Author: Tshegofatso Letsie
In a heartfelt and impassioned keynote address at the Women and Youth in Construction Summit held in Mahikeng, North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua, expressed a clarion call to both women and youth to actively pursue opportunities within the predominantly male-dominated construction sector. However, her address was not limited to professional aspirations; it also confronted the pressing issue of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) that continues to plague communities across South Africa. During her speech, Mokua highlighted the profound social and economic ramifications of GBVF, emphasising that it’s an affront to human dignity and autonomy. “Gender-Based…
South African YouTuber and Media Personality, Thulasizwe Dambuza, affectionately known as Lasizwe, has appealed to his fans and followers not to vote for him at the 2025 South African Social Media Awards (SASMAs) due to voting costs. This despite bagging three major nominations under the African Social Media Star of the Year, Popular Content Across Platforms and Social Media Personality of the Year categories. Dambuza posted a video on his social media platforms where he described the nominations as an automatic win, adding that no one should vote for him especially when it will cost them money. “The nominations mean…
The Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, used her keynote address at the National Prosecuting Authority’s Senior Management Conference held in Johannesburg to position its systems to be able to respond to rapid changes in technology including artificial intelligence (AI). The minister highlighted the extent to which AI is reshaping the criminal landscape, referencing AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and automated financial crimes. Kubayi justified her plea by reflecting on the 2024 Internet Watch Foundation report which flagged the rise of AI-generated CSAM, and the risks posed by AI-driven tools, including synthetic ID generators and automated cryptocurrency systems.…
The Presidency of South Africa has issued a heartfelt appeal to citizens to identify and submit the names of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional patriotism or have made significant contributions on either a national or global scale. This initiative seeks nominees for the prestigious National Orders, acknowledged as the highest honours in the country. President Cyril Ramaphosa, alongside Phindile Baleni, the Director-General in the Presidency and Chancellor of National Orders, will present these distinguished awards. The annual ceremony aims to promote inclusivity and social cohesion within the nation. Baleni, in a statement, expressed the essence of the National Orders: “These…
The Department of Home Affairs said despite the fire, damage and losses of infrastructure and equipment at its Germiston building on Tuesday, critical documents remain safe. The building was allegedly torched by angry residents of a nearby block of flats, who were refusing eviction by the Ekurhuleni Municipality. Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza confirmed this to the media during his oversight visit at the building on Wednesday. “Smart ID cards and passports are safe despite the damages caused by fire and water during the burning of the office. They were securely locked on the ground floor, which did not catch fire,” said…
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has described challenges relating to funding as a hindrance to many students at Universities and TVET Colleges. The ministry provided an update on the state of affairs alongside stakeholders from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in Pretoria. Minister Buti Manamela revealed that they will continue to engage with the National Treasury in this regard. “Over the next four years, we will fully implement a sustainable student funding model. We will consolidate Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) and Community Education and Training (CET) reform. “We will drive digital learning across the…
North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane, described the province’s Park Rangers as the frontline custodians who have dedicated their lives to protect wildlife. This emerged during the World Ranger Day celebrations held in Tsitsing, near Rustenburg at the Moses Kotane Local Municipality. According to Lenkopane, support from both the department and the ranger’s families is crucial in boosting their morale to safeguard the province’s natural gems. The MEC however, expressed concern regarding the declining numbers of rangers but believes skills development programmes will help mitigate the challenge. “We are facing a situation where too…
Chief Justice Mandisa Maya has published what her office described as a landmark sexual harassment policy for the judiciary. It comes at the back of sexual harassment allegations against Eastern Cape Judge President, Selby Mbenenge, by judges’ secretary, Andiswa Mengo whose case is being heard by the Judicial Conduct Tribunal. In a press release, the Office of the Chief Justice (COJ) reaffirmed its commitment to safeguard the integrity of the courts and its employees through the new policy. ‘’As custodians of the Constitution, Judges and Magistrates, bear a profound responsibility to uphold the highest standards of integrity. The Bangalore Principles…
On a day marked by elegance and empowerment, women from diverse backgrounds celebrated this year’s Women’s Day at YOU FM’s event in the picturesque Cradle of Humankind, Maropeng. Dressed in vibrant hues of purple, attendees welcomed a line-up of distinguished speakers who championed the cause of women’s rights, leadership, and technology integration. The keynote address was delivered by Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the Former Deputy President of South Africa and former Executive Director of UN Women. Mlambo-Ngcuka captivated the audience with a heartfelt plea for young girls to “take up space” and position themselves as future leaders of the nation. Her powerful…
The Johannesburg High Court has struck off the roll of the application to stop the ANC 8th Ekurhuleni Regional Conference. The court also ruled that the applicants pay legal costs due to failure to meet the necessary requirements of relief. This comes after some branches wrote a letter to the party’s Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, requesting that the conference be postponed. They argued that the term of office of the Regional Task Team (RTT) which organised the conference had expired and that decisions that were made at branch meetings were invalid. The ANC Ekurhuleni regional coordinator, Jongiziwe Dlabathi, welcomed the court…