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South Africa’s recent National Minimum Wage (NMW) increase from R25.42 to R27.58 per hour, in March 2024, reflects a critical shift towards fairer compensation for workers across various sectors, including domestic staff and agricultural workers. Roughly 432 million small-scale farms produce an estimated 46% of the world’s food. Despite their critical contribution, research suggests most …
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Friday, 03 January 2025: Today, Eskom reached 282 consecutive days without implementing loadshedding since 26 March last year, further signalling the structural improvements in Generation performance. This achievement, brought by the investment in the Generation Recovery Plan and enhanced maintenance protocols, has also resulted in year-to-date diesel savings of R16.52 billion. The plan has recently...
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Mafapane Ruth Shai popular known as Rueth, she is a multi-multi-talented RnB/Pop singer and songwriter from Limpopo, South Africa. Born 27th January 2002, Rueth also graduated from Mafolofolo high school and went on to study Psychology at the University Of South Africa. Rueth Discovered her singing talent at a young age, debuted in the music …
Border Management Authority ready for influx of travellers returning to SA
Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, has assured stakeholders and the public that the Beitbridge port of entry is fully prepared for the return of holidaymakers.
Speaking at the border on Friday, Masiapato confirmed that preparations are in place to manage the influx of travellers returning to South Africa from other parts of the continent.
“As the BMA and the rest of the stakeholders that are here at the Beitbridge port of entry, we are very much ready to implement the return leg of… our plan for the festive season. On that basis, we can indicate that we did conclude the exit leg on the 31 December 2024 and from 01 January 2025, we are fairly ready to start receiving people that will be returning to South Africa coming from the rest of the continent through the Beitbridge border,” Masiapato said.
The Commissioner is at the Beitbridge port of entry from 2 to 4 January 2025 to conduct port operations. Masiapato is supported by Deputy Commissioner Jane Thupana.
The Beitbridge port of entry is the biggest land port and has seen increased numbers of movement, and more are expected for the return leg.
Masiapato started the operations on Thursday by chairing a Port Management Committee meeting attended by various stakeholders, such as the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and South African Revenue Service (SARS), to consolidate and receive update reports on the return leg of the festive period plan.
The port has implemented clear demarcations for streamlined processing. Separate areas have been designated for small vehicles, public transport (buses and taxis) and trucks, with the latter handled under the leadership of SARS.
“I can indicate that inside the port, we have very clear demarcations that we have done, we have demarcated the areas where we are going to be processing all the small vehicles, people coming through public transport like buses and taxis, and we have also demarcated areas where we are going to be processing the trucks under the leadership of the colleagues from SARS,” the Commissioner said.
Masiapato reported that traffic has been light so far, with fewer than 2 000 travellers processed since New Year's Day. However, he expects a significant increase in traffic starting this afternoon and continuing tomorrow.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the BMA's readiness to manage the anticipated surge in traffic, and maintain secure and efficient border operations during this busy travel period.
“We are ready to receive the numbers that will be coming through into the port. [From] yesterday and [up until now], the numbers are still very low. We have just been processing below 2 000, therefore, we are expecting the numbers to start escalating during the course of this afternoon, as well as tomorrow,” the Commissioner said.
High alert for vehicle interceptions
In collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the BMA is on high alert for stolen or unauthorised vehicles attempting to cross the border.
Masiapato outlined the strict verification processes in place, which are as follows:
Financed vehicles must have authorisation letters from their financial institutions permitting their exit from the country.
All vehicles are checked against SAPS databases to identify stolen or flagged vehicles using licence plate information.
SAPS officers stationed along the corridor to the port are actively monitoring vehicles for compliance and verifying their status.
"We are committed to ensuring that only legitimate vehicles are allowed to cross. As we speak, now on the corridor towards the port, members of the SAPS are alert to make sure that all of those vehicles are assessed,” Masiapato said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 01/03/2025 - 13:22
Limpopo police leave no stone unturned to arrest murder suspects
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has ordered investigating teams across all districts to mobilise all resources at their disposal to track down and apprehend the suspects involved in various murder cases.
