Author: Larson Thebe
President Cyril Ramaphosa is calling for restraint and dialogue in Iran, following weeks of violent protests against the government that have led to thousands of deaths. The protests have seen authorities shut down the internet and its airspace except international flights to and from Iran, as they blamed outside influence for fuelling the protests. Pretoria, which has trade relations and are both members of BRICS, said it is following the developments in Iran with concern. “The reports of unrest and the subsequent loss of life are concerning, and South Africa urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint. South Africa firmly…
ActionSA said it’ll soon legally challenge the decision of the Independent Police Investigating Directorate (IPID) to classify the investigation report into the conduct of the Presidential Protection Unit (PPU) members relating to Phala Phala as “Top Secret”. The party said this challenge come after suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu, last year told parliament that the report into the theft of large sums of foreign currency at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm in Limpopo, was classified as top secret, according to the Minimum Information Security Standards (MISS). It said it also comes after IPID ignored its requests to justify the classification of…
President Cyril Ramaphosa has undertaken an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 12-13 January to participate in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ASDW). The ADSW brings together the Heads of State and Government, the private sector leaders and civil society to promote multi-stakeholder collaboration, drive large-scale systemic change, and shape the next era of global sustainability. “South Africa maintains cordial bilateral relations with the UAE, characterised by regular high-level visits as well as robust economic cooperation, for the mutual benefit of both countries. The UAE is also a major investor in the South African economy across various…
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has cautioned that a low-pressure system currently located over the southern parts of Mozambique is expected to significantly influence weather conditions over north-eastern South Africa over the coming days. According to the SAWS, current weather forecasts indicate that the Lowveld of Mpumalanga, the Limpopo Valley, and most eastern parts of Limpopo are likely to experience widespread and persistent rain and thunderstorms, up to at least Wednesday, or even beyond. “For these regions, significant rainfall accumulations are expected throughout the week, beginning from Sunday evening. The SAWS has already issued severe weather warnings for severe…
Venezuela has commended Pretoria for an unwavering support and steadfastness against the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, last Saturday by US forces, and taken to New York to face trial on drug and weapons charges. Venezuela Ambassador to South Africa Carlos Feo Acevedo told YOU FM and Newsnote on the sidelines of the ANC’s 114th Anniversary Celebrations at the Moruleng stadium outside Rustenburg in the North West that South Africa has firmly stood by his country during the most challenging times. “I want to take this opportunity to thank South Africa and her people and…
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has issued a warning about products being sold that contain zinc and selenium intended for use to treat certain ailments in children. The regulator says both ingredients have been identified in the guidance issued by SAHPRA as not permitted in health supplements for children under the age of 18. It warned that zinc can cause side effects which include indigestion, diarrhoea, headache, nausea, and vomiting, Regarding selenium supplementation, the regulator warned that it can cause overdose for children. “The products currently on the market are marketed and sold, among others, as “Immune…
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has terminated the department’s lease agreement with Medicare 24 Tshwane District, which is linked to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. The minister says the termination follows among others serious allegations that the company bypassed correct procurement processes to be awarded the tender. regarding the way the lease was awarded. Matlala, who is currently on trial on charges of attempted murder, was previously awarded the R360 million tender to provide healthcare services to members of the South African Police Service (SAPS). The contract was however cancelled by the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola. “An…
A case against an Ethiopian national who was arrested on Tuesday on human trafficking charges following a high speed chase by law enforcement authorities, has been postponed to 14 January by the Booysens Magistrates Court. The suspect was arrested by the Hawks after he was found to be harbouring 12 half-naked alleged teenage boys. According to the Hawks spokesperson, Katlego Mogale, the suspect has been charged with 12 counts of kidnapping and one count of failing to stop on police instruction. He initially appeared at the same court on Thursday, but the case was postponed to Friday, for the court…
The ANC Youth League has warned that its mother body must adopt a more radical posture or risk further rejection by voters. Addressing a packed hall in Mogwase on Friday, Youth League president Collen Malatjie said there is no justification for South Africa’s persistently high levels of poverty, characterised by widespread unemployment, homelessness, and a lack of economic opportunities. He argued that these conditions persist while the economy remains largely controlled by a white minority. Malatjie said the ANC must urgently implement a radical land reform programme, alongside broader interventions aimed at transforming the economy as a whole. “We can…
The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thami Ntuli, has formally thrown his hat, for the renewal of the contract of the SAPS provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, for a second term. Mkhwanazi’s four year term of office is due to conclude on 30 March 2026. The premier says the endorsement come following a meeting with National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola. “During the engagement, Premier Ntuli expressed firm confidence in the leadership, professionalism, and ethical standards demonstrated by Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi throughout his tenure as Provincial Commissioner. The Premier emphasised that effective and stable leadership within the SAPS remains critical to the safety, stability,…