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Dear Editor The saga of illegal miners reportedly trapped underground at the Buffelsfontein mine in North West has been in the media since November. Yesterday I went there to see for myself and to try and sort through the mass of contradictory reporting and find out what’s really going on. Reports of the number of …
Western Cape invites youth to apply for YearBeyond Programme
The Western Cape Cultural Affairs and Sport Department has invited unemployed youth to apply for the YearBeyond Programme to gain valuable working experience while also giving back to their communities.
YearBeyond is a youth in service partnership between government, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), donors and non-governmental organisations.
Initiated in the Western Cape, the national programme provides unemployed youth, aged 18 to 25, with meaningful work experience and a pathway to further studies or work, while at the same time encouraging a culture of community service.
Western Cape Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie, said in order to qualify the applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 25, live within a 5 kilometre radius of a YearBeyond site, and must be registered on the SAYouth.Mobi platform.
Mackenzie said there were various streams within the YearBeyond programme where the youth can be placed, and some of the streams have additional qualification criteria including minimum matric marks in languages or maths.
“Through the YearBeyond programme, young people who are unsure as to what their next steps are can take up an opportunity to gain a year’s practical experience, improve their CV (curriculum vitae) and gain important skills which will help them to access future employment opportunities as employees or employers.”
The MEC added that the department wanted to offer the youth this hand up to help them take the next steps towards becoming successful adults.
Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, said the programme was critical in preparing young people for the job market and in helping to guide them to their future careers.
“I am very proud of YearBeyond [and] when I meet them, I am always astounded by the enthusiasm and dedication of these young people. This gives me hope.
“While the Western Cape’s youth unemployment is more than 10% lower than other provinces, we must keep working as hard as we can to enable young people to find jobs. I urge all qualifying youths to take advantage of this fantastic initiative,” Winde said.
For more information and to apply, applicants can go to www.yearbeyond.org.
The closing dates for the different streams vary and all information is available online. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 01/07/2025 - 10:23
Deputy Ministers engage communities affected by crime
The Police Ministry, led by the Deputy Ministers of Police Cassel Mathale and Polly Boshielo, will lead a crime prevention imbizo in communities affected by high levels of crime on Tuesday.
According to police, the purpose of the community engagements is to find lasting solutions to communities affected by gun and gang violence.
The engagements will start at Avondale Primary School in Atlantis on Tuesday and proceed to Sophumelela Secondary School in Samora Machel on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, through its high-density operations, commonly known as Operation Shanela, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested 13 105 suspects from the period starting on Monday, 30 December 2024, and ending on Sunday, 5 January 2025.
“Through Operation Shanela, the 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.
“All Shanela operations are led by the Provincial Commissioner of each province,” said the police in a statement.
In this period, the following arrests were made:
Police registered the following successes:
Police in Mpumalanga arrested two suspects, who shot and killed two men while sitting inside a Toyota Avanza in Ermelo. The suspects then fled the scene after the incident.
Police said they managed to trace and arrest the suspects and they are facing two counts of murder.
A multidisciplinary team comprising the SAPS Sekhukhune Task Team, Operation Vala Umgodi members and private security, rearrested Zimbabwean fugitive, Lovemore Musoyi, after escaping from police custody.
The 32-year-old is facing more than 10 criminal cases, including murder, attempted murder, armed robberies, house robberies, business robberies, kidnapping, assaults, stock theft, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition that occurred in Elandskraal, Motetema, Dennilton and Rakgoadi policing areas in Sekhukhune District.
A joint operation conducted by the Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, Vispol, Commercial Crime, Brand Protectors, and Reservist units resulted in the seizure of counterfeit and illicit goods worth R 627 290 in Midrand, Johannesburg.
Members of the Anti-Gang Unit in the Western Cape arrested a 35-year-old man after found him in possession of an AK47 assault rifle and ammunition.
On 5 January 2025, police in the North West apprehended five suspects in connection with the kidnapping and murder of 26-year-old Lesego Klaas Makaku in Hartbeespoort Dam. The suspects dragged the victim outside a tavern to the street, where they allegedly assaulted him to death.
