An Inside Look at the T20 Challenge Captains Day 2024/25
JOHANNESBURG: The 2024/25 T20 Challenge is set to kick off on Friday, 27 September, with the defending champions, DP World...
Bloemfontein
Former Kaizer Chiefs Defender Impressed With Varsity Football Developing Young Talent in SA
Former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs defender Fabian McCarthy believes football development is key to improving South African football standards. McCarthy, 47, is impressed with how Varsity Football has changed and transformed the lives of young talents. “I was an under-20 when I made it to the national team, there was a bank sponsoring a …
Luxury Properties Seized in New Lottery Crackdown
Pretoria High Court grants preservation order over assets
Standing Committee on Finance Calls on SARB To Seriously Look at High-Interest Rate Issue
The Standing Committee on Finance has called on the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to seriously look at the issue of the high interest rate which is making life difficult for both the poor and middle-income earners in South Africa.
The Committee Chairperson, Dr Joe Maswanganyi, said that the committee is raising this matter not to instruct the central bank to lower the interest rate, but to consider it an issue that is mostly affecting ordinary people on the ground.
The SARB briefed the committee today on its mandate, structure, governance and shareholding as part of the committee's capacity-building workshop. Furthermore, the presentation covered national payments, financial surveillance and prudential regulation
The committee has welcomed the SARB presentation and applauded the central bank for ranking 8th on transparency index out of 30 countries globally. To this end, the central bank undertook to continue working hard to improve its transparency index globally.
Some of the measures taken by the SARB to improve its transparency index include speaking directly with local communities at regional level through forums. In 2024, the central bank has conducted ten of such forums in Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Kimberly, Mahikeng, Mbombela, Polokwane, Sandton and in Soweto.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Suspect arrested for kidnapping and robbery
Suspect arrested for kidnapping and robbery
A 49-year-old woman is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court on Tuesday in connection to a case of robbery and kidnapping.
A task team led by Captain David Ramasoala and Captain Kelaotswe Lebodi found the wanted suspect, Mamokete Jeminah Koloti, at her hiding place in Lourierpark, near Bloemfontein, during the early hours of Sunday.
A warrant of arrest had been issued for Koloti, who was on the run after a case of kidnapping and robbery was opened at Kagisanong police station in the Free State.
According to the report made to the police, the suspect and other male accomplices arrived at the 50-year-old victim's residence in Chief Moroka Crescent on Thursday, 20 June 2024, where they kidnapped him and robbed him of his belongings.
They then took him to an unknown location in Bloemspruit Phase 6, where they extorted money from his accounts.
The District Commissioner of Mangaung Metro, Major-General Arthur Peter Adams, advised the public not to publicise their financial gains such as pension payout, Road Accident Fund claims or lottery wins, as it renders them vulnerable criminal targets. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 08/26/2024 - 10:16
449 views
Basketball South Africa Bungles Hosting of African Championships
National teams, venues, still unannounced two weeks from U18 African Basketball Championship
Witnessing the value of democracy
Witnessing the value of democracy
By Khanyisile Rasmeni and Sinovuyo Mfiki
Tshibiso Morao of Makwane village in Qwa Qwa, Free State, has seen the positive impact of democracy in his community.
“We observed changes resulting in our children attending school for free. The children of our community are also provided with breakfast and lunch at school daily," he said.
He added that after three decades of democracy, there was improvement in the delivery of low cost housing, benefiting those who struggled to access dignified housing.
Moroa spoke recently to the Vuk’uzenzele team which was aboard the Democracy Bus.
The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), in partnership with the South African National Roads Agency, recently launched the Democracy Bus, which travels around the country to drum up citizen participation in celebration of the country's 30 years of democracy.
In the Free State, the Democracy Bus visited Namahadi and Makwane villages and brought government services closer to people.
For Ephraim Mojsoane, who was 14 years old in 1994, democracy means being able to have basic human rights.
“Democracy has greatly benefited South Africa, we now have human rights and the Bill of Rights,” he said.
Mojsoane testified that during the 30 years of freedom and democracy, there has been progress in workplaces, business and the economy.
He added that the government still needed to work hard to better the lives of South Africans.
Magauta Mohobeleli, originally from Bloemfontein, but currently residing in Kgotsong, said she currently has land thanks to the principles of democracy.
“Democracy has brought numerous positive changes, we can easily access all government services. Our children have access to scholarships, and efforts are being made to combat gender-based violence,” she said.
