Police brutality case: Former state prosecutor steps up to defend one of the accused
State is concerned over a conflict of interest in Regan Naidoo case
Durban
S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25: The Young Chef Finalists For The Africa, Middle East &Amp; South Asia Region Have Been Revealed
The selected young chefs are ready to present themselves to the prestigious Local Jury, showing their unique vision of the future of gastronomy Cape Town, South Africa 2024 – S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy announces the initial line-up of finalists selected for the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25, the global initiative to discover and mentor …
Treverton College Students Swim the Ocean 8 Charity Swim
On the 15th and 16th June, the Oceans 8 Charity Swim was held at the Durban Undersea Club. The swim, South Africa’s first warm water ocean event of its kind is a fundraiser for charity that support conservation and educational development. All entrants must raise a specified amount for different charities as a prerequisite to …
A refreshing warehousing and distribution centre solution for leading beverage manufacturer
An invaluable relationship-building opportunity and a successfully completed project is how Cousins Steel International (CSI) Director, Adam Oldfield, describes a warehouse and distribution centre that was recently completed for a popular beverage manufacturer at Phoenix Industrial Park to the north of Durban. A natural progression from significant upgrades to this plant in 2016, the project …
Khatala targets podium finish at Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K
After coming within just two seconds of breaking her own national record at the Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban on Sunday, Neheng Khatala (Lesotho) is brimming with confidence as she prepares for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K on Sunday 25 August. Lesotho’s fastest female 10km athlete clocked 32:03 to claim third place during …
Mhlongo raring to shine at the Paris 2024 Paralympics
Mhlongo raring to shine at the Paris 2024 Paralympics
by Sihle Manda
When South African athletes enter the Place de la Concorde in Paris on 28 August for the Paris 2024 Paralympics, the country’s hopes will be hoisted high by flag-bearers, sprinter Mpumelelo Mhlongo and swimmer Katherine Swanepoel.
The two will be among the country’s medal hopefuls as South Africa tries to improve on the seven medals won at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
Four years ago, Mhlongo broke the T44 200m world record and set the T44 200m, 100m, and long jump Paralympic Games records.
Reacting to the honour of flag-bearer, he said: “My immediate reaction was the thought that I was being held as the butt of a joke. When I finally faced the reality of the honour, I was flabbergasted.”
He thought there were many deserving individuals to carry the country's flag, adding that he had been extremely grateful as it was something he had experienced at last year's Paris World Para Athletic Championships.
“To do it at the Paris 2024 Paralympics is madness,” he said.
He conceded that the honour had little bearing for him as a professional. “It is an honour that successfully challenges the [human] skeptic in me, that does not dare to dream of a future beyond its circumstances.”
On his personal ambitions, he said representing the country was an overwhelming feeling that needed to be experienced.
“Pride and gratitude are words that do not give the meaning, or the justice it deserves. I think no matter how many words you string together, even the imagination has its limitations which is where experience steps in,” he added.
The sprinter said he was excited for Games that are not held under pandemic lockdown conditions.
“I am looking forward to the Olympic and Paralympic athletes reminding its community how important they are and the joy we get in experiencing these global events with them,” he said.
The Chatsworth-born athlete said while he had set himself targets for Paris 2024, his biggest target was to get to the games in a healthy condition.
Chatsworth is in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
“We even have targets for the sort of sleep and recovery we want to see daily. The most important target though, is getting to the Games healthy because we have done everything we can in our preparations to be the best versions of ourselves when it matters.
“Once you are at the Games, you have to intentionally remember to go out there and have fun, just celebrate the opportunity to represent our country and everyone who has reminded us that our story has value just as others,” he concluded.
*This article first appeared in Vuk’uzenzele
Janine
Tue, 08/06/2024 - 12:26
125 views
Two more Mpox cases recorded in Gauteng and KZN
Two more Mpox cases recorded in Gauteng and KZN
The Department of Health has called for ongoing public vigilance against Mpox disease as two more laboratory-confirmed infections have been detected in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
According to the department, the recent cases come 26 days after the last cases of Mpox were reported in South Africa.
