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LIMPOPO - The MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life following a horrific accident involving a minibus taxi and a bakkie on the R40 road, near Klaserie, Maruleng Municipality, Mopani District. The accident, which occurred early this morning (Saturday, 8 February), resulted in the deaths and serious injuries of those involved. Preliminary reports indicate that 10 passengers from the minibus taxi and three from the bakkie have died. Three critically injured passengers have been transported to Tinswalo Hospital for medical attention. "I am deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic incident," said MEC Mathye. "My heartfelt condolences go out to the families, next of kin, and the broader community who have lost loved ones. I wish a speedy recovery to those who sustained injuries." An investigation into the cause of the accident is currently underway. MEC Mathye urged motorists to exercise extreme ...

NORTHERN CAPE - The South African Police Service (SAPS) is investigating a culpable homicide case following an accident involving a SANDF truck which overturned on the R31 road between Koopmansfontein and Delportshoop. Preliminary information indicates that the accident occurred Friday afternoon, 7 February. The truck was traveling with 19 SANDF members from Lohatla Army base enroute to Kimberley. Two SANDF members, a male and female died on the scene and 17 others were injured and transported to hospital for medical treatment. The identities of the deceased not yet known as their next of kin must be informed. The SANDF truck was traveling in rainy weather conditions from Lohatla to Kimberley when the accident occurred. The cause of the accident forms part of the police investigation.

  LIMPOPO - Five suspects between the ages of 33 and 63 were arrested in a joint operation by the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation and the Road Traffic Management Cooperation (RTMC) at Lephalale Local Municipality on Friday, 7 February.   During 2021, the office of the Serious Corruption Investigation received complaints about officials who were issuing learners and driver's licenses without following proper procedures in return for gratification at Lephalale Test Station.   The investigation - named Operation Combination - was launched, and it was detected that indeed several unlawful activities were done. After completing the investigations, the Hawks referred the matter to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for decision. Subsequently, warrants to arrest the suspects were authorized.   A joint operation between the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation and the RTMC was conducted.   The team successfully arrested five suspects at Leph...

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order to cut financial assistance and humanitarian aid to South Africa. On Friday, 7 February, the White House announced the executive order, citing the disapproval of the South Africa's recently passed Land Expropriation Bill and further punishing the country for its genocide case at the International Court of Justice against Washington’s ally Israel. The executive order from The White House further imposed the following: Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of the United States that, as long as South Africa continues these unjust and immoral practices that harm our Nation:           (a) the United States shall not provide aid or assistance to South Africa; and           (b) the United States shall promote the resettlement of Afrikaner refugees escaping government-sponsored race-based discrimination, including racially discriminatory property confiscation.   ...

MANDENI - A head-on collision has resulted in multiple injuries near Mandeni, north of KwaZulu-Natal on Friday, 7 February. According to IPSS Medical Rescue, this head-on collision between a light motor vehicle and a truck, occurred on the N2. It is believed the light motor vehicle lost control, crashing head-on into a truck travelling in the opposite direction. The driver of the light motor vehicle sustained moderate injuries and his two passengers sustained minor injuries. The patients were stabilised on the scene by IPSS Medical Rescue before being transported to a nearby facility for further care. The driver and passenger of the truck were not injured in the collision.

MANDENI - Police in KwaZulu-Natal have arrested two suspected hitmen, few hours after they allegedly shot and killed a 40-year-old ward councillor and injured his 42-year-old sister in Sundumbili on the evening of Tuesday, 4 February 2025. Police officers who are members of Public Order Policing were doing their routine patrols in Sundumbili when they spotted two suspicious men walking along the street. Vigilant police officers stopped and searched the men and the two were found in possession of two firearms whose serial numbers were filed off. The suspects were arrested and charged for possession of unlicensed firearms. Further investigations by the Political Task Team positively linked the two to the murder of the councillor and the attempted murder of his sister. Reports indicate that earlier that evening, the two suspects went to the councillor’s home and requested to see him. When the councillor got out of the house, the two opened fire at him. His sister intervened bu...