The province has experienced about 11 murders from 31 December 2024 to date.
“These murder cases were reported in the main Capricorn district (three cases), Mopani (three cases), Waterberg (three cases) and Vhembe (two cases). The majority of these murders are believed to be emanating from domestic-related disputes. Out of these murders, seven suspects have been apprehended by the police,” the SAPS said in a statement.
In one of the cases, a wife was hacked to death by her husband in Bolobedu in the Mopani District on New Year’s Day. In another incident, a woman fatally stabbed her boyfriend after a physical altercation.
In another case, a 48-year-old male victim was allegedly killed by a 45-year-old male suspect believed to be his biological brother in Shongoane 1 on Wednesday night. According to information at police disposal, the two brothers were fighting when a 45-year-old suspect stabbed the victim, which is his brother, with a sharp object. The suspect has since been apprehended and is currently in police custody.
Furthermore, a 26-year-old female victim was murdered by her boyfriend on Thursday at about 02:30 in Marobala in the Capricorn District. The deceased was fatally stabbed with a sharp object by her 31-year-old boyfriend at his residence. The suspect fled the scene following the incident.
“We have... observed that the majority of these cases are a result of domestic violence. We call upon communities to seek professional assistance from social workers, pastors and traditional authorities in case they have disputes in their relationships.
“Multidisciplinary teams have been assigned and maximum resources mobilised to ensure that investigations are expedited to ultimately bring the remaining suspects to book in order to face the full might of law,” Hadebe said.
Hadebe has also extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.
The police have urged anyone with information that can assist in the apprehension of the suspects to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or contact the nearest police station. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 01/03/2025 - 14:13
Police arrest 18 suspects during Vala Umgodi operations
The ongoing “Vala Umgodi” operations in the Bojanala Platinum and Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts continue to bear fruit after police arrested six male suspects on Wednesday in Hartbeespoortdam in the North West.
The suspects were arrested for illegal mining and contravening of Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002.
“The males, between the ages of 28 and 55, are from Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi. During the operation, items such as jack hammers, shovels, generators, gold bearing material and explosives were seized.
“From Monday, 30 December 2024, until today, 12 illegal miners have been placed under arrest for illegal mining, trespassing, and contravention of the Immigration Act in Stilfontein,” the SAPS said in a statement.
On Monday, six illegal miners resurfaced in Stilfontein at the Margaret shaft and on Thursday, four more resurfaced at Margaret Shaft and two at Buffelsfontein Shaft number 10.
The police said that all mentioned suspects will appear in the Brits and Stilfontein Magistrate’s Courts today.
The Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, commended the team members for their persistent efforts in the fight against illicit mining. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 01/03/2025 - 14:16
Police detain suspect for murder, illegal possession of firearm
Police have arrested two 31-year-old male suspects in connection with a shooting incident in the Overberg District between taxi associations, in which two people were killed.
Following the incident, the case was handed over to the Provincial Serious Violent Crime Taxi Violence Unit, who started an investigation into the circumstances which led to the shooting.
“They gathered information and evidence at their disposal and built a strong case in order to arrest the suspects who were responsible for the shooting.
“On Friday, 3 January 2025, an intelligence-driven operation between the Taxi Violence Unit and the Overberg Operational Team was conducted at identified addresses in the Zwelitsha, Hermanus area, where the members arrested two 31-year-old male suspects in connection with these murders,” the SAPS said in a statement.
The suspects will appear in the Hermanus Magistrate’s Court in the Western Cape on Monday, 6 January 2025, on murder charges.
In a separate matter, members of the Anti-Gang Unit were busy with stop and search operations in the Bishop Lavis area on Thursday night, when they received information about firearms at a premises in Vygie Road.
“They operationalised the information and searched the identified premises. The members found a 9mm Norinco pistol, with five rounds of ammunition hidden in the house.
“A 20-year-old suspect was arrested for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. He will appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court on Monday,” the SAPS said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 01/03/2025 - 14:19
Woman arrested for alleged murder of husband
Detectives in the Free State have arrested a 37-year-old woman for the alleged murder of her husband after he was shot and killed in the Naledi section of Bohlokong on 1 January 2025.
