SABC Joburg News Features: Recent Episodes
SABC News and Current Affairs
Interesting and thought-provoking news feature stories produced by the Johannesburg Radio News Team.
Locating the remains of slain award winning photo journalist Anton Hammerl is key to instituting an investigation into his death. That's according to the international legal team for Penny Sukhraj-Hammerl, Anton's wife. In 2001, Hammerl travelled from his home in London to Libya to cover the Arab Springs and was killed. After ten years of no action, no answers and no accountability, Sukhraj-Hammerl has asked the Special Procedures of the UN Human Rights Council to take action. The UN Security Council held a virtual side event, to discuss the case of Anton Hammerl and continuing impunity for crimes against journalists in Libya. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Locating the remains of slain award winning photo journalist Anton Hammerl is key to instituting an investigation into his death. That's according to the international legal team for Penny Sukhraj-Hammerl, Anton's wife. In 2001, Hammerl travelled from his home in London to Libya to cover the Arab Springs and was killed. After ten years of no action, no answers and no accountability, Sukhraj-Hammerl has asked the Special Procedures of the UN Human Rights Council to take action. The UN Security Council held a virtual side event, to discuss the case of Anton Hammerl and continuing impunity for crimes against journalists in Libya. Prabashini Moodley reports...
COVID-19 infection rates across South Africa are expected to surge over the next few weeks. This emerged during a briefing by the National Department of Health this morning. Scientists say the third wave infection rates have already surpassed those of the first and second waves. The Department has implemented a plan to increase vaccinations in the coming weeks. From the 1st of July, registration will be open to citizens over 50. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Workers in South Africa's education sector will not receive their vaccines this week. That's because the United States medicines regulator, the Food and Drug Administration or FDA", has not yet given the go ahead for the Johnson&Johnson jabs to be released. J&J has offered South Africa 480-thousand doses of the vaccine -- a batch with a shelf life of three weeks. The government made a decision to accept the offer and roll out the batch to workers in the education sector. The FDA needs to determine whether the J&J vaccine was contaminated with ingredients of AstraZeneca's COVID shot. Prabashini Moodley reports...
The LGBTQI+ community is under siege in South Africa, and activists fear the situation will worsen should the law not change. This as a flight attendant, Aubrey Boshoga, was found outside his Johannesburg home last weekend. His body had multiple stab wounds. Boshoga's death has sparked an outcry in what is believed to be a hate crime. Pearl Magubane reports #SABCnews
South Africans working from home say, load shedding has forced many of them to return to the office, hence placing them at risk of contracting Covid-19. Earlier this week, Eskom implemented stage two load shedding, following breakdowns of generating units at the Kriel, Arnot, Majuba and Tutuka Power Stations. Experts say, productivity levels of those working from home are dropping - due to disruptions in the power supply. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Johannesburg Water says load shedding will continue to affect its ability to deliver uninterrupted water supply to residents in the city. Eskom has implemented stage two until ten o'clock on Friday night. This is due to the breakdown of generating units at the Majuba and Arnot power stations. Residents' ongoing water issues are likely to be exacerbated by the three-day loadshedding. Taps have already run dry at a number of hospitals in the city. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Record high unemployment statistics in South Africa, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have forced children to become bread winners. As Youth Month kicks off in the country -- Childline South Africa -- says young girls are resorting to sex work in order to feed their families, as the pandemic has rendered their parents jobless. Through the Grow, Learn and Own programme, the organisation empowers teenagers with entrepreneurial skills to become economically independent and self-sufficient. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Fake news is hampering government's efforts to vaccinate the population. It has led to hesitancy from some to be inoculated. That's according to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases or NICD. In recent weeks, social media has been flooded with fake news about deaths related to the vaccine. This has created doubt on whether or not to register for vaccinations. Prabashini Moodley reports....
Just over half of companies in the travel and tourism sector in South Africa have retrenched their staff in the last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That's according to the Association of Southern African Travel Agents. The industry has been the hardest hit by the pandemic with hundreds of thousands of jobs being shed. Now, The Department of Tourism has launched a recovery plan to resuscitate the sector and avert further job losses. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Concealing a sexual crime against a child in the family, could result in arrest. The Gauteng Department of Community Safety says although incest or child sexual assault is not a new phenomenon, the Covid-19 lockdown intensified the crime. In many cases rape in families is never reported to police. Reporter Pearl Magubane visited a family that's been torn apart by alleged rape incidents. A mother, her daughter and a cousin. Their names have been changed to protect the minor's identity. #SABCnews
INTRO: The local music industry is mourning the passing of Emmanuel "Mjokes' Matsane. "Mjokes" -- a member of kwaito group Trompies and co-director at Kalawa Jazmee records -- died in a car crash early Sunday. The group had just performed at the Soweto Arts and Culture Festival in Meadowlands. Pearl Magubane filed this report… #SABCnews
The South African embassy in Palestine is engaged in efforts to assist South Africans who wish to return home amid escalating violence between Israel and Palestine. At least 220 Palestinians, including 63 children, have been killed in Gaza since the violence flared in early May. Twelve people in Israel have died, including two children. This comes as the Department of International Relations and Cooperation or DIRCO has launched a 24-hour hotline that can assist South Africans with information about their relatives in Gaza. Prabashini Moodley has this report....
Students, parents and alumni of Redhill School in Sandton, Johannesburg have handed a memorandum of demands to the school's management. The group staged a peaceful protest outside the school this morning, after the institution issued a letter to parents last week prohibiting discussion on the Israel-Palestine conflict. More than 220 Palestinians, including 63 children, have been killed in the Gaza Strip since Israeli air strikes began on the 10th of May. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Vaccination sites in Johannesburg have seen snaking queues of health-care workers trying to get the jab before phase one of government's vaccination programme ends. Phase two, targeting the elderly and vulnerable groups is expected to begin next week. At Milpark Hospital scores of doctors and nurses were told to return on Friday, as Prabashini Moodley reports...
Social distancing and other health protocols could lessen the impact of a predicted third wave of Covid-19 infections. That's according to Acting Executive Director of the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Professor Adrian Puren. The Health Ministry says while COVID-19 figures are worrying, SA has not yet hit a third wave of infections. This is despite some districts in the country fast approaching a third wave threshold. Prabashini Moodley reports...
There's a new bus in town, providing food and a new way to think green. The newly-launched Skaftin Bus brings nutritious food to residents of Johannesburg's inner city at a fraction of the cost. It also reduces plastic consumption. The concept of the zero waste mobile grocery store was introduced two months ago to alleviate the effects of the lockdown. Those who are now jobless can at least put a healthy meal on the table. Prabashini Moodley sent this report...
Dr Maryam Mohammed Dawjee has become the first woman and only the second person in South Africa with a masters degree in Digital Smile Design. This refers to the study of the relationships between the teeth, gums, and lips in order to virtually plan the treatment of patients with dental or facial conditions. With this latest technology that only very few in the world are trained in, patients become part of designing their own smiles. Prabashini Moodley sat down with the Johannesburg-based specialist, to find out how her expertise will advance treatment in the country...
The Independent Institute of Education or IIE, is calling for South Africa's current school infrastructure to be declared a national crisis. The Institute says, the disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, will be detrimental to a child's long term educational career. Experts in the field say pupils worst affected by school closures and rotational learning, are those in overcrowded classrooms with no access to basic services and educational resources. Prabashini Moodley reports.....
The National Health Department has assured South Africans that every citizen, who registers on the Electronic Vaccination Data System, will be offered a vaccine. Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize and his team, launched the EVD system for people over the age of 60, this morning. Phase two of the vaccination programme will include the elderly, essential workers, and those with comorbidities. Prabashini Moodley reports...
The South African government has temporarily suspended the roll out of the Johnson&Johnson Covid-19 vaccine. Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, made the announcement. It comes hard on the heels of the Food and Drug Administration in the United States calling for an immediate pause in the use of the vaccine after six women who received it developed a rare and severe form of blood clotting. Prabashini Moodley reports...
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group or SADAG says, the murder of fifty-nine-year-old Jostina Sangweni is a horrific reminder of the absolute necessity of educating communities about mental illness and the seriousness of psychiatric conditions. Sangweni was killed in a mob justice incident in Soweto, last month. She was diagnosed with the mental disorder of schizophrenia however community members believed she was involved in witchcraft. Prabashini Moodley reports...
South Africa has secured more than fifty-million doses of COVID-19 vaccines and delivery is expected to start later this month. Health Minister Zweli Mkhize made the announcement at the Soweto Home for the Aged in Gauteng. Mkhize conducted a visit of the facility as well as the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital in Parktown, Johannesburg, to access the readiness for the roll out of phase two of the vaccination programme. The vaccines have been secured from pharmaceutical giants Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson, as well as the COVAX facility. Prabashini Moodley reports...
The last few months have been an emotional roller coaster for SABC employees across the country. This week, 621 people left the employ of the public broadcaster. Of these, 346 opted for voluntary severance packages due to lower salary packages being offered to them. Those that remain bid an untimely farewell to many they considered family at the Corporation. This week, the SABC entered into its new structure after issuing a notice to all staff indicating that the retrenchment process has been concluded. Prabashini Moodley recaps on some of the most touching moments of the week...
The SABC says that it has concluded the section 189 retrenchment process and will move to a new structure on the 1st of April. The public broadcaster says that 621 permanent employees will leave the organisation this week. Labour unions say that the job cuts will compromise the quality of SABC content and that the staff that remain will have an increased workload. Prabashini Moodley reports...
One of SA's flight doctors, this month completed her 100th life-saving mission. Doctor Nadia Swart has been involved with medical emergency evacuations across the African continent for more than two years. In that time, she and her team, have been responsible for saving the lives of many people that required advanced medical care. However, life-saving on board an aircraft adds many additional challenges for the flight doctors as Prabashini Moodley finds out....
Exactly a year ago on this day - South Africa went into a national lockdown in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. For many South African children the lockdown has left them feeling sad, lonely and eager to return to a life before the virus. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused death, hunger, homelessness, isolation and a complete overhaul of life as we know it. In the past year, the country recorded more than one-point-five-million-cases of the Corona Virus and more than fifty-two-thousand deaths. However, while adults still battle with the adjustment of a new norm, what has been a child's perception of living under lockdown for one year? Prabashini Moodley reports...
The National Institute of Communicable Disease has warned that mass gatherings and social events over the Easter Holidays are likely to cause a surge in COVID-19 cases, which may trigger a third wave. Many South Africans have abandoned non-pharmaceutical interventions to prevent contracting COVID-19. Some have chosen to stop wearing masks at large family gatherings. This comes as South Africa is falling behind on it's vaccination targets. Prabashini Moodley compiled this report...
Gauteng has depleted its stock of the Johnson and Johnson vaccines. The province has already vaccinated more than 31-thousand healthcare workers. Gauteng Premier, David Makhura and Health MEC, Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi, today observed the jabs being administered at the Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg. The hospital, one of six dedicated vaccination sites, has thus far inoculated over four-thousand healthcare workers. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Television and Radio Broadcaster Karima Brown has been lauded for her unwavering dedication to the field of journalism in South Africa. Brown passed away this morning (Thursday 4 March) from Covid-19 related complications after a long stay in a Johannesburg hospital. In a statement, her family says she was driven by a conviction that journalism must be in service of justice. She will be laid to rest in a private burial ceremony which will be held in accordance with Islamic rites and traditions today. Prabashini Moodley reports....
New research from the country's top medical scientists show that people infected with the variant of the coronavirus found in South Africa have developed a level of immunity against that variant and possibly other mutations of the coronavirus as well. That's according to the KwaZulu-Natal Research, Innovation and Sequencing Platform or KRISP. Krisp today held a joint online media briefing with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases or NICD, the National Health Laboratory Services, the Health Department and the Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.The new variant, which was initially detected in South Africa, is now found in 48 countries. It has nine different mutations. Prabashini Moodley reports...
South Africa can expect the emergence of a third wave of Coronavirus infections from June this year, to coincide with cold winter months. That's according to the co-chair of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on COVID19 -- Professor Salim Abdool Karim. And with the third wave imminent -- is government ready for another surge in infections and what can South Africans do to avert this? Prabashini Moodley takes a look...
The last quarter of 2020 saw seven-point-two million South Africans face unemployment. This is according to the Human Sciences Research Council. Combined with unemployment, the loss of life, illness, inflated food prices, and isolation -- the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for thousands of families. Experts say while many have adjusted to the new normal -- the psychological implications as a result of the Coronavirus will leave a lasting impact. Prabashini Moodley reports....
Vaccine hesitancy as a result of fake news will halt South Africa's social and economic recovery from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. That's according to the Department of Higher Education, Science and Technology. It's hosted a virtual conference, seeking to address myths in relation to the roll out of the vaccine, currently underway. The conference revealed that many South Africans still believe the virus was created by advanced technology to reduce population sizes. Officials say this is one of the many myths preventing some people from being vaccinated. Prabashini Moodley filed this report...
The Gauteng government intends vaccinating ten-point-four million of it's citizens in the coming months. The vaccination programme kicked off today at the Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital in Soweto. Health MEC, Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi was the first healthcare worker to receive the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine arrived at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Gauteng on Tuesday night. Prabashini Moodley reports...
A study by the Soweto Clinical Trial Centre has shown that 80-percent of Ivermectic tablets found in South Africa contain at least one undeclared substance. According to the centre's Managing Director, Dr Qasim Ebrahim Bhorat, the ingredients could have dangerous consequences for patients. The health products regulator, SAHPRA, recently approved the compassionate use of Ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19 but under strict conditions. Health practitioners have been allowed to prescribe the drug under Section 21 authorisation of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, even though the drug isn't registered for human use in the country. Prabashini Moodley reports...
All Medical Aid schemes in South Africa will be covering the cost of the COVID-19 vaccine for their members. This comes after South Africa's Council for Medical Schemes or CMS added the Covid-19 vaccine to its list of Prescribed Minimum Benefits. Prabashini Moodley reports...
The National Department of Health has assured South Africans that the Corona Virus vaccine is safe. Acting Director General Dr Anban Pillay says millions of people around the world have already taken the vaccine with no reports of side effects. South Africa received it's first consignment of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine from the Serum Institute of India yesterday. While many citizens remain hesitant about vaccination - Dr Pillay says the vaccine has been developed to teach your immune system to recognise and fight the infection. Prabashini Moodley looks at the concerns facing South Africans and speaks to experts about how the vaccine really works...
While the second surge of the coronavirus pandemic has begun its descent in the province of Gauteng - experts still remain concerned about the high rate of hospitalisation. The Provincial Command Council, led by Premier David Makhura, updated citizens and the media on the province's handling of the pandemic. Gauteng has recorded almost eight-thousand deaths, 380-thousand more positive Covid-19 cases, and more than 360-thousand recoveries. Prabashini Moodley reports...
The Justice for Shoni campaign and the family of Shonisani Lethole are demanding the immediate suspension of the Thembisa Tertiary Hospital CEO pending a disciplinary enquiry. The family held a virtual press conference after the Health Ombudsman, Professor Malegapuru Makgoba released his report on the circumstances surrounding the death of the businessman at the hospital last year. The report recommended that the Gauteng Department of Health institute a disciplinary inquiry against 19 staff members, including nurses and medical doctors for negligence. Prabashini Moodley reports...
There's been much debate and activity around the efficacy, procurement, cost and roll out strategy for Covid-vaccines. An online survey has recently been conducted by the University of Johannesburg and the Human Sciences Research Council, touted as the largest and most comprehensive survey on people's willingness to take a Covid-19 vaccine. It found that one third of South Africa's population says that they'll most likely not take the COVID-19 vaccine when it's rolled out. It's an early pointer to the government of the challenges they face in convincing people to take the vaccine, the first batch of which according to the health ministry, should arrive on our shores in the next few days. Prabashini Moodley reports....
Labour unions have strongly condemned the use of surgical masks for prolonged periods. This after some healthcare workers raised concern that they sometimes have to use the same mask for up to 5 days. They say the overuse of a single mask may be leading to the high infection rate and deaths within the sector. Zoleka Qodashe reports...
Health policy expert at the Free Market Foundation, Eustace Davie, believes depriving South Africans access to the Ivermectin drug is unconstitutional. This as pressure mounts on government and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority or SAHPRA to allow for the legal use of the human formulation of Ivermectin. While South Africa mainly allows for the use of the veterinary version of the drug, desperation to help loved ones battling Covid-19 has seen many take to the black market. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Health experts say a negative COVID-19 test result doesn't necessarily mean you're in the clear, especially if you have symptoms associated with the disease. There are many cases where South Africans had to take two tests to confirm that they're Covid-positive. That's because the first test returned a negative result despite the patients experiencing severe symptoms related to the Coronavirus. Prabashini Moodley explores some of the reasons for the initial negative test result...
INTRO: While SARS CoV-2 has been less known to impact young children, a Johannesburg mother, who almost lost her five month old baby to the coronavirus, is warning otherwise. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) says children have been found to be more resilient to the virus. Despite this, they are warning that prescribed health measures must also be applied to children. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Users of the messenger application WhatsApp have shared their frustration and annoyance about the platforms new terms of service, with some having already migrated to other platforms. Last week, the Facebook-owned messenger app, introduced new terms, requesting users to agree and allow Facebook and it's subsidiaries to collect user data from their devices. The move has raised many questions about the invasion of user privacy. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Trade union Nehawu says healthcare workers in Gauteng are under siege and are struggling to treat the soaring levels of COVID-19 patients in the province. And they're concerned that it could get worse as more residents return to Gauteng after spending the holiday period at the coast or at rural homes. Medical experts say the infection rate is likely to climb in the coming weeks and will put more pressure on the already strained healthcare facilities. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Founder and CEO of the Naledi Awards, Dawn Lindberg was passionate about the performance arts always driven to keep theatre alive. Lindberg passed away first week of December from health complications related to Covid19. Dawn together with her husband Des, enjoyed a successful career as musicians and entertainers, and were famous for many hits that include 'The Seagull's Name was Nelson' in 1971, which topped the charts for 20 weeks. Lindberg and her husband also created the internationally recognised Naledi Theatre Awards, which has honoured over 300 artists and theatre makers, and awarded over 60 Lifetime Achievement Awards. Pearl Magubane filed this report...
The COVID-19 pandemic left 2020 an unprecedented year that was filled with challenges and adversity for many families across the globe. More than a year after the first case was detected in China, many are thrilled to bid 2020 farewell. However, it's not over yet. The country has entered a second wave of infection which means festive celebrations will have to take a different turn this year. Prabashini Moodley explores how festive traditions can still be maintained through social distancing...
Twenty-six years into democracy and South Africa's young children have achieved the late former President, Nelson Mandela vision -- to see each other as human beings and not divided along racial lines. The Day of Reconciliation, commemorated annually on 16 December, came into effect in 1995 after the end of apartheid. The intention was to foster reconciliation and national unity for the country. While many may question, if this has yet been achieved, South African teachers are playing an integral role in breaking down barriers of race from a classroom level as Prabashini Moodley reports...
On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the South African Disability Alliance says disabled people in the country have nothing to celebrate. December third has been recognised by the United Nations as a day to promote the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on people with diasabilities in SA and the national lockdown has made them even more vulnerable. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Locals are being targeted by the Gauteng government in its bid to revive the tourism sector that's been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Gauteng Economic Development Department has launched the provincial Domestic Tourism Festive Season Promotional Campaign or #GPFestiveSummer. Its aimed at stimulating the local visitor economy and showcasing Gauteng's efforts to implement Covid-19 protocols through the products, experiences and amenities they're offering. Pearl Magubane filed this report...
The late queen of Kwaito, Mshoza, has been described as a true legend, whose name has been added to a list of music icons. She died at the Far East Rand Hospital last Thursday. Mshoza - whose real name is Nomasonto Maswanganyi - had been in and out of hospital getting treatment for diabetes. She rose to fame as the First Lady of Kwaito with her smash hit Kortes in the early 2000s. Mshoza also collaborated with stars such as Mzambiya and Msawawa. She has been laid to rest at the Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg. Pearl Magubane has more.
A Johannesburg woman is accusing the police of wrongful arrest and of adding to her trauma of being abused by her ex-husband. Avanti Naidu says that her ex-husband had physically abused her for years and that she fears for her life despite having a protection order against him. She says he's now resorted to psychological abuse and had recently laid a false charge against her that resulted in her spending last weekend behind bars. This comes at a time when the country is observing 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. Prabashini Moodley has more...
Labour analyst, Bukani Mngoma, says the SABC could withdraw the letters of redundancy and surplus they've issued to employees to appease the unions. But Mngoma says it doesn't mean that the SABC wont retrench if they're determined to cut jobs. Labour unions have demanded that the letters sent to some of the 400 permanent staff the SABC wants to retrench, be withdrawn before meaningful talks on the restructuring process can resume. Management yesterday (Tuesday) announced that the retrenchment process has been suspended by a further 30 days, until the end of next month. Wisani Makhubele reports...
Loving, talented and a true kwaito queen. These were the words of speaker after speaker at the memorial service of Nomasonto Maswanganyi at the Bassline in Newtown, Johannesburg. The musician, who was affectionately called Mshoza, died at the Far East Rand Hospital in Gauteng last Thursday. Mshoza had been in and out of hospital, where she was getting treatment for diabetes. She rose to fame as the First Lady of Kwaito with her smash hit 'Kortes' in the early 2000s. Mshoza also collaborated with stars such as Mzambiya and Msawawa. Pearl Magubane reports
Researchers at Britain's Oxford University have made a breakthrough in their quest to develop an effective Corona Virus vaccine. Yesterday , the University and their partner, pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, published their preliminary results from large scale trials. The vaccine has proven to be 70-percent effective at protecting people from the disease. South Africa is involved in at least four local and global trials geared at finding a vaccine for Covid-19. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Unemployment and alcohol abuse are some of the main contributing factors to the increase in intimate partner violence in South Africa. Gender activists say men tend to compensate for their lack of employment by physically and sexually abusing their partners. One victim of gender based violence says she's desperately looking for a job for her husband so he can stop abusing her. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Psychologists have advised that people going through retrenchments should allow themselves time to grieve the loss of their employment and income. However, they should not feel ashamed of losing their job since it's beyond the individual's control. Thousands of employees are continuing to face the risk of unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The National Shelter Movement of South Africa or NSMSA together with the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or NSPCA are calling for animal protection to be included in the Domestic Violence Amendment Bill. They are supported by six other gender-based organisations which say, pets are often overlooked victims of domestic violence. NSMSA says, pets are used as an extension of abuse and many victims would rather stay in an abusive relationship, to ensure their pets' safety. Prabashini Moodley has more....
The late Auditor General Kimi Makwetu has been commended for his ethics and bravery. 54-year old Makwetu passed away from stage four lung cancer, last week. A funeral service was held at the Fourways Memorial Park in Johannesburg today where close family members, colleagues and senior government officials paid tribute to his unwavering commitment to unearthing corruption in the country. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Victims of forced sterilisation are taking the health department to court. They are accusing the department of health and the Commission for Gender Equality of not taking them seriously. This comes after the CGE issued an investigative report on how 48 HIV positive women were forced to sign consent forms under the guise that they were approving a caesarean section, when instead the nurses and doctors would sterilise them. This allegedly took place in 15 public health facilities in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng. Thabile Mbhele reports...
There's been a 57 percent reduction in the number of new HIV infections in South Africa in the past decade. There's also been a significant drop in the number of people who have succumbed to the epidemic. This has been announced at the virtual launch of the latest statistics organised by the South African National AIDS Council. In the year 2000 there were 3.4 million people living with HIV compared to 7.6 million last year. Thabile Mbhele reports…
There's an urgent need for new, more suitable HIV medicine for children in South Africa. Currently they're subjected to bitter-tasting medicine and a huge pill burden for the older children. This has emerged at a paediatric HIV treatment webinar organised by the South African National AIDS Council and pharmaceutical giant, Cipla. Thabile Mbhele reports....
The Infertility Awareness Association of South Africa, IFAASA, is taking the Council for Medical Schemes to court in an effort to force them to allow infertility treatment to be covered by medical aids. Currently medical aid schemes only pay for the diagnosis and investigations related to infertility but not the actual treatment. However the medical industry has responded by calling for greater cover and emphasis on preventing infertility instead of a big drive towards covering the treatment. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Residents says there has been an increase in tombstone theft at the Alexandra Cemetery, north of Johannesburg. Some tombstones have also been vandalized. Several residents have expressed anger as they say the graves form part the township's rich heritage, and the cemetery is where some of those who took part in the liberation struggle are buried. They have blamed residents of the nearby Setwetla informal settlement for the crime and dirt and have called on City Parks to ensure there is security. Pearl Magubane reports....
The SABC's restructuring, which includes retrenching staff, is likey to end up in the courts. Labour union, BEMAWU, has already instructed lawyers to reinstate an urgent Labour Court application to compel the SABC to meaningfully consult them as required by section 189 of the Labour Relations Act. And the Communications workers union is threatening legal action of their own. This comes in the wake of the SABC signalling that they're pushing ahead with the staff cuts which they want to complete by the end of the year. Pearl Magubane reports…
There's been a major breakthrough in HIV prevention - women will soon be able to take 1 injection with an anti-retroviral every eight weeks to prevent HIV infection compared to a daily oral pill. This is the result of a study conducted by Wits University. 240 000 young women aged 15 to 24 are infected with HIV each year in our country. The study was conducted on over three thousand HIV negative women in 7 countries in Africa over a 48-week period. Thabile Mbhele reports...
With children spending more time at home under Level One of the nationwide lockdown -- the Film and Publications Board has inducted 37 new classifiers to help ensure children are protected from inappropriate content. They range from psychologists, film makers and content creators to lawyers, educators, language experts and social workers. According to psychologists, a child's exposure to harmful content can affect both their cognitive and psychological development. Prabashini Moodley has more....
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi says his department will take disciplinary action against five staff members from the Laerskool Bekker in Magaliesburg. Lesufi met with the school governing body today. This comes after a report found that the school and the department of Education were negligent in relation to the death of 13-year old Keamogetswe Seboko. Seboko's naked, lifeless body was discovered at the bottom of the school pool on the 15th of January this year. It's understood that Keamogetswe was swimming with around 60 other learners during school hours, when he went missing. His body was discovered half an hour after the rest of the children had left the pool. Prabashini Moodley reports..
Health experts are confident that malaria can be eliminated in South Africa in the next three years. This would be within the deadline set for SADC countries to eliminate local transmission of the disease. South Africa is among the few countries in the SADC region that have made good progress in reducing the number of infections and deaths linked to malaria. This has emerged at the virtual SADC Malaria Day commemoration held under the theme - Community involvement is key to achieving zero malaria. Thabile Mbhele reports...
It's embarrassing that 72 percent of all baby deliveries in the country's private health sector are via c-section, way above the global average of 15 per cent. That's according to Doctor Nicholas Crisp, advisor to the Health Department on the implementation of the National Health Insurance. He's been part of a discussion on lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic organised by the Government Employee Medical Scheme and the Mail and Guardian. Crisp says the National Health Insurance will address structural challenges in accessing healthcare and remove wastage in both the public and private sectors. The country currently spends eight and a half percent of its GDP on healthcare and Crisp says this is sufficient to run a single effective health system ...
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Thabile Mbhele/JHB 04.11.2020 nd nosizwe
South Africa may have lower Covid-19 infections and deaths when compared to other countries but the pandemic has had a huge impact on poorer communities. These are some of the findings of a recent study by Wits University. It shows that it's not only COVID-19 that has affected people's health but the economic impact of the lockdown has also hit them hard. Thabile Mbhele reports…
South Africans are concerned about how government plans to mitigate fraud and corruption under the National Health Insurance as well as the pricing of the new health system. There's also still a sense of uncertainty with insufficient detail on how the NHI will be administered. These are some of the discussion points that have come out of a webinar drawing on lessons from the pandemic and looking at the way forward for the National Health Insurance. The webinar was organised by the Government Employee Medical Scheme and the Mail and Guardian. Thabile Mbhele reports …
There's been a 50-percent drop in the number of women screening for breast cancer this year, due to COVID-19. That's according to Keystone Radiology. It has called on women to use Breast Cancer Awareness Month to get screened for breast cancer and detect it early while it can still be treated. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says more arrests are imminent in the Gauteng Health Department's 1.2 billion rand tender fraud case. Four former senior government officials have been granted bail at the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court, east of Johannesburg. The officials were arrested for alleged tender irregularities believed to have taken place in the Gauteng Health Department in 2007. They allegedly received kickbacks after awarding a lucrative contract to a private company. Pearl Magubane reports....
The South African Medical Research Council says close to a million people quit smoking in South Africa during the hard lockdown. It says government made the right decision to ban tobacco in the first months of the lockdown, but could have done more to support people who wanted to quit smoking. This came out at the virtual 51st Union Conference on Lung Health. Thabile Mbhele reports…
COVID-19 could lead to the deaths of half a million HIV-positive people in Sub-Saharan Africa if interruption to HIV and TB services continues. That's according to the UN agency for HIV/AIDS, UNAIDS at the virtual 51st Union Conference on Lung Health. Speakers are discussing the impact of COVID-19 on other illnesses and healthcare in general. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Former US President Bill Clinton has called on governments to also test people for tuberculosis when they test them for COVID-19. He says with people staying indoors and in crowded places during lockdowns, there's been an increase in TB infections in low and middle income countries. Clinton has been speaking at the opening of the virtual 51st Union World Conference on Lung Health attended by delegates from 135 countries, including nearly one-thousand TB survivors. Thabile Mbhele reports…
A recent study has found that domestic workers suffer abuse and sexual harassment at the hands of their employers. The study -- commissioned by Hlanganisa Institute of Development in Southern Africa and Izwi Domestic Workers Alliance -- was conducted in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape in July and August. It found that the plight of domestic workers was heightened during the pandemic although sexual harassment they experienced has been ongoing. The study also found that domestic workers are often asked to perform sexual favours. Zoleka Qodashe reports...
