Fix Our Park, Frustrated Residents Tell City of Cape Town
The municipality says the park in Driftsands is earmarked for repairs this financial year
Athletics
Law on Naming Sexual Offence Suspects Challenged in Court
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development is opposing the application
Lesotho’s Failed Multi-Million Rand High-Altitude Sports Centre
The decaying Rapokolana facility was built in 2005 but has never been fully operational. It is a missed opportunity for athletes from South Africa and Lesotho.
Good Support for the Revitalisation of the Fairmount High School Tartan Track Development
The GOOD Party welcomes and fully supports the principled stance taken by the Parkwood Sports Complex Municipal Facility Management Committee (MFMC) at today’s City of Cape Town Sub-council 18 meeting to insist on the revitalisation and completion of the long-abandoned tartan athletics track at Fairmount High School.
The post GOOD SUPPORTS THE REVITALISATION OF THE FAIRMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL TARTAN TRACK DEVELOPMENT appeared first on For Good.
Calls for Nestlé to Remove Sugar From Baby Foods
Swiss investigative outlet claims Nestlé is misrepresenting sugar content
No Soccer at New R37-Million Limpopo Stadium
The pitch is unusable because the grass has not grown adequately due to water shortages
How Not to Build a Stadium
Tens of millions have been spent on a stadium in Elim since 2017. The stadium is still not complete.
R25-Million and 7 Years Later, Indwe Sports Field Far From Finished
It was meant to take 18 months, and now another R10-million is needed
Mystery Surrounds R3-Million in Lottery Funds Paid to ASA
ASA says it was unaware of the payment
How Lottery Looters Hijacked a GBV Organisation
R18-million, awarded to the Make Me Movement, was stolen
What the SA Human Rights Commission Is Doing to Advance Queer Rights
SAHRC is involved in a number of initiatives including high-profile litigation
Court to Decide Fate of Hope Street Homeless Camp
Housing rights group argues the City’s Safe Space shelters do not meet constitutional requirements for alternative accommodation
SAPS Requested to Attend Athletics SA Elections
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls for calm, unity, and transparency in light of worrying developments at Athletics South Africa (ASA) ahead of its scheduled elections on 31 May 2025 at Garden Court OR Tambo. The formal request by ASA President, Mr James Moloi, for police presence at the elections raises serious red flags. …
Rania El Rafie Appointed to Jury Panel of the 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports Awards 2025/2026
APO Group (https://APO-opa.com) is proud to announce that Rania El Rafie, Vice President of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, has been appointed to the Jury Panel for the 2025/2026 editions of the 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports Awards, an initiative recognising groundbreaking contributions and leadership by women across the African sports ecosystem.
Organised by Africa Sports Ventures Group (ASVG) and the Women Sports Africa Network (WSAN), the 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports Awards honour outstanding female leaders, athletes, executives, and changemakers who are reshaping the African sports landscape. The esteemed Jury Panel features professionals from across the continent and the diaspora, including Albert Kyei Frimpong, President of WBSC Africa and Board Member of the Confederation of African Olympic Sports Associations (CASOL), and Dr. Maha Zaoui, an experienced sports management expert currently serving as General Manager of Rugby Africa.
“I'm honoured to be considered for the Jury Panel of the 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports Awards for 2025 and 2026,” said El Rafie. “This platform plays a vital role in amplifying the voices and achievements of women shaping the future of African sport, and I'm proud to contribute to that mission.”
El Rafie is a seasoned public relations executive with over 22 years of experience across Africa and the Middle East. Based in Cairo, Egypt, she currently serves as Vice President of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at APO Group, where she became the first and youngest person internally promoted to this executive role in January 2024. She has led award-winning campaigns recognised by SABRE Awards, Brands Review Magazine, and World Business Outlook, and was recently awarded a Bronze Stevie® Award in the Most Innovative Woman of the Year 2025 category, and was recognised as one of Africa's Top 50 Outstanding Women in Communications.
Her experience in sports communication spans the NFL, Basketball Africa League, International Olympic Committee (IOC), and FIFA. She has also driven pan-African communications strategy for major brands such as Canon, Nestlé, TikTok, and Afreximbank. With a degree in Business Administration from the American University in Dubai, Rania brings strategic insight, media expertise, and a passion for sports and empowerment to the jury's mission.
The announcement coincides with the official launch of the Awards' new digital platform – (https://apo-opa.co/3SxXj9A) – a hub dedicated to honouring and celebrating the achievements of African women in sports. The site will serve as the central point for information, nominations, and public engagement in the lead-up to the 2025 Awards ceremony, scheduled to take place on 31 July 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya. All nominations will be reviewed by an independent Selection Committee.
This joint initiative marks a landmark moment for African women in sports, aiming to increase visibility, recognition, and opportunities across administration, business, media, technology, and athletics.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.