CAPE TOWN - Athol Trollip MP, ActionSA Parliamentary Leader, has reflected on the State of the Nation Address (SONA 2025) which took centre stage last evening (6 February). MP Trollip wrote: Yet again, President Cyril Ramaphosa has failed to seize the moment. His State of the Nation Address was nothing more than a rehash of empty promises — white papers, strategies, websites, new funding models, and grand plans or rather more plans about plans. Without any urgency or explanation as to why these so-called reforms have taken so long to implement. The economy remains stagnant, and despite the usual rhetoric of “economic growth,” nothing substantial has been done to address the fundamental issues driving our decline. Instead of confronting the root causes -corruption and a bloated, inefficient civil service-Ramaphosa continues to peddle hollow commitments while state institutions crumble under the weight of mismanagement and graft. The Auditor-General has repeatedly highlighted...

CAPE TOWN - South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a promising and praise-worthy speech as he addressed the nation this evening, Thursday, 6 February. Here are some of the key takeaways from the President's State of the Nation Address (#SONA): HONOURING THE FALLEN SOLDIERS  The President honoured the 14 fallen soldiers by name as he reiterated the core mission for SANDF to be in Congo. USA BULLYING   BY PRESIDENT TRUMP The President addressed utterances by US President Donald Trump threatening to cut aid due to misinformation about the Land Expropriation Bill. Ramaphosa firmly told South Africans that we are an independent country which won't be bullied. MATRIC RESULTS Ramaphosa praised the Class of 2024 for reaching the highest pass rate in the history of the country's education. WATER CRISIS   Water programmes are on the horizon with neighboring country Lesotho as a stakeholders to bolster the country's water crisis. For a detailed presentation,...

CENTURION - Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has expressed his concern about a recent alleged bullying incident at Sutherland High School in Centurion, which sparked public interest following a viral video recorded by the mother of the alleged victim. According to information at the department’s disposal, the mother of the Grade 10 girl learner who was allegedly bullied visited the school on Wednesday, 5 February 2025, to report that her child was being bullied by a Grade 10 boy learner, seeking to address the matter. However, the school explained that, as per due process, a preliminary investigation must be conducted to verify the allegations before any disciplinary action. A meeting involving the parents of the victim, school management, and district officials was held today, Thursday, 6 February 2025, at Sutherland High School.  "Following this meeting, we can confirm that the school will initiate a disciplinary hearing, subject to the availability of both pare...

SOWETO - The City of Johannesburg has assured Rea Vaya passengers and the public that services will resume today, 6 Thursday. "The City gives assurance that Rea Vaya buses will start operating from Thursday 6 February 2025. Safety and security measures are in place for the protection of drivers, buses and passengers. We apologise for the inconvenience," the City notified. Operations were abruptly halted after two bus drivers were shot and killed in Soweto on Tuesday evening, in what is believed to be orchestrated hits.  According to the bus company, the law enforcement plan is in place to ensure safety and security of bus drivers, buses and passengers following the scary tragedies. MMC for Transport in the City of Johannesburg Kenny Kunene, has condemned this brutality.

CAPE TOWN - The Minister of Police, Mr Senzo Mchunu, the Deputy Ministers of Police Mr Cassel Mathale, Ms Polly Boshielo and the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola will on Thursday, 6 February 2025, address the National Joint Operational Intelligence Structures (Natjoints) ahead of their deployment for the State of the Nation Address (SoNA). The Natjoints comprises of various government departments and is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of all major events throughout the country. The parade will consist of all law enforcement agencies, including the SAPS, SANDF, National and Provincial Traffic Management and the City of Cape Town Metro Police Department. Members of the media are invited to attend as follows: Date: Thursday, 6 February 2025 Time: 11:15 for 11:30 Venue: Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town

CAPE TOWN - All eyes will be on South Africa on Thursday, 6 February, as President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) to the Joint Sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces at the Cape Town City Hall at 7PM.  The #SONA2025 is expected to draw attention from local and international communities due to passed laws, international relations and economic growth challenges that have received negative reactions across board. As the pressure to address pressing issues mount, will Ramaphosa tackle the real issues affecting South Africans? Will we get meaningful solutions or just more promises? What do you think he should focus on? 1. The energy crisis and loadshedding  2. Corruption and accountability  3. Job creation and economic recovery  4. Service delivery and municipal failures  5. Crime and safety in our communities 

