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The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is concerned about the confusion and obscurity surrounding the proposed sale of the Good Hope Centre, a historic and iconic landmark in Cape Town, as well as the conflicting messages appearing in the media. The party is of the view that the City of Cape Town should not sell […]
The post Freedom Front Plus opposed to the sale of the Good Hope Centre in Cape Town appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Accused’s lawyer says they have not been paid
Two religious landmarks, built a few hundred meters from one another, exemplify the diversity of Wittebome in Wynberg, Cape Town. The Darul Karer Mosque on Park Road, built in 1924, and the Corpus Christi Catholic Church, opened in 1937, welcome dozens of worshippers every week. Like many Catholic churches across the country, Corpus Christi was …
From demon-possessed killers to charismatic cultists, it can sometimes seem as though South Africa is at war with evil itself.
The City of Cape Town’s plan to drastically scale back the Dial-a-Ride service from 8 September 2025 will strip the most vulnerable residents of their only safe and reliable means to reach jobs, healthcare, education, and community life.
The post GOOD PARTY CALLS ON ROB QUINTAS TO FIND THE MISSING R12 MILLION TO SAVE DIAL-A-RIDE appeared first on For Good.
There are about 40 occult-related gangs operating in one province. Understanding what draws young people to them is key to combating them.
Liquor Amendment Bill still not introduced to Parliament after nine years
Mashatile extends heartfelt condolences to families of fallen SANDF soldiers in Congo
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has joined President Cyril Ramaphosa in expressing his deepest condolences to the families of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members who recently lost their lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“These brave soldiers were dedicated to their mission and committed to contributing to peace and stability in the DRC. We also call upon His Holiness to pray for peace and stability in the DRC and Africa as a whole,” Mashatile said on Thursday.
The Deputy President was speaking at the official opening of the first phase of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex in North Riding, Johannesburg.
Several soldiers serving with peacekeeping forces in the DRC, have been killed by the M23 rebel group in recent days amid fierce fighting, including 13 members of the SANDF.
The recent deadly clashes have intensified in eastern DRC after Kinshasa withdrew its diplomats from Kigali in Rwanda. Rebels have advanced toward the strategic city of Goma, which is rich in minerals.
The SANDF soldiers are part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), which aims to help restore peace, security, and stability in Africa’s second-largest country.
BAPS Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex
The official opening of the BAPS Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex was led by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the current Guru and President of BAPS, who travelled from India for the occasion.
BAPS is a significant branch of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, a Hindu denomination.
The BAPS Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex will serve as a centre for spiritual, social, and charitable activities.
The country’s second-in-command, who also visited the centre during its initial development phase, said the event is more than just the inauguration of an architectural marvel.
“It is a powerful symbol of our shared commitment to building a South Africa rooted in diversity, inclusivity, and mutual respect,” he told the attendees.
The building will be a place of worship, offer language and music classes, and feature a sports complex.
He described this historic inauguration as a representation of the country’s constitutional values, including freedom of religion, human dignity, and unity in diversity.
“As we gather here, we are reminded of the importance of embracing and celebrating our differences. In a world that is often divided by barriers and boundaries, this centre stands as a beacon of unity and understanding,” he said.
The Deputy President stated that the temple will not only function as a place of worship but also as a sanctuary for peace, knowledge, and spiritual enrichment for individuals from all backgrounds.
Mashatile also commended the thousands of volunteers who have worked diligently to make this vision a reality and noted that the government is inspired by their dedication.
“Let us draw inspiration from the Hindu values and principles, as we strive to build united and prosperous communities founded on mutual respect, understanding, love and cooperation.”
The Deputy President invited the BAPS organisation to continue working with government in addressing pressing social challenges, including gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), substance abuse, violence and crime facing local communities.
“As a religious community, you have a crucial role to play in recognising and bolstering the best practices in your community for preventing and eliminating these ills.
“This is a responsibility that falls squarely on both our shoulders. We must collaborate our efforts within our communities to reaffirm the importance of freedom, peace, security, and respect for all human rights,” Mashatile said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 01/31/2025 - 08:47
Mashatile to attend opening of first phase of BAPS Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will attend and speak at the official opening of the first phase of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex this evening, 30 January 2025.
BAPS Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex in North Riding, Johannesburg, will serve as a hub for spiritual, social, and charitable activities.
Deputy President Mashatile, a champion of social cohesion and national building initiatives in South Africa, will attend the event at the invitation of BAPS, a global non-governmental organisation with General Consultative Status.
