Author: Larson Thebe
The Department of Transport has appointed IDEMIA Identity and Security South Africa as the preferred bidder to produce new smart driving licence cards. The appointment was approved on 8 August 2024, and IDEMIA is expected to enter into a service level agreement with the department, before establishing infrastructure and systems. IDEMIA is French-based company with branches in the African continent, including South Africa. The department said more information in terms of the timeframes will then be made available to the public once the service agreement has been signed. “The new licence card will incorporate new security features aimed at eliminating…
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has announced that petrol and diesel prices will come down on Wednesday. This is the fourth month in succession that the fuel prices have dropped, and the department said this is due to local and international factors. “Both grades of petrol will decrease by 92 cents per litre, diesel will decrease by 79 cents and R1.05 cents per litre. Illuminating paraffin will decrease by R1.38 cents per litre, and LP gas will decrease by 10 cents per kilogram. The reason for these decreases is the lower oil prices and stronger rand against the dollar…
Four children between the ages of three and five have died in two separate incidents in Gauteng, following food poisoning. According to the Gauteng Health Department, the incidents were reported at Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH) in Tshwane and Jabulani Dumane Community Health Centre in Ekurhuleni respectively last week Thursday night. The incidents come as the department has expressed a surge in the number of food poisoning cases affecting children particularly in townships, informal settlements, and hostels communities. “Two boys who are siblings aged four and six years old died after they suffered from a suspected foodborne illness. They…
Tributes continue to pour in for television and radio broadcaster Thabiso Sikwane, poet, and Bishop Jessica Mbangeni. Both families announced the passing of their loved ones and personalities yesterday. Thabiso’s ex-husband DJ Fresh, real name Thato Sikwane took to his Instagram account to confirm her passing. “This video is purely out of necessity because of the wild times we live in. We did lose Thabiso this morning (Saturday), I think around 6:30. We are told it could have been a cardiac event. But what could have caused it, hasn’t been ascertained. We await a postmortem that would give everyone clarity. …
Fourteen political parties have declared R189 million donations for the first quarter of the 2024/25 financial year which covers the period between 1 April and 30 June. According to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) the donations are by far the highest amount ever in any quarter since the Political Funding Act came into existence, and the first since the formation of the seventh administration after the May 29th general elections. The Democratic Alliance received the chunk of the donations with R56 million, followed by the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), newcomer RISE Mzansi with R33 million, African National Congress (ANC) R26…
The three, Onverwacht farm owner Zachariah (60), farm supervisor Andrian De Wet (19), and employee William Musora (45), a Zimbabwean national, are facing several charges that include two counts of premeditated murder, one count of attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, and defeating the ends of justice. Musuro is also facing a charge of contravening the Immigration Act. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) the charges stem from an alleged incident that took place two weeks ago at De Wet’s farm. “It is reported that a Clover truck had dumped potentially expired goods, prompting the deceased,…
About 6 198 people were murdered in the country between the start of April and the end of June this year. This was revealed by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu when he released the quarterly crime statistics, covering the final quarter of 2023/24 (January to March 2024) and the first quarter of 2024/25 (April to June 2024). “These numbers tell a sobering story, reflecting the severity of the challenges we face. These numbers represent more than just figures on a page. They reflect the lived realities of our citizens, their fears, their losses, and their hopes for a safer tomorrow. The data…
The President of South African Rainbow Alliance (SARA) Colleen Makhubele has resigned from the party and joined uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK). Makhubele, who is also the former Congress of the People (COPE) member and speaker of the City of Joburg, formed SARA just before the May 29th general elections, but the party however performed badly during the polls. Makhubele said the MK is the right party ?? of women and the youth. “This therefore makes this giant leap that I’m taking today a great and historical step towards a role and responsibility that we, as young leaders of South Africa,…
President Cyril Ramaphosa has requested a detailed report and briefing from the Minister Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, following allegations that she received a loan from the VBS Mutual Bank during her tenure as Mayor of the Polokwane Municipality in 2016. The request follows reports that Simelane allegedly received R575 600 from Gundo Wealth Solutions that brokered investments of R349 million into the bank by the municipality. The money was allegedly used to purchase a coffee shop in Sandton. “President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted with concern media reports containing allegations of corruption against the Minister of Justice and Constitutional…
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has dismissed 27 officials for various forms of misconduct. According to the department spokesperson, Kgalalelo Masibi, they’re currently dealing with 81 appeals. “As at 27 August 2024, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has recorded 81 appeal matters, including 55 dismissals, 25 suspensions and one warning. These appeal matters were lodged by officials who were found guilty of various cases of misconduct. “Out of 81 appeals lodged, the Department has to date, finalised 31 appeal matters, including 27 dismissals which were upheld and four reduced sanctions. “The nature of the misconduct ranged from…