Author: Larson Thebe
Electoral reform campaigners have expressed mixed feelings to the Constitutional Court’s ruling on two major cases where changes to the Electoral Amendment Act were sought. In a ruling delivered by Justice Nonkosi Mhlantla, the Apex court rejected the Independent Candidates Association’s demand for independent candidates to be allowed to contest for up to 350 seats while only reserving 50 to be exclusively for political parties. Currently independents can only contest for 200 seats while the other half is exclusively for political parties. Based on this arrangement, independents can never be a majority in the parliament or any of the legislatures…
The Department of Basic Education said there were no major compromises to the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. This was revealed by Minister Angie Motshekga during a media briefing in Pretoria, where the ministry was providing an update on the progress of the NSC and other developments in the sector. Her comments come as there are only three days left to go to the conclusion of the 2023 NSC examinations. “No leakage of question papers, contrary to some fake news reports that circulated earlier alleging that there was a leak. “I can categorically say that we have had a…
President Cyril Ramaphosa said the government will ensure that the Pretoria High Court judgment ordering the Minister of Electricity Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa to exempt public institutions from load shedding is implemented. The case was brought by some political parties and civic organizations, arguing that load shedding is unconstitutional and unlawful, especially when it affects public institutions. Addressing the media on the sidelines of the United Nations COP28 summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Ramaphosa said the government has noted the judgment. “The judgment really speaks to what we want to see done. We want our schools and hospitals to have the…
1 December is World Aids Day. Now in its 35th year, the first World Aids Day was declared in 1988 to raise awareness about HIV/Aids and break the stigma attached to the disease. This year’s theme is ‘Let Communities Lead’. Speaking at the launch of the latest report by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/Aids (UNAIDS), which is also titled Let Communities Lead, the organisation’s deputy chief, Angeli Achrekar, during the week described communities as the “trailblazers” in this fight. “We want to use this World Aids Day as a moment to both honour communities but also to ask…
Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa has confirmed that the government supports the South Africa’s Football Association, SAFA, decision to withdraw from bidding to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup and instead focus on putting together a bid to host the 2031 tournament. Speaking during a media briefing in Pretoria, Kodwa re-iterated that it was not the government’s prerogative to finance sporting bids, but to provide guarantees as has been the case in the past. “The government of South Africa was clear in November 2022 when supporting SAFA’s Expression of Interest in hosting the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup…
The North West Finance MEC Motlalepula Rosho has tabled the Adjustment Budget for the 2023/24 financial year, with an adjustment of R1 859 510. The MEC said the current financial constraints compelled the government to reassess its spending priorities and eliminate inefficiencies. “In these challenging times, cost containment becomes a necessary intervention, not because it is our desire, but because it is the responsible path forward. “Resources need to be directed where they are needed most without compromising the well-being of our people and jeopardizing our ability to deliver on our commitments to the citizens of the North West,” said Rosho who…
The Mineral and Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has described the death of 11 mineworkers and injury of more than 70 at the Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd mine in Rustenburg, as a disaster. He said his department will fully investigate the fatal accident, which occurred on Monday afternoon when miners were being hoisted up to surface level when the conveyance they were in, suddenly started descending rapidly. “It’s quite a sad incident and it dented our efforts to move towards zero harm in the industry. In 2022 we reduced the number of fatalities to 49, that was the lowest number. We will…
The Impala Platinum in the North West has suspended operations after 11 workers died and more than 60 sustained injuries. This is after a cage fell down about 200 meters at 11 shaft. “It is with regret that Implats reports that a serious safety incident involving a winder rope occurred this afternoon (Monday) at our 11 Shaft operation at Impala Rustenburg in the North West. “This rope is connected to the personnel conveyance, which hoists employees up and down the shaft. The conveyance comprises three levels, each with a capacity to carry 35 personnel,” read a statement from the mine. The…
The Premier Soccer League, PSL, will be observing a moment of silence for the late Orland Pirates Captain Papi Khomane. Khomane and his mother Rita, passed away following a car accident on their way to Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday morning. “The Premier Soccer League sends heartfelt condolences to the Khomane family, and the football community at large. A moment of silence will be observed in their honour at all PSL fixtures this week commencing on Sunday afternoon. May their souls repose peacefully,” read a statement from the PSL. Khomane, donned the Bafana Bafana jersey nine times, made more than 150…
A scuffle broke out between a prison warder and some of the accused in the Senzo Meyiwa trial at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria. This after the prison warder, who introduced himself as Vusi Jele in court when asked by presiding Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng, tried to reprimand some of the accused not to sit on top of the court’s benches. The scuffle initially involved a warden who introduced himself as Jele, three of the five accused, Mthobisi Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Ntuli. The clash happened during the adjournment of the ongoing trial within a trial, which is…