According to information at police’s disposal, on 1 January 2025 at about 20:20, the Bohlokong police were patrolling the Naledi section for crime prevention purposes when they came across the body of a man lying in the street with bullet wounds to his face.
“He was identified by family. The motive behind the murder is not known yet, but a case of murder is being investigated. The suspect has been charged and will appear before the Bethlehem Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 6 January 2025, on a charge of conspiracy to murder,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement.
In a separate incident in the same province, Phuthaditjhaba police have arrested a 28-year-old man from Kudumane Village in Qwaqwa for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition following a tip-off from community members.
It is alleged that on 1 January 2025 at about 19:30, police attended to a complaint at Thaba di Mmele Initiation School based at Kudumane Village of a person who was in possession of an unlicensed firearm.
“The police responded on 2 January 2025 at about 01:00 with a surprise visit to the initiation school. They found a group of men seated on a rock. When approached, one person amongst the group ran away carrying a bag and threw it on the ground. He was pursued by police and later caught by some of the men from the same group.
“The bag was searched, and a rusty shotgun with no serial number and bullet was found and seized by police as an exhibit. A case of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition is being investigated,” the SAPS said.
The 28-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court on Friday facing charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 01/03/2025 - 14:22
Public health facilities record 1 448 births on New Year's Day
The country’s public health facilities have recorded a total number of 1 448 births on the first day of the year 2025, the Department of Health announced on Thursday evening.
In a statement, the department said this is a decline compared to the 1 703 deliveries recorded last year this time.
Though the number of teen mothers has also decreased from 190 recorded last year, to just over 80 recorded this year, the department called on all sectors of society, especially families, to join hands with government and other non-governmental organisations to address teenage pregnancy.
“Teenage pregnancy often leads to irregular school attendance, poor performance and ultimately school dropout, especially for mothers who lack family support structures to take care of the babies when the mothers go to school.
“The Department of Health, working together with sister Departments of Social Development and Basic Education, will continue to support all mothers through existing programmes to ensure their babies survive and thrive,” the department said.
The breakdown of births per province revealed that Gauteng recorded the highest number of births with 387, followed by Eastern Cape (219) and Limpopo (191).
| Breakdown of births per province Province | Boy child | Girl Child | Total |
| Eastern Cape | 106 | 113 | 219 |
| Gauteng | 195 | 192 | 387 |
| Free State | 33 | 52 | 85 |
| Limpopo | 104 | 87 | 191 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 72 | 113 | 185 |
| Mpumalanga | 78 | 76 | 154 |
| North West | 49 | 40 | 89 |
| Northern Cape | 18 | 19 | 37 |
| Western Cape | 58 | 43 | 101 |
- SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 01/03/2025 - 09:35
Home Affairs extends operating hours
The Department of Home Affairs has announced the extension of operating hours at its offices from 6-17 January 2025.
In a post on social media platform X, the department called on the nation to take advantage of the extended operating hours which only apply from Mondays to Fridays.
“Come and apply or collect your enabling documents. Offices close at 18:00 during this period,” said the department on Friday.
In December, the department announced the extension of operating hours from 10-20 December 2024.
In a statement at the time, the department said the move to extend operating hours from closing at 4pm to 6pm was to ease pressure on its clients by also introducing dedicated counters for collections in large offices that process Smart ID Cards and passports, where space allows. - SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Fri, 01/03/2025 - 12:55
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Water and Sanitation updates on progress to deliver water to Hammanskraal residents
The Department of Water and Sanitation, the Gauteng Provincial Government, the City of Tshwane and Magalies Water are continuing to work together to address the water situation in Hammanskraal.
The department said this in a joint statement to update the public on progress to date to deliver water to the residents of Hammanskraal.
“The progress being made is a testament to the importance of effective cooperation between various spheres of government, working together to resolve service delivery challenges,” the department said.
In October 2024, Magalies Water, in collaboration with the City of Tshwane, successfully completed the first phase of the water treatment project, which comprises an advanced facility equipped with four package plants. This was a directive by the Minister of Water and Sanitation to ensure the supply of clean water to the Hammanskraal community.