The World Health Organisation, WHO, says one-billion people are at immediate risk of contracting COVID-19 due to lack of basic handwashing facilities worldwide. It says while hand hygiene is the first defence against the virus, millions of people do not have access to clean water and sanitation. In South Africa, government has acknowledged that it has failed millions of people who still do not have access to clean running water and proper sanitation during the pandemic. This emerged during the Global Handwashing Day commemoration webinar under the theme "Hand Hygiene for All". Thabile Mbhele reports...
Health authorities have warned that we may have COVID-19 permanently. They believe while it may not be as widespread and claim many lives like it does now, it will become part of the seasonal diseases forever. Thabile Mbhele reports…
South Africa has apparently failed to build sufficient herd immunity to be protected from COVID-19 infection. Health experts says densely populated areas may have built up localised immunity, but that's not enough to protect everyone in the country. In the early stages of the pandemic, health experts said at least 60 percent of the South African population would need to contract the corona virus to develop some immunity against it. However, so far only around 700-thousand people have tested positive for the corona virus in South Africa. Thabile Mbhele reports...
South Africa has failed to implement policy to promote access to mental health treatment in the country. That's the view of the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), ahead of World Mental Health Day on Saturday. This year's international theme is "Mental Health for all: Greater Investment, Greater Access". In a media briefing, experts took a critical look at shortcomings in addressing mental health in South Africa. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Discovery Health Medical Scheme will from next year cover the costs of infertility treatment for members on their elite schemes. This means they'll now pay for interventions such as in-vitro fertilisation. While this has been welcome by some stakeholders in the industry - they believe it's not enough for the millions of people battling with infertility. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The opening of borders to international travelers will give small tour operators the much needed cash injection to help their businesses survive. Tourism minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane says the opening of domestic travel has provided a testing mechanism for the country and now they believe South Africa is ready to welcome international travellers. The resumption of inter-provincial travel has allowed many South Africans to tour the country and visit relatives or go on holiday in other provinces. Pearl Magubane reports...
Reggae music continues to unite people while highlighting issues of injustice, resistance, love and humanity. This is why the United Nations' cultural and scientific agency -- UNESCO -- added reggae music to its list of global cultural treasures two years ago. The South African reggae community says the music is a heritage they will continue to nurture with pride. Pearl Magubane filed this report...
Calls are mounting for the decriminalisation of sex work in South Africa. Sisonke Group a sex-worker led non-profit organisation advocating for the decriminalisation of adult sex work in South Africa, has called for more efforts to recognise this old-age profession. It is estimated that there are 156 thousand sex workers in the country however Sisonke believes there are many more who remain silent due to the stigma and discrimination they may face if they disclose what they do for a living. Sisonke National Co-Ordinator Kholi Buthelezi says they want sex work to be recognised like other jobs
People's attitude to the Corona virus has changed since the move to lockdown level 1 and healthcare professionals are concerned. They say health protocols - wearing a mask, sanitising and social distancing - are being ignored and that it could lead to another surge in infections. They're particularly worried about big gatherings and festivities planned for December. South Africa has recorded more than 16-thousand Covid-19 deaths. Daily infections are on a downward trajectory but fears that irresponsible behaviour could change that, persist. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Health experts warn that some patients may develop post COVID-19 inflammation of the lungs or post COVID pneumonia. They say they're already seeing patients with long-term lung damage as a result of the corona virus. However they're encouraged that a large proportion of the patients do eventually recover even if its many months after being cleared of COVID-19. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Magistrate David Mhango has described the murder of 16-year-old Nathaniel Julies as a deliberate act of wrongdoing that the three police officers accused of the crime had been desperate to cover up. The Protea Magistrate's Court has denied bail to Simon Scorpion Ndyalvane, Caylene Whiteboy and Foster Netshiongolo. They've been charged with killing Julies last month, just a few metres from his house in Eldorado Park, south of Johannesburg. Prabashini Moodley reports...
The national COVID-19 lockdown has left thousands jobless, homeless and in some cases, in a state of depression. As the economy recovers, many are still reeling from the impact of the virus and are taking stock of what they've lost. However, it's through simple acts of kindness that many have been able to recover, eat, and get back on their feet again. Prabashini Moodley caught up with two good samaritans who are lending a helping hand.....
The accused in the murder of Eldorado Park teenager Nathaniel Julies had been on a shooting spree on the day of the murder. That's according to state prosecutor, Mzwandile Mrwabe. He made these comments during the bail hearing of the three suspects, police officers Simon Ndyalvane, Caylene Whiteboy and Foster Netshiongolo. The Protea Magistrate's Court will make it's decision on Monday. Julies was gunned down near his home in Eldorado Park last month. Prabashini Moodley reports...
One of the accused in the Nathaniel Julies murder case, Caylene Whiteboy, has told the Protea Magistrate's court that she's being framed by her co-accused and that she's received death threats. Three police officers are applying for bail for the murder of the 16-year-old who was gunned down last month just metres from his home in Eldorado Park, the south of Johannesburg. The state is opposing bail for the officers who are facing charges of murder, discharging a firearm, possession of illegal ammunition and defeating the ends of justice. Prabashini Moodley reports...
South Africa has resumed work on one of its COVID-19 vaccine trials that was recently put on hold. The research from the experimental trial developed by Oxford University and Pharmaceutical company - AstraZeneca - had also been halted in Brazil and the United Kingdom, after one of the UK participants had an adverse reaction. Prabashini Moodley reports...
It's a problem faced by parents across the globe...It's sleep deprivation - and it's caused by cute and cuddly babies who wake up frequently through the night leaving their parents red eyed and exhausted. The problem has come to the fore even more during the national lockdown, with mums and dads having to work from home, as well as juggle the family and household responsibilities - all without a good nights sleep. Melini Moses explores this issue and puts a sleep therapist to the test...
Photo by shiva_sq on unsplash
The beginning of spring in Johannesburg usually means the beginning of the arts calendar for revelers. With the Level 2 lockdown restrictions as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, things will be different this year. The 28th edition of the Arts Alive Festival officially kicked off this week, and because of restrictions on gatherings, many digital platforms will carry the productions. On Sunday, Jazz on the Lake goes virtual. The concert will feature performances from award winning South Africa artists Zoe Modiga, Shekhinah, Andile Yenana, Blaq Diamond, Thandi Ntulu, Ami Faku and others. Pearl Magubane filed this report…
The family of Tshepiso Adoons, who was shot dead allegedly by police in his shack in Tembisa, east of Johannesburg, seeks justice. The 22-year old, who was mentally impaired, was shot and killed on Monday. In an emotional funeral service, friends family and the Tembisa community gathered to bid him farewell. Pearl Magubane reports...
The owner of the restaurant in Florida, west of Johannesburg, where a four-year old girl was almost kidnapped says his paternal instincts kicked in when he tackled the suspect and wrestled him to the ground. In a video which has gone viral on social media, the suspect is seen storming into a pizza restaurant and grabbing the child while she's sitting at a table with her mother and another woman. The restaurant owner, can be seen wrestling the little girl away from the suspect, whom police say is not known to the mother. Sashin Naidoo has the details...
While COVID-19 and social distancing has caused a shift in learning within the classroom, some teachers say it's a move that may actually benefit weaker learners. Today marks International Literacy Day. The theme this year focuses on "Literacy teaching and learning during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond." It looks at the role of educators in a changing classroom environment. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Photojournalist, Jurgen Schadeberg, has been described as an incredible pictorial historian who played an integral role in capturing South Africa's struggle for freedom during apartheid. He died at the age of 89 at his home in Spain - last weekend, after suffering a stroke. Schadeberg, who was chief photographer at Drum magazine, is responsible for capturing many of the country's most iconic images, in particular Nelson Mandela. Prabashini Moodley compiled this report...
Exposure to other serious diseases in the past may have created an immunity to COVID-19 for many South Africans. That's according to Professor of Vaccinology at the University of the Witwatersrand, Shabir Madhi. He's currently looking into why South Africa's death rate is far lower than was initially predicted. This comes as the number of daily new infections has also dipped sharply. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Animal welfare organisations have warned pet owners to exercise caution as pet theft, especially the theft of dogs, is on the increase. In Johannesburg, no dog is safe. Experts say there's a black market for almost every type of dog - from small terrier breeds to power breeds like pit bulls, staffies and bull terriers, and large security dogs like Rottweilers, Boerboels and German Shepherds. Jamaine Krige reports…
Recent changes in legislation which decriminalises cannabis use for adults in South Africa has proven challenging for companies conducting drug screenings in the workplace. Cannabis can be detected for up to 4 weeks by standard urine tests - the type most often utilised in a work environment. These tests, however, do not tell you when the substance was used or whether the employee is impaired at the time of the test. Jamaine Krige reports…
Life comes with its ups and downs. Women in particular go through many hardships. These can be anything from work pressures, divorce and gender-based violence. To try and cope, some have turned to art for comfort and support. Pearl Magubane filed this report...
The mother of the 16-year-old Eldorado Park boy who was killed on Wednesday, allegedly by the police, says she'll miss him dearly. Nathaniel Julies, who was down syndrome, was shot dead under mysterious circumstances not far from his home on Wednesday evening. The incident sparked unrest, resulting in continuous running battles between the police and community members after they attacked the local police station. Three police officers have been wounded and four residents arrested. Wisani Makhubele reports....
South Africa has recorded a COVID-19 recovery rate of 80-percent - translating to over 466-thousand recoveries. This is above the global recovery rate of about 63-percent. This comes as President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the country would move to level 2 of the lockdown from midnight on Monday. SABC News' Zoleka Qodashe spent time with people that have recovered from the virus and they spoke about their experiences.....
An organisation representing over 200 foreign-trained medical graduates is preparing court papers to challenge the Health Professionals Council of South Africa for failing to register them. The South African Internationally Trained Health Professionals Association says they studied in countries like China, Mauritius, Russia and Romania. But they've had an uphill battle being admitted to the board examination in South Africa. Without this last step, their qualifications are incomplete. Prabashini Moodley reports...
A family in Tembisa on Gauteng's east rand is in limbo as they await DNA results to determine whether a baby that died at the Tembisa Hospital is theirs. It's been a gruelling six month wait and the police do not know when the test results will be available. Thabile Mbhele reports…..
The ban on the sale of alcohol and tobacco has given criminal networks total control of the market allowing the illicit trade to flourish. That's according to experts who've been discussing the impact of the illicit trade during the nationwide lockdown, in a webcast titled - Fraud and Corruption in the COVID-19 Era. Sashin Naidoo reports...
Police have launched a manhunt for a suspect accused of the rape of a 17-year old teenager at the Jampass informal settlement in Johannesburg. The rape survivor says the criminal justice system has failed her. She shared her story with the SABC in the hope that justice will be served. The name of the teenager has been changed for her safety. Maageketla Mohlabe and Pearl Magubane filed the following report...
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has requested more clarity on the details contained in the report on forced sterilisation of HIV positive women in South Africa. In February, the Commission for Gender Equality released a report on how 48 HIV positive women, were sterilised forcefully at 15 public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. The Commission revealed that the women were forced to sign consent forms under the guise that they were approving a caesarean section. Instead, nurses and doctors sterilised them. Thabile Mbhele reports…
There's been mixed views to the re-openig of schools. Millions of learners from all grades, except grades 5 and 8, resumed classes after months at home. Schools were first closed at the start of the national lockdown in March. In July, the President closed schools again for four weeks, becasue of rising Covid-19 infections. Many parents remain concerned about their children's well-being at school, but the Basic Education Department has been swift in assuring parents that adeqaute PPE will be provided and other Covid-19 protocols will be observed. Education stakeholders, including teacher unions and student body Cosas, are not completely happy about the resumption of learning and teaching. Tshepo Phagane compiled this national wrap....
Gauteng remains the most violent province in the country. More than four-thousand-500 people were murdered in the province between April last year and March this year. Close to 11-thousand sexual offences were reported to the police in the same period. The majority of them were rape incidents. The biggest hike recorded was for car-hijackings followed by robbery at non-residential properties. Gauteng police's top management presented the crime statistics to the Gauteng Legislature's Community Safety committee and told them that some of their interventions are beginning to yield results. Tshepo Phagane reports...
Student organisations are threatening to take on the National Students Financial Aid Scheme -- Nsfas -- for deregistering 5-thousand students from their database. This week, the scheme announced that 5-thousand students had misrepresented their family income and unfunded them. However, student organisations have called the move by Nsfas as irresponsible. They have called on the scheme to reverse the registration or face them in court. Angela Bolowana reports…
The Gauteng government expects more than a million children to return to school on Monday. That's in addition to the close to 3-hundred-thousand learners already back in class. It'll lead to a higher movement of people in the province. The move to lockdown level 2 also increases the risk on COVID-19 infections. These details were made public by the Gauteng Command Council at their weekly update on the COVID-19 pandemic. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The sound of applause and encores will once again be heard as South African performers return to live theatre. Under Level 2 of the lockdown, they will be performing on stage, in front of a maximum of 50 people. Many are excited as they prepare to welcome audiences back to theatre. They are also looking forward to generate much needed revenue. Pearl Magubane filed this report…
The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the country's inequalities. On the education front, one only needs to look at the disparities in how schools are dealing with disruptions to classroom-based teaching. Some have been able to switch to online learning, but those in poorer communities have had no such option. This came under discussion at a roundtable on basic education, hosted by the Mapungube Institute. Angela Bolowana reports...
The lifting of the alcohol ban this week, has again put South Africa's consumption patterns and the errant behaviour that goes with it, in the spotlight. The Association for Alcohol Responsibility and Education or AWARE, is urging drinkers to realise that alcohol abuse has grave consequences. It's one of the major drivers of domestic violence and takes up lots of resources when law enforcement officers have to deal with drunk driving. Prabashini Moodley reports...
A swift, efficient and cost-effective movement of commuters across all different modes of public transport. That's the vision the Gauteng government is working on for an integrated or single ticketing transport system. It's hoped that the improvements will significantly reduce traffic, curb taxi violence and drive economic growth. The newly-established Gauteng Transport Authority will drive the process and as Wisani Makhubele reports, a CEO is in place and government is in the process of appointing a board
Police in the Eastern Cape are investigating the murder of a 20-year-old woman, allegedly at the hands of her boyfriend. Asithandile Kwaza Zozo was stabbed and killed at a flat in Dutywa in the Eastern Cape on Monday. Her murder has sparked outrage and calls for justice have been trending on social media Jamaine Krige reports
Public trust in the government is declining under lockdown. And it's the state's implementation of the Covid relief package announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa and the corruption that's dogged the procurement of PPE and other medical equipment, that's behind the waning public trust. This emerged during a webinar by the University of Johannesburg and the HSRC on social division and declining trust. The findings are the result of a second multilingual online survey. As Pearl Magubane reports, South Africans had more faith in the government at the beginning of the pandemic…
Residents of Pimville in Soweto are outraged, after going without electricity for close on two-months. A transformer that blew up at an electricity substation, caused the latest power interruption. It happened after power was restored following load shedding. This caused a surge in electricity current. The majority of residents in Zone 7 are pensioners with underlying medical conditions that require that they be on a particular diet. They're unable to do so and in their desperation, residents have contributed some of their pension funds towards buying the damaged equipment. But as Tshepo Phagane reports, they're still not winning with Eskom
Lawyers For Black People have approached the High Court in Johannesburg to stop police from evicting tenants in Jeppe in the Johannesburg CBD. It's alleged that the police are removing defaulting tenants on the instruction of landlords. Lawyers for Black People's, Zuko Madikane, says the Jeppe Station Commander and the Minister of Police have been cited as respondents. Angela Bolowana reports that the case against the police officers will be heard in the High Court on Thursday, the 20th of August...
Teacher unions are concerned that only 60 percent of matriculants this year will be ready for their final exams. The unions conducted a survey with principals from 7-thousand schools nationwide. 40 percent said their schools will not have covered the grade 12 curriculum by the time students sit to write their exam in November. Angela Bolowana reports
Another Covid-19 vaccine trail has started in South Africa. The Novavax clinical trial is being led by Wits University professor Shabir Madhi. Studies of the Novavax vaccine conducted on non-human primates showed protection against SARS-Cov-2 infection in the nasal passage and lung disease. Madhi says the trial will help the country generate evidence on how well these vaccines work in an African context. Pearl Magubane reports
The Gauteng government, together with the City of Johannesburg, have launched a new strategy to stop land invasions and the mushrooming of informal settlements. They'll be deploying one-thousand-500 community patrollers across the province to identify and stop illegal occupations. Gauteng Human Settlements MEC, Lebogang Maile, unveiled the initiative in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg on Monday, Wisani Makhubele reports ...
President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement that the country has been moved to lockdown Level Two has been welcomed by the Tourism sector. But, it seems South Africans are still reluctant to indulge in domestic leisure travel. The country moved to Level Two at midnight -- allowing for a greater opening up of the economy. Some restrictions remain in place -- but the Tourism sector is hopeful that further job losses can be averted. Prabashini Moodley reports....
The scourge of gender-based violence, the impact of Covid-19 on women, as well as the issues of social grants came under the spotlight at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature's annual Women's Parliament today. The Women's Parliament,which was held virtually is part of commemorating Women's month. Women from various parts of the province debated and made recommendations on how to address gender-based violence, as well as how Covid-19 relief grants and food parcels can be efficiently distributed. Wisani Makhubele reports...
Gauteng schools have been distributing food parcels to poor learners. Some prepare food packs on a daily basis for poor learners to collect, while others have been calling parents every two weeks to collect food. The Department of Basic Education was forced by the courts to ensure that school feeding schemes continue to operate regardless of lockdown restrictions. As Angela Bolowana reports, schools have adopted different strategies to make good on the court order...
South Africa's leading science experts say that the actual Corona Virus death toll could be double what's being reported. According to the Chairperson of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Covid-19, Professor Salim Abdool Karim, the reported death toll is mainly an account of Covid-19 cases from hospitals and doesn't necessarily include those who pass away at home. This week, Professor Karim and other experts provided an indepth update on current COVID-19 trends in the country. Prabashini Moodley reports..
There could be 14 million more drug users on the continent in the next 30 years as Africa shifts from being a transit point to a consumer market for illicit drugs. This is according to a report by a group called Enhancing Africa's Response to Transnational Organised Crime, or ENACT. The organisation held a webinar aimed at interrogating what's behind the increase in drug trafficking in Africa. Zoleka Qodashe reports.
Gauteng is ready to relax lockdown regulations, but this must be done gradually. That's according to a member of the Premier's Advisory Committee, Professor Bruce Mellado. He had been speaking at the weekly briefing on the province's response to the corona virus pandemic. This comes amid reports that President Cyril Ramaphosa has been advised to open up the economy and relax lockdown regulations from level 3 to level 2. Wisani Makhubele reports
South Africa is ranked among the top five countries in the world when it comes to cyber bullying. And the majority of cases involve children under the age of 18. The revelations are contained in at least two recent studies. The Film and Publication Board and Children's rights organisations have called on parents to play a more pro-active role in monitoring their children's social media accounts in a bid to prevent cyber bullying. Thabile Mbhele reports
Emotional and psychological abuse, as well as sexual and financial exploitation are the hallmarks of cult churches. This emerged at today's virtual hearing of the CRL Rights Commission where experts in various fields shared their thoughts and experiences. It's part of the Commission's investigation into the commercialization of religion and the abuse of people's belief systems. The investigation was prompted by complaints it received of cult-like practices at some churches, as well as videos that went viral on social media showing some pastors feeding their congregants snakes and grass. Wisani Makhubele has more.
As public schools welcome back Grade seven learners this week, the South African Paediatric Association or SAPA is urging government to open schools to all learners. They say an extended closure because of the Covid-19 pandemic should not be considered. The Grade sevens joined the Grade twelve learners who've also returned to the classroom. Other grades are only expected to resume learning on the 24th of August. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the shutting down of public schools for four weeks last month.However, the countries leading paediatricians say that the benefits of attending school outweighs the risks to both children and the broader community. Prabashini Moodley reports
City of Johannesburg Housing MMC Mlungisi Mabaso says the City will not tolerate lawlessness. He was responding to the situation that is playing out in Fleurhof, south west of Johannesburg where scores of people have forcefully moved into RDP houses. They say the structures were completed about four years ago but have not been allocated since then. Horisani Sithole visited the area and filed this report...
Tributes are pouring in for veteran broadcaster, Bob Mabena, who died of suspected cardiac arrest on Monday after a short stay in a Johannebsurg Hospital at the weekend. Mabena was rushed back to hospital after his condition deteriorated. He was 51. Mabena celebrated over 30 years in the industry this year after hosting his first radio show in 1989 before going on to debut on TV, and releasing his own music. Zoleka Qodashe looks back on the life of the broadcasting icon...
The Tourism and Hospitality sector has not been spared from the jobs bloodbath seen in the country. According to Tourism Recovery South Africa - more than one million jobs are in jeopardy in the sector and more than six-hundred-thousand are currently facing retrenchment. Hotel and lodge owners have turned to the insurance industry for some relief but they're finding that claims they consider to be legitimate, are being declined. They say, this is despite them meeting the relevant criteria for such payouts. Prabashini Moodley reports....
Health care workers are pleading with government to provide them with quality PPE's. They say their lives are being compromised due to poor quality protective gear. More than 24-thousand health workers have tested positive for Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic, with close to 200 losing their lives. Ditaba Tsotetsi has more...
The Johannesburg Metro Police Department says it has seen a decline in the number of vehicle crashes reported in the city since the start of the national lockdown in March. Some vehicle repair shops say the drop in the number of vehicles needing repairs is costing them financially. Horisani Sithole compiled this report..
Craft brewers and micro-distillers are facing serious financial difficulties as the ban on alcohol continues. The industry has been booming in recent years and is mainly made up of small businesses. Selling liquor is their core business and with the ban on the sale of alcohol, income streams have dried up for some. Pearl Magubane compliled this report...
A funding dispute between the Basic Education Department and the Vaal University of Technology has left many students without money for food and books. The Education Department has blamed VUT for not submitting claims on time and of misrepresenting their fee structure. Wisani Makhubele reports...
There's still much debate in scientific circles on whether you can be re-infected with Covid-19. Well that's exactly what appears to have happened to a specialist eye doctor at a public hospital in Johannesburg. Doctor Teboho Seobi has contracted COVID-19 twice in three months. Health authorities have described this as a rare occurrence. Doctor Seobi is worried she might contract it again as her workplace has high numbers of infected patients. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Civic organisations have raised alarm over the number of evictions that have been happening around the country. While municipalities have been singled out for many of the evictions, private landlords are allegedly using bouncers to unlawfully evict tenants. This as many people lose their jobs and fail to meet their rental obligations. Angela Bolowana has more...
The closure of schools due to Covid-19 lockdown regulations has serious consequences for children's development. Education experts say that the first three years of school are crucial for building fundamental skills such as reading. Global studies have shown that South Africa lags behind when it comes to addressing chronic literacy problems at primary school level. Improving on this has taken a knock as some learners can only obtain the skill at school. Pearl Magubane reports…
Not enough South African mothers are exclusively breastfeeding their children. The country's breastfeeding rates are currently at 32 percent, below the WHO's recommended rate of 50 percent. This has emerged at the launch of National Breastfeeding Week. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Artists often rely on what is happening around them for inspiration. As the world goes through the coronavirus pandemic, people have been forced to adapt to the changes around them. While some artists have used this time to reflect on old material, others have changed how they write songs and create melodies. Pearl Magubane compiled this report…
With the prolonged lockdown, an increasing number of COVID-19 deaths and strict funeral protocols, South Africans are opting for alternative ways to express their grief. The African Evangelist Church Women's fellowship group in Johannesburg, bid farewell to one of its own, with a drive-through condolence session. Ditaba Tsotetsi reports..
The South African Union of Students has lambasted some institutions for failing to protect returning students. Thousands of students have gone back to campus following the Department of Higher Education's decision to allow medical students and final year students back to school. Angela Bolowana reports...
Funeral parlours are outraged at the protracted tasks relating to the processing of documentation that enable them to transport bodies out of the country for burial. They say since the outbreak of the Corona Virus, it now takes more than a week to finalise paperwork of foreign nationals who die in the country, resulting in bodies piling up at mortuaries. This has left many frustrated and has added to their woes as the COVID-19 death toll soars. Sashin Naidoo has the details...
Funeral parlours are under immense pressure and are battling to cope with the high number of burials they have to perform daily due to increased deaths from the Coronavirus. They say bodies are piling up and at times they are forced to wait at the cemeteries for graves to be dug. The pandemic has drastically transformed the death-care industry with staff also fear contracting the virus. Sashin Naidoo reports..
The surge in the number of Corona Virus cases has forced hospitals to postpone non-essential operations which has caused a backlog of children in urgent need of life changing surgery. To ensure patient safety and to enable hospitals to effectively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, all elective surgeries have been postponed, since the beginning of the lockdown. The SMILE foundation is now rallying to provide financial support to hospitals in order for cleft lip palate operations to take place. Prabashini Moodley reports...
The family of a nine-year-old learner who was denied entry into a private Christian school in Johannesburg for wearing Isiphandla, says they are taking legal action against the school. The learner's mother, Nelly Sisilana Mthembu, says her son will not return to the Christian Life Private School after he was barred from entering the school for wearing the bracelet made from animal skin. Prabashini Moodley reports...
The conflict between the use of African Traditional Medicine and Western medicine has intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no existing vaccine or cure for the virus which has claimed around 654-thousand lives globally. In South Africa, many people have sought to use an age old African herb called Artemisia afra or umhlonyane in Nguni, to manage symptoms of COVID-19. Thabile Mbhele reports…
The corona virus infection is unmasking diabetes that's undiagnosed by causing high glucose levels. That's according to at least two Johannesburg based specialist doctors dealing with diabetes. They are seeing more patients presenting with diabetes after a corona virus infection. They have encouraged people to always test their glucose levels at every health screening, particularly now during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thabile Mbhele reports…
A vaginal ring has moved one step closer to becoming a new HIV prevention method for women in sub-Saharan Africa. This comes after the Europe's regulatory body gave the dapivirine vaginal ring the green light. The vaginal ring - which contains an antiretroviral dapivirine - releases the antiretroviral over a period of a month, showed that it reduces chances of HIV transmission by 35 percent in women. The authorisation allows the International Partnership for Microbicides, the manufacturers of the vaginal ring, to obtain approvals for the ring to be used in countries where it is needed the most including in South Africa. Thabile Mbhele reports...
A KwaZulu-Natal man remains baffled as he is still COVID-19 positive, despite a strict 14-day quarantine. The government employee conducted the test after his wife tested positive for the Corona Virus that has already claimed almost 6-thousand lives in the country. This comes after Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize announced last week that the recommended isolation period for patients with a confirmed Covid-19 infection has been reduced from 14 to 10 days. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Reports of people overdosing on umhlonyane or Artemisia afra have sparked a debate on how to use the African traditional herb in the prevention and management of diseases. Umhlonyane has been used for decades by traditional healers to treat various illnesses, including respiratory symptoms. However recently, people have started abusing and overdosing on umhlonyane as they try to prevent contracting the coronavirus. Currently there is no vaccine or cure for COVID-19. Thabile Mbhele reports....
The Travel and Tourism industry have formed a united front to write an open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa to be addressed on when the sector is likely to re-open. The group called - Tourism Recovery South Africa says, more than one million jobs are in jeopardy with more than six-hundred-thousand currently facing retrenchments. Prabashini Moodley reports…
Staff at the Phoenix Community Health Centre, north of Durban have accused the clinic management of failing to safeguard their health. They say many Covid-19 protocols are not being adhered to, putting their lives and that of patients at risk. Hundreds of patients go to the clinic seeking medical attention every day. Prabashini Moodley reports….
At least 67 teachers in the Eastern and Western Cape have died of COVID-19 since the reopening of schools last month. Another 300 of them have tested positive for COVID-19 across the country. It is for this reason that the South African Democratic Teachers Union is calling for the closure of schools until the peak of the COVID-19 infections subsides. The union held a National Executive Council meeting earlier today and resolved that schools should close immediately to prevent further infections and loss of lives. Thabile Mbhele reports…
As countries prepare for a post-COVID19 world - the President of the United Nations Climate Change COP26 says climate action should not be ignored. The UK Environment Minister, Zac Goldsmith says whilst there is a strong focus on economic recovery - it wouldn't be wise to leave out actions towards the climate emergency. Goldsmith was speaking in a high-level webinar on "Building a clean and resilient recovery from COVID-19. Noma Bolani compiled this report....
Before deciding to get tested for the Coronavirus, be certain that you really need to. Healthcare services are currently overwhelmed with people coming in to get tested for Covid-19. But healthcare practitioners say some of the tests are unnecessary and are contributing to the current backlog and delays in test results. Pearl Magubane reports....
Veteran Actress Mary Twala- Mhlongo has been described as a legend good at her craft, with a great sense of humour. Tributes continue to pour in for Vetaran Actress Mary Twala Mhlongo. Twala- Mhlongo passed away at the Parklane Hospital in Johannesburg. She was 80. Mhlongo had an extensive career in film and TV, and was recently awarded The Order of Ikhamanga in Silver by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Pearl Magubane reports...
Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting have been added to the list of new symptoms for COVID-19 by the Centre for Disease Control. It says older people and those with underlying medical conditions remain at an increased risk for severe illness. In South Africa public health experts have warned the public against linking individual symptoms to COVID-19 and rushing to get tested. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Postponing pregnancy while women focus on their careers and travelling has been cited as one of the reasons behind high infertility rates in South Africa and globally. It is estimated that one in six couples experiences infertility globally. This means they are unable to conceive within the first year or more of trying for a baby. Genetic issues, various medical conditions and low sperm count in men have been highlighted as some of the causes of infertility as the world commemorates Infertility Awareness Month in June. The President of the Southern African Society of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy, Doctor Sulaiman Heylen, says infertility problems are equally spread among both genders...
Healthcare workers who have tested positive for the Corona Virus in Gauteng say they fear their children will become orphaned as a result of them being on the frontline of fighting COVID-19. This as the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa or DENOSA today reported that around 450 nurses in Gauteng have tested positive. Yesterday Gauteng Health MEC Dr Bandile Masuku announced that more than 900 public sector workers tested positive in the province. Prabashini Moodley filed this report...