Sibongile Makubo from Namahadi village, expressed gratitude for the positive effects of democracy over the past 30 years.
“Democracy has led to significant changes such as improved access to government services without the need for transportation, and the provision of housing and land,” she concluded.
The Democracy Bus travels to different parts of South Africa and promotes dialogues with communities. The initiative is part of the country's milestones of the 30 years of democracy.
*This article first appeared in Vuk’uzenzele
Janine
Wed, 08/21/2024 - 13:21
61 views
More than 100 attempts over three decades to finally reach Championship Boerewors Top 10
More than 100 attempts over three decades to finally reach Championship Boerewors Top 10 Whilst some were lucky enough to make it on first try, many of the Shoprite and Checkers 2024 Championship Boerewors competition finalists have been refining their recipes for decades, submitting a combined 100+ entries before finally landing their spots in the …
#WomensMonth: SAPS honours outstanding veterinary nurse
#WomensMonth: SAPS honours outstanding veterinary nurse
This year, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is observing Women's Month by highlighting the work of its women in blue, who are not only game changers in their respective fields, but who also go beyond the call of duty to serve and protect South Africans and visitors.
Today, the SAPS introduces the nation to Captain Mariaan Nel, a qualified veterinary nurse attached to the SAPS Veterinary Services in Bloemfontein, Free State.
The Veterinary Services is a specialised unit that resides within the component, Visible Policing and Operations.
Nel joined the service 13 years ago as a veterinary nurse at the rank of captain shortly after she obtained a National Diploma in Veterinary Nursing from the University of Pretoria. She also holds a degree in Accounting.
She is one of five female veterinary nurses in the Service and currently the only nurse based in the Free State province as part of a pilot project. In total, there are eight veterinary nurses nationwide in the SAPS.
As a veterinary nurse in the SAPS, Nel's duties include the following:
* Execute primary health care support to SAPS animals;
* Monitor the primary health status of SAPS animals and report epidemiological phenomena;
* Conduct veterinary inspections at SAPS K9 and Mounted Units; and
* Present veterinary and animal handling courses to SAPS members
Being based in Bloemfontein, Nel travels vast distances to ensure the welfare of 37 dogs and nine horses attached to the various K9 and Mounted Units within the Free State.
Police dogs and horses not only enhance police visibility but they are also deployed during crime prevention operations. They assist with investigations on crime scenes, trace suspects, detect narcotics and assist with search and rescue operations.
Nel says her profession may not place her at the forefront of fighting crime, but it gives her satisfaction to ensure the SAPS’s four-legged crime fighting heroes stay in tip top shape.
"I am passionate about the well-being of animals, in particular SAPS animals. I encourage girls and young women to pursue a career in the police, as it is rewarding to know your services make a valuable contribution towards a safer country for all," said Nel.
A dog may be a man’s best friend, but Captain Nel is certainly any SAPS dog and horse’s best friend. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 08/20/2024 - 11:53
163 views
CSA Announce Ticket Sales For Summer International Season
JOHANNESBURG: South African cricket fans can get ready to be part of yet another exciting cricket season as tickets for the...
Karabo Morapedi rises above the odds
Karabo Morapedi rises above the odds
by More Matshediso
Loving and supporting children who live with disabilities is key to enabling them to reach their full potential.
Karabo Morapedi (22) of Welkom in the Free State is a perfect example of what children with special needs can achieve if they are supported by their families.
He is among the South African athletes who will be flying the country’s flag high at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in France.
The Paralympic Games are the largest global sporting event for athletes with disabilities. This year, they will open on 28 August and close on 8 September.
Despite being born with cerebral palsy quadriplegia, which affects all four limbs and causes various physical and intellectual challenges, Karabo does not allow the disability to stand between him and his dreams.
At the time of the interview, Karabo was at the World Boccia African Regional Championships in Cairo in Egypt.
Boccia is a Paralympic sport, it is a target ball sport which tests both muscle control and accuracy.
Vuk’uzenzele spoke briefly to his mother and aunt about his life story, academic performance and sport.
His mother, Sebolelo Morapedi, raised Karabo with the help of her sister Selloane Bochedi.
“Karabo’s father passed away when he was just an infant. I raised him together with his aunt,” she explained.
She said Karabo started playing Boccia back in Tswellang Special School in Bloemfontein, which provides Grade R to Grade 9 mainstream education and learner support services to learners who are physically challenged.