This means that the total number of cases stand at 24, of which 12 were reported in Gauteng, 11 in KwaZulu-Natal and one in the Western Cape.
Meanwhile, the number of deaths linked to the disease remains three.
According to data, the latest case is a 36-year-old man from KwaZulu-Natal who was admitted at a local public health facility in Durban late in July after he experienced an Mpox-like rash along with fatigue, muscle pain and rigour.
“The patient has no international travel history,” the department explained.
The Gauteng case involves a 20-year-old man seen at a private health facility in Johannesburg on Friday, 2 August.
“The case presented with typical Mpox lesions. He confirmed his international travel history to Peru in South America. It is uncertain if the exposure occurred in Peru or South Africa.”
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) multi-country Mpox outbreak, Peru is among the countries with a high number of positive cases in the Americas region.
The department said contact tracing and monitoring activities are ongoing in the affected communities in both provinces.
It urged all the identified contacts to cooperate with health officials during contact tracing for screening and possible diagnosis to prevent further transmission of this preventable and treatable disease.
Meanwhile, as per data, of the 22 cases recorded between 8 May and 6 July, 19 of them have fully recovered.
“All people with suspected symptoms are reminded to visit the nearest healthcare facility right away for clinical evaluation, diagnosis and treatment options, instead of self-diagnosing and isolation.”
In addition, the department confirmed the arrival of another batch of Tecovirimat, also known as TPOXX, donated by the WHO as part of ongoing support to the country’s response efforts to this preventable and manageable disease. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 08/05/2024 - 11:00
435 views
Gautrain partners with Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series for seamless Race Day travel between Tshwane and Joburg
In 2024, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series is set to further elevate the runner’s experience in Tshwane and Joburg by welcoming the Gautrain as the Official Transport Partner. The events in Tshwane and Joburg will take place in the vibrant cities on Sunday, 25 August 2024, and Tuesday, 24 September 2024, respectively. “We are …
Christine Njoki, SA all-comers record holder, targets another Totalsports Women’s Race victory
After dominating the field in Durban on Sunday, 4 August 2024, during her Totalsports Women’s Race debut, Kenya’s Christine Njoki, the current SA all-comers record holder, has set her sights on a second Totalsports Women’s Race victory, this time in Cape Town on Friday, 9 August 2024 (National Women’s Day). “I had a good race …
Kenya’s Christine Njoki continues her winning streak in Durban at the Totalsports Women’s Race
Kenya’s Christine Njoki, the current holder of the SA all-comers record, claimed a dominating victory at the Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban on Sunday 4 August 2024. Starting and finishing at the Suncoast Casino on Snell Parade, the streets of Durban buzzed with excitement as a record field of 7500 runners gathered to partake in …
Former DHA official sentenced to 12 years imprisonment
Former DHA official sentenced to 12 years imprisonment
The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, has welcomed the sentence imposed on a former Home Affairs official by the Durban Commercial Crime Court.
Judy Zuma was sentenced to an effective 12 years imprisonment this week. She was part of a syndicate which delivered fraudulent passports for reward to foreign nationals who did not qualify for the documents.
The Minister described the sentence as a breakthrough in the fight against organised corruption.
“The message sent by this conviction is crystal clear: if you engage in corruption, we will find you and we will pursue you until you are locked up. We will not rest until we have cleansed the scourge of corruption from the face of Home Affairs,” Schreiber said.
The Minister said the sentence must signal a new culture of zero-tolerance towards corruption.
“The fight against corruption in this department, as demonstrated by the serious nature of the issues raised in this case, is particularly urgent given that Home Affairs sits at the heart of our national security apparatus,” Schreiber said.
The sentence imposed on Zuma translates into an effective 12 years of direct imprisonment, with another 24 years suspended.
She was originally arrested in a sting operation after she tried to bribe a Home Affairs Counter Corruption officer with R10 000.
