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Dear Editor This morning’s shooting in Nyanga, which claimed one life and injured seven others, alongside the murder of nine people at a tavern in Mpumalanga over the weekend, underscores the SAPS’s inability to act proactively and the lack of crime intelligence. The Minister of Police’s recent revelation that 9,000 people were killed in mass …
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has today announced the ICC Men’s and Women’s Players of the Month for December 2024 as India’s Jasprit Bumrah and Australia’s Annabel Sutherland. Top-ranked Test bowler Bumrah provided stern resistance to Australia’s resurgence in a compelling Border-Gavaskar Trophy series with destructive bowling spells, while Sutherland was in sparkling form during …
The South African Rugby Employers Organisation (SAREO) elected Ettienne de Lange of the Valke as their new chairperson at their annual meeting held in Cape Town last month. De Lange, who has been involved in the Valke’s structures for 25 years, takes over from SWD’s Veda Manie, who held the position for the last two …
The squads are now locked in for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025. Sixteen nations have each selected 15 of their best and brightest talents to compete for the title of 2025 champions. With the start of the tournament just four days away, the captains of the teams gathered at the iconic Petronas …
Police arrest 16 718 suspects during nationwide Operation Shanela
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested 16 718 suspects during its Operation Shanela crime crackdown, which ran from 6 - 12 January 2025, targeting criminal activities across the country.
“Through Operation Shanela, SAPS continues to take a bold and decisive approach in dealing with crime in the country. These crime fighting activities include tracking operations, roadblocks, high visibility patrols, stop and searches, as well as tracing of wanted suspects,” SAPS said in a statement.
All Shanela operations are led by the Provincial Commissioner of each province.
Just this week alone, the following arrests were made:
Police registered the following successes:
The police also highlighted major successes, which include the arrest of a 39-year-old man by police in Mpumalanga following a shooting incident where eight people were shot and killed outside a tavern in Pienaar on Saturday.
The team confiscated a pistol and ammunition during his arrest and the suspect is expected to appear in court soon.
Police in Limpopo also apprehended eight suspects, including a councillor, on allegations of extortion at a construction site along the R555 road in Roossenekal, on 9 January 2025.
In a separate incident, a joint operation conducted by Sandringham SAPS, Gauteng Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Hawks, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and a private security company led to the arrest of three Ethiopian foreign nationals suspected of trafficking in persons, kidnapping, extortion and contravention of the Immigration Act.
The team acted on a tip-off from neighbours about suspicious activities at a house in Sandringham and found 26 Ethiopian nationals who were held captive inside the house. A pistol and one magazine were also seized.
Operation Vala Umgodi task teams continue to record commendable successes in the country.
Just last week alone, police arrested 62 suspects for illegal mining, and the majority of these suspects were arrested in the Free State.
A joint operation by Northern Cape Crime Intelligence, Organised Crime, North West Organised Crime, and Potchefstroom Public Order Police led to the arrest of a 36-year-old man suspected of business robbery in Potchefstroom. The team seized a pistol with its serial number filed off.
Meanwhile, police in Mpumalanga arrested three men who allegedly shot and killed three men in an incident related to taxi conflict in Piet Retief on 9 January 2025.
Four firearms, including a rifle and three pistols with ammunition, were seized in the incident. The three suspects are facing three counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder.
“Police will continue with their operations by asserting the authority of the State to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country,” the SAPS said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 01/14/2025 - 10:23
An antenuptial agreement is a legal contract signed before marriage that outlines how assets will be divided if the marriage ends. This agreement protects both parties and clarifies financial responsibilities during the marriage. The Purpose of an Antenuptial Contract An antenuptial contract ensures that both partners have a clear understanding of their financial rights …
KUALA LUMPUR: Four former Proteas Women players will be at the helm of the South Africa U19 Women in the second...
Hard work pays off for Gauteng matric Class of 2024
Gauteng’s history-making matric Class of 2024 are a testament to the fruits of resilience and hard work.
This is according to the provincial Education MEC Matome Chiloane who announced the province’s matric results at a ceremony held in Midrand on Tuesday.
This followed on the announcement of the 2024 National Senior Certificate results by the Department of Basic Education on Monday.
At least 133 000 full time learners wrote the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams in Gauteng with more than 117 000 passing and achieving a 88.4% pass rate.
Bachelor passes improved from 44.3% in 2023 to 52.3% in 2024.
“Your exceptional results are a testament to your resilience and brilliance. Through sheer determination and tireless commitment, you have transformed your dreams into reality – demonstrating that excellence is born where dedication meets perseverance.
“This is the best performance since 1995 … in fact, it’s the highest in Gauteng history. Therefore, congratulations to the Class of 2024. Your hard work and resilience has [sic] been justly rewarded,” he said.
The MEC gave special mention to Lufhereng Secondary School – a no fee-paying school which achieved a 100% pass rate with 97% of learners obtaining Bachelor passes.
“It’s a mobile school and it’s free. The reality is that, whether you’ve paid R200 000 for your child to be in school or for free, this year, they are going to be sitting next to each other at Wits University.
“Lufhereng is our best school in terms of performance in our province. What is special about Lufhereng…they’ve got a very good principal. At the same time, it’s the culture of the school, you need to create a culture of being proud. This is one school that we should use a model for others. It’s a new benchmark for all our schools,” he said.
Chiloane thanked school governing bodies (SGB) and parents for supporting their children through the rigorous exam period.
“We could not have done, and we cannot do it without our educators and principals. Thousands of you...have shown in the past year, your dedication to your profession and to our children [by] attending courses, participating in our in-service development offerings, upgrading your management skills and most importantly, putting our learners at the centre of your efforts every day.
“Let me mention the SGB association and the many parents across the province without whose contribution we would struggle achieve success. Your efforts and contribution to the outcomes…prove that our children and our country are best served by constructive engagement from all sides,” Chiloane said.
READ | President Ramaphosa commends Matric Class of 2024 on record achievements
Gauteng matriculants can retrieve their results from https://results.gauteng.gov.za/ . – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 01/14/2025 - 13:07
The House of Angostura® is thrilled to reveal the Top 10 finalists for the highly anticipated ANGOSTURA® Global Cocktail Challenge (AGCC) 2024/2025. This prestigious competition has seen bartenders from around the world showcase their talent, creativity, and passion, all competing for a chance to become the next ANGOSTURA® Global Cocktail Champion. With incredible skill and …
Police seize counterfeit goods in Musina
Counterfeit and illicit goods valued at over R5 million have been seized in a police operation in Musina, Limpopo.
The South African Police Service (SAPS), in collaboration with its crime-fighting partners, conducted an operation that was spearheaded by the National Counterfeit Goods Unit, with support from the SAPS Gauteng Drone Team, including the Bloemfontein K9 Unit, South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs, and brand protectors on Sunday.
A roving team comprising SAPS members from specialised units deployed in Limpopo, as part of Operation Vala Umgodi, also participated in the operation.
The team executed a search-and-seizure warrant at a shopping mall in Musina's central business district.
Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, said more than 2 000 counterfeit and illicit items, including sneakers, clothing, cellphone accessories, perfume and consumables, were confiscated during the operation.
She said two Eritrean nationals and one Bangladeshi national, all asylum seekers, were arrested for dealing in counterfeit goods.
The Bangladeshi national faces an additional charge for bribery after attempting to bribe officers at the scene to evade arrest.
“On the same day, the team stopped and searched vehicles in the area, which led them to arrest a suspect for possession of a stolen vehicle. The members also seized dagga and drugs found abandoned in a taxi after the driver and commuters fled the scene on foot,” Van Wyk said in a statement.
Van Wyk noted that while primarily tasked with addressing crimes associated with illicit mining, the members contribute to combating a broader range of criminal activities in the province.
She said SAPS, together with its partners, remains steadfast in its efforts to eliminate the illegal trade of counterfeit and illicit goods, which poses risks to consumers, harm legitimate businesses, and undermine the economy of the country. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 01/14/2025 - 10:38
Pretoria, Gauteng — A roof serves as more than just a shelter; it’s the first line of defense against harsh weather conditions. Yet, over time, even the most well-constructed roofs can develop vulnerabilities that, if ignored, may lead to costly damage. TT Waterproofing, a trusted leader in roofing and waterproofing systems in Gauteng, shares expert …
Dear Editor The Class of 2024 has delivered a record-breaking 84.98% matric pass rate for the Eastern Cape, the province’s best result since 1994. This marks the fourth consecutive year of improvement and reflects the dedication and perseverance of learners, educators, parents, and stakeholders across the education sector. We extend heartfelt congratulations to every matriculant, …
Dear Editor As we begin the new school year tomorrow, the DA wishes all the learners and teachers well as they commence a new year of learning and progress. This year signifies a key milestone in the country’s effort to bolster the quality of education, especially among younger learners. The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe …
Double World Cup winning Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach will boost the DHL Stormers squad when he joins the fold ahead of the 2025/26 season. The experienced Reinach, who has 39 Springbok caps to his name, will make his return to South Africa at the end of the current season having played in England and France …
The Western Cape Mobility Department is aware of fraudulent activities involving individuals being scammed into paying fees to attend the provincial Gene Louw Traffic Training College. Unscrupulous scammers, operating via social media, falsely claim to represent the college and request payments of R150 for registration forms and a further R3,000 for enrolment. In late 2024 …
Matric results day brings joy and celebration across South Africa
There was a hive of activity at schools across the country this morning as matriculants eagerly returned to collect their examination results.
The air was filled with excitement, nervous anticipation and bursts of joy, as learners celebrated the culmination of 12 years of hard work.
Many schools held special celebrations to honor the Class of 2024, applauding their resilience and dedication. Teachers and principals were on hand to congratulate the learners, and many students took the opportunity to express their heartfelt gratitude to their educators for their unwavering support and guidance.
One standout achiever in the 2024 matric cohort is South African teenage sprinting sensation, Bayanda Walaza. The Olympic silver medalist capped off an extraordinary 2024 by crossing the matric finish line with flying colors.
Walaza achieved a Bachelor pass with exemption and secured a distinction, marking yet another milestone in a year that also saw him clinch an Olympic silver medal and the title of Junior World Champion.
Reflecting on his achievement, Walaza admitted to feeling a mix of nerves and excitement as he opened his results.
“It was scary to open the envelope, but I’m really impressed with how I did,” he said.
He said the results have inspired him to push himself to be better both on and off the track.
Walaza, who plans to study Logistics, has shown that balancing academics and sports at the highest level is possible with determination and hard work.
His story is a shining example of the potential within South Africa’s youth and a source of inspiration for many.
Across the nation, the Class of 2024 is celebrating excellence and new beginnings. From heartfelt reunions with teachers to sharing dreams of the future with family and friends, the day marks a significant milestone in the lives of South Africa’s young achievers.
The Class of 2024 achieved an unprecedented achievement that bears testimony to learners’ personal commitment and advances in the basic education sector.
The national pass rate for the National Senior Certificate increased from 82.9% in 2023 to 87.3% last year, which is the highest ever in the country’s history. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 01/14/2025 - 11:48
Pretoria, South Africa – Engine overheating is a problem that every vehicle owner dreads. It can strike without warning, leaving you stranded and facing costly repairs. To help drivers avoid this stressful situation, Moreleta Service Centre, a trusted RMI-accredited car service provider in Pretoria, offers valuable insights on how to recognise, prevent, and manage engine …
KZN CoGTA moves to address Ray Nkonyeni Municipality challenges
KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has intervened to resolve the impasse at the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, which has halted service delivery.
Buthelezi convened a meeting with ratepayers, including business representatives, trade unions and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality leaders, to resolve the three-month-long workers' strike, which has affected service delivery.
Held at the municipality’s council chamber in Port Shepstone last Friday, the meeting was attended by the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Deputy Mayor, Sibusiso Shange, various representatives from business forums, tourism businesses, amakhosi, and ratepayers.
The strike has devastated service delivery in the key tourism hub, causing significant financial losses to businesses and forcing residents to seek alternative solutions for essential services, including waste collection, water and electricity.
The dispute between the municipality and its employees stems from an arbitration award related to back pay and the regrading of workers following the 2016 merger of Ezinqolweni and Hibiscus Coast Local Municipalities to form Ray Nkonyeni Municipality.
The municipality appealed the arbitration decision, and the matter remains unresolved in the Labour Court.
In October 2024, workers commenced industrial action, demanding the municipality honour the award.
During the meeting on Friday, Buthelezi provided all stakeholders with an opportunity to express their concerns and propose solutions.
Business and tourism representatives emphasised the heavy losses incurred due to the lack of service delivery, while amakhosi called for an urgent resolution, highlighting the negative impact on businesses and residents’ well-being.
Buthelezi said the municipality could have handled this matter with greater diligence to avoid a complete shutdown.
The MEC said it was the department’s responsibility to mediate and give all parties a final opportunity to engage constructively and resolve the issue.
He said some aspects of the situation could have been better managed.
"[However] before we take decisive action, we are allowing a two-week period for resolution.
“Our primary aim is to safeguard jobs and ensure that businesses do not continue to suffer irreparable harm. When businesses close, people lose jobs – something we must prevent at all costs.
“All stakeholders, including amakhosi, have expressed their desire for an end to the strike and we expect an amicable solution to be reached by 31 January 2025. Should this not occur, the department will have no choice but to implement further interventions,” Buthelezi said.
The MEC is expected to return to the municipality on 31 January 2025 to review progress and take further action. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 01/14/2025 - 11:31
The FW de Klerk Foundation extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2024 for their outstanding achievement in the National Senior Certificate (“NSC”) examinations.
The post FW DE KLERK FOUNDATION CONGRATULATES THE CLASS OF 2024 ON HISTORIC MATRIC RESULTS appeared first on FW de Klerk Foundation.