General Consultative Status is the highest level of accreditation granted by the United Nations (UN) to international non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
The BAPS is an international Hindu socio-spiritual organisation that includes a place of worship, offers language and music classes, and features a sports complex.
“Built by thousands of volunteers, the iconic centre is accordingly, the first of its kind in the African continent, and it brings together people from all walks of life,” the Deputy President’s Office said in a statement.
“The centre also stands as a symbol of hope, unity, and cultural harmony for all the citizens of different backgrounds, and it is built to inspire positive values of community service and nation building.”
Deputy President Mashatile will attend the event alongside His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the current Guru and President of the BAPS, who will preside over the inaugural celebrations. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 01/30/2025 - 09:56
South Africans called to unite against HIV and Aids
The fight against HIV and Aids requires all South Africans to act together, says Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
Addressing the World Aids Day commemoration at the Sisa Dukashe stadium in Mdantsane, in the Easten Cape on Sunday, the Deputy President said while significant strides have been made in ensuring that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, the same cannot be said with respect to ensuring that 95% of people who know their status are on treatment and that 95% of people on treatment are virally suppressed.
“As of June 2024, only 79% of people who knew their status were on treatment, and only 93% of people on treatment were virally suppressed.
“As a country, we need to further increase HIV screening, diagnosis, and treatment initiation while maintaining treatment adherence to keep viral suppression rates high. We urge all government departments to incorporate HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis [TB] in their workplace health and wellness programs.
“In the same breath, we call upon political parties, trade unions, student organisations, and other formations to encourage their members and supporters to know their HIV status and those who know their status to seek treatment and to remain on treatment.
“Our traditional leaders need to continue to use platforms at their disposal, such as community meetings, izimbizo, traditional initiation schools, funerals and such events, to encourage their subjects to test for HIV and TB,” the Deputy President said.
He said government would continuously rely on various stakeholders, such as religious leaders to mobilise all men and women who worship, especially those who are HIV-positive and have stopped treatment, to return to care.
The Deputy President welcomed the initiative by the Department of Health, working together with SANAC and development partners, to trace the 1.1 million people living with HIV and linking them to treatment from today to December 2025.
Mashatile said linking these 1.1 million people to treatment will enable the country to reach the UNAIDS targets of 95-95-95. This is 95% of people living with HIV know their HIV status; 95% of people who know their HIV status are receiving HIV treatment and 95% of people on HIV treatment are virally suppressed.
“Let us all play our part and contribute to making this initiative a success,” he said.
South Africa must prioritise community-led responses and interventions to “guarantee that no one falls behind”.
“I would like to urge all the Premiers to make use of the Provincial Councils on AIDS to mobilise these sectors and others that are active in the provinces to help us find the 1.1 million people.
“All employers and employment organisations must come to the party. This is a genuine battle, and if we fail to combat HIV and AIDS, it will ultimately lead to our downfall,” the Deputy President said.
There have been many scientific advances in treatment and antiretroviral therapy, which have allowed people to live long and productive lives. Scientists are optimistic that improved treatment options can enhance prevention, and they are actively working on a cure and vaccine, he said.
“However, our country remains the epicentre of HIV and is among those with the highest TB burden. There are nearly 8 million people living with HIV, and TB remains the leading cause of death, claiming around 56 000 lives a year.
“We must always be cognisant of the fact that HIV is not only a public health crisis but also a developmental challenge and a human rights matter. Our approaches must be comprehensive, targeted, inclusive, and geo-specific.”
The Deputy President said HIV was prevalent among young people, especially adolescent girls and young women between the ages of 15 and 24, with a weekly record of 1 300 new cases. The infection rate among boys of the same age, however, is almost three times less, meaning girls are more vulnerable to HIV infection.
“A variety of factors, including the biological makeup of their bodies and their involvement in age-disparate relationships, contribute to this phenomenon. Nevertheless, we need more interventions designed for adolescent girls and young women.
“I am encouraged by campaigns such as #ForeverWena, a movement that aims to empower youth to take charge of their sexual health. It encourages open, factual, and informative discussions about healthy sexual behaviour and choices through its WhatsApp chatbot, a digital campaign available 24/7 that offers a confidential space for people to access vital information and support.”
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane said it was important for everyone to acquire knowledge about HIV and Aids.
“Our people deserve equal rights, equal care despite their status. This is an important day for us, let’s have hope,” Mabuyane said.
He said the province would focus on young people. “We have a problem of high teenage pregnancy. Lets teach our children to be responsible,” he said.
