particularly strong in the fields of trade and investment, education, science and technology.
Japan is one of South Africa's major economic partners with a sizeable investment in the South African economy, and potential for increased investment exists.
During the working visit, the Deputy President and delegation will engage the business community in Japan with the objective of strengthening economic relations in areas such as manufacturing and machinery, mining and mineral beneficiation, energy cooperation, the automotive industry and greater market access for South Africa's agricultural products, amongst others.
In this regard, the Deputy President and delegation will on Monday 17 March 2025 visit the Isuzu Fujisawa Plant Service, a Japanese multinational corporation that produces commercial vehicles, diesel engines and automotive parts, and has a significant presence in South Africa.
The Deputy President will also meet with Dr. Akhiko Tanaka, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a Japanese government agency that has been actively involved in various development projects in South Africa.
On Tuesday, 18 March 2025, the Deputy President and delegation will have a breakfast meeting with Japan-African Union Parliamentary Friendship League, which seeks to promote economic cooperation and trade between Japan and African countries.
Furthermore, the Deputy President will pay a courtesy call on His Excellency Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and visit the Meiju Jingu Shinto Shrine.
The Deputy President will also deliver a keynote address at the United Nations University under the theme "South Africa's G20 Presidency: Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability - a conversation with Japan.
On Wednesay 19 March 2025, the Deputy President and delegation will participate in Roundtable Discussions hosted by the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) and Japan Organisation for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC).
The Deputy President will also host South African Rugby players based in Japan at the South African Official Residence.
The Deputy President is supported by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms. Tandi Moraka; the Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture, Mr. Gayton McKenzie; the Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane; the Minister of Agriculture Mr. John Steenhuisen; the Minister of Trade Industry and Competition, Mr. Parks Tau; and the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms. Nomalungelo Gina.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
President Ramaphosa to open ECD leadership summit
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Monday officially open the Bana Pele Early Childhood Development (ECD) Leadership Summit at the Atlas Studios, in Johannesburg.
The summit, convened by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA), aims to mobilise a public and private coalition behind the DBE’s 2030 ECD Roadmap for quality, universal access to early learning.
In a statement on Saturday, The Presidency noted that in South Africa, more than 1.3 million children are not enrolled in any form of ECD programme, leaving them without the foundational literacy and numeracy skills required to succeed in school.
“This learning gap affects their ability to take on critical subjects, such as Mathematics, Science, Accounting, and Economics in later years, which are the skills that are vital for innovation, economic growth, and job creation,” the Presidency said.
The summit will bring together government, business, civil society and education experts to “construct a roadmap for universal access to quality ECD across the country.
“This initiative is a crucial step toward ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to the early learning opportunities they need to thrive in life,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 03/16/2025 - 12:56
448 views
Deputy President leads working visit to Japan
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Sunday undertake a working visit to Tokyo, in Japan.
The Presidency said the visit, from 16 – 19 March 2025, is aimed at “reaffirming the strong cooperation between” the countries in areas of mutual interest.
“The two countries enjoy well established diplomatic relations, and the year 2025 marks 115 years of such relations. The working visit by the Deputy President underscores South Africa’s strong commitment and the importance that South Africa attaches to the relationship with Japan.
“During the working visit, the Deputy President and his delegation will meet with the Japanese Government and private sector stakeholders to advance South Africa’s key economic growth drivers, such as manufactured-led growth and increasing South Africa’s exports,” the Presidency said in a statement on Saturday.
The Deputy President will be accompanied by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Tandi Moraka; Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Higher Education, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane; Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, Trade Industry and Competition Minister, Parks Tau; and Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister, Nomalungelo Gina. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 03/16/2025 - 13:13
275 views
Simelane commits to support Free State in delivering housing units
Human Settlements Minister, Thembi Simelane, has pledged to support the Free State Province in its efforts to meet the 2024-2029 target to deliver housing units to qualifying beneficiaries.
Simelane made the commitment during an oversight visit to the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality on Friday, as part of a nationwide assessment of municipal and provincial performance in human settlements programmes.
The visit aimed to address ongoing service delivery blockages within the province.
The visit also formed part of a country-wide municipal and provincial assessment of human settlements programme performance.
Addressing the provincial Human Settlements and Mangaung Municipality, Simelane discouraged working in silos between the provincial department and municipalities.