Police arrested suspects and they are facing charges of kidnapping and murder.
“Operation Vala Umgodi task teams continue to record commendable successes in the country.
“Just last week alone, police arrested 54 suspects for illegal mining, and the majority of these suspects were arrested in the Mpumalanga province. Again, the team deployed in the North West is still monitoring ongoing operations in Stilfontein,” said the police.
A suspect was fatally shot in a shootout with police and one was arrested after a house robbery in Barberton, Mpumalanga.
“The armed suspects held the family, including a nine-month-old baby, hostage and robbed them of an undisclosed amount of cash before they drove away with them with their Ford Ranger. Police spotted the vehicle, and the suspects fired at the police who also returned fire. A pistol with ammunition as well as a magazine were seized in the incident.”
The police said they 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”. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Tue, 01/07/2025 - 09:45
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Suspect in Ayabonga Mjilo murder case appears in court
The case against restaurant manager, Mfanafuthi Kunene, who is accused of murdering 23-year-old former employee, Ayabonga Mjilo, has been postponed to 26 February 2025.
Kunene appeared before the Durban Magistrate’s Court for the first time on Monday.
The accused allegedly strangled Mjilo and buried her in a shallow grave in his yard in Inanda, Durban.
According to reports, Mjilo was last seen leaving a restaurant in Umhlanga in the early hours of Christmas morning with a male companion. After she failed to return home, a case of kidnapping was opened.
Kunene is facing charges of kidnapping, murder and defeating the ends of justice.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli praised the South African Police Service (SAPS) for swiftly arresting the suspect.
“Through meticulous police investigations, the suspect, identified as Mjilo’s manager, was apprehended.
“Evidence revealed that Mjilo had been taken to the suspect’s home in Amaotana, Inanda, where her lifeless body was discovered during the investigation.”
Ntuli expressed his heartfelt condolences to Mjilo’s family and friends during this tragic time.
“On behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Ayabonga Mjilo.
“Losing a young woman in such a brutal manner is a devastating tragedy. We stand in solidarity with the family as they mourn this heartbreaking loss, and we will continue to support them as they seek justice for Ayabonga.”
The Premier also emphasised the need for justice to prevail, as the ongoing scourge of violence against women and children continues to rear its ugly head in the province.
“The brutal killing of Ayabonga Mjilo is a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead in our mission to end gender-based violence (GBV).
“I commend the SAPS for their tireless efforts and urge the judiciary to impose the harshest possible punishment for such heinous crimes. KwaZulu-Natal has no place for individuals who commit these atrocities.”
The Premier called on communities, traditional authorities, izinduna (headmen), and amabutho (Zulu regiments) to partner with government in addressing the senseless killing of women and children in the province.
”Violence against women is an affront to our values of Ubuntu and humanity. This scourge demands collective action. I call on our community leaders, traditional authorities, and every citizen to unite in rejecting these barbaric acts.”
Ntuli stressed the critical role of traditional leadership and community structures in fostering a culture of respect, safety and protection for women and children.
He also highlighted the need for collaboration between government, civil society, and communities to create sustainable solutions and ensure perpetrators face justice.
”We must stand as one, with a united voice, to condemn these acts of violence and reaffirm our commitment to building safe, inclusive communities. This fight is not just for the government; it is for every one of us.”
The Premier urged the public to remain calm and allow the judicial process to unfold while reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims of GBV. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 01/06/2025 - 11:35
14 undocumented foreign nationals nabbed for illegal mining in Limpopo
The Vala Umgodi multidisciplinary task teams have conducted operations in Limpopo, resulting in the arrest of 14 undocumented foreign nationals and three individuals engaged in illegal sand mining between 4 and 5 January 2025.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), 14 suspects, aged between 19 and 45, were arrested for violating the Immigration Act.
Four were apprehended in Thohoyandou, in the Vhembe District, and 10 in Westernburg, in the Capricorn District.
In addition, three suspects, aged between 30 and 45, were nabbed in Apel, in the Sekhukhune District, for loading sand illegally.
