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After over three decades at Vodacom and nearly thirteen years as group CEO, Shameel Joosub is the most powerful man in South African telecommunications. Vodacom is the dominant telecommunications company in South Africa and is 65%-owned by Vodafone, one of the world’s largest communications companies by revenue. Vodacom’s latest annual results showed it had almost …
A MyBroadband comparison shows that Amazon.co.za offers better prices on numerous grocery products and other fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) than Takealot, Checkers, and Pick n Pay. Amazon Sub-Saharan Africa managing director Robert Koen recently revealed that its Everyday Essentials category recorded the highest number of sales in its first year in South Africa. “These include …
The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services has noted with concern the number of inmates participating in rehabilitation programmes and has urged the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) to encourage greater participation, as this will benefit both offenders and the department.
Committee Chairperson Ms Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said the committee yesterday received a briefing from the DCS on rehabilitation and reintegration programmes: the effectiveness of educational, vocational and therapeutic programmes, including success rates of inmate reintegration into society and reduction in recidivism, especially among the youth.
Ms Ramolobeng said: “A greater number of inmates participating in such programmes in the workshops or agricultural means skills are developed, assisting offenders when they are released from correctional facilities that makes social reintegration smoother. At the same time, it will save the department money as they aim to move toward self-sustainability.”
She said the committee noted that the Eastern Cape region, for example, has 14 077 sentenced offenders, but only 91 participate in production workshops and 651 participate in agriculture production, resulting in only 742 offenders active in skills development out of a total population.
Also of concern is the number of hours inmates currently work. The presentation highlighted that offenders work less than five hours per day. This raises concern, especially considering plans by the DCS to become self-sufficient in terms of food for offenders and revenue generation through production workshops. “So, the issue is clearly two-fold. Encouraging offenders to participate in production workshops ensures skills transfer and development, as well as ensuring that the department cuts cost on items that can be insourced through offender labour,” Ms Ramolobeng said.
It is also concerning that that the DCS has no post establishment for bakers in the bakeries. “This is surprising since bread is the most consumed food in our centres. We also need to increase the number of bakeries currently. We must ensure we are self-reliant,” said the Chairperson.
Ms Ramolobeng further stated that the presentation only highlighted post establishments for psychologists, social workers, educationists and spiritual care workers but not for other important professions such as artisans. In a presentation to the committee earlier this year, the DCS reported that there were 17 vacancies for psychologists and currently there are 26 vacancies. This means an additional nine posts became vacant since then. “We have been assured that some of these posts are receiving urgent attention. We can expect appointments within the next six months. They will also provide us with their recruitment plan. We assured the department we will closely monitor this commitment to see if materialises,” she emphasised.
The committee also commended the DCS for Sunday's unannounced raid at Odi Correctional Centre in Pretoria. “We note the contraband that were confiscated. We note that disciplinary processes are being followed where officials were implicated. Furthermore, we call for further charges to be added for those inmates that were caught in possession of contraband. This initiative is a commendable step and should be continued, especially in problematic facilities,” the Chairperson said.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
GOOD Statement by Chantelle Kyd,GOOD George Councillor 25 June 2025 The George Council is expected to support a recommendation for disciplinary action against DA Councillor Raybin Figland. While GOOD has long called for accountability, the DA’s sudden willingness to act should not be mistaken for integrity; it is political self-preservation, not principle. The disciplinary recommendation […]
The post GEORGE MUNICIPALITY: DA TURNS ON FIGLAND TO SAVE FACE appeared first on For Good.
The Portfolio Committee on Police has reiterated its concern that some South African police stations continue to ignore the National Commissioner's directive that police must respond immediately in cases of missing persons. The committee held a follow-up meeting with the SAPS and Women Empowerment Platform on violence against children regarding the matter of Jayden Lee Meek and other missing children.
“What came out of all the cases of missing children is the lethargy that the SAPS at police stations have generally responded when the case is reported. If the SAPS adhered to the directive that there is no waiting time to respond, many of these children could have been found alive,” said Mr Ian Cameron.
The committee reiterated that no 24- or 48-hour rule precludes members of the public from opening a missing person's report. A missing person report must be opened and investigated immediately. An insistence to prevent the opening of a missing person report is irresponsible and runs counter to the directive issued by the National Commissioner of the SAPS. “The committee has also emphasised that in a case where an officer refuses to open a case they can be reported.