The court confirmed that Zuma, who was convicted for multiple offences, was part of a syndicate issuing fraudulent passports to foreign nationals who did not qualify for the documents.
Zuma was found to have processed 192 passports between 28 May and 12 June 2021 for foreign nationals who did not qualify to have them. She was paid R4 000 for each passport. She left the department in December 2021, following an internal disciplinary process.
The department said all the affected passports have been red-flagged, meaning that anyone who tries to use these fraudulent documents at a port of entry will be immediately arrested.
“So far, two foreign nationals have already been locked away, serving time for their involvement in this corrupt scheme. Another two were sentenced to four years imprisonment [on Friday],” said the department.
To improve the security of travel documents, the department in 2022 introduced a requirement that passports be activated via fingerprints at the office of application. This means that passports can only be used after the owner has validated them with their own fingerprints.
It is alleged that Zuma was recruited into this scheme by another former Home Affairs official, Zima Shange, who was sentenced to an effective 10 years imprisonment in October 2023.
The Minister said the crackdown on both officials and foreign nationals involved in the syndicate strengthened his resolve to support the work of the Counter-Corruption Branch of the department as the successful convictions demonstrate that the “cancer of corruption can be defeated”.
“I am repulsed by the actions of Zuma and other members of such syndicates, who cheapen our documents, threaten our security, and undermine the work done by committed Home Affairs officials,” Schreiber said. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Sun, 08/04/2024 - 12:25
2 views
Empowering digital tools for your job search
No matter whether your looking at jobs in Cape Town, fondly referred to as the Mother City, or a brand new start further north in South Africa (say, Gauteng’s Jacaranda City of Pretoria), there’s no denying the changes that have transpired in the job search niche since your student days. Gone are the days when …
Police warn criminals against resisting arrest
Police warn criminals against resisting arrest
As police continue to crackdown on violent and serious crime, South African Police Service (SAPS) National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, has urged criminals to surrender themselves when called to do so by police.
Providing an update on the countrywide police operations during a media briefing in Johannesburg on Thursday, the National Commissioner warned criminals that police will continue to use force that is proportional to the threat when they are defending themselves and the communities they serve.
He was addressing concerns expressed by ordinary citizens and experts within the field of policing in relation to the number of suspects that have been shot and killed by police in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in recent months.
“It is important to clarify that, our mandate as the SAPS is to bring perpetrators to justice by arresting them, but quite often in pursuit of arresting these often dangerous and heavily armed criminals, our police officers are more than often met with heavy gunfire and that leaves our officers with no option but to defend themselves and the communities that they serve.
“On Tuesday evening, our members in KZN were tracing suspects who were linked to and wanted in at least 13 cases of business robbery and car hijacking in the Cator Manor and Durban Central Policing Precinct when they were met with gunfire.
“Five suspects were fatally wounded and fortunately no police officer was wounded in the attack. Just last week, KZN police shot and killed nine suspects in various incidents. In all these incidents, police were met with gunfire and various kinds of high calibre firearms were seized which include automatic rifles,” he said.
All these suspects were wanted in connection with serious and violent crimes, including murders and ATM bombings.
At the incident in Kwadlangezwa in Empangeni, the three suspects that succumbed to their injuries were wanted and linked in connection with at least ten cases of murder in the province.
“It is on this note that we urge criminals to surrender themselves when called to do so by police…. we will continue to use force that is proportional to the threat,” Masemola said.
As part of ongoing operations on the ground, police have secured the arrest of 766 237 suspects for various crimes.
These include 161 752 wanted suspects for priority crimes, including murder, cash-in-transit armed robberies, sexual offences, rape, car hijacking and firearm related offences.
Police visibility
The National Commissioner emphasised that heightening and enhancing police visibility as a form of a deterrent to crime is at the top of the SAPS agenda.
“Our ears remain on the ground, and we are well aware that our communities want to see more police officers on the ground. This is why we have recruited and trained 20 000 police officers in two years, who are already serving and protecting communities at grassroots level of policing.