She emphasised that overcoming the housing backlog and ensuring the delivery of sustainable human settlements, can only be achieved through coordinated efforts.
While acknowledging the progress made to ensure the qualifying beneficiaries receive their houses, with some contractors already on the ground, the Minister expressed concern over several incomplete projects across the province.
“We are gearing ourselves for the current 2024-2029 Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) to deliver on our mandate. With our limited budget, we are aligning our plans to ensure that we effectively use our allocated budget,” Simelane said.
The Minister reiterated the critical role that contractors play in delivering housing units and warned against those who have been given opportunities to “do the right thing and deliver houses.”
She also issued a stern warning to both contractors and officials who fail to meet their responsibilities, saying that there would be consequences against those who let down the people.
“A delayed project means one senior citizen is denied his or her constitutional right to adequate shelter,” Simelane said.
Simelane further undertook to visit the Metros every quarter, to ensure that housing and service delivery targets are being met.
She also underscored the importance of ensuring that every cent allocated to the department is spent towards improving the lives of deserving households.
Human Settlements MEC, Teboho Mokoena, challenged the Minister to consider visiting the province more frequently, suggesting every two months, and reiterated the province's commitment to improving service delivery.
Mokoena also emphasised budget constraints, which remains a challenge, noting that this will have an impact in the department’s programme.
“Progress is being made on several projects that were blocked including G-Hostel and Dark and Silver City. The qualifying beneficiaries are expected to incrementally move into the completed units during the 2025/2026 financial year,” Mokoena said.
The MEC highlighted the province’s struggle with completing housing projects due to a range of issues, including multiple contractor changes in due to non-performance, vandalism at abandoned sites after contract terminations, community disruptions and non-compliance issues, financial constraints, non-payment of completed work certificates, and bureaucratic delays in the approvals of variation orders and claims.
However, Mokoena assured that interventions are being implemented, including the appointment of new, reliable contractors, and regular monitoring and reporting, to ensure projects stay on track.
“Despite these challenges, the province has done exceptionally well in the provision of serviced sites. By January 2025, the province reported the successful delivery of 5 025 service sites against the 1755 2024/2025 target. Most of the sites delivered are in Fezile Dabi District Municipality,” Mokoena said.
Simelane is expected to return to the Free State to officially hand over completed units at Dark and Silver City Community Residential Units, as well as military veterans’ housing units at the Vista Park Catalytic Project, in Mangaung.
The Vista Park project is a massive development aimed at providing much needed housing opportunities.
The department said extension 2 of the project is expected to yield over 5 344 residential housing opportunities, while extension 3 will produce around 6 036 residential opportunities.
The project is also expected to deliver the Breaking New Ground (BNG) units, including social housing, First Home Finance, and student accommodation. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 03/16/2025 - 14:41
235 views
In the PR World we have a ‘difficult to define’ relationship with journalists – we hate it when they don’t publish our puff pieces and love them to bits when they do. In any event journalism as an industry is under threat and it is behove upon us as PR Professionals to support and promote …
Businesses encouraged to operate ethically
Mpumalanga MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Makhosazane Masilela, has called on businesses to “go above and beyond” to demonstrate ethical business practices.
The MEC was speaking at the commemoration of World Consumer Rights Day (WCR), held at the University of Mpumalanga, on Saturday.
“As we celebrate this significant day, we are reminded of the central role that consumers play in our economy, and the critical need to protect their rights, while also encouraging businesses to operate ethically, responsibly, and with integrity.
“It is not enough to simply adhere to the bare minimum of legal requirements; businesses must go above and beyond to establish a culture of fairness, respect, and responsibility,” Masilela said.
World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated annually on the 15th of March, as a means of raising global awareness about consumer rights and needs.
Celebrating the day is a chance to demand that the rights of all consumers are respected and protected, and to protest against market abuses and social injustices which undermine those rights.
The National Consumer Commission held the commemoration in partnership with the Competition Commission of South Africa, the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism, and various regulatory bodies, under the umbrella of the Consumer Protection Forum (CPF).
The WCR was celebrated under the theme “Empowering Consumers—Balancing Rights with Ethical Business Practices”.
Acting Commissioner of the NCC, Hardin Ratshisusu, emphasised the ongoing need to intensify efforts in addressing the sale of expired food items in local spaza shops.
“Recent inspections on local spaza shops in various communities have revealed expired food items on shelves, prompting their removal and destruction.
