Author: Larson Thebe

The High Court in Pretoria has ordered that the body of the late Zambian president, Edgar Lungu, be repatriated back to his home country for a state funeral. This is after the tug-of-war court challenge launched by the Zambian government two months ago, that barred his initial burial by the family in Johannesburg. The family argued that it was the last wish of Lungu not to be buried in his homeland, following his well published clashes with the current administration, led by his nemesis, The Zambian government however argued that there was no evidence to suggest that he wanted to…

President Cyril Ramaphosa held a telephone discussion with US President Donald Trump on bilateral trade matters, as the 30% tariffs are expected to take effect at midnight. The telephone call comes as South Africa is still waiting for feedback from the US administration, regarding the Framework Deal it presented to Washington, with the hope that the tariffs will be reviewed as soon as the two countries reach a deal. “The two leaders undertook to continue with further engagements recognizing the various trade negotiations the US is currently involved in. Respective trade negotiating teams will take forward more detailed discussions,” read…

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has taken decisive action by suspending the Head of Department (HOD) Nontsikelelo Sisulu and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Mduduzi Malope of the Gauteng Department of Community Safety with immediate effect. This step follows the revelation of significant financial irregularities uncovered during a forensic investigation conducted by the Provincial Forensic Audit Unit, operating from within the Office of the Premier. Lesufi, addressing the media on the matter, stated that the need for such suspensions arose from the “damning irregularities,” which compelled him to take action to “safeguard the department’s integrity.” Emphasising the critical nature of the situation,…

The newly elected Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee to Investigate Allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkwanazi, Soviet Lekganyane, has assured the nation that he will conduct himself in a fair and unbiased manner. This after some members of the committee raised concerns that they are not happy with an ANC member chairing the committee probing Mkhwanazi’s allegations. Lekganyane was elected unopposed, after the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema turned down the nomination from uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) to lead the committee. “My greatest hope and optimism are that we would execute our responsibilities…

The International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) has extended its commendation to Wheelchair Basketball South Africa for successfully hosting the inaugural 3X3 World Championships at the picturesque Sun City resort in the North West province from August 1 to 3. This landmark event has set a new precedent in the world of disability sports, bringing together 22 teams from across the globe, including 14 men’s and 8 women’s teams representing top nations from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. History was made as the Canadian teams triumphed in both the men’s and women’s tournaments, each claiming gold medals. The Canadian women’s…

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has implored stakeholders to double their efforts to ensure that all learners have access to quality Early Childhood Development (ECD) across South Africa, especially those in underserved communities. Gwarube made the appeal at the City of Cape Town’s ECD Indaba, which focused on municipal planning processes and compliance support for ECD centres. The minister urged stakeholders across government, civil society, and the private sector to urgently address systemic inequities that continue to shape the prospects of South Africa’s children from as early as birth. “Two children may be born in the same country, but their…

With the African Nations Championship (CHAN) just around the corner, Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki has expressed a sense of confidence and satisfaction regarding his team’s preparations. The squad is set to depart for Uganda this Sunday, following an intensive training camp that commenced last week Friday in Johannesburg.During their preparations, the team played a closed-door friendly match against Angola at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, which ended in a 1-1 draw. The match provided a valuable opportunity for the players to gel and hone their skills ahead of the tournament. “It has always been a challenge to select…

President Cyril Zuma said he has noted with concern the 30% reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States on South African products. The 30% reciprocal tariffs will go into effect after seven days, while countries discuss new tariff arrangements with Washington. “All applicable exceptions published in the previous US Executive Order are set to remain in force and these exceptions covered products such as copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles, certain critical minerals, stainless steel scrap and energy and energy products. The government has been engaging the United States and has submitted a Framework Deal that aims to enhance mutually beneficial…

The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human settlement and Traditional Affairs Oageng Molapisi has refuted claims that he instructed ANC councillors at the Rustenburg Local Municipality to leave a meeting where the council was expected to discuss a report on allegations of misconduct against the Municipal Manager, Advocate Asmar Khuduge. The allegations were made by Molapisi by ActionSA Councillor Ofentse Kombe, who also alleged that the speaker of the council has on numerous occasions refused to call another meeting to deal with the allegations. “It would be unfortunate to entertain allegations and want to respond to them because I…

A mother and two accomplices are set to face court following the emergence of a viral video depicting a toddler smoking drugs in Newclare, West Rand. The 23-second clip shows a young boy lighting drugs for his mother, who not only encourages his actions but is also seen in the presence of several adults who cheer on the harrowing display. The shocking footage came to the attention of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) after a concerned community member supplied a crucial tip-off. On Tuesday, officers from the JMPD K9 Unit were on routine patrol when they acted on this…