South African scientists are among teams of world experts trying to find a vaccine for COVID-19. This week they started the first of three vaccine clinical trials that hope to effectively respond to the global pandemic. The trails aim to find a vaccine that will prevent infection by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The vaccine is made from the adenovirus, which is a weakened and non-replicating version of a common cold virus. The vaccine has been engineered to express the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Thabile Mbhele reports…
While South Africa's Corona Virus cases have well surpassed the 100-thousand mark, experts warn that the numbers are expected to reach much higher levels. This as the peak of infection is likely to be recorded between August and September this year. To date more than 1.5 million tests have been conducted, and more than 2200 lives have been lost. Prabashini Moodley with this report.......
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, says while he commends the availability and use of personal protective equipment in Gauteng hospitals, he would like to see some facilities fill vacancies before the Corona Virus peak, which is expected in August. The Committee on Health this week conducted an oversight visit to assess the state of quarantine sites and readiness of public and private hospitals to deal with the virus. Prabashini Moodley reports.....
Gauteng is working on implementing rotational and shift learning when pupils return to school on July the 6th. Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi, made the announcement when the province's Command Council updated the media on COVID-19 developments. Lesufi says 246 learners and educators have tested positive for the Corona Virus in Gauteng schools. Prabashini Moodley reports...
A 150-million rand large-scale clinical trial for a COVID19 vaccine begins in South Africa on Wednesday (24 June). This has been announced at a virtual media conference hosted by the University of the Witwatersrand. The trial titled "South African Ox1Cov-19 Vaccine VIDA-Trial" is sponsored by the University of Oxford and the Jenner Institute and funded by the South African Medical Research Council and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The vaccine is made from a weakened version of a common cold virus. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Mothers in Orange Farm, Gauteng say, the savage murder of the three-year-old toddler in the area has instilled fear for their own lives and those of their children. The young girl’s lifeless body was found in a basket tucked away in a burnt bush with multiple stab wounds on Thursday this week. This comes as Gauteng police confirmed that the body of a woman was found near the Golden Highway, also in Orange Farm. While no arrests have yet been secured, the community is demanding justice as Prabashini Moodley reports…
Fear grips many women across the country, as they ask themselves if they too will become a statistic of gender based violence. This comes as a suspect in the murder of Tshegofatso Pule was arrested and appeared in court on Wednesday. Tshegofatso Pule - who was 8 months pregnant - was found hanging from a tree - with stab wounds - in Roodepoort west of Johannesburg, early this month. She is just one of a number of women that have been brutally murdered, recently. Pearl Magubane has compiled this report on how some women feel about being a woman in South Africa at this time...
The Palm Ridge Regional Court, in Ekurhuleni has granted bail of R100 000 each to eight of the accused in the VBS bank heist matter. In delivering his judgement on bail, Magistrate Brian Nemavhidi said, in view of the state opposing bail, the court did not deem fit to detain the applicants. They face 47 charges of fraud, racketeering, corruption, theft and money laundering related to the R2.3 billion-rand VBS scandal. Its believed, stokvel groups, pensioners and 20 municipalities lost billions of rands that was alleged looted. Prabashini Moodley reports...
The African Union is launching a new marketplace to allow member states to access critical medical supplies to respond adequately to the Coronavirus outbreak on the continent. Chairperson President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed this new initiative in his address during the virtual Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on COVID-19. Africa has over a 181-thousand cases of Coronavirus with more than 4 200 deaths. Noma Bolani reports...
Dozens of families from Diepsloot, section three are without electricity for the past month in the midst of Winter in Gauteng. They say, keeping warm and preparing a hot meal remains a daily struggle. This as winter in the country has caused a surge in the demand for electricity Prabashini Moodley reports…
As the continent celebrated the Day of the African Child on Tuesday - the United Nations Children Fund in Southern and Eastern Africa hosted a panel of children discussing the coronavirus and its impact. And with countries easing lockdown measures - the debate around the reopening of schools presented some concerns on both sides of the coin. Noma Bolani spoke to UNICEF in the region and filed this report...
Health experts are concerned about the impact of having both COVID-19 and the seasonal influenza at the same time on South Africans. While it's unclear how both viruses will affect patients, the experts however believe that the current standard prevention methods for COVID 19 will be crucial in managing the influenza virus as well. Social distancing, good hand hygiene, wearing of masks and protecting older citizens and those with underlying illnesses will minimise the impact of both viruses during the winter months. Thabile Mbhele reports....
Men are been called out to end the abuse and murder of women as Tshegofatso Pule is laid to rest. Pule was found murdered and hanging from a tree in a veld in Roodepoort west of Johannesburg on Monday. The 28-year-old who was 8-months pregnant at the time was found with a stab wound on the chest. She was buried at the Roodepoort Cemetery today. Pearl Magubane reports…
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga says learners and teachers are adjusting well to the Covid-19 environment in schools since they re-opened on Monday. There were concerns over the department's readiness for the resumption of classes as the numbers of Corona virus infections escalate. Motshekga visited three schools in Midrand, north of Johannesburg today to observe how they're doing and whether they're adhering to health and safety regulations under level 3 of the national lockdown. Wisani Makhubele reports...
Gauteng Cooperative Governance MEC, Lebogang Maile says Gauteng municipalities lost about 4-billion rand in uncollected revenue in the past two months due to the impact of COVID-19. He says his department will engage Eskom and Rand Water to negotiate payment arrangements for bulk supply services due to municipalities struggling to meet their financial obligations as a result of the lost revenue. Maile also announced the appointment of a new administrator for the cash-strapped Emfuleni Local Municipality. The Vaal-based municipality had its assets attached in March because it owed Eskom over 2.3 billion rands for bulk electricity supply. Wisani Makhubele reports...
South Africans need to adopt a serious behavioural change with regards to the consumption of alcohol, as the world is still grappling with the threat of COVID-19. That's government's message as the country enters the second week after the ban on the sale of alcohol was lifted. This comes amid concerns over the abuse of alcohol last week, which resulted in multiple fatal road crashes. There was also a spike in people admitted to various hospitals' trauma units. Some people were stabbed or shot and assaulted in alcohol-related fights. As Wisani Makhubele reports, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has warned that the decision to allow the sale of alcohol could be reversed if things get out of control...
South African teenagers say the national lockdown introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa has caused great distress and difficulty in their lives. Last week a large group of youth participated in a webinar organised by Media Monitor Africa and Childline South Africa. Since the start of the lockdown, Childline has received an influx of calls from children who fear contracting COVID-19 and those who have reported physical and sexual abuse. Prabashini Moodley reports
South African repatriates, who were forced into mandatory quarantine after arriving back into the country, say they were treated like prisoners while under quarantine. They allege they were ill-treated and forced to live under unhygienic conditions, where they did not receive medical care. Now civil rights group -- Afriforum -- is taking their plight to court and wants repatriates to be allowed to self-quarantine. Prabashini Moodley reports....
While many have bemoaned about the strict conditions of the global lockdown – South Africans say, the experience of being confined and living with less has taught them valuable lessons that will alter life even after the deadly Corona Virus. From, learning how to live simply to repairing broken relationships – COVID-19 has certainly changed the outlook of our day-to-day lives. Prabashini Moodley questions how South Africans will interpret and implement these lessons even after the pandemic
Young people have great recovery rates after being infected with COVID19 since they are generally healthy with little or no commodities. This means they have a better chance of fully recovering from COVID 19 than people in other age groups. It's estimated that only six out of the 1210 deaths (as of the 10th of June) have been of young people under the age of 20 in South Africa. Thabile Mbhele reports…
There's been a spike in alcohol-related crimes since the country moved to alert Level 3 of the nationwide lockdown. There are concerns that the lifting of the ban may derail work done to fight the coronavirus pandemic. Last week President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the introduction of Level 3 of the lockdown and that alcohol would be sold under strict conditions. Zoleka Qodashe compiled this report...
A Cape Town-based anaesthetist is calling for an end to the stigma associated with COVID19. The doctor who works in theatre in the private sector contracted the virus from a patient he had worked on during an important procedure in hospital. Doctor Dhinesh Singh has shared his experience during the launch of a 24-hour-helpline for health workers launched by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group and other key medical organisations this week. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Child health experts says there's no need to worry about a Kawasaki-like disease in South Africa. It's believed that the condition as seen in Europe and America, is an extremely rare complication of COVID-19. Kawasaki disease mainly affects children under the age of five and presents with symptoms such as a rash, swollen glands in the neck as well as dry and cracked lips. Some experts also believe it's safe for children to return to school since they are not the main carriers of the virus. Thabile Mbhele reports....
Failure to understand contracts and admin has led to a lot of artists losing out on their royalties. The music industry has come under scrutiny following a number of artists who received food parcels, and some artists warning that they would not survive the national COVID-19 lockdown. With the call for more local content to be on high rotation to support artists, who stands to benefit? Pearl Magubane looks at why artists have been so vulnerable...
The spread of Covid-19 has had a drastic impact on the tourism sector, with some small businesses forced to shut their doors. Small tour operators are looking at other ways to sustain themselves. While the popular Vilakazi Street in Soweto has been quiet - bicycles and tuk tuks that were used to transport tourists are now being used for deliveries. Pearl Magubane reports....
South Africa could prevent thousands of deaths if it was able to identify what are called 'super spreaders' of the Covid-19 virus in the coming weeks and months. These are individuals who infect a large group of people at one given time, spreading the virus uncontrollably. Health experts believe that coupled with government intensified efforts of screening and testing, and members of the public taking responsibility, we could see far fewer deaths than predicted. Thabile Mbhele reports....
The South African Democratic Teachers Union says if schools did not receive the relevant personal protective equipment this week, their members will not return to work. This after Education minister Angie Motshekga announced that teachers will return to school this week to prepare for the return of Grade 7 and 12 pupils on the first of June 2020. Schools across the country have closed for more than nine weeks since the national lockdown was implemented in March this year. Prabashini Moodley...
Scientists and Researchers say, with the large number of fatalities linked to COVID-19 - there is increased pressure and strain on their shoulders to develop a vaccine to treat it. Doctors say while efforts are still underway to create a vaccine for HIV and AIDS, there is great optimism that a vaccine will be made available for COVID-19 within a few years. Prabashini Moodley filed this report....
The province of Gauteng has shifted it's COVID-19 testing strategy from door-to-door to a more targeted tracing technique. That's according to Acting Director General for the National Department of Health Dr Anban Pillay. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Psychologists say the return of thousands of learners to school next month will prove to be a challenging time for both them and parents. This comes after Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga announced that both public and private schools, would reopen for only for grades seven and 12 on the first of next month. However, after ten weeks of being confined to learning online - experts say the transition back to a routine needs to begin soon. Prabashini Moodley reports...
The future of Medical Aid Schemes post the COVID-19 pandemic hangs in the balance. There are fears that a number of people will be forced out of schemes as there are projections of job losses as a result of the pandemic. It's estimated that millions of people will be retrenched and salaries slashed after the national lockdown because companies would have lost profits during the lockdown. Some Medical Aid schemes have already raised alarm that their reserves are being eroded with some fearing closure, depending on how many members lose jobs. Thabile Mbhele reports…
About 15-per cent of Wits University's students have not been able to access the online system. This is according to the SRC at the institution. It says says it has received calls from students asking to deregister from their courses because of the inability to cope with online learning. Students also say they can't complete the workload they get from the institution because their environment is not conducive to learning. About 38-thousand students are currently studying through the university. Students across the country have been learning through online platforms due to the coronavirus pandemic and the nationwide lockdown for two months. Zoleka Qodashe reports...
The majority of provinces are not ready for the re-opening of schools on the 1st of June. That's the view expressed by teacher unions and school governing bodies. This is in reaction to Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga's announcement that Grades 12 and Seven will be returning to class as part of a phased approach. However, unions and school governing bodies are not convinced that all schools would have received personal protective equipment and other essentials required to curb the spread of the corona virus before the 1st of June. Wisani Makhubele reports....
There's been a drop in the number of chronic patients collecting their medication since the lockdown. In Gauteng, about 10-thousand HIV and a thousand TB patients have not collected their medication in the public sector since March. However, the private health sector says it is seeing an increase in the number of patients using the home delivery service. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Medical aid scheme members have an option to take a payment holiday of up to three months as people battle financially as a result of the national lockdown. The proposed payment holidays vary with each scheme. Some say non-payment will mean no access to medical aid services for that period of time while others are offering lower packages. Thabile Mbhele has more…
While parents remain concerned about their child's health and well-being upon their return to school amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many say it's in their best interest for them to return. Since the start of the lockdown almost two months ago, home-schooling became the new norm in households across the country. However, it seems to have been an overwhelming task, as many parents found it challenging - particularly those who continued to work. SABC news spoke to a few Johannesburg parents who say their children are better suited to a formal learning environment, rather than being home-schooled. Sashin Naidoo has the details...
Gauteng Premier David Makhura says he estimates that up to two million people could lose their jobs in the province. Makhura says the economic impact of Covid-19 will be far worse than initially thought. He has been answering questions during the Gauteng Legislature's first Virtual House Sitting. The sitting marked the official launch of Gauteng's Digital Legislature. Wisani Makhubele reports.....
INTRO: The Gauteng City Region Academy will soon be hiring thousands of unemployed youth -- to help curve the spread of the coronavirus in schools. Under the programme dubbed 'COVID BRIGADES', successful applicants will be placed in schools and government buildings to do screening, data capturing and to monitor social distancing and sanitising compliance. Gauteng currently has the second highest number of infections in the country with over 2-thousand 3-hundred cases and 27 deaths. Sashin Naidoo reports...
INTRO: The South African comedy industry has been amongst the hardest hit by the national lockdown -- forcing performers to take to online platforms in a bid to earn income. Before the implementation of the lockdown -- the only way to catch a glimpse of your favourite performer was to purchase a ticket and attend their shows or book them for a private event. However -- with social gatherings prohibited to stop the spread of COVID-19 -- performers are now migrating to the virtual world to market their talent. Sashin Naidoo compiled this report...
An eye surgeon in Johannesburg is grateful none of her friends, family and patients contracted COVID-19 from her. She is one of thousands of South Africans, who've tested positive for coronavirus and has been cleared of it. Teboho Seobi, from Springs in Ekurhuleni, is an ophthalmologist at a public hospital in Johannesburg. She believes her faith pulled her through the COVID-19 infection. Thabile Mbhele reports…
The impact of Covid-19 has left many Grade-12 learners feeling stressed and anxious. Most of them are now relying on online learning as they try to cover up for lost time and get through the final year of high school. But without the face to face interaction and support from teachers, studying is proving to be a daunting task that requires serious discipline and commitment. Pearl Magubane filed this report….
Anxiety over the possibility of job losses is rife in the South African film industry as a result of the lockdown. A film and events company in Johannesburg has informed its employees that it's closing down, while independent filmmakers have lost out on lucrative projects. Pearl Magubane filed this report…
After seven weeks of being confined in doors, with no schooling and little physical activity - South African children have been left feeling gloomy and aggrieved. In terms of the lockdown regulations, all people except those performing essential work must remain in doors. Psychologists believe this restrictiveness has had serious implications for the young one's as Prabashini Moodley reports...
The late Chairperson of the Council for Medical Schemes, Doctor Clarence Mini has been remembered for his commitment to transforming the health sector. The freedom fighter has been honoured for dedicating his life to ensuring justice for the vulnerable and poor. A memorial service for Doctor Mini was held at the Council for Medical Aid Schemes offices in Pretoria today attended by Former Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaahla and a number of senior leaders in the healthcare sector. 69-year-old Mini succumbed to COVID19 complications on Monday after being hospitalised for over a month. Thabile Mbhele reports ..…
The COVID-19 pandemic has robbed the country of a decisive leader, who was committed to bringing transformation in the medical aid scheme industry. These are some of the sentiments from various stakeholders in the health sector following the death of the chairperson of the Council for Medical Schemes, Dr Clarence Mini. Sixty-nine-year old Mini is one of 219 South Africans, who have succumbed to COVID-19. He died on Monday after spending over a month in hospital. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Property owners say non-payment of rent under the current lockdown has left them in a serious financial predicament. After seven weeks of the national lockdown, millions of South Africans have been without a stable income thus preventing them from paying their monthly rent. With the property sector grounded as a result of the lockdown - the viewing of houses is also currently not permitted. Prabashini Moodley reports...
While gyms are closed during the lockdown and there's only a small window for outdoor exercise, experts say there are still plenty of ways to stay fit and healthy at home. Many South Africans have taken to social media, to share how they've been over eating with little exercise while being confined to their homes. Prabashini Moodley looks at how we can to stick to a fitness regimen under the lockdown
A research study has shown that urgent interventions are needed to break the cycle of mental and health problems from one generation to the other in Soweto. This should be done by prioritising health and well-being of young women because they carry the next generation. This has come out of The Soweto Young Women's Study looking at the state of health of young women in before and after they have babies. Thabile Mbhele reports…
The Performing arts industry is now moving performances to digital platforms as the Corona virus has forced the closure of threatre and production houses. With the eased level four lockdown restrictions, the performing arts has been granted permission to continue productions, however under strict Covid-19 restrictions using streaming services. Pearl Magubane picks up the story....
Parents have expressed mixed views on homeschooling and online learning during the lockdown period. While some have found different ways to cope and balance parenthood and learning, others are in quite the rush for school to reopen. Last week, Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga said there was still no finality on the reopening of schools but proposed that Grades 7 and 12 head back to the classroom on June 1. SABC News visited some homes to see how parents have adjusted. Zoleka Qodashe reports...
Six weeks into the COVID-19 enforced national lockdown, many business owners as well as their employees are now financially crippled - after being left in the lurch by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). Many people have responded to SABC News via social media to express outrage over the UIF payment process, with some saying that they were only paid out just a few rands - after years of contributions to the fund. Others are frustrated after their claims were rejected as well as the slow pace at which payments are being processed. However, the UIF is adamant that payments are being made within 48-hours, if employers submit all the relevant documentation. Sashin Naidoo has the details...
The Office of the South African Military Ombud is investigating 38 complaints against members of the South African National Defence Force during the lockdown. The complaints relate to allegations of excessive force and physical abuse leveled against members of the public. This as police are also investigating the death of a man from Alexandra, north of Johannesburg, after he was allegedly beaten by defence force members, last month. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Thousands of civil society organisations across the country are currently at risk of closure if the lack of government funding persists. With billions of rands being dedicated to fighting to the Corona Virus pandemic, NGO's that provide crucial support to government have received little to no funding since March. NGO's question the slash in funding saying, their trained professionals can assist government speed up COVID-19 awareness and testing programmes. Prabashini Moodley file this report...
President of the South African Medical Research Council Professor Glenda Grey says the country is expected to see a huge surge in the number of Covid-19 infections between July and September this year. This will be during the peak of Winter. This comes as government eased the lockdown from level 5 to level 4. South Africa has so far recorded 148 deaths due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Midwives say there is a lot of fear of the invisible enemy called COVID-19 among themselves and mothers in the maternity and labour wards. They have been urged to take extra precautions, as they bring new life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The world commemorated International Midwives Day this week. The World Health Organisation says of the 43-point-5 million health workers in the world, 20-point-7 million of them are nurses and midwives. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Some learners, across the country, have shared the difficulties they have faced with online learning and being out of the classroom during the lockdown. Education remains one of South Africa's unequal sectors and the shift to online platforms for the dissemination of information means some will not have access. However, the Basic Education department has made content available on platforms such as TV and radio stations. But will this bridge the gap? Minister Angie Motshekga proposed that the re-opening of schools for Grades 7 and 12 be at the beginning of June, yet the dominant narrative is that learners should remain at home until the end of the pandemic. Zoleka Qodashe reports...
Health experts have warned of an upsurge in non-communicable diseases -- NCDs -- as the world's attention is focused on COVID-19. NCDs are lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and cancers. They account for about 41 million deaths globally each year. The lockdowns, currently being enforced in different countries around the world, have been blamed for exacerbating life-style diseases due to poor physical exercises and access to healtheir foods. Thabile Mbhele reports….
There's been a 25 percent increase in the number of people watching pornography globally since countries enforced lockdowns due to COVID19. Some of the key populations such as Men who have Sex with Men (MSMS) have turned to pornography for pleasure as they are forced to keep social distance with their casual sex partners. Meanwhile there's growing concern that there will be a spike in the number of new HIV infections among key populations such as sex workers, men who have sex with men and drug injecting users in South Africa. This comes with the interruption of HIV programmes as focus shifts to COVID-19. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The World Health Organisation has warned that TB should not be neglected as it claims 1.5 million lives each year. This as International health bodies warn against shifting TB resources to combating COVID19. There's growing fear that health systems are shifting focus from other deadly diseases to just COVID19 thus exposing millions of people to risk of severe illness and even death. As Thabile Mbhele reports there are many similarities yet also stark differences between TB and COVID19 and the responses thereof .…
Health experts warn that we are still far from understanding the true extent of COVID-19 infections in South Africa. They say the number of new infections released daily, does not show the extent of the spread of the virus in communities. South Africa is seeing a spike in the number of new infections. On Thursday they jumped by 318 cases. But experts says this is a result of aggressive screening and testing in communities. Thabile Mbhele reports....
As finances and food sources are depleted, the situation for South African holiday makers stranded in countries around the world is becoming more desperate. For some, a romantic getaway has turned into a vacation from hell. The national lockdown has meant that thousands of South Africans who were abroad at the time of the announcement have been left deserted. Prabashini Moodley reports...
The Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) says there has been an increase in online music piracy since the lockdown. According to Risa, some of the biggest hits in South Africa have been affected - with eMcimbini by Kabza de Small leading the pack. Others include Love Letter by Blaq Diamond, Umlilo by DJ Zinhle, and Love You Tonight by MFR Souls and Joyous Celebration. Pearl Magubane reports....
The South African National AIDS Council, SANAC, wants HIV and TB screening to be incorporated into the testing and screening for COVID-19. It says it does not want to see a reversal of progress made in the country's HIV and TB response due to the emergence of the corona virus. The issue was raised during SANAC's panel discussion on the impact of COVID19 on people living with HIV and TB. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Could some people in the creative and cultural sector miss out on the funds set aside by government to help them, simply because they don't have internet access? This is the opinion of some, who say the application process that was set up to help those who needed it the most, was flawed from the beginning. Last month, Minister Nathi Mthethwa announced a 150 million rand relief fund to help ease the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the livelihood of those in the sporting and cultural sectors. The department emphasized that the fund was set up to assist all athletes and arts practitioners, based on a set of criteria defined for each of the two sectors. Over 6 000 applications have been made from artists who seek relief. Pearl Magubane reports ...
Clashes between police and residents of Lawley, South of Johannesburg led to the arrest of thirteen people for public violence. This after a City of Johannesburg operation carried out by the Red Ants and the JMPD led to the demolition of several shacks in the informal settlement for the second time in a week on Tuesday. Residents responded by pelting officers and Inyalas with rocks. Last week Thursday, a similar operation took place, leaving some people displaced. Zoleka Qodashe reports...
Residents in Lawley in the south of Johannesburg are demanding that City of Johannesburg Mayor, Geoff Makhubo, and Gauteng Human Settlements MEC, Lebogang Maile, provide relief for them. This is after some 500 people allegedly had their homes demolished and were evicted from the area. They say they have been left destitute after the operation by the City on Thursday. The City however says criminals have taken advantage of the current lockdown by invading land in the city. It says it's clamping down on illegal land invasions by removing half-built structures in the area. Zoleka Qodashe compiled this report...
South African children are taking serious measures to ensure they do not become infected with COVID-19. They say while they love being home with their parents, the extended lockdown has caused them to miss their regular lives. With restricted movement and the temporary closure of schools, many children are missing their friends, teachers and normal lives. Prabashini Moodley spoke to a number of children about Covid19 and the lockdown
Organisations are encouraging women to use codes to access help when faced with gender-based violence during the lockdown. Beyond Zero, a Non-Profit Organisation, has encouraged women to have a special code they can use to alert their next of kin when in trouble. A security company has also advised women to set off the alarm and deliberately use a wrong password as a call for help. Gender-based violence has been in the spotlight in recent months as activists call on government to do more to protect innocent women and children. Thabile Mbhele reports....
The South African education sector has been forced to embrace online schooling during the national lockdown period. South Africa has seen a rise in online educational platforms where the traditional way of teaching and learning is radically changing. Parents have raised concern about the amount of work they have to put in to assist their children at home while also having to pay school fees. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Sensitive: A family from Tembisa in Gauteng are unable to bury their 11-year-old child as police are still unable to locate his missing head. The boy's body was found decapitated in a field in Mayibuye, Rabie Ridge last weekend, two days after he was reported missing. In a separated incident, the body of a five-year-old was found naked at an Orange Farm tavern this week. Gauteng MEC For Community Safety Faith Mazibuko and acting MEC for Social Development Panyaza Lesufi visited both the families. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Field workers at the forefront of screening and testing for COVID-19, say resistance from community members to conduct screening for COVID-19 has been their main challenge in fighting the virus. This despite, twenty-eight-thousand community healthcare workers being deployed by the Department of Health to visit homes and detect cases before they reach epidemic levels. The Gauteng Department of Health joined teams of field workers at the Glen Marikana informal settlement in Kempton Park. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Thousands of South Africans undergo screening for the coronavirus at various sites across the country each day. This is part of government's efforts to identify and trace as many COVID-19 positive people as possible. SABCnews visited Kagiso Township, west of Johannesburg, where a mobile van visits different sites in the area to test those who are suspected of having contracted the virus. Thabile Mbhele has more...
While South Africa's national lockdown has forced many companies to equip employees to work from home, analysts believe the model will be introduced by many corporates after the COVID-19 outbeak subsides. South Africans who are working from home say their productivity levels have since increased as Prabashini Moodley reports...
Artists, theatre production houses and event organizers, who rely on live performances, are feeling the brunt since the Covid 19 lockdown. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a 21 day lockdown of the country, which meant that all event and social gathering had to come to an end. The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture announced measures and a relief fund of R150 million towards assisting artists, athletes, technical personnel etc. The fund is to support primarily small businesses that are likely to suffer the most during the COVID- 19 crisis. Pearl Magubane reports....
Residents of Alexandra, north of Johannesburg, say they are in desperate need of food parcels. On Tuesday, hundreds of community members flocked to a nearby school in the hope of receiving food relief after a hoax message was circulated. Chaos erupted in the area forcing Johannesburg Mayor, Geoff Makhubo, to visit vulnerable families in the township. Zoleka Qodashe reports...
Two siblings from Northcliff in Johannesburg are using their musical talent to serenade health workers, who are at the forefront of the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic. The pair aged 11 and 12, play their bagpipes and drums every night at seven o'clock in the evening, while their neighbours join in by clapping and cheering them on. Zoleka Qodashe has more...
Pathology laboratories say the national lockdown has bought them some time to plan ahead for the worst as the country is yet to see a peak in COVID-19 infections. They are looking at getting equipment and devises to test for coronavirus that are quicker and will drastically reduce turnaround time to less than an hour. This as the country approached the third week of lockdown. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Since the start of the Coronavirus outbreak in South Africa, the National Department of Health has tested over 80-thousand people for COVID-19. While the number of people who have tested positive may be frightening, many of them have displayed little or none of the prescribed symptoms. Prabashini Moodley speaks with three individuals that have tested positive, but with very different experiences of Covid-19..
For many South Africans, this year’s Easter celebration is expected to look and feel a little different. There will be no church gatherings, no commercial egg hunts, and certainly no celebratory meals with extended family and friends. However, many families around the country have found innovative ways to create a fun-filled Easter under lockdown. Prabashini Moodley reports…
South Africa’s national lockdown has put enormous pressure on animal welfare organisations and shelters. With strained resources and limited staff members able to make it to work, many organisations had put out requests for those who were able to foster an animal for twenty-one days to please do so. Jamaine Krige reports…
South African health professionals can now have video and telephone consultations with patients without seeing them face-to-face. This is one of the new regulations amended by the Health Professions Council of South Africa, HPCSA, in an effort to prevent health professionals from contracting COVID19. This comes after the the medical profession raised concerns with the Council that practitioners face an increased risk if they consult face-to-face with COVID19 patients. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Tributes are continuing to pour in for veteran entertainer, Vinolia Mashego. 'V-Mash', as she was popularly known, shot to stardom in the 90s with the hit show - Jam Alley - on SABC 1. Mashego died in her sleep at her home in Mamelodi in Pretoria on Sunday night. She was 56. Zoleka Qodashe compiled this report...
Emergency services personnel say there has been a shift away from trauma-related calls to calls about Covid19. It's been 10 days since the national lockdown came into effect and emergency services personnel say there has been a steep decline in the number of trauma-related calls they have received, particularly in relation to alcohol. Zoleka Qodashe spent Friday night with EMS personnel in Hillbrow in Johannesburg and compiled this report....
Political analyst Tinyiko Maluleke says it's shameful that it took the coronavirus for government to remember that there are homeless people, as well as those without water. As part of the 21-day lockdown measures, government has placed all homeless people in temporary shelters across the country to curb the spread of COVID-19. It has also been providing tanks for people without water, especially in rural areas and informal settlements. Wisani Makhubele reports...
Is the idea of an alcohol-free society realistic in South Africa? Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi believes it is, and sees the ban on the sale of alcohol during the 21-day nationwide lockdown as a great opportunity to put the idea to the test. Lesufi has been waging a personal battle for an alcohol-free society, arguing that it's a drug that must be eliminated from society because it destroys lives and has ended many people's careers. Wisani Makhubele compiled this report...
There are mixed feelings among parents about paying for services not rendered like school fees, extra murals and scholar transport during the national lockdown. South Africa is currently on lockdown, which has led to the closure of schools and non-essential services. Some parents want to withhold their monthly instalments due to the uncertainty of the future, while others believe they are bound by contracts to pay for fees. Thabile Mbhele reports…
As South Africa progresses into week two of the national lockdown, citizens have taken to social media complaining of the strict conditions and the devastating impact on the economy. However, it seems South Africa is in line with international lockdown measures. Many nations grappling to contain COVID-19 have taken similar measures while others are far stricter. Prabashini Moodley speaks with global citizens living under lockdown
The global lockdown as a result of the deadly coronavirus has meant that thousands of South Africans remain stranded in countries around the world. According to Home Away from Home -- an organisation formed by a group of South African volunteers -- the situation for more than two-thousand citizens, in 130 countries remains dire. Many left the country in search of work. With no accommodation and funds running out -- each day away from home is a battle to survive. Prabashini Moodley reports...
