Hundreds Protest in Gauteng Over Social Development Funding Issues
NGOs call for an end to delayed payments, an overhaul of the payment process and transparency
head office
Company Sold Stolen and Expired Insulin to Malawi’s Hospitals
Yet it has got away with minor sanctions and continues to operate
Tongaat Hulett Liquidation Avoided After Government Provides R200-Million Lifeline
Last-minute funding deal allows the struggling sugar giant’s mills to open for the season, buying time for more than 18,000 KZN canegrowers
Turning Food Waste Into Millions of Healthy Meals
Companies like FoodForward SA and Ladles of Love are rescuing produce and redistributing it in vulnerable communities
Vision Blames Government for Tongaat Liquidation Crisis
The controlling creditor says government failed to implement industry reforms and is “coy” about what it is offering to prevent liquidation
Tongaat: A Ticking Time Bomb Set to Go off in April
The company’s mills must open soon for the sugarcane harvest, but its bank accounts are frozen
Tongaat Liquidation Will Devastate Economy
Minister Parks Tau opposes liquidation, says it will cause a “jobs bloodbath”
Canegrowers to Urgently Intervene in Sugar Giant Tongaat’s Liquidation
The canegrowers’ association represents 23,000 farmers
Activists Accuse Anglo of Going AWOL
But the company has dismissed the claim that it is leaving South Africa as disinformation
City Power’s Refusal to Communicate With Johannesburg Councillors
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) in Johannesburg condemns City Power’s decision, effective from Monday, to no longer communicate with councillors, allowing them to report service delivery issues. Until now, councillors have been actively involved in relaying complaints about power outages and water problems received from residents to City Power. City Power’s explanation that it […]
The post City Power’s refusal to communicate with Johannesburg councillors hampers service delivery appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Metro Officer Abandoned on Roadside
The recent case of a female Metro Police officer forced to hitchhike home in full uniform, in the middle of the night, while experiencing a heavy menstrual cycle and without her service firearm, is not only a policy failure; it is a disgrace.
The post GOOD CALLS FOR POLICY SUSPENSION AFTER OFFICER ABANDONED ON ROADSIDE appeared first on For Good.
Ecological Disaster in the Hemel-En-Aarde Valley
The collapse of a precious palmiet peatland exposes failures and tensions in the management of our water resources
Workers Take to the Streets on World Day for Decent Work
COSATU marches in major cities to highlight corruption, job losses and high cost of living
Students March in Germiston Over Unpaid NSFAS Fees
They are demanding that the Ekurhuleni West TVET College intervene to help desperate students
R562 Million Later – No Permanent WCED Head Office, No Inner-City Housing, and No Accountability
The Western Cape Government has spent over half a billion rand on office space for the Western Cape Education Department (WCED),yet it still has no permanent headquarters. This alarming misuse of public funds was revealed in written responses to GOOD by current Infrastructure MEC Tertuis Simmers and former MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela, following parliamentary questions submitted in November 2020, and again in April and June 2025.
The post R562 MILLION LATER – STILL NO PERMANENT WCED HEAD OFFICE, NO INNER-CITY HOUSING, AND NO ACCOUNTABILITY appeared first on For Good.
Hundreds March in Pretoria in Protest Over Blocked IDs
Protesters say their identity documents are still blocked, despite a court judgment
Proteas Thank South Africans for Unwavering Support During Wtc Victory Celebrations Trophy Tour Update
JOHANNESBURG: The Proteas Men extend appreciation to the people of South Africa for the overwhelming support shown following their historic ICC...
Protests Against Germany and Glencore Mark Namibian Genocide Remembrance Day
Events in Cape Town and Johannesburg drew attention to the war in Gaza
Fugitive rhino poacher sentenced to 110 years’ imprisonment
Fugitive rhino poacher sentenced to 110 years' imprisonment
In a major breakthrough in the fight against rhino poaching and wildlife-related crimes, a 54-year-old Zimbabwean national and wanted fugitive, Thomas Chauke, also known as Sazu Nkambuya, has been convicted and sentenced to 110 years’ imprisonment by the Makhanda High Court.
