Author: Tshegofatso Letsie
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…
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has urged car owners to use their hard-earned year-end bonuses and stokvel payouts, to fix their vehicles and renew licenses ahead of the festive season travel. It believes this will contribute towards increasing road safety during this period. “This includes fixing any defects that may have been overlooked during the year, such as replacing unroadworthy tyres and cracked windscreens, fixing brakes, fixing lights and replacing wipers,” read a statement from RTMC. The Corporation emphasized that these repairs will be crucial especially during the rainy weather conditions this summer. According to data shared by RTMC,…
As the 2025 matric exams near completion, authorities are urging learners and parents to avoid unsupervised “pens down” celebrations amid growing safety concerns. Traditionally hosted by matriculants to mark the end of exams, these events have increasingly been linked to risky behaviour including underage drinking, violence and even fatalities. One of the most tragic incidents occurred during the 2022 Enyobeni Tavern disaster in East London, where 21 teenagers died following a suspected case of alcohol poisoning at a “pens down” gathering. The Department of Basic Education has called on communities, parents and the liquor industry to work together to prevent…
The Gauteng Department of Health has called on the public to use antibiotics responsibly as part of Antimicrobial Awareness Week, warning that misuse of medication is contributing to growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), AMR occurs when bacteria or viruses evolve to resist treatment, making infections harder to control and increasing the risk of severe illness and death. In a statement, the department urged residents to follow safety guidelines when using antibiotics. “Only take antibiotics prescribed by a qualified health professional. Never share or use leftover medication, avoid demanding antibiotics for viral infections such as…
The Rustenburg Local Municipality (RLM) has officially entered into a collaboration with the Greater Rustenburg Pastors Forum (GRPF) through a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed during a ceremony at the Rustenburg Civic Centre on Wednesday. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation and promote partnership on issues of mutual interest, with the municipality confident that the initiative will encourage public participation in local governance and assist in tackling socio-economic challenges. “This exercise finds expression in Chapter 3 of the South African Constitution, which prescribes principles of cooperative governance and the importance of government engaging with civil society, including faith-based organisations,”…
As the world marks International Men’s Day under the theme “Celebrating Men and Boys: Nurturing the next generation and promoting positive masculinity,” the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has issued an urgent plea for society to create safe spaces where men can speak openly about mental health without fear or shame. Citing World Health Organisation data showing that 80% of suicides in South Africa are committed by men, SADAG warned that thousands are suffering and dying in silence because of outdated stereotypes that equate emotional vulnerability with weakness. “Behind every statistic is a father, brother, son or friend…
The City of Ekurhuleni Mayor, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, has vowed to leave no stone unturned to get to the bottom of corruption allegations levelled against high-ranking officials of the City’s Metro Police Department (EMPD). The officials including suspended Deputy EMPD Chief Julius Mkhwanazi, were implicated in wrongdoing and various criminal activities at the Madlanga Commission in Pretoria. During a media briefing on Wednesday, Xhakazi revealed that a team would be assembled to investigate all the allegations coming from the commission. Another process that is expected to take place is the review of a total of 55 promotions that were made by…
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos says the national team will now turn its full attention to preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to take place in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026. This follows Bafana’s convincing 3–1 victory over Zambia in a friendly match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday. Broos made it clear that he does not intend to schedule additional friendlies, arguing that further games could jeopardise the squad’s readiness for the tournament. “I don’t like to play two or three games before we go,” Broos said. “We’ve played…