news and current affairs.
N2 crash near Umzumbe kills a family of five
A head-on collision on the N2 highway near the Umzumbe River bridge has resulted in the deaths of five people from the same family, including three young children. The accident involved a light motor vehicle and a truck, claiming the lives of both parents and their children at the scene. Two occupants from the truck sustained serious injuries and were transported to a hospital for medical care. In an unrelated incident the same day, an elderly man died when his bakkie overturned in Umbilo, leaving his wife injured. KwaZulu-Natal transport officials, including MEC Siboniso Duma, expressed condolences to the affected families. The tragedies have prompted renewed calls for improved road safety measures as the province continues to...
Dhlomo mocks Shivambu’s R2m gala plan
Media personality Sizwe Dhlomo has publicly questioned the viability of Floyd Shivambu's fundraising efforts for his new political party, the Afrika Mayibuye Movement. Dhlomo expressed skepticism on social media about whether individuals would pay two million rand for a seat beside the leader at an upcoming gala event. The high-priced fundraiser, scheduled for the Mhulu Boutique Hotel, offers various donor packages to finance the fledgling party's activities and a national convention. Shivambu, who recently departed from the EFF and MK Party, is aiming to build a new political force with this financial backing. Dhlomo's comments, which suggested Shivambu lacks the influence of other established political figures, ignited widespread...
Godongwana backs Malema's plan to scrap NSFAS
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has agreed with a proposal from EFF leader Julius Malema to abolish the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. Godongwana stated that the current system is inefficient and should be replaced by sending funding directly to universities. He criticized the scheme for its high executive salaries and excessive outsourcing, suggesting these practices contribute to its wastefulness. The minister confirmed he would close the organization immediately if given the option. His remarks highlight significant operational failures within the student financial aid system, which manages over R40 billion annually. This rare political alignment between figures from different parties occurs as the scheme faces new...
Williams leads SA vs Zambia in Gqeberha
South African national team captain Ronwen Williams is leading his squad in an international friendly against Zambia, played in his hometown of Gqeberha. Williams stated that the team would treat the match with the seriousness of a major tournament qualifier, a sentiment echoed by coach Hugo Broos. Broos expressed satisfaction with the team's preparation and training intensity ahead of the encounter. The match serves as important preparation for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco. The game against their COSAFA rivals provides a significant test for South Africa as they continue building their squad. Zambia's interim coach, Moses Sichone, also acknowledged the value of the contest for his team's development.
FlySafair, SACCA reach deal in South Africa
FlySafair and the South African Cabin Crew Association have resolved their labor dispute with a new agreement. The airline confirmed the deal, which provides cabin crew with annual salary increases between six and nearly seven percent, a guaranteed bonus, and improved allowances. This multiyear contract ensures labor stability for the carrier's operations. The agreement closely reflects the company's last proposal to the union, which had initially demanded a higher raise. This resolution concludes a period of negotiations that included a worker lockout. It follows a similar recent settlement with the airline's pilots. Company officials stated that the agreement recognizes the contributions of cabin crew and provides needed operational...
Ekurhuleni rejects IPID case on Julius Mkhwanazi
The city of Ekurhuleni rejected an investigative report recommending action against its suspended police chief, Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi. Testimony at the Madlanga Commission from a former human resources head, Xolani Nciza, indicated that the city's legal unit defended Mkhwanazi and questioned evidence of fraud and corruption. Nciza linked this to instructions from the former city manager, Dr. Imogen Mashazi. Nciza stated that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate investigation found Mkhwanazi authorized blue lights for vehicles connected to alleged crime boss Vusimuzi Matlala and facilitated improper resource transfers. He further alleged that officials who dropped charges against Mkhwanazi received large salary...
ANC NEC meets in Germiston on renewal
The African National Congress is convening its National Executive Committee meeting in Germiston, focusing on a party renewal initiative. Key agenda items include evaluating South Africa's position within the G20, reviewing the National Dialogue process, and receiving reports from the ANC Integrity Commission. Preparations for the upcoming National General Council and the party's readiness for future elections are also central to the discussions. This meeting occurred following the ANC's loss of its parliamentary majority in the 2024 elections, which resulted in the formation of a unity government. The party aims to address internal challenges and policy directions to rebuild public trust.
Wentworth shooting leaves two dead, five hurt
A shooting in the Wentworth area of KwaZulu-Natal has resulted in two fatalities and five individuals being wounded. The attack occurred on Hime Street, where unidentified assailants opened fire on a group of people. Police confirmed the attackers were on foot and that the incident is suspected to be linked to ongoing gang conflicts in the region, a known hotspot for drug-related violence. An active investigation is underway, with forensic teams collecting evidence from the scene. No arrests have yet been made. Community leaders have expressed profound concern, citing a recurring pattern of such violence. Residents are calling for increased policing and social interventions to address the underlying causes of criminality, including...
Stamp row delays Palestinians at OR Tambo
The South African humanitarian organization Gift of the Givers has stated that Israel deliberately failed to stamp the passports of Palestinian refugees from Gaza, creating significant entry complications upon their arrival at OR Tambo International Airport. A group of 153 travelers experienced a 12-hour delay on their aircraft because their documents lacked these exit stamps, and they could not initially provide specific accommodation or duration of stay details. Following intervention from the aid group, which guaranteed housing for the refugees, the South African government waived the standard entry requirements. A Border Management Authority representative confirmed that Palestinians are permitted visa-free visits for up to 90...
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