This follows an extensive and meticulous investigation by detectives from the South African Police Service (SAPS) Head Office, Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit.
Chauke was found guilty on six counts related to rhino poaching and wildlife related crimes, as well as three counts of escaping from lawful custody.
“The accused was a fugitive, wanted for multiple charges on rhino poaching and wildlife related cases in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal and North West. He was also linked to several cases, including armed robbery, rape and kidnapping," the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement.
The SAPS said Chauke had previously been incarcerated at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Services, where he was serving five life sentences for violent crimes, including rape, armed, robbery and kidnapping. He escaped from custody on 9 December 2020, prompting further investigation and search efforts by STES.
Following his arrest in 2024, the STES team coordinated the centralisation of multiple dockets from various provinces and liaised with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), to ensure effective coordination and successful prosecution of the accused.
On 28 February 2025, Chauke pleaded guilty to all rhino poaching and wild life related cases, including three counts of escaping from lawful custody, and was sentenced to 110 years imprisonment by the Makhanda High Court.
"The STES team remains dedicated to safeguarding both wildlife and the community from individuals engaged in criminal activities and ensuring that those responsible are brought to book and held accountable," the SAPS said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 04/15/2025 - 09:28
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Call to monitor rented spaces
Call to monitor rented spaces
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says municipalities must rise to the occasion and be aware of the activities taking place in the spaces they rent out.
The Minister’s comments come as he visited various drug laboratories and a warehouse which were discovered and shut down by the Hawks in Mpumalanga.
“The spaces where this operation was carried out (industrial and residential areas) are indicative that municipalities have to rise to the occasion and be aware of the activities which take place in relation to the spaces they rent out,” the Minister said following his visit to the sites on Sunday.
READ | Police Minister to visit Mpumalanga drug labs following arrests
The visit follows an operation carried out by a team comprising of among others, the Hawks in Secunda, Standerton K9, and the Standerton Crime Intelligence on 4 April.
“A search warrant was obtained and large quantities of liquid chemicals in drums, powder chemicals in sacks, machinery and equipment were found. It was confirmed that the building was used as a storage facility for illicit drug producing material,” the Minister said.
Three Mozambican nationals found at the scene were arrested; a fourth suspect who is also a Mozambican national was also arrested.
“All these individuals are illegal immigrants. Three vehicles were seized. Further investigation led us to a farm, where a clandestine drug lab was discovered, and a Mozambican couple was arrested - parents to one of the suspects arrested prior. Again, these individuals do not have the requisite papers to be in South Africa,” he said.
The combined value of items found was around R20 million.
All six suspects appearance in the Standerton Magistrate court on Monday, 07 April 2025.
Additionally, intelligence about two additional laboratories in the area were received. Search warrants were applied for and executed on 8 April 2025.
“The Investigation team comprising of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI/Hawks) Secunda, SANEB [South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau] head office, Standerton K9, Standerton Crime Intelligence, and private security visited a farm and discovered it was empty and then proceeded to a residential address.
"A tablet pressing machine, a disassembled machine worth over R2 million, petrol generator and 20 litre buckets full of finished powder products valued at over R28 million were found,” said the Minister.
Two South African males were arrested while a third suspect, handed himself in. They appeared in the Standerton Magistrates Court on 10 April 2025.
Several luxury vehicles were seized, including a Mercedes Benz and an amount of R3 689 200 was found in the boot of the Mercedes Benz. A white Isuzu van was found at another address and is in police custody.
“All suspects have since appeared in the Standerton Magistrate’s Court; one suspect (South African) has been released but investigations are still underway. The eight suspects who are in custody will appear again for a formal bail hearing on the 25th of April 2025.
This whole operation is an indication that we need to increase our law enforcement capacity in order to achieve such results and more. This is one aspect which we as the SAPS [South African Police Service] are focused on,” the Minister explained.
