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The Junior Springbok squad for the forthcoming World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Cape Town was announced on Friday, with Zachary Porthen – one of five players who will feature in the tournament for a second time – named as the captain of the team. Apart from Porthen – who will pack down at prop – …
Disney’s The Magic Box, a theatrical experience developed in association with Disney Theatrical Group, presented by Fever, together with Proactiv Entertainment and RGB, and produced by leading local promoter Showtime Management, recently announced the world premiere of its English-language production. The show, featuring an all-South African cast and crew, opens at Artscape, Cape Town, on […]
Royal St Andrews Hotel and Guido’s Port Alfred Donate R100k To NSRI Station 11 NSRI Station 11 in action during the Rip Curl Cup © Louis Wulff Port Alfred – NSRI Station 11 served as the water safety in very testing conditions during the Rip Curl Cup and the Rip Curl GromSearch presented by Sea …
Panyaza Lesufi re-elected as Gauteng Premier
Panyaza Lesufi has been re-elected as the Gauteng Premier for the seventh administration.
Lesufi was elected unopposed during a Special House Sitting on Friday at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature at the Selborne Hall in Marshalltown, Johannesburg.
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature held its first sitting since the General Elections last month.
Former Arts and Culture MEC in Gauteng, Marakane Mosupyoe, was elected Speaker of the Legislature unopposed.
Judge President of the Gauteng High Court Dunstan Mlambo presided over the swearing-in of new members of the Legislature.
“The people of the province have spoken and we have heard them. We’ve been asked to work together... We’ve been asked to combine our ideas for a better Gauteng, to combine our ideas, we will do, together (sic),” Lesufi vowed.
He told the Legislature that he accepted the Premiership with “deep humility” before declaring that “no one will be left behind” in this new administration.
“Our task from today is to build a better Gauteng. Our task from now on is to make Gauteng attractive for all families, all forms of investment, for workers, youth and students and attractive for sporting and cultural events.”
He also highlighted the importance of the safety of women and children in the province.
“Our mandate is simple: crime and lawlessness, your time is up. Our mandate is simple: municipalities play your part, we will play our part.
“Our mandate is simple: Johannesburg CBD, Alexandra township, Sethokga hostel, Makause informal settlement, we are ready to make you beautiful again.”
The Premier expressed his appreciation to all the political parties in the House and urged them to make the government of unity a reality.
“My sincerest appreciation to the officials and staff of the Gauteng provincial government and former leaders and members of this legislature.
“I am nothing without the ANC and our alliance partners. The movement of the people, by the people. Thank you so much for assigning me to be an instrument of change, an instrument of liberation.”
"Failure is not an option but success is compulsory. Less talk, more work. Let us grow Gauteng together,” Lesufi said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 06/14/2024 - 15:04
The Carling Currie Cup First Division for 2024 kicks off with a bang on Saturday, when the Valke host defending champions Sanlam Boland Kavaliers in a rematch of last year’s final at the Barnard Stadium in Kempton Park, in one of three opening-round matches. Elsewhere, the Phangela SWD Eagles face Eastern Province in the first …
Zain Davids and Shilton van Wyk return to the Springbok Sevens squad that will contest the World Rugby Sevens Repechage in Monaco from 21-23 June. South Africa will play Mexico, Tonga and Chile in pool play in the tournament where the winner will fill the last spot at the Rugby Sevens tournament of the 2024 …
The rugby match between DHL Western Province and Sanlam Boland Dames highlights another intriguing round of the SA Rugby Women’s Premier Division, with this coastal derby a straight shoot-out for second spot on the log. The winner of the match at City Park will move into second place on the log, where the Bulls Daisies …
The speech delivered by DA Leader John Steenhuisen today on the outcome of the election negotiations: My fellow South Africans, Today, the 14th of June 2024, will go down in the annals of history as the start of a new chapter for our beloved country. It is my privilege to report to you that, after …
The stunning KwaDukuza will host the 55th Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill from 25 June to 8 July. Alongside all the surfing action of The Ballito Pro Challenger Series at Willard Beach, visitors to the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast’s shores can enjoy the jam-packed festival programme featuring live entertainment, quality retail, extreme sports, art activations, kids’ …
South Africa, June 2024, Nepoworx, in collaboration with Harambee Youth Unemployment Accelerator, announces the launch of their first iteration of the Youth Work Readiness Programme in solar installations for 120 young South Africans. This initiative invites 100 youth aged 18 and 35 who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET). Additionally, a further 20 …
All systems go for Youth Day commemoration
The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) in partnership with the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture, the Presidency and Limpopo Provincial Government are ready to host the commemoration of Youth Day on Sunday.