He continued with the sport when he joined Martie du Plessis School in Bloemfontein, which is a school for cerebral palsied, physically disabled and learning-disabled learners, where he completed his matric.
Karabo continued to play Boccia at the Central University of Technology (CUT) Welkom Campus, where he graduated with a National Diploma in Public Management this year. He is currently studying towards a qualification in Advanced Diploma in Applied Public Management at the university.
Bochedi said they had to accept his condition, but both committed to giving him love and support that he needed as a child.
“Like any other child, we invested in enrolling him in schools that catered for his special needs, and we have always been actively involved in his educational journey. He has always performed well in school and he excelled in his tertiary education studies,” explained Bochedi.
She believes that Karabo’s journey has so far shown everyone that living with a disability does not mean you have to be locked-up in the house.
She added that Karabo is extremely proud of his achievements so far and he has made his family proud.
The support that he gets from CUT and his coach also encourages him to work harder.
For more information about the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games visit www.paralympic.org/paris-2024.
*This article first appeared in Vuk’uzenzele
Janine
Tue, 08/06/2024 - 12:16
174 views
Date set for Thabo Bester trial
Court proceedings so far this year have dealt with ironing out pre-trial matters
CSA Announce Men’s Domestic Fixtures For 2024/2025 Season
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) is proud to unveil the domestic fixtures for the 2024/2025 season, showcasing an action-packed calendar...
Thabo Bester to launch new bid to postpone trial
Case postponed to 31 July
The United States and Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) launch the 2024 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Lesotho, Eswatini and South Africa (AWE LESA)
The U.S. Mission to South Africa and the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (www.AWIEForum.org) proudly announce the launch of the 2024 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs program in Lesotho, Eswatini and South Africa.
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State and Arizona State University's Thunderbird School of Global Management. It supports the U.S. National Strategy on Gender, Equity and Equality and reflects the United States' commitment to advancing gender equity and economic prosperity in Southern Africa
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs LESA (Lesotho, Eswatini and South Africa) program is centred on the Francis and Dionne Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative, an accredited online global management and entrepreneurship certificate consisting of five world-class courses and available to learners across the globe.
The overall goal of the program is to promote economic prosperity, including equitable economic development opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups and individuals. AWE LESA provides a resource for women entrepreneurs to engage in online education with guided facilitation and localization; fosters networks that support participants' access to peer-to-peer mentorship, business partners, and scaling opportunities with businesses in the region and in the United States; as well as provides access to a range of educational programs tailored to women's economic empowerment to expand the impact on the participant.
AWE LESA 2024 will empower 100 young women entrepreneurs in seven cities – five in South Africa and one each in Lesotho and Eswatini. The program will host cohorts in Bloemfontein (10 participants), Cape Town (10 participants), Johannesburg (15 participants), Polokwane (15 participants), Manzini (20 participants), Maseru (20 participants), and Pietermaritzburg (10 participants). The participants will attend in-person training sessions and events at designated American Corners and partner spaces in each location.
AWE LESA 2024 activities will take place between August 2024 and January 2025, and this edition will bring the total number of women entrepreneurs trained through the U.S. Mission to South Africa and AWIEF partnership to more than 700.
What do you gain from participating in the AWE LESA program?
- Free entry to the program;
- Enrolment in the Francis and Dionne Najafi 100 Million Learners platform for online learning;
- Expert-facilitated in-person business management training and mentorship sessions at American Spaces;
- Networking and peer-learning opportunities with like-minded entrepreneurs;
- A collaboratively developed and refined draft of your business plan;
- A 100 Million Learners certificate after completing the program;
- Access to the U.S. alumni network's robust network of support, including business opportunities, potential seed funding and a vast, global network of like-minded and highly regarded entrepreneurs;
- Membership to the AWIEF Community which provides ongoing peer learning and support; and
- Free delegate pass to AWIEF2024 Conference, Exhibition and Awards scheduled to take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Cape Town on November 28 and 29, 2024.
What are the criteria to apply?
- Young women (aged 21 – 35);
- Early-stage entrepreneurs (with businesses in operation for 1-3 years);
- Citizens/legal residents of South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini;
- Read, write, speak and listen to the program in English;
- Reside within 40km of one of the seven program cities: Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Polokwane, Maseru, Manzini, and Pietermaritzburg;
- Commit to weekly in-person training sessions at a designated American Space of the U.S. Missions to Lesotho, Eswatini and South Africa;
- Commit to up to 5 hours of weekly programmatic assignments; and
- Basic computer skills, access to a computer with a data plan to access program content and activities.
