Author: Tshegofatso Letsie
The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, is optimistic that the lifting of vegetable exports from South Africa to Botswana, will boost trade for local farmers. The ban was imposed on 16 vegetables back in December 2021 and came into effect in January 2022. Botswana attributed the decision to the promotion of self-sufficient food security and the protection of local producers. The removal of the restrictions was announced in December last year and Sambatha believes this will contribute towards job creation and restore the growth of the agricultural sector in the region. “The lifting of the…
Today marks a significant milestone in South Africa’s history—35 years since the release of Nelson Mandela from Victor Verster Prison in Cape Town. His emergence from the confines of incarceration not only represented a personal victory for the man who had spent 27 long years as a political prisoner but also heralded the dawn of a new era for a nation yearning for freedom and equality. Mandela was arrested in 1962 for his anti-apartheid activities and later convicted of high treason in 1964. His imprisonment on Robben Island is a chapter marked by suffering and sacrifice. For many years, he…
The International Boxing Association (IBA) has announced plans to take legal action against the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the inclusion of Algeria and Taiwan fighters, Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting in the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. The association expressed concern that the IOC cleared the fighters to participate at the Olympics, after allegedly failing gender eligibility tests and were excluded from the IBA’s 2023 Championships. In its statement, IBA said the decision to drag the IOC to the courts was motivated by the recent executive order that prohibits transgender women from female sports, signed by American President, Donald Trump. …
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has opened a case of treason against lobby group AfriForum at the Cape Town central police station. The MK is accusing AfriForum of allegedly promoting a false narrative regarding South Africa’s progressive policies. The case comes after American President, Donald Trump halted financial aid to the country, in protest of the recently signed Land Expropriation Act. The MKP is adamant that action must be taken against AfriForum, which has since made a U-turn from supporting Trump’s investigation of policies that he insinuates are against some minority groups. “Their betrayal is nothing less than an act…
South Africa-born comedian and TV personality, Trevor Noah said the ‘vibe was off’ at the 2025 Grammy Awards that were held on the 2nd of February at the Crypto.com Arena, in Los Angeles. He attributed this to the devastating wildfires that engulfed the city and reportedly claimed 29 lives, leaving scores of others displaced. Noah who was hosting the show for the fifth consecutive time said he anticipated that it would be challenging this time around. “I thought it was going to be hard because I knew that half the people who were there had a sadness they carried, mixed…
Banyana Banyana head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has announced a squad of 22 players who will face Lesotho’s Mehalalitoe for two international friendly games. The matches, which form part of the team’s preparations for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), in Morocco later this year, are scheduled for the 22nd and 25th of February. Ellis also announced that Banyana will start training with a goal keeper’s camp on 15 February, with in-field players set to join camp on the 17th in Johannesburg. The head coach is forging ahead with the plan of building the squad depth by calling…
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that it has received an application filed by French arms company, Thales, in a bid to have the corruption charges against it dropped. Thales is the second accused in the case involving former President, Jacob Zuma. The two are facing charges of corruption, fraud, money laundering and racketeering. In its application, Thale argued that the lengthy delays that have resulted in irremediable infringement of its constitutional rights to a fair trial,” as the trial has been posted 16 times. In addition, two of the company’s key witnesses have since died. NPA National spokesperson Mthunzi…
The Department of Employment and Labour has announced the increment of the National Minimum Wage for 2025. The rate will be adjusted from R27,58 to R28,79 per hour, from 01 March. The announcement was gazetted by the Department Minister, Nomakhosazana Meth, and she reiterated the commitment to protect workers against exploitation and ensure that they’re remunerated accordingly. “The National Minimum Wage amendment is enforced by law and binding from 01 March 2025. Violations of the Act are subject to fines. The National Minimum Wage determination includes vulnerable sectors such as farm workers and domestic workers, whom since 2022 were aligned…
Springboks winger and Sharks player, Makazole Mapimpi will miss three of the team’s United Rugby Championship (URC) games after being suspended following an eye gouge incident during a match between the Sharks and Cardiff on 25 January 2025. This emanates from a scuffle between Mapimpi and Cardiff hooker, Efan Daniel in a game that the Sharks won by 42-22 at Cardiff Ams Park Stadium in Wales. Although he was not immediately punished, he was subjected to a disciplinary process. “Under Law 9.12 a player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes but is not limited to, biting,…
City of Joburg electricity entity, City Power, has announced the suspension of load reduction with immediate effect. The decision follows a series of campaigns aimed at combating illegal connections and non-compliance in the past months. According to City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena, the suspension of load reduction highlights their commitment towards reliable electricity supply. “Several key factors contributed to this decision. In recent months, City Power has intensified its efforts in cutting illegal connections and addressing meter tampering. The results of these operations have been encouraging, as well as witnessed a notable reduction in pressure on the electricity grid. Moreover,…