CSA Congratulates Proteas Men’s Team on Another ICC Knock-Out Appearance
JOHANNESBURG: Following another valiant effort from the Proteas Men’s team, Cricket South Africa (CSA) would like to extend their congratulations...
JOHANNESBURG: Following another valiant effort from the Proteas Men’s team, Cricket South Africa (CSA) would like to extend their congratulations...
President Ramaphosa kicks off Gauteng oversight visit
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the economic success of Gauteng Province is crucial to the overall success of the country.
The President was addressing the Gauteng Provincial Government and the National Executive during an oversight visit to the province, on Thursday.
Gauteng is home to the financial capital of Africa in the form of Johannesburg, while Tshwane is South Africa’s administrative capital, and Ekurhuleni is an industrial and manufacturing hub critical to the country’s supply chains.
“Gauteng’s unique position in the national landscape is both an opportunity and a challenge. While it may be the smallest province in terms of land size, it is a giant in many other respects.
“Gauteng contributes the largest share of any province to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. It is the single most critical economic hub in the country, serving as a powerhouse of finance, governance, industry and innovation.
“The economic success of Gauteng is integral to the economic success of South Africa. It is here in Gauteng where our policies, plans and commitments must translate into action,” President Ramaphosa said.
Resolving challenges
During the State of the Province Address (SOPA) last week, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi pinpointed 13 challenges the provincial government must address. These include:
During his remarks today, the President expressed consensus with the Premier.
“Premier, we also agree with you that if we do not move with speed to address the critical challenges identified in the State of the Province Address, we risk undermining the progress we have made.
“There are recurring problems across Gauteng. Some of these include governance failures, financial mismanagement, crumbling infrastructure, crime and lawlessness, as well as unreliable service delivery. These are the challenges that are also articulated in your G13 list which…if we do not address, we will not have served our people well.
“Our greatest challenges – in Gauteng and across the country – are in the end, unemployment and poverty. These are the challenges we all must face head on,” President Ramaphosa said.
Changing lives
The President also emphasised that the outcomes from the oversight visit must improve the lives of Gauteng citizens.
“What emerges from this meeting must not remain as just plans on paper. The outcomes of this meeting must be transformed into practical, measurable interventions that directly benefit the people of Gauteng.
“Through a collaborative and solutions-oriented approach, we will drive sustainable development, improve service delivery and enhance the quality of life for all who call this province home.
“Let us seize this moment with urgency and determination, ensuring that every commitment made here today is followed by decisive action,” he said.
The engagement with the provincial government is the fourth oversight visit, following engagements with the provincial governments of Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
“These engagements are crucial in strengthening intergovernmental cooperation, collaboration and consultation. They are important for ensuring better alignment of provincial priorities with the priorities of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
“Cooperative governance is a constitutional principle. It requires that, as different spheres of government, we must cooperate with one another in mutual trust and good faith. We must assist and support each other and coordinate our actions,” he said.
Human Rights Month
President Ramaphosa noted that as the national executive conducts its oversight visit to Gauteng, the country is commemorating Human Rights Month.
He highlighted that Human Rights Month is “particularly relevant in the context of our discussions today”.
“The right to water, sanitation, healthcare, housing and education are fundamental to the well-being of our communities. It is our duty to ensure that these rights are not just enshrined in our Constitution but are actively realised through tangible and impactful service delivery.
“People should not only be aware of their right to these services but should actively experience them in their daily lives. We therefore have to continue to harness the power of collaboration to overcome obstacles and implement sustainable solutions that will uplift our communities.
“Through unity and action, we must create a future where the rights of all South Africans are upheld, and where every citizen can access the quality services they rightfully deserve,” President Ramaphosa said.
The month of March is a heightened period in South Africa to mark Human Rights Month, commemorated under the 2025 theme, “Deepening a culture of social justice and human rights”. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 03/06/2025 - 10:51
194 views
“Customer- and people-centric” is how Operational Director Luca Smargiasso describes industry stalwart, automotive component manufacturer Malben Engineering, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The company, which operates two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Nigel, Gauteng, is very well-known and respected for its strong tool design and manufacturing capabilities; as well as the supply of high-level welded …
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Cultural Creators from three of South Africa's neighbouring countries feature in KFC Streetwise's (https://Global.KFC.com/) new Original Feeds Original campaign, which celebrates the inspiration that feeds creativity.