This year marks the 48th anniversary of the 16 June 1976 student uprising in Soweto, when young people protested against the Bantu Education Act, which enforced Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in schools and apartheid laws that oppressed black South Africans.
The 2024 Youth Day and Youth Month aim to promote the Sport for Youth Development (S4YD) agenda as a tool for social cohesion and solidarity in South Africa.
The 2024 commemoration of Youth Month, which will be held under the theme “Actively advancing socioeconomic gains of our democracy”, will have added significance as it coincides with the celebration of 30 years of freedom.
NYDA Executive Chairperson, Asanda Luwaca, said among other key areas, this year’s Youth Month focuses on sports for development of the youth and the nation.
Various developmental activities that will be held around the country in the lead up to Youth Day.
As this year’s Youth Month is anchored around the role of sport as a transformative tool to build an inclusive and socially cohesive society, Luwaca said the proposed intervention is for government across all spheres to identify various sporting codes that will feature in programmes and projects planned to commemorate the Youth Month.
Luwaca said the NYDA will be hosting the National Youth Day Careers and Opportunities Expo in Polokwane.
“Over the last two years and post-COVID-19 pandemic there has been a reimagining of what the commemorative days ought to look like as previous Youth Day approaches were no longer relevant to young people.
“The focus has instead been on having a large-scale career and opportunities expo for young people that offer as many live opportunities as possible. This is more relatable to young people, as this is what interests them – opportunities for study, volunteerism, service, employment, and entrepreneurship,” Luwaca said.
She said the expo will include “opportunity providers” from the private sector, government departments, civil society, academia, and development partners.
“It is important that young people are provided with platforms to access opportunities for their personal development, so that they can become active participants in the economy,” Luwaca said.
The agency has confirmed over 110 opportunity providers to be joining the National Youth Day commemoration to be held at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane from 9am.
Other programmes taking place in Limpopo are anchored on the provision of access to opportunities as well as celebrating youth excellence.
Certification ceremony of young welders
Meanwhile, the NYDA, in collaboration with the Department of Correctional Services, and the Department of Labour and Employment will today host the certification ceremony of young welders who have completed their accredited welding courses.
This ceremony will take place at Fhulufelo Secondary School, where young people will also be given their start up toolboxes for their personal enterprises and cooperatives.
The agency will also on 15 June support the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture at its annual Creative and Cultural Industries Youth Expo to be held at the University of Limpopo, Mankweng. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 06/14/2024 - 09:32
New Members of Parliament sworn in
Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has urged newly sworn-in Members of Parliament to reflect on past mistakes and commit to improving democracy in South Africa.
The Chief Justice on Friday presided over the swearing in of hundreds of Members of Parliament (MPs) at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) during the first sitting of the National Assembly of the seventh Parliament.
Zondo described the first sitting of Parliament after the General Elections last month as an important milestone for South Africans.
“We get an opportunity to look back on the road we have travelled and see where we have made mistakes, and see where we have done well and make sure that in the fourth decade of our democracy, we will not repeat those mistakes,” he told the House.
READ | Parliament ready for National Assembly sitting
Zondo took the time to congratulate the MPs who were sworn in and reminded them of the position they occupy in the National Assembly.