He added that the police have prioritised tackling the drug trade and is looking at dismantling the entire value chain.
“Since August 2024, the SAPS have uncovered several clandestine drug laboratories, leading to significant seizures of illicit substances and manufacturing equipment.”
Among some of the drug busts made by police previously include the dismantling of a laboratory valued at R100 million was dismantled in Rietfontein, Tshwane, resulting in the arrest of a 39-year-old Mexican national in November last year.
In December 2024, a drug bust valued at R4.5 million was executed, uncovering machines used for drug production, though no suspects were found at the scene in Kibler Park, Johannesburg.
“The total estimated street value of the 800 kilograms of drugs that were destroyed on 7 March 2025 is in excess of R340 million. About a year ago, drugs worth R550 million were destroyed. In three years, various types of drugs worth R5.2 billion have been destroyed.
“As the SAPS, we have a constitutional duty to ensure that all South Africans are and feel safe. Drugs have a negative impact on our communities. They have an impact on the crime levels, they destroy young lives and the health of those who consume them,” he said.-SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 04/14/2025 - 11:48
315 views
Seven Friends Plan Cycle Trip From Soweto to Kimberley to Raise Money for Libraries
Cyclists plan to cover 600km to raise R100,000 for two local school libraries
SA hosts first G20 Tourism Working Group meeting
SA hosts first G20 Tourism Working Group meeting
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has urged the G20 to find ways to use tourism to change the lives of communities around the world.
“As you convene during the first Tourism Working Group, I implore on all delegates to focus on how we can use tourism to change people’s lives, communities and the world,” she said in a video-recorded message.
The Minister was addressing the first G20 Tourism Working Group meeting held virtually from the Head Office of the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO) in Pretoria.
Wednesday’s meeting was the first of a series of engagements that will take place throughout the year, ahead of the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in September 2025.
“South Africa is excited to welcome all G20 delegates, member states and organisations to our beautiful country and proud to host the G20 for the first time,” she said.
The Director-General at the department, Nkhumeleni Victor Vele, chaired the meeting which was attended by senior officials and experts in the tourism sector of the G20 countries, invited guest countries and international organisations.
At the meeting, delegates deliberated on and agreed to work on four priorities for the year namely:
• People-Centered Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Innovation to enhance Travel and Tourism Start-Ups and SMMEs,
• Tourism Financing and Investment to Enhance Equality and Promote Sustainable Development,
• Air Connectivity for Seamless Travel, and
• Enhanced Resilience for Inclusive, Sustainable Tourism Development.
The Tourism Working Group will exchange knowledge and best practices among the member countries with a view of crafting actionable deliverables. The group is among the 16 working groups of the G20 during South Africa’s Presidency focusing on solidarity, equality and sustainability.
In its statement, the Department of Tourism said that as the first African country to preside over the G20 Presidency, South Africa is utilising its term to drive a developmental agenda to benefit the African continent.
Going forward, the following G20 Tourism Meetings are planned in South Africa:
• 2nd G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting from 11 to 13 May 2025 in KwaZulu Natal province.
• 3rd G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting from 10 to 11 September 2025 in Mpumalanga.
• G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting on 12 September 2025 in Mpumalanga.
The G20 economies represent around 85% of the global gross domestic product (GDP), over 75% of the global trade and about two-thirds of the world population.
In 2023, the G20 welcomed 69% of all international tourists and accounted for 71% of tourism exports worldwide. In 2023 Tourism Direct GDP reached 3.1% of the G20 economies.
The department added that tourism plays a critical role in the global economy and is one of the vital economic sectors contributing significantly to socio-economic development but remains vulnerable to natural and manmade hazards.
For many countries, the tourism economy is growing faster than most other economic sectors. With its extensive value chain and labour absorption capacity, it is acknowledged as a tool for inclusive economic development, playing a significant role in responding to socioeconomic challenges.
“Tourism is an important economic sector in Africa. In 2023 the continent’s tourism direct gross domestic product reached 85 US billion [dollars] representing 3.5% of the region’s GDP. This value is still below the pre-pandemic 94 US billion [dollars] reached in 2019 (4.3% share).”