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi told the delegates South Africa needed to put 1. 2 million people on ARV treatment. “We need to work very hard to reach the 95 percent,” Motsoaledi said, referring to the UNAIDS targets.
Motsoaledi encouraged men especially to get tested for HIV and know their status.
South Africa joined the global community in anchoring the World Aids Day 2024 commemorations on the protection of everyone’s right to receive universal access to quality health care for all its citizens.
World Aids Day is commemorated annually across the globe in solidarity with the millions of people living with HIV as well as to raise awareness about the status of the epidemic, with a view to encourage HIV prevention, treatment, and care.
The 2024 theme: “Equal Rights, Equal Care” is a call for equal, equitable and dignified access to healthcare for all South Africans regardless of their economic status, gender, race or sexuality. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 12/01/2024 - 14:57
This holiday season, women are invited to come together for an inspiring evening of celebration, worship, and fellowship at the Women NOW event, hosted by Pastor Wendy McDonald at Good Hope Christian Centre on Friday, 29 November at 6:00 PM. The evening will kick off with a vibrant Christmas Market at 6:00 PM, offering a …
Citizens urged to change behaviour towards water usage
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has reiterated a call for continuous action from all citizens to secure the country’s scarce resource through a change of behaviour towards water usage.
The department noted that South Africa is a water-scarce country and that water resources are under immense pressure due to climate change effects.
To further worsen the situation, the department said South Africans currently consume more water per capita at approximately 218 litres per day than the world average of approximately 173 litres per day, while Gauteng is sitting at 266 per capita per day.
“This means we are using more water than the required average and that is unsustainable. The demand-supply relationship for treated water in Gauteng is very tight and the system is vulnerable to disruptions now because there is no reserve supply capacity in the system due to high demand.
The DWS called on all citizens to contribute to saving water, emphasising that living in a water-scarce region means that “we all must use water wisely [and] water conservation is essential and can be done by everyone.”
“Finding and fixing water leaks is an essential part of reducing water wastage in our homes, businesses, sports clubs, schools, places of worship and everywhere else in our communities. We call on communities to follow restrictions put in place by your respective municipalities, and to use water with caution and reduce consumption.”
Enforcing bylaws on water restrictions
The department also called on Gauteng municipalities to implement strict water restrictions and enforce municipal bylaws to those who do not comply to water restrictions.
“Level 1 restrictions prohibit irrigation of gardens with sprinklers and hosepipes between 6am and 6pm; filling of swimming pools; and washing of paving areas and driveways with hosepipes.”
If high demand continues, the department said municipalities should implement higher levels of restrictions, including educating residents and communicating the benefits of conserving water, as well as the dangers of wasting it.
“Repair leaks and burst pipes timeously to reduce quantities of water lost, attend to illegal connections, and maintain water infrastructure to ensure reliability and sustainability. Residents, repairing leaking pipes in your property is your responsibility [and] by law, leaks should be repaired quickly, and this will also save you money,” the department explained.
Water saving tips
The department has provided some of the tips on how communities can further implement small-scale changes to save water in households, schools, parks, churches, industrial buildings, government buildings.
These are:
• Keep the taps turned off when not in use.
• Turn off your tap while brushing your teeth and only turn on when it is time to rinse (and where possible, rather use a tumbler).
• When boiling water, kettles should not be filled to the brim but with just enough water for your needs.
• Wash your veggies in a bowl instead of under running water, then use the water to flush your toilet or water your plants.
• Only run the washing machine and dishwasher when you have a full load.
• Take a shower of five minutes or less.
• Do not use a hosepipe to wash your car but instead use a bucket of water.
• Do not rinse dishes under a running tap.
• Regularly check and fix leaking taps, pipes and toilets.
• Do not use hosepipes to clean on paved areas but rather use a broom to sweep.
• Water your garden either in the early morning or late in the afternoon.
• Avoid flushing toilets unnecessarily.
• Invest on rainwater harvesting system and use the water for water gardens, car washing and cleaning of paving etc.
• Promote plantation of drought-resistant trees and plants as these can thrive even without irrigation.
• Make an effort to educate the people around you on why you think saving water is important.
Tips on how to conserve water in industries
• Minimise unnecessary water use in exterior landscaping. Instead of choosing lawns that require regular watering, consider using decorative landscaping rocks to fill the space so that you can cut down on water use.
• Prioritise maintenance, cleaning and repair of water-using equipment to avoid leaks.