“They make laws for our country and in that way, shape the future of our democracy. Therefore, as you take the oath or make the affirmation that you will make today, you will recall the responsibility that the people of South Africa have placed on your shoulders and the honour that you have been given, and the privilege to be part of this very important body in our country.”
The Chief Justice stressed the importance of the oath taken by MPs, which enjoins them to be faithful to the Republic of South Africa, and to obey, respect and uphold the Constitution and all other laws of the Republic.
Zondo reminded MPs that the oath or affirmation is "binding... on their conscience".
The election of the Speaker of the National Assembly is now underway after two nominations were put forward for this position. After this process is concluded, the elected Speaker will preside over the election of the Deputy Speaker.
WATCH |
First sitting of the National Assembly
Today, MPs will also elect a President to form the seventh administration for the nation, and a government of national unity after the ruling party did not secure an absolute majority. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 06/14/2024 - 12:37
New stories and voices for the South African stage are essential if theatre is to reflect the hearts and minds of the country’s people. Founded in 2018, and managed by the National Arts Festival, the National Playwright Competition, in partnership with HEINEKEN Beverages, is playing a critical role in helping South African script writers from […]
SevenC, a leading IT infrastructure and network service provider striving to identify and make available the best possible ICT strategies for its clients’ unique needs, examines critical aspects of digital transformation, IT security, and how to budget for IT success effectively. “Digital transformation is the process of integrating digital technology into all aspects of your …
Chikunga welcomes sentence imposed on driver in fatal crash
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has welcomed the 10-year imprisonment sentence imposed on the driver who caused the collision that claimed the lives of her son, daughter-in-law and four grandchildren in 2022.
Speaking after the Ladysmith regional court imposed the sentence on Wednesday, Chikunga commended the court for the sentence and said justice has been done.
“However, it is not going to bring back my children. It is six children, who had a bright future ahead of them,” Chikunga said.
Handing down the sentence, Regional Court Magistrate, E L Louw, said she had considered the seriousness of the offence, the interest of the public and the accused’s personal circumstances in passing sentence.
Louw said the accused, Celumusa Ngwenya, was 35 years old, had three children and was an amputee.
Ngwenya had his right leg amputated following a road accident in 2018 and he bought a bakkie after obtaining R1.8 million in compensation from the Road Accident Fund (RAF) in 2022.
The magistrate imposed 10 years direct imprisonment and cancelled Ngwenya’s driving licence.
Four months before the tragic crash involving the Minister’s family, Ngwenya applied for a driving licence to drive heavy motor vehicles. The application was made at the Randburg driving licence testing centre, where he was issued a licence to drive a light motor vehicle.
Circumstance surrounding the issuing of the licence are deemed suspicious and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) will conduct a thorough investigation.
The magistrate found that Ngwenya was grossly negligent, noting he was driving at excessive speed and had ignored a barrier line before the collision occurred.
“Evidence showed that he was driving at 153 kilometres per hour and operated the vehicle with his left leg because he had a prosthetic right leg. There was no reason, there was no emergency, and the accused said his children were at home,” the magistrate said.
RTMC CEO Advocate, Makhosini Msibi, gave evidence in aggravation of sentence and pointed out that road crashes were costing the economy R198 billion a year.
Msibi said the road on which the crash happened was notorious for deadly collisions and was classified as one of the national hazardous routes.
He said Ngwenya had not made any attempts to stop or reduce speed before the collision happened, and the mechanical investigation of the vehicle showed that the throttle was open, indicating that the vehicle was still in motion even after impact.
The CEO said the RTMC is investigating the circumstance in which Ngwenya was issued a licence, and that the officials who processed his application will be held accountable. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 06/14/2024 - 09:54
South Africa is at another crossroad, and it is the responsibility of the politicians who the voters have entrusted with the responsibility of improving the lives of all South Africans to do what is morally right. We, the church leaders of Nelson Mandela Bay, urge the political parties to focus on the needs of the …
30-year prison sentence for tampering with essential infrastructure
Tinos Ndebele has been sentenced to 30 years of direct imprisonment after being convicted on charges of tampering with essential infrastructure as well as theft from essential infrastructure.