“These disruptive operations, conducted in collaboration with the South African National Defence Force, targeted illegal mining sites linked to gold-bearing minerals, chrome, and sand extraction,” SAPS said in a statement.
In addition, seven individuals were each issued fines for selling expired food in Tynmine, in the Waterberg District.
The arrested suspects are set to appear before the respective magistrate's courts soon.
SAnews reported that ongoing Vala Umgodi operations in the Bojanala Platinum and Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts continue to bear fruit after police arrested six male suspects in Hartbeespoortdam in the North West on Wednesday last week.
Between 30 December 2024 and 3 January 2025, 12 illegal miners were arrested for illegal mining, trespassing, and contravention of the Immigration Act in Stilfontein.
In the last three months, over 1 000 illegal miners or zama zamas have emerged from an abandoned Stilfontein mine, where it is believed that hundreds more are still underground. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 01/06/2025 - 12:09
The Disciplinary process related to Tom O’Toole’s Red Card in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship Round 8 game against Munster on Friday, December 20 has resulted in a six game suspension. After an act of foul play by Ulster player No 3 (Tom O’Toole), referee Ben Whitehouse showed the Player a Red Card in the 31st minute …
Two-time Olympic open water swimming champion Sharon van Rouwendaal has confirmed her participation in this year’s aQuellé Midmar Mile which is set to take place at the famous KwaZulu-Natal dam from 6-9 February 2025. Just five months ago the Dutch swimmer stood atop the Olympic podium for a second time, following up her gold medal …
SAPS condemns killing of on-duty officers in Free State
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has condemned the brutal killing of two police officers, who lost their lives in the line of duty on Saturday, 4 January 2025, in Namahadi, in the Free State.
Preliminary reports indicate that at around 10pm, two officers from the Namahadi Community Service Centre (CSC) responded to a complaint about a house robbery in Mangaung village.
They were supported by a crime prevention vehicle, which had three additional members on board.
“Upon arriving at the scene, two suspects fled the house, prompting a chase by the crime prevention team. Meanwhile, the CSC members approached the house, where one suspect emerged and opened fire. One member was fatally shot, and his service pistol was taken by the suspect.
“As the pursuit continued, another suspect ambushed the driver of the backup vehicle while he was reversing the police vehicle. He was shot in the neck and succumbed to his injuries. The other police officers in the vehicle were unharmed.”
According to the SAPS, the suspects, whose faces were covered with balaclavas, also stole two cellphones and an undisclosed amount of cash from the victim of the house robbery.
The police said the suspects remain at large, and the investigation is ongoing.
The details of the deceased members will be shared as soon as their loved ones are formally informed.
“On behalf of SAPS, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, colleagues, and loved ones of the two constables.
“Their sacrifice in service to their community will never be forgotten,” said the Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane.
For any information regarding this incident, please contact the SAPS Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 01/06/2025 - 12:37
Level 8 weather warning: KZN residents urged to prepare for heavy rain
The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has placed disaster management teams on high alert following a weather warning from the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
The warning predicts disruptive rainfall for large parts of the province from Monday, 6 January to Wednesday, 8 January 2025.
Forecasts indicate that adverse weather conditions will lead to the overflow of low-water bridges, localised flooding, and possible disruptions to major routes across KwaZulu-Natal when holidaymakers are returning home.
Additional impacts include flooding in settlements, on roads and around bridges.
Forecasters predict the rain will be so heavy that it could cause damage to property and infrastructure, particularly affecting mud-based houses.
Residents are also encouraged to prepare for poor driving conditions and significant disruptions to traffic flow due to road and bridge closures.
According to the provincial department, several areas are expected to be affected. These include Big Five Hlabisa, Hluhluwe, eThekwini, Jozini, KwaDukuza, Mandeni, Maphumulo, Mkhambathini, Mthonjaneni, Ndwedwe, Nongoma, Ray Nkonyeni, Umdoni, Umhlabuyalingana, uMhlathuze, uMlalazi, Umzumbe, uPhongolo.
“Residents across the province are urged to take heed of the severe weather warning and to take all necessary safety precautions,” the provincial department warned.
