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Standard Bank has noted a surge in student loan applications, including for post-graduate studies. The bank reported an increase in student loan disbursements in 2024, with double-digit growth in limit increases. Due to rising tuition fees, the demand for student loans continues to grow annually. Tshiamo Molanda, Head of Youth and Mass Market Clients at …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the decision by the City of Tshwane to go to court to keep the Rooiwal Five suspended. This case has major implications for the future of the capital city. Two weeks ago, the DA broke the news that these officials were heading back to work after obtaining a …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) strongly condemns Minister Parks Tau’s recent unilateral policy announcement regarding the creation of a R100 billion Transformation Fund to exclusively assist black businesses, which undermines Cabinet and the Government of National Unity (GNU). His approach is not only irresponsible but deeply problematic, as it completely bypasses the necessary Cabinet …
CAPE TOWN: Raeeq Daniels claimed four wickets to help set South Africa Under-19 Men on their way to a series-levelling five-wicket...
SARAWAK: South Africa U19 Women began their ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup campaign with a 22-run victory (DLS Method) over...
Pretoria, South Africa – Monday, 20 January 2025: Defender OCTA – the performance hero of the unstoppable Defender family – will form the basis of Defender’s Dakar and FIA World Rally Raid Championship competition challenger from 2026, showcasing its extreme performance credentials in the world’s toughest off-road events. Unstoppable all-terrain capability and strength are at …
With the aQuellé Midmar Mile just weeks away, rising swimming star Matthew Caldwell made a strong statement over the weekend, securing victory in two events at the final seeding swim at Prime View Adventure & Leisure in Midrand. The Johannesburg swimmer’s impressive performances in the 3km and 1.2km events have set the stage for an …
Jansen propels Sunrisers to the double over Super Giants. Back-to-back champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape continue to find their form with a convincing win over Durban’s Super Giants The Sunrisers Eastern Cape have moved into the playoff spots with a second consecutive bonus point victory over Durban’s Super Giants at St George’s Park on Sunday. After …
The Adopt-a-School Foundation celebrated its national top achiever when the Matric Class of 2024 results, an 87.3% national pass rate making it the best in the democratic South Africa’s history, was announced yesterday. Lalamani Maselesele, 17, from a rural Limpopo school, Tshivhase Secondary in Thohoyandou received seven distinctions and took home the number one award …
Brian Gosling, NSRI Gordons Bay duty coxswain, said: At 15h16, Sunday, 19 January, the CoCT (City of Cape Town) water rescue network was alerted by Strand Surf Lifesaving lifeguards and CoCT lifeguards engaged in a search for a missing man at Strand Beach. The local man, believed to be from Eerste River, age 24, had …
During Saturday night CoCT (City of Cape Town) Law Enforcement Marine Unit officers located another 2 survival immersion suits that were recovered on Sunday morning, 19 January, by NSRI Strandfontein – 1 close to False Bay Surf Lifesaving Club, and one at Sonwabe Beach. Now a total of 7 survival immersion suits that we are …
Minister George applauds hefty sentence imposed on poacher
Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, Dr Dion George, has applauded the 18-year prison sentence that was handed down to the 51-year-old Congolese rhino poacher and money launderer by the Middelburg Regional Court last week.
During a brief appearance in court on Wednesday, the suspect pleaded guilty to all charges, whilst his 15 co-accused are expected to appear in the Nelspruit Commercial Crimes Court in Mbombela this month.
The sentencing comes shortly after the Minister attended a course at the Southern African Wildlife College where he not only gained invaluable ranger skills, but also vital insight into the complexities the country is facing on the issue of poaching and the illicit trade of wildlife and wildlife derivatives.
“I can assure South Africans that poachers’ reign of terror on South African wildlife is coming to an end. The sentence imposed on the Congolese poacher is indicative of our renewed zero-tolerance stance on all forms of poaching, and we believe that the justice system will also find the rest of the suspected syndicate members guilty,” George said.
George was, however, disheartened by the fact that the poacher, who operated in the Kruger National Park, worked in partnership with locals. Reports indicate that the members of the syndicate bribed Kruger National Park rangers in exchange for information that aided their illicit activities.
“These few bad apple rangers and locals will not taint the great work done by the many dedicated rangers we have working our parks. South Africans should continue to support the rangers who put their lives at risk and remain committed to protecting our country’s vulnerable wildlife,” he emphasised.
In sending out a strong message that poaching will never be tolerated in the country, the Minister has instructed the legal team to oppose bail for any poacher caught within the country’s national parks.
“This will send a clear message that poaching is economic sabotage, and those who engage in it will face the full might of the law,” George said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 01/19/2025 - 15:27
Collaboration key to improved educational outcomes
Deputy Minister in the Presidency, responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Seiso Mohai, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive education system that equips every child for a brighter future.
The Deputy Minister said this at the conclusion of a successful Back to School Frontline Monitoring Visit in Lejweleputswa District Municipality, Free State, on 15 and 16 January 2025.
During the visit, Mohai assessed school readiness, motivated learners, and reinforced the critical role of education in shaping South Africa's future.
In his remarks, Mohai noted that the visit provided an opportunity to assess governance and resolve educational challenges.
"The school reports reflect the hard work of educators, even in difficult circumstances. Together, we are not just focused on educational outcomes; we are building a better future for every child across the country," the Deputy Minister said.
