Author: Tshegofatso Letsie
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confirmed the transfer of alleged criminal kingpin and murder accused Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala from Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Pretoria to the Super-Maximum Security eBongweni Correctional Facility in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal. According to the department, the relocation is a standard operational measure informed by security, safety and effective inmate management considerations. “In terms of Section 6 of the Correctional Services Act, 1998, the National Commissioner is legally empowered to detain an offender or remand detainee at any correctional centre, notwithstanding the wording of a warrant. This provision enables the department to respond appropriately to…
City of Johannesburg authorities have rejected claims that delays in evacuating residents contributed to the tragic collapse of a double-storey building in Doornkop, Soweto, which claimed three lives on Sunday. The incident occurred in the early hours of December 28 in the Bambai informal settlement, killing a one-year-old child and two women—identified as 60-year-old Hloniphile Xaba, her 24-year-old daughter Nqobile, and Nqobile’s toddler Langelihle. Three others were injured and hospitalised. During a media briefing on Monday while visiting the bereaved families, Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero described the structure as illegal and non-compliant with building regulations. “This place in itself…
The Department of Social Development has condemned a viral video showing children consuming alcohol in the Eastern Cape while adults looked on, warning that such incidents have “devastating consequences” for children, families, and communities. The department has launched an investigation and appealed to members of the public with information about where the incident occurred to come forward. Acting Head of Communications Sandy Godlwana reminded parents and caregivers to remain vigilant and promote positive values and safe environments for children during the festive season. Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe also urged communities to protect children from heightened risks linked to alcohol…
The Presidency has made it clear that it would not require an invitation or permission from the United States to watch Bafana Bafana play in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in New York. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya humorously suggested that America might consider delegating the World Cup to South Africa if it intends to block fans from attending. “I mean, we have the infrastructure. We wouldn’t need any permission. We will just make sure that we have visas so that they don’t chase us away. But yes, we would attend as soccer fans to watch Bafana play.…
The North West Department of Education has expressed confidence in its new infrastructure development programme, which focuses on constructing brick-and-mortar classrooms. The programme has already been successfully implemented at Thebe ya Tlhaiwa Secondary School in Koffiekraal Village, under the Moses Kotane Local Municipality, where it has helped address severe learner overcrowding. MEC Viola Motsumi said the initiative will significantly reduce the reliance on mobile classrooms. “This approach will enable us to provide permanent infrastructure to schools, alongside other strategies the Department is implementing. Whenever we intervene to assist a school, we will ensure that it is left with long-lasting structures,”…
Social media influencer and entertainer Thulasizwe Dambuza, popularly known as Lasizwe, has once again checked himself into a mental wellness retreat. The announcement did not come as a surprise to many, as Dambuza has taken similar steps around the festive season in previous years. In a video shared on his social media platforms, Dambuza revealed that he decided to admit himself to a mental health facility after experiencing anxiety and depression following what he described as a mentally challenging year. His openness about his struggles was met with an outpouring of support from fans and industry colleagues, who praised him…
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) says it has successfully placed approximately 95% of Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners for the 2026 academic year. According to the department, as of 12 December 2025, a total of 721 schools had reached full capacity. These include 458 primary schools and 263 secondary schools. Despite this, the GDE has assured parents and guardians that it has intensified efforts to place the remaining 15 144 unique applicants, who represent 4.2% of total applications and used the Online Admissions System. “The remaining 15 144 applicants are currently receiving placement offers through transfers to schools…
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina will lead a South African delegation to the Kingdom of Lesotho to conduct an oversight visit of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), a critical bi-national infrastructure initiative between the two countries. The delegation will include Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, as well as Seiso Mohai, Deputy Minister in Lesotho’s Ministry of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation. The oversight visit is scheduled to take place from 14 to 15 December and will be attended by representatives from the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission and the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA). The project was initially expected to be…
The ANC has sharply criticised a government gazette issued by Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi, which directs the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to relax regulatory requirements in a move the party says is designed to favour Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink. The criticism comes despite Malatsi’s assertion that the draft policy attracted more than 19,000 public submissions. The ANC has cast doubt on the credibility and verification of those submissions. “How were those submissions counted? Were they independently verified? Do they genuinely reflect broad public support, or merely the views of a limited, possibly…
Two senior ANC Bojanala region officials and their driver have been remanded in custody after being arrested by the Hawks during an intelligence-driven operation in Menlyn, Pretoria. Ward councillor Peter Legong, regional secretary Raymond Mogaile, and their driver Menzi Mngadi briefly appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court earlier today. According to the Hawks, the trio allegedly demanded a R300,000 bribe from a local businessman in exchange for influencing the awarding of a tender advertised by the Madibeng Municipality in November 2025. Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said investigators were alerted after the businessman was approached by one of the suspects…