Knights off the Mark, Boland Stay Unbeaten
BLOEMFONTEIN: A second successive unbeaten century from Dian Forrester guided the Knights to their first win of the 1 Day Cup...
Gqeberha
Netball Tournament Brings Locals and Immigrants Together in Gqeberha
“Our vision is to use sport … to unite people of all colours and origins”
Imam Muhsin Hendricks, Who Fought for Queer Rights, Assassinated
He reportedly said that the need to be authentic was greater than his fear of death
Women Ministry condemns brutal murder of gay activist Imam
Women Ministry condemns brutal murder of gay activist Imam
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has condemned the brutal murder of Imam Muhsin Hendricks who was gunned down on Saturday while attending a wedding in Gqeberha.
Hendricks is a renowned Muslim scholar and an avid advocate for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) rights having served a number of organisations championing the cause for equality along gender lines within the Muslim faith.
Hendricks became the first Imam in the world to come out as gay in 1996 and was since removed from his position for coming out.
He is the founder of the Inner Circle, a global Muslim community advocating for a society free from discrimination based on religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
He also established the LGBTQIA+ inclusive Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque where there is no gender segregation.
Recently, Hendricks led the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation, which provides psycho-spiritual and social support to Muslims marginalised due to sexual orientation, gender identity, and belief.
Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Deputy Minister, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, said the murder of Hendricks was a stark reminder that the LGBTQIA+ community in South Africa continues to experience discrimination and hate crimes, despite the nation’s progressive legislation, such as the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act (2023), enshrined in part to protect the rights of the queer community.
Letsike recalled brave words uttered by Hendricks as he advanced the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights in the Muslim faith, as he said: “The need to be authentic was greater than the fear to die.”
“This brutal murder is not just about Imam Hendricks, it is a direct assault on all movements, organisations and persons advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights in South Africa. We call on the South African Police Services and all law enforcement agencies, to strengthen their investigation, and track the persons responsible for justice to prevail.” Letsike said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 02/17/2025 - 08:57
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KZN Inland Rural Remain The Only Unbeaten Team Left At Rural Week
VEREENIGING: Day two saw the KZN Inland Rural team finish as the only undefeated team left in the CSA Inland Rural...
Gqeberha to host historic G20 Employment Working Group
Gqeberha to host historic G20 Employment Working Group
All eyes are on Gqeberha as the city hosts the first G20 Employment Working Group (EWG) meeting, set to take place from 18-21 February 2025 at the renowned Boardwalk International Convention Centre.
As part of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, the country will hold a series of crucial Employment Working Group meetings, focusing on key labour and employment challenges, as well as technical sessions and high-level ministerial meetings.
Held under the theme: “Living and Working in an Unequal World: Ensuring Decent Work and Decent Lives”, the meetings will align with South Africa’s G20 Presidency theme of “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”.
The EWG meetings will focus on four key priorities, including:
• Inclusive Growth and Youth Employment – Reduce (not in employment, education, or training) (NEET) rates through job-rich growth, skills development, youth entrepreneurship and strengthened labour market institutions.
• Gender Equality in the Workforce – Closing pay gaps, tackling job segregation, and boosting women’s participation in STEM and leadership.
• Addressing Inequality and Declining Labour Income Share – Promoting fair wage-setting mechanisms to reverse the decline in labour income share and reduce economic inequality.
• Social Security and Digitalisation for an Inclusive Future of Work – Ensuring fair work in the digital economy by addressing AI, platform work and social protection expansion.
The first G20 EWG meeting will focus on pressing issues, including inclusive growth, youth employment, gender equality, income inequality, and the impact of digitalisation on the future of work.
Expressing her enthusiasm on the city hosting this historic event, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, said Gqeberha is proud to be the host city for several of these important events, underscoring the city’s growing role as a destination for international collaboration and discourse.
"We, as South Africans, stand together in celebration of this remarkable achievement. South Africa is the first African country to host the G20, a momentous occasion that speaks to the growth, leadership, and global recognition of our nation.
“This is not just a victory for South Africa, but for the entire African continent, as we demonstrate our capacity to lead on the world stage. Nelson Mandela Bay is honoured to play its part in hosting these vital meetings, showcasing our city as a beacon of progress, innovation, and collaboration,” Lobishe said.
In addition to the EWG meeting, Gqeberha will also host several key G20 gatherings throughout the year, including:
• The Second Digital Economy Working Group from 8-12 April 2025.
• The Employment Working Group Ministerial Meeting from 25-26 July 2025.
• The Fourth Trade and Investment Working Group from 7-9 October 2025.
• The Trade and Investment Working Group Ministerial Meeting on 10 October 2025.
• The Women Empowerment Working Group on 24 October 2025.
“These events signify a tremendous opportunity for our city to showcase its strengths and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing global challenges, including employment, digital economy, trade, investment, and women’s empowerment. As a city, we look forward to fostering meaningful dialogue, exchange of ideas, and tangible outcomes that benefit not only our country but the entire global community,” the mayor said.
