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NSPCA welcomes long-awaited reform for lion captivity breeding ban

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CAPE TOWN - The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has  welcomed the announcement by Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, on the imminent publication of the Lion Prohibition Notice banning new captive lion breeding facilities.   This long-awaited reform marks a pivotal milestone in dismantling an industry built on systemic cruelty, reflecting years of legal action, public advocacy, and inspections by the NSPCA. The prohibition confirms what the NSPCA has long exposed: the captive lion industry has operated largely unabated for decades, inflicting severe animal welfare violations, damaging South Africa’s conservation reputation, and flouting constitutional obligations to protect sentient beings. While limited to new facilities, this ban sends a clear signal that the commodification of lions for tourism, hunting, and the bone trade is no longer defensible. The NSPCA’s decade-long investigations have laid bare the industry’s brutality. O...
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#RIP: SA's first Black nuclear scientist, Senamile Masango laid to rest

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KWAZULU-NATAL - South Africa's first Black nuclear scientist, Senamile Masango (37) has been laid to rest today, Saturday, 15 February, in Nongoma, north of KwaZulu-Natal. The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation SA confirmed her untimely passing last week. Her family and the South African Government paid their last respects earlier. "Ms Masango's was a beacon of hope for many young people, especially women. Her passion for developing critical skills among the population and women in science in particular, will be sorely missed," said the Chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile after learning about Senamile's sudden death. TrendySA Online conveys its condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of Senamile Masango.
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Hand, Foot and Mouth disease rock eThekwini region schools

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DURBAN - The KWAZULU-Natal Department of Health is concerned and calling for calm, following  recent confirmed cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) at several primary schools and daycare centres in the north of Durban.  The first six cases were reported between the 6th and 10th of February. Since then, the number of confirmed cases has risen to 36. The affected learning facilities are in Phoenix, Greenwood Park, and Umhlanga. An outreach team from the Department visited the nine affected schools to investigate the outbreak. In all instances, the learners were found to be suffering from flu-like symptoms, as well as blisters, and swollen hands. The children’s parents were called by the school principal to come and pick them up. The Department would like to emphasise the importance of maintaining good health and cleanliness, which includes frequent hand washing, no sharing of utensils (such as cutlery, cups, and toothbrushes), and opening windows to allow fo...
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Deadline for SASSA Card transition to Postbank extended to next month

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PRETORIA - The Ministers of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi and Social Development, Nokuzola Tolashe, has confirmed that the deadline for beneficiaries to swop their gold SASSA card for the black Postbank card has been extended from 28 February to 20 March 2025. "We have listened to the deep concerns and frustrations from our social grant beneficiaries and we trust that this extension will provide much needed time for grant recipients. "We strongly encourage our beneficiaries to make sure that they change to the black Postbank card as soon as they can, and well ahead of the 20 March 2025 deadline," said Malatsi. "We would like to emphasise that grant payments will continue as per usual, even after the 20th of March deadline. If beneficiaries haven't exchanged their cards by then, their grants will still be paid, but they will need to visit their nearest Post Office branch to access their funds." To make sure that the depar...
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TRAGIC: Toddler (2) drowns at home on Valentine's Day

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KWAZULU-NATAL - Valentine's Day took a tragic turn for a Howick family after the drowning incident of a 2 year old toddler. Midlands EMS Howick Search and Rescue Unit, accompanied by K9 Hunter, along with an Advanced Life Support paramedic and crew, were dispatched to Braemar Crescent in Howick following reports of a child found floating in a swimming pool. Upon arrival, paramedics and rescue medics assessed the two-year-old child, who unfortunately showed no signs of life and was declared deceased on the scene. The scene was left in the hands of law enforcement authorities to probe the incident. This is a developing story.
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Former EFF MP Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi joins Power FM as Talk Show host

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HOUGHTON - Former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Parliament (MP) and spokesperson Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has been unveiled as the new host for Power Talk on Power FM. Ndlozi, who recently resigned as a EFF, debut on the airwaves from 3 March. The former EFF MP accepted Power FM boss Given Mkhari’s proposal to join the station as the host of the show on Friday, 14 February, during a special show hosted by MSG Africa chairperson Given Mkhari. The station confirmed the news by welcoming Ndlozi into the Power family. Although this career move has been met with criticism, ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula congratulated Ndlozi. "Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi a symbol of decency and decorum all the best with his future endevours. Mbuyiseni Quintin Ndlozi," he said. Power Talk airs weekdays from 9am-12pm.
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​​Celebrate love in the heart of Johannesburg this Valentine’s Day

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JOHANNESBURG - This Valentine's Day, the City of Johannesburg invites residents to celebrate love in its vibrant parks, cultural hubs, and serene libraries. With countless romantic spots, Joburg offers the perfect setting to create unforgettable memories. Take a hand-in-hand stroll through lush parks like the tranquil Johannesburg Botanical Garden or scenic Delta Park. Pack a picnic for a magical Northcliff Hill view or find a quiet spot where nature sets the mood. For a wild twist, visit the Joburg Zoo and unleash that animal attraction. The Zoo is celebrating the month of love by offering a “Get a free entry for your significant other" on Valentine's Day, 14 February 2025, only. With ample space for romantic picnics, and long strolls, the zoo is the perfect place to spend with the one you love. Bring along your picnic basket, blankies, and camp chairs. Named the world's second-best foodie destination by Time Out in 2024, Joburg is a culinary paradise. Fr...
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Gauteng Education Dept responds to claims of overcrowding at schools

