Author: Tshegofatso Letsie
The role of language in the Justice system took centre stage during the Linguistic Human Rights Public Lecture, delivered by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya at the Walter Sisulu University in Mthata, Eastern Cape. The Lecture hosted by the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), under the theme ‘Language rights as a means to accessing justice’, invited key role players from various sectors to deliberate on multilingualism, access to language rights and their integration into judiciary processes among other objectives. Justice Maya started her presentation by reminding attendees about the crucial role of language diversity in the judicial administration. “It serves…
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has set the record straight following what it termed as a misinterpretation of remarks by its Director of Fuel Pricing, Robert Maake, related to rising fuel costs. This after he suggested that working from home could help employees mitigate the impact of increased petrol prices, during the department’s workshop on fuel pricing mechanisms. DMPR has however, sought to clarify that Maake’s remarks were not an official recommendation or policy intervention. “It is therefore incorrect to report or interpret the response given during the workshop as an official position or policy proposal of…
The newly appointed North West Public Service Commissioner (PSC), Advocate Neo Sephoti, has expressed confidence in her ability to fulfil her mandate following her official introduction to members of the Provincial Legislature on Tuesday. Her appointment follows a rigorous interview process conducted by the Ad-Hoc Committee on the Appointment of the Public Service Commissioner, chaired by Chief Whip Motlalepula Rosho. Advocate Sephoti assumes the role after a four-year vacancy, with the Provincial Legislature voicing strong confidence in her experience and leadership capabilities. In a media statement, the Legislature highlighted her extensive professional background, noting that she previously served as Head…
The release of the recent sneak preview of the much anticipated Avengers: Doomsday movie has sparked a lot of speculation, with fans predicting thrilling action that is going to place them on the edge of their seats. The teaser depicts Chris Hemsworth who plays Thor, known as the God of Thunder and considered as one of the strongest Avengers characters, praying and pleading for a safe return from battle to his daughter. The sneak peek triggered a frenzy on social media, with Marvel fans foreseeing a challenging battle for the heroes in this instalment of the movie. Avengers: Doomsday will…
The 2026 World Happiness Report highlights a clear connection between heavy social media use and declining well-being, particularly among young adults. The report, sponsored by the United Nations in collaboration with the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre and the American analytics firm Gallup, examines global trends in happiness and quality of life. Findings show that excessive engagement with social media—averaging over five hours per day—is linked to higher rates of depressive symptoms, especially among individuals under 25. “In a ranking of happiness changes for under-25s, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand (the NANZ region) rank between 122…
Hugo Broos has announced the final Bafana Bafana squad ahead of their upcoming international friendlies against Panama national football team. The South African national team will face Panama in two fixtures later this month. The first match is scheduled for 27 March 2026 at Moses Mabhida Stadium, followed by a second encounter on 31 March 2026 at DHL Stadium. Broos initially named a 37-man preliminary squad but has since trimmed the list down to a final 23 players. Notable inclusions in the revised squad include the recall of Renaldo Leaner of Sekhukhune United, as well as Thabang Matuludi from Polokwane…
The role of science in tackling South Africa’s water crisis was the focus of the UNISA Water Imbizo held in Pretoria, where experts and government officials discussed systemic and structural challenges affecting communities nationwide. Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, emphasized the critical role of academic institutions in developing integrated, science-driven solutions. He called for collaboration between government and academia to devise practical strategies. “Universities and research institutions must be at the centre of our national response. We need solutions informed by data, guided by science, and capable of being implemented at scale. Scientific capability must find expression…
The Department of Transport is warning of potential congestion along South Africa’s coastline as more ships may reroute via the Cape of Good Hope due to ongoing tensions in the Middle-East. The warning came during the National Transport Conference at the Gallagher Conference Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, where Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa highlighted the anticipated increase in maritime traffic. “South Africa will experience a significant spike in East-West shipping traffic, particularly container vessels, tankers, and bulk carriers that are now avoiding the Middle-East route. The re-routing of vessels could increase transits along the Cape of Good Hope depending on the…
RISE Mzansi has called for improved governance to honour South Africa’s struggle stalwarts, as the country observes Human Rights Month. Addressing MPs during the Human Rights Day debate in the National Assembly on Tuesday, party leader Songezo Zibi reflected on the sacrifices made to secure the freedoms enjoyed in today’s democratic South Africa. He emphasised the need to move beyond abstract discussions, urging lawmakers to focus on practical actions within their control. Zibi argued that freedom should not only be understood as being “free from” oppression, but also as being “free to” access opportunities and improve one’s quality of life.…
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has denied allegations of information leaks in relation to the reinstatement of the corruption case involving former Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, and businessman Jehan Mackay. This follows reports claiming that the NPA failed to formally notify the parties about its decision to proceed with the case. NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago dismissed these claims as false and misleading. “The NPA would like to place on record that the legal representatives of Mr Kodwa and Mr Mackay were duly informed by the former National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) in a letter dated…