“It is important we continue with this work given the recent spate of foodborne illnesses affecting the most vulnerable consumers in our society – our children,” Ratshisusu said.
Competition Commission Acting Head of Advocacy, Andile Gwabeni, emphasised the importance of the Competition Act in ensuring a competitive market.
“We understand that a fair and competitive market inherently protects consumers…and we therefore see consumer welfare as a direct output of our work,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 03/16/2025 - 14:40
110 views
Simelane commits to support Free Sate in delivering housing units
Human Settlements Minister, Thembi Simelane, has pledged to support the Free State Province in its efforts to meet the 2024-2029 target to deliver housing units to qualifying beneficiaries.
Simelane made the commitment during an oversight visit to the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality on Friday, as part of a nationwide assessment of municipal and provincial performance in human settlements programmes.
The visit aimed to address ongoing service delivery blockages within the province.
The visit also formed part of a country-wide municipal and provincial assessment of human settlements programme performance.
Addressing the provincial Human Settlements and Mangaung Municipality, Simelane discouraged working in silos between the provincial department and municipalities.
She emphasised that overcoming the housing backlog and ensuring the delivery of sustainable human settlements, can only be achieved through coordinated efforts.
While acknowledging the progress made to ensure the qualifying beneficiaries receive their houses, with some contractors already on the ground, the Minister expressed concern over several incomplete projects across the province.
“We are gearing ourselves for the current 2024-2029 Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) to deliver on our mandate. With our limited budget, we are aligning our plans to ensure that we effectively use our allocated budget,” Simelane said.
The Minister reiterated the critical role that contractors play in delivering housing units and warned against those who have been given opportunities to “do the right thing and deliver houses.”
She also issued a stern warning to both contractors and officials who fail to meet their responsibilities, saying that there would be consequences against those who let down the people.
“A delayed project means one senior citizen is denied his or her constitutional right to adequate shelter,” Simelane said.
Simelane further undertook to visit the Metros every quarter, to ensure that housing and service delivery targets are being met.
She also underscored the importance of ensuring that every cent allocated to the department is spent towards improving the lives of deserving households.
Human Settlements MEC, Teboho Mokoena, challenged the Minister to consider visiting the province more frequently, suggesting every two months, and reiterated the province's commitment to improving service delivery.
Mokoena also emphasised budget constraints, which remains a challenge, noting that this will have an impact in the department’s programme.
“Progress is being made on several projects that were blocked including G-Hostel and Dark and Silver City. The qualifying beneficiaries are expected to incrementally move into the completed units during the 2025/2026 financial year,” Mokoena said.
The MEC highlighted the province’s struggle with completing housing projects due to a range of issues, including multiple contractor changes in due to non-performance, vandalism at abandoned sites after contract terminations, community disruptions and non-compliance issues, financial constraints, non-payment of completed work certificates, and bureaucratic delays in the approvals of variation orders and claims.
However, Mokoena assured that interventions are being implemented, including the appointment of new, reliable contractors, and regular monitoring and reporting, to ensure projects stay on track.
“Despite these challenges, the province has done exceptionally well in the provision of serviced sites. By January 2025, the province reported the successful delivery of 5 025 service sites against the 1755 2024/2025 target. Most of the sites delivered are in Fezile Dabi District Municipality,” Mokoena said.
Simelane is expected to return to the Free State to officially hand over completed units at Dark and Silver City Community Residential Units, as well as military veterans’ housing units at the Vista Park Catalytic Project, in Mangaung.
The Vista Park project is a massive development aimed at providing much needed housing opportunities.
The department said extension 2 of the project is expected to yield over 5 344 residential housing opportunities, while extension 3 will produce around 6 036 residential opportunities.
The project is also expected to deliver the Breaking New Ground (BNG) units, including social housing, First Home Finance, and student accommodation. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 03/16/2025 - 14:41
82 views
Majodina commends progress in Clanwilliam Dam wall project
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina the department will ensure the acceleration of the R5.7 billion project to raise Clanwilliam Dam wall situated in Olifants River, Western Cape.
Majodina made the remarks during an oversight visit at the dam on Saturday.
The mega project in Cederberg Municiaplity, is one of the department’s priority projects, and is expected to be completed in 2028.
“Let us ensure that we accelerate the project so that it can be finalised on time. The project will not only determine the safety of the dam but will also bring economic spin-offs to the area of Clanwilliam and its surroundings.
