Author: Tshegofatso Letsie
The South Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), has expressed concern on the numerous complaints it received, relating to cannabis related arrests. According to the Commission, the complaints are mostly from the Rastafari and cannabis-using community, despite the decriminalisation of the private use, cultivation and possession of cannabis in the country. “The SAPS directive recognises that neither legislation nor regulations prescribe the quantity of cannabis in the possession of/or cultivated by an adult that may be presumed to be dealing in cannabis, which is still unlawful. Therefore, as things stand, this directive directs that adults may not be arrested on the presumption…
US incoming-President, Donald Trump said he has a “warm spot” for social media platform, TikTok especially after it helped him gain young voters by 34% during this year’s Presidential elections. He made the assertion when asked about the looming ban against the Chinese video app owned by ByteDance. “We’ll take a look at TikTok. I used TikTok very successfully in my campaign. I won youth by 30%. All republicans lose youth, and I don’t know why. Maybe it’s changing. Last time we were down 30% with youth, this time we are up 35% and I use TikTok, so I can’t…
In a revealing glimpse into the interests of South Africans, Google has unveiled its annual analysis of top searches for 2024, showcasing the nation’s engagement with current affairs, entertainment, sports, and significant global events. With increases in both curiosity and search queries, the insights reflect a society thriving on the latest happenings, cultural shifts, and the legacies of notable figures. Notably, the report highlighted pivotal events that captured the attention of South Africans. The country’s National Elections, held on 29th May, emerged as a key focal point, reflecting the citizens’ appetite for political engagement. The tragic collapse of a building…
British singer Adele finds herself between a rock and a hard place with her hit single ‘Million Years Ago’, after Brazilian Judge Victor Torres at the Rio de Janeiro’s sixth commercial court, ordered its withdrawal globally, including on streaming platforms. This emanates from plagiarism allegations lodged by Brazilian composer, Toninho Geraes, who claims that the song was copied from his samba track called ‘Mulheres’ (Women), which was recorded by singer Martinho da Vila back in 1995. Geraes is reportedly suing for royalties to the tune of $160,000 and a songwriting credit on Adele’s 2015 track. The ruling also states that…
South African singer and businesswoman, DJ Zinhle has sought to set the record straight, after being accused of having a crush on American singer and dancer, Chris Brown. Just like many South Africans, DJ Zinhle, whose real name is Zinhle Jiyane, didn’t hold back on her excitement to have Brown in the country for his two-day concerts at the FNB Stadium on 14 and 15 December. She posted a series of videos on TikTok expressing the fear of missing out (FOMO) she had for her inability to attend the much-anticipated concerts. This however caught a different kind of attention, with…
The Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille has called for improved speed in the allocation of the Tourism Equity Fund (TEF) to businesses. According to an update she provided, only 20 business applications that amount to R301 million under the R1.2 billion TEF, have been approved in the last 12 months. In her progress report, De Lille highlighted that most submissions and approvals are from KwaZulu-Natal, followed by Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Western Cape, and the Free State. The Minister criticised delays experienced in the fund managed by the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) on behalf of the Department of…
The Department of Basic Education will forge ahead with the publication of the 2024 matric results, but only using the candidates exam numbers.This after it filed an application to set aside the Information Regulator’s enforcement notice on the printing of matric results in newspapers. According to the Department statement, the papers were filed on Friday 13 December 2024 at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria. “The appeal means that the enforcement notice has been suspended and that the Department will proceed to release results to media houses who will publish in terms of the established practice in which only…
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…