KEMPTON PARK - The Tembisa Magistrates' Court has postponed the case against footballer, Mokete Sean Mogaila(29), until 19 May 2025. The footballer,  who plied his trade for Sekhukhune FC, surrendered himself to the South African Police Service (SAPS) in connection with an alleged reckless driving incident. The crash which occurred on Andrew Mapheto Road, in Tembisa, during the early hours of 30 October 2024, tragically claimed the life of 9-year-old, Gomolemo Mavimbela.  The state alleges that, on the aforementioned date, Mogaila's vehicle veered into the opposite lane and collided with another vehicle carrying a woman and two minor children. Tragically, the nine-year-old lost her life, while the mother and 13-year-old boy were severely injured in the accident. The police found what is alleged to be alcohol bottles and drugs in Mogaila's vehicle after the accident. Initially, Mogaila fled the scene but later on that day handed himself to the authorities, where ...

SOWETO - The City of Johannesburg has informed Rea Vaya passengers and the public that services will remain suspended until further notice. Today, Wednesday 5 February 2025, operations were expected to resume but commuters were left disappointed. This after the shooting of two bus drivers. Initially, the Rea Vaya service had to be temporarily suspended after the shooting incidences  that happened in Soweto on Tuesday evening, in what is believed to be orchestrated hits.  According to the bus company, the law enforcement plan is in place to ensure safety and security of bus drivers, buses and passengers following the scary tragedies. MMC for Transport in the City of Johannesburg Kenny Kunene, who promised to leave no stone unturned in the quest for justice, said this is not just an attack on the innocent drivers but a declaration of war on the residents of Soweto and Government. The suspect/s remain at large. This is a developing story.

JOHANNESBURG - South African Billionaire and Insurance giant Douw Steyn has passed away at the age of 72.  Steyn, whose passing was announced today (Tuesday, 4 February) is behind the development of Steyn City in Fourways, Johannesburg as well as the owner of Telesure Group, with companies like Auto & General Insurance amongst others.  He is the man who also accommodated former President Nelson Mandela right after his release from Robben Island. UrbanTrend Group, honoured the legacy of  Steyn by penning this heartfelt tribute message: Today, we pay tribute to a man whose vision and dedication transformed not only a landscape but the way people experience luxury living in South Africa. The passing of Douw Steyn is an immense loss, and our thoughts are with his wife, his children, and their loved ones. As both residents and developer agents in the exquisite Steyn City, we have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the extraordinary community he built....

RANDBURG - The Randburg Magistrates’ Court postponed the case of the alleged child pornography distributors Darry Wilken(35) and his partner Tiona Moodley(25) to 07 February 2025. Wilken was arrested after a police raid in his Midrand home on 17 January 2025. Following further investigation, Moodley was allegedly linked and subsequently arrested on 25 January 2025, in Houghton. Both accused face multiple charges, including possession, creation and distribution of child pornography, contravention of the Drug Trafficking Act, multiple counts of money laundering, acquisition, and possession of proceeds from unlawful activities, possession of stolen property and fraud. The arrests emanated from information that was shared by international law enforcement with the South African Police Services (SAPS) after they had identified a target located in South Africa.  The state alleges that the accused were found in possession of a substantial amount of cash believed to be proceeds...

CAPE TOWN - The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it has written to the Speaker of Parliament, Thoko Didiza, urging the immediate scaling-down of military parade arrangements for the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 6 February 2025. "Specifically, we have called for the cancellation of the planned fly-over by the South African Air Force, given the dire situation facing South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops deployed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)," said Chris Hattingh MP – DA Spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans. "It is inappropriate for government officials and dignitaries to be entertained by grand military displays while our soldiers, under-equipped and lacking critical support, are dying on foreign soil." The DA firmly believes that proceeding with a patronising presentation of military capability, while our troops face hardship abroad, is not only tone-deaf but also a gross disservice to those who hav...