Windhoek fashion designer Ruberto Scholtz, Harare visual director Rowan Sakarombe and the Botswana Metalheads feature in the campaign's epic TV commercial (https://apo-opa.co/43najWe), which stars Khuli Chana, Blxckie and 25K. The commercial's soundtrack (https://apo-opa.co/4irtnad) is a new song, the Originals Anthem, written and recorded by the rappers.
“Just as KFC's Streetwise brand takes its inspiration from the iconic taste of KFC's Original Recipe – while adding bucketloads of value for a new generation – the film depicts Khuli, Blxckie and 25K inspiring each other and those who will follow them,” says KFC Africa Chief Marketing Officer Grant Macpherson. “The Cultural Creators are part of the same powerful narrative.”
Scholtz, who made the suits Blxckie and 25K wear in the photoshoot scene in the TV commercial, is inspired by collaborations. “If you see someone who can do something well, why not work with them?” he says.
Sakarombe appears in the film shooting the Originals Anthem music video in the street with Khuli Chana, Blxckie and 25K. He says he's inspired by the “raw experiences of life around me” and the vibrant energy, constant motion and diverse cultures of cities.
The Originals Anthem inspires the Botswana Metalheads – whose music often contains local influences and whose style reflects cowboy culture - to infuse their originality and give it a heavy metal angle.
The campaign, which launches on 04 March 2025 across SADC regions, also features a packaging collaboration between KFC Streetwise and Cultural Creator Sindiso Nyoni, a Bulawayo-born illustrator who has built a stellar career after being inspired by an “original” – his high school art teacher, a retired graphic designer.
Making a mark
Macpherson says it's a time when young people are hungry to share their unique signature with the world. “Who better to feed their hunger than the originals who came before them?” he says.
“We want the Originals Anthem and all the activity around it to inspire all the young Africans trying to make their mark through their creativity and individuality.”
Khuli Chana says that as one of the legends of South African hip-hop, he's passionate about inspiring new artists. “The reason I started Maftown Heights in 2009 was to help rappers from Mahikeng find their footing in Joburg with a sound and language that wasn't mainstream at the time,” he says. “It led to great things and it's still giving new artists a platform. I love inspiring musicians to find their original sound.”
Blxckie says his career and development has been built on collaborations, and every one of them keeps him original. “Musicians lift each other up,” he says. “They support each other and make each other better at what they do.”
25K was introduced to rap by artists such as DJ Mojava, Ghetto Squad, and old school hip-hop groups Dead Prez and Outcast, and became an original by rapping in S'Pitori, a mixed language spoken in Pretoria.
“I want to be remembered for that and I want to inspire kids,” he says. “When I'm no longer here, I want to feel like I left something that will make it easier for another kid to come out of Pretoria.”
Other Cultural Creators who appear in the Original Feeds Original TV commercial include Kind Kid toymaker Sanele Qwabe, “Nail Pimp” Nailed Ntswembu, the Island Gals skateboarders and custom car pimper Ofentse Mphatsoe.
Passing the torch
The commercial begins with Khuli starting to write the Originals Anthem and ends with him as the OG, welcoming Blxckie and 25K on stage and handing the mic to them.
“It's the story of my life and it's the story of KFC Streetwise,” says Khuli. “Passing the mic is like passing the torch, and that's how Original Feeds Original.”
Director Sam Coleman says the 90-second video portrays the endless cycle of inspiration, in which each creator is galvanised by the ones before and motivates those who follow. “It's an explosive mix of visual eye candy, entertainment, musical reward, style, and unique brand integration that instantly hijacks your attention and eyeballs,” he says. “Everything about it is engaging, surprising and fresh.”
And there's an extra twist to the campaign, says Macpherson. “Every time someone streams the Originals Anthem, the money it earns will go to KFC Add Hope. It will be used to feed malnourished children throughout South Africa.
“Among the kids who benefit from Add Hope are the next generation of Khulis, Blxckies and 25Ks and the Cultural Creators of the future. So, anyone who listens to the anthem will be helping them on their way.”
The Originals Anthem is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify (https://apo-opa.co/4irtnad), YouTube Music (https://apo-opa.co/4if2LsS) and Apple Music (https://apo-opa.co/43srwgO).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KFC Africa.