“I am satisfied with the progress of the project and the multiple work that is running concurrently. This will speed up the completion of the project,” Majodina said.
According to the department, the project is “part of the Olifants-Doorn River Water Resources Project (ODRWP) currently under way”.
“The concrete placement of the dam’s Apron started in March and was completed in June last year. This is a construction of a concrete structure below the dam to protect it against water washes in the dam or to form a basin to control flows. The apron also prevents sediments, organic matter, and pollutants to potentially reduce storage capacity and impacting on the water quality,
“The completed project will supply raw water from the Clanwilliam Dam to the farmers, municipalities, mines and industries in the Olifants River valley between the dam and the estuary (river mouth). The pre-construction activities at the dam commenced in 2018 and the construction progress is currently at 21% as of 01 March 2025,” the department said.
The project has been broken down into several components with the main component “the alignment of the N7 National Route completed in 2017”.
“The dam wall was last raised between 1962 and 1966, with the overspill crest that was increased by 3 metres in length and 13 crest gates raised by 3.05 metres, each at 7.77 metres wide.
“The completed project will not only improve the dam safety standards under high flood conditions but will also improve assurance of water supply to the existing irrigators. The newly renovated dam will also increase its annual yield by approximately 70 million cubic metres per year, thereby benefitting and developing the emerging and small-scale farmers in the area,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 03/16/2025 - 15:04
23 views
16 March 2025 – South African Football Association (SAFA) Chief Medical Officer Dr Thulani Ngwenya has successfully completed the FIFA Emergency Medical Course. The course took place in Rabat, Morocco, and it touched on very important aspects of Football Emergencies like Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Concussion, Heat Stroke, and many other Trauma incidences found in Football. […]
The post SAFA Chief Medical Officer Dr Ngwenya completes FIFA Emergency Medical Course first appeared on SAFA.net.
Dear Editor The awarding of a R360 million SAPS health services tender to Medicare24 Tswane in June 2024 raises significant questions, particularly surrounding the involvement of former SAPS official, Petunia Lenono. Lenono, who was a member of the bid evaluation committee that recommended the award of the tender to Medicare24, resigned from the SAPS no …
Jean le Roux, NSRI Hermanus duty coxswain, said: At 12h40, Saturday, 15 March, NSRI Hermanus duty crew, while recovering rescue craft from a routine training exercise at NSRI Hermanus station 17 rescue base, were activated following eyewitness reports of a craft appearing to be capsized, with people at the casualty craft appearing to be hanging …
The NovaVit Griffons delivered arguably the performance of the week by edging the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers 38-35 in a nail-biting second round SA Cup match in Welkom to entrench themselves in the top three along with Suzuki Griquas and the Airlink Pumas. The defending champions from Kimberley and last year’s runners up from Nelspruit both …
Steyn City School’s Karabo Meso left the best for last as she smashed an unbeaten 117 runs to secure her team the inaugural Schools SA20 girls’ Championship by 61 runs against Saint’s Christian School from Potchefstroom. The Tuks Oval in Pretoria was a buzz with a lively crowd as the Schools SA20 came to an …
Matt Dickey, NSRI Umhlanga station commander, said: At 18h10, Saturday, 15 March, NSRI Durban, NSRI Umhlanga and the KZN Surf Rescue Network were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at Glenashley Beach, Durban North. An adult man and an adult lady, believed to be locals, were reported to be caught in the surf …
15 March 2025 – South African U17 women’s national team coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo was left disappointed after her charges suffered a 0-2 defeat (5-1 on aggregate) to their Nigeria counterparts in the away second leg FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on Saturday. The South Africans arrived […]
The post Disappointed but also proud – SA U17 women’s national team coach Khumalo first appeared on SAFA.net.
The Hollywoodbets Dolphins are set to celebrate the outstanding individual performances of their players at the upcoming Hollywoodbets Star Awards. This special event will take place on 18 March 2025 at the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, where players from both the men’s and women’s teams will be recognized for their exceptional performances during the 2023/24 season …
Clarins celebrates diverse, authentic beauty with the launch of Skin Illusion Full Coverage Foundation Clarins builds on its tradition of innovation with the launch of Skin Illusion Full Coverage Foundation, a foundation that salutes the uniqueness of every South African. Available in 24 shades in store and 28 shades online (with another shade set to …