“Thus far, significant efforts have been made in consistent pursuit to deliver potable water, including the flushing of the reticulation system, optimisation of the entire system and monitoring of the water quality. The main aim is to ensure that the water is compliant with the SANS [South African National Standards] 241 specifications,” the department said.
Phase one
The first phase of the project has been completed, meaning that at least 12.5 megalitres per day (ML/d) of treated water will be supplied to various regions in Hammanskraal.
These regions are situated within wards 49, 73, 74, and 75, specifically Mandela Village, Marokolong, Ramotse, Kekana Gardens (also referred to as Steve Bikoville) respectively, along with Babelegi Industrial.
“It is essential that we carefully explore balancing the need for uninterrupted water supply and system optimisation with the quest to fully restore the system and its integrity,” the department said.
Teams from Magalies Water and the City of Tshwane recently pursued the inspection and purging of the reticulation system, which was previously supplied by the Temba Water Works, using water sourced from the new Klipdrift Package Plant, with the aim of ensuring that the system is fully rehabilitated and disinfected.
This was followed by frequent monitoring of water quality in the reticulation network and the results show that there is significant improvement in the water quality.
In recognition of the diligent and thorough efforts made by all parties involved, the department said residents need to be aware of the significant progress that has been achieved since last week, following the initial release of water from the Klipdrift Package Plant.
The following milestones have been reached:
• The Klipdrift Package Plant continues to supply the City of Tshwane with projected volumes of approximately 12.5 ML/day.
• The water provided by the Klipdrift Package Plant meets the minimum standard requirements for drinking water in South Africa, as specified in SANS 241: 2015, as verified by a laboratory accredited by ISO/IEC 17025.
• The Babelegi Reservoir, which services the areas mentioned above, has consistently received and distributed water that complies with SANS 241:2015 at all relevant times.
From 23 December 2024 to date, the water in all the affected areas has been in full compliance with four critical indices outlined in SANS 241:2015, i.e. Acute Health I & II, Chronic Health, and Aesthetic. Currently, a limited number of areas are receiving focused attention due to operational challenges associated with turbidity (a measure of how cloudy or hazy a fluid is due to the presence of particles that are usually too small to see with the naked eye).
Based on the turbidity challenges, the department said Magalies Water and the City of Tshwane will continue to flush the system and monitor the water quality to clear the turbidity in the reticulation network.
This is aimed at ensuring that the water quality is compliant with SANS 241 specifications.
The department said a formal notification will be issued by the City of Tshwane in the near future after operational compliance targets have been achieved.
“Once the water supplied has been eliminated of turbidity, the City of Tshwane will issue a formal notification to the community that the water is safe for human consumption,” the department said.
The department further reminded all residents that South Africa is a water-scarce country.
“Let us use this precious resource sparingly and effectively implement water conservation initiatives. Each drop counts,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 01/03/2025 - 10:54
Tourism Department announces change to Director-General's surname
The Department of Tourism has announced a change to the surname of its Director-General, in compliance with Section 26 of South Africa's Births and Deaths Registration Act of 1992.
The Director-General, previously known as Nkhumeleni Victor Tharage, will now be addressed as Nkhumeleni Victor Vele.
“The Department of Tourism wishes to notify its sector and government stakeholders, members of the media, as well as the general public of the change to the Director-General's last name, in accordance with Section 26 of South Africa's Births and Deaths Registration Act of 1992.
“The Director-General’s surname was changed in the Population Register from Tharage to Vele. Effective immediately, the Director-General of Tourism should be addressed as Mr. Nkhumeleni Victor Vele,” the department said.
The department has also updated the Director-General's official email address to reflect his new surname. Stakeholders and members of the public can now direct correspondence to VeleV@tourism.gov.za.
The department urged stakeholders to update their contact records and databases to ensure seamless communication.