30” TVC available here (https://apo-opa.co/4h9AfYu)
90” TVC available here (https://apo-opa.co/43najWe)
KFC socials:
KFC Eswatini
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4ilOwlT
Instagram: @ kfc_eswatini - https://apo-opa.co/43mH322
About KFC Africa:
KFC has been in South Africa for over 53 years and has more than 1,300 stores across the country. The first KFC restaurant in South Africa opened in 1971 in Orange Grove, Johannesburg. KFC is the leading quick-service restaurant brand in South Africa with just under a third of market share, according to Brand Image Tracker. KFC serves more than 20 million customers a month and we work hard to ensure that no matter which of our restaurants they walk into, they will get that distinctive KFC flavour and have a great experience. KFC's Original Recipe® Chicken was first made by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1940 when he perfected his secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices at his restaurant in Kentucky. Today, KFC is the world's most popular chicken restaurant, still preparing our chicken with the Colonel's secret recipe to his exact standards. Every KFC restaurant follows the same global processes and procedures to ensure that our customers get great-tasting food, every time. KFC Streetwise is a registered trademark.
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Progress in closing the gender gap in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa has almost halted, leaving millions of women at a disadvantage to men. But female role models across the continent are refusing to admit defeat, dedicating themselves to accelerating progress towards gender equality.
To mark International Women's Day on 8 March and honour its theme of “Accelerate Action”, KFC Africa has collected the stories of dozens of women who are taking bold steps to advance equality on the continent by educating, empowering and supporting women to achieve more, together, faster.
KFC Africa's list contains the names of 54 women – one for each year the company has been in Africa – and follows its successful International Women's Day campaign in 2024 which introduced an inaugural list (https://apo-opa.co/4h5xiID) of 53 “female firsts”. Each of those women had overcome educational, social and financial obstacles to achieve something no woman in their country had done before.
The 2025 list (https://apo-opa.co/4h5xiID), drawn from each of the 22 Sub-Saharan Africa countries where KFC has restaurants, also has its share of female firsts – people such as Dior Fall Sow, Senegal's first female prosecutor; Nelly Mutti, the Zambian parliament's first female speaker; and Adelaide Retselisitsoe Matlanyane, the first woman to lead Lesotho's central bank.
The list is dominated, however, by younger women who are breaking the mould – particularly in the technology sector – and showing they can do anything they set their mind to, regardless of age or gender.
They include the likes of Christine Ogo, a Cote d'Ivoire physicist who has encouraged thousands of schoolgirls to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics; Rachel Sibande, who set up Malawi's first technology incubator for emerging entrepreneurs and has gone on to teach coding to 92,000 women and children; and Regina Honu, whose Tech Needs Girls movement in Ghana has trained more than 20,000 women and girls to code.
Gender gap
“It's a powerful list that gives us hope after the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report (https://apo-opa.co/4i2QKXB) in 2024 showed that progress seems to have ground to a halt,” says Akhona Qengqe, General Manager of KFC Africa.
The report showed that 68.4% of Sub-Saharan Africa's gender gap had been closed, only marginally higher than 68.2% in 2023 (https://apo-opa.co/3QEYGm5). South Africa, while being Africa's highest scorer and ranking 18th out of 146 nations, went backwards, from 78.7% in 2023 to 78.5% a year later.
“The report says that at the current rate of progress, it will be 2158 until the world reaches full gender parity,” says Qengqe. “That's why we need to accelerate action, particularly in Africa, and why the efforts of the women on the KFC list are worthy of recognition and support.”
In her seven years at KFC – she was as director of Africa franchise development, director of transformation and diversity and chief people officer before taking over as general manager in April 2023 – Qengqe has prioritised female empowerment.
Her initiatives include spearheading KFC Add Hope, a women-led programme that serves free meals to tens of thousands of children at more than 3,000 feeding centres across South Africa.
In 2021, she launched the Women on the Move leadership development programme, which prepares 22 women at KFC for future leadership positions every year, cultivating a pipeline of talent. Within two years, the number of female leaders in the business grew by 14%.
Transforming franchising
Last November she turned her attention to the wider quick service restaurant sector, launching Women in Franchising Africa (Wifa), the first network for current and aspiring female franchisees and franchisors across the continent.