On 8 June 2023, an alarm was triggered at a Telkom cellphone tower in Roodewal. Telkom officials went to the scene and found fencing to the tower damaged and a container broken and the door forced open. Inside the container, 12 batteries amounting to R36 000 were stolen.
According to the Free State National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), a police forensic team was called to the scene and fingerprints were lifted from the crime scene.
“The fingerprints lifted matched those of the accused. Through diligent police investigations, the accused was traced and arrested,” said the NPA.
In his defence during the trial, the accused explained that he was a snake catcher and on the said date he was chasing a King Cobra and the snake went into the container. This explained why his fingerprints were found at the crime scene.
Regional Court Prosecutor Petro van den Berg argued that the court should sentence the accused to the maximum sentence for this criminality, as tampering with essential infrastructure offences were on the increase and harming the economy, lives of the citizenry and affecting the running of the country
The Bloemfontein Regional Court found him guilty of tampering with essential infrastructure and theft from infrastructure.
He was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment on a charge of tampering with infrastructure and 15 years imprisonment on a charge of theft from infrastructure.
The court ordered that five years of count 2 (theft from infrastructure) to run concurrently with count 1 thus the accused was effectively sentenced to 30 years of direct imprisonment.
“The National Prosecuting Authority will continue to prioritise the prosecution of crime and criminals that disproportionately undermine South Africans’ safety, the country’s socio-economic well-being, the functioning of the economy of the country, compromise the well-being of the citizenry, and the rule of law,” said the NPA. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Fri, 06/14/2024 - 10:19
Michelin launched its latest research – Unlocking the Power Of TCO: A Fleet Manager’s Guide to Efficiency and Sustainability – an industry first aimed at shifting the mindsets of South Africa transporters to run more efficient and sustainable fleets. The 2023 Decarbonising South Africa’s Transport Sector report noted that, in South Africa, transport is the third largest …
Johannesburg, South Africa – The much-anticipated SA Podcast and Music Festival is set to debut at the Red Roman Shed in Emperors Palace, bringing together major media powerhouses for a one-of-a-kind event focused on the development and empowerment of content creators. Festival organizer Nicolas Regisford remarks, “The opportunity to collaborate with SABC and Arena Holdings …
During the sitting of the 7th Parliament of the Western Cape yesterday, 13 June, Daylin Mitchell was elected as Speaker. His acceptance speech during the sitting: “I am humbled to address you today as the newly elected Speaker of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament. Humbled, but also grateful and proud to represent the WCPP and …
Wales head coach Richard Whiffin has announced his men’s squad to contest the 2024 World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa. The team will be captained by the returning Dragons RFC back row Ryan Woodman who missed the Six Nations championship through injury and includes just two uncapped players, brothers Ioan and Steffan Emanuel. Wales …
On Thursday, 13 June 2024, Premier Alan Winde announced the new Cabinet of the Western Cape Government (WCG). “It is my pleasure to announce the team that will help me continue the work of our government over the next 5 years. I have worked with many of my fellow Cabinet members for years already and …
Johannesburg, Gauteng – Friday, June 14, 2024 – Marcomm Group (Pty) Ltd, a preeminent South African public relations and digital marketing agency, is excited to announce its expanded partnership with three prominent fashion brands: Inga Africa, Ascend Label, and Dandelion by Angel Ntuli. Marcomm Group will serve as the integrated marketing partner, encompassing a comprehensive …
Rugby supporters don’t need an introduction to Munster because the international connection is so strong. This season’s BKT United Rugby Championship league winners and host semi-finalists, versus Scotland’s Glasgow Warriors, have a particular stronghold in South Africa because so many South African players and significant coaches have worn the famed red of this rich rugby …