• Replace high-volume spray hoses with water-conserving models.
• The best way to conserve water is to recycle and reuse it.
“Mzansi, by making these simple changes, you can help save water. Saving water is part of our responsibility,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 10/18/2024 - 13:36
President calls on all stakeholders to help preserve SA's heritage
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on business and other stakeholders to work with government to protect and conserve historical, cultural and natural heritage sites, particularly in marginalised communities.
President Ramaphosa made the call in his weekly newsletter to the nation on Monday, ahead of the Heritage Day celebrations.
South Africa will on Tuesday observe Heritage Day, where citizens will celebrate the rich cultural tapestry that makes up the nation.
President Ramaphosa noted that while heritage preservation is a responsibility of government, the private sector, corporate sponsors, philanthropists, heritage organisations and other stakeholders also have an important role to play in ensuring these legacies are safeguarded for future generations.
“Private sector support for heritage preservation is uneven. While some high-profile heritage sites like Robben Island, the Mandela House in Soweto, Constitution Hill, and others receive donor funding, other less prominent institutions, events, and initiatives struggle to obtain support.
“As a result, many important sites of memory have fallen into disrepair. This is a wasted opportunity, because a number of these sites could stimulate local economies and provide work opportunities to the communities in which they are situated,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President said protecting and conserving historical, cultural, and natural heritage sites was also vitally important for nation-building and national reconciliation.
“On this Heritage Day, I call on business and other stakeholders to work with government in the cause of heritage preservation, particularly in marginalised communities. There is already laudable work being done in this regard.
“By working together as government, business, and society, we can use our national heritage to uplift communities, create opportunities and make us all proud to be South African,” the President said.
Highlighting the significance of Heritage Day, President Ramaphosa noted that having emerged from a painful apartheid past where indigenous customs, traditions and languages were denigrated and marginalised, Heritage Day is one of the most important events on the national calendar.
“It is a valuable opportunity for cross-cultural exchange and for building bridges of tolerance and understanding between races and different ethnic groups. I have always found it heartwarming to see how South Africans from all walks of life celebrate Heritage Day in their communities, schools, workplaces, places of worship and institutions of higher learning.
“It has become a regular facet of Heritage Day to see South Africans share their traditions, cuisine, dress, music, and other forms of cultural expression with their compatriots. Beyond the benefits for cultural self-expression, pride and nation-building, heritage preservation is an important driver of economic growth, job creation and sustainable development,” President Ramaphosa said.
South Africa is perfectly placed to use its rich cultural and natural heritage to promote economic growth.
“As one of the world’s most mega biodiverse countries, South Africa’s natural heritage attracts tourists from around the world, supporting local job creation and investment in natural resource infrastructure. By way of example, in December 2023 alone, there were more than 400 000 visitors to sites like the Table Mountain National Park and Robben Island,” the President highlighted.
Coupled with this, he said, South Africa has an abundance of historical sites across the country that span the pre-colonial, colonial, apartheid, and democratic eras.
“These sites are not just important for tourism. They are also sites of memory and monuments to the past that serve to educate the younger generation of South Africans,” President Ramaphosa said.
To preserve the country’s rich heritage, the President underscored a need to do more to attract young South Africans to careers and opportunities in the sector.
He said through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the National Heritage Council and National Arts Council has provided unemployed young people with work opportunities in film and digital media production, cultural project management, storytelling, language preservation and as museum guides.
Government will commemorate Heritage Day at Meqheleng Stadium in Ficksburg, in the Free State, under the theme: “Celebrating the lives of our heroes and heroines who laid down their lives for our freedom”.
This year’s theme puts a spotlight on South Africa’s liberation movements who received various forms of solidarity and support from neighbouring countries during the liberation struggle. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 09/23/2024 - 15:00
Dear Churches – Stop inviting Satan into your home Dear Parents – Your children are lost and need YOU Dear Schools – Teaching solely with devices is not really teaching but baby sitting Each generation says that they live in trying times – Great Granny and Grandpa lived through the World Wars, Granny and Grandpa …
What makes a spot truly Instagrammable? It’s not just about beautiful landscapes or stunning architecture, it’s about capturing unique picture-perfect moments that transport viewers to another world with a single glimpse. The KZN Midlands Meander is set in the heart of the province and offers not only a picturesque countryside dotted with charming farms, but …
Former reserve bank employee complained his side of the story was not given, but declined to give his side of the story
Music Lovers, Unite! Mark your calendars for a historic celebration of faith and music unlike any other! The highly anticipated Limpopo Gospel Experience explodes onto the scene on October 26th 2024. Get ready for an electrifying atmosphere, a star-studded lineup featuring International and South African gospel giants, and a unique platform to ignite local talent. …
Families relocated to make way for housing project have been living in a poorly serviced transit camp
All systems go for elections
The Electoral Commission Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, says it's all systems go for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
South Africans will go to the polls on Wednesday, 29 May, to elect the leadership of the seventh administration out of the 70 political parties and 11 independent candidates that were published by the IEC as final contestants in these elections.