Accompanied by officials from the Lejweleputswa District Municipality and Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Mohai visited five schools across the district. The aim was to assess schools' preparedness for the new academic year, address challenges, and foster collaboration for improving education.
Learners across all schools demonstrated impressive performance, with many exceeding expectations. Students were eager and excited for the year ahead, showing readiness for the challenges of 2025.
“Despite challenges such as limited ICT resources and infrastructure, educators remain committed to ensuring that learners have the tools and support they need to succeed,” Education District Director of Lejweleputswa District Municipality, Phaello Zonke, said.
At all five schools, the Deputy Minister celebrated the Free State’s consistent academic success. Learners were motivated by messages from top Free State learner, Lehlohonolo Mokothu, who encouraged them by saying, "Anything is possible".
“The excitement among learners was palpable, with loud cheers and chants of 'Rea u rata Ntate Mohai' (We love you, Father Mohai). This spontaneous outpouring of affection reflected the deep connection the students feel with the Deputy Minister, who, as a proud son of the Free State, was warmly received as a local hero returning home. His presence symbolised the belief that, no matter where one comes from, great achievements are possible,” a statement read.
The Back-to-School Monitoring visit in Lejweleputswa District was a resounding success, fostering valuable engagement between educators, learners and local leadership.
Through this initiative, Mohai has reinforced the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure the readiness of schools, the empowerment of learners, and the continued advancement of education in the Free State. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 01/19/2025 - 16:03
South Africa, GEF host international environmental action seminar
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE), along with the Global Environment Facility (GEF), will host the GEF Expanded Constituency Workshop for the Southern Africa region from 20 - 23 January in Sandton, Johannesburg.
The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, will deliver the opening remarks at the four-day workshop, where 10 participating countries will discuss strategies and opportunities to strengthen environmental actions and generate lasting environmental benefits for people and planet.
The participants include government officials, international agencies, multilateral environmental agreements, and civil society organisations.
The Expanded Constituency Workshop will focus on the GEF approach on "Integration for Impact", highlighting the importance of unified approaches to invest in global environmental benefits across GEF’s focal areas.
The workshop will also include a site visit to a GEF project in South Africa, providing practical insights into the application of integrated strategies.
“During the workshop, the participants will visit the project 'Building a resilient and resource-efficient Johannesburg: Increased access to urban services and improved quality of life', which is being implemented by the DFFE, the Development Bank of South Africa and the United Nations Environment Programme with funding by the GEF to promote sustainable urban development,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 01/19/2025 - 15:41
Experienced Isani Vaghela revealed her USA side are all working towards the same goal of getting their first ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup win. The USA played in the inaugural tournament in 2023 but were unable to taste victory in either the group stage or the fourth-place play-offs. All-rounder Vaghela was part of the …
The Springbok Sevens team arrived in Perth on Sunday with a positive mindset and determined to raise the bar they have set in South Africa last month, when they won the HSBC SVNS Cape Town. According to Impi Visser, one of the co-captains for the trip, the victory – their first at home since 2015 …
Following the exciting announcement of Gert-Johan Coetzee’s limited edition capsule collection with Disney in December 2024, the acclaimed designer is currently captivating fans with a stunning photoshoot showcasing this magical collection. Stepping into a realm of enchantment, the electrifying photoshoot unfolded in the windows of an art gallery nestled in Hyde Park Corner. The installation …
Dear Editor After first welcoming the draft legislation, COSATU has now joined calls in opposition to the National State Enterprises Bill. The Bill in its current form is being driven by Minister Maropene Ramokgopa because the State can no longer afford wholesale funding of state-owned enterprises. As such, privatisation of state-owned enterprises is required, which …
Coming into the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 as defending champions could have heaped pressure on Niki Prasad, but the new captain of the inaugural winners is embracing the responsibility as she and her side aim to retain the trophy. In fact, when asked how the team would keep their feet on the …
Andrew de Kock, NSRI Simonstown duty coxswain, said: On Saturday morning, 18 January, NSRI Simonstown launched an investigation after a survival immersion suit was located floating offshore of St James Beach by a public member at around 07h30. The survival suit was recovered by Muizenberg security officers and handed into the care of NSRI Simonstown. …
Reigning champions India got the defense of their ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup trophy off to the perfect start with a nine-wicket victory over West Indies. India were ruthless with the ball and in the field before chasing down their target of 45 inside the powerplay. Sisodia sets up India win India timed their …
Joburg Super Kings fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has sustained a left hamstring strain and therefore will take no further part in SA20 2025. Gerald last played against Durban’s Super Giants on the 14th of January. The 24-year-old will undergo further medical assessments and rehabilitation. An update will be provided in due course.
Dear Editor The devastating announcement from ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) of 3 500 immediate job losses, with up to 100 000 more forecast across related sectors, underscores the urgent need for South Africa to overhaul its industrial policies. Without bold and innovative changes, our economy will remain in a downward spiral, and the unemployment crisis …
Juan Pretorius, NSRI Port Alfred duty coxswain, said: At 13h54, Saturday, 18 January, NSRI Port Alfred duty crew were activated following multiple eyewitness reports of a boat capsized in the Kowie River Mouth, with 2 men onboard, now reported to be in the water. Our NSRI duty crew responded to our NSRI Port Alfred station …