Author: Tshegofatso Letsie
As South Africa prepares to mark Reconciliation Day on 16 December, the Ministry of Sports, Arts, and Culture has urged citizens to embrace unity, peace, and social cohesion. The call was made during the launch of this year’s commemoration programme, set to take place next Tuesday at the Ncome Museum in KwaZulu-Natal. Minister Gayton McKenzie reflected on the deep historical significance of the chosen venue, calling Ncome a powerful and symbolic location for national reflection. “It is here that the 1838 battle between the Voortrekker forces and the Zulu Kingdom unfolded—an event that shaped differing and often divisive commemorative practices…
National Police Commissioner General Fanie Masemola announced that three persons of interest have been linked to the assassination of Marius van de Merwe, who testified as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria. One of the individuals has already been taken in for questioning as investigations continue. “Three persons of interest have been identified, and one has been questioned. We are confident a breakthrough is imminent as police remain on high alert for those responsible,” Masemola said. He added that NATJOINTS and Madlanga Commission security have implemented measures to strengthen protection for officials and witnesses. Masemola was…
British driver, Lando Norris has changed McLaren’s fortunes after winning this season’s title, after the clinched the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix final race at the Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday. This marks his first F1 title since his debut at McLaren in 2019. The 26-year-old driver won the title by two points from Red Bull’s defending champion, Max Verstappen. Team Principal Andrea Stella gave credit to the team, describing the victory as a hard-fought win. “While only one driver can take the Driver’s Championship title each season, to be in a situation where both Lando and Oscar Piastri (teammate) were challenging at…
Deputy President Paul Mashatile says government recognises the crucial role of the media in keeping the public informed and strengthening the country’s democracy. He was speaking at the Parliamentary Press Gallery Association (PGA) event held in Cape Town. Mashatile opened his address by reaffirming government’s commitment to transparency and cooperation with journalists. “We hold your work in high regard. The global landscape emphasizes the vital role of media professionals in democracy and governance. As journalists, you must commit to truth and ethics, prioritising education and public dialogue over entertainment,” he said. He encouraged members of the media to continue holding…
Retail giant Woolworths has rolled out a new white, translucent shopping bag after its original black version went viral for all the wrong reasons. The shift comes in the wake of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi Cat Matlala claimed he used a black Woolies bag in money-exchange dealings—including allegedly handing large sums to former Police Minister Bheki Cele. Following this testimony, the black bag became a trending meme dubbed “the Money Bag.” Social media exploded, prompting Woolworths to quietly introduce a design that makes the bag’s contents easily visible. Reactions online were swift and mixed:…
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, is expected to officially open the first-ever World Conference of Science Journalists to be hosted in Pretoria. More than 400 science journalists, editors, newsmakers and communicators from around the world will gather for the five-day event. Delegates will deliberate on issues ranging from networking and storytelling to shaping the future of science communication on the African continent. The conference will take place under the theme “Science Journalism and Social Justice: Journalism that Builds Understanding and Resilience.” It comes at a time when misinformation and fake news continue to pose significant challenges…
The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department says one person has tragically died, after a roof collapsed following a severe hailstorm. The storm follows a Yellow Level 4 severe thunderstorms that was issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) at the weekend. “A tragic incident was responded to at Bronkhorstspruit in Region 7, where one person was found deceased after the roof collapsed because of strong winds and hailstorm,” said emergency services spokesperson, Nana Radebe-Kgiba. The incident come as the city has concluded a situational assessment, which found that the storm caused widespread localised disruptions across multiple regions, including…
As the country marks World Aids Day on 1 December, the North West provincial government has urged urgent collective action to protect young girls from HIV infection. Speaking during the provincial commemoration in Tlhabane near Rustenburg, Premier Lazarus Mokgosi reported a concerning rise in HIV/AIDS cases among girls aged 16 to 25. Mokgosi attributed the spike to relationships between young girls and older men, who often use money and alcohol to influence them and discourage the use of protection. He strongly condemned the practice, saying it jeopardises the future of young people. “We must continue to show solidarity in the…
The appearance of corruption-accused businessman Vusimuzi Cat Matlala at Parliament’s ad-hoc committee probing police corruption, held at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Pretoria, has ignited a flurry of discussion on social media. During yesterday’s appearance, Matlala wore a white Burberry shirt, paired with brown pants, a belt, and shoes. The shirt alone is estimated to be worth R9,000, sparking controversy online. Today, he reportedly donned a luxury Fendi shirt, further fuelling debate about the appropriateness of such attire. Social media users were divided over whether suspects facing serious charges should be allowed to flaunt expensive wardrobes during hearings. This…
South African house music icon Collen Mmotla, better known as Chymamusique, has expressed profound gratitude to fans, friends and the music community following an outpouring of support during his ongoing recovery from a serious car accident in August 2025. In a deeply personal update, the acclaimed producer revealed he underwent emergency brain surgery (a craniotomy) after the crash, leaving him unable to work and facing mounting medical bills. To fund his treatment, Chymamusique launched the “Bank A Buddy” crowdfunding campaign and made the heartbreaking decision to sell personal valuables, including his cars and cherished DJ equipment. The response from Mzansi…