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GAUTENG - During the 2025 Online Admissions placement period, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) held a media briefing on Sunday, 15 September 2024, where the placement process was extensively explained, says GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona. He added that a media statement from the same presentation made during the briefing was issued on the same day, and the GDE clearly stated that it had identified schools that received an overwhelming number of applications which exceeds the capacity of learners that they are able to accommodate.  "Such schools are regarded as high pressure schools, and the areas they reside in were termed as high-pressure areas," said Mabona. "292 Primary Schools and 277 Secondary Schools in the province were regarded as high-pressure schools. An example of such schools would be Laerskool Akasia which had the capacity to place only 240 Grade 1 learners but received 1 475 Grade 1 applications. An example for secondary schools would be...
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"They lost their lives in defence of the defenceless" - Ramaphosa

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PRETORIA - "Our nation is in mourning for these brave souls who lost their lives in defence of our brothers and sisters in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo."  These were the somber words by President Cyril Ramaphosa as he delivered his address during the memorial and handover of the remains of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops who were killed in Eastern DRC. Ramaphosa continued,  "On behalf of all the people of South Africa, I offer my profound and deepest sympathies to the families of our fallen soldiers. "They lost their lives in the name of duty, in pursuit of peace and in the cause of silencing the guns across our beloved continent Africa. "They lost their lives in defence of the defenceless". The fallen troops (Sons of the African soil, Amaqhawe) are: Staff Sergeant William Eddie Cola  Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi  Staff Sergeant Shwahlane Theophilus Seepe  Corporal Matome Justice Malesa  Corpora...
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Remains of fallen SANDF soldiers back home, memorial and handover underway

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PRETORIA - The remains of the 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who died in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have finally returned home and will be handed over to their families this evening. The memorial service in honour of the soldiers is held today, Thursday, 13 February 2025, at the Air Force Base Swartkop in Johannesburg from 6 pm. The troops lost their lives at the hands of the M23 as fighting in the Goma region escalated.  The rebel group fought intensely against the Congolese armed forces, resulting in the deaths of soldiers from 23 to 27 January during M23’s advance on Sake and Goma.  The soldiers are part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), which aims to help restore peace, security, and stability in Africa’s second-largest country.  Families have been eagerly awaiting their loved ones after multiple delays, including medical processing in Uganda....
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Portfolio Committee calls for SASSA Gold Card deadline extension

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CAPE TOWN - The Portfolio Committee on Social Development has urged SASSA to extend the 28 February 2025 deadline for gold card replacements, the Department of Social Development reported. The Committee has warned that failure to do so could disrupt payments for vulnerable beneficiaries, especially in rural areas. The Committee also demanded the following: * Committee demands a clear action plan from SASSA within 24 hours * Call for more service centres to improve accessibility * SASSA assures that nearly 1 million beneficiaries have already transitioned This is a developing story.
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Founder of Gift of the Givers backs KZN Police Commissioner Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi ahead of President address

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KWAZULU-NATAL - Founder of Gift of the Givers, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman has defended KZN Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi after he made explosive claims about Minister, Senzo Mchunu. During a media briefing, Mkhwanazi made several startling revelations, accusing senior police leadership, including Mchunu, of interfering in investigations into politically motivated killings, corruption, and collusion with criminal networks. Mchunu has denied all allegations against him. Dr Sooliman met with General Mkhwanazi to get a better perspective about his claims. Following the meeting, he described Mkhwanazi as a Beacon of Hope for SA. "The SAPS is so often vilified, insulted, demeaned, maligned, accused of corruption, inaction and inefficiency. Yes, there are those within the SAPS, as in every institution, that have failed to perform, but to generalise and paint an entire institution with the same negativity is disingenuous, demoralising, unjust and unfair to those men and wome...
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#RamaphosaAddress: Minister of Police placed on special leave - DETAILS

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CAPE TOWN - "In order for the Commission to execute its functions effectively, I have decided to put the Minister of Police Mr Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence with immediate effect," said President Cyril Ramaphosa after establishing a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the crimes and leadership of various institutions implicated in the claims made by KZN Commissioner Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Ramaphosa said Mchunu has undertaken to give his full cooperation to the Commission to enable it to do its work. "I have decided to appoint Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Minister of Police," he said. ABOUT THE ACTING POLICE MINISTER   Professor Cachalia is currently a professor of law at the University of the Witwatersrand and is the chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council. He previously served as an MEC of Community Safety in Gauteng.
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Deep house sensation Senior Oat cries for gigs, not donations

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LIMPOPO - In 2022, when all hope was lost by many due to the effects of COVID-19, deep house sensation Senior Oat uplifted the masses with his soothing hit All in You . Featuring the talented, Kemy Chienda, the song became a hit across board. However, this producer from Limpopo enjoyed little success from the song due to the rapid rise of a new genre that was taking the music world by storm. Amapiano vanguarded by the likes of Kabza de Small and DJ Maphorisa, left little room for other genres to breathe - suffocating the rise of Senior Oats and the likes. Frustrated by the lack of gigs and mounting personal bills, the DJ took to his socials to plead with promoters and club owners for gigs. "Hey guys, I wanna share something real. My heart has been heavy lately. I’m going through a tough time financially, I’m behind on bills and it’s really bad. "Finding gigs lately has been really difficult, and it’s made things even harder," he said "I’m not asking for...
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