“To say I am passionate about the inclusion of women in growing our economies is an understatement. It is in fact one of my life's purposes,” she says. “My partners in Wifa intend to transform the participation of women in the franchising sector across African economies.
“We want to educate women on how to run successful franchise businesses, provide networking opportunities for like-minded women, transform the sector by making funding accessible to women, and create mentorship opportunities for all the women in the network.”
KFC Africa Chief People Officer Nolo Thobejane says “Accelerate Action” is a call to look at what has a positive impact on women's advancement and replicate it.
“This is a journey we need to embark on together as we learn from each other. I cannot stress enough the importance of forming alliances and partnerships to amplify impact. By working together, organisations and individuals can share resources, knowledge, and support to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for women.”
“At KFC, we have implemented some programmes which have yielded great results – such as the Women on the Move Leadership programme to ensure the pipeline of leaders, developing them with quality education and training through initiatives like our Streetwise Academy and then providing career support into positions of leadership.”
“Other successful initiatives organisations can implement include designing and building infrastructure that meets the needs of women and girls, involving them in sustainable agriculture, and elevating their participation and achievement in sport, as we do with KFC Mini Cricket.”
“There's a lot we can do as individuals, too – we can call out stereotypes, challenge discrimination, question bias and celebrate women's success. Everyone everywhere can Accelerate Action.”
Qengqe says the new list of 54 names brings to 107 the number of inspirational African women KFC has honoured and recognised in the past two years. “We know this is the tip of a wonderful iceberg, and we welcome nominations of other women who are Accelerating Action in Africa.”
Explore the list of 54 women Accelerating Action across Africa: https://apo-opa.co/4heEjqM
To nominate a woman Accelerating Action: Email: za-kfcafricamedia@yum.com
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KFC Africa.
For media inquiries and to arrange interviews with Akhona Qengqe and Nolo Thobejane:
Elmarie Swart
Phone number:
WhatsApp: +44 7464739649
South Africa: +27 79 831 2429
Email: elmarie@kamuses.co.za
KFC Socials:
Instagram – @kfcsouthafrica - https://apo-opa.co/3FdDUap
Facebook – @KFCSA - https://apo-opa.co/4hYOsJl
TikTok – @kfcsa - https://apo-opa.co/4h83tHx
X – @KFCSA - https://apo-opa.co/4h9pMMX
YouTube – @KFCSouthAfrica - youtube.com/@KFCSouthAfrica
About KFC Africa:
KFC has been in South Africa for over 53 years and has more than 1,300 stores across the country. The first KFC restaurant in South Africa opened in 1971 in Orange Grove, Johannesburg. KFC is the leading quick-service restaurant brand in South Africa with just under a third of market share, according to Brand Image Tracker. KFC serves more than 20 million customers a month and we work hard to ensure that no matter which of our restaurants they walk into, they will get that distinctive KFC flavour and have a great experience. KFC's Original Recipe® Chicken was first made by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1940 when he perfected his secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices at his restaurant in Kentucky. Today, KFC is the world's most popular chicken restaurant, still preparing our chicken with the Colonel's secret recipe to his exact standards. Every KFC restaurant follows the same global processes and procedures to ensure that our customers get great-tasting food, every time.
Phumla Mqashi informal settlement residents near Lenasia say the water tanked in by Joburg Water isn’t enough for everyone
U20 South Africa: Africa's 'moment to lead'
City of Tshwane Mayor, Dr Nasiphi Moya, has described the 8th cycle of the Urban 20 (U20) – which is co-chaired by the City of Tshwane and Johannesburg - as a moment for Africa to lead.
The Mayor was delivering remarks at the launch of the 8th cycle of the U20 on Monday.
The U20 is an engagement group of the Group of 20 (G20). South Africa has taken over the Presidency of the G20 for 2025.
“This is our moment to lead. Not just as the City of Tshwane or the City of Johannesburg, but as Africa’s voice in the global urban conversation.
“Through U20 2025, we have the opportunity to shape a future that is just, sustainable, and inclusive. A future where African cities are not just participants but leaders in the global urban agenda.
“As co-hosts of U20 2025, our mission is clear: to ensure that the voice of African cities is heard on the world stage and that the priorities of the Global South are brought into the G20 agenda,” Moya said.
The U20 is a city diplomacy initiative which includes cities from the G20 countries and this year’s theme will be “Cities Leading the Way in Reimagining Global Change”.