The global lockdown as a result of the Corona Virus has had remarkable impacts on the environment. That's according to environmental justice campaigners who say, the lockdown in some of the world's largest economies have resulted in cleaner water and clearer air on planet earth. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Three Medical Aid Schemes estimate that they will spend over two billion Rand just on COVID19 testing and treatment. They say they've been forced to be strategic about how they manage the global epidemic. Gems, which covers public servants, says it estimates it will spend close to a billion Rand while Medscheme estimates their costs at half-a-billion rand. South Africa currently has 1655 confirmed COVID19 cases and 11 reported deaths from close to 57 thousand tests. Thabile Mbhele reports…
South Africa will be able to conduct about 30 thousand tests for COVID19 each day. Thanks to the 60 new mobile sampling and testing units procured by the National Health Laboratory Services, unveiled by Health Minister Zweli Mkhize last night. Currently about five thousand tests are conducted in 24 hours and Mkhize says this figure is far too low for our population. Mkhize announced that currently we have 1380 positive COVID 19 cases in SA and 44 202 tests have been conducted. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Employers have been accused of using the COVID19 state of disaster to violate the country's laws. This comes as some employers have forced employees to disclose their medical conditions, should they wish to work from home during the 21 day lockdown. President Cyril Ramaphosa implemented the lockdown in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Thabile Mbhele reports....
Members of the South African National Defence Force and other law enforcement officers have been accused of heavy handedness and alleged abuse of power while enforcing the lockdown regulations. Several videos have gone vital on social media showing SANDF soldiers, the SAPS and metro police officers assaulting people and punishing them with physical exercises for not adhering to the lockdown regulations. Already an Ekurhuleni Metro police officer is being investigated for fatally shooting a member of the public. Tshepo Phagane has more…
South Africans remain worried about their lives after the lockdown. SABC News spoke to some citizens who fear that the lockdown will have a detrimental effect on their finances. On the other hand, some are coming up with innovative ways to spend the next three weeks. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a national lockdown last week in an effort to contain COVID-19 which has claimed three lives, and infected more than one-thousand-three-hundred in the country. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Health experts are warning of a second wave of the COVID19 after the end of the current lockdown. They say while the 21-day-lockdown will have a huge impact on preventing new infections, individuals need to do more to flatten the curve. They are also cautioning against the incorrect use of personal protective gear like masks and gloves, saying these could potentially spread the infection further. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Concerns have been raised around the visibility of the police and the South African Defence Force in townships after the lockdown came into effect at midnight on Thursday. President Cyril Ramaphosa officially deployed the army on Thursday evening after declaring the 21-day national lockdown on Monday. Despite this, it was business as usual in many townships around Gauteng. People loitered and used the opportunity to do their grocery shopping. Zoleka Qodashe reports...
Keeping the little ones stimulated and entertained during the Lockdown period, has been a challenge for some parents. When president Cyril Ramaphosa annouced schools would close earlier than planned as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, some parents had to think creatively to make sure their children do not fall behind with regards to their school work. Pearl Magubane reports....
As the country settles into the 21-day national lockdown to help lessen the effects of COVID-19, medical and residential facilities for the elderly have already had to implement measures to mitigate the impact of the virus. This includes prohibiting visitors that could infect elderly residents as well as increasing infection control measures. The elderly are particularly at risk of developing complications from the novel coronavirus. Jamaine Krige reports...
Residents of the Slovo Park Informal Settlement in Johannesburg, have lashed out at government for not implementing any precautionary measures - to prevent them from contracting COVID-19. They fear that they are at a higher risk of contracting the Coronavirus due to the cramped and unhygienic conditions under which they live. This morning the country recorded its first fatalities due to the virus. Two patients in the Western Cape have succumbed to the viral infection while confirmed cases increased to over 1-thousand. Sashin Naidoo reports...
Homeless people around Johannesburg say they feel let down by government as the 21 day lockdown looms. News has not filtered through that they will be allowed to stay at temporary shelters across the province. Many are still on the streets despite Acting Gauteng Social Development MEC Panyaza Lesufi announcing that they have identified 30 schools in Gauteng which will be used as temporary shelters. The homeless that SABC News spoke to - say they haven't heard of any such plans from government officials on the ground. The number of infections in the country is currently sitting at 709. Gauteng has the highest number of infections at 366. Sashin Naidoo reports...
Some healthcare workers who are at the forefront of combating COVID-19 say they are fearful of contracting the virus, while others say they have decided to isolate themselves from their families. South Africa currently has more than 900 confirmed corona virus cases. The national lockdown, announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa commenced at midnight. Healthcare workers who will continue to work throughout the lockdown, say while their emotions are running high they will do all humanly possible to contain the virus and save lives. Prabashini Moodley reports...
As Premier David Makhura appealed to residents to stay in Gauteng to curb the spread of the corona virus, scores of people were already travelling to various provinces ahead of the 21-day lockdown. The national lockdown starts tomorrow at midnight. Hundreds of people departed from the Wanderers Taxi Rank and Park Station in Johannesburg earlier today. Government has been urging people to stay at home and practice social distancing as the number of confirmed cases has topped 700. No deaths have been reported. Wisani Makhubele reports...
Children in townships will now have access to radio and online education programmes. This is thanks to the Funda Endlini Home Education Programme. Soon after President Cyril Ramaphosa declared that schools should be closed - amid the growing coronavirus pandemic - the Joburg Theatre partnered with community members, teachers and subject experts to formulate study material. The Home Education Programme will be distributed through community radio stations, newspapers and online platforms. Pearl Magubane reports....
The South African Medical Association, SAMA, has cautioned against the use of certain medicines to prevent or cure COVID19. It says no amount of chloroquine or ibuprofen works as a vaccine or cure for the coronavirus. This comes as some doctors have allegedly been prescribing malaria medicine for patients who think they have COVID-19. The Association also wants more details on the location of patients with coronavirus. Thabile Mbhele reports...
South Africans say the national lockdown announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa last night is a responsible step to help minimise the spread of the Coronavirus in the country. But for many, the challenge is how to spend 21 days at home. Some are buying board games to play with their children, while others plan to relax in front of the television. Tshepo Phagane went out onto the streets of central Johannesburg to talk to South Africans about the impending lockdown...
A group of around 50 South Africans working for a construction company in Cameroon's Douala City have pleaded with the South African government to assist them return home immediately amid fears of contracting the coronavirus. They say their employer insists on keeping them on duty where there are over 600 workers onsite, despite the Cameroonian government's announcement that no more than 50 people are allowed to gather in order to curb the spread of COVID-19. Wisani Makhubele reports...
The South African Domestic Service and Allied Workers Union (SADSAWU) has raised concern over employers who don't pay UIF for their workers. Labour experts says domestic workers do not fall under essential services, however some rely on the weekly or monthly wages to feed their families. The domestic workers union has pleaded with employees to let their helpers stay in during the lockdown and continue to pay them. Pearl Magubane reports....
As churches scale down their services due to the Corona virus, many are taking advantage of technology to reach their congregants. Last week government issued guidelines prohibiting public gatherings of more than 100 people. Tshepo Phagane visited Soweto on Sunday to check how churches were coping with the new regulations. He also looks at how Pastors are turning to technology to make sure their congregants can still be encouraged during this challenging time....
The announcement of a national lockdown by President Cyril Ramaphosa has triggered a myriad of emotions for people across the country. Some are scared at the prospects of not seeing loved ones for 21 days, while others have had to cancel weddings and birthday celebrations. Psychologist Kerisha Govender says while fear, depression and anxiety are normal emotions during this difficult time - there are coping mechanisms that one can adopt while at home. Prabashini Moodley reports...
Residents of 11 inner-city buildings in Johannesburg want the raids that were conducted on their homes between June 2017 and May 2018 to be declared unlawful. The more than 2800 residents have challenged the constitutionality of a section of the South African Police Services Act in the High Court in Johannesburg. They argue that the raids conducted under the Act unjustifiably infringed upon their rights to privacy. Wisani Makhubele reports....
As parents have welcome the decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa to close schools due to the novel Coronavirus outbreak, many are worried about the impact the prolonged holidays will have on their pockets and everyday life. Schools are closed, at least until after the Easter break. Noma Bolani spoke to parents about their plans...
Since President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the Corona Virus a national disaster, many South Africans have taken precautionary measures. Some parents have kept their children away from school even before the closure was announced while others began stockpiling food. Prabashini Moodley reports...
The Gauteng government has warned that it will take drastic steps to deal with those who do not comply with government's directive of keeping crowds to below one hundred. It has called on citizens to co-operate as it tries to contain COVID19 in the province. The province has established a team to deal with corona virus. It believes the drastic measures taken by the country and the province will yield positive results soon. Gauteng currently has the majority of confirmed corona virus cases in the country at 61 out of the 116 cases nationally. Thabile Mbhele reports…
The South African Medical Association, SAMA, has advised its members to refuse to treat patients if they do not have sufficient protection against corona virus. It says their members are concerned about contracting corona virus from their patients. In the wake of the corona outbreak people who suspect they may be infected are advised to seek medical care immediately. However this exposes health workers to infections. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Retired Constitutional Court Justice, Edwin Cameron says South Africa should use lessons learned from the AIDS epidemic to deal with the coronavirus. Justice Cameron has been speaking at the launch of the South Africa's Human Rights Plan to address stigma and discrimination against people affected by HIV and TB in Sandton, north of Johannesburg. He said the AIDS epidemic is worse than the novel coronavirus outbreak because of the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Transgender people want government to invest more into Steve Biko Academic and Groote Schuur hospitals to increase access to health-care for them in South Africa. It can take up to 25 years for transgender people to receive services at public health care facilities. Non-profit organisation Access Chapter 2, which promotes the rights of LGBTIQ+ (LGBTIQ PLUS) people says it's unacceptable that only two health facilities in the country offer operations to assist them transition from the gender assigned to them at birth to the gender they identify with. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The United Nations is concerned about limited information available to young women about contraceptives and reproductive and health rights in Africa. It wants women to be empowered with knowledge to make informed decisions about family planning. Meanwhile, South African women have raised concern about the safety of contraceptives. They say contraceptives cause sever side effects like pulmonary embolism -- a blood clot that travels from the legs to the lungs -- which may lead to death. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The Infertility Awareness Association of South Africa wants to break the stigma and silence associated with infertility in the country. It hosted the first ever two-day fertility show in Africa held at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, where experts will engage with people who are battling to conceive. Heterosexual, homosexual and transgender couples gathered at the Fertility Show to learn about opportunities available to start the journey into parenthood. Thabile Mbhele reports…
The United Nations says it is unfortunate that the face of HIV is still that of an African woman on the African continent. This is 25 years after governments adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action where they committed to promoting the rights of women and girls as well as achieving gender equality. This has emerged at the launch of the UNAIDS report on the state of women ahead of International Women's Day on Sunday. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Seven out of ten foreign children in state care in South Africa are undocumented, and many crossed borders into the country without adult supervision. This is according to a 2019 study by the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town. Seventy percent of these children are at risk of statelessness - a limbo in which no country in the world recognises them as citizens. Jamaine Krige and Yeshiel Panchia visited a shelter in Musina, near the Beitbridge border in Limpopo, where many of the children find themselves once they have crossed into the country....
***This reporting was supported by Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) as part of the Isu Elihle Awards.
The Commission for Gender Equality says forced and coerced sterilisation is a gross violation of women's human rights. The Commission is releasing a report on forced sterilisation of women living with HIV in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng. The report says at least 48 HIV positive women were sterilised forcefully at 15 public hospitals in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng. The Commission has revealed that women would be forced to sign consent forms under the guise that they were approving a ceasarian section and the nurses and doctors would go ahead and sterilise them. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The late Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder, Joseph Shabalala has been described as someone who served South Africa with distinction locally and on international stages. He has been remembered as an outstanding musician, a peacemaker and an amazing man of song. Shabalala was honoured at a memorial service in Johannesburg yesterday afternoon. The internationally acclaimed singer died last week in Pretoria after a long illness. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Joburg Mayor Geoffrey Makhubo has accused former Mayor Herman Mashaba of financially collapsing the city and lying to Joburg residents. He says there was a lot of maladministration, fraud and corruption during the DA led administration. Makhubo has been addressing the the media about the state of the city following his appointment in December. He says Mashaba made populist decisions and has misled residents...
South African laws make it almost impossible for refugees to obtain legal documents. This is according to refugees at a centre in Johannesburg. The SABC visited the centre and learnt that even renewing existing papers is difficult. The refugees have also complained about difficulties with integrating into society. This comes after the Cape High Court's decision that foreign nationals camping outside the Central Methodist Church in Cape Town should be removed. The more than 600 foreign nationals moved into the church after they were evacuated from the pavement in front of the UN Commission for Refugees in Cape Town last year. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Cerebral Palsy cases account for the majority of medical negligence claims in Gauteng and the country. This has emerged at a media briefing organised by the Gauteng Health Department to address the challenges of medico-legal cases in the province. The department says it has saved about 10 million rand through a mediation process, however it still owes over 300 million rand in old medical negligence cases. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The Basic Education Department says it wants to increase the penalty for parents and guardians who do not ensure that their children are in school - from six months to six years imprisonment. This, as the department continues having engagements with stakeholders on the Basic Education Laws Amendment - BELA - Bill, which seeks to amend sections of the South African Schools Act. The Bill was published in the Government Gazette in 2017 and requires that parents who wish to home educate their children register with the department in order to formalise the medium. Zoleka Qodashe reports...
SA has finally welcomed the reigning Miss Universe home. Zozibini Tunzi arrived at O.R. Tambo International Airport, in Gauteng's East Rand to thousands of supporters. It is the first time that she has visited the country after she was crowned with the title in the U.S in December. Fondly known as Zozi, she's the 68th Miss Universe and only the third South African to be crowned. Tunzi is expected to embark on a week-long homecoming tour across Cape Town, the Eastern Cape and Johannesburg. Zoleka Qodashe reports...
The Gauteng Health Department says the average response time of an ambulance in urban areas of the province is under 15-minutes. However, the public has lashed out at the department, with many people claiming that they've had to wait for several hours for an ambulance to arrive. According to Gauteng Health, they have almost 1-thousand operational ambulances across the province. Sashin Naidoo compiled this report...
The right to bury a foetus lost because of miscarriage or abortion has come under the spotlight after an East Rand woman was refused the foetus at Edenvale Hospital last month. The woman gave birth at 24 weeks and her baby died immediately after birth. A non-profit organisation fighting for rights of the foetus, wants the government to change legislation to give parents an option to bury the remains, regardless of how old the foetus is. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Some Soweto residents are re-connecting themselves to the grid. This is after power utility Eskom cut them off in an effort to recoup the R18 billion electricity bill owed by the township. It has emerged some residents have formed vigilante groups to guard illegal electricity connections as Eskom faces a serious backlash from communities for the electricity cuts. Yesterday Soweto residents embarked on yet another protest over the power cuts. Tshepo Phagane visited White City Jabavu where residents there have been without electricity for seven months now...
Researchers say they will forge ahead with efforts to find an HIV vaccine despite the unsuccessful HIV vaccine trial, which has been stopped in South Africa. The HVTN 702 or Uhambo trial, which began in 2016 was conducted on 5400 men and women in 14 sites across SA. It's the largest and most advanced HIV vaccine trial in SA and the HIV research sector had pinned its hopes on its success. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Anti-apartheid activist and former ANC Chief Whip in Johannesburg, Prema Naidoo says those who were involved in apartheid crimes must be prosecuted and brought to book. He's been testifying at the inquest of unionist Neil Aggett in the Johannesburg High Court. Naidoo was detained at the then John Voster Square Police Station at the same time as Aggett. He has also detailed the severe torture he was subjected to by members of the security branch during his detention. Aggett was found hanging in his cell on February the 5th 1982. Wisani Makhubele reports...
Medical Aid Schemes have come under fire for inflating the amount of money lost to fraud, waste and abuse. It has emerged that they estimate their losses to be about 15 percent of total claims, while the Section 59 Investigation says it should be 7 percent at the most. The public hearings organised by the Council for Medical Schemes are probing alleged racial profiling of Black and Indian private medical practitioners by medical aid schemes. Thabile Mbhele reports...
One of Enoch Mpianzi's siblings has described the late teenager as a shy, but very intelligent boy. Shadrack was speaking at his brother's memorial service at Parktown Boys' High School, north of Johannesburg on Tuesday. The former Brixton Primary learner drowned during his new school's Grade 8 orientation camp near Brits in the North West. He was 13-years-old. Learners and teachers from both schools attended the service to bid him farewell. Wisani Makhubele reports....
Discovery Health says it's system is more likely to flag and investigate Black medical practitioners for fraud, waste and abuse than their white counterparts. It says there have been cases where doctors committed a crime to assist poor patients. Discovery has admitted that there are disproportionate investigations of black professionals, but cautions that this does not translate into racial bias. The medical aid giant is making submissions at racial profiling hearings led by the Council on Medical Schemes in Centurion. It says fraud, waste and abuse are the main drivers of medical aid claims. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize says South Africa is on high alert and fully prepared to deal with the coronavirus. The virus was first detected in Wuhan, China, in December and since then it has claimed more than 1-hundred lives. More than 5-thousand cases have been confirmed in China thus far. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). There have been no cases in South Africa thus far as Sashin Naidoo reports...
Police Minister, Bheki Cele says the Tactical Response Team, better known as Amaberets will be deployed to Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg. Immigration officers will also be there to verify who is in the country illegally. Cele addressed the community together with Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi after a protest in the township on Thursday, where shops were looted following the death of a police captain. Four undocumented Zimbabwean nationals have since been arrested. The community has blamed undocumented foreign nationals for the high crime in the area. Pearl Magubane reports...
The family of Enoch Mpianzi is outraged at management of the Nyati Bush camp site in Brits in the North West, after they denied it access to the facility. The family together with the South African Human Rights Commission were forced to enter the premises without permission to inspect the facility. The 13-year old Parktown boys high school learner drowned in the Crocodile River while attending a grade 8 orientation camp at the facility last week. It's understood that Mpianzi was swept away after the makeshift raft he built together with other learners capsized during an activity. Sashin Naidoo reports ...
South Africa has a health crisis with overcrowded public healthcare facilities. The Treatment Action Campaign wants government to inject more money into building clinics and hospitals to reduce the overcrowding, improve infrastructure and ultimately stop deaths. This comes after 10 babies died of klebsiella at the Tembisa Hospital on the East Rand. Seven other babies are still critical. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Seven babies are still fighting for their lives in an isolated ward at the Tembisa Provincial Hospital on Gauteng's east rand. This follows the death of ten newborn babies at the hospital's neonatal ward in the past two months after an outbreak of klebsiella pneumonia. Overcrowding and a shortage of staff have been highlighted as the main reasons behind the infection. Thabile Mbhele reports.....
Human rights lawyers say parents of the two learners, who died in separate drowning incidents last week in Gauteng, can take legal action against the schools. Parktown Boys High School learner -- Enoch Mpianzi -- drowned in the Crocodile River -- after a raft he built with other learners capsized. Another learner -- Keamohetswe Shaun Seboko -- died after drowning in a hostel swimming pool at Laerskool Bekker in Magaliesburg. Sashin Naidoo has the details...
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi says his department will be instituting its own investigation into the death of a Parktown Boys High School learner. 13-year-old grade 8 learner, Enock Mpianzi, went missing at Brits in the North West while participating in a school Orientation Camp. Police have opened an inquest docket regarding the incident. Lesufi says according to information received, the boy went missing on Wednesday and his department was only informed of the disappearance late on Thursday night. Sashen Naidoo reports...
The Department of Basic Education's plans to introduce Coding and Robotics to the school curriculum has been met with mixed reaction by some stakeholders in the education sector. The Department says the new curriculum will be piloted in 100 schools this year, before full implementation next year. It says this is to ensure that the schooling system is aligned to the country's skills needs, as well as keeping up with technological developments. Another introduction to the schooling system this year will be the introduction of the KiSwahili language. Wisani Makhubele has more...
The Department of Basic Education is expected to introduce KiSwahili as an optional subject in public schools from the second quarter of this year. The Department began the piloting process mostly in Gauteng in 2019. Minister Angie Motshekga said Kenya and Tanzania had agreed to assist with the training of educators and the development of appropriate learning and teaching support materials in the language. Maageketla Mohlabe and Zoleka Qodashe compiled this report...
Police Minister, Bheki Cele has come under fire after his suggestion that only institutions should own firearms and not individuals. Cele made the remarks in Linden, Johannesburg on Tuesday saying he wants to make it illegal for individuals to own guns. The Amended Firearms Control Act is currently under review and among others, proposes that only the security industry should be issued with gun licenses. However, some have highlighted South Africa's high crime rate and say owning firearms is necessary for their protection. Zoleka Qodashe reports...
The court case of the 60-year old man, accused of raping three siblings at Braamfischerville in Soweto, has been postponed to the 22nd of January. The suspect, who is the husband of the girls' aunt, is alleged to have raped the three girls for many years. The youngest victim, who is now 15, eventually told neighbours, which resulted in the man's arrest. He made a brief appearance in the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court, without his lawyer being present. Pearl Magubane was there and filed the following report....
City Power says it has incurred almost R60-million in losses due to loadshedding. This is in the three months, between October and January. During this time, Eskom made at least 16 loadshedding declarations and further plunged the country into darkness when it announced Stage 6 in December. Zoleka Qodashe reports...
Police minister Bheki Cele wants to make it illegal for individuals to own guns. He says the Firearms Act is under review and one of the proposals they will put forward is that only the security industry should be issued with gun licences. Cele has been addressing the media about progress made during the Firearm Amnesty at the Linden Police Station in Johannesburg. He declared the Firearm amnesty period between 1 December and 31 May where people could hand over their illegal and unwanted firearms to various police stations across the country. Thabile Mbhele reports..
The National Health and Allied Workers Union, NEHAWU, has threatened to go on strike if security is not improved at health facilities around the country. This comes after two armed men shot dead a patient at Clairwood Hospital in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal on Friday evening. The union says they have been raising the issue with the Department of Health and the situation has reached such levels that their members are dreading going to work because of frequent attacks. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The Competition Commission says it's still pursuing retailers that do not comply with guidelines of the Competition Act regarding prices of school uniforms. It says it is confident that the price of school uniforms will drop over the years. As parents prepare for school opening this week, they've had to dig deeper into their pockets to ensure that their kids are ready for school. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Calls are mounting for Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordan and the entire Eskom board to be removed. This comes after the resignation of Jabu Mabuza as the Chairman of the Board at Eskom on Friday. Mabuza resigned after admitting that he had failed to keep his promise that there would be no loadshedding before January the 13th this year. Labour unions say Mabuza's resignation is long overdue. Thabile Mbhele reports...
A Palm Springs family in the Vaal is eagerly awaiting DNA test results after the body of their dead baby was allegedly given to another family. The other family has already buried the baby in Evaton. The Gauteng Health Department has admitted that babies were mistakenly swapped at Sebokeng Hospital in the Vaal earlier this week. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Train commuters have been forced to find alternative transport today in various parts of Gauteng as Metrorail services have been suspended. Yesterday, trains were not operating on some major routes, including Johannesburg to Pretoria. Metrorail says this will continue until further notice while repairs are underway. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Fifty-two year-old Jemina Mofokeng is looking forward to going to church on Christmas Day in her newly acquired wheelchair. Last month SABC News highlighted her plight of how she is forced to ask a young man to assist her when she needs to go to the bathroom and when it's that time of the month. Mofokeng was born with a disability which stopped her legs from growing. Thabile Mbhele reports ......
This story contains sensitive information that may upset sensitive listeners especially children. The community of Braamfischerville in Soweto is outraged following the arrest of a 60 year-old man alleged to have been raping three young girls for a number of years. The alleged rapes happened while the girls were under the care of their aunt who's the man's partner. The youngest victim who's now 15-years-old blew the whistle about the abuse - which she says began when she was 9 - leading to the arrest of the man. Pearl Magubane is following the story and filed this report....
There is an urgent need to educate women about criminal justice options that relate to dealing with intimate partner violence. This has dominated discussions at a panel discussion on why women withdraw cases of intimate partner violence against their partners. The discusion was organised by the Commission for Gender Equality in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. This comes as victims of gender-based violence have spoken out about why they handled cases against their intimate partners. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Communities have been applauded for the success of the HIV/AIDS response in KwaZulu Natal. Four districts have reached and gone beyond the 2020 UN targets called the 90 90 90. These targets are aimed at ensuring that 90 percent of the population has been tested for HIV, 90 percent of HIV positive people are on treatment and 90 percent of those on treatment are virally suppressed. This comes as the world commemorates World AIDS Day on Sunday. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Over 300 children and adolescents die each day from AIDS-related diseases globally. This was revealed by the UN agency for children, UNICEF at a media briefing in Johannesburg. This comes ahead of World AIDS Day on Sunday. It is estimated that 2.8 million children, aged zero to 19, are living with HIV globally and only half of those have access to antiretroviral treatment. UNICEF has attributed the low treatment statistics to poor access to antiretroviral treatment and limited prevention tools. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Traditional Healers Organisation, THO, says it's inundated with complaints of sexual and emotional abuse between AmaThwasa and OGobela. AmaThwasa are trainee sangomas and Ogobela - practicing sangomas. THO says it is battling to find common ground with those who identify as gay and lesbian when they go for training. One trainee sangoma has opened up about sexual abuse at the hands of her gobela (trainer). Thabile Mbhele reports...
Africa needs to define itself by its potential and not by the challenges it faces. This is according to Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Hajer Sharief. Speaking at the closing of the 2nd annual African Women in Dialogue conference in Boksburg on the East Rand - the Libyan activist says Africans are too comfortable with the narrative that the continent is poor and dangerous. More than one-thousand women from countries across the continent attended the week-long conference. Noma Bolani and Noko Malatjie compiled this report...
The Protea Magistrate's Court in Soweto has postponed the case against Sydney Nhlapo, who allegedly killed his wife and two children, to the 15th of November. The 48-year-old man was arrested after the discovery of the bodies of his 47-year-old wife and her two children in shallow graves at two separate locations in Soweto on Wednesday. They had been missing since the 1st of November. Pearl Magubane reports...
About 34-thousand learners are yet to be placed in schools by the Gauteng Department of Education for the 2020 Academic Year. Briefing the media in Johannesburg, MEC Panyaza Lesufi said his department had already placed 85-percent of learners that applied on time and is confident that the remaining applicants will be placed by the end of the month. On Sunday, the department erroneously sent parents an SMS telling them to visit their nearest districts for placement processes. That resulted in chaotic scenes and frustrations at various district offices across the province. Lesufi has since apologised for the mishap. Zoleka Qodashe reports...
In August last year former SABC radio and TV host, Xolani Gwala, spoke to the SABC about his battle with cancer. He said the stage four colon cancer diagnosis was the lowest point of his life and that of his family. When he was diagnosed the cancer had already spread in his body, including to his liver. This caused more stress and heartache, including leading to his father suffering a stroke. However, on a positive note, it brought his family much closer together. Senior Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
The National Health Insurance, NHI, will seemingly not only change the quality of healthcare provided, but it will also change the way the health sector operates. The new health financing system aims to do away with paper and use technology instead. This emerged during a discussion on the NHI and health research and development in Johannesburg. The NHI Bill has been released for public comment and once approved in Parliament, it will be rolled out throughout the country. All South Africans are expected to be covered under the NHI by 2026. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Lack of proper infrastructure, reducing maternal and child deaths as well as improving staff morale are some of the main challenges facing the incoming Chief Executive Officers in Gauteng hospitals. Health MEC, Doctor Bandile Masuku, has announced the appointment of 11 new hospital CEOs in the province. Three hospitals are however still without CEOs. Last month, Masuku said he hopes to fill all vacant positions - including those for nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals - before the end of the year. Thabile Mbhele reports...
At least 80 elephants have been confirmed to have died in Zimbabwe over the past two months. Hundreds more are have died in neighbouring Botswana and Zambia. Scientists believe that climate change is reason why the elephants are perishing. The mammals are struggling to adapt as the effects of climate change begin taking its on Southern Africa. The majority of the elephants are dying from dehydration and starvation - others are being killed for wandering too close to villages...
Tributes continue to pour in for the veteran broadcaster and seasoned journalist, Xolani Gwala. He died on Friday morning after a long battle with stage 4 cancer. Gwala's employer Talk Radio 702 read the statement written by his wife Peggy-Sue Khumalo on Friday morning. With a career spanning over two decades - Gwala left an indelible mark on the media industry and in South Africa. Noma Bolani compiled this report...
Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry says the UK will donate 8 million pounds towards skills development projects in South Africa. Harry was speaking in Tembisa at the YES youth empowerment center. He was there with his wife, Meghan Markle, as part of the Joburg leg of their visit to South Africa. Pearl Magubane and Zoleka Qodashe filed this report...
A young South African meteorology student has impressed world leaders with a mobile app geared at fighting climate change issues in rural areas. Brighton Mabasa presented his MiWeather* (pronounced Me-Weather) app -- aimed at assisting small-scale farmers adjust to changing weather patterns -- before the United Nations Youth Climate Change Summit. Noma Bolani reports from New York...
Staff at the Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital in Coronationville, west of Johannesburg, have complained that a significant number of patients they treat are victims of gender-based violence. The staff say this impacts on their emotional and mental well-being. Today, over 300 of them downed tools and took to the streets to highlight the effects of gender-based violence. The issues has been making headlines following several incidents across the country in which women have been raped and murdered. Zoleka Qodashe spoke to the nurses and compiled this report...
The issue of climate change will be the biggest topic of discussion at this year's United Nations General Assembly. UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres has called for members states to bring forward the most innovative and impactful ideas in combatting climate change. He will preside over the Climate Change Action Summit on Monday. But, there is also a youth-led summit that takes place tomorrow. (Saturday 21/09). Noma Bolani reports from New York...