GAUTENG - The multidisciplinary Operation Shanela which is conducted weekly in the province has resulted in the arrest of more than one thousand suspects which include 118 undocumented persons. The operation is normally conducted in three phases; the overnight suspects raiding by the detectives throughout the province, multidisciplinary roadblock and compliance inspections at liquor outlets and second hand dealers, patrols at hotspot areas, stop and searches and vehicle check points. All these activities are done simultaneously throughout the five districts in the province. In Tshwane, the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni led the operation which resulted in the arrest of 120 suspects for various crimes which included 39 undocumented persons, 22 drunk and driving, six possession of drugs and 10 illegal shebeens were also closed. In Johannesburg District, the multidisciplinary forces arrested 69 suspect while the Sedibeng District arrested 30 suspec...

CAPE TOWN - The City of Cape Town wants to alert the public that the refurbishment of the Muizenberg beachfront will commence next week.  The contractor will establish the site camp and work areas as from Monday, 3 February 2025, and effect the closure of the impacted sections on the western side of Surfer’s Corner the following week, if all goes as planned. The informal gravel parking area next to the railway line will be closed to the public, as will access to and from the St James Walkway from Surfer’s Corner. Joggers and walkers wanting to access the walkway will be redirected with detour signage to and from the underpass at Bailey’s Cottage and the rail level crossing at the beachfront. The refurbishment of the Muizenberg beachfront entails major upgrades to public amenities and replacing the aged seawalls. The project will be done in phases over a two-year period with the first work to commence on the western side of Surfer’s Corner, next to the railway line and s...

PRETORIA - Following threats to withdraw support from South Africa from United States President Donald Trump, the South African government has clarified its mandate regarding the newly passed Land Expropriation Bill. Addressing President Trump, Ramaphosa said:  South Africa is a constitutional democracy that is deeply rooted in the rule of law, justice and equality. The South African Government has not confiscated any land. The recently adopted Expropriation Act is not a confiscation instrument, but a constitutionally mandated legal process that ensures public access to land in an equitable and just manner as guided by the Constitution. South Africa, like the United States of America and other countries, has always had expropriation laws that balance the need for public usage of land and the protection of rights of property owners.   We look forward to engaging with the Trump administration over our land reform policy and issues of bilateral interest. We are c...

WEST RAND - Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane, is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of a Grade 12 boy learner from Krugersdorp High School following an incident that occurred during a cricket match at Christian Brothers’ College (CBC) Boksburg on Saturday, 1 February 2025. According to reports, the incident occurred during a First XI cricket match between Krugersdorp High School (KHS) and CBC. While fielding, two KHS players collided as they attempted to intercept a ball struck into the outfield. One of the learners lost consciousness, while the second was experiencing difficulty breathing. Emergency medical personnel who were on duty at the school immediately attended to the injured learner, who later lost consciousness. He was rushed to Sunward Park Netcare Hospital, but tragically suffered cardiac arrest en route. Sadly, he was certified dead upon arrival at the hospital. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has dispatched its Psycho-Social Suppo...

JOHANNESBURG - The Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has announced the suspension of loadshedding this morning, Sunday, 2 January. His brief statement reads:  I am pleased to announce that load-shedding, which began on Friday, 31 January 2025, has been officially suspended from this morning 06:00, 02 February 2025!  This has been achieved through the relentless efforts of our dedicated teams at Eskom.  I want to take a moment to sincerely apologize for the disruptions and challenges that load-shedding has imposed on your daily lives. The frustration and difficulties you have faced can never be normalised. I therefore wish to assure you that we remain committed to ensuring that load-shedding is permanently behind us through our continued and tireless efforts to deliver reliable, affordable, and accessible electricity for all.

PRETORIA - Another South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldier has reportedly died in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),  bringing the death toll to 14. The latest soldier is reported to have  succumbed to wounds sustained in the battle with M23 rebels which claimed the lives of 13 members of the SANDF whose names have been made public. SANDF members are currently in Goma as part of a Southern African Development Committee (SADC) peace mission. However, the mission is becoming difficult by day. IOL reported that soldiers are living of one meal a day with poor communication and network challenges on the ground. In a bid to improve peace talks, on 31 January President Cyril Ramaphosa flew to Harare, in the Republic of Zimbabwe to participate in the Southern African Development Committee (SADC) Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government to discuss the security situation in the Congo.  The outcome of the summit is expected to bring about ...