The Provincial Disaster Management Centre has since convened the Joint Operations Committee with key stakeholders, including the South African National Roads Agency, the South African Police Service, disaster management practitioners at the municipal level, and social partners.
The team will also work with departments such as the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Social Development, Transport and Agriculture.
“All stakeholders indicated their state of readiness to deal with any eventuality that might arise from the inclement weather conditions.
“Across all the province’s districts, disaster management teams have been assigned to monitor areas that are prone to weather-related incidents,” the department said.
According to the SAWS, scattered (60%) and widespread (80%) showers and thundershowers are anticipated across the central and eastern regions of South Africa, including the North West, Free State, and the southern parts of Mpumalanga and Gauteng.
“The likelihood of a significant increase in rainfall accumulation is suggested, with amounts ranging from 50mm to 70mm. To this effect, road flooding, slippery surfaces, and broad flash flooding are possible.”
The meteorological service advises motorists to use vehicle headlights and drive at reasonably low speed.
Residents are urged to:
• Avoid crossing flooded roads or swollen streams.
• Move to higher ground if rising water levels are observed.
• Refrain from travelling on bridges or roads in low-lying areas, which are particularly vulnerable to flooding.
• Ensure vehicle headlights are on and drive at a reasonably low speed during showery conditions.
• Keep windscreens clear to maintain visibility.
For continuous updates, residents are encouraged to monitor weather warnings and updates from reliable sources. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 01/06/2025 - 09:03
Hlabisa commends Matatiele communities for safe return of initiates
The Minister of Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, joined the community of Phamotse village in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, as they welcomed back home 114 initiates this past weekend.
The cultural and traditional event brought the community together in celebration, characterised by song and dance.
The Minister was accompanied by the Eastern Cape CoGTA MEC, Zolile Williams, as well as the leadership of the Matatiele Local Municipality and traditional leaders from the surrounding area.
Hlabisa applauded the safe return of the initiates, emphasising that this is "what is needed across the country".
“As we welcome the 114 initiates, we remember the families whose children were unable to return from initiation schools in the Eastern Cape.”
The Minister once again conveyed sincere condolences, on behalf of government, to the families that lost their children after at least 28 initiates died in the province.
Hlabisa stressed that the safe return of the 114 initiates meant it was possible for all initiates across the country to return to their homes safely.
“We should all be motivated to engage as stakeholders in finding a lasting solution that will ensure the safe return of our initiates. The safe return of initiates anywhere across the country confirms that our tradition and culture do not kill.
“We should use successes like the one we are celebrating in Matatiele today as an important case study to benchmark and learn from, as we practice this important age-old culture and tradition, which must be protected,” Hlabisa said.
He described the initiates who went through the rite of passage to manhood as the "pride of the tradition and culture".
“We should all come together and declare zero tolerance to the death of initiates. This means that going forward, it cannot be business as usual,” he stressed.
Hlabisa warned against those who continue to “disrespect” the cultural practice and disregard norms and standards, as contained in the Customary Initiation Act. He said they will face the full might of the law.
The summer initiation season unfolded within extreme weather conditions, as the South African Weather Services (SAWS) predicted a heatwave for the same period.
This meant that extra care had to be taken, including ensuring that all initiates were well hydrated.
The Minister commended the local traditional leader, Morena Tsheliso Lepheana, for his guidance during the time of initiation.
Hlabisa also encouraged the leaders to take a stand against various societal ills and protect women and children.
The MEC echoed the Minister’s words that to ensure safer initiation seasons, it will take the involvement of all role players and stakeholders.
The Minister will continue to engage with traditional leaders and other stakeholders on all issues around safe traditional initiation. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 01/06/2025 - 09:48
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Special Official Funeral to honour SA's first democratic Education Minister Sibusiso Bengu
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the late Professor Sibusiso Bengu, the first Minister of Education in democratic South Africa, will receive a Special Official Funeral Category 2.
Bengu passed away on 30 December 2024 at the age of 90.
President Ramaphosa has expressed his deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Professor, who served as South Africa’s Ambassador to Germany from 1999 to 2003.