About APO Group:
Founded in 2007, APO Group (https://APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.
Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards.
APO Group's esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa's Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.
Superb Result From SA’s Track Stars at World Athletics Champs
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliances warmly and proudly congratulates Team South Africa on a record-breaking performance at the World Athletic Relays Championship in China this past weekend. Team SA has made our nation proud, and has once more shown our sporting prestige on the world stage. Our Men’s 4x100m relay team became the first African …
Mchunu honours men and women in blue
Mchunu honours men and women in blue
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has thanked police officers for the sacrifices they make to safeguard the country.
The country on Monday marked National Police Day.
"You leave your families to serve the greater family that is our beloved country. Your sacrifices do not go unnoticed. On behalf of the government of the Republic of South Africa and the people you so diligently protect, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you.
"The parade today is a symbol of the discipline, strength, and capabilities of the SAPS [South African Police Service]. It is a reminder to the people of South Africa that their police service is committed to excellence," the Minister said when delivering his keynote address at the National Police Day celebrations at Kings Park Athletics Stadium in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on Monday.
The day brought together men and women in blue to recognise and celebrate the critical role played by law enforcement in upholding justice and maintaining public order.
Approved in 2005 by Cabinet, National Police Day also serves as a platform to strengthen the bond between police officers and the communities they serve.
READ | Salute to police officers!
National Commissioner of the Police, General Fannie Masemola, also paid tribute to police officers.
"When we reflect, as the SAPS management, we see a trail of momentous sacrifices made. We see you deprive yourselves of sleep, family time and social life patrolling the streets of South Africa day and night.
“We see you maintaining public order, we see you protecting the residents of South Africa and their property, and we see you putting an effort to prevent, combat and investigate crime in service of our country," said General Masemola.
This year's National Police Day programme included a ceremonial parade, displays and exhibitions to showcase the capabilities and expertise within the SAPS.
National Police Day underscores SAPS's commitment to professionalising the service, promoting accountability, and ensuring a safer South Africa for all.
The event was preceded by a series of activities, which included the National Golf Day, where more than R11 million was raised on Friday towards the South African Police Service Education Trust (SAPSET).
Also, the SAPS hosted its 10th edition National Excellence Awards on Sunday, where police officers and support personnel were awarded for going above and beyond the call of duty in the last year.
SAPS also extended its gratitude to all police officers for their unwavering dedication and to the community for its continued support. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 01/28/2025 - 09:35
120 views
Government activities for the week 27-31 January 2025
Government activities for the week 27-31 January 2025
On Monday, 27 January, the South African Police Service (SAPS) remembers the sacrifices that men and women in blue have made and continue to make as they provide safety for all who live in South Africa. The event to mark National Police Day, will take place at Kings Park Athletics Stadium, Durban.
On Tuesday, 28 January, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), will release the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data.
On Wednesday, 29 January, no confirmed event.
On Thursday, 30 January, Stats SA will release Producer Price Index (PPI), December 2024 data.
Also on Thursday, Premier Alan Winde and Western Cape Education MEC, David Maynier will host the Western Cape National Senior Certificate 2024 Awards Ceremony at Leeuwenholf at the Premier’s residence.
Friday, 31 January, no confirmed event.
Neo
Mon, 01/27/2025 - 11:25
91 views
SAPS to host a series of activities in the build up to National Police Day
SAPS to host a series of activities in the build up to National Police Day
The South African Police Service (SAPS) will from Friday host a series of activities and events in the build up to National Police Day, which is scheduled to take place next week Monday.
In 2005, Cabinet approved 27 January as National Police Day. On National Police Day, SAPS remembers the sacrifices that the country’s men and women in blue have made and continue to make as they provide safety for all who live in South Africa.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and the Deputy Ministers of Police, Cassel Mathale and Polly Boshielo will, together with the National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, lead a delegation of senior leadership and members of the service in celebration of the build-up activities that will take place as follows:
SAPS National Golf Day
The SAPS National Golf Day is an event meant to raise funds towards the SAPS Education Trust Fund (SAPSET).
SAPSET is responsible for the educational needs of those children whose fathers and mothers died in the line of duty.
To date, more than 1 000 children have been assisted, with 18 recently obtaining a matric pass with a combined 17 distinctions.
Date: Friday, 24 January 2025
Time: 10:00
Venue: Mount Edgecombe Country Club, KwaZulu-Natal.
National Excellence Awards
The National Excellence Awards is an event aimed at recognising and rewarding outstanding performance, exceptional devotion to community relations and extraordinary courage within the South African Police Service.
The awards ceremony boasts more than 30 categories, including the National Commissioner’s Awards and the Ministry Awards.
Date: Sunday, 26 January 2025
Time: 18:00
Venue: Durban International Conference Centre (ICC).