“Nelson Mandela Bay is excited to welcome delegates, dignitaries and international leaders to our city, and we are committed to ensuring that the G20 meetings will be a resounding success. These gatherings will further cement Nelson Mandela Bay’s and South Africa’s place as a key player in global discussions and as a growing hub for international events,” Lobishe said.
The Mayor extended an invitation to all citizens of Nelson Mandela Bay to embrace this historic moment and opportunity to be part of South Africa’s leadership on the world stage.
South Africa will host the G20 meetings from 1 December 2024 until 30 November 2025.
The G20 has about 19 member countries that represent 85% of global GDP and 75% of global trade. There are 16 working groups, and the Employment Working Group is among the critical components of the discussions. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 02/13/2025 - 12:30
346 views
Protesters Angry That Gqeberha Company Is Using Workers From Durban
Ibhayi Workers Forum demonstrated outside Dormac in Markman industrial area
Students Disrupt Classes Amid Housing Crisis
NSFAS blamed for student accommodation challenges
Polokwane to host Bafana Bafana match against Lesotho
Polokwane to host Bafana Bafana match against Lesotho
Bafana Bafana will host the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup qualifier against Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane next month.
“This match is not just another fixture on the football calendar, but it is a momentous occasion for our city, our province and of course for our country as we rally behind our boys in their quest to secure a spot in football’s grandest stage (the 2026 FIFA World Cup),” Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, said on Monday.
Coach Hugo Broos’ charges will face the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) neighbours in the Limpopo province on Friday, 21 March 2025.
The South African senior men’s national team will then fly to Benin by charter to face the West Africans in the second qualifier a few days later.
The Limpopo Provincial Government, led by the Premier, in collaboration with the South African Football Association (SAFA) held a media briefing to announce Polokwane as the venue of the match and also used the opportunity to allay fears about the readiness of the pitch to accommodate the crunch FIFA World Cup qualifier.
SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan, said the association was happy to continue taking the senior men’s national team to different parts of the country, with Polokwane the latest to assume the responsibility.
“Hosting this game in Polokwane, Limpopo, is a continuation of our commitment to taking the team to different parts of the country. We hope to see the passionate and packed stadiums we saw in Mangaung, Gqeberha and Cape Town during the team’s unbeaten run in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers last year. Now it is Polokwane’s turn to fill up the stadium,” Jordaan said.
The kick off time and ticketing information will be communicated by SAFA in the coming days. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 02/11/2025 - 09:01
153 views
No Money to Fix Broken Colchester Clinic, Says Health Department
Patients say no maintenance has been done on Colchester’s health facility since 2020
Health Workers Bring Dora to a Standstill
Strike since Monday at Dora Nginza Hospital over unpaid overtime
Nelson Mandela Bay kicks-off academic year on a high note
Nelson Mandela Bay kicks-off academic year on a high note
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has kickstarted the 2025 academic year on a high note, as the municipality's councillors and officials handed over essential resources, to ensure that learners are well equipped for a successful school year ahead.
The municipality’s mayor, Babalwa Lobishe marked the opening of the new school year by launching a Back-to-School campaign at Gqeberha City Hall, on Wednesday.
Lobishe is spearheading a Back-to-School campaign to provide essential resources, including sanitary towels, school shoes, and maths and science books.
The mayor said the campaign seeks to scrap the underprivilege identity among pupils in Nelson Mandela Bay, as thousands of learners returned to school.
"We have launched this campaign with the aim of making sure that no child goes to school and finds themselves feeling under privileged. We have noticed that there are kids who are still experiencing extreme means of living in poverty, so we want to address this scourge, and ensure that every learner gets assistance.”
Lobishe has also invited all residents, including, businesses, councillors and employees, who want to make a difference to end period poverty in the metro, to come forward and assist with essential resources.
“It is not only the physical stuff that we appeal to our residents to donate, but also their time by volunteering hours to provide learner support in areas, such as homework, and providing tutorials to those in need, which will make a difference in improving learner academic performance.”
"We make this call to everyone in our city to come and donate their time, funds and essential academic resources, for the betterment of the future of our children in the city,” Lobishe explained.
The mayor also used the opportunity to congratulate the class of 2024 Matriculants, who have made the municipality proud with impressive results.
The Eastern Cape’s Class of 2024 set a new record of 84.9% pass rate, a notable shift from the 76.5% in 2019 to 84.9% in 2024, representing a 4.17% shift over the term.
“We still believe in the saying that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ and understand that positive results at Matric level are a culmination of work and support that started from Grade 1.