Bengu’s Special Official Funeral Category 2 will be held at the University of Zululand in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday, 10 January 2025.
Proceedings will include ceremonial elements rendered by the South African Police Service.
President Ramaphosa has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at flag stations around the country from Tuesday, 7 January 2025, until the evening of the funeral.
Last week, President Ramaphosa praised Bengu as a pioneering leader in the country’s democratic governance and administration.
He highlighted Bengu’s role in transforming education during the first Government of National Unity, a time when there were significant divisions regarding the extent of the transformation.
“Under apartheid, the injustice of unequal education had been at the core of consigning most citizens to intergenerational economic exclusion, poverty, and indignity,” President Ramaphosa said.
He also highlighted that the Education Act, formulated under Bengu’s leadership and adopted by the country’s fledgling Parliament, was a cornerstone of its liberation and unleashed the human potential of all South Africans.
The former Education Minister is recognised for leading the unification of 17 fragmented education departments into a single system, and addressing the structural inequalities of apartheid education.
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, said Bengu also played a pioneering role in facilitating the transition from the Tertiary Education Fund of South Africa to the now National Student Financial Aid Scheme.
“In Prof Bengu, our country has lost not only one of its most committed educationists but also a model public servant and patriot, who even when his own health was waning, continued to serve his country and people with dignity and integrity. It is therefore no exaggeration to declare that Prof Bengu was one of those who laid the basis for our democracy,” the Minister said.
Bengu is survived by his wife, Mama Funeka Bengu, his daughters, son, and grandchildren. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 01/06/2025 - 10:21
President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late Prof Sibusiso Bengu, the democratic South Africa's first Minister of Education, will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2.
Prof Bengu passed away on 30 December 2024 at the age of 90.
President Ramaphosa reiterates his deep condolences to the family and friends of Prof Bengu, who also served as South Africa's ambassador to Germany from 1999 to 2003.
Prof Bengu's Special Official Funeral Category 2 will be held at the University of Zululand in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday, 10 January 2025.
Proceedings will include ceremonial elements rendered by the South African Police Service.
President Ramaphosa has directed that the National Flag be flown at half mast at flag stations around the country from tomorrow morning, Tuesday, 7 January, until the evening of the funeral.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
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Higher traffic volumes as holidaymakers return home
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has called for vigilance, patience and respect for the rules of the road as the festive season comes to an end and travellers return home.
Roads leading out of coastal areas and neighbouring States are expected to experience high traffic volumes. Law enforcement officers have been deployed to monitor driver behaviour on the roads and reduce the number of crashes and fatalities.
In a statement, the RTMC said 7 448 people were arrested on South African roads over the festive period for various offences, including drunk driving, speeding, and attempted bribery.
The arrests were made between 1 December 2024 and 1 January 2025.
“The highest breath alcohol level recorded was 2.47mg/1 000ml on the R61 in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, on 27 December 2024. Eastern Cape recorded 455 arrests for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol in December.
“The highest speed recorded was in Limpopo on the N1. A motorist was caught driving at 209km/h in 120km/h zone on the 17th of December.
“As of 1 January, a total of 1 157 032 vehicles were stopped and checked by road traffic authorities as part of the festive season enforcement plan aimed at promoting safety on national roads. Officers issued 408 783 written charges for various traffic violations and 6 034 vehicles were discontinued,” said the RTMC.
It urged motorists to be cautious when driving under rainy conditions.
Drivers are reminded to put their lights on, reduce speed, increase following distance and avoid the use of cellphones and other distractions when driving in rainy conditions. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Mon, 01/06/2025 - 09:55
As the 2025 school year begins, back-to-school anxiety is at the top of families’ minds as they navigate an evolving educational landscape and lingering challenges from recent years. “Many children and teens have faced disruptions in learning, new social pressures, and increased digital influences that can heighten stress.” “According to the World Health Organization, one …
The start of 2025 sees the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup take place in Malaysia, with 16 teams set to battle it out to become champions. The second edition of the tournament gets underway on 18 January, with the final taking place on 2 February, but the journey has been going on for far …