news and current affairs.
EMPD head exposes corruption and fraud involving deputy chief
Isaac Mapiyeye, head of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), revealed startling details about his deputy, Julius Mkhwanazi, during his testimony at the Madlanga Commission on November 6, 2025. Mapiyeye accused Mkhwanazi of defying his orders with the backing of certain council members, creating a toxic environment within the department. He claimed that Mkhwanazi had forged agreements with businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, including signing fake memorandums of understanding and fitting blue lights on Matlala's vehicles, enabling them to bypass rules and raise safety concerns. Mapiyeye's testimony outlined how Mkhwanazi, with political support, had undermined his authority since 2021, ignoring the chain of command and...
Moses Kau praises Nkosana Makate's win against Vodacom
International relations expert Moses Kau has praised Nkosana Makate’s victory against Vodacom, calling it a symbol of hope for others fighting for recognition of their ideas. Kau links Makate’s success to a broader pattern in South Africa, where individuals take on powerful systems and companies to secure their rights to inventions. He highlights several other notable battles, including those over the Apartheid Museum concept, the design of the national flag, and the Bafana Bafana nickname, which all reveal hidden struggles over intellectual property. Kau stresses the importance of protecting ideas quickly, warning that many creators continue to lose out due to legal oversights. Makate’s fight with Vodacom began in 2000 when he created...
Deputy principal shot outside Dinoto Technical in Daveyton
The deputy principal of Dinoto Technical Secondary School in Daveyton, Gauteng, was critically injured in a shooting outside the school gates on Friday morning, November 7, 2025. The attack occurred as he arrived for work, sparking concerns over safety in South African schools. The Gauteng Department of Education has acted swiftly, deploying support teams to assist the school community and ensuring that matric exams proceed without significant disruptions. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and police are continuing their investigation, although no arrests have been made. Eyewitnesses report that the deputy principal was shot as he entered the school, with gunfire coming from outside the gate. He was rushed to a nearby...
EFF demands reforms as GEMS faces corruption, rising costs
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has criticized the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) for corruption and excessive corporate influence, calling for immediate reforms. In a statement issued on November 6, 2025, the party accused GEMS of straying from its original mission to provide affordable healthcare for public servants. Instead, the scheme now reportedly benefits a few large corporations and insiders, while ordinary members face rising costs and inadequate services. The EFF's complaint follows a review of GEMS' 2024 financial reports and concerns raised by the Public Servants Association (PSA). The EFF points to troubling financial practices, such as the payment of over R2.9 billion to two corporations for administrative...
uMngeni mayor seeks Lesotho's help with undocumented migrants
uMngeni Local Municipality Mayor Chris Pappas has reached out to the Kingdom of Lesotho’s High Commission in South Africa to address challenges related to undocumented Basotho nationals living and working in the area. The DA-led municipality, based in Howick in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, seeks assistance to manage concerns about illegal labor, exploitation, and alleged criminal activity linked to some undocumented individuals. Pappas’ letter to High Commissioner Ntsime Jafeta outlines issues identified through discussions with law enforcement, community organizations, and local social bodies like the Local AIDS Council and the Gender-Based Violence Forum. The municipality aims to improve cooperation on health matters, especially...
DA files complaint over broken toilets at La Rochelle Primary
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has filed a formal complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) over the unsanitary conditions at La Rochelle Primary School. For over a year, more than 1,000 students have been forced to use chemical pit toilets due to the failure of the school's regular toilets. Despite assurances from the Gauteng Department of Education, the situation has not improved, causing concerns about health and student wellbeing. The DA's intervention highlights broader issues of neglected school maintenance in the province, questioning why basic needs like functional toilets remain unmet in schools. The problem at La Rochelle began in October 2024 when the main toilets broke down, forcing the...
Two sisters killed in Mitchell’s Plain family shooting
A family dispute in Mitchell’s Plain turned deadly on Thursday, November 7, 2025, when gunfire erupted outside Portland's Primary School. The shooting, which occurred around 3 p.m. on Westpoort Drive, is believed to have been sparked by a custody battle. Two sisters, aged 26 and 30, were killed in the attack, while a 12-year-old boy, caught in the crossfire, was critically injured but is now stable. Witnesses reported seeing a 32-year-old man open fire, and he was quickly arrested at the scene. Police have confirmed that the incident appears to have been triggered by a domestic argument that escalated violently. The tragedy has left the community shaken and highlighted the dangers of family disputes escalating into public violence...
DStv celebrates 30 years with free access to all channels
DStv has launched a special "Open Time" event, offering free access to all channels from November 7 to 9, 2025, in celebration of its 30th anniversary. This initiative, available to all active decoder subscribers, allows viewers on any package to enjoy top sports, dramas, and exclusive specials. The move is a throwback to M-Net’s early days, when non-subscribers were given a taste of premium content. The free window is also seen as a strategic effort to attract new viewers and highlight DStv’s diverse offerings, especially as competition from streaming services intensifies. During the three-day event, subscribers will have access to content across all channels, including sports events like the Springboks’ rugby match and the Brazilian...
Mbalula calls for stricter immigration controls to fight crime
ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula advocated for deporting undocumented migrants during a November 6, 2025, radio interview, arguing such measures protect citizens and reduce crime. He cited Johannesburg neighborhoods like Hillbrow, where he claims undocumented individuals occupy buildings and engage in illegal activities. Mbalula insisted that no self-respecting nation tolerates such situations while supporting lawful immigration processes. The comments emerged during a two-hour Power FM discussion addressing the ANC's challenges following its electoral decline to forty percent. Mbalula acknowledged party shortcomings, including corruption and poor discipline, but defended ongoing renewal efforts. He emphasized the importance of...
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