Author: Tshegofatso Letsie

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga is optimistic that programmes aimed towards gender equality and non-sexist environments within the South African Defence Force (SANDF) will be successful. Motshekga was speaking on the Department’s recently launched Defence In Focus Podcast on YouTube, where she also shared how she balances working in a male dominated sector. “It’s easy for them to think that just because they’re men, they are above but softly to say no, let’s respect each other and let’s work together. Even with the Generals they know I respect them but I’m very conscious that they’re men and they will undermine me if…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has used his keynote Workers Day message, to reaffirm the government’s commitment to ensure that the rights of the workers remain protected. He delivered a message of support during the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) National Workers Day Rally, which was held in Middleburg, Mpumalanga. Ramaphosa also acknowledged COSATU’s pursuit of better working conditions for all workers in the country. “Since its formation, COSATU continues to be a powerful federation and a true representative of workers of this country. So, on this day comrades, we pay tribute to the leaders and members of COSATU who…

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) says the phased withdrawal of the country’s troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has commenced as of the 29th of April. The withdrawal was informed by an agreement reached by Heads of State and government during the SADC Extraordinary Summit which was held virtually in March this year. The withdrawal also includes other SAMIDRC troops. Through a statement the SANDF expressed its commitment to safely bring the soldiers back home. “This plan will ensure the safe and efficient return of personnel and assets. The withdrawal will take place in phases and…

North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has reiterated the importance of civic education in schools, saying it will help preserve the country’s history while inspiring the youth with stories of the struggle stalwarts who laid their lives for the democracy and freedom the country enjoys in the present day. This emerged when he led the Freedom Day Commemoration at the Ledig Sports Grounds near Rustenburg on Wednesday. During an exclusive interview on YOU FM, Mokgosi committed to ensuring the success of youth focused programmes across all departments. “We need integrated planning as far as programmes in all our departments. Our arts…

The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) said it is satisfied with the roll out of the court digital system to various Superior Courts in the country. According to the OCJ, it managed to successfully pilot the online system at the Gauteng Division of the High Court, in addition to other roll outs at the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal High Courts. In a statement, OCJ attributed what it described as a progressive implementation of the System at the Land, Labour and Labour Appeals Courts, to adequate training of the roll out through various webinars that were held to familiarise stakeholders…

The Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana has reversed the contentious proposed VAT increase by 0.5 percentage points. This was revealed by the Treasury through a statement on Wednesday overnight, ahead of the VAT hike that was scheduled to kick in from the 1st of May. “The decision to forgo the increase follows extensive consultations with political parties, and careful consideration of the recommendations of the parliamentary committees,” read a statement from Treasury. In addition, Godongwana has written to the National Assembly Speaker, Thoko Didiza, to notify parliament about withdrawing the Appropriation and Division of Revenue Bill, to propose expenditure adjustments…

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), is calling for urgent reforms in legislation, in order to integrate gas as an energy source. This was published in NERSA’s strategy report, where it outlined its vision for the role of gas in the country’s energy mix, citing it as a key player in South Africa’s energy economy. According to the entity, the strategy report aims to, among others, address the critical challenges facing the domestic gas industry, particularly the declining gas supply from Mozambique, which poses a significant threat to the South African market. These include an emphasis on a…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended the late Pope Francis, for his efforts to unite humanity and bring world peace. His remarks come after the 88-year-old Pontiff passed away early today, at his Vatican residence, the Casa Santa Marta. “Catholics and people of all faiths are saddened today by the passing of a spiritual leader who sought to unite humanity and wished to see a world governed by fundamental human values. “As the leader of the Church and a global figurehead, Pope Francis advanced a world view of inclusion, equality and care for marginalised individuals and groups, as well as responsible…

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) Secretary General, Floyd Shivambu sparked outrage and controversy, after attending the Easter church service at the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) of self-proclaimed prophet, Shepherd Bushiri, in Lilongwe, Malawi. His meeting with Bushiri coincides with the Malawian court ruling which ordered Bushiri and his wife Mary, to be extradited to South Africa to face charges ranging from violating bail conditions, rape and contraventions of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act as well as the Immigration Act amongst others. Shivambu has faced widespread backlash including from his own party, which sought to release a statement distancing…

The announcement of musical genius, Kelvin Momo as the 2025 star of the Red Bull Symphonic with Adam Howard and the Egoli Symphonic Orchestra, has fans amped for the event. Momo is referred to as the King of Private School Amapiano, a sub-genre of the sound which comprises mellow log drums, incorporating live instruments such as the violin, guitar and trumpet amongst others. With him already having hit records that take Mzansi on a musical experience, his live performance with a full orchestra is bound to be impressive and not to be missed. Momo is the second artist to headline…