The challenges facing the African travel and tourism sector include air connectivity, limited investments, financing for tourism development, positioning and marketing, social and environmental sustainability, as well as safety and security, among others.
South Africa’s tourism priorities for the 2025 G20 Presidency are aligned with the continental priorities as expressed in Agenda 2063 as well as with the core objectives contained in the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa – Tourism for Inclusive Growth, the strategic roadmap guiding the promotion of sustainable tourism development across the African continent.
The meeting also appreciated South Africa’s intention to build on the efforts and successes of the last three G20 Presidencies of the Global South and to champion Africa’s developmental agenda. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 03/06/2025 - 10:09
116 views
Collective effort needed to rear children as equals
Collective effort needed to rear children as equals
Deputy Minister in the department of Women, Youth and People with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike has called for a collective effort in raising children equally so as to dismantle historical injustices while also eradicating inequality.
The Deputy Minister was speaking during a panel discussion hosted by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on the importance of focusing on the boy child as part of the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) prevention strategy.
She underscored the significance of all stakeholders in shaping a just society.
"The young people of our country will grow up in a better place when we all put our hands together.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his State of the Nation Address, made a clarion call for a nation that works for all. All stakeholders matter in bringing up a better strong child justice system. We are a resilient people, and this country will be built by everyone, including the children before us. Let us nurture them, guide them to do the right thing, and let them thrive," Letsike said.
She emphasised that children should be raised equally, regardless of gender, and lamented the historical social constructs that have led to divisions between boys and girls.
"Sometimes, as adults, we diagnose and redefine how we bring up children, even to the point of polarising them. Children are meant to be brought up equally, they are born equal…We have divided children, we have divided men and women. We know the contributing factors which stem from issues of patriarchy, dominance and privilege.”
Speaking to those attending the session at the GCIS head office in Pretoria, the Deputy Minister highlighted the social implications of unequal child-rearing which can lead to bullying, violence, substance abuse, and mental health struggles.
She emphasised that past initiatives aimed at empowering the girl child were never meant to diminish the boy child but to address historical inequalities.
"When we paid attention to the girl child, it was never to minimise the boy child. It was about addressing inequality and dismantling social constructs that left both men and women behind.
“We must liberate ourselves by affirming that the girl child matters, the boy child matters, and the LGBTQ+ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more] community matters. We must return to our African principles of unity and raising children as a community," she said.
CEO of Soul City Institute, Phinah Kodisang, reinforced the need for equal treatment of all children, stressing that achieving equality requires challenging societal norms.
"We need to challenge the things that make equality difficult to achieve. The boy child must understand the privilege they live in and advocate against factors that perpetuate inequality. Before I am a woman, I am a human being, and even our Constitution speaks to human rights.
“We need to dismantle divisions that were created in the past and shift from mere words to action. Let’s instil values in our children through behaviour, even in something as simple as the toys we buy for them," Kodisang said.
The Soul City Institute for Social Justice is an intersectional feminist organisation committed to social justice for all.
Meanwhile, Chief Operating Officer of Primestars, Nkosinathi Moshoana, spoke on the importance of allowing young boys to open up about their struggles and vulnerabilities.
"Men are often perceived as perfect when put on a stage, and this makes it difficult for young boys to share their challenges. The key to helping young men express themselves is for society and fathers to be vulnerable and share their own struggles. That way, boys will see that we also faced challenges and overcame them," Moshoana said.
Primestars is a provider of youth development programmes.
Pledge
During the event, young boys in attendance signed a pledge to end gender-based violence and femicide committing to fostering a culture of respect and equality.
Deputy Minister Letsike commended the boys for their bravery.
“You are brave and strong. You must continue to be strong," she concluded.
The panel discussion emphasised the need for an inclusive approach to child-rearing, one that fosters equality, respect, and unity to build a safer and more just society for future generations. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 02/28/2025 - 15:21
211 views