Western Cape achieves highest NSC pass rate ever
The Western Cape Matric Class of 2024 has excelled with a matric pass rate of 86.6%, which is a 5.1 percentage point increase on last year’s pass rate and the province’s highest National Senior Certificate pass rate ever.
“Moreover, our bachelors pass rate, which is a crucial indicator of the quality of matric passes, has also increased by 5.6 percentage points to 47.8%. This is also the highest bachelors pass rate our department has achieved to date,” Western Cape MEC for Education David Maynier said on Monday.
The province also achieved the top Mathematics and top Physical Science pass rates again this year, with a Mathematics pass rate of 78.0%, and Physical Science pass rate of 79.4%.
“Our candidates achieved our highest number of subject distinctions to date, with 11 699 candidates achieving a total of 27 948 distinctions for the second highest distinctions rate in the country.
“We have the second highest pass rate in the country for Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) at 91.0%, and the highest bachelors pass rate in the country for LSEN learners at 63.3%,” the MEC said.
The province has the highest retention rate from Grade 10 to 12 in the country at 68.3%, and nearly 3 800 more Western Cape learners passed their matric exam this year compared to 2023.
“We are also delighted that our candidates have once again shone on the national stage, with four Western Cape matrics receiving awards this evening including the top candidate in the country,” he said.
These top candidates include Rayyan Ebrahim from Pinelands High School, Matthew Christopher Wise from Pinelands High School, Nicholas David Schreiber from Rondebosch Boys' High School and Jordan Raubenheimer from De La Bat School.
The four received their awards at the announcement of the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results in Johannesburg on Monday night.
“Congratulations to our Class of 2024 and thank you for the hard work that you put in to ensure that you achieved your goals. You made a decision to invest in your own futures, and we can’t wait to see what you will go on to achieve after matric.
“The outstanding results would not have been possible without the support of matric teachers and matric parents. Thank you for everything that you have done to allow our candidates to shine, and for helping them to take their next steps.
“To the Class of 2025; last year’s matrics have shown you what can be done with dedication to your studies. We will do everything we can to support you, and if you use the year wisely, we will be celebrating with you next year,” the MEC said.
At Monday night’s ceremony, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube announced that the Matric Class of 2024 has achieved an overall pass rate of 87.3%, making it the highest matric pass rate in the history of South Africa.
“I am proud to announce that in 2024, 615 429 learners passed the National Senior Certificate (NSC) – more than any other time in our history. South Africa’s national pass rate for the 2024 National Senior Certificate has therefore increased from 82.9% in 2023 to 87.3%,” Gwarube said.
READ | Class of 2024 achieves historic pass rate
-SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 01/14/2025 - 10:19
Call for Limpopo residents to remain vigilant amidst Cyclone Dikeledi warning
Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, has called on the residents of the province to remain vigilant as Cyclone Dikeledi approaches Mozambique.
Although current reports indicate that the cyclone poses no immediate threat to South Africa, its proximity to Mozambique may result in potential risks to areas bordering Limpopo.
“The safety of our communities remains our utmost priority. We call upon all residents to stay informed, listen to official messages from our disaster management team, and act promptly in response to their guidance,” the Premier said on Monday.
Dr Ramathuba has assured residents that the province’s disaster management team is on high alert and has commenced proactive planning to respond to any possible impacts of the cyclone.
The Limpopo government will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide timely updates to residents.
Residents are advised to regularly check official weather updates and alerts, avoid spreading unverified information that may cause unnecessary panic, and ensure safety precautions are in place, particularly in low-lying areas prone to flooding.
The provincial government said it is deeply concerned about the damage caused by heavy rains in recent weeks.
“Residents are strongly urged to exercise caution and avoid crossing low-lying bridges during heavy rains. Additionally, parents and guardians are advised to ensure that children do not play near rivers or streams, as these areas pose significant dangers during flood conditions. Let us work together to prioritize safety and prevent unnecessary tragedies during this challenging period,” the provincial government said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 01/14/2025 - 09:18
JOHANNESBURG: Proteas Men’s white-ball head coach Rob Walter has today announced a 15- member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy...
St Benedict’s College is proud to announce that its matriculants have once again demonstrated outstanding academic prowess, with 110 learners producing an impressive 256 distinctions. This surpasses last year’s total by six and translates to a distinction ratio of 2.33 distinctions per matriculant. Nine boys achieved an incredible seven or more distinctions and 11 made …
Player of the Match Kagiso Rabada starred as Cape Town M1 outfit record their second win to send the Newlands faithful home with smiles on their faces. MI Cape Town returned to winning ways with a comprehensive 33-run victory over neighbours Paarl Royals in the first instalment of the Betway SA20 Cape derby at Newlands. …