The committee also emphasised the communication shortcomings from the SAPS in keeping families updated on the progress of the case. According to the committee, continuous updates are necessary to assure communities and families that the SAPS is continuously investigating and that justice will be attained. It is important that SAPS also follow every lead to ensure justice. It is unacceptable that some cases are closed as undetected. For example, the case of Mia Botha has been ongoing for over 1 000 days, and there has not been tangible progress.
The importance of the police K9 unit was also highlighted as an intervention that could have assisted the search in the Jayden Lee Meek and other similar cases. It remains unacceptable that the K9 unit in the SAPS remains severely underfunded and under-resourced. “The continued disregard of this critical capability in the SAPS is illogical and undermines the police's ability to undertake effective search and rescue missions, “Mr Cameron emphasised.
Despite these concerns, the committee welcomed the active participation of civil society, such as the Women Empowerment Platform on violence against children. The contributions by civil society in finding solutions to the high crime rate must be encouraged. “We reiterate the call that combating crime requires a whole-of-society approach if it is to be successful. The SAPS alone cannot effectively fight crime,” Mr Cameron said.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson reiterated the committee's apologies for the miscommunication that resulted in erroneous reporting following the meeting held on 11 June 2025. The committee emphasised that there was no clarity that the meeting will be virtual and that representatives of the Women Empowerment Platform had planned to travel to Parliament and to hand over a memorandum. The committee reiterate its agreement with the Women Empowerment Platform that cases of violence against children must be investigated to ensure justice.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
In the vast expanse of Sub-Saharan Africa, as night falls, entire communities fade into darkness. Nearly 600 million people—more than half the region’s population—still live without electricity. But now, a sweeping and ambitious plan is taking shape to flip the switch for nearly half of them. It’s called Mission 300, and its goal is as
The post Mission 300: Africa’s Bold Gamble to Power a Continent’s Future appeared first on Impact Newswire.
Nasty scuffle breaks out between Spar owner and protesters
With more than 2.7 million cars sold, the Volvo XC60 has surpassed the iconic Volvo 240 as the best-selling Volvo model ever. Since its debut in 2008, Volvo Cars’ mid-size SUV has remained a favourite among customers, appealing to a wide range of drivers who value safety, quality and a premium driving experience. Initially built …
In the ever-evolving digital world, having a strong online presence is no longer optional—it’s essential. If you’re a business owner looking to expand your reach and drive targeted traffic to your website, partnering with a top SEO company in Johannesburg is the smartest decision you can make. Why SEO Matters for Businesses in Johannesburg Johannesburg …
25 June 2025 – The South African Football Association (SAFA) is shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of former Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Angelo Tsichlas. Angelo Tsichlas was the husband of SAFA Vice-President Natasha Tsichlas and he passed away following a car crash in Pretoria on Tuesday night. Both Angelo and Natasha have contributed
The post SAFA mourns the passing of Angelo Tsichlas appeared first on South African Football Association.
Tuesday, 24 June 2025 The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) announces the relocation of our 12th Anniversary celebration, originally scheduled to take place in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape on the 26th of July. This difficult but necessary decision comes in light of the catastrophic flooding and extreme weather conditions that have devastated communities across the […]
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) addressed an urgent letter to the Provincial Legislature expressing grave concern over the rising number of violent attacks and murders on police officers in the province. The tragic murder of Constable Khulani Shabangu (29) on 30 May 2025 in Lillydale (near Calcutta) underscores the urgency of the matter. Shabangu, […]
The post Freedom Front Plus demands protection for law enforcers in Mpumalanga appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
in an open Letter by the Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos he re-iterated; “Athlone Stadium is not being taken away. In fact, quite the opposite is true.” The City’s Economic Growth Directorate is inviting the public to comment on a proposal to make better use of a small section of the …
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) welcomes the approval of its motion for a property tax rebate for elderly residents of the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality. This victory is a significant step towards alleviating the financial burden on the community’s most vulnerable members. The motion, initially tabled by the Freedom Front Plus in January 2025, […]
The post Freedom Front Plus celebrates victory: Property tax rebate for the elderly in Govan Mbeki appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
The City of Cape Town is actively continuing its distribution of home composting containers to residents of single residential properties. These containers bolster the City’s efforts to reduce the amount of food and organic waste that reach landfills. Recently 300 containers were handed out during a Mayor’s Service Blitz event in the Kensington and Maitland …
The City of Cape Town Energy Directorate’s R1,7 million electrification project in Gugulethu’s Khikhi informal settlement is scheduled for completion by the end of June 2025 and will bring 193 new electricity connections to homes in the community. The project forms part of the City’s commitment to investment in communities and expanding service delivery to …
Hundreds of young people from various schools and communities packed the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) this Wednesday for the opening of the Youth in Action Expo that runs until Thursday, 26 June 2025. The expo features over 170 exhibitors that range from universities, colleges, maritime industry companies, work-abroad programmes, internships and a number …
African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies – taking place September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town – will feature a Power Africa Track as part of its main conference program. The track, dedicated to addressing emerging opportunities across the continent's power and infrastructure sectors, will examine the state of play of Africa's power market. Government representatives, private sector investors, independent power producers and public utilities will come together to discuss Africa's future power systems – laying the foundation for new deals to be signed.
