TrendySA Online

FREE STATE -  A group of dedicated members of the SAPS took on an extraordinary challenge, participating in the Swasap Ultra Marathon, a grueling 52-kilometer race organized by the Bloemfontein Achilles Running Club on Saturday, 15 March The event, known for its tough course and fierce competition, saw participants tackling a route through some of the city’s most iconic streets, including Zola Budd Street, Kings Way, and Att Horak Street, where the race kicked off. For these members, the marathon wasn’t just a physical challenge but also a symbol of their commitment to health, community, and perseverance. Running side by side with experienced athletes, they pushed through fatigue and discomfort, embodying the same resilience they demonstrate in their day-to-day duties. The ultra marathon offered them a unique opportunity to connect with the community in a different way, showing that police officers are not just protectors of the law but also active participants in promo...

DURBAN – The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has authorised Section 106 forensic investigations into the Msunduzi, KwaDukuza, and Nongoma Municipalities. This action is mandated by Section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act, which stipulates that the MEC is obliged to conduct an investigation upon receipt of allegations pertaining to maladministration, fraud, and corruption within a municipality. The investigations will specifically address allegations concerning: Abuse of municipal assets; Elevated levels of political instability; * Political interference in procurement processes; * Deficiencies in consequence management; * Contraventions of Supply Chain Management (SCM) regulations; * Irregularities in recruitment procedures; * Instances of maladministration, fraud, and corruption. In the pursuit of transparency and accountability, the municipal councils are expected to extend full cooperation t...

SOWETO - The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Chief of Police, Chief Patrick Jaca has commended the successful intervention by the Tactical Response Unit (TRU) in preventing a planned ATM bombing and apprehension of multiple suspects involved in the crime. On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, the JMPD TRU received information from South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence regarding a planned ATM bombing at an Engen garage in Protea, Soweto. At approximately 02h30 on Thursday, March 13, 2025, gunshots were heard coming from the Engen garage. Upon immediate response, officers observed a group of males fleeing the scene. The suspects opened fire on the responding officers, who returned fire. The suspects then fled into a nearby bush. A thorough search of the Engen garage revealed a security guard who had sustained a gunshot wound to the right upper arm. Explosives were also discovered attached to an FNB ATM, which had failed to detonate. Further informa...

The Presidency has noted the regrettable expulsion of South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Mr. Ebrahim Rasool . This after the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that South Africa's Ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in their "great" country. The Presidency has urged all relevant and impacted stakeholders to maintain the established diplomatic decorum in their engagement with the matter.  "South Africa remains committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States of America," the Office of the Presidency said.

JOHANNESBURG - Another creative has shocked the entertainment industry following her passing. Eastern Cape-born musician Yolanda Nyembezi , affectionately known as Yallunder, passed away today following a short illness. Her family notified the public about her passing today. She was only 31. “It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we share the heart-breaking news of the  passing of our beloved daughter, sister and friend Yolanda Nyembezi, known as Yallunder. “A soul so rare and a voice so rich, Yolanda graced this earth with a spirit that was as warm as it was powerful,” said the statement. The Ndinovalo hitmaker had a promising future in the music industry as her rich soulful voice sparked interests from popular producers. The Bizana-born singer, had recently collaborated with South African music icon Oskido on a hit called Ntwana Yam . "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Yallunder, a young and incredibly talented vocalist I had the honor of working wit...

NELSPRUIT - South African comedian and actor Ebenhaezer Dibakwane has been laid to rest today in Mbombela, Mpumalanga. The multiple-winning comedian passed away on 7 March by suicide at the age of 31. His family revealed he struggled with depression for several years. His funeral was attended by fellow comedians, friends and family who paid their last respects to the beloved funny actor.

DURBAN – The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has initiated comprehensive mop-up operations across the province, particularly within the eThekwini Metro, following the severe weather conditions experienced yesterday. Tragically, the torrential rainfall resulted in the loss of life, with a woman succumbing after her vehicle was swept off a bridge in Pinetown. MEC for Cogta, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has extended his condolences to the bereaved family. Search and Rescue teams successfully recovered both the vehicle and the deceased’s body in the early hours of this morning. The intense downpour wreaked havoc across coastal regions, leading to widespread flooding, uprooted trees, and significant disruptions to electricity supply in numerous communities. Technical teams are working diligently to restore power to affected areas. The Provincial Disaster Management Centre is actively coordinating with all municipalities to ass...

EASTERN CAPE - Police are seeking the assistance of the public in finding a missing 38-year-old man, Thulani Ngqongqo , who was reported missing on 03 March 2025. Ngqongqo was last seen leaving his home in Tshalumna (Open Shaw) on Sunday, 2 March 2025 around 20:00. On the day of his disappearance, he was driving a white Toyota Corolla with registration number JVT 791 EC. A preliminary investigation was conducted with no success. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the missing man or who can shed some light on his disappearance is kindly requested to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Ndevu at Mdantsane SAPS on 082 441 9628, Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the nearest police station.

NORTH WEST - Following devastating floods  that hit Gelukspan in the North West Province this week, Gift of the Givers has intervened. The Gift of the Givers teams have been on the ground assisting the affected and distributed food parcels, detergent packs, bags of butternut and cabbages (donated by #OneFarm), mattresses, blankets and candies.  A number of residents were displaced when heavy rains flooded parts of the North West. "Gift of the Givers teams are committed to providing support to those affected by the floods and we are grateful for the generosity  of our donors and partners, including #OneFarm," the NGO said. To contribute towards our interventions, visit:   http://www.giftofthegivers.org/make-a-difference 📞 : 0800 786 911  

DURBAN - The public has been urged to take note of a weather warning issued by the South African Weather Services (SAWS) .  The forecast model indicates a level 2 disruptive rain with widespread showers and thundershowers across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng between Thursday, 13 March from 12am until Friday, 14 March around 12am.  This warning includes the eThekwini region.   These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by disruptive rain leading to localised flooding.  Models are indicating high likelihood for heavy rains over the eastern parts where significant impacts can be expected.  This warning may result in the flooding of roads and settlements, poor driving conditions, damage to infrastructure, and the destruction of mud-based houses.  Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution and maintain a safe following distance while driving on wet roads.    The Municipality’s Disaster Management and emergency services are on...