“All these members have capacitated our police stations and various specialised units, including crime intelligence and the detective environment, where capacity is much needed,” he said.
Masemola announced that there are currently 4 500 recruits in training and the remaining 5 500 recruits will commence with training in January 2025.
“Through collaboration with key stakeholders in the fight against crime which includes various government departments and entities, it is our collaboration with private security as our eyes and ears on the ground that is proving to be effective and beneficial. Through our E2 project with private security, we have been able to share resources and intercept criminals jointly, through working together,” he said.
Investigation on 95 Libyan nationals
Police are continuing with investigations into 95 Libyan nationals who are alleged to have been receiving training at an illegal military training camp in White River, Mpumalanga.
The Libyan nationals allegedly entered the country with visas that were acquired through misrepresentation in Tunis, Tunisia.
“The focus is on who provided the nationals with Visa’s? And why did they opt to receive their training in South Africa As well as who funded their training and for what purpose?” the National Commissioner said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 08/01/2024 - 12:47
298 views
South Africa crowned the 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup champions!
In a nail-biting 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup final on Sunday, South Africa narrowly beat reigning champions, Australia 29-28 – earning them a third World Cup title. Sunday’s final concluded a fantastic competition which ran from 17 to 28 July at the Durban Shongweni Club in the Valley of 1000 Hills. Spectators were kept …
Defending Champion Kabelo Mulaudzi stays cool under pressure ahead of Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K
After achieving the fastest 10km time of his career with a second-place finish at the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on 7 July 2024, Kabelo Mulaudzi is confident in his chances of successfully defending his title at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K on Sunday, 25 August. Mulaudzi’s confidence soared with his …
SA All-Comers Record Holder, Christine Njoki sets her sights on the Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban
Exactly one month after setting a new South African all-comers record and personal best at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K, Kenya’s Christine Nalimo Njoki will be aiming for an even more impressive performance when she competes in one of South Africa’s most iconic Women’s Month celebrations, the Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban, this …
MAGGI launches “Cook the Difference” campaign introducing new flavours to SA kitchens
Mzansi’s most preferred noodle brand, MAGGI, as recognised by the Ask Afrika Icon Awards, is set to elevate South African kitchens with its latest campaign, “Cook the Difference!” Unveiled at an exclusive media luncheon on 25 July, VIP media guests experienced the brand’s magic and versatility. MAGGI showcased its potential to be both a complete …
Kavanagh takes on East Africans at the Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban
The Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban is set to feature its most competitive lineup yet on Sunday, 04 August 2024. Local favorite Tayla Kavanagh will go head-to-head with formidable opponents such as Ethiopia’s Debash Desta and Selam Gebre, along with Kenya’s Marion Chepkoech. “The fact that the Totalsports Women’s Race is a women’s-only event is …
Hey Google! 5 Strategies to Future-Proof your Online Content for Voice Search
As the digital landscape evolves, voice search is emerging as a critical component of online search behaviour. “With the proliferation of new technologies like smart speakers and virtual assistants, optimising content for voice search is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity,” says Jacqueline van Rooijen, Business Growth Consultant and Director at Ycagel. The Growing Importance …
Big build-up to 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup semi-finals
After a two-day rest, the action kicked off once again at KwaZulu-Natal’s Durban Shongweni Club in the Valley of 1000 Hills on Day 4 of the 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup. Thursday saw the Northern Hemisphere teams Ireland and the UK go head-to-head in the first round of playoffs, with Ireland victorious with a …
Durban remains a top events destination with the 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup
The warm winter weather, exquisite venues, and welcoming communities make Durban a prime destination for hosting large-scale events, with 2024 showing off the region’s capabilities. The fun continues from 17 to 28 July as the greater Durban area plays host to the 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup, with the support of Durban Tourism. The …
Rubbish piles up in Durban streets as cleaners picket outside city hall
Expanded Public Works Programme workers lose jobs as budget is cut
KZN commits to youth-oriented programmes
KZN commits to youth-oriented programmes
The eThekwini Municipality has welcomed KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli’s commitment to youth-orientated initiatives and developmental programmes.