While many developed nations prioritize renewable energy developments, African nations continue to face significant energy access challenges. Approximately 43% of the continent's population lives without access to electricity, with rural and remote communities struggling to gain access to national grid networks. At the same time, Africa is also the continent most-effected by climate change impacts globally. This highlights a need – and emerging opportunity – for a coordinated approach by both the private and public sectors to develop infrastructure that meets the demands of both urbanized and rural communities. The AEW: Invest in African Energies Powering Africa Track offers a platform to discuss strategies for expanding energy access across the continent. Sessions will explore the role public-private collaboration plays, how market liberalization can bolster investments and the impact of integrated power pools. Panel discussions include: Energy Leaders Dialogue: Strengthening Public & Private Collaborations for Increased Energy Access; Empowering Africa's Energy Future: Market Liberalization and Private Sector Leadership; Scaling Renewable Innovation: Bridging the Energy Access Gap with Off-Grid and Smart Technologies; and Connecting Africa: Advancing Regional Trade Through Integrated Power Pools.
Many countries in Africa are pursuing investment to support sustainable energy developments, seeking to both strengthen and expand power systems. Challenges related to inadequate generating capacity, transmission disruptions and maintenance have plagued many countries, resulting in unreliable power supply that hinders economic growth. South Africa, for example, Africa's largest economy, struggles with intermittent power, largely due to an ageing coal fleet. To address this, the country is leveraging policy such as the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer program and Integrated Resource Plan to incentivize private sector investment in alternative energy sources. To date, the country has introduced 6.4 GW of renewable energy capacity to the grid through 122 independent power producers. AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 sessions on Balancing Investment Strategies and the Integration of Renewable into the Energy Mix and The Role of African Energy in a World Where Climate is No Longer the First Priority will explore the role of renewable energy in Africa's power systems and how Africa's priorities have shifted to power expansion.
Beyond renewables, Africa is well-positioned to leverage its natural gas and uranium resources to diversify its energy mix and strengthen power capacity. Wit over 620 trillion cubic feet of proven gas resources, the continent is turning to gas-based power to enhance access and support industrialization. Major projects include Angola's 750 MW Soyo combined cycle power plant; Senegal's 300 MW Cap des Biches power plant; Algeria's 660 MW dual-fired Hassi Messaoud Gas Turbine plant, among others. In the nuclear sector, several African countries are pursuing power projects in collaboration with international partners. Projects are being planned in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, and more, all of which will complement the continent's sole operating nuclear facility: South Africa's Koeberg plant. Sessions on gas-to-power and nuclear at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 will explore the emerging role these resources will play in Africa's power sector. Sessions include Gas-to-Power: Meeting Africa's Growing Domestic Energy Demand Now; Overcoming Infrastructure and Regulatory Hurdles to Nuclear Deployment; Energy Efficiency: The Cornerstone of Africa's Sustainable Growth; and Powering Africa's Industrial Revolution.
“With over 600 million people living without access to electricity, there has never been a more imperative time to advance the development of integrated power systems in Africa. While the continent's population continues to grow, securing power supply becomes critical. By investing in African resources, strengthening infrastructure and introducing off-grid power solutions, Africa will be able to both alleviate energy poverty while driving long-term, sustainable growth,” states Sergio Pugliese, President for the African Energy Chamber, Angola.