Applications Open Now!
Academy for Women Entrepreneurs applications are officially open for highly motivated and self-driven young women entrepreneurs from Lesotho, Eswatini and South Africa. THERE IS NO COST TO APPLICANTS AT ANY STAGE.
To submit your application, please follow this link: https://apo-opa.co/3WvSAIa
The deadline for submission is August 4, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. South Africa Standard Time (SAST).
For more information email: info@awieforum.org
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF).
Court finds Netcare failed to protect employee against an abusive surgeon
Operating theatre manager wins her case
Ground-breaking Technology Uses Small Mammal Footprints to Monitor Climate Change
Can tracking mouse footprints give clues to climate change? Yves Vanderhaeghen speaks to the founders of WildTrack, which is pioneering technology in South Africa to track small mammals so they can tell us about disruptions to ecosystems. Is it a mouse? A shrew? A rat? We can read a lot into the pawprints of small …
Free State Premier charts a new path for seventh administration
Free State Premier charts a new path for seventh administration
Newly inaugurated Free State Premier, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, has emphasised the urgent need for a dedicated public service, spearheaded by selfless and noble public servants, as government begins the work of the seventh administration.
Letsoha-Mathae said this when she met with the officials in the Office of the Premier at the Bram Fischer Building in Bloemfontein on Thursday.
Addressing the officials, the Premier stressed the importance of creativity, hard work and collective effort to combat the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
"As we embark on this new journey, I implore you to remember that we are not just public servants, but patriotic citizens tasked with building a united, democratic, non-sexist, non-racial, and prosperous South Africa.
“Let us work together to deliver quality services to our people and make the Free State a beacon of hope and excellence," Letshoha-Mathae said.
The Premier emphasised participatory democracy, urging public servants to take an active role in addressing societal issues.
She reiterated her administration's commitment to providing prudent oversight, overseeing, and coordinating the delivery of quality services, leveraging on the District Development Model (DDM) for integrated development.
Letshoha-Mathae stressed the importance of empowering the previously disadvantaged women and the youth in building a capable developmental state that prioritises the needs of the people.
The Premier said there would be a zero-tolerance approach towards maladministration, unethical practices and laziness of officials.
"The preoccupation of government, moving forward, should be that of ensuring public servants are held accountable and that the state is responsive to the plight of the people,” the Premier said.
Collective approach towards GBVF
Letsoha-Mathae added that there was a need for a collective approach towards ending gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the province and South Africa in general.
The Premier led a GBVF march in Bloemfontein on Wednesday, following the brutal murders of two young women in Mangaung.
The march, held under the banner “March for Justice”, was organised by various sectors and associations of society.
“Together, we are determined to overcome this pervasive threat that has invaded our communities. I urge men to stand up and protect women and children, while encouraging women to never tolerate any form of abuse," Letshoha-Mathae said.
Addressing key government priorities
Meanwhile, announcing the members of the Free State Executive Council for the seventh administration last week, Letsoha-Mathae said the team reflects the commitment to addressing key priorities of the provincial government, enhancing public service, and ensuring a sustainable future for all people.
She said each member brings a wealth of experience, commitment, and a shared vision for the prosperity of our province.
“This Executive Council shall be constituted of men and women who are dedicated to serving the people of the Free State with integrity, transparency, and responsiveness to the needs of our people and reflects our commitment to addressing key priorities of our government, enhancing public service, and ensuring a sustainable future for all our people,” the Premier said.
“This Executive Council shall be constituted of men and women who are dedicated to serving the people of the Free State with integrity, transparency, and responsiveness to the needs of our people,” she said.
The Members of the Executive Council are as follows:
• MEC for Finance, Tourism and Economic Development, Moses Ketso Makume
• MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Dibolelo Kathleen Mahlatsi
• MEC for Social Development, Nokwanje Selina Leeto
• MEC for Education, Mantlhake Julia Maboya
• MEC for Health, Monyatso Viceroy Mahlatsi
• MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs, Elizabeth Cornelia Rockman
• MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Jabu Ntsokolo Ishmael Mbalula
• MEC for COGTA and Human Settlements, Teboho Zacharia Mokoena
• MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Ntobizanele Beauty Sifuba
Visits to health facilities
The Premier will today conduct a monitoring visit to the health facilities accompanied by Health MEC Monyatso Mahlatsi.