For further inquiries or to verify receipt of correspondence by the Office of the Director-General, stakeholders may contact Margaret Mathebula at 012 444 6377 or via email at MMathebula@tourism.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 01/03/2025 - 09:47
Fatty liver disease is a growing health concern worldwide, affecting millions of people. With a current global population of 8 billion, the number of people affected is estimated to be 25%, this would take the number to 2 billion worldwide. This condition occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver, leading to inflammation and …
Gauteng Health reveals outcome of investigation into death of expectant mother
The Gauteng Department of Health says it has concluded an investigation into the death of Miriam Singh, a 32-year-old expectant mother who passed away within an hour of being admitted to the Westbury Clinic Midwifery Obstetric Unit (MOU).
Singh passed away on the morning of Sunday, 29 December 2024.
The investigation, initiated on 30 December, included an internal review and an expert analysis by leading specialists in obstetrics, gynecology, and surgery from Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital.
The department has since received the outcome of the internal investigation.
“The internal report found that the correct protocols were followed by the healthcare workers in attendance. The postmortem report has revealed that the patient had a serious underlying condition which contributed to the deterioration of their condition within a short space of time after presenting at our health facility.
“Given the doctor patient confidentiality the department is unable to expatiate further the actual medical condition of the patient. The investigating officer from the South African Police Service earlier today handed over the postmortem report to the Singh family,” the department said.
The department expressed disappointment over unfounded allegations circulated on public platforms by various interested parties, describing them as “malicious and not based on clinical facts”.
“This is not only irresponsible behaviour it is also unethical and unfortunately compounds the pain experienced by the grieving family as they now have to contend with misinformation from about the condition of their loved one which can make it even harder to accept clinical facts,” the department said.
The department extended its deepest condolences to the Singh family for their loss and assured them of continued access to counselling services and redress whenever needed. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 01/03/2025 - 09:58
Power restored to ORTIA
Power has been restored to OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) following an outage on Thursday night.
“[The] Airport's electricity supply from the municipality has been restored. Thank you for your patience and understanding. We appreciate your cooperation,” the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) said in a post on social media platform, X, on Friday.
On Thursday night, ACSA reassured passengers that the airport was fully operational and operating on back-up power following a temporary power disruption affecting the Ekurhuleni Metro region in Gauteng.
“The power failure, which occurred at 19:20, was caused by a trip in the municipal grid. The local municipality is currently investigating the cause of the disruption. ACSA is not responsible for identifying the source of the issue, as the power failure lies outside of our control.
“We would like to emphasise that all critical airport services, including terminals, airfield operations, and cargo handling, continue to operate without disruption. The airport’s backup generators kicked in… ensuring there was no impact on airport operations,” it said on Thursday.
ACSA, which is an entity of the Department of Transport, said that cargo operations were also running smoothly. - SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Fri, 01/03/2025 - 10:14
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of Prof Sibusiso Bengu, the democratic South Africa's first Minister of Education, who has passed away at the age of 90.
President Ramaphosa offers his condolences to the family and friends of Prof Bengu, who also served as South Africa's ambassador to Germany from 1999 to 2003.
President Ramaphosa said: “My thoughts are with Mama Funeka and the family with whom we are united in this loss.
“Prof Bengu was a pioneering leader of our democratic dispensation and administration who led the transformation of education in a democratic Government of National Unity where deep divisions existed about how far this transformation should go.
“Under apartheid, the injustice of unequal education had been at the core of consigning most citizens to intergenerational economic exclusion, poverty and indignity.
“The Education Act formulated under Prof Bengu's leadership and adopted by our fledgling Parliament was a cornerstone of our liberation and unleashed the human potential of all South Africans. It was and is still the lever for the empowerment and development we see today in the lives of individuals and communities.
“We are therefore indebted to Prof Bengu for his patriotic and visionary service in serving our nation at home and abroad as our Ambassador to Germany.
“His legacy is entrenched through the Sibusiso Bengu Development Programme which seeks to advance the development of historically disadvantaged institutions in higher education as strong, socially embedded institutions in a diversified post-school education and training system.
“Today we are grateful for Prof Bengu's diverse contributions to our development, which will light our way forward. We reflect as well on his life of faith which inspired his commitment to restoring the dignity of all South Africans.
“May his soul rest in peace.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
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