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) in the Tshwane Metro is proud to announce a project that will not only improve the living conditions of Wolmer residents, but also bring hope to a community that has been plagued by poverty and deplorable housing conditions for years. During a recent oversight visit to the area, the […]
The post Wolmer gets a new lease on life thanks to the Freedom Front Plus appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) in the Greater Pretoria region has made a comprehensive submission to national government as part of the process of reviewing the White Paper on Local Government. The deadline for public submissions on the White Paper is 30 June 2025. In its submission, the party calls for a modernised local […]
The post Freedom Front Plus calls for structural reforms to ensure service delivery and accountability in its submission on Local Government White Paper appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Refilwe Sebothoma, Founder and CEO of South African-based gas company Hakem Energies, will speak at the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference. During the event, Sebothoma is expected to highlight South Africa's clean cooking agenda and the role of women-led innovators in driving inclusive access to modern energy services across underserved communities.
Taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town, AEW: Invest in African Energies is the largest energy event in Africa, convening stakeholders under the theme: Positioning Africa as the Global Energy Champion. The event drives investment across the entire energy value chain in Africa, supporting broader continental goals of advancing energy access and clean cooking adoption. Sebothoma's participation reflects Hakem Energies' critical role in advancing South Africa's LPG market and is set to create new pathways for collaboration and dialogue.
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
While Africa holds approximately 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, over 900 million people across the continent live without access to clean cooking solutions. Companies such as Hakem Energies seek to address this dilemma by enhancing access to sustainable and affordable fuels such as LPG. The company is accelerating LPG adoption as a practical and scalable pathway to reduce energy poverty, empower women and enhance energy resilience. Under her leadership, Hakem Energies is deploying innovative solutions such as the Hakem LPG Box and micro-distribution networks, which deliver affordable, reliable and safe LPG to rural areas and informal settlements. The company's flexible “pay-for-what-you-fill” model is also tailored for low-income households, improving affordability and access. Beyond household LPG use, Hakem Energies offers bulk and packaged LPG supply for a variety of economic sectors, including mining, agriculture and hospitality. With robust infrastructure support for remote operations, the company supports LPG adoption across the country.
Hakem Energies' solutions come as the country strives to accelerate the uptake of natural gas, leveraging policy to promote LPG expansion. South Africa's Gas Strategy Vision for 2050 – published by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa in April 2025 – seeks to diversify supply and maximize gas use for inclusive growth. In this scenario, companies like Hakem Energies are essential in supporting both the adoption of LPG as well as the transition to gas-based fuels. The firm's work directly supports the strategy's objectives around energy equity, economic development and clean cooking scale-up. In 2024, Sebothoma was awarded the Women of the Year Award by the Women in LPG Global Network for her leadership in championing diversity and women's empowerment through LPG use for energy access – a key pillar of AEW: Invest in African Energies.
At the event this September, Sebothoma will contribute to strategic dialogues and project showcases, spotlighting key investment and partnership opportunities to scale up clean cooking infrastructure and small-scale gas distribution.
“Sebothoma is championing a woman-powered, youth-led and community-built ecosystem for an inclusive energy transition in South Africa. As Africa drives towards energy resilience for sustainable development, women cannot continue to be left behind. LPG solutions offer a powerful tool to empower communities and close the energy access gap,” said Oré Onagbesan, Program Director for AEW: Invest in African Energies.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Rand Water has, for the fourth time since 2023, seized the bank account of the Emfuleni Local Municipality (Evaton, Sebokeng, Vaal Oewer, Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging). This leaves Emfuleni with scarcely any funds to cover its salary obligations, deliver services or pay contractors and bulk suppliers. During a recent council meeting, Emfuleni approved a resolution allowing water […]
The post Rand Water seizes Emfuleni’s bank account again appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Staff Writer ·24 Jun 2025 South African digital banking group TymeBank has sent an open letter to Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber urging him to reverse the decision to hike verification fees by 6,500%. The letter contains an urgent appeal to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana, and Reserve Bank Governor …
The impression created by the Tshwane Metro coalition government’s propaganda about their hard work to clean up and resolve service delivery issues stands in stark contrast with the reality on grass-roots level. Large parts of the Metro are plunged into darkness at night due to broken streetlights, motorists must navigate inaccessible roads and visitors are […]
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