Ntuli, who led the Executive Council in a two-day Youth in Business Summit recently held in Durban, announced that youth-oriented programmes will be a priority throughout the tenure of his administration.
Hosted under the theme “Young people taking charge in leading economic development”, the summit provided a platform for engagement between the government and the youth.
The summit encouraged youth development, entrepreneurship and involvement in the mainstream economy throughout the province.
Speaking at the summit, Ntuli said the summit is a catalyst for change and a platform for dialogue.
The Premier said the Executive Council and provincial government have identified youth unemployment, youth development, and financial backing for youth-owned enterprises as some of the key priorities for the seventh administration.
As part of government’s interventions to fight the scourge of unemployment through the Premier’s Office, the provincial government has created a suite of funding schemes which include the Premier’s Youth Empowerment Fund which has been increased from R60 million to R100 million.
“This programme seeks to afford the youth of this province with an opportunity to interact with strategic business leaders and to also share their views and ideas on how they would want this province of KwaZulu-Natal to aid their initiatives and programmes,” Ntuli said.
eThekwini Municipality Deputy Mayor Zandile Myeni commended the Premier-led initiative.
“When we give business access to young entrepreneurs, we will be ensuring that we transform the economy,” Myeni said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 07/25/2024 - 11:07
135 views
Transnet granted R18.85 billion loan
Transnet granted R18.85 billion loan
The African Development Bank Group has approved a R18.85 billion ($1 billion) corporate loan to Transnet for its recovery and growth plans.
Transnet has faced operational challenges mainly in the critical rail and port businesses resulting from underinvestment in infrastructure and equipment, theft and vandalism, and external shocks such as floods and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We appreciate the support demonstrated by the African Development Bank. The loan extended by the bank will make a significant contribution to Transnet’s capital investment plan to stabilise and improve the rail network and to contribute to the broader South African economy.
“The accompanying grant funding to the loan will also greatly assist Transnet with its energy efficiency efforts and with Infrastructure Project Preparation initiatives,” Group Chief Executive of Transnet Michelle Phillips said.
The 25-year loan, which was approved by the African Development Bank Group’s Board of Directors on 12 July 2024 is fully guaranteed by the government of South Africa.
It will facilitate the first phase of the company’s R152.8 billion ($8. 1 billion) five-year capital investment plan to improve its existing capacity ahead of expansion for the priority segments throughout the transport value chain.
“The company is committed to addressing past challenges, fostering integrity, and enhancing efficiency within the organization. It has made progress in some key areas, including reforms in governance procurement and financial management,” a joint statement by Transnet and the African Development Bank said.
Recovery Plan
In October 2023, Transnet launched its recovery plan, which seeks to rehabilitate infrastructure and accelerate the relaunch of operations over 18 months, focusing on restoring operational performance and freight volumes to meet customer demands.
“Transnet, the custodian of South Africa's critical transport and logistics infrastructure, plays an indispensable role in the economy of the country, ensuring a competitive freight system and serving as a gateway to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
“Our partnership will enable Transnet to execute a comprehensive Recovery Plan (RP), addressing operational inefficiencies, particularly in rail and port sectors. It is aligned with South Africa’s strategic 'Roadmap for Freight Logistics System,' and overseen by the National Logistics Crisis Committee, chaired at the Presidency level.
"This initiative signifies our commitment to enhancing national logistics capabilities and driving sustainable economic growth,” African Development Bank’s Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialisation Solomon Quaynor said.
Transnet has been a client of the African Development Bank since 2010. The company employs more than 50 000 people and plays a critical role in integrating and connecting South Africa with the global economy.
The company’s freight system’s activities contribute significantly to South Africa’s economy.
Its operations serve as key gateways for trade within South Africa and with landlocked countries in the region, such as Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo through the Port of Durban. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 07/24/2024 - 12:25
215 views