Executive Director for United Nations Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka says she has assembled a team of experts to assist the South African government in their fight against the scourge of violence on women and children. She says she's pleased with President Cyril Ramaphosa's Action Plan where 1-point-1-billion rand has been allocated for the plan. Noma Bolani reports from New York...
The tourism sector in Gauteng is feeling the brunt from the recent violence and looting of businesses in the province. There's been less tourists arriving in the province and the Gauteng Tourism Authority has been fielding enquiries from concerned tourists with some cancelling their planned trips. Pearl Magubane has more....
Deputy President David Mabuza says one-point-one billion rand will be injected to the Sedibeng Regional Sewer Scheme in Sebokeng in the Vaal to prevent further spillage of sewerage into the Vaal River. He says he is unhappy with the progress of the building of the treatment plant. The project at the plant had been suspended by locals who were allegedly promised jobs by former Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane. Thabile Mbhele reports...
There is no better time to implement the National Health Insurance in South Africa than now. That's according to at least two former heads of states who are part of a group called Elders who have been sharing their experiences of rolling out universal health coverage in their countries - at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital in Parktown in Johannesburg. They say while South Africa faces significant economic challenges and alarmingly high unemployment rate, it is important to challenge the view that because of the economic problems, the NHI is unaffordable. Thabile Mbhele reports....
South Africa is forced to look into strategies to deal with the shortage of skilled professionals as government forges ahead with the National Health Insurance, NHI. South Africa, like the rest of the world, is not immune to skills shortage in the healthcare sector. However with plans to overhaul the health system, questions have been asked on how the country will attract new skills. The NHI is the new health financing system aimed at providing quality healthcare to all South Africans regardless of their financial status. Thabile Mbhele reports....
Health Minister Doctor Zweli Mkhize has called for support of the National Health Insurance to avoid political and economic instability in South Africa. Mkhize made the call on the first day of the three-day Hospital Association of South Africa conference in Cape Town today (Monday). HASA represents major private hospitals in the country such as Netcare, Life Healthcare, MediClinic and the National Hospital Network. The private sector has called for constructive criticism of the NHI to prevent anxiety and uncertainty already experienced in the country. Thabile Mbhele reports ..…
Gauteng Health MEC Doctor Bandile Masuku has identified leadership in the health department as a major challenge. He has committed to improving the image and functioning of the department as well as successfully roll-out the National Health Insurance, NHI. Masuku says he wants to finally put the Life Esidimeni tragedy behind by improving healthcare for residents of Gauteng. Opposition parties say that's a momentous task. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng has called for government to consider bestowing National Orders on retiring Justice Edwin Cameron. He made the call during a special sitting at the Constitutional Court honouring Cameron for his work as a jurist and an activist. Mogoeng was amongst many speakers from the legal fraternity, government and civil society who paid homage to the Justice. Cameron has stepped down from the bench 25 years after he was first appointed as a judge. Hlengiwe Mkhwanazi and Noma Bolani compiled this report...
The role of medical aid schemes under the National Health Insurance has dominated discussions at the Mail and Guardian National Health Insurance Conference in Johannesburg today *(Tuesday - 20/08). While the Health Department says Medical Aid Schemes will continue to exist under the NHI, the sector is not convinced. It says the newly-published NHI Bill has caused anxiety in the private health sector. Government has released the NHI bill, which paves a way for the rollout of the NHI. This is a new health financing system aimed at providing universal health care to every person living in South Africa. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Some Kliptown residents in Soweto are still using the bucket system instead of proper toilets. Residents say they thought after 25 years of democracy they would be living in a more developed area. Kliptown is an area of historic importance. That's where the Freedom Charter was adopted in 1955. The SA Human Rights Commission conducted a site visit in the area to assess the living conditions of residents there. Thabile Mbhele report ........
Residents of Denver Hostel in Johannesburg have accused the DA-run City of Johannesburg municipality of neglecting them. They are living in horrendous conditions where waste hasn't been removed for months. There is sewage spilling over to their homes as the toilets have been left open for months. The City of Joburg says residents of Denver Hostel should stop complaining about piles of rubbish and just recycle it. Thabile Mbhele reports...
At least 70 cases of rape of learners have been reported in the Gauteng Education Department this year. This has been revealed by Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi who has been addressing the media at the Thuto Lesedi Secondary School in Vosloorus, east of Johannesburg today. This comes after two matric boys allegedly raped a Grade Nine learner in the school toilet last month. Lesufi has expressed disappointment at the manner in which the case has been handled. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The National Health Insurance bill has been positively received by stakeholders in the health sector, with a few objections from political parties. Health Minister Doctor Zweli Mkhize announced to the media in Pretoria that the long-awaited NHI bill has been tabled in parliament. The process of rolling out the NHI has been met with objections and criticism from opposition parties and the private sector. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The Gauteng Health Department says it will focus on implementing the National Health Insurance among other priorities in the next five years. It will invest over a billion rand towards the NHI for maintenance and refurbishment of health facilities. This has emerged during the department's 50.8 billion rand budget vote at the Gauteng legislature, an increase of 8.3 percent from the previous budget. Thabile Mbhele reports..
Stakeholders in the Education sector gathered at the ECD Summit held in Randburg, north of Johannesburg under the theme 'Changing the ECD landscape towards improving quality of early learning environment. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that government would migrate the responsibility of early childhood development centres from the Department of Social Development to the Education Department during his State of the Nation Address earlier thid year. On Saturday, Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi engaged with stakeholders to allay some fears. Zoleka Qodashe has more...
Family, friends and colleagues of late musician Johnny Clegg have bid their final farewell to the singer in a memorial service in Sandton, north of Johannesburg. While Clegg was laid to rest in a private ceremony last Wednesday, family, friends, music lovers and colleagues from the entertainment industry gathered on Friday to pay tribute to the music icon. Clegg died last Tuesday after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 66. Zoleka Qodashe has more...
Legendary musician Johnny Clegg has been laid to rest in a private funeral service. Clegg died in his Johannesburg home on Tuesday at the age of 66. The grammy-nominated singer was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015. Clegg was fondly known as the 'White Zulu', for his command of the language. His unique blend of African Zulu Rhythms and Western Pop accentuated Clegg as a symbol of change in the 1970s and 80s. Zoleka Qodashe reports...
The South African Breastmilk Reserve is running low on breastmilk for premature babies. The organisation is now calling on breastfeeding mothers to donate their breastmilk to save premature babies. The public benefit organisation says there's been an increasing demand for donated breastmilk from the various hospitals but donations have been dwindling. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Council in the Lesedi Local Municipality has accepted Acting Municipal Manager, Gugu Thimane's explanation that there were no irregularities in the awarding of a 48-million rand security tender. An urgent council meeting was convened today, in which Thimane tabled the report on the processes followed in the awarding of the tender. She says she followed due processes and alleges that there's a smear campaign against her. Zoleka Qodashe reports...
Teacher's union SADTU wants changes in the curriculum and the running of schools in the country. They want African languages to receive the same treatment as English. These are some of the matters that have topped the agenda at the union's three-day conference in Kempton Park on Gauteng's East Rand. The conference is held under the theme Decolonisation of Basic Education. Thabile Mbhele reports...
South Africans are battling to cope with the high cost of living. They are forced to look for ways to make their money go further to cover their monthly expenses. Municipal services - such as refuse removal, electricity and bus fares - have increased by between seven and 13-percent. Unemployment levels remain one of the highest in the world, with approximately 10 million people of working age not having a job. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The Gauteng government has closed down 10 illegal initiation schools in the province this month. One boy died after attending an illegal initiation school and several others have been hospitalised. This comes after the lifting the suspension of initiation in the province by the CRL Rights Commission more than two years ago. The commission suspended the practice following the increase in the number of young men who were abducted without their parent's consent in the province. Nosipho Mncube and Thabile Mbhele filed this report...
The Commission for Gender Equality demands answers about the poor state of shelters that accommodate victims of domestic violence in the country. They want the departments of Social Development and Human Settlements to account for the lack of funding and deteriorating state of these facilities. Today, the Commission launched an investigative report on the state of the shelters in the country, sampling three shelters in each province, over the past year. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The financial crisis at the SABC seems to be reverberating throughout the media industry with other media groups facing dwindling support and resorting to retrenchments. The SABC has yet again made headlines recently with the announcement that it might default on staff salaries this month. A panel discussion on the State of the Newsroom 2018 report has highlighted that almost all media houses are going through financial difficulties. Angela Bolowana reports...
Community members from Vlakfontein, in the south of Johannesburg are up in arms over the decision to drop charges against murder-accused Fita Khupe. The Lenasia Magistrate's Court has withdrawn all charges against Khupe - who was a suspect in the murder of a family in the area. In January, another suspect killed himself while in custody. Police say the 27-year-old Ernest Mabaso hanged himself with shoe laces in his cell. Seven counts of murder were brought against Mabaso and Khupe. Zoleka Qodashe reports...
The City of Joburg has put the blame for the Alexandra demolitions square on the Johannesburg Metro Police. City Manager, Ndivhoniswani Lukhwareni made submissions before the joint Alexandra Enquiry held by the Human Rights Commission and the Office of the Public Protector in Braamfontein on Wednesday. The Commission is looking into allegations of maladministration and a possible violation of human rights in the township following violent protests in the run up to last month's general elections. They have also expanded their scope to include the demolitions. In a statement the City Managerss office put the blame squarely on the JMPD. Zoleka Qodashe reports....
Gauteng police have arrested a 19-year-old boy in connection with the murder of a Grade 10 learner from Forest High in Turffontein, Johannesburg. The learner was stabbed and killed outside the school in what is suspected to be a gang related incident. Two of his school mates were taken to hospital to be treated for their injuries. The police arrested the suspect in Dobsonville, Soweto. Zoleka Qodashe has more...
As Africa Month draws to the end, the Department of Arts and Culture held a colloquium at the Soweto Theatre last night*(Tuesday - 28/05). Under the theme 'Celebrating literary heroes' the event saw the likes of Linton Kwesi-Johnson, Don Mattera, James Matthews and Sindiwe Magona delivering pieces of their work before the packed theatre. Last week South Africans celebrated Africa Day, which coincided with President Cyril Ramaphosa's inauguration. Zoleka Qodashe compiled this report...
The South African government needs to do more to push for mothers to get at least six months'maternity leave. This has emerged during a round table discussion on supporting breastfeeding in the workplace, organised by the UN agency UNICEF, in Johannesburg. The country is lagging behind the World Health Organisation's target of 50 percent of children being exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life by 2025. Currently 37 percent are exclusively breastfed in the first six months. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Non-governmental organisation Gender Links wants more diversity, balance and sensitivity in the coverage of women's issues on South African television. Last night the organisation released results of a study showing that there's no gender parity in the media fraternity. It says women are still not being seen and heard as much as their male counter parts. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Trade Unions have criticised the SABC for the diesel spill in its Auckland Park building. One of them, BEMAWU, has threatened legal action against President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Treasury for the lack of funding at the public broadcaster. BEMAWU, together with the CWU have called for accountability. On Wednesday, staff were evacuated from the Radio Park building following the spill. Zoleka Qodashe compiled this report...
Freedom of Religion South Africa, says parents should have the option to withdraw their children from school if what they are taught is in conflict with their beliefs and values. This after a Sunday newspaper reported that Grade Four pupils will learn about masturbation when the new Life Orientation textbooks are rolled out next year. The Department of Basic Education has since dismissed the article as misleading and a complete misrepresentation. Freedom of Religion however says the department should consult with parents before exposing their children to topics such as sex and sexuality. Hlengiwe Mkhwanazi compiled this report...
The only owl sanctuary in the world has come up with a novel use for recycled plastic - building houses for rehabilitated owls. The Owl Rescue Centre is located on a twelve-thousand hectare conservancy area in Hartebeespoort in the North West. Spotted eagle owls and barn owls are prevalent across South Africa. But as humans encroach on their nesting areas, these owls are under threat. Candice Nolan visited the centre and filed this report….. Owl Rescue Centre
Community leaders in some of the volatile townships in Gauteng have moved to allay fears that they might disrupt voting in their areas on Wednesday, May the 8th. The community leaders in places such as Alexandra, Bekkersdal, Westbury and Ennerdale say while their issues remain unresolved, they are urging residents to vote in the hope that service delivery will improve after the elections. Recent protests in some of these townships had raised fears that voting could be disrupted. Wisani Makhubele compiled this report...
The Gauteng Education department will open the online registration for Grades One and Eight for next year, on the 13th of May. Parents will have until the 15th of July this year, to apply for the 2020 academic year. Briefing the media in Johannesburg, Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi says they have improved the system from previous years with an increased capacity of the online registration, and a video tutorial to make the application process smoother and quicker. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Intersex, LGBTI community, wants stricter laws against people who commit hate crimes in the country. It wants an end to hate crimes and the discrimination of people based on their sexuality. This comes as the Gauteng government honours the late Banyana Banyana Star Eudy Simelane who was gang-raped and killed for in an apparent hate crime incident eleven years ago. Gauteng Premier David Makhura led Freedom Day celebrations in the province in her honour and that of the LGBTI community in KwaThema in Springs in Ekurhuleni. Thabile Mbhele reports …
Law enforcement agencies have assured motorists that they won't be arrested unfairly after eating hot cross buns. This follows a video that has gone viral showing a traffic officer testing positive for alcohol consumption after eating a hot cross bun. In the video, the officer can be seen eating three bites of a hot-cross bun and commenting on how tasty it was, but was shocked to see the reading immediately afterwards. However, authorities say the breath testing device used is a screening instrument and the first results obtained from it have to be validated through further tests to get a proper reading. Sashin Naidoo has the details...
Deputy Police Minister Bongani Mkongi has called for a review of corporal punishment in South African schools. He says the current alternative methods of punishing learners are not effective. Mkongi has been speaking at a School Safety Summit in Gauteng, attended by about 3 thousand people including school principals, school governing bodies, parents and the police. The summit follows incidents of gangsterism, bullying, break-ins as well as violence in schools. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The SAPS has destroyed more than 30-thousand seized and surrendered firearms. This is part of their effort to eradicate the spread of illegal firearms and ammunition, which has led to a drastic increase of crime in the country. The firearms were disposed off in Vereeniging in the Vaal, under the close watch of National Police Commissioner Khehla Sithole and Police Minister Bheki Cele. The last such destruction took place in October 2016. Sashin Naidoo has the details...
{LISTEN}: With the Easter weekend just around the corner, retailers across the country are urged to be on high alert, as criminals are expected to be on the prowl. During this period, South Africa sees a significant increase in retail cash crime, including armed robberies, burglaries and cash-in-transit heists. According to statistics by money management company - Cash Connect, there was a 16-percent increase in retail cash crime, leading up to the Easter weekend last year. Sashin Naidoo compiled this report...
Gauteng premier David Makhura says he will ask the Office of the Auditor-General to conduct an audit of the Alexandra Urban Renewal Project. The project was announced by then president Thabo Mbeki in 2001. It was reported that the project had an estimated budget of around a billion rand - over seven years. The project was geared towards changing the face of Alexandra through the development of housing and other key infrastructure projects. On Tuesday Makhura visited the area, following a spate of sporadic protests which resulted in businesses and schooling coming to a halt. The disgruntled community took to the streets to voice their concern over the mushrooming of shacks and illegal structures as well as a service delivery failures. Sashin Naidoo has the details...
The South African government has totally neglected mental healthcare in the country, failing to allocate financial support and resources to deal with mental illness. These are some of the findings of the South African Human Rights Commission investigation into the state of mental healthcare in South Africa. The commission conducted hearings following the Life Esidimeni tragedy where 143 mental health patients died after being moved to ill-equipped NGO's. 49 patients are still unaccounted for. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Activists living with HIV and TB have called for a combination of HIV and TB drugs. They also want the size of the pills to be reduced as they are finding it difficult to swallow. It's estimated that 60 percent of people living with HIV also have TB in South Africa. The call comes as the country commemorated World TB Day on Sunday. The main TB Day event will be led by Health Minister Doctor Aaron Motsoaledi at Mdantsane, in the Eastern Cape. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The world should be outraged that an old disease like TB is still claiming the lives of 1.6 million people worldwide each year. That's the view of both Health minister, Aaron Motsoaledi and Group CEO of The Aurum Institute Prof Gavin Churchyard, during the launch of the Lancet Commission on TB report at Tembisa Hospital, on Gauteng's East Rand. The report calls for an increase in investments and political will towards fighting TB. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Residents of Ivory Park, north of Johannesburg, say they are tired of living under horrendous conditions with sewage running into their homes and yards. They've been suffering from the latest spill for about three weeks - believed to be caused by burst underground pipes. Angry residents say they want President Cyril Ramaphosa to come to their area, otherwise they will not vote on the 8th of May. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Businesses in South Africa have spent the past week struggling to operate due to rolling blackouts. The planned power outages have negatively impacted on mobile networks ability to provide connectivity. Eskom is currently implementing stage four loadshedding. The power utility has been struggling with available generating capacity to meet demand due to unplanned breakdowns. This report by Boineelo Molebiemang and Hlengiwe Mkhwanazi...
Nineteen-year-old Kulani Mathebula has been remembered by his school mates as someone who had a contagious laugh, who loved people and was very close to his mother. Learners from Mondeor High School and neighbouring schools, parents, members of the community packed the school hall to bid farewell to the 19 year old Grade 11 pupil who was stabbed to death on his way to school on Wednesday. Thabile Mbhele reports .....
A child-headed family from Boitumelo township in the Vaal has accused the police of not doing enough to bring to justice the man, who allegedly murdered their sister, Palesa Mokhele. They say 24-year-old Mokhele was allegedly killed by her boyfriend in May last year -- around the same time Karabo Mokoena was brutally murdered by her boyfriend -- Sandile Mantsoe. The Mokhele's says the suspect is known to them and still roams the streets of Boitumelo. Thabile Mbhele has more....
Is the era of children being turned away from certain schools, on the basis of language, over in Gauteng? Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi hopes no learner will ever be discriminated against on the basis of language, race, health, financial status or where they were born. This follows the recent approval of the new schools' admissions regulations by the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. Lesufi has in the past butted heads with some Afrikaans schools and school governing bodies over their admission policies. Wisani Makhubele reports...
A lawyer for tyre manufacturer, Dunlop, has admitted that some of its 65 employees may have been unfairly dismissed following the violent 2012 strike. The workers were dismissed after refusing to give evidence, which included pointing out their colleagues. The company was trying to root out those who had participated in acts of serious violence, intimidation and damage to property during the strike. Labour union Numsa is challenging the dismissals in the Constitutional Court. Wisani Makhubele has more.....
Should the spouses of South African citizens or permanent residents be allowed to apply for a spousal visa from inside the country, contrary to the prevailing law? That's the challenge recently brought to the Constitutional Court, that heard arguments in a leave to appeal application. The applicants want the section to be declared unconstitutional. Wisani Makhubele reports…
Minister of Co-Operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Doctor Zweli Mkhize says South Africans should not be so gullible and believe everything religious leaders say without examining it. He says the outrageous practices in the name of culture and religious should stop immediately. Mkhize was speaking at the two-day National Consultative Conference of the Commission for the Promotion & Protection of Cultural, Religious & Linguistic Rights of Communities in Pretoria. The conference comes as a video of a pastor claiming to have woken someone from the dead, has gone viral on social media. Mkhize like the CRL Rights Commission believes a peer review mechanism is required to get the religious sector under control. Thabile Mbhele reports...
INTRO: The Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, PAC, says it is ready to govern South Africa after the May general elections. It says it is convinced of a victory since the launch of it's election manifesto coincided with the commemorations of the 41st anniversary of the life of it's founder, Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe. The leader of this faction of the PAC, Narius Moloto, addressed his followers at the Johannesburg City Hall today (saturday 23 February) amid politicial squabbles with Mzwanele Nyhotsho's faction. The IEC has ordered both factions to find an urgent solution, failing which, neither will be recognised during elections. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Gauteng Premier David Makhura says President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured him that the issue of e-tolls is receiving his urgent attention. The e-tolling system is one of the thorny issues Makhura has been grappling with throughout his five-year term. Makhura wrote to Ramaphosa after he became President last year for a possible solution, as it's national government that has authority on the matter. Makhura delivered his last State of the Province address for this term in Alberton on Gauteng's East Rand. As Wisani Makhubele reports, Makhura again repeated his opposition to e-tolls…
Collapsing ceilings, broken windows and chairs, non-functioning toilets and a lack of electricity. Those are some of the features that define the Durban Deep primary school in Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg. Parents also allege that two snakes were killed on the school premises last week. Schooling has been grounded to a halt for a week, as parents say they can't continue to expose their children to inhumane and dangerous conditions. They've called on the Gauteng Education Department to shut down the school and move their children to other schools. Wisani Makhubele visited the school and compiled this report…
The Gauteng Provincial Government came under fire from unions following the deaths of three firefighters in an unsafe building in the Johannesburg CBD. The firefighters lost their lives in September while trying to extinguish a fire that raged for three days on the 23rd floor of the Bank of Lisbon Building which housed three provincial government departments. The deaths of firefighters also put in the spotlight the emergency services department's lack of equipment. Wisani Makhubele compiled this report...
The funeral industry says there's a growing trend of special requests for luxury funerals. It says funerals are seemingly no longer about just a sombre farewell but are about making a statement and a memory that will linger in people's mind's for years to come. It appears people are not shy to splash hundreds of thousands of rands on that final goodbye to their loved ones. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Restaurants and florists around Johannesburg have been receiving high volumes of calls from people making bookings for romantic dinners to celebrate Valentine's Day. Most restaurants are fully booked as couples have already reserved their tables. Boineelo Molebiemang compiled this report...
The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL) is adamant about regulation of the sector. But, religious leaders have called for the commission not to meddle in their affairs. This was the message that emerged from the first ever religious summit held in Johannesburg. The leaders have also questioned the validity of the summit and the appointment of a task team. The meeting was a result of a study into the commercialisation of religion and what the Commission believes is the abuse and exploitation of people's religious beliefs in South Africa. Thabile Mbhele reports…
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) will be approaching the Equality Court over comments from Black First Land First following the Hoerskool Driehoek tragedy last week. Four learners died when a walkway collapsed at the school leaving countless children in hospital. Responding on social media, it's alleged that BLF spokesperson Lindsay Maasdorp said he "doesn't have a heart to feel pain" for the children who died after a walkway collapsed. The victims were all white. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The World Health Organisation says there's an increase in the number of cancer cases in Africa. In South Africa doctors are seeing a high number of patients with colon cancer. South Africa currently doesn't have an official registry of the number of people living with cancer. Cervical, breast, testicular and prostate are the most common cancers in South Africa. As the world commemorates World Cancer Day today, under the theme "I am and I will" - South Africans have been urged to get screened for various cancers to detect them early. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Questions remain about how the bodies of the three women who died at Prophet Shepherd Bushiri's Enlightened Christian Gathering Church at the Pretoria were removed from the church. It's still unclear who and how the scene was cleared when 17 people were injured during a stampede on the night of the 28th of December last year following a heavy storm. Earlier today the CRL Rights Commission released a report into its investigation into the impasse between the ECG church, the South African National Civic Organisation and the City of Tshwane relating to this incident. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The City of Johannesburg has failed to identify pieces of land to be used as initiation schools during the winter months in the municipality. This comes as the two-year suspension period for initiation schools comes to an end in the province. Two years ago, the CRL Rights Commission put an end to the initiation of young men in the province after it emerged that criminal elements had taken over initiation schools, abducting young boys and bringing drugs and alcohol into these sacred spaces. The commission has met with the City of Joburg to get an update on the matter. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The family of Sarah Moyakula Mohlala who died during a stampede at the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church is demanding answers from Prophet Shepherd Bushiri. The family has accused the Prophet and his followers of ill treating their loved ones at their time of death. Three people died and atleast 17 others were injured during a stampede during the church's overnight service on the 28th of December in Pretoria last year. Yesterday Prophet Bushiri told the CRL Rights Commission that they would have a memorial service for the people who died at the service. However this family has rejected the proposed memorial service because their mother was not treated with dignity after she died. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The South African youth is forced to be more innovative in their careers as they attempt to keep up with the demands of the fourth industrial revolution. In his speech to the ANC Youth League in Durban last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa challenged them to find relevant skills for the ever-changing world. Our reporter Thabile Mbhele had a chat with a young man who has taken his basic hair cutting skill to where it's needed most, and compiled this report...
The IEC has announced that it now has the addresses of 21.5 million voters, representing 80 per cent of the voters' roll. This is in an effort to meet the Constitutional Court's instructions to gather all the addresses of voters before the 2019 national elections. However, this order may see the homeless left out in the cold. Hitekani Magwedze and Thabile Mbhele filed this report...
Despite calm returning to Westbury as 2018 drew to an end, many families in the area are still reeling from the murders of their loved ones. Residents of the predominantly coloured community took to the streets in October 2018 in protests against gangsterism, drugs and violent crime in the area. SABC reporter Jamaine Krige spoke to a group of women from the community about the sons they had lost to gang violence, and the collective pain of Westbury's mothers...
Most children look forward to Christmas to open gifts, have treats and spend time with family and friends - and the children of Westbury are no exception. The area was plunged into turmoil when the community took to the streets in protest against gangsterism, drugs and violent crime. And while it's clear that Westbury residents want peace in their community, Jamaine Krige spoke to some of the Westbury children to find out what they want for Christmas...
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has added its voice to the chorus of condolences streaming in for South African paramedic and rescue worker, Mark Roxburgh.
Roxburgh and three other Emeratis crew members died when their helicopter crashed while on a rescue mission in Ras al-Khaimah in the north-eastern region of the United Arab Emirates on Saturday. It is alleged that the chopper clipped 'the worlds highest zip line' on the UAE's highest mountain, Jebel Jais, in the crash.
Jamaine Krige spoke to Roxburgh's sister, Lindy-Lee Felix, about his life and his legacy...
A painting project aimed at preventing shack fires is underway in Setswetla informal settlement, in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg. This comes as hundreds of families have been displaced in another section of the township after a devastating fire swept through the area last week. It destroyed about 460 structures. Jamaine Krige and Alundrah Sibanda compiled this report...
Cancer will kill more people that HIV in South Africa if nothing is done to provide access to healthcare for cancer patients. That's according to the Treatment Action Campaign as it marks 20 years of fighting for the rights of people living with HIV. The TAC was formed two decades ago to fight for the provision of HIV treatment to thousands of people who were living and dying of the virus. Today they looked back at the challenges and successes of the organisation. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Public Protector, Busisiwe Mkhwebane has revealed that sexual abuse survivor, Cheryl Zondi's life is in danger. She says there are threats to kill Zondi and other witnesses in the Timothy Omotoso rape case in Port Elizabeth. This emerged at a media briefing where the Cheryl Zondi Foundation was launched in Johannesburg today. The foundation will assist other you victims of sexual and emotional abuse in sacred spaces. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Every week scores of South African children are killed and hundreds more injured on their way to and from schools across the country. And while the vulnerabilities of child pedestrians and the dangers of informal public transports are known, few parents can afford a safer option. This according to road safety activist, Peggie Mars, who says more needs to be done to ensure the safety of South Africa's youth. In this, the third installment of a series about the state of scholar transport safety, Jamaine Krige looks into ways that parents can keep their children safe, and explores what children can do for their own safety....
The World Health Organisation says while one-point-two-five million people die annually in road traffic collisions, a further 20 to 50 million are injured globally including children. In just one week in August this year, eleven children died and one hundred and sixteen injured on their way to and from school in separate crashes across the country. In today's episode of a series focusing on scholar transport, Jamaine Krige talks to Nicole Melck, who was partially paralysed in a crash in 2005, just days before her thirteenth birthday.....
A study conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council has found that close to 30 per cent of HIV positive people are resistant to antiretroviral drugs. This refers to patients who are virally unsuppressed, meaning the virus is still detectable in their body but are already on treatment. Some of the patients are resistant to one and others to two types of antiretroviral drugs on the first line of treatment used in South Africa. These are some of the findings of the 5th South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, Behaviour and Communication Survey. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Young women are doing their bit to fight the scourge of HIV/AIDS among their peers. Close to two thousand young women aged 15 to 24 are infected with HIV in South Africa every week. That is a huge set back for a country that has worked hard to respond to the epidemic and reduce the number of HIV deaths. Sugar daddies or the blesser phenomenon is believed to be the main driver of the epidemic in this age group. As Thabile Mbhele reports there are programmes targeting young women to fight HIV...
Acting President David Mabuza says South Africa is committed to working towards an HIV free generation. He says the country has overcome many challenges in the fight against HIV/AIDS and will forge ahead to meeting the goals of ending AIDS by 2030. Mabuza has been speaking at the main World AIDS Day event in Dobsonville, in Soweto. Thabile Mbhele reports…
The religious sector in South Africa wants to eliminate the abuse of women and children by people claiming to be religious leaders. They want to work with law enforcement authorities to remove suspects out of the system. This emerged at a briefing by the CRL Rights Commission and the religious sector held in Johannesburg today. They have also criticized these so-called religious leaders for abusing their power by forcing people to perform unusual acts like drinking petrol, eating snakes and grass. Thabile Mbhele reports...
An estimated five child pedestrians and three child passengers die on South Africa's roads each day. This is according to road safety activists who say the deaths of eight children a day is a massive cause for alarm. They say the lack of safe transport to school violates more than just a child's constitutionally guaranteed right to education. In the first episode of a series on scholar transport safety, SABC reporter Jamaine Krige teams up with nine-year old Gale Selebi to take a look at the statistics and trends relating to children as road users in South Africa .....
An estimated two million young people will die of HIV by the year 2030 if nothing is done to improve HIV/AIDS responses across the world. That's according to a UNICEF report titled: Children, HIV and AIDS: The World in 2030 - released in Johannesburg today ahead of World AIDS Day on Saturday. The global body says while there's a reduction in the number of new HIV infections among the zero to 19 age group, the world is not on track to end AIDS in 12 years. Thabile Mbhele spoke to a young person living with HIV who says she's lucky to have survived all these years...
Some of the victims in the case of the former Parktown Boys High school water polo coach Collen Rex are struggling academically as a result of the abuse and have even considered committing suicide. This was revealed during closing arguments in the High Court, sitting at the Palm Ridge court on Gauteng's Eastrand. 23- year-old Rex was found guilty on 144 counts of sexual assault and 12 of common assault in September this year. The case has been adjourned to Wednesday. Sashin Naido reeports..........
The state in the case of three men convicted of the 2017 daring O.R Tambo Airport cash heist - has sought to show the court how prevalent this crime is and the cost implications for the country's business sector. The prosecution presented the court with a report by the South African Banking Risk Information Centre which shows Gauteng as having the highest number of reported Cash In Transit robberies in the country. The report was handed in the high court in Johannesburg during the sentencing proceedings of the three men convicted of the robbery. The armed gang - posing as police officers stole 27 bags of cash destined for the United Kingdom. Candice Nolan has more....
Football legend Mike Mangena has been released on a 50-thousand rand bail after spending five nights in jail. Mangena and his co-accused , Morena Maqoaelane, William Kazipata and Kennedy Tsogolane, appeared in the Randfontein Magistrates court on Gauteng's West Rand this morning. The four were arrested on Wednesday last week after police raided a drugs manufacturing plant in a farm owned by Mangena in Hillside in Randfontein. They've all been charged with manufacturing illegal drugs. Mangena's co-accused have abandoned their bail application. Sashin Naidoo reports...
Churches are expected to make representations to the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities on whether churches in South Africa should be regulated. Earlier this year the commission suggested that the institutions be regulated to ensure that leaders are held accountable. Church leaders have, instead called for self-regulation saying the commission should not trample on the structures that the church has in place. Zoleka Qodashe filed this report...
INTRO: Trade in illegal cigarettes has increased dramatically in South Africa in the past few months. This, despite efforts by the South African Revenue Services to crackdown on this illicit trade. These are some of the findings of the latest Tobacco Market Study conducted by IPSOS which has revealed that an illegal cigarette brand has become the top seller of cigarettes in South Africa. Thabile Mbhele reports…..
The story of exceptional five-and-a-half year old Matilda Wormwood has captured the imagination and the hearts of adults and children alike since it was first published by Roahl Dahl in 1988. Today, Matilda the Musical, brings the magic straight from the pages of the book by the same name and onto the stage at Monte Casino's Teatro. SABC reporter Jamaine Krige attended the show, which runs at Monte Casino until 2 December 2018....
South African consumers are increasingly opting for Kosher and Halaal food for its quality and safety. This emerged at a Johannesburg seminar on the religious meaning of Halaal, Shudda, Aum, Kosher and Bhuddist stamps on food labels. The event was organised by the CRL Rights Commission. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Civil Society groups have come under severe criticism for the way they deal with sexual harassment, abuse and discrimination of its employees. They've been accused of protecting perpetrators of sexual abuse and gender based violence over the victims. This emerged during a discussion on Confronting Abuse and Gender based violence in the civil society sector organised by Action Aid South Africa in Johannesburg. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The Environmental Affairs Department has put together a team to investigate claims of raw sewage spilling into the Vaal River. This emerged during the second phase of an inquiry into the sewage spillage led by the South African Human Rights Commission in Johannesburg. It is estimated that about 150 megalitres of raw sewage pours into the river on a daily basis. Sashin Naidoo has the details...
There's a growing trend in South Africa of people adopting the vegan diet and opting out of eating meat and dairy products. The similar trend is seemingly growing in the United Kingdom as well where an estimated 70% of the 66 million population is now classified as vegans. Veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude all forms of exploitation and cruelty to animals for food, clothing or any other purpose. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The Social Justice Coalition has welcomed today's Constitutional Court judgement confirming that Section 12-One-A of the Regulation of Gatherings Act is unconstitutional because it criminalises peaceful protests. The organisation says the ruling vindicates its 10 activists, who were convicted over a demonstration outside the Cape Town Civic Centre in 2013. The Cape Town High Court ruled against the law and overturned their convictions in January this year. But, the Minister of Police challenged the judgement. Wisani Makhubele reports..
Rand water has warned of possible water shortages heading into the festive season should the current heatwave persist in many parts of the country. The water utility says despite numerous warnings urging consumers to use water sparingly, water usage remains extremely high. The South African Weather Service predicts that the current hot temperatures will remain up to the weekend. Sashin Naidoo has the details...
Community Health Workers will now be permanently employed by government. They will each receive a minimum wage of three-thousand-500 rands monthly for their services. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi made the announcement at the launch of the Health, Wellness and Happiness Campaign in Johannesburg today. Community health workers do door-to-door visits to families in their communities to screen them for diseases and assist with taking chronic medication. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, says foreign nationals are burdening the South African health system. He was speaking on the second day of labour union NEHAWU's Nurses' Summit in Johannesburg yesterday (Wednesday). The summit looked at issues that nurses are facing such as safety, training and the National Health Insurance. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Crime, unemployment and drug abuse are Gauteng residents' biggest concerns. That's according to the latest Quality of Life Survey released by the Gauteng City-Region Observatory. The Observatory is a research body composed of researchers from the Universities of Johannesburg and Wits in partnership with the Gauteng provincial government and municipalities. The report, released every two years seeks to reflect people's views about the service delivery issues. Wisani Makhubele reports......
The South African National AIDS Council - SANAC says it is encouraged by government's efforts on the issue of the decriminalisation of sex work in the country. It says the department of Justice and Constitutional Development is working on the subject. The council has been responding to questions about the country's response to HIV and TB at a meeting in Johannesburg. Thabile Mbhele reports…
South Africa currently ranks as the 125th most peaceful country in the world out of 165 countries studied. The country's ranking in the 2018 Global Peace Index has dropped two notches because of the increase in violent demonstrations and political violence. Civil society bodies, non-governmental organisations and academics have called for urgent interventions to reduce political violence in South Africa as the country prepares for general elections next year. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Communities on Gauteng's West Rand are up in arms over the raw sewage that is flowing through their neighbourhood, posing a serious health hazard. Some of the sewage runs past a school and it is also causing several graves at the local cemetery to cave in. The sewage from a waste water treatment plant in Randfontein is also spilling into the Rietspruit river and the Haartebees dam. The Rand West Local Municipality which manages the plant, has been blamed for failing to maintain it. The Human Rights Commission has visited the plant.
Zoleka Qodashe reports...
Worker Unions have pledged to fight to the bitter end in the ongoing retrenchments saga at the SABC. Last week, the public broadcaster announced over two-thousand planned retrenchments. Unions have planned Black Wednesday and a national picket on Friday in protest of the looming retrenchments. Zoleka Qodashe has more...
The future of Westbury lies in the hands of the youth. This is according to community stakeholders and government departments who work with young people in the gang-infested, drug-ridden area on Gauteng's West Rand. Residents of Westbury took to the streets just over a month ago to demand government intervention and police accountability to remedy the social ills in the area. The Gauteng Department of Community Safety has since launched youth boot camps to teach life skills to at-risk high school students from the area. Jamaine Krige went to see what the boot camps were all about....
Over the past two years, dozens of people have been killed in a turf war between gangs in Westbury, on Gauteng's West Rand. The area, which borders Sophiatown and Newlands, has been ravaged by gang violence, high levels of unemployment, substance abuse and domestic violence. Residents recently took to the streets demanding government intervention. The thirteen and a half thousand residents, predominantly coloured, are squeezed into an area of just over one square kilometre. The socio-economic ills mean crime is a lucrative business. Jamaine Krige takes a look at the history of gangersterism in Westbury, dating back to the 1950s...
The Department of Basic Education says it is satisfied with the security around matric question papers. It hopes for a hassle free exam period this year. This comes as the 2018 matric class starts its final exams in earnest this week. Today they are sitting for the unofficial languages and on Tuesday 629 thousand learners will write the English Paper One exam. The department has wished the 2018 matric class well. Thabile Mbhele reports ...
The private health sector has been challenged to play a part in improving healthcare services in South Africa through the National Health Insurance. The call has been made at the Healthcare Innovation Summit Africa in Midrand, north of Johannesburg. The summit has been attended by healthcare practitioners, technology experts and investors to discuss how healthcare can be refined through technology. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Statistics South Africa began its countrywide 2018 census for commercial agriculture yesterday. About 600 field staff have been deployed to visit commercial farms in various parts of the country to establish the number and size of farms and crop types being grown in different areas. The census seeks to help Stats SA to get a full picture of commercial farming, its contribution to the economy as well as how many people the sector employs.
Wisani Makhubele compiled this report...
South African men have been challenged to participate in a social media campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer. A group of young men have started a #HeyBraChallenge, wherein they ask men to wear a bra and post a picture or video on social media to raise awareness about breast cancer. The CANSA Association of South Africa estimates that over 19 - million women aged 15 years and older are at risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. This is the most common cancer affecting women in South Africa. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The Cancer Association of South Africa - CANSA - has expressed frustration over the continued shortage of life-saving drugs at public hospitals. The association says it keeps receiving complaints from patients who've not been receiving their chronic medicines, despite repeatedly raising the matter with hospital managers and health officials. This week, a Gauteng breast cancer patient described to SABC NEWS how she collapsed at home, two days after the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg failed to provide her with chemotherapy medication. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has confirmed the shortage of certain life-saving drugs countrywide. Wisani Makhubele compiled this report...
Family of the late SAFM presenter Rowena Baird have thanked the SABC and her listeners for the support during this difficult time. A memorial service was held for her at the SABC's in Radio Park. Baird passed away peacefully at her home last week Friday surrounded by her loved ones. She lost her battle with cancer. In 2014 Baird was diagnosed with colon cancer. She is survived by her son Vuyo and grand daughter Khanya. Angela Bolowana attended Baird's memorial where her friends and family spoke fondly of her...
The City of Ekurhuleni says it hopes the family of a small boy who fell down an abandoned mine shaft in the Jerusalem informal settlement in Boksburg east of Johannesburg at the start of 2017 will find consolation in their new RDP house. The boy's mother Nombeko Thole says she still struggles to accept that son who was five at the time of his death, is gone. Despite intensive search efforts, his body has not been recovered. Jamaine Krige reports...
Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure are killing more South Africans than HIV. These diseases are as a result of a poor diet and lack of exercises and are linked to obesity. This was revealed at the Obesity Prevention National Journalism training workshop as the world observes Obesity Day today (Thursday 11 October). It was also revealed that one in five children are overweight and obese globally. Thabile Mbhele reports…
A South African rape survivor has told of his harrowing experience at hands of a Catholic Priest. William Segodisho opened up about how the Catholic priest plied him with alcohol, forced him to masturbate him and then eventually raped him continually at the church dormitories in Johannesburg. Now after 27 years Segodisho wants justice from the church. He has laid criminal charges against the priest who now lives in the UK and is also considering suing the church. Angela Bolowana reports....
As the furore surrounding the unsafe buildings in the City of Johannesburg continues - residents of Newclare and Westbury west of the city - have spoken out about the dilapidated state of their flats. They say many residents have been injured due to the unstable structure and falling bricks. The flats have not been maintained for years and some of them looks like they could collapse any time. The problem of unsafe buildings which dont comply with health and safety standards came under the spotlight with the recent fire that gutted the Bank of Lisbon building that used to house three Gauteng government departments. An investigation has since found that close to ten such government buildings are not in a good state and are non-compliant. Chantal Thompson reports...
A 51-year-old Cancer patient has described to SABC NEWS how her life was compromised resulting in her collapsing at her home after the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg failed to provide her with Chemo therapy medication. The woman from Kagiso, west of Johannesburg has breast Cancer. She says she and a number of other Cancer patients were made to wait the entire day at the hospital last Thursday only to be sent home with pain killers because the hospital had run out of chemo therapy drugs. This comes as South Africa mark Breast Cancer Awareness month. Wisani Makhubele spoke to the patient who wishes to remain anonymous....
Governments on the African continent are failing to communicate and translate what universal health coverage means to their citizens and other stakeholders. This has emerged on the last day of the African Health Business summit in Johannesburg. The summit which has attracted delegates from 32 African countries and 16 countries globally, is aimed at discussing ways of ensuring universal health coverage on the African continent. Delegates are sharing best practices on how to successfully have universal health coverage in their different countries. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The Civil Aviation Authority says an investigation is underway into the cause of the deadly light aircraft crash in Johannesburg. The pilot was killed on impact, and another person later died on the scene. The small plane crashed into the backyard of a house in Vorna Valley in Midrand, shortly after taking off from the nearby Grand Central airport. Eyewitnesses report that the plane was flying very low just moments before the crash. Jamaine Krige was there....
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has cautioned African countries against emulating South Africa in trying to achieve universal health coverage. He says they must come up with their own strategies to ensure that all their citizens have access to quality healthcare. Motsoaledi was speaking at the Africa Health Business Symposium in Johannesburg, which is attended by delegates from 32 African countries and 16 countries further afield. Delegates are discussing ways of bringing universal health coverage to the continent, an equivalent to the National Health Insurance locally. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The Gauteng Shutdown Co-ordinating Committee says recent protests in Westbury, Eldorado Park and Ennerdale in Johannesburg are taste of things to come. The committee met with representatives of predominantly coloured communities today, in Eldorado Park, to discuss the way forward. No protests are expected on Monday but momentum has not been lost. SABC reporter, Zoleka Qodashe was there...
Westbury mother Heather Peterson was laid to rest at a funeral in the Johannesburg suburb this morning. Peterson was killed last week after she was caught in the crossfire during alleged gang violence in the area. Peterson's ten-year-old niece was also injured in the incident. Her death sparked violent protests at levels of crime in the area and resulted in interventions by Police Minister Bheki Cele. Zoleka Qodashe compiled this report...
The world's first ever liver transplant from an HIV positive mother to her HIV negative child has been performed in South Africa. Doctors at the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre in Johannesburg operated on a 13-month-old baby suffering from Biliary Atresia - a final stage liver disease. The mother and child have fully recovered a year after the transplant was conducted. However the HIV status of the child is still unknown. This was announced at a media briefing in Johannesburg. Senior Health Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
The community in Westbury in Johannesburg joined the family in paying tribute to the late Heather Peterson on Wednesday night. In a memorial service, friends and family to Peterson jointly remembered the forty-six-year-old before they lay her to rest. Peterson died last Thursday after she was caught in the midst of gang violence. Zoleka Qodashe attended the service...
The Gauteng Government will dispatch social workers to Westbury west of Johannesburg to provide counseling to the family of Heather Peterson - the mother whose death sparked the violent protests in the area. Counseling services will also be extended to community members who witnessed the incident. Peterson was fatally shot after being caught in the cross-fire in what's believed to have been a shootout between drug dealers. Her 10-year-old niece was wounded. She's been discharged from hospital. Horisani Sithole reports....
Ten young girls are infected with HIV in South Africa every hour. The United Nations agency, UNAIDS, revealed this in Sandton, Johannesburg, at the national imbizo of religious and traditional leaders. The imbizo is looking at ways of improving comprehensive sexual education and access to reproductive and health services for young people in South Africa. Religious and traditional leaders believe they can play a crucial role in fighting HIV. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The husband of a woman who's death sparked the violent protests in Westbury, west of Johannesburg says the arrest of the perpetrators will not bring his wife back. Reuben Peterson was reacting to Police Minister Bheki Cele's undertaking that police will apprehend the remaining two suspects sought in connection with the fatal shooting of his wife within the next 48 to 72 hours. Two suspects are already behind bars. Cele visited Westbury today and addressed them on measures the police will take to help deal with their concerns. Sashin Naidoo has more...
The private health sector is incredibly costly and unsustainable. These are some of the findings of the provisional report of the Health Market Inquiry presented at the Hospital Association of South Africa conference in Bryanston, north of Johannesburg. The five year inquiry has been investigating the cost of private healthcare in South Africa. The results have been published and are available for public comment. However the provisional report has been criticised by stakeholders in the industry. Thabile Mbhele reports
The Judicial Services Commission interviewed eight candidates for the five vacancies in the Gauteng Division of the High Court on Tuesday. The candidates were probed on a number of issues including their experience, gender equity and recommendations for the justice system. Angela Bolowana attended the interview sessions and filed this report…
Police Minister Bheki Cele is set to visit the community of Westbury today following yet another day of unrest yesterday. Scores of Westbury residents again took to the streets in protest against drugs and other forms of crime. At least five people were arrested for public violence following clashes with police. A few protesters were injured after police used teargas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. The protesters retaliated by hurling stones. The protest was sparked by Thursday's gang-related shooting which claimed a woman's life, and left a child in a critical condition. Zoleka Qodashe has more...
The Department of Health believes General Practitioners are under-utilised in South Africa. It says under the National Health Insurance, GPs will be the first point of call for many patients. This emerged at the BD Healthcare Summit aimed at combating the rise of anti-microbial resistance, in Sandton today (Friday). Government is working on providing universal health coverage to South Africans regardless of their social status, through the NHI. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Studies have shown a direct relationship between academic achievement and indigenous language literacy. Research published in the 2011 South African Journal of Childhood Education says children without a solid mother tongue foundation are significantly disadvantaged when it comes to learning, especially at an advanced level. This is more evident where the language of teaching and learning is different from the mother tongue. Tshimologo Maputla reports...
As part of celebrating South Africa's heritage and preserving its history through stone and metal, Social activist and artist Professor Pitika Ntuli has unveiled his latest sculpture in Johannesburg. The 19-ton statue dubbed: QUANTUM PEOPLE took four years to complete and commemorates our heritage as a people. And it is one of the twenty-three life sized statues by the same artist that depicts the 300 years of colonialism. During this month of September - South Africa celebrates Heritage month. Zoleka Qodashe attended the sculpture's unveiling and compiled this report..
Two children from Katlehong, on Gauteng's East Rand -- who died after complaining of stomach cramps and vomiting -- have been laid to rest. The siblings, Sanele and Sabelo Mbatha, were learners at the Kumalo Primary School and fell ill after consuming food at home. They later died at a local clinic. Their other sibling -- who was admitted to a hospital's intensive care unit with similar symptoms -- has since been discharged and is recovering well. Our reporter, Zoleka Qodashe, attended the funeral and filed this report...
The Film and Publication Board will start reviewing its classification guidelines to consider including culture and domestic violence as warnings on TV and films locally. The FPB wants the public to comment on the guidelines on the classification of content on TV, film and video games as it starts the review process at the end of this week. This emerged at a roundtable discussion about the role of the FPB following media frenzy about the classification of the movie Inxeba - The Wound a last year. Thabile Mbhele reports…
The community of Alexandra township, north of Johannesburg, is still reeling from shock of the death of four children from the same family. The four children, aged between three and seven, burnt to death in a two-roomed shack, while their two mothers were allegedly out having fun at a club down the road. The two women, who are siblings, have been arrested and will face charges, including child neglect, and possibly culpable homicide. They're expected to appear in court on Tuesday (18/09). Thabile Mbhele reports...
Constable Lucky Matome is more than just the police spokesperson for Tarlton on Gauteng's West Rand. In his spare time, he transforms into Scylash, a popular kwaito performer recently nominated for a Mzanzi Kwaito House Music Award in the category "best new kwaito artist". Matome talks to the SABC's Jamaine Krige about his 'double life' and how he manages to balance his passions for both crime-fighting and music...
Gauteng hospitals are 132 percent overcrowded in all its neonatal wards. The Health Department has decided to move all new born babies to the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital and Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital to relieve overcrowding at the Thelle Mogoerane Hospital. This comes after six babies have died of antibiotic resistant klebsiella since July. Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi made the announcement at a media briefing at Thelle Mogoerane Hospital in Vosloorus on Sunday afternoon. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Officials at the Germiston Mortuary in the east of Johannesburg say they are hopeful that the strike by some staff members of the facility will be resolved. On Monday, the forensic staff downed tools over the lack of protective gear. This resulted in a backlog of cases dealt with and interruptions in planned family burials. SABC Reporter, Zoleka Qodashe has more...
The number of cash-in-transit heists has increased in the past three years. This is according to the latest crime stats revealed before the Portfolio Committee in Parliament today. Police Ministry officials have condemned the statistics, while noting the progress made in arresting cash-in-transit heist suspects. Zoleka Qodashe reports...
A memorial service -- to honour three fire-fighters who lost their lives last week -- was held at the Eldorado Park Fire Station yesterday (Monday, 10 September). Families, friends and community members came together in a heartfelt tribute to honour the brave men who died on duty. The fire-fighters died after battling a blaze at the Lisbon Bank building in the Johannesburg CBD recently. Zoleka Qodashe reports...
Messages of support and goodwill continue to stream in along with donations for fire fighters battling a blaze in the Johannesburg CBD. Efforts are still underway to control the fire in the provincial government building that claimed the lives of three firemen yesterday. Jamaine Krige takes a look at how the community has pulled together to support the rescue workers....
The SABC's cost of broadcasting came under the spotlight at the South African Public Broadcasting Policy Review Colloquium in Midrand, north of Johannesburg. It emerged that signal distributor SENTECH is the second largest cost driver at the public broadcaster which is constantly in financial troubles. The SABC says it's looking at various strategies to resolve its financial troubles which may include asking more for TV licences and forcing millions of users to pay the annual fee. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The Constitutional Court has absolved former Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini of gross negligence in connection with the prolonged contractual issue involving Cash Paymaster Services. Dlamini will not be held personally liable to pay the legal bill. However, the social security agency - SASSA, and its Chief Executive Officer, in her official capacity, have been ordered to pay costs. The court has however found that Dlamini failed in her supervisory role to Sassa, and also erred in deferring her responsibilities to an inter-ministerial committee. Wisani Makhubele reports...
The Electoral Commission of South Africa – IEC says there's a great risk that the credibility of next year's general elections could be questioned if it's not granted an extension to finalise the voters' roll. The IEC made an urgent application in the Constitutional Court in Braamfontein, Johannesburg for an extension to collect the addresses of every citizen who appears on the roll. The court ruled in 2016 that the lack of addresses was inconsistent with the Constitution's founding values to ensure accountability, responsiveness and openness. Wisani Makhubele reports...
The Social Justice Coalition has argued that it's unjustifiable that its activists cannot find employment because they have criminal records for engaging in a peaceful demonstration. The Constitutional Court on Tuesday - August 21, heard the matter of 10 activists, who were convicted for protesting over poor sanitation in Khayelitsha, at the Cape Town Civic Centre, without giving notice in 2013. The Western Cape High Court has since overturned the convictions and declared Section 12(1)(a) of the Regulation of Gatherings Act unconstitutional. Wisani Makhubele reports...
Police are still monitoring the situation in Soweto after violent clashes between foreign shop owners and angry residents on Wednesday. At least three people have been killed during a looting spree after protests erupted over claims that the foreign owned shops were selling expired goods. Jamaine Krige spoke to some of the residents about the tensions in the area....
The poison Aldicarb is used in at least one hundred homicides each year in Johannesburg alone. This according to poison expert Gerhard Verdoorn, who estimates that countless people commit suicide with the banned pesticide, known colloquially as Two Step and in Sotho, Halipirimi, each year. At least 800 dogs are poisoned with Aldicarb weekly in South Africa. Jamaine Krige took to the streets to see how readily available this poison is, and looks at the devastating effects of Aldicarb poisoning in humans...
At least 800 dogs are poisoned with the banned pesticide, Aldicarb, every week in South Africa. This is according to poison expert ,Gerhard Verdoorn, who says the poison, known colloquially as Two Step or halipirim, is responsible for at least one hundred murders per year in Johannesburg alone. Jamaine Krige took to the streets to see how easily this poison is available and to explore the impact of Aldicarb on the animals in the area...
Social media is still abuzz with reactions to the video posted by Adam Catzavelos on a beach vacation, with a weather update in which he uses the k-word. While many are still voicing their shock and disappointment at his comments, others have taken to Twitter and Facebook with a different approach, choosing to respond with humour to the viral racist rant, as Jamaine Krige reports...
In what it terms 'A year of poor service delivery' the ANC has complied a 2017/18 scorecard for the DA-EFF coalition government. It says the current leadership in the two major metros, Tshwane and Johanesburg ought to be chaged and has called for fresh elections. Zoleka Qodashe reports...
Health Ombudsman, Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, has recommended that Psychiatrist, Kiran Sukeri, be suspended and charged with gross misconduct for committing scientific fraud. He has also called on Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, to urgently appoint a director of mental health to deal with what he calls the ticking time bomb of mental health in the country. Makgoba has released a report into allegations of patient mismanagement and patient rights violations at the Tower Psychiatric Hospital and Psycho Social Rehabilitation Centre in the Easter Cape. The report looked into suggestions that Tower Hospital was another Life Esidimeni -- where patients were ill-treated and denied proper health care. Thabile Mbhele reports…
A number of organisations have distanced themselves from St George's Fine Food, after its former director, Adam Catzavelos' video -- of a racist rant -- went viral on social media. Catzavelos was on holiday in Greece when he decided to send a video of himself giving a weather update -- adding that there is not a single K-word at the beach. The EFF has also laid a charge of racism, while the the Kathrada Foundation is approaching the Human Rights Commission. Zoleka Qodashe reports...
Employees at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto have embarked on early morning and lunch hour protests since Monday. They're calling on the hospital CEO to step down over allegations of corruption, maladministration and nepotism. Those involved include members affiliated to unions Nehawu, Denosa, Hospersa and the PSA. Horisani Sithole reports....
South African childhood obesity rates are growing faster than those in the United States. This is according to a study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology. The paper focuses on the recent rate of change of the body-mass index among children, adolescents and young adults. It shows that there's been a rapid increase in the weight of children aged eight to ten from middle income families, mostly in urban areas. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, also known as UN Women, says it will take more than 200 years to achieve gender equality in South Africa if nothing is done to speed up efforts to attain such equality. It has also called on the religious community to lead the fight against domestic violence in South Africa. UN Women believes religious leaders have the power to change toxic masculinities. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Listening to song's by the late US queen of soul - Aretha Franklin brings a feeling of nostalgia. These are some of the sentiments shared by some South African's reacting to the passing of legendary US singer-songwriter. Franklin died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 76 in the American city of Detroit. The legendary singer and performer was gravely ill and receiving hospice care at her home earlier this week. Pearl Magubane filed this soundscape of people in Johannesburg going down memory lane, singing to some of the classics.....
Raw sewerage spilling into the Vaal River from the Emfuleni municipality is having a direct effect on many business owners who have built their lives and livelihoods on the river bank. Guesthouse owners, adventure tour companies and fishing expeditions in the area -- all relying on the river to attract tourists -- say people are hesitant to visit the area as they fear for their health and safety. Jamaine Krige went to Parys, a tourist town on the banks of the Vaal River, that has been hard hit by the Vaal pollution crisis....
Late hip hop star, Linda "Prokid" Mkhize, has been laid to rest. The 'Dankie San' rapper was hailed as a champion in the hip hop industry and celebrated for making the genre popular in townships. Thirty-seven-year-old Mkhize died last week after suffering a seizure. Family, friends and fans gathered at the University of Johannesburg's Soweto campus Sunday morning to bid farwell to the musician, as Zoleka Qodashe reports...
Former SABC radio and TV host, Xolani Gwala, says last year was the lowest point of his life and that of his family - after he was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. This meant that the cancer had spread in his body, including to his liver. He says the disease caused much stress and heartache, including leading to his father suffering a stroke. However, on a positive note, it brought his family much closer together. Senior Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
The Gauteng government is amending the Provincial Road Traffic Act, which will see the tow truck industry being regulated. There's been mounting complaints by both motorists and the public about the unregulated industry. They say tow truck operators rush to accident scenes and disregard road traffic laws. There's also been reported cases of accident victims being intimidated by operators. It's hoped the regulation of the industry will promote professional business practices. Zoleka Qodashe reports...
Whether or not regulate social media has elicited differing views within the media sector, in light of the potential that algorithms have in spreading fake news and misinformation. The Goethe Institute, in Johannesburg, has hosted a discussion titled "Fake News, Algorithms and You", focusing on how algorithmic systems can contribute to a distorted view of reality. Zoleka Qodashe attended the event and filed this report...
The following story may upset sensitive listeners, including children.
The Missing Childrens Organisation says 124 children have been reported missing in the year ending April 2018. Many of them were kidnapped and trafficked, while some ran away from home. Fortunately, most of those who go missing are found, but the emotional trauma may never be erased. Two young women who were recently abducted, drugged and used as sex slaves, bravely shared their story with the SABC's Chantal Thompson.... Their names have been changed to protect their identity.
The province of Kwa-Zulu Natal remains the province with the highest number of people living with HIV. This was revealed by a recent study conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council which has been presented at the 22nd International AIDS Conference in Amsterdam. While it showed some improvements in the province’s AIDS response, it also highlighted many challenges that exist. Thabile Mbhele attended the conference and filed this report…
Many motorists are demanding that they be reimbursed for e-tolls, following the Gauteng ANC's resolution to scrap the system. However, the Department of Transport insists that motorists should continue paying for e-tolls, until a final decision is made. Zoleka Qodashe filed this report...
More people are going to die of AIDS related deaths globally due to insufficient funding from donors. This is a warning that has been issued at the 22nd International AIDS Conference in Amsterdam, Netherlands. International advocacy organisation Health Gap says while HIV prevention and treatment tools have been proven to work, millions of people will continue to die unnecessarily. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Government will soon launch a massive campaign of getting men tested for HIV and other diseases in South Africa. The campaign is aimed at increasing the number of people on antiretroviral treatment as well as to identify and understand illnesses affecting men. This has been announced by Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi at the 22nd International AIDS Conference in Amsterdam as the country shared results of the latest study on HIV prevalence in South Africa. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Calls for the decriminalisation of sex work in South Africa have dominated discussions at the 22nd International AIDS Conference in Amsterdam, Nethelands. Sex workers say they are tired of working and living in fear of being arrested by the police. They’ve been discussing this issue at a session highlighting the plight of marginalised groups of society. The session has been organised by the South African National AIDS Council to find ways of improving its AIDS response. Thabile Mbhele reports from Amsterdam…
Efforts to fight TB globally have been described as shameful. Governments, donors and civil society have all been criticised for not doing enough to prevent and fight tuberculosis. This has emerged at the TB 2018 conference in Amsterdam, Netherlands ahead of the 22nd International AIDS Conference which starts on Monday evening. The TB conference has been held under the theme “Bridging the TB and HIV communities”. Thabile Mbhele reports from Amsterdam…
While some people go for t-shirts bearing his face or his books others are collecting the Nelson Mandela Medallions. The South African Gold Coin Exchange says the Mandela Medallion are still very popular among collectors due to the former the former president's global iconic status. As part of the Mandela centenary birthday celebrations - the SA Gold Coin Exchange is distributing silver and gold coins of the late statesman with a new artistic design of Madiba on one side. SA Gold Coin Exchange CEO Alan Demby, says the value of rare coins appreciates over time as they have low mintage. The SABC's Pearl Magubane spoke to Demby before heading to the Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton north of Johannesburg and interacted with tourists and and the general public on what Mandela means to them. She compiled this soundscape...
Children living in informal settlements face constant danger of being kidnapped, sexually violated or hit by a speeding car due to lack of playing facilities and day-care centres. Many are forced to play in unhygienic places or on busy roads with deadly consequences. With the current economic downturn - many guardians - especially single mothers and child headed households - are forced to leave their children or siblings alone or with neighbours as they cannot afford to take them to day-care centres. Pearl Magubane visited Alexandra township north of Johannesburg and compiled this report
The number of new HIV Infections in South Africa has significantly dropped in the past five years. In 2012 close to 400 thousand people were infected with HIV. Latest research now shows that last year 230 thousand people were infected with HIV. The drop of around 44 percent, has been revealed at the launch of the SA National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, Behaviour and Communication Survey. Preventing new HIV infections remains a big challenge in South Africa. However, the country is doing well in providing HIV positive people with anti-retroviral treatment. Former President Nelson Mandela was concerned about the HIV epidemic and commissioned the first survey in 2002. This is the fifth survey.
South Africa will soon start using a less toxic and more effective drug for treatment of Multi-Drug-Resistant TB, MDR-TB. The Health Department has announced that it will replace current injectable drugs with the new drug bedaquiline which has less side effects. The current drugs are more toxic and have severe side effects, which include hearing loss and kidney failure. Civil society organisations have welcomed the move but called on pharmaceutical companies to drop the price. Health correspondent, Thabile Mbhele reports...
South African choirs participating in the first week of the Tshwane 2018 World Choir Games have represented the country well, receiving several accolades. The event is hosted by international organisation, Interkultur every 2nd year and is currently taking place on the African continent for the first time. This year's event is the 10th edition and it will run until the 14th of July. Tshimologo Maputla reports ...
UDM leader Bantu Holomisa is standing by the claims he made in an open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa about alleged dodgy deals between the Public Investment Corporation and two investment companies, Lebashe and Harith General Partners. The companies lawyers have demanded that he retracts the allegations - saying they are baseless. Holomisa want an investigation as to why several individuals who were at the PIC resurfaced as directors at companies that are now doing business with their former employers. Zoleka Qodashe reports...
According to the fact-checking organsation, AfricaCheck, nearly fifty percent of Grade 9 pupils report being bullied at least once a month. The advent of technology and social networking sites means bullying behaviour has migrated into the digital sphere, where it is easier for perpetrators to hide behind anonymity, and more difficult to confront them about harmful behaviour. As Youth Month draws to an end, experts warn that while many parents think online bullying is less serious than real-world bullying, the effects can be just as detrimental, if not worse, for the children on the receiving end. Our reporter Jamaine Krige takes a look at cyber-bullying and how to keep your child safe in the digital age...
A study by pharmaceutical company, Pharma Dynamics, has found that up to sixty percent of antibiotic prescriptions are prescribed inappropriately. Despite knowing that antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections, more than 80% of South African doctors say patients pressurise them into prescribing these medications. This is significant, as antibiotic resistance is on the rise and could have devastating implications for healthcare globally. Jamaine Krige spoke to some experts about what we need to know this flu season...
Would you switch to reusable sanitary pads in order to cut costs? Currently there are about 9-million school going girls of between the ages of 13 and 19 in South Africa who are menstruating. Despite government and private sector interventions to donate disposable pads, there are still some girls that miss out on school while they are menstruating. Now washable sanitary pads are one such alternative as Pearl Magubane reports....
Experts say although therapy and anti-depressant medication are the most effective treatments for depression, family and home treatment is also important. There are many things you can do to help yourself during a depressive episode and to prevent future episodes as there are not always therapists to help you in your time of need. Pearl Magubane looks at this mental illness and the role of family....
Men need to start taking care of their health from an early age as an increasing number of young males are suffering and dying from cardiovascular and non-communicable diseases. Experts say diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes are now more prevalent in the younger male population compared to the past decade. As the country commemorates Men's Health Awareness Month Johannesburg-based GP, Doctor Marlin McKay, spoke to SABC Senior Reporter Thabile Mbhele....
Gender-based violence has long been prevalent in South Africa, but it has to stop now. That's the message from Khuluma Ndoda -- Bua Monna, an organisation helping male perpetrators of gender-based violence to change their behaviour. The organisation was formed six years ago. South Africa is witnessing a spate of such violence against women and children, including the so-called corrective rape, child abuse and gruesome murders of women by their male partners. Thabile Mbhele looks at what drives men, to commit such shameful acts...
A missing children's case is opened at a South African police station every nine hours, according to latest statistics. While most of them are found, many end up victims of crime. Eldorado Park residents have pledged during Child Protection Week that the safety of the community's children will be their priority every day of the year. Schools in the area have participated in special activities for the week, including a drive to fingerprint children under the age of 6 years, in the event that they go missing. Similar drives are conducted nationally. Jamaine Krige compiled this report...
Over 20-billion rand is lost to fraud, waste and abuse in the country's medical schemes each year. A national anti-corruption strategy has been launched to investigate maladministration, malpractice and corruption as the country gears up for the launch of the National Health Insurance. The Board of Healthcare Funders and the Council for Medical Schemes have held a briefing to look at the role the private sector will play in rolling out the NHI. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The pace of formulating child friendly tuberculosis drugs is too slow and long overdue. The World Health Organisation -- WHO -- estimates that are a million children under 15 years suffering from TB worldwide and that more than 210-thousand die each year. But, there's a belief that the numbers could be higher than estimated. Yet there are no child appropriate drugs to manage the disease in children. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Late Supreme Court Judge Ronnie Bosielo has been remembered for his commitment to the transformation of the judiciary. He has also been described as someone who loved reading and mentoring young black lawyers. Speakers paid tribute to Bosielo at a funeral service at the Calvary Methodist Church in Midrand, north of Johannesburg. Sixty-one year-old Justice Bosielo died after a long illness at his Kyalami home in Midrand on Tuesday. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the leading causes of complications during pregnancy and child birth in South Africa. HIV and hemorrhage or bleeding are also major contributors to problems during pregnancy. As South African joins the global community in commemorating World Hypertension Day today (17 May) the country's women have been encouraged to start attending antenatal clinics early to prevent complications. More than six-million people have high blood pressure in South Africa. Of those 53 men and 78 women die from the complications of the disease every day. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Minister Bathabile Dlamini says she is accountable to parliament alone and that the courts cannot put the blame on her for the social grants distribution crisis. She was responding to a report by Judge Bernard Ngoepe into the former Social Development minister's role in the 2017 social grant crisis. Ngoepe chaired an inquiry set up to help the Constitutional Court in determining whether the minister can be held personally liable and pay the costs from her own pocket. The court was forced to extend an invalid contract between SASSA and grants distributor CashPaymaster Services to ensure that grants continued being paid beyond April 2017. The parties were given until today to file their responses to the inquiry report. Candice Nolan has the details....
There are 160-thousand people living with TB in South Africa and yet they are not aware of this. People infected with TB pose a serious health danger to those they come into contact with. Now government is a challenging the private sector to help identify these people. In terms of the World Health Organisation estimates -- more than 400-thousand people get infected with TB in SA each year -- and over 100-thousand of them aren't diagnosed. A breakfast meeting organised by the American Chamber of Commerce was held in Johannesburg today to discuss the TB epidemic. Thabile Mbhele attended and filed this report:
A call has been made for men to unite against the killing of young women -- who are future mothers -- ahead of Mother's Day this Sunday. Mother's Day is celebrated globally on the second Sunday of May to honour mothers. Many buy gifts and spoil their moms in various ways. But, for the few people SABC news spoke to -- the day has a deeper meaning. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Being optimistic could help the healing process in people suffering from life threatening illnesses. This is according to a husband and wife team of US-based professors who believe HOPE has a very real role in recovery and well-being. In forum organised by Reach For A Dream - Dr Jerome Groopman, international author of "The Anatomy of Hope", and Dr Pamela Hartzband, talked about their views and research on the subject. The professors say hope works at a biological level, as hopeful expectations of success alters the brain chemistry. This can have the effect of reducing the body's pain signals that often contribute to patient's despair. Pearl Magubane has more
No less than 4.3 billion women of reproductive age, globally, lack at least one essential sexual and reproductive health service like contraception, abortion and antenatal care. That's according to the Guttmacher Lancet Commission on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights report released in Johannesburg. The report highlights challenges faced by women globally in accessing rights related to their health and sexuality. It calls on governments, donors and civil society groups to commit to a new bold agenda to achieve universal access to sexual and reproductive health rights. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Judge Bernard Ngoepe has found that former Social Development minister, Bathabile Dlamini, shot herself in the foot by failing to disclose to the Constitutional Court the extent of her involvement in the social grants crisis. There were complaints that the minister's self-appointed work streams operated as a parallel structure, frustrating the Social Security Agency's effort to take over the payment of grants from Cash Paymaster Services. Judge Ngoepe headed up an inquiry to help the Constitutional Court determine whether the minister should pay the hefty legal bill from her own pocket. Candice Nolan has the details....
Over 220 thousand women have been victims of gender based violence in Gauteng in the past two years. The Social Development department says it's concerned about this high level of domestic violence in the province. The department briefed the media today following the 32 year conviction of Sandile Mantsoe for the brutal murder of his girlfriend Karabo Mokoena last years. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Home Affairs Minister, Malusi Gigaba, could face contempt of court proceedings after failing to meet a High Court-imposed deadline to decide on a stateless man's application for permanent residence. The man says he was born in South Africa and raised in Kenya and Uganda, but has no documents to prove it. The United Nations estimates there are around 10-million stateless people in the world. Candice Nolan has the details…
Gauteng Health MEC Gwen Ramokgopa says the Life Esidimeni tragedy should have been a lesson to all to prioritise the sick and vulnerable members of our society at all times. She was speaking after undertaking an unannounced visit to the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital where disgruntled workers embarked on a protest action last week. Assistant workers affiliated to labour union - NEHAWU - were protesting over the non-payment of over-time and performance bonuses. They threw litter in the hospital and left medical waste scattered on the floor. Thabile Mbhele reports...
A presiding officer of the Children's Court has done the unthinkable, fighting back after her decision was reviewed and set aside by a High Court. The Magistrate's action almost derailed the adoption of a Zimbabwean child by his South African step-father. Candice Nolan has the details….
Attracting young men and women to become Catholic priests and nuns is one of the challenges facing the Catholic Church as it celebrates 200 years of existance in Southern Africa. In June 1818, Pope Pius the Seventh, called for the establishment of the Catholic church in the Cape of Good Hope and adjacent territories. The church then spread to Natal and later to Lesotho. On Saturday, an estimated five-thousands pilgrims will gather at the Mother of Mercy Shrine and Pastoral Centre in Magaliesburg, west of Johannesburg for the Gauteng leg of the celebrations. Thabile Mbhele reports... IMG_1058 (2).jpg — JPG (444.5 KB) · IMG_1064.jpg — JPG (382.0 KB) · Father Paul Beukes — JPG (89.5 KB)
The food industry has a mammoth task to re-establish trust after alarming incidents of food contamination in SA and globally. A Food Safety Roundtable heard that the recent Listeriosis outbreaks are only the tip of the iceberg. The outbreaks affected other countries such as Australia, but South Africa experienced the highest number of deaths. Food borne diseases like Listeriosis can have devastating consequences for both manufacturers and consumers, including loss of lives. At the Roundtable organised by food giant Mondelez South Africa in Johannesburg, experts heard that the country is not immune to another outbreak. Thabile Mbhele reports...
UPDATE: Angry residents blocked off an intersection on Beyers Naude road with burning tyres and rocks this morning. This has been cleared by the police.
Rent defaulters have been targeted in an eviction operation in Windsor East, in Randburg, west of Johannesburg. The red ants swooped on over 10 properties in the area. Residents fought back by barricading roads with burning debris and rocks, but the protests were soon quelled by police. The residents say they received no communication about the evictions. Candice Nolan has the details……
A white businessman is threatening to sue retired Judge Nkola Motata, who he says wrongfully accused him of using the k-word on the scene of his 2007 car accident. Judge Motata was convicted of drunk driving after crashing his car into the perimeter wall of a Johannesburg residence. A Judicial Conduct Tribunal has recommended to that he be impeached after finding him guilty of gross misconduct. This relates to both his conduct on the accident scene and the way he conducted his defence at the trial. Candice Nolan has the details……
Struggle icon Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has been described as a brave hero, who was quick to respond during times of unrest. Locals in the Vaal Triangle, in Gauteng, have praised Madikizela-Mandela for her involvement during the Boipatong massacre by trying to maintain peace in the volatile township. Pearl Magubane reports....
Researchers are looking at new technologies to prevent HIV infection. Two years ago, government launched the Pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP - which provides protection to those who are at substantial risk of HIV infection from their sexual partners. However, the uptake of PrEP has been very low in South Africa. Scientists are now looking at innovative ways of administering the drug which has been proved to provide significant protection against HIV infection. Senior Jouranlist Thabile Mbhele reports...
CAUTION : THIS REPORT CONTAINS GRAPHIC DETAILS WHICH MAYBE BE OFFENSIVE TO SENSITIVE LISTERNERS.
Struggle veteran Winnie Madikizela-Mandela appeared before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission where she was confronted with the death of the young activist Stompie Sepei during the 1980's. The Commission held an in camera hearing in September over 9 days where 43 witnesses implicated Madikizela-Mandela and her infamous Mandela Football Club in at least 8 killings. In the public hearings held two months later the name of Stompie Seipei overshadowed the event and did not leave Madikizela-Mandela's legacy unscathed- despite never being found guilty of murder by a court nor the TRC. Angela Bolowana revisited the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela's TRC hearings and filed this report....
CAUTION: SENSETIVE LISTENERS
The families of the three children who died after the wall of derelict building collapsed on them in Doornfontein in Johannesburg are still battling to come to terms with their death. The children aged three, five and 10-years old were playing next to the wall of the building when it came crashing down. They were living in the disused building with their parents. The City of Johannesburg says it will relocate the people living in the building as it deems it unsafe for occupation. Sashin Naidoo reports...
Struggle icon Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has been described as a brave hero, who was quick to respond during times of unrest. Locals in the Vaal Triangle in Gauteng have praised Madikizela-Mandela for her involvement during the Boipatong massacre by trying to maintain peace in the volatile township. Pearl Magubane reports....
The legendary Ndebele artist Esther Mahlangu has been conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree from the University of Johannesburg. The 83-year old has been painting for 73 years. She is celebrated all over the world and her murals and canvas paintings have featured in in four continents. But this is her first doctorate. Angela Bolowana attended her graduation ceremony and filed this report....
Young women some as young as 13-years-old have told the CRL Rights Commission meeting how they were manipulated and raped by a prominent pastor. They shared details of how they were groomed by other women in the pastor's house to satisfy his sexual urges. The CRL Rights Commission held a dialogue for young people who've been sexually abused by religious and traditional leaders. Thabile Mbhele attended and filed this report.
The sister of one of the Jo'burg Metro Police officers who died when an alleged drunk driver ploughed into a police roadbloack in Fourways, North of Johannesburg in January, says people need to consider the consequences of their actions when getting behind the wheel. She delivered her emotional plea outside the Alexandra Magistrate's Court on Thursday where Albert Pretorius appeared briefly in connection with the deaths of Winnie Mokgolo and Sophie Ngoasheng. Pretorius has been remanded back in custody and will be back in court on the 2nd of May. Jamaine Krige reports...
About 30% of marriages fail due to problems involving finances. This is according to pychologists at Wits University. Finances can be a thorny issue amongst couples, however its one that needs to be addressed effectively in order to avoid problems or break ups. Pearl Magubane filed this report....
How well do you know your partner's spending habits? Do you talk about financial commitment, your debt or credit scores? Financial advisors say there are important steps and questions you need to ask before committing to an individual. Pearl Magubane filed this report....
An estimated 140 thousand marriages were recorded in South Africa in 2015 - 25 thousand of them ended in divorce and 56 percent of them were divorces with children under 18 years. While the constitution acknowledges divorce, it also prioritises what's in the best interest of the child. Co-parenting is one way parents can make the situation easier for the affected children, but can all divorcees make it work? Thabile Mbhele reports...
Research shows that a staggering 60 percent of children grow up without fathers in South Africa. While fatherlessness is a global challenge, it's more prevalent in this country. The absence of a father in a child's life has major implications later in life. Some fathers though are doing their best to buck this trend and break the cycle. Pearl Magubane and Thabile Mbhele compiled this report...
Gauteng police are keeping a close watch on land invasion hotspots in and around Johannesburg. This follows attempted invasions of vacant land in Waterfall, Midrand and Marlboro, near Alexandra township, north of Johannesburg since Friday night. Crowds continued to gather on Saturday and Sunday. Jamaine Krige was there...
South African health workers are twice as likely to contract TB as ordinary citizens. As the world marks World TB Day, officials say doctors and nurses in the country remain doubly exposed to TB in the community and in the workplace. South Africa has the sixth highest TB prevalence rate in the world with about 450 thousand cases each year and about 33 thousand deaths. Ten percent of all TB cases are children. Senior Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
An inquiry set up by the Constitutional Court to help it to determine whether or not former Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini should be held personally liable for the grants crisis, is at liberty to make credibility findings against her. Dlamini's lawyer, Ishmael Semenya SC, tried to argue that it was not open to inquiry chair, Judge Bernard Ngeope, to determine whether the minister was lying. Candice Nolan has the details…..
The family of missing 3-year-old Liyaqat Mentoor has made an emotional plea to whoever has their son to bring him back home safely. The police have also urged members of the public to assist with information that may lead to Mentoor's safe return home. The toddler was last seen on Friday when his stepfather, handed him over to strangers who had parked in front of the grandmother's house. The couple inside the vehicle claimed to be members of the boy's family in Roodekrans west of Johannesburg. Liyaqat's stepfather has been arrested and charged with child neglect. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Convicted racist, Vicky Momberg told Takalani Sekoba that there were certain things she wouldn't understand because she is black. Sekoba, the first probation officer assigned to compile a pre-sentencing report, was the last witness called to testify in the Randburg Magistrates Court 's sentencing hearing. Candice Nolan has the details…
South Africans have been warned against joining cult-like organisations in the name of religion. These groups are accused of luring vulnerable and poor people with promises of miracles and improved lives. The warning follows a round-table discussion on cults, sects and the church. The discussion comes in the wake of the Seven Angels Ministry's fatal shooting where police officers and some leaders of the church were killed in eNgcobo in the Eastern Cape. Thabile Mbhele reports....
Learners and parents at a Soweto primary school where two learners have allegedly being sexually assaulted by a police officer, say they don't know who to trust and turn to. A police forensic investigator who was part of a team investigating the sexual assault of over 50 learners by a school guard last year - has allegedly sexually assaulted two learners who are also alleged victims of the sexual assault by the guard. Learners and parents say the allegations have tarnished the image of the school which they say was one of the best in the township. Thabile Mbhele reports...
INTRO: The rapid reversal of the 50/50 gender policy dominated discussions at a roundtable discussion on the role of women in the political space in South Africa. The existence of the Ministry of Women also topped the agenda as gender activists and at least one political leader shared ideas on how to take women's empowerment to another level in the country. The event was part of the International Women's Day commemorations globally. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Press ombudsman and veteran newsman, Joe Thloloe retires at the age of 75. He is the outgoing executive director of the Press Council. Thloloe worked as the managing editor of the Sowetan, when it was the largest South African daily, before joining SABC TV news, as editor-in-chief, after 1994. He was a founder member of the Union of Black Journalists and MWASA. He was also the first Executive Director of the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) and served two terms as chairperson. Candice Nolan filed this report…….
***WARNING - MAY CONTAIN AUDIO THAT COULD UPSET SENSITIVE LISTENERS Abortions have been legal in South Africa for more than 20 years. Despite this there are still thousands of unsafe and illegal back-street abortions taking place, even though South Africa is one of of the few countries that places women's rights at the forefront of its priorities. This was one of the issues tackled by the Mail & Guardian's Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism at a workshop held in Johannesburg. According to Bhekisisa, people are ignorant of laws that govern the procedure, while others don't know how or where to get access to abortions. Jamaine Krige was there...
***WARNING - MAY CONTAIN AUDIO THAT COULD UPSET SENSITIVE LISTENERS
A manhunt is underway for a group of heavily armed suspects who robbed an cash security van in Randburg north of Johannesburg on Tuesday morning. One robber was killed during a shootout between the gang and security guards. Police have appealed to the public for any information that could assist in apprehending the suspects. Jamaine Krige reports...
It appears the recall of ready-to-eat processed meat has already had a negative impact on small businesses, especially in Gauteng townships. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced that Enterprise Foods and Rainbow Chicken's products were the source of the deadly Listeriosis outbreak. These companies produce processed foods such as polony, russians and chicken sausages. Ditaba Tsotetsi spoke to informal traders and filed this report...
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of SA believes the recall of processed meats will force people to choose healthier food options. This comes after the Health Department announced a recall of processed meats such as polony, vienna and cold meats after they were found to have Listeriosis. Thabile Mbhele reports..
Newly-appointed SABC COO, Chris Maroleng has vowed to help restore the public broadcaster to its former glory. After only 21 days in office, Maroleng was formally introduced to staff during a rediffusion at the SABC's Auckland Park headquarters in Johannesburg. Candice Nolan has the details….
Claims by the DA in Gauteng that 28 teachers are on strike and that teacher union, Sadtu's strike is racially motivated at the Eldorado Park Secondary School appear to be untrue. The school is at the centre of what has been called a dispute between the coloured principal and black teachers. This follows last week's solidarity strike at townships in the south of Johannesburg, including Klipspruit, Freedom Park and Eldorado Park. When the SABC visited the school it was business as usual. Candice Nolan has the details…
Professor Thuli Madonsela has called on South Africans from all walks of life, rich and poor, to work together to bridge the gaps that threaten to rip our society apart. To mark World Day of Social Justice the Thuma Foundation partnered with Khulisa and Constitution Hill to start a series of dialogues. The Kliptown Theatre Group kicked off the program. Candice Nolan has the details…..
Movie-goers and fans of the Marvel franschise, have barely been able to contain their excitement on social media as the much-anticipated Black Panther film is set to premiere in South Africa tonight (friday 16 February). Much of the emotion surrounding the movie is the fact that the film has been hailed as the first black, Afro-centric superhero movie - an accolade to the black talent and black excellence that many feel has been lacking from the silver screen for too long. Black Panther follows T'Challa, the king of the technologically advanced African country of Wakanda, as he returns home to take his place on the throne after his father's death. As South Africans prepare themselves for tonight's premiere at Monte Casino in Johannesburg, which promises international and local stars, bringing Hollywood-glam with an AfroChic theme to the red carpet, Jamaine Krige explores how American, and specifically African-American, audiences received the film...
Millions of Christians across the world observed Ash Wednesday (14 February) . This is the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, abstinence, reflection and preparation before Easter. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ's sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days. On Ash Wednesday the faithful have their foreheads marked in the shape of a cross with ashes. Thabile Mbhele attended Ash Wednesday service at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Soweto today and filed this report...
A South African woman is making waves internationally after her small, raw-food, vegan restaurant in Taiwan's city of Taipei was selected as one of the eight most innovative plant-based restaurants in the world by New York luxury lifestyle and travel magazine, Electrify. The restaurant, NAKEDFOOD, has been listed alongside iconic Michelin star restaurants like Nix and world-renowned Gracias Madre in the US, Tanya's out of London and Kopp's in Berlin. NakedChef owner and executive chef, Prashantha Lachanna, spoke to Jamaine Krige about the success of her business...
With the festive season just behind us, many of those who've been hard at work helping others are experiencing Compassion Fatigue. This is a special type of burnout that affects those whose work entails high levels of compassion and empathy - like paramedics, doctors and psychologists. Thirty percent of paramedics surveyed in Johannesburg have burnout. And, according to another study, the number of ICU nurses suffering from burnout may be as high as forty percent. Compassion Fatigue is also known as 'the cost of caring'. Jamaine Krige spoke to a few professionals about their experiences...
When thinking about 'caring' professions, the spotlight always seems to fall on those who work in human welfare. Compassion Fatigue is a special type of burnout experienced by people in 'helping professions' whose work entail high levels of compassion and empathy. It's also known as 'the cost of caring' or second traumatic stress. While nurses, paramedics, care workers, welfare workers, psychologists and even journalists are all at risk of compassion fatigue, Jamaine Krige reports that the mental well-being of those in animal welfare is often overlooked....
Pic: CLAW
Three metro police officers accused of the shooting death of Journalist, Godknows Nare, will go on trial in August. The anniversary of his death is on 17th of April, leaving Nare's family disappointed that they would have to wait another six months for the trial to get underway. During the brief pre-trial hearing, Judge Ramarumo Monama made sure that everything was on track, warning the defence counsel not to try and pull out at the last minute. Candice Nolan has the details……..
Twenty three years into our democracy and South Africa still does not have a law criminalising hate motivated crimes. This in circumstances where incidents of race motivated crimes dominate the headlines every so often. The South African Hate Crimes Working Group has conducted the most comprehensive in-depth study on hate crime to date. They were unable to determine how widespread it is, but they established that police men and women, nurses and preachers are among the perpetrators. Candice Nolan has the details……
Gun owners are up in arms over a potential 15 year jail term if they fail to renew their firearm licences on time. The cut-off date for renewal is three months before the licence expires. The South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association wants the Constitutional Court to confirm a High Court finding of constitutional invalidity. The Minister of Safety and Security is opposing confirmation. Candice Nolan has the details……
FOLLOW UP: A stateless person intends filing for contempt of court after claiming that Home Affairs officials refused to issue him with a temporary permit which would allow him to live and work in South Africa. In December, the High Court in Pretoria ordered the department to issue the permit, pending a final determination from the Minister. The court declined Ngubane's request to enter the fray on what constitutes statelessness and what to do about it. The UN reported that there are some 10 million stateless people in the world. Candice Nolan has the details ….
The South African government will soon launch the largest cancer awareness campaign following a spike in the number of cancer patients in the country. The cost and access to oncology treatment is one of the major challenges facing cancer patients in South Africa and globally. As the country joins the world in commemorating World Cancer Day today on the 4th February government has urged South Africans to focus on the prevention of the disease rather than the treatment. Senior health journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
A Constitutional Court mandated inquiry into the grants crisis has wrapped up hearing evidence. The inquiry, which is being held at the Office of the Chief Justice in Midrand, was mandated to hear oral evidence after the Minister and her former trusted advisors turned on each other in court papers. The minister spent a gruelling four days in the witness stand, and had to be cautioned several times to answer simple questions with either a yes or a no. By contrast, the testimony by both her former advisors was wrapped up in less than two days. Candice Nolan has the details…..
Former SASSA CEO, Thokozani Magwaza maintains that if the work packages, which were like a bible to SASSA, were allowed to continue they would have met the 1 April 2017 deadline to pay the grants. Magwaza is being cross-examined by Minister Bathabile Dlamini's lawyer, Ishmael Semenya. He was, however, forced to concede that at the time that Dlamini's workstreams were operating, there was no parallel process by SASSA. This allegation was made in Magwaza's affidavit to the Constitutional Court. The court called for oral evidence, via an inquiry sitting at the Office of the Chief Justice in Midrand, Johannesburg. The inquiry will help the court to decide whether the minister should pay the legal costs from her own pocket. Semenya summed up Magwaza's evidence by suggesting that the work streams were entirely useless or irrelevant…..
The poor remain on the periphery and black entrepreneurs continue to be blocked from accessing critical markets. These are some of the leading themes to emerge from the South African Cities Network debate on future cities held in Kempton Park on the East Rand. The Deputy Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Andries Nel, delivered the opening address. Candice Nolan has the details….
INTRO: A binding constitution, transparency and trust among members are key to the success of any stokfel. Stokvels are savings groups where members save towards a common goal like groceries, school fees, holidays and lately property. The multi-billion rand industry is slowly getting recognition from authorities for it's role in the country's economy. HIV/AIDS which claimed the lives of many stokvel members in the 90's was the biggest threat to the stokvel industry. Nowadays different challenges have emerged as Thabile Mbhele reports...
Former SASSA CEO, Thokozani Magwaza, says Minister Bathabile Dlamini threatened to fire him if he didn't sign off on an affidavit to the Constitutional Court in December 2016. The Social Development Minister had testified that had it not been for Magwaza, they would have notified the court ahead of the looming grant payment crisis in April 2017. Magwaza is testifying before an inquiry, set up to look into the reasons for the delay in notifying the court and also who should take responsibility for the crisis. Candice Nolan has the details…..
Social Development Minister, Bathabile Dlamini told an inquiry that she was forced to pick up the slack after the Social Security Agency (SASSA) dropped the ball on the insourcing of grant payments. This was the minister's parting shot at the end of her four day stint on the witness stand. The Social Security Agency failed to meet its own deadline to take over the payment of social grants, forcing the Constitutional Court to extend an unlawful contract with Cash Paymaster Services. The crisis affected some 17 million South African's who faced a suspension of grant payments come 1 April 2017. Candice Nolan has the details….
Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini admitted knowing back in 2015 that SASSA would not be able to take over social grant payments by the March 2017 deadline. This is despite the Minister's repeated complaints that she was kept in the dark about the looming grants crisis. This emerged during spirited cross-examination at an inquiry, mandated by the Constitutional Court to find out who should take the fall for the debacle. Candice Nolan has the details….
The art and culture community has paid tribute to internationally renowned struggle stalwart and national poet laureate Keorapetse Kgositsile, also known as Bra Willie, at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg. The 79-year-old died on the 3rd of January, following a short illness. Musicians, artists, authors and poets from all walks of life came together to celebrate Kgositsile's life through song, dance and the spoken and written word. Jamaine Krige was there...
Social Development Minister, Bathabile Dlamini, will face off with two former executives in an inquiry to determine where the buck stops for last year's social grants crisis. After SASSA was unable to meet a 1 April Deadline to take over grant payments, the Constitutional Court was forced to extend an unlawful contract. The Court called for oral evidence after court papers revealed nothing more than finger pointing between the Minister and the Social Security Agency (SASSA). Candice Nolan has the details…..
Social Development Minister, Bathabile Dlamini, returns to the hot seat at an inquiry to investigate her role in last year's social grants crisis - which saw the extension of an unlawful contract with Cash Paymaster Services. The minister oversaw workstreams, which, its alleged, operated as a parallel process and hampered the Social Security Agency (SASSA) in taking over the payment of grants. Candice Nolan has the details…..
The family of the four women that were gunned down in the N12 informal settlement in Benoni on Thursday, says it's living in fear. The women who belong to the same family - were shot and killed by unknown men. The motive for the attacks is not clear, but the women are related to the seven illegal miners whose bodies were found dumped near a mine in Benoni last weekend. The women had gathered to mourn the death of one the illegal miners when they were killed. Pearl Magubane filed this report..
In an exclusive interview with the SABC, Richard Baird* has spoken out for the first time about racism allegations levelled against him by drunk-driving Judge Nkola Motata. Judge Motata told his Judicial Conduct Tribunal that Baird had called him a "drunken k" on the scene of the 2007 accident. Judge Motata faces charges of gross misconduct, which if proved, could see him impeached. Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details…..
Retired Judge Nkola Motata says the owner of a Johannesburg property whose wall he reversed his vehicle into in January 2007 called him the K-word. Motata made the stunning allegation for the first time at his Judicial Conduct Tribunal where he's facing charges of gross misconduct. He says this provoked him into making certain comments, which are the subject of a racism complaint against him. Candice Nolan has the details...
Some six years after a complaint was lodged against a Judge convicted of drunk driving, a Judicial Conduct Tribunal is set to get underway in Midrand this morning (17 January). In 2009 Judge Nkola Motata was convicted and sentenced to a fine of R20 000. After being placed on special leave Judge Motata subsequently retired from the High Court in Pretoria, and continues to draw pension benefits. Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details......
As the country debates how best to fund free tertiary education, most of our school children won't even make the grade to get into university. A 2016 literacy study revealed that after four years of schooling seventy-eight percent (78%) of learners are unable to read with comprehension. The international average is a mere four percent (4%). Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details….
2018 will signal a fresh start for thousands of matriculants who will begin their first year of study at tertiary institutions across the country. Those who have managed to secure a spot at a higher learning institution, have the next few years mapped out for them. But many others will be searching for jobs, taking a gap year, or looking at innovative ways to make a living. Thabile Mbhele looks at a few options that young people can explore....
Corruption Watch says its concerned that President Jacob Zuma may be trying to muddy the waters by broadening the scope of the envisioned state capture enquiry. The President announced the decision to appoint Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo to lead the commission. In a statement, the President said the commission must not only focus on some but must work to finger ALL those guilty of state capture. Former Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela had ordered the President to appoint the commission following her constrained investigation. Corruption Watch Executive Director, David Lewis...
A gender rights activist says that South African universities have historically failed rape victims. Universities are very much in the spotlight following political posturing over promises of free tertiary education. The new intake of female students face a minefield of sexual violence on our campuses. Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details..........
Johannesburg Mayor, Herman Mashaba, personally attended the court appearance of an alleged building hijacker kingpin - to much media fanfare. The Mayor had previously come in for severe criticism over a campaign of police raids on so-called hijacked buildings in the inner city. By October last year, and despite their crime prevention aims, the raids only managed to net 267 undocumented migrants. Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details….
National Poet Laureate and liberation struggle icon Professor Keorapetse Kgosietsile has died following an operation in hospital. The 79-year-old had been admitted to hospital shortly before the New Year and passed away around midday on Wednesday *3 January 2018. He was being treated for complications related to blood circulation. Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan filed this report.....
It was a sombre start to the New Year for animal lovers. On the West Rand, three dogs were killed while trying to escape fireworks in residential areas, and over 20 other pets were reported missing. Many residents appeared to flout by-laws on the use of fireworks, even after Metro Police vowed to crack down on offenders. Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details...
According to Stats SA unemployment in South Africa is on a steady rise, with an unemployment rate of more than 27-percent reported in 2017 – the highest in fourteen years. In Eldorado Park, south of Johannesburg, however, local NGO’s believe unemployment rates for this community may be as high as forty-five percent. Jamaine Krige reports…
The high levels of substance abuse and unemployment in Eldorado Park, South of Johannesburg has also contributed to gender-based violence in the area. Local NGO's say they've seen evidence of this in homes throughout the community. In one case, a young man is facing charges of murder for allegedly killing his 22 year-old girlfriend, Loren Dreyer. Her grief stricken mother, Denise Higgins, is slowly picking up the pieces, as Jamaine Krige reports…
In 2016 there were more than 2 200 drug related arrests in Eldorado Park, south of Johannesburg. This excludes the two hundred and sixty six cases of driving under the influence. But these are just the reported statistics. Jamaine Krige reports…
The rising level of substance abuse in Eldorado Park has contributed to the increase in child abuse, abandonment and neglect in that community. Just last month, five children aged from one month old to nine-years-old were rescued from a drug den in the area. Jamaine Krige puts the spotlight on the harrowing crisis facing the children of Eldorado Park…
Eldorado Park, in the south of Johannesburg, is on the brink of destruction. It's a daily struggle to curb the social ills which have contributed to violent crimes in the area. Aside from the substance abuse, there's been a dramatic increase in shootings, attributed to gang turf wars. This week our reporter, Jamaine Krige takes us through the trouble brewing in Eldorado Park…
The community of Eldorado Park south of Johannesburg was thrust into the spotlight again in October after the violent murder of 4-year-old Shaynice Talla. Her body was found tossed inside a drain near her family home. She had been reported missing on the same day. Since then the community has mobilised to try and curb the scourge of violent crime in the area. However they feel they are alone in this fight as it seems government and law enforcement are not pulling their weight. Jamaine Krige reports...
Vicky Momberg will get to enjoy the festive season with family and friends, despite having been convicted for racism. Her sentencing proceedings have been put on hold until the new year. The Randburg Magistrates Court is dealing with sentencing, with the defence still leading evidence. Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details…..
The Constitutional Court has scrapped the "lock out" and "family separation" rules from the City of Johannesburg's pilot shelter project. The court found that the rules are an infringement of the shelter resident's constitutionally protected rights to dignity, freedom and security of the person and privacy. Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details…..
Two female students have been banned for life and may never complete their studies after they participated in an anti-rape protest at Rhodes University in Grahamstown in April 2016. On 17 November and after finding the students guilty of kidnapping, assault, defamation and insubordination, they were given possibly the harshest punishment in the university's history. Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details…..
Retiring Constitutional Court Justice Bess Nkabinde has challenged those who have accused the Court of judicial over-reach of failure to comprehend equal obligations. Nkabinde who retired today after 12 years at the Constitutional Court says she disagrees that the Court has over-reached itself. She says the court has been under scrutiny however it has a responsibility to do checks and balances. Angela Bolowana reports…
With the world fighting for 1.2 billion travelers across the globe, South Africa is trying to stake its claim in the share of the tourism market. The one way of trying to attract more tourists is by showcasing SA tourism packages at shows like the annual World Travel Market in London, UK which held in November. This is one of the biggest travel and tourism expos in the world. Pearl Magubane sat down with the CEO of South African Tourism Sisa Ntshona and filed this report…
Suspended Head of the Department of Health in Gauteng, Dr Barney Selebano has given contradicting answers on whether or not Premier David Makhura knew about the transfer of patients to NGOs. Selebano also said he will not resign over the bungled Esidimeni relocations, which resulted in the deaths of 143 mentally ill-patients. He maintains that the decision to terminate the Life Esidimeni contract was a cost-cutting measure, and that he regrets not listening to warnings against the move. The suspended HOD has been facing cross-examination over his role in the fatal transfers at the arbitration hearings in Parktown, Johannesburg. Wisani Makhubele reports.... .
Extra police officers have been deployed to crime hot spots including shopping malls across the country this festive period. This in an attempt to ward off any criminal activity. According to the Institute for Security Studies - crime almost doubles in December compared to any other month of the year. Police Minister, Fikile Mbalula has visited the Maponya shopping mall in Soweto and Sandton north of Johannesburg where he interacted with shoppers and offered safety tips. Sashin Naidoo went along and filed this report...
South Africa is home to the most complete hominid skeleton in the world. It took 20 years to remove the skeleton, encased in rock, deep inside the Sterkfontein caves, at the Cradle of Humankind in Johannesburg. The skeleton will be locked away in a vault for further study. Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details……
Over the last decade DNA barcoding has doubled the estimated number of animal and plant species on the planet. This is according to scientific director for the Barcode of Life project Paul Herbert*** who was in South Africa's Kruger National Park for the 7th International Barcode of Life Conference. Delegates from 73 countries came together to exchange ideas and methodologies to help further the project. International scientists also unveiled the latest technology to combat wildlife trafficking and the influx of invasive species. The LifeScanner lab-in-a-box is a compact laboratory that can be used to test DNA samples in the field, and deliver results quickly - leading to more successful prosecutions. Jamaine Krige reports....
Residents of Tshepiso in Sharpeville on the Vaal live and walk among the dead. They've erected shacks on top of graves and they've named the informal settlement - Hlala Kwa Bafileyo meaning "Living among the dead". The 5000 strong community have been living in the area for over two decades now after they were placed there by the Emfuleni local municipality. Ditaba Tsotetsi visited the area and filed this report...
Suspended head of the Gauteng Health Department Dr Barney Selebano has told the Life Esidimeni hearings in Johannesburg that he was scared to stand up to then MEC Qedani Mahlangu. Selebano says he agreed with Chief Director Molefi Mosenogi that the move could have dire consequences if carrid out hurriedly. Mosenogi led the project to transfer the mentally-ill patients to ill-eqqipped and unlicensed NGOs. Before patients were moved, Mosenogi wrote a letter the then MEC requesting a minimum of six months' extension for the project, saying it could not be carried out in three months. Wisani Makhubele reports.....
The new executive mayor of the Emfuleni local municipality on the Vaal, Jacob Khawe, faces a daunting challenge of rescuing the embattled municipality. He takes over the reigns at a time when Emfuleni is struggling to pay Rand Water over 370-millions for bulk water supply. Some residents are refusing to pay for services because they say they don't work. While others, especially in the historic townships of Evaton and Shapeville, are still waiting to be built houses and tarred roads. Khawe will also have to work hard to rebuild Emfuleni's image which has been damaged by multiple scandals under the leadership of the former mayor, Simon Mofokeng, who resigned in October. Jamaine Krige reports....
South Africa is home to the most complete hominid skeleton in the world. It took 20 years to remove the skeleton, encased in rock, deep inside the Sterkfontein caves, at the Cradle of Humankind in Johannesburg. The skeleton will be locked away in a vault for further study. Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details……
How do you discipline a child without breaking the law. This was the big question on the minds of children rights groups who met in Johannesburg to discuss alternatives to corporal punishment. The meeting follows the judgement by the high court in Johannesburg which found corporal punishment to be unconstitutional. Ditaba Tsotetsi reports...
South Africa needs to spend R30-billion each year on new water related infrastructure failing which this could compromise the quality of water in the country. This emerged at the Water Infrastructure Investment summit held in Sandton, north of Johannesburg. Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane says there's no money in the fiscus to keep up with the demand for infrastructure development. And it is for this reason that government is trying to woo the private sector to invest in water infrastructure. Angela Bolowana has more.....
Police have issued a R50 000 reward for any information that could lead to the arrest of a suspected serial rapist in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg. Over 40 cases have been reported since 2014, all with a similar modus operandi. Candice Nolan and Zoleka Qodashe filed this report...
Convicted racist, Vicky Momberg insists that her use of the k-word did not amount to hate speech. She was testifying during her sentencing hearing at the Randburg Magistrates Court. Momberg was convicted on four counts of crimen injuria after using the k-word 48 times on police officers. The incident was recorded in several 10111 phonecalls and a video went viral soon afterwards. Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details……..
Convicted racist, Vicky Momberg, came in for a tough day of questioning in her sentencing hearing at the Randburg Magistrates Court. The defence is presenting evidence in support of a more lenient sentence. Momberg has been convicted on four counts of crimen injuria, after she used the "k-word" on police officers responding to a smash and grab incident in February last year. Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.....
Youth unemployment, access to housing, electricity and running water are some of the issues that some residents of the Metsimaholo local municipality in the Free State continue to face on a daily basis. And whichever political party wins after tomorrow's by-elections will have to grapple with the task of ensuring that such challenges are addressed. Metsimaholo is home to Sasolburg, Oranjeville, Kragbron and Deneysville. On Wednesday over 80-thousand voters are expected to cast their ballots in a by-elections after the Metsimaholo council led by a coalition was dissolved in July after it failed to pass a budget. Peal Magubane visited the area and filed this report.
Once again major online retailers, such as Takealot.com, failed to deal with increased sales volumes on Black Friday. An expert says that this is likely to cost the retailers much more than lost revenues - with a significant impact on their reputation. Claude Schuck, Veeam's Regional Manager for Africa, previously warned of the implications of another crash during the black friday sales. Visitors to the Takealot.com website are met with this message "sorry, we're full. Candice Nolan has the details........
The public may never come to know the finer details related to a multi-million rand agreement reached between the SABC and Multichoice. This after the Competition Commission seemingly missed the boat in initiating an investigation. After the Competition Tribunal found that there was nothing amiss, the commission approached the Constitutional Court for the go-ahead to investigate the matter. Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details…..
A group of asylum seekers have asked the Constitutional Court to intervene after Home Affairs refused to extend their permits. The group are taking a decision to dismiss their asylum applications, on review. But, in the meantime, they complain that Home Affairs refusal to extend the permit leaves them open to deportation. Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details….
A woman who lost her sister after she was transferred from Life Esidimeni's Randfontein facility to the Takalani NGO in Soweto last year says the apartheid government treated her sister much better than the democratically-elected government. Luleka Khunjwa says her sister Maureen was well-cared for at Life Esidimeni over four decades, since the age of 20. Her condition changed for the worse since her move to Takalani last year where she eventually died. She was not receiving her medication and was continuously in and out of hospital. Wisani Makhubele reports....
The state says it's still struggling to confirm the residential address of former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu for the purposes of issuing her with a subpoena to go and testify at the Life Esidimeni Arbitration. Meanwhile, another highly sought after witness, suspended Head of Gauteng Health Department Barney Selebano has launched an urgent court application seeking to set aside a subpoena ordering him to appear at the hearings. The arbitration seeks to provide redress and closure for the families of the 141 psychiatric patients who died after being moved to unlicensed NGOs. Wisani Makhubele reports......
Struggle veteran, Ronnie Kasrils, says ordinary people need to help save the ANC from itself. Kasrils was speaking at the launch of his book: A Simple Man - Kasrils and the Zuma Enigma. The former intelligence minister says President Jacob Zuma is but one example of the corruption which has set in to the movement. Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details......
A former CEO of a Pretoria-based NGO has told the Esidimeni hearings how she continued withdrawing SASSA grants on behalf of some of the mentally-ill patients after they had died. Dorothy Franks says this was over and above receiving payment from the Gauteng Health Department. All of this happened after Franks' NGO, Anchor House was shut down and she had quit as CEO. Like representatives of other NGOs that have already testified at the hearings, Franks admitted that she did not have the necessary experience and staff to care for mentally-ill patients. Wisani Makhubele reports....
Today is the final day of the three weeks that had been initially set down for the arbitration hearings, with no end in sight. Police say they've been forced to take the Gauteng Department of Health to court because they were not cooperating in investigations into the deaths of Mentally ill patients. Major General Charles Johnson has told the Life Esidimeni Arbitration hearings that they're currently investigating 127 of the 141 deaths. Thirty-eight inquests have been opened. The other 89 are being treated as inquiries for now as they had death certificates indicating that they had died of natural causes. Johnson says the department's lack of cooperation has delayed their investigations as they do not have the deceased's medical records.
Reports of a cash heist in the Johannesburg CBD have emerged. Traffic is congested along Bree Taxi Rank. Motorists are advised to avoid entering at Sauer Street.
It's up to the state and lawyers for grieving families to make sure that former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu testifies at the Arbitration hearings. Yesterday, retired Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke, who is chairing the hearings, vowed that they will not finalise the process until Mahlangu and two other senior officials testify. Mahlangu is apparently studying in London.
The London School of Economics and Political Studies says there are no exams currently taking place. This is in response to claims from former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu that she is presently unable to testify at the Life Esidimeni Arbitration hearings, because she is busy with exams. Zoleka Qodashe reports....
This is part of a series of stories to mark OR Tambo's centenary:
Had it not been for apartheid - celebrated struggle icon Oliver Reginald Tambo, would have been a doctor. Instead he studied law, by candlelight, and later, together with Nelson Mandela, set up South Africa's first black law firm. The ANC's longest serving President would have celebrated his 100th birthday this year. National centenary celebrations will be held in his home village of Nkantolo outside Bizana in the Eastern Cape on Friday. Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details......
Just a few days before the three-week Life Esidimeni Hearings come to an end, families of the deceased mentally ill-patients say they still don't know what exactly caused the deaths of the loved ones. Christine Nxumalo, whose sister Virginia Machpelah died six weeks after being moved to Precious Angels NGO in Pretoria says their relatives were sent to their deaths prematurely. Nxumalo says she's angry because people such as Gauteng Health's Chief Director for Planning, Molefi Mosenogi and Precious Angels CEO Ethel Ncube have not given a full account of what happened. As the hearings continue on Tuesday morning, Nxumalo also says former Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu must come and account.
More family members of the deceased mentally ill patients are expected to continue testifying when the Life Esidimeni hearings resume this morning. The arbitration seeks to find redress for the 141 who lost their loved ones after they were moved from Esidimeni facilities to unlinced NGOs across the province. Last week, emotional family members, as well as the former manager of Life Esidemeni said they had pleaded with government not to move the patients. Wisani Makhubele reports....
Where are the poor people, who live in the Johannesburg inner city, meant to go? DA silent following a report on a campaign to drive them out of the inner city. No difference to the strategy adopted by the ANC lead municipality.
The City of Johannesburg is continuing with a strategy to force the poor out of the inner city, in order to renovate so-called "bad buildings" and create low-cost rental accommodation. The DA-lead coalition in Jo'burg has been in power for over a year, but there appears to be no practical difference in their approach to that of the previous ANC-lead administration. Far from addressing crime, recent police raids of these so-called hijacked buildings, only netted 267 undocumented migrants. Senior Reporter Candice Nolan has the details...
Families of the victims of the Esidimeni tragedy says those responsible for the deaths of 141 mentally ill-patients must be prosecuted and jailed. They told the Life Esidimeni hearings in Parktown, Johannesburg. Emotional family members have spoken about their anguish over losing their loved ones and how the bad treatment they received at unlicensed NGOs. Boitumelo Mangena lost her mother who died three weeks after being transferred to the Takalani Home for the Mentally Handicapped in Soweto in June last year.
Families of the deceased 141 mentally ill patients have lashed out at government for its decision to move their relatives to unlicensed NGOs, saying they would still be alive today, had they been left at Life Esidimeni facilities. Yesterday, more family members testified at the Life Esidimeni Arbitration in Parktown, Johannesburg, about how their loved ones were badly treated and appeared malnourished. Meanwhile, a representative of another NGO has conceded that neither did they have the capacity nor the competency to care for such vulnerable patients. Wisani Makhubele reports.....
A woman who was arrested and detained for three days with her 8 month old baby has been awarded a damages claim of one hundred and eighty thousand (180 000) Rand. The Zimbabwean woman was arrested because she didn't have her original assylum seeker papers. The police woman asked her for a bribe, ten chickens, in exchange for her freedom. She originally sued the police for 250 thousand rand. The SABC broke the story in 2015.
Former Managing Director at Life Esidimeni says they did warn the Gauteng Health Department against the speedy transfers of mentally-ill patients to unidentified NGOs. About a 141 patients died as a result. Dr Morgan Mkhatswa says several children died in 2007, when more than 20 mentally ill children were moved to NGOs, and he did not want a repeat of that experience. Mkhatswa has been testifying at the Life Esidimeni Arbitration underway in Parktown, Johannesburg. Wisani Makhubele reports
The owner of a Pretoria based NGO where 23 mentally-ill patients died, has denied that their deaths were due hunger and cold as recorded in the Ombudsman's report. She however failed to explain how they died. Ethel Ncube, who founded the Precious Angels faicility in Atteridgeville, has been testifying at the Life Esidimeni Arbitration held in Parktown, Johannesburg. The hearings are aimed at providing redress for the families of 141 psychiatric patients who died after being moved to various NGOs from Life Esidimeni. Wisani Makhubele reports.....
Trade union Solidarity says the Department of Health in Gauteng had limited access to families visiting their mentally-ill relatives at the Cullian Care and Rehabilitation Centre in Pretoria since May last year, to hide the disaster that was unfolding. The Life Esidimeni Arbitration probing the deaths of 141 mentally-ill patients yesterday heard that the facility was over-crowded, with almost double its 150 capacity. A social worker at Cullian, Daphney Ndhlovu, told the hearings that they were instructed to take more patients than they could care for. Wisani Makhubele reports....
The total number of patients who died after they were transferred to inlicensed NGOs from Life Esidimeni now stands at 141. Acting Gauteng Health HOD - Dr. Enerst Kenoshi revealed this during his testimony at the Life Esidimeni Arbitration in Parktown, Johannesburg. The figure was earlier this week revised to 118, after the initial announcement of 94 deaths in February. State officials who have testified over the past five days have conceded that the transfers were badly carried out, and that they should not have done in the first place. Wisani Makhubele reports....
Condolences are pouring in following news of the passing of media veteran, Govan Reddy. 74-year-old Reddy died in the early hours of this morning (friday 13 October) after battling a long illness. Reddy was an anti-apartheid activist who was imprisoned, and exiled in the 1970s and 80s. Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.....
The hearings enter its last day as Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi says a principal is appointed based on competency and not due to pressures from the community. Lesufi was speaking at the Human Rights Commission's investigation into the recent school disruptions at the Klipspruit West Secondary school - south of Johannesburg. Learning and teaching was disrupted for weeks after some parents of learners at the school objected to the appointment of a black African school principal. Lesufi says prior to the unrest, he received a letter from a community group called The Greater Eldorado Park Business Forum, questioning the appointment of the principal. Pearl Magubane filed this report of Lesufi addressing the panel. He stressed that officials should not allow external voices with different interests to influence their decisions.
Gauteng Government has blamed former Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu for the deaths of 118 mentally ill patients after they were transferred to unlicensed NGOs from Life Esidimeni. Testifying at the hearings in Parktown in Johannesburg on Thursday, Director General in the Oiffice of the Premier, Phindile Baleni said even though government did not invite Mahlangu as a witness, she must still be called to account. Baleni maintains that they were never informed about the relocations, following persistent questions about how such tragic events could unfold in the Province without the Office of the Premier's knowledge. Wisani Makhubele reports.....
Gauteng MEC of Education, Panyaza Lesufi is expected to testify during the third day of South African Human Rights Commission investigative hearings until the 13th October 2017. The hearings are in response to complaints about the recent public unrest in Eldorado Park and the repeated disruption of teaching and learning at Klipspruit West Secondary School. In earlier engagements with the community, issues relating to allegations of racism, marginalisation, inequality, and excessive use of force during service delivery protests were raised with the Commission.The hearings will take place at the JD Opperman Hall, Sneeuberg St, Eldorado Park, Johannesburg and from 12 October - 13 October 2017, at the City of Johannesburg Council Chambers,158 Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein
SABC's Lesotho Correspondent Nthakoane Ngatana has fled to South Africa after persistent threats to her life in her home country. Ngatana has been threatened following a story she ran about the shooting of the Lesotho Prime Minister's wife Thom Thabane, Lipolelo earlier this year. Ngatana says she received phone calls threatening her life but last week a post on social media asking the Prime Minister's son to rape her was the last straw. Angela Bolowana reports...
Families of Esidimeni victims broke down in tears yesterday as Gauteng Health Department Chief Director for Planning, Molefi Mosenogi apologised for the great loss of life. Mosenogi, who was the project leader responsible for the transfer of mentally-ill patients to unlicensed NGOs, was delivering his closing remarks following two days of testimony and cross-examination at the Life Esidimeni Arbitration hearings in Parktown, Johannesburg. Mosenogi admitted that the transfer of patients was badly done, adding that the fact that at least 118 patients died was regrettable. Wisani Makhubele reports.....
Many residents on the West Rand are forced to rebuild their homes, following yesterday's storm damage. At one complex the roofs were damaged, with water flooding into homes. Daphney Setho lives in Honeydew on the West Rand. A neighbour alerted her to the damage following the heavy downpours......
The City of Johannesburg Disaster Relief team is at Zandspruit informal settlement, where people's homes were flooded and damaged by yesterday's storm. Four people were injured in the area. Emergency Services teams set up a central point where people could report injuries. Eric Nichols is the owner of VitalMed emergency services....
A new app has been developed overseas which allows people to anonymously report bullying incidents. The App has also been credited with bringing bullying incidents down. South Africa has recently witnessed a spate of bullying incidents, especially in schools. However experts say it's not that there has been a sudden surge in cases, but simply that more cases are coming to the fore. Candice Nolan reports....
Four-year old Shaynice Talla has been laid to rest exactly one week after she was murdered, her body found last week Wednesday in an open drain near her family home in Eldorado Park during a community search. She had gone missing earlier that day. Jamaine Krige attended the emotional ceremony where family, friends and neighbours bid farewell to little Shaynice....
The family of four-year-old Shaynice Talla, whose body was found inside a drain in Eldorado park, south of Johannesburg, is demanding answers. The child's body was discovered by her uncle during a community search on Wednesday night after she was reported missing in the afternoon. Police have confirmed that a man has been taken in for questioning in connection with her murder, and that they cannot rule out the possibility that she might have also been raped. Jamaine Krige reports....
A Khoi Khoi woman named Krotoa was one of the first local people to interact with Jan van Riebeeck - the Dutch colonial administrator who founded Cape Town. Krotoa was Van Riebeeck's interpreter, and was instrumental in ending the first Khoi Khoi-Dutch war. But colonial tradition has not smiled kindly on our heroine, who is portrayed as an alcoholic and a woman of loose morals. As we celebrate Heritage Month, Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan explores Krotoa's life story...
The family of the deputy principal who was shot and killed at Edalinceba Primary School in Duduza on Gauteng's East Rand on Tuesday has expressed shock. The suspects entered the school premises under the pretence that they had an appointment to fix an electric fault. As the deputy principal came out of his office to inquire about their visit, he was shot several times. He died at the scene. The motive for the attack is not yet known. Police are searching for four suspects in connection with the crime. Guateng Education MEC visited the school and the family yesterday. Wisani Makhubele reports...
A Khoi Khoi woman named Krotoa (pronounced *cra-toe-wah) was one of the first local people to interact with Jan van Riebeeck - the Dutch colonial administrator who founded Cape Town. Krotoa was Van Riebeeck's interpreter, and was instrumental in ending the first Khoi Khoi-Dutch war. But colonial tradition has not smiled kindly on our heroine, who is portrayed as an alcoholic and a woman of loose morals. As we celebrate Heritage Month, Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan explores Krotoa's life story...
An Eastern Cape man has missed out on an opportunity to sue the Police Minister for his wrongful arrest and detention. Sinethemba Mtokonya was arrested in September 2010 and detained for five days without being charged. More than three years later, a lawyer told him that he could sue for wrongful arrest. But by that time his claim had already expired. Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.......
A teenager shown in videos repeatedly being assaulted on a school bus before being dumped on the side of the road, has been left traumatised and is having sleepless nights. The 16-year-old learner from the Adelaide Tambo School for the Disabled in Soweto, suffers from epilepsy and bi-polar mood disorder. Videos of her being repeatedly beaten by a school staff member are circulating on social media. Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details...
Sophiatown is one of South Africa's iconic historical sites. During its heydays, it was the epicenter of politics, music, creativity and multi-culturalism. It's in Sophiatown where artists, writers and musicians flourished against the odds. As South Africa celebrates Heritage month this September - one of Sophiatown's well-known residents, Can Themba who passed away in 1968, is also being remembered. Can - as he was affectionately known - was a teacher, writer and journalist who valued literacy and education. It was through his writing that he not only helped preserve Sophiatown's rich heritage, but also contributed to South Africa's literary landscape. Tshepo Phagane delves into the life of this celebrated artist...
The Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital has refuted claims of a funding crisis. The hospital has already treated 200 patients, over two months, in its newly opened radiology unit. And management insists that it's all systems go for the phasing-in of other services. Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan reports.... 230e6b99-b956-4cdb-a157-c9b7e032bcae.jpg — JPG (164.3 KB)
Eleven Universities and Colleges are operating illegally and fraudulently in South Africa. Some are not registered. And those that are registered are offering qualifications they're not accredited to offer. The Department of Higher Education has urged thousands of prospective students to verify the legitimacy of their preferred institution before they enroll. Wisani Makhubele reports...
Families of the 10 people who died in a horrific crash near Balfour in Mpumalanga have spoken out for the first time about the deaths of their loved ones. The families are struggling to come to terms with their loss. The victims were killed when two vehicles collided on the R23 on Monday. The vehicles caught fire and the deceased were burnt beyond recognition. on Wednesday families arrived at Evander hospital in Secunda to submit DNA samples for tests to be conducