AMAGATA Destroys Large Quantity of Alcohol

On Wednesday, September 18, Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni, along with other officials, oversaw the destruction of alcohol seized from illegal liquor outlets. The operation is part of efforts to combat contact crimes like murder, attempted murder, assault, and rape, which are believed to be fueled by illegal liquor trade.

At the Joburg Central Police Station, law enforcement officials destroyed a substantial quantity of alcohol seized from illegal outlets. This included more than 10 million ml of beer, two million ml of ciders, and 145,088 ml of spirits. Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni reported, "We've destroyed over 30 million ml of liquor, thanks to the efforts of law enforcement agencies and our partners.

Mthombeni emphasized the link between alcohol and crime, noting that alcohol often plays a significant role in criminal activities. He stated, "We've confiscated this liquor, and this has contributed towards the reduction of contact crime." He also pointed out that intoxication makes it easier for individuals to commit crimes, underscoring the importance of removing illegal alcohol from the community.

Do you think the destruction of illegal alcohol by police will help reduce contact crimes in your area? How do you believe alcohol impacts crime in your community?

 R107 Million Powerball Winner Still Unclaimed

National Lottery ITHUBA is urging the holder of the R107,768,939.00 Powerball jackpot from draw number 1545, held on Friday, 13 September, to come forward and claim their prize. 

The winning ticket, purchased through the First National Bank (FNB) banking app with a R90 wager, was manually selected. ITHUBA is keen to connect with the fortunate winner and advises all players, especially those using banking platforms like FNB, to check their tickets and watch for any bank notifications.

Unclaimed R107 Million Powerball Jackpot: Winner Urged to Come Forward

National Lottery ITHUBA has announced that the R107,768,939.00 Powerball jackpot from draw number 1545, held on Friday, 13 September, remains unclaimed. The winning ticket, purchased through the First National Bank (FNB) app for R90, was manually selected.

Unlike smaller winnings, which are automatically deposited into winners' accounts, larger amounts like this one require winners to visit ITHUBA offices to claim their prize. 

ITHUBA CEO Charmaine Mabuza expressed eagerness to see how this substantial win will impact the winner's life but emphasized the importance of the ticket holder coming forward. 

Mabuza urged the winner to check their ticket and respond promptly, as banking platforms will notify winners via phone calls and SMS. Participants are advised to stay alert and make contact with ITHUBA as soon as possible.

 If you purchased a Powerball ticket through FNB around that date, have you checked to see if you might be the winner? If you know someone who might have bought a ticket around that time, remind them to check their numbers. The jackpot winner needs to claim their prize by visiting ITHUBA’s offices. Are you or someone you know in possession of the winning ticket?

Radio presenter Tshepo Junior Makgopa is scheduled to return to court on Thursday, 26 September. This follows a brief appearance at the Protea Magistrates Court in Soweto on 19 September, where the case was postponed due to the defense lawyer, Brian Dile, not completing his cross-examination. During the proceedings, the victim, Rose Buthelezi, alleged that she was swollen after Tshepo reportedly assaulted her on 27 January 2024. She stated that the bruising became visible the next morning and described experiencing pain all over her body from the alleged assault.

Defense lawyer Brian Dile was cross-examining Rose's partner, Prince Tshabalala, and questioned him multiple times to confirm whether Rose had visible bruises immediately after Tshepo's alleged assault or if they appeared later. Dile emphasized the need for accurate information.

Prince affirmed that Rose had bruises from the time of the assault, though they became more apparent by the morning. He also confirmed that he filmed a video from inside the car during the incident, capturing only Tshepo’s hands as he allegedly attacked Rose.

The magistrate suggested replaying the video to address some points and provided a five-minute break for everyone to review it privately.Tshepo Makgopa faces accusations of assaulting Rose, his wife's friend, on 27 January, while returning from an outing with his wife, Tshego.

What are your thoughts on the role of video evidence and witness testimony in assault cases? How important is it to establish the timeline of injuries in such cases?

Prophet Paseka Mboro Motsoeneng is offering a R5,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of those responsible for burning down his church in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni. The church and its equipment sustained damages exceeding R1 million. During a media briefing on September 18, Mboro expressed his desire to uncover who orchestrated the attack, although he believes the individuals involved were students. He also highlighted that he and his co-accused, Vincent Baloyi, were granted bail and given strict conditions to avoid contacting witnesses. The case has been postponed to October 21 for further investigation. State prosecutor Pheello Vilakazi confirmed that the case has been classified as a Schedule One offence, contrary to earlier indications.

Prophet Paseka Mboro Motsoeneng, Vincent Baloyi, and Baloyi's relative were arrested on August 5 after a viral video showed them attacking teachers at Matsediso Primary School in Katlehong with semi-automatic rifles and pangas. The following day, August 6, Mboro's church, Incredible Happenings Ministry in Monaheng Section, Katlehong, was set on fire. 

It's alleged that angry pupils from local schools were responsible for the arson. The church, located just 50 meters from Katlehong North Police Station, was destroyed and looted by locals, with stolen items being sold at a nearby scrapyard. A case of arson was opened at the police station. Ekurhuleni district commissioner Major-General Anna Sithole, who visited the scene, confirmed that the pupils who started the fire, as well as those who looted the church, would be arrested.

How do you view the implications of Prophet Paseka Mboro Motsoeneng's arrest and subsequent bail conditions on his ability to seek custody of his grandchildren, especially considering his involvement in a highly publicized case and the destruction of his church?

 The South African Police Services (SAPS) have confirmed that Michael Lomas, a fugitive wanted for fraud and corruption related to Eskom, is being extradited to South Africa.

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe announced that Lomas will land at OR Tambo International Airport at 9 am on Friday. Lomas, who was arrested in London in 2021, faces charges linked to R1.5 billion in fraud and corruption at Eskom. An extradition order was approved in August 2024, and he will be escorted by SAPS Interpol SA before being handed over to the Hawks.

Police have stated that Michael Lomas, a former Eskom employee, is wanted for alleged fraud and corruption at the Kusile Power Station between 2008 and 2018.Lomas was arrested in London on April 15, 2021, and was granted a bail of £100,000 (around R1.7 million at the time), along with an additional surety of £250,000 (about R4.3 million). Brigadier Athlenda Mathe explained that Lomas allegedly manipulated contracts and fled to the UK after initially being arrested and granted bail.

What actions are South African authorities expected to take following the extradition of Michael Lomas, who is accused of manipulating contracts and engaging in fraud and corruption at Eskom’s Kusile Power Station?

 

A fraudulent Home Affairs employee and two Ethiopian nationals have been arrested in Secunda for their involvement in passport fraud and theft, according to the Mpumalanga Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks). 

The arrests followed a tip-off about Lindiwe Kubheka, 45, allegedly collaborating with Ethiopian nationals Abdo Mustefu Musa, 44, and Mike Alex Abete, 38, to stamp expired passports. 

Provincial Hawks spokesperson Captain Dineo Sekgotodi reported that an undercover operation was launched after the tip-off. Abete was paid R20,000 to stamp expired passports but failed to fulfill the agreement. A warrant of arrest and a search-and-seizure operation were authorized and executed on September 16, 2024.Captain Dineo Sekgotodi reported that during a search related to passport fraud, police discovered a significant number of documents from both the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Transport. These documents are now set for analysis by the respective departments.

In questioning, one of the Ethiopian nationals, Mike Alex Abete, revealed that he had handed the R20,000 and the passports to Abdo Mustefu Musa. Musa then admitted to receiving both the passports and R5,000 from Abete, which he subsequently passed on to Lindiwe Kubheka. Kubheka, however, claimed to have only received the passports and R2,500.

During the search, three passports were recovered and seized. All three individuals appeared before the Eerstehoek Magistrate’s Court in Elukwatini and were released on R3,000 bail each. Their next court appearance is scheduled for November 5, 2024.

What steps are the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Transport taking to prevent further incidents of document fraud and ensure accountability following the arrest of individuals involved in passport fraud in Secunda?

The Department of Employment and Labour has instructed Ocean Basket to follow the proper channels if they wish to dispute the finding by inspectors, which stated that the restaurant owed over R800,000 in unpaid wages to its staff. The restaurant has been informed that they can appeal the decision internally.

Ocean Basket has denied owing any money to their staff, as reported by the Department. The restaurant stated that they conducted their own independent investigation and found no evidence to support the claims of unpaid wages.

In response to inquiries about Ocean Basket's situation, Labour Department spokesperson Teboho Thejane explained that the inspectorate does not respond to media queries about notices issued to employers. He emphasized that there is a formal process for employers to follow if they are dissatisfied with a notice, and advised that Ocean Basket should adhere to this process.

Thejane clarified that during inspections, inspectors have the right to access the workplace, introduce themselves, and explain the purpose of their visit to management. Ocean Basket CEO Grace Harding noted that they only learned about the alleged unpaid wages through a media statement and had not received any direct communication or documentation from the Department of Labour detailing the findings or the figures.

Thejane added that inspectors engage with workplace management, provide information about the issued notices, and allow management to ask questions before signing off. Employers have the right to appeal through a formal process if they disagree with the notices.

This scrutiny follows a recent joint operation at Babel restaurant in Menlyn, where issues related to worker exploitation were exposed by Mihlali Nobavu on TikTok. Nobavu highlighted poor working conditions, including lack of basic wages and contracts. Babel restaurant has committed to addressing these issues following intervention from the Economic Freedom Fighters.

The situation at Ocean Basket Menlyn also drew attention when an undocumented delivery driver, arrested during the Babel raid, was found at Ocean Basket. This indicates that government departments are thoroughly investigating establishments in the hospitality sector, regardless of initial targeting.

What are your thoughts on the Department of Labour’s approach to handling disputes over unpaid wages? How effective do you think the formal appeal process is for employers like Ocean Basket, and what impact might recent scrutiny of the hospitality sector have on similar establishments?

 

A 45-year-old man was arrested shortly after a business robbery at a chain store in Carolina, Mpumalanga. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, involved four suspects who held store employees at gunpoint while stealing cash, cellphones, and other items. According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli, a fifth suspect was waiting in a getaway vehicle. After the robbery, the suspects fled the scene in a grey Volkswagen Polo.

The White River Flying Squad unit, the White River K9 unit, a vehicle tracking company, and private security firms all joined the pursuit of the robbers.The vehicle was later spotted in Nelspruit, where the suspects tried to evade arrest. According to Mdhluli, police and other law enforcement agencies pursued them until the vehicle crashed into a brick wall in Mataffin, Mbombela. The suspects attempted to fire shots at the officers, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

One suspect was injured in the crash and is currently under police guard in the hospital. The other four suspects fled the scene to avoid arrest. Investigations revealed that the vehicle used in the robbery was stolen earlier this month during a house robbery in Modimolle, Limpopo.

The injured suspect is expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court soon, facing charges of attempted murder, possession of suspected stolen property, including the vehicle and items taken during the Carolina robbery. Police are continuing their efforts to locate the remaining suspects.

The injured suspect is also expected to appear before the Carolina Magistrate's Court on charges related to the business robbery. Mdhluli stated that additional charges could be laid against the suspect as the investigation continues, including those related to the house robbery in Modimolle, pending further investigation.

Meanwhile, Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, has praised the swift response from various law enforcement agencies involved in the case.

What are your thoughts on the law enforcement agencies’ response to the robbery and subsequent pursuit of the suspects? Do you believe that the coordination between different units and agencies was effective in addressing the situation?

 

Police in Mpumalanga have intensified their search and rescue efforts for two men from Pienaar who went missing in the mountainous region of Low’s Creek outside Mbombela. According to Provincial Police Spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli, the two men entered the remote area last week, and the circumstances of their trip are still unclear. The incident was reported to the police on Tuesday, and since then, officers have been working diligently to locate the missing individuals. The investigation into their disappearance is ongoing.

To boost the search effort, Colonel Mdhluli announced that a police helicopter will assist in the recovery mission scheduled for Thursday. He encouraged members of the public with any information or leads about the missing men to come forward and help with the search. Mdhluli emphasized that the SAPS in Mpumalanga is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community and will provide updates on the progress of the search and rescue mission as they become available.

Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, reaffirmed the commitment to addressing the “urgent” situation. 

He noted that the terrain where the two men went missing is “extremely remote and challenging” for conventional police vehicles to navigate, which is why the decision was made to deploy the SAPS helicopter for the operation.

 

Several South African families have traveled to Zimbabwe to exhume and repatriate the remains of political activists who died in exile and were buried there. The South African government, through the departments of Sport, Arts and Culture; Justice and Constitutional Development; and Defence and Military Veterans, will host an event to receive these remains. 

Members of the media are invited to apply for accreditation to cover the Exile Repatriation Project. The event will take place on September 25 at Hanger 10, Waterkloof Air Force Base, where the government will receive the remains of former liberation heroes and heroines who passed away in Zimbabwe and Zambia, as announced by the Government Communication and Information Systems.

The homecoming ceremony for the repatriated remains will be held under this year's Heritage Month theme: “Celebrating the lives of our heroes and heroines who laid down their lives for our freedom.”

Catherine Zikalala, a representative of the families, spoke to SABC News in Zimbabwe as she traveled to collect the remains of her relative, Edna Nomakosazana Mgabaza. Born in 1922 and passing away in 1987, Mgabaza was a nurse who worked in Zambia before moving to Zimbabwe, where she later died. Zikalala highlighted Mgabaza's role in supporting the African National Congress, noting that her contributions went beyond her medical profession to include logistics support for the liberation struggle.

Zikalala shared that while working at a hospital in Zambia, Mgabaza nursed South African freedom fighters, including Duma Nokwe, the ANC's Secretary General from 1958 to 1969. Nokwe passed away in her care, and after his death, Mgabaza moved to Harare, where she later died on October 16, 1987.

Zikalala commended the South African government for initiating the exhumation and repatriation process, emphasizing that this effort will provide much-needed closure for the families involved.

Zikalala told SABC, “People left to fight for South Africa’s freedom and went to various parts of the world. Bringing their remains back home provides us with closure. We are grateful to the government for taking this step, which has been in the works for the past five years.”

How do you feel about the government's efforts to repatriate the remains of political activists who fought for freedom? Do you think this step will provide the families with the closure they need?

 

Many politicians and leaders paid tribute to Gordhan, who was affectionately known as PG in political circles. Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande described him as a master negotiator with a knack for handling intense meetings. Nzimande recalled how Gordhan would push meetings late into the night, often making critical decisions at 3am. At Gordhan's funeral on Thursday at the Durban ICC, Nzimande highlighted his sharp and analytical mind, which he credited for helping to build the world-class institution of the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

“We are proud of his efforts against state capture. Those who are capturing our country must go,” Nzimande stated. 

He praised Gordhan’s work with State-Owned Enterprises, noting that the real detractors were those who benefited from state capture. “At least we still have State-Owned Enterprises,” Nzimande added. 

Gordhan passed away on September 13, 2024, at the age of 75, after a period of illness.

Nzimande emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges facing the country and confronting mistakes and weaknesses. “It’s not just about the ANC; it’s about all of us. We must be intolerant of renegade behavior,” he said in memory of Gordhan.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that Gordhan will be honored with a Special Official Funeral Category 2, with ceremonial elements conducted by the South African Police Service. Memorial services have been held in both Gauteng and Durban to celebrate Gordhan’s life and contributions.

Gordhan’s notable positions included serving as Minister of Finance from 2009 to 2014 and again from 2015 to 2017. He was also Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs from 2014 to 2015, and Minister of Public Enterprises from February 2018 until his planned retirement in March 2024. He began his career as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in 1999, following a term as Deputy Commissioner.

 

A former referee has revealed that he asked for Lionel Messi's Argentina jersey during a Copa America match. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner guided Argentina to another Copa America victory, further adding to his impressive collection of trophies. Regarded by many as the greatest footballer of all time, Messi is now the most decorated player in football history.

Argentina successfully retained their Copa America title by defeating Colombia in the final on July 14 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Lionel Messi guided La Albiceleste to victory, securing his fourth international trophy.

It was Messi's 45th career trophy, extending his lead as the most decorated footballer, per Goal.The 17-year-old previously achieved the record when he won his 44th trophy—the 2023 League Cup with Miami 

A referee has confessed to favoring Messi's Argentina during a Copa America match

Two months after Lionel Messi celebrated his second Copa America triumph with Argentina, former FIFA referee Carlos Chandia admitted that he had favored Messi’s Argentina during the 2007 Copa America semifinals in exchange for his jersey. At that tournament, Messi, alongside stars like Carlos Tevez and Juan Román Riquelme, led Argentina on a dominant run, scoring 16 goals and conceding only 3 as they reached the semifinals against Mexico. Chilean referee Chandia officiated the match and later confessed to giving Argentina the benefit of the doubt during a controversial play involving Messi, where he handled the ball at midfield. Chandia revealed this during an interview with ESPN FShow in Chile, stating, "There was no real threat or scoring chance for Mexico, so I let it go."

The Chilean referee later explained his controversial decision by saying, "Issuing a yellow card to Messi would have meant he couldn’t play in the Copa América final. Ironically, that choice ended up costing me the chance to officiate the 2007 Copa América final in Venezuela.

Messi honored the referee's request by leaving the jersey in the dressing room after the match. Messi had offered to give it to him on the field, but the referee preferred he take it to the dressing room. Messi followed through and left the jersey there for him. As a result, Messi was cleared to play in the final against Brazil.

What are your thoughts on the ethical implications of a referee favoring a team in exchange for a personal benefit, like a player’s jersey? Do you think such actions undermine the integrity of the game?

 

A Mzansi man left people curious about his source of income after showing off his newly built house. The determined man shared a video of the mansion, with many commenting that it looked like a shopping mall. The brief TikTok video inspired many South Africans on the popular social media platform.

What are your thoughts on people building extravagant homes in rural areas? Do you think it’s a good investment or should they focus on more practical housing?

 

Fourteen suspects, aged 34 to 59, were arrested on Monday in Mpumalanga for issuing learner and driver’s licenses improperly

Their arrests followed an investigation conducted by the Hawks, in partnership with the National Road Traffic Management Corporation and Crime Intelligence, focusing on Sabie, Graskop, Lydenburg, and Verena.

The operation aimed at uncovering traffic officials who conspired with driving school operators to issue licenses without adhering to proper procedures.

According to Provincial Hawks spokesperson Dineo Sekgotodi, the Hawks launched an undercover operation called “Kwanele” in 2021, using unconventional methods to obtain licenses from corrupt officials and driving school operators.

Sekgotodi noted that during the licensing process, applicants were assisted or given answers by examiners in collusion with driving school owners. “Drivers’ licenses were allegedly issued without tests after applicants paid large sums of money,” she added.

Following the investigation, arrest warrants were issued and executed simultaneously at various testing stations. The suspects were arrested and charged, with some appearing in court for initial hearings and others remanded in custody pending further court appearances on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.

The suspects face charges of fraud, corruption, and violations of the national road traffic act.

Meanwhile, Major General Gerber, the provincial head of the Hawks, commended his team for their dedicated efforts in successfully concluding the operation.

“We, the Hawks along with other law enforcement agencies, are committed to investigating and apprehending all corrupt officials within the system, without fear or favor,” he stated. Gerber also encouraged the public to report instances of corruption, emphasizing that bribery cannot thrive if people refuse to pay for fraudulent licenses. 

“Officials must perform their duties as required and not exploit their positions for personal gain,” he added.

What measures do you think should be taken to prevent corruption in licensing processes, and how can the public effectively support these efforts?

 

Renowned actor Sello Motloung passed away on Sunday afternoon, as confirmed by his management, Artist Connection. The acclaimed TV and theatre star gained recognition for his role in the Sesotho drama Nna Sajene Kokobela on SABC 2. More recently, he appeared in the film uBab' Stivovo.

Family’s Statement
Motloung’s family shared their grief through a statement posted on Actor Spaces' Instagram page:
"A heartfelt tribute to Sello Motloung, a beloved actor and artist who graced us with his talent, passion, and unwavering dedication. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Rest in peace, bra-Sello. Your light will forever shine in our hearts."

Artist Connection confirmed the news to News24, stating that Motloung's family is still in shock and processing his sudden death.
"He collapsed at home, and his wife took him to the hospital, where he passed away around 5 p.m. on Sunday," the statement said.

The passing of Sello Motloung has left a significant void in the South African entertainment industry, and his contributions will be remembered for years to come.

Rise to Fame

Sello Motloung gained recognition for his acting when he starred in Nna Sajene Kokobela, a popular Sesotho drama series on SABC2. He further solidified his career with his role in The Estate on SABC3.

Motloung continued to demonstrate his remarkable talent, captivating audiences as the King of Bafokeng in The Wife on Showmax. His versatility also shone through in shows like Backstage, Ring of Lies, and Mamello.

Final Project: uBab' Stivovo

The veteran actor's last known work was in the film uBab' Stivovo, a whimsical comedy about Stivovo, a laid-back new father who faces a life-changing experience. Motloung connected deeply with his character, saying, "I'm raising four girls, so I can relate to being a father more than anything. The combination blends well because it's the closest thing to reality."

Directed by Abulele Peterson and Bongo Jwaqa, graduates of the Multichoice Talent Factory, uBab' Stivovo allowed Motloung to work with up-and-coming filmmakers. He stressed the importance of supporting young talent, saying, "It's imperative to be open to new ideas and perspectives that emerging talent brings. They bring fresh, groundbreaking, creative ideas that keep us current."

Sello Motloung’s legacy as an actor will continue to inspire both his peers and the next generation of performers.

Rest in peace, Sello Motloung. Your talent and passion will be deeply missed and remembered forever.

 

A train derailment at Dal Josafat station in Paarl left 25 passengers injured last night. The train was en route from Cape Town to Wellington station when the accident occurred, causing chaos and panic among passengers.

Emergency services responded quickly, and the injured passengers were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Their conditions range from minor to more serious injuries, though no fatalities have been reported at this stage.

In light of the derailment, the train route has been temporarily suspended. Commuters are being urged to make alternative travel arrangements as the clean-up operation continues.

Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the derailment. Early reports suggest that mechanical failure or human error could be factors, but no official conclusions have been reached. Investigators are also assessing the condition of the tracks and safety protocols to prevent future incidents.

What do you think should be done to improve train safety and prevent future derailments? Should stricter regulations or routine inspections be implemented?

Incident Overview

PepsiCo, the parent company of Sasko, has launched an investigation after a horrifying incident in Durban. A woman named Nombulelo Mkumla discovered a dead rat in a loaf of Sasko bread, leading her to sue both companies.

Nombulelo, like many South Africans, purchased Sasko bread for its reputation of quality. However, when she began slicing the loaf at home, she was horrified to find a rat baked into the bread. This traumatic experience left her shocked and disgusted.

Company's Response

PepsiCo has acted quickly, initiating an internal investigation to understand how this contamination occurred. They’ve reached out to Nombulelo to apologize and promised to keep her informed throughout the investigation. The company emphasized its commitment to food safety and vowe

Public Concerns

d to take corrective measures.

This incident has sparked serious concerns about the hygiene and quality control at Sasko's manufacturing facilities. As a trusted brand in South Africa, Sasko now faces the challenge of restoring public confidence and preventing future contamination.

As the investigation unfolds, both the public and Nombulelo await the outcome. PepsiCo has reassured its customers that maintaining high standards of food safety is a top priority, and steps will be taken to prevent such incidents from happening again.

Vermeulen stated that, in their commitment to upholding the highest food safety standards, they took the following actions:

Immediate response: They reviewed all factory retention samples and records from the days surrounding the affected batch and found no discrepancies, leading them to believe this was an isolated case.

Consumer communication: They have kept in touch with the customer, providing updates on the investigation, which confirmed it was an isolated incident. They expressed disappointment that the consumer had a negative experience with their product.

How would you feel if you found something harmful in a product from a trusted brand? What actions would you expect the company to take to regain your trust?

Orlando Pirates are reportedly finalizing the signing of one of the most promising talents from Witbank before the transfer window deadline on Friday. Once completed, Pirates will have secured the signature of Emalahleni United midfielder Sibusiso Tau, beating Sekhukhune United to the deal. Tau, who has already bid farewell to Mpumalanga, traveled to Gauteng on Monday to complete the transfer.

Orlando Pirates Set to Secure Rising Star Sibusiso Tau

Sibusiso Tau was spotted by Orlando Pirates' scouts during the Pirates Cup in Johannesburg in April. The 17-year-old midfielder has joined the ranks of the mighty Buccaneers, alongside defender Dimpso Madalane, known as "Khalabemgeza," who was also signed from Emalahleni and is being compared to the next Happy Jele.

Once Tau's transfer is finalized, he will train with the DStv Diski Challenge team while the club helps him find a school in Johannesburg to complete his matric this year. According to a source close to the club, Tau is a standout player in Witbank with strong defensive and attacking abilities, showing remarkable bravery for his age. Sekhukhune United also showed interest, but Pirates appear to have secured his signature.

The source mentioned that one of Dr. Irvin Khoza's sons has been working hard to finalize Tau's move. Tau arrived in Johannesburg on Monday. An Emalahleni United source confirmed Tau's transfer to the city but did not comment on the signing with the MTN8 finalists.

Emalahleni United Insider Confirms Sibusiso Tau’s Move to Johannesburg

"I can only confirm that the boy has left for Johannesburg. He deserves the next stage of his soccer career. He is one of the top talents we have had on the team. Our main ambition is to develop players, and we hope more of our youngsters will soon move to PSL teams," the insider told KickOff.

Tau will be joining other players from Witbank, including Innocent Mdledle, Dumisa Ngobe, and Innocent Maela, at Orlando Pirates. He will aim to make an impact with the team, though his integration into the squad is expected to be gradual once his transfer is officially confirmed.

THOSE WHO HAD BEEN IN THE FIELD WHICH ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNGSTER IN THE FIELD??

 

A tragic incident unfolded in Kutloanong, Free State, where the body of a newborn was discovered wrapped in a tracksuit top, placed inside a plastic bag, and stored in a deep freezer. The discovery was made by a shocked landlord in a rented shack, who immediately called the police. The baby's 24-year-old mother later turned herself in but was released as her case had not yet been placed on the court roll. The investigation into the matter continues.

police are investigating a case of concealment of birth after the frozen body of a newborn was found in a deep freezer at a rented shack in Kutloanong, Free State. Police spokesperson, Captain Stephen Thakeng, reported that the discovery was made last Wednesday by a landlord, who found the baby wrapped in a pink tracksuit top and placed inside a plastic carrier bag. The landlord immediately contacted the police.

The mother, who had been renting the shack, was initially missing, but she turned herself in on 12 September and was charged with concealment of birth.

spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng said "She could not appear in Odendaalsrus Magistrate's Court on Monday, 16 September, as the case was not placed on the court roll," She was released from custody, and an investigation is underway, which includes the collection and testing of DNA samples, before the matter is reintroduced to the court.

MEC Mathabo Leeto Calls for Community Action and Parental Support to Protect Children

Free State Social Development MEC Mathabo Leeto urged parents who are unable or unwilling to care for their children to seek assistance from the department for guidance and support she also urged community-based organisations, non-profits, and various groups, including men’s, youth, and women’s organisations, as well as churches, to take a stand against all forms of violence towards children and to report any suspected abuse.

Leeto emphasized that the Department of Social Development is available to assist parents in need, offering interventions such as adoptions, to prevent such tragic crimes against babies. She stressed that every child has a constitutional right to be raised in a family.

She also called on community members to cooperate fully with the authorities as they continue investigating the incident.

IF YOU WERE ONCE IN THE SAME SITUATION OR HAD THOUGHTS OF KILLING YOUR BABY HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THOSE THOUGHTS AND HOW COULD YOU ADVICE THOSE IN THE SAME SITUATION AND WHAT MIGHT BE THE REASON BEHIND THAT?

Dear Fellow South Africans

Last Wednesday, the leaders of the parties that make up the government of national unity (GNU) met to review how the GNU is functioning.

It has been three months since 10 parties in Parliament signed a statement agreeing to work together in government and Parliament to promote the country’s best interests. The parties committed to basic principles, like respecting the Constitution and the rule of law, and promoting accountability, transparency, integrity, and good governance.

They also agreed on a common programme that would guide the GNU’s work. In mid-July, at the first Cabinet Lekgotla, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and other officials from the GNU partners developed key actions to carry out this programme.

Hit the ground running

Since these actions were outlined in the Opening of Parliament Address on 18 July 2024, ministers and deputy ministers have been working hard to implement the assigned tasks.

For some, joining the executive has been a new experience, and while it’s been an adjustment for a few, with their departments' support, they have all started off strong. Across all parties, ministers and deputy ministers are making progress in addressing the country's challenges.

What stands out – and is very encouraging – is how members of the executive have worked together as a collective Cabinet. Despite coming from different parties, they have followed the common GNU programme and collaborated to serve the South African people.

Each member understands their role in driving the three main priorities of the 7th democratic administration: promoting inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and addressing the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state. The focus has been on the collective mandate of building and developing the country, not individual party interests.

There was general agreement among the party leaders last week that the GNU has made a positive start, with everyone contributing constructively

Constitution clear on a president's responsibilities

As party leaders, we recognize that the GNU includes a range of political and ideological views. We have differences, and at times, these differences will be noticeable.

An example of this has been the debate over the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, which I signed into law last week. While we were meeting, some GNU parties were urging me not to sign the Bill, while others wanted me to sign it.

The Constitution is clear on the president’s responsibilities regarding legislation. Once Parliament passes a Bill, the president must either sign it or, if there are concerns about its constitutionality, send it back to Parliament. After considering the various submissions, I had no reservations about the BELA Bill’s constitutionality, so the Constitution required me to sign it.

However, I noted that some GNU parties wanted to discuss parts of the Bill, particularly those dealing with school admissions and language. To allow time for these discussions, we delayed the implementation of the Act, giving parties a chance to engage and suggest any proposals on the relevant sections.

WHAT IS YOUR POINT OF VIEW IN THIS BELA BILL?