Author: Tshegofatso Letsie
With the 2026 Local Government Elections fast approaching, young voters in Potchefstroom are facing a familiar question: will their votes bring about change, or will the problems remain the same? In Ikageng, opinions among young people are sharply divided. While some still view the ballot as a powerful tool for shaping their communities, others are questioning whether participating in elections can deliver the change they have been promised. Newsnote spoke to young people in the area about their views ahead of election day on 4 November. For Thamsanqa Ndakane, voting remains an important way for citizens to exercise their power…
To increase awareness of rental rights among young people, the Department of Human Settlements is taking its Know Your Rental Rights campaign to higher education institutions across the country. The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with Rental Housing Tribunals (RHTs), the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the South African Technical and Vocational Education and Training Students Association (SATVETSA). According to the department, the campaign forms part of a broader national strategy to promote awareness of rental rights among young people. “The initiative is aimed at addressing challenges experienced by students using private accommodation, including unfair rental practices,…
The North West Department of Education is intensifying its preparations for the upcoming final matric examinations. To ensure a well-organised and conducive learning environment, Superintendent-General Lengane Bogatsu met with the department’s Curriculum Unit to assess its readiness and address any outstanding issues ahead of the examinations. With only seven days remaining before the Class of 2026 begins writing its final papers, the department has raised its pass-rate target from 95% to 97%. All four districts have been assigned specific performance targets to help achieve this ambitious goal. MEC Dr Desbo Mohono believes the new target is achievable through the concerted…
As part of Older Persons Month in October, the North West Department of Social Development is renewing its call for the protection of older people. The department also views the observance as an opportunity to honour the valuable contribution of senior citizens to society. MEC Sussana Dantjie indicated that several programmes aimed at improving the quality of life of older people across the province are ongoing. “As a department, we are funding more than 100 community-based care and support services that provide a wide range of services, including nutritious, balanced meals, personal care, physical exercise, home-based care, visits, house cleaning…
The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Local Government Elections reports that preparations for the 4 November elections are progressing as planned and remain on schedule. The Committee met with the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, to consider reports and plans being implemented ahead of election day. Despite the progress recorded, the Committee called on key stakeholders to intensify coordination and collaboration in addressing outstanding matters. These include building community trust, mobilising public education, increasing voter engagement and encouraging registered voters to turn out at the polls. Among the reports considered by the IMC was one on the…
A recent video by South African influencer Grace Mondlana, in which she called out fellow content creator Advise Langa, has sparked debate about creativity, originality and the boundaries between inspiration and copying in the influencer space. While many acknowledge that few ideas are entirely original, accusations of plagiarism and content copying remain a contentious issue among creators. In the video, Mondlana alleges that Langa has repeatedly adopted elements of her content style, including music choices, dance routines, gestures and facial expressions. The issue has divided social media users, with much of the discussion focusing not only on the allegations but…
In a society where the relationship between mothers- and daughters-in-law is often viewed as complex and fraught with misunderstandings, author and businesswoman Hope Pooe offers a refreshing perspective. Through her debut book, Tribute to My Mother-in-Law, Pooe shares her personal experience of building a harmonious and respectful bond with her mother-in-law from the day they first met. Speaking exclusively to YOU FM at her book launch in Johannesburg, Pooe described her decision to write the book as an act of love and honour. “I wrote the book at the lowest point of my life when my mother-in-law was really ill.…
Former President Thabo Mbeki has criticised the Government of National Unity (GNU) over what he described as a lack of urgency and failure to prioritise strengthening state capacity. Mbeki made the remarks at the 25th South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM) Conference Gala Dinner in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. According to Mbeki, the GNU has not taken practical steps to develop the state’s capacity since it was established in 2024. “We’ve had the GNU since 2024, and nothing has been done. They call for state capacity development, but why isn’t it happening? All of us agree that the state…
Head coach Pitso Mosimane has announced plans to make changes to the squad for Sunday’s international friendly against Egypt at Cairo International Stadium. According to Mosimane, the changes are part of efforts to build squad depth and give all the players an opportunity to take to the field. The coach has appealed for patience and support for his strategy. “It is a friendly game, and we need to see what they are capable of at this level. So, we plead for patience and support for these youngsters. The country must understand that we have played the qualifiers against Guinea and…
The Department of Home Affairs has announced that the production of South Africa’s green barcoded ID book will officially end on 31 March 2027, giving millions of citizens an opportunity to transition to the Smart ID. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber made the announcement during a media briefing on Thursday, saying approximately 14.7 million South African citizens and permanent residents still hold only the green ID book. Schreiber said these individuals will have a further 12 months after production ends to switch to the Smart ID. This means the green ID book will no longer be recognised as a form…