Donations for essential resources can be dropped off at any Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Building, including City Hall in Gqeberha, metro customer care centres, and operational libraries around the metro. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 01/16/2025 - 11:16
66 views
Twelve Years and Counting: Rail Theft Case to Continue After Court Victory for State
Case involving top PRASA official and theft of 42km of railway line has stalled for at least 21 months
Our Justice System Is Grinding to a Halt
Simple cases are taking years and years to be finalised
Check Your Tyres Before Caravan Season
GQEBERHA, South Africa, December 06, 2024. The caravan and camping season is just around the corner, and tyre manufacturer Continental has some tips on things to look out for before that first trip. Inflating the tyres to the correct pressure and inspecting them for signs of damage is without doubt the first priority for owners …
Coetzee Ruled Out of Second Test Against Sri Lanka and Pakistan Tour Maphaka Added to Squad
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Last Minute Reprieve for Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Holders
The Minister of Home Affairs has extended the ZEP to 28 November 2025
How to Stop Mental Health From Sabotaging Your University Success
University can be a fun time for young people. It is a great opportunity to self-explore while attempting to obtain a qualification. Let’s examine some of the mental health challenges faced by students across South African universities and consider ways students can better deal with these challenges to be the best versions of themselves, in and outside the lecture halls.
The post How to stop mental health from sabotaging your university success appeared first on Khulani!.
Mulder Ruled Out of Sri Lanka Test Series
DURBAN: Proteas Men’s all-rounder Wiaan Mulder has been ruled out of the remainder of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka...
Gqeberha Pride Festival: Sports Uniting Communities
Hosting netball games gets more people involved in Pride
Spaza Shop Landlords Shocked by R2,200 Permit Fee
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is scrambling to legalise residential based enterprises
Government considers intervention in Eskom electricity tariff hike application
Government considers intervention in Eskom electricity tariff hike application
Government is preparing to present an intervention regarding Eskom’s proposed tariff hike.
This according to Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who briefed the media on Wednesday.
The power utility has asked the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) to approve its multi-year price determination which would mean, for direct Eskom customers, a 36.15% electricity tariff hike for 2025/26, an 11.81% increase in 2026/27 and a 9.10% rise in 2027/28 – sharply bringing into focus electricity affordability and upping the cost of living.
Nersa is currently holding public hearings on Eskom’s application.
“As government, we will be fashioning interventions to ensure that we provide relief. It’s still a process that is underway inside government. Before Nersa makes that determination, we’d have made our submissions.
“I want to say – with a degree of confidence – that we will get to a situation where we don’t realise a 36, 40% tariff increase. It should be something significantly lower than that. [This will be] taking into account the need for the industry to be competitive; the pressures that the households are experiencing,” he said.
The Minister reminded South Africans that the seventh administration has committed to ensuring that “we fight poverty and reduce the cost of living”.
“We know that the cost of utilities – electricity and water – is a big component of the spending of households and in fact, it’s more disproportionate when you get to low income households.
“I want to say to the country that: rest assured, we will be making interventions that will provide significant amount of relief. What that percentage [tariff increase] that will be, Nersa will make that determination,” he said.
Ramokgopa insisted that despite government’s intervention, “we will not undermine the ability of Eskom to continue to operate”.
“Some of the assumptions and basis of the application of Eskom has got some justification.
“[However] we think we can do both…Eskom’s ability to execute on its mandate and on the other side, the need for us to provide some degree of relief to households and industry. I am confident, we can find that,” he said.
The Minister implored South Africans to continue making their voices heard at Nersa’s public hearings on Eskom’s proposed tariff increases.
Public hearings continue as follows:
- 20 November at the ETC Conference Centre, Spondo Street, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.
- 21 and 22 November at the Transnet National Ports Authority, N-Shed Passengers Terminal, Quayside Road, Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal.
- 25 November at the Bon Hotel Bloem Plaza, East Burger Street, Bloemfontein, Free State.
- 27 November at the Mbombela Civic Centre, 1 Nel Street, Mbombela, Mpumalanga.
- 29 November at the Jack Botes Hall, 14 Bodenstein Street, Polokwane, Limpopo.
- 2 December at the Protea Hotel, Barend and Margaretha Prinsloo Streets, Klerksdorp, North West.
- 3 and 4 December at the Eskom Academy of Learning, Dale Road, Midrand, Gauteng.
“What is important is that all of us…let’s subject ourselves to the [Nersa hearings]. So that we allow Nersa the opportunity to have the benefit of the mulitiplicity of views,” Ramokgopa said.
Nersa’s decision on Eskom’s application is expected to only be made on 20 December this year. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 11/20/2024 - 12:06
115 views
Contractor Introduced for N2 Maintenance in Kou-Kamma With Work Starting Soon
Gqeberha, 19 November 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has held two stakeholder engagement sessions in the Kou-kamma Local Municipality. These sessions were aimed to introduce a contractor for the periodic road maintenance from Bloukrans to Storms River village intersection on the N2. Construction is set to commence in January …
Bavuma Returns for Test Series Against Sri Lanka
JOHANNESBURG: Red-ball head coach Shukri Conrad has today announced a 14-player squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri...