Author: Tshegofatso Letsie
The Department of Basic Education (DBE), has maintained that the publication of method matric results through displaying examination numbers without other personal identifiers, does not contravene the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act. This after the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria reserved judgment in the case brought by the Information Regulator against the Department. The Regulator is challenging the current format of publishing the results and raised concerns regarding its legality. DBE released a statement noting the court judgment on the matter. “The information of the examination numbers published cannot be directly or indirectly be linked to any individual…
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has moved to calm fears of job cuts as it accelerates the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) within the organisation. Presenting SARS’ annual performance reports to the Standing Committee on Finance in Parliament, Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said that technology adoption will not come at the cost of livelihoods. “I can give the committee assurance — six years ago, I met with trade unions, the PSA and NEHAWU, and we had a very honest conversation. I made a commitment to them that I will not retrench a single employee due to the deployment of technology…
Partnership, innovation, and farmer wellness took centre stage at the 2025 Farmer’s Day commemoration held on Palmietfontein Farm in Ventersdorp, North West. The event — hosted by the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) — brought together farmers and key industry stakeholders, including Land Care South Africa and the Agricultural Research Council. In addition to agricultural development, organisers emphasised health education, with farmers receiving guidance on HIV and other communicable diseases to promote regular testing and workplace wellness across the sector. DARD also led vital discussions on land access, title…
The North West Department of Education has confirmed that the contracts of Educational Assistants (EAs) and General Assistants (GAs) employed under the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) will now end in November 2025 — a month earlier than initially planned. The department said the early termination follows delays in approval of its request for a one-month contract extension. The BEEI rollout, which began nationally in June 2025, was only implemented in the province in July due to recruitment challenges. “These challenges forced the province to delay the appointment of the EAs and GAs in June and to appoint them at…
The Black Business Council (BBC) has described the Democratic Alliance’s proposed Bill aimed to replace the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE), as a continuation of apartheid. The DA gazetted its Public Procurement Amendment Bill on Tuesday for public comment, calling for an end to the B-BBEE. The party described the B-BEEE as a race-based tender policy which does not promote fairness and accountability. The council however called on citizens and the National Assembly to reject the DA’s proposal with contempt. “In the eyes of the DA, black people are only good as recipients of social benefits or handouts but are…
The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) has assured the public that it has recaptured a lion that escaped from a trailer on Monday, 20 October along the R49 road between Lichtenburg and Zeerust. According to the department, the lion was being transported from the Free State to Nietverdiend, near Zeerust. A video of the lion’s escape circulated on social media, causing panic but the department guaranteed that the situation is under control, adding that investigations surrounding the circumstances of the incident will be investigated. “Preliminary investigations suggest there may be an infringement on the…
Just a few days after the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification, Adidas has come back as Bafana Bafana’s Technical sponsor. This revelation comes as the Le Coq Sportif partnership with the South African Football Association (SAFA) is set to end after the Africa Cup of Nations in February next year. The athletic apparel and footwear corporation sponsored the team back in 2010 during the FIFA World Cup. SAFA CEO, Lydia Monyepao applauded the renewed partnership that will span for the next three years. “This partnership is more than a sponsorship. It’s a return to shared values of pride, resilience, and…
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)’s Investigative Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), has taken the matter relating to the recusal of the presiding Magistrate in the case involving SAPS Intelligence Head, Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo at the Pretoria High Court under review. Magistrate Vusimuzi Mahlangu recused himself from the controversial case on Tuesday, citing allegations of corruption and fraud levelled against him at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria. IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame is adamant that the move was unnecessary especially in the matter involving Khumalo and two co-accused matters. “The IDAC is of the view that the magistrate should not have…
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has reported a notable increase in measles cases across South Africa, with 1,237 confirmed infections recorded nationally. According to the NICD’s latest national measles surveillance report, several provinces have seen new cases in recent weeks. “Gauteng reported 11 additional cases, bringing the total to 640. Limpopo recorded 15 new cases, with a total of 184. The Free State reported five new cases with a total of 147. Mpumalanga reported six new cases with a total of 102, while the Western Cape recorded 17 new cases, bringing its total to 78,” the NICD said.…
The Head of the Gauteng Department of Health and Wellness, Lesiba Malotana, has been suspended with immediate effect as investigations intensify into alleged large-scale corruption at the Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced the suspension on Monday, confirming that Dr Darion Barclay has been appointed to act in the position. Barclay currently serves as the head of the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CogGTA). In a statement, the Gauteng Provincial Government said the move underscores its full support for the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and other law enforcement agencies probing irregularities in the hospital’s tender…