Key priorities for this year include:
• Economic opportunities and financing
• Climate action and urban resilience
• Social inclusion and equity
• Digital transformation and innovation
Engaging citizens
Moya highlighted that although this year’s U20 will build on the foundation laid by last year’s co-chairs São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, “our goal is to ensure that this presidency reflects the realities of African cities and the needs of our communities”.
“U20 is a global initiative, but its success will not be measured in communiqués and declarations alone. Its impact must be felt at a local level.
“This is not just about diplomatic meetings and international cooperation. It is about real economic opportunities, real investment, and real solutions for our people. It is about ensuring that the people of Tshwane and Johannesburg see themselves in this process and feel its benefits.
“We must use this platform not just to advocate for our cities on the global stage, but to showcase their resilience, innovation, and leadership to our own communities,” she said.
Pressing further, Moya emphasised that the impact of the U20 “must extend beyond government officials and politicians” who will gather for the U20 Sherpa Summit and African Mayor’s Assembly in June and the Mayoral Summit in September.
“We are committed to ensuring that the U20 process engages the people it is meant to serve. That means creating spaces for public dialogue and community participation, ensuring that our residents have a voice in shaping urban policies.
“It means fostering connections between local entrepreneurs and global investors, creating pathways for businesses to grow. It means recognising that Tshwane, as a knowledge hub, has world-class institutions that must be part of this conversation.
“Cities are on the frontlines of the climate crisis, economic inequality, and social exclusion. It is time for our voices to be heard at the highest levels of global decision-making,” Moya said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 03/03/2025 - 12:05
328 views
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Government activities for the week 03 – 07 March 2025
On Monday, 03 March, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in strategic partnership with the North West University’s Mahikeng Campus, is set to officially launch the Agri-Hub.
On Tuesday, 04 March, the Commission for Gender Equality in KwaZulu-Natal will hold a men’s engagement conference in collaboration with the men’s sector and other stakeholders to address gender-based violence and promote collaborative solutions across communities.
Also on Tuesday, the Department of Social Development will host a multi-stakeholder engagement on implementation of Recommendation 8 of the Financial Action Task Force (3-5 March).
On Wednesday, 05 March, Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi and Deputy Minister Pinky Kekana lead the 1 st Technical Meeting of the Anti-Corruption Working Group (3-5 March).
On Thursday, 06 March, President Cyril Ramaphosa and the National Cabinet will visit the Gauteng Executive Council and the City of Johannesburg (6-7 March).
Friday, 07 March, no confirmed events.
Neo
Mon, 03/03/2025 - 11:29
62 views
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President Ramaphosa to engage Gauteng on developmental priorities
President Cyril Ramaphosa and the National Cabinet will on Thursday visit the Gauteng Executive Council and the City of Johannesburg, said the Gauteng Provincial Government.
The two-day visit beginning on Thursday is aimed at engaging with the province on its strategic development priorities.
“This meeting is part of the President’s engagement with all provinces to ensure alignment on the 7th Administration’s Medium Term Development Plan.
“The Premier and Members of the Executive Council (MECs) will use the visit to update the President and Ministers on the plans of the Gauteng Provincial Government to improve service delivery in the province,” the provincial government said on Sunday.
To date, the President and his Cabinet Ministers have visited KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. -SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 03/02/2025 - 15:24
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Dear Editor The DA in Gauteng condemns the cheap trick by Tembisa Hospital management, who hoodwinked visiting parliamentarians last week by magically making psychiatric patients, who are normally chained up in a crowded casualty department, disappear. I have received a video of the psychiatric patients who have been returned to the casualty ward on Friday …
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SA presses forward for a just society
Family law and the creation of a just society were some of the issues under scrutiny at the launch of Human Rights Month on Friday.
“We’re gathered here today because we are all interested in creating a just, equitable, and sustainable society given our past, which was characterised by a range of injustices and lack of access to justice for the majority. Creating such a society requires a paradigm shift,” Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said.
The Minister hosted a stakeholder engagement session at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto Campus.
The session also focused on matters related to civil and criminal law, among others.
The session with civil society organisations also served as the official launch of Human Rights Month supported by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture as the custodian of National Days.
The democratic government declared 21 as March Human Rights Day to commemorate and honour those who fought for the country’s liberation and the rights citizens enjoy today.