The Premier will first visit Bongani Hospital in Welkom and then Katleho District Hospital in Virginia. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 06/28/2024 - 09:13
3358 views
Clear skies expected on Inauguration Day
Clear skies expected on Inauguration Day
It will be clear, blue skies in South Africa’s capital city on Wednesday when President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa takes his oath of office and is inaugurated as South Africa’s President.
The inauguration is expected to be held at the Union Buildings in Tshwane.
On Tuesday, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) website indicated that Inauguration Day weather in Tshwane is expected to be clear with temperatures starting at 8°C, reaching a high of at least 24°C.
The weather will be as follows for South Africa’s other major cities:
- Johannesburg: minimum temperature 7°C, maximum temperature 21°C
- Cape Town: minimum 12°C, maximum 18°C
- Durban: minimum 15°C, maximum 23°C
- Bloemfontein: minimum 1°C, maximum 19°C
- Polokwane: minimum 6°C, maximum 26°C
- Upington: minimum 3°C, maximum 21°C
- Gqeberha: minimum 11°C, maximum 19°C
- East London: minimum 14°C, maximum 20°C
In a post on social media site X, SAWS said the rain probability of between 30 to 60% is expected over parts of the Western and Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
The cultural segment of the inauguration ceremony is expected to kick off at around 9am with the formal ceremony set to start at 11am.
READ | All set for President Ramaphosa's inauguration on Wednesday
Read more about the inauguration here: https://inauguration2024.dcdt.gov.za/
– SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 06/18/2024 - 13:42
473 views
30-year prison sentence for tampering with essential infrastructure
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
104 views
Congratulations to Comrades Marathon runners
Congratulations to Comrades Marathon runners
Acting Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Maropene Ramokgopa has congratulated all participants and organisers of the 2024 Comrades Marathon on a successful event.
Popularly known as the “ultimate human race”, the 103rd edition of this epic endurance race took place in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, 9 June 2024.
South Africa’s Gerda Steyn made history when she won her third Comrades Marathon in a row and broke her record to win the women’s race, while Pete Wiersma from the Netherlands won the men’s race.
“The Comrades Marathon represents the best of South Africa, and the power of sport to foster national unity and social cohesion. A signature event in South African sport, the Comrades Marathon brings together people from all walks of life, and from all parts of the world to tackle one of the world’s most famous running routes.
“I am pleased to see the Comrades Marathon continuing to draw runners and visitors into the country from all over the world. This is why this marathon is important in boosting sports tourism in the country,” Ramokgopa said on Monday.
As South Africa celebrates 30 years of freedom and democracy, the country’s cultural, creative, and sports sectors continue to raise the country’s flag sky high.
“Amapiano artist Kabza de Small and orchestral conductor Ofentse Pitse have collaborated for a spectacular show at the Red Bull Symphonic South Africa. DJ Black Coffee showcases the best of South African music in Ibiza, while many of the country’s creatives continue to make their mark locally and abroad.
“In the sports sector, South African tennis ace Kgothatso Montjane recently competed in the French Open final in the women’s wheelchair doubles draw. The Proteas Men, the national men’s cricket team, is competing in the World T20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies, while Bafana Bafana continues to fight for a place in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers when they face Zimbabwe in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, 11 June 2024,” the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 06/10/2024 - 11:27
541 views
Call to support Bafana Bafana
Call to support Bafana Bafana
Acting Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Maropene Ramokgopa has called on the nation to rally behind Bafana Bafana as they continue to fight for a place in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Bafana Bafana will face Zimbabwe in Bloemfontein at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday, 11 June 2024.
“This will be the first time Bafana Bafana plays an international match in Bloemfontein since their victory against France in the 2010 FIFA Men’s World Cup. Football supporters in the Free State are famous for their passionate support during matches.
“I welcome the return of international football to the Free State and call on South Africans to fill up Free State Stadium and get behind Bafana Bafana, as our national team continues its march to qualify for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup,” the Minister said on Monday. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 06/10/2024 - 11:31
14 views
Erasmus names exciting Bok training squad
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus named an exciting squad of 35 players for the team's first official training camp of the season, which starts in Pretoria on Monday where the focus will be on the opening Test of the season against Wales on 22 June.
The Boks are in for a blockbuster 2024 season kicking off later this month against Wales in London. The squad includes 11 uncapped players and a cohort of players from the 2023 and 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning squads.
