Author: Tshegofatso Letsie
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has committed to complete the disbursement of remaining payments to landlords of student accommodations before the end of the year. According to NSFAS Administrator Freeman Nomvalo, teams have been deployed to some provinces to address the matter. “NSFAS teams have been deployed to the Eastern Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces to work with our colleagues at the various PSET Institutions in clearing and settling all legitimate claims. NSFAS is inviting all landlords who are affected by outstanding payments in the above-mentioned provinces to a working session for further assistance. These working sessions are…
The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, has come to the rescue of the South African Football Association (SAFA) by loaning them R5 million rand to ensure that they pay the employees December salaries. This follows reports of financial difficulties and the association’s inability to also pay players their bonuses ahead of the festive season. Minister Gayton McKenzie said the intervention is to offer some reprieve to staff members. “We cannot allow players to go into this festive season without payment, especially since they have done the country proud. The men’s team recently qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations,…
American R&B singer and performer, Chris Brown has finally arrived in South Africa, for his much-anticipated concerts at the FNB Stadium this weekend. The Sensational hitmaker will treat his Mzansi fans to a thrilling musical experience on 14 and 15 December. Event company Big Concerts shared snaps of him wearing a cap in a hoodie, surrounded by his crew and security personnel, arriving at the OR Tambo International Airport. Social media users reacted to the post with mixed reactions, but mostly humour. Some made jokes about him arriving in a hoodie during a heatwave, while others sent welcoming messages. Breezy’s…
The recent make-up masterclass that was hosted by South Africa’s media personality and entrepreneur Bonang Matheba alongside UK fashion and beauty influencer, Uche Natori, with the largest French cosmetic company, L’Oreal in South Africa, broke the Guinness World Record of being the biggest masterclass in the world. The beauty gathering that was held in Johannesburg on 7 December, was attended by about 600 self-care devotees, who got the chance of a lifetime to receive make-up tips from the best in the game. The announcement of the groundbreaking achievement was shared live on stage with attendees, while Matheba and Natori were…
As the deadline for consultations regarding clauses four and five of the BELA Act looms, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa to request for its inclusion and other Chapter 9 institutions in the consultations. The Commission’s plea comes as the grace period that was afforded stakeholders to address the suspended sections of the Act, ends on Friday 13 December 2024. Recently an announcement of an “agreement” between civic groups Solidarity and Afri-Forum with the Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube sparked controversy. Several political parties, trade unions including Deputy President Paul Mashatile condemned the…
South Africa’s influential and internationally recognized genre of Amapiano was the most listened to this year in the country. This is according to music streaming platform, Spotify in its yearly Wrapped compilation of music and artists that were most played. Spotify also noted a 93% increase in local music consumption for 2024. Amongst the top 10 artists that were the most streamed in Mzansi this year was Drake, Chris Brown, DJ Maphorisa and Kelvin Momo. The King of the Yanos Kabza de Small topped album streams with Isimo which surpassed the 10 million mark. Tyla with her self-titled album also…
Controversial author and social activist Jackie Phamotse has addressed President Cyril Ramaphosa in an open letter, voicing her urgent concerns regarding recent changes to the visa application process for Nigerian nationals. The changes, which were revealed during the South African-Nigerian Binational Commission in Cape Town, have ignited significant public apprehension. During the meeting on Tuesday, Ramaphosa hosted Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, unveiling a decision that, according to Phamotse, has the potential to exacerbate issues related to human trafficking, gender-based violence, and other violent crimes that plague South Africa. “I’m writing this to express my deep concern about the growing threat…
“Ke Dezember” vibe has officially been activated in Mzansi and those who know, know! Rapper Cassper Nyovest and TV personality Pearl Thusi have now become the faces of December, after both videos of them displaying excitement to the arrival of the festive month emerged and went viral. The two separate videos which have the common thrill of the holiday season aren’t new to the social streets as they date back some years ago In Cassper’s video, he pretends to wake up from a deep sleep then gets the biggest shock as he opens his eyes, while he repeats the words…
The National Treasury has issued a call to the public, inviting written submissions regarding the taxation of alcoholic beverages, with a deadline set for 13 December 2024. This initiative aims to tackle South Africa’s escalating alcohol consumption crisis, as the country battles the ramifications of high alcohol use, which ranks fifth on the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) list of nations with heavy drinkers. According to WHO statistics, alcohol is responsible for over 5.3% of global deaths annually, linking it to more than 200 diseases and injuries. South Africa, being a charter member of the United Nations, holds a responsibility to…
Australia has taken a decisive step to restrict social media access of children below the age of 16. The minors will be blocked from platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and Facebook, in a move that the government believes is aimed at protecting their mental health. According to Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, the new law will protect kids from harmful social media content. “I’ve met parents who’ve had to bury their children as a result of the impact that social media has had, as a result of bullying. We need to do something about it,” explained Albanese. The law, which…