Author: Tshegofatso Letsie
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is calling on government and relevant partners to strengthen measures towards protecting the country’s water infrastructure. The Commission released its policy brief on recommendations on how to tackle water mafias and what it termed as the systemic sabotage of essential water infrastructure on Wednesday. The policy brief covers a wide range of aspects including the impacts of water infrastructure vandalism on the public and economic costs thereafter. SAHRC spokesperson, Wisani Baloyi provided an overview of some of the recommendations the commission made in the brief. ‘’The policy brief seeks to be a clarion…
Banyana Banyana Head Coach, Dr Desiree Ellis has named the final squad of 26 players who will represent the country at the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to be played on 5-26 July 2025 in Morocco. Ellis believes the squad has the required flexibility to clinch the title. “Getting the right mix of players was very important for us. Our recent friendlies showed the versatility within our ranks and our versatility will be key for us in Morocco. Refiloe Jane for example has played every position on the field except as goalkeeper. Lebohang Ramalepe can play both…
The Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has assured the country that the meat consumed from animals infected with Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is not a threat to human health and safe to consume. Steenhuisen alongside Gauteng Agriculture MEC, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa conducted an oversight visit at Karaan Beef Feedlot in Heidelberg to witness the vaccination of cattle as part of government’s fight against FMD. The visit comes after the country received the first batch of about 900 000 vaccine doses from Botswana. According to Steenhuisen, a second batch will be ordered to continue responding to the outbreak particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and…
The South African government is optimistic that the signed $1.5 billion Development Policy Loan Agreement will help the country unlock key infrastructure advancements aimed at improving the country’s economy. The National Treasury has through a statement, welcomed the agreement describing it as a positive step towards addressing the high unemployment rate. “The financing forms part of the government’s broader efforts to implement structural reforms that strengthen public institutions, crowd in private investment, and improve service delivery across priority sectors of the economy. “The loan support is anchored on three key pillars of structural reform, i.e., improving energy security, enhancing the…
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has implemented what it described as a comprehensive infrastructure maintenance programme across all nine of its airports. According to the entity, this is part of reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence and long-term economic growth. ACSA CEO Mpumi Mpofu said most of the projects are expected to be completed between late 2025 and 2027, adding that they will boost infrastructure development. “This program is a strong signal of ACSA’s recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. It reflects our return to financial sustainability and our ability to reinvest in critical infrastructure that will serve the aviation industry…
South Africa’s F1 Bid Steering Committee has noted an announcement by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) that it has approved the design proposals to upgrade the Kyalami circuit to Grade 1 status. The circuit, which currently holds the FIA Grade 2 certification, was last upgraded in 2016, and has been given three years to complete the upgrades According to the committee, Grade 1 is the highest international standard required for a circuit to qualify to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix. The committee said this is encouraging and bodes well for the country’s bid to host a race in the…
The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, has welcomed the submission of the names of the panel members appointed to oversee the selection and recommendations of board chairpersons for the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).This after the Department’s Minister, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane appeared before the committee to respond to questions related to the board chairpersons, following public outcry over alleged political interference. Committee Chairperson, Tebogo Letsie said the Minister’s submission of the names is long overdue. “We are pleased that sanity has prevailed and that the Minister has now compllied with this requirement. The committee believes this disclosure…
The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has reported a concerning outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, specifically within the JB Marks Local Municipality. The initial alarm was raised when a private veterinarian identified suspected signs of the disease during a farm visit, prompting further investigation by state authorities. According to an official statement from the department, a State Veterinarian subsequently collected samples from the affected animals, which were dispatched to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (OVI) for testing. This vigilant action confirmed the presence of both SAT 2 and SAT 3…
The Department of Social Development Minister, Sisisi Tolashe believes a more coordinated and survivor centred approach to the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the country, will ensure justice and protection for women and children. Tolashe participated at a roundtable discussion at the Atteridgeville Community Hall, west of Pretoria, and highlighted the implementation and progress made in the National Strategic Plan as well as evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of services provided to GBVF victims. The Minister also bemoaned inconsistencies in the justice system. “Gender-based violence and femicide remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations affecting…
In what it describes as implementing the Provincial Council on AIDS Policy in Action and Operation Dignity, the North West government made good on its commitment by honouring the legacy of late HIV/AIDS activists in the province. Premier Lazarus Mokgosi led the unveiling of the tombstone of one of the patrons, Mosadiotsile Olyn, at the Magogong village in Taung. Speaking to YOUFM during an exclusive interview upon handing over a renovated house and tuckshop to Olyn’s children, Mokgosi praised her and her colleagues’ role in the community. “During the commemoration of World Aids Day and World TB Day, we made…