The uncapped players in the squad are Jordan Hendrikse (the brother of Jaden Hendrikse), Quan Horn, Edwill van der Merwe, Morne van den Berg (all Emirates Lions players), Phepsi Buthelezi, Siya Masuku, Ethan Hooker (from the Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ben-Jason Dixon, Sacha Feinberg-Mgomezulu, Neethling Fouche and Andre-Hugo Venter (DHL Stormers), who were outstanding in their respective competitions this season.
Players based in Europe, the UK and Ireland will not be considered for the Boks' first Test of the season against Wales at Twickenham. Players in contention from the Vodacom Bulls, who advanced to the semi-final of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, were also not considered for this squad.
The squad includes 19 forwards and 16 backs. Rugby World Cup-winning flyhalf Handre Pollard and No 8 Jasper Wiese (who is serving a six-week ban) have been named in the group and will be allowed to train with their team-mates, but will only be available for selection after the Wales Test.
Erasmus included a local contingent from the newly crowned EPCR Challenge Cup champions, the Hollywoodbets Sharks, and the Emirates Lions – whose Vodacom URC seasons came to a halt at the conclusion of the pool stages last weekend – as well as the DHL Stormers, who were knocked out of the competition earlier this evening against the Glasgow Warriors. Players plying their trade in Japan were also named in the squad.
The only players in the group who did not participate in either of the Springbok alignment sessions in March and May respectively, as well as the virtual alignment camp hosted early in May, are Hooker and Van der Merwe.
“We selected a group of players featuring a good mix of youth and experience, and in terms of the young players especially, we believe they have the potential to make the step-up to top international rugby,” said Erasmus.
“We've been following all their performances closely, we had the luxury of presenting our plans to them and getting to know them as individuals off the field at the alignment camps, and we are pleased with the enthusiasm they showed and willingness to learn.
“With the players based in Europe, the UK and Ireland not available for Wales, we anticipate that there will be a few players making their Test debuts in that match, but even for those who do not make the cut, having them in camp and getting the chance to work closely with them on the field will set them and the team in good stead as we prepare for this season and start laying the foundation for the 2027 World Cup in Australia.”
Erasmus added: “We gained immense value by granting a few players a chance to prove what they can do at international level in the last few years leading up to the 2023 World Cup. Some of the players who made their Test debuts in that time were members of the squad that lifted the trophy in Paris, and we feel it is important that we continue blooding new players as we build toward the future.
“As things stand, we have a bunch of young players that already have Test experience and who know exactly how we operate as a team and what is expected of them at this level, and we have no doubt that we will reap the rewards in the years to come as we continue to increase our squad depth.
“As always there are a few unlucky players who missed out on selection this time, but the door will always be open for them to be called up if the need arises.”
Steven Kitshoff, Lood de Jager and Jaden Hendrikse among a handful players were not considered for the squad due to injury.
The Wales Test will be followed by the Castle Lager Incoming Series which features back-to-back Tests against Ireland (ranked second in the world) in Pretoria and Durban respectively (on 6 and 13 July) and a historic first Test against Portugal in Bloemfontein on 20 July.
The Springboks will then turn their attention to the Castle Lager Rugby Championship where they will line up against Australia in Brisbane and Perth (on 10 and 17 August) before facing arch-rivals New Zealand on consecutive weekends in South Africa in Johannesburg and Cape Town respectively (on 31 August and 7 September). They will then make a short trip to Argentina where they will face the Pumas in Santiago (on 21 September) and then in Nelspruit on 28 September.
This will be followed by the traditional year-end tour featuring Tests against Scotland in Edinburgh (9 November), England in London (16 November) and Wales in Cardiff (23 November).
Springbok training squad (in alphabetical order):
Forwards: Phepsi Buthelezi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Joseph Dweba, Ben-Jason Dixon (both DHL Stormers), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Neethling Fouche (DHL Stormers), Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ntuthuko Mchunu (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Evan Roos (DHL Stormers), Kwagga Smith (Blu Revs), Andre-Hugo Venter (DHL Stormers), Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers).
Backs: Damian de Allende (Panasonic Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Andre Esterhuizen (Harlequins), Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jordan Hendrikse (Emirates Lions), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers), Ethan Hooker (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Quan Horn (Emirates Lions), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath) Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Makazole Mapimpi, Siya Masuku (both Hollywoodbets Sharks), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Morne van den Berg (Emirates Lions), Edwill van der Merwe (Emirates Lions), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
Issued by SA Rugby Communications
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Rugby.
Further delay in Thabo Bester trial
Bester complains that his rights to a fair trial are being infringed