National Police Day
Cabinet has set aside this day to allow SAPS management to reflect and take stock on progress made in the previous year to prevent, combat and investigate crime.
On this day, management also appreciates serving members, as well as pays homage to those members who died in the line of duty.
Date: Monday, 27 January 2025
Time: 08:00
Venue: Kings Park Athletics Stadium, Durban – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 01/22/2025 - 11:31
226 views
Limpopo Water Crisis Delays R37-Million Stadium
Vhembe stadium still unfinished a year after completion was scheduled
McKenzie reflects on 100 days in office
McKenzie reflects on 100 days in office
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has reflected on his first 100 days in office as being characterised by "putting out fires" and ensuring that the sector has access to opportunities.
These opportunities include a new agreement to fund the film sector, as well as ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive in sport and the arts.
“One key observation of the first 100 days in government is that the ministry has had to respond to several crises and last-minute challenges. One example was the need to rescue the National School of Arts, which was facing closure due to overwhelming financial pressures.
“In August 2024, the Ministry also became aware of a crisis in South Africa’s imminent hosting of the U18 African basketball championships, known as the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) U18 Afrobasket.
“To safeguard South Africa’s international reputation as a credible host country, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) took over the handling of the event with less than two weeks to go, which ultimately saved the tournament,” the ministry said on Thursday in Johannesburg.
READ | Minister McKenzie steps in to assist National School of the Arts
McKenzie and Deputy Minister Peace Mabe provided a full feedback report to the nation on their first 100 days in office following their swearing into office in the Government of National Unity (GNU) on 3 July 2024.
The Minister’s wide-ranging portfolio encompasses sport, arts, culture, heritage, recreation, social cohesion and nation building, the custodianship of archives and more.
“At the end of August, South Africa’s attendance at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Peru was also about to fail. The ministry had to step in at the last minute to ensure the young athletes were able to fly to South America. The athletes received their flights to Peru, with mere hours to spare.
“The South African team then delivered an outstanding all-round performance, finishing sixth in the overall medal standings, with a total of seven medals: three gold, two silver, and two bronze. Rising star Bayanda Walaza was confirmed as the fastest teenager in the world,” the ministry said.
READ | Acting President Mashatile congratulates South African sports stars
Access to opportunities
McKenzie has signed a ground-breaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube.
“The new MoU aims to progressively transform access to both sports and cultural programmes in schools, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive in sport and the arts.
“This MoU marked a milestone in the GNU’s vision to deliver equality of access for all young people, particularly those in rural, township, and underprivileged areas,” the ministry said.
READ | Partnership to transform access to sports programmes in schools
Furthermore, the Cultural and Creative Industries Bosberaad took place on 29 - 30 August and was attended by 72 sector and sub-sector organisations, with a total of more than 200 participants in attendance.
“The Bosberaad was a follow-up to bilateral meetings that the ministry had earlier set up with individual organisations and key industry players across different domains and disciplines.
“It assisted in reimagining a new sector ecosystem, where representative sector and sub-sector organisations can enjoy direct recognition and support from government.
“This reconfiguration has enabled the department to come up with a new funding model, which will be rolled out in the new financial year, built on principles of inclusivity, broad-based recognition and equitable distribution of available resources for sector-organisation support – as opposed to just funding a few, selected organisations,” the ministry said.
The ministry also provided new musical instruments and infrastructure to the Mitchell’s Plain Music Academy and the Isivivana Centre in Khayelitsha, which received audiovisual equipment and support.
“The ongoing process of formalising the uniquely South African motorsport of spinning is continuing apace, with the ministry being part of the announcement of two major new sponsors for the sport, Cell C and Kappa, with more support for the sport now flowing in from the private sector,” the ministry said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 10/18/2024 - 09:45
54 views
New Course Records for Xaba and Kipngetich at Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K
Glenrose Xaba delivered another distance running masterclass at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on National Heritage Day (Tuesday 24 September 2024). After setting a 31:12 national record at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in July and winning last month’s Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K in 31:51 which was the fastest …
All Eyes Will Be on the Boxer Athletics Club at the Boxer Super Run in Durban
In 2023, the Boxer Athletics Club made a powerful statement when star athletes Precious Mashele and Glenrose Xaba delivered standout performances at the inaugural Boxer Super Run in Durban, setting the fastest 5km times on South African soil at that point—13:44 and 16:03, respectively. On Sunday, 13 October 2024, the club’s elite runners are set …
Gelant, Mulaudzi, and Kipngetich Set for Showdown at Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K
With only one race remaining in the 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, South Africa’s top runners are gearing up for an intense showdown against their East African rivals. Reigning Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K champion, Elroy Gelant, and newly crowned SA 10km Cross Country champion, Kabelo Mulaudzi, are set to go head-to-head with …