In total, there are over 14 903 candidates vying for 887 seats in the National and Provincial Legislatures. There are 27.79 million registered voters.
Moreover, out-of-country voting is scheduled to take place in 111 foreign missions on Friday, 17 May and Saturday, 18 May 2024. More than 78 000 South African citizens living in other countries will cast their vote on 17, 18 and 19 May 2024.
“In these elections, voters will receive three ballot papers: the national compensatory ballot for political parties, provincial and regional for parties and independent candidates,” Mamabolo said on Tuesday.
WATCH | Three ballots explained
Addressing media in Pretoria on the state of readiness for the General Elections, Mamabolo reminded voters to make only one mark against a party or candidate of their choice.
“One ballot, one mark,” he said.
Mamabolo said lease agreements for 23 303 permanent voting stations have been signed and concluded.
“Of these, 62% are schools, 9.7% are places of worship and the balance of 28% include all other categories, such as community halls and other municipal facilities.”
Mamabolo said the IEC is in the final stages of training 202 500 voting officials, who will discharge the responsibility of administering the electoral process in the voting stations.
“The addition of a new category of staff to assist the presiding officer with the counting effort is another significant step towards improving the quality of counting.”
According to Mamabolo, three such staff will be appointed for each voting station and for each sub-station where a voting centre is being operated.
“To this end, a total of 191 185 staff have been appointed,” he said.
WATCH | Full IEC briefing
Results Operations Centre
As part of final preparations, Mamabolo said the Commission will launch the national Results Operations Centre (ROC) on Wednesday, 22 May 2024.
“The national ROC will be based at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg. It will house Commission members, as well as representatives of key service providers such as Eskom and Parliament, representatives of contestants running in the national elections, domestic and international observer missions, and media organisations.
“The Commission is pleased to share that a record 160 organisations, with 5 000 observers domestically and from around the world, will be observing South Africa’s 2024 General Elections,” Mamabolo said.
Mamabolo explained that about 15 of the observer organisations are international and include the African Union, the Carter Centre’s Democracy Program, and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.
Making voting easier
With regards to measures put in place for people with disabilities, Mamabolo said the Commission has implemented measures to make the voting process more accessible to all South Africans, regardless of physical abilities.
“Voting officials will assist voters who require assistance on voting day. Working with the South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB), we have developed a voting aid, the Universal Ballot Template (UBT), to increase the chances of them confidently and confidentially exercising their right to vote,” Mamabolo said.
Mamabolo has also reminded the voters to vote where they are registered.
“It is therefore appropriate that, ahead of the elections, we remind voters of the general rule in elections that a person votes at a voting station where they have registered. The only exception to the general rule is that a voter may vote outside of their registered voting district only after notifying the Commission.
“Notifications in this regard will close this Friday, 17 May. As of today, approximately 199 092 notifications had been approved,” Mamabolo said.
The Commission also called on registered voters to check their voting station ahead of election day.
According to the Commission, a number of channels are available to assist voters with checking their registration, including:
“We call on South Africans both abroad and here at home to come out in numbers and excise their democratic rights.
“We further continue our call to citizens, media members and political party leaders to set a good example and foster an electoral environment based on trust, integrity, and respect for all.
“The Electoral Commission, for its part, commits to declaring an election outcome based on South African voters' choices,” Mamabolo said.
Mamabolo said the counting of votes will take place at each voting station in the presence of political party agents and observers.
“There will be a result slip at the conclusion of the count which will be displayed at that voting station. All interested are allowed to capture a photo of that official result of that voting station, with their gadgets,” Mamabolo said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 05/14/2024 - 13:29
Saddle up, ladies! Get ready to experience an evening like no other at the Heart of a Cowgirl: Women’s Night of Worship, taking place on Friday, May 10th. Hosted by Pastor Wendy Mc Donald and other special guests at Good Hope Christian Centre in Ottery. Doors will swing open at 18:00 PM, inviting cowgirls of …