“Again, I must say that today, the context will be us launching this Human Rights Month. We took a decision that we should not launch a Human Rights Day as just an event, but through a dialogue that reflects those 30 years we’ve been in this democracy.
“How far we have travelled and what other lessons [have been] learned? What is it that we need to improve? What are the issues that as a society, as South Africa, we still have to deal with?” she remarked.
The Minister said the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996 is the framework and foundation upon which the transformation of law, State, and society is anchored.
“Accordingly, the preamble of the Constitution proclaims that the new paradigm can only be created by establishing a society based on democratic values, social justice, and fundamental human rights and improving the quality of life of all citizens of the Republic.”
Kubayi said the engagement was part of a collective introspection into the work done over the years to advance the constitutional imperative of expanding access to justice for all, including the poor and the most vulnerable.
“Our quest to expand access to justice is based on the saying that everyone is equal before the law and has a right to equal protection and the benefit of the law. That equality includes the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and freedoms.
“It also goes on to highlight that everyone has an inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected.”
Shifting her focus to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), the Minister described it as a pandemic.
“Today, the State bears a constitutional duty to provide effective remedies against domestic violence.”
She also said the law now provides for means whereby same-sex couples can enjoy the same status, entitlements, and responsibilities accorded to heterosexual couples through marriage and that employers may not discriminate against anyone based on their HIV positive status.
“Because today they have become normal, but we’ve got to understand that it is through this democracy that we’ve attained these freedoms, “she added.
She called on South Africans to dedicate this Human Rights Month to commemorating and honouring those who have lost their lives for the attainment of freedom and human rights, to promote the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law, while acknowledging the injustices of the past. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 02/28/2025 - 15:44
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The Sandton Convention Centre was alive with energy as GWM South Africa hosted its highly anticipated Dealer Conference and Awards, an annual event that not only celebrated the company’s top-performing dealerships but also heralded the arrival of three groundbreaking new vehicles. More than 300 dealers, partners, and stakeholders gathered to witness the latest chapter in …
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Seven Chinese nationals found guilty of human trafficking
The seven Chinese nationals standing trial for human trafficking and child labour have been found guilty on 160 counts in the Gauteng South Division Court in Johannesburg.
Judge David Mhango said it was common course that the accused were in charge of Beautiful City and managing its operations; that the factory employed foreign nationals - mainly Malawians; that a number of employees sustained injuries during operations of Beautiful City and that the Malawians were illegal in South Africa.
He further said employees at the factory worked from Monday to Sunday and the company paid wages below the National Minimum Wage (NMW) which is a statutory requirement in the country.
Kevin Tsao Shu-Uei, Chen Hui, Qin Li, Jiaqing Zhou, Ma Biao, Dai Junying, and Zhang Zhilian were facing schedule six offences.
The Chinese nationals were found guilty on not registering with the Compensation Fund and declaring their operations; failure to keep records of their earnings; failure to submit their return on earnings; failure to pay and declare assessments; failure to maintain a safe workplace; failure to report incidents; failure to register and declare with the Unemployment Insurance Fund Commissioner; failure to inform the Commissioner on Unemployment Insurance changes; guilty of human trafficking; aiding/facilitating human trafficking; bondage; benefiting from victims of human trafficking and assisting illegal persons to remain in South Africa.
The Chinese nationals were arrested on 12 November 2019 in a joint operation carried out at their premises Beautiful City Pty Ltd based at Village Deep in Johannesburg.
They were arrested during the joint inspection blitz carried out by the Department of Employment and Labour’s Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) branch together with the South African Police Service (SAPS)/ Hawks Unit and the Department of Home Affairs.
The factory produced cotton fibre sheets.
“The joint operation uncovered illegal immigrants some of whom were minors working under horror conditions and kept in the locked premises of Beautiful City,” said the Department of Employment of Labour.
the department's Gauteng Provincial Chief Inspector, Advocate Michael Msiza said the judgment was a landmark ruling for labour laws.
He said the judgment sent a strong message to those that continue to employ illegal immigrants, that illegality will not be tolerated.
All the accused were remanded in custody except for number six, Dai Junying who is still out on bail and was kept outside on medical grounds.
Sentencing proceedings will resume on 7 March 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Wed, 02/26/2025 - 10:13
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JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) today announce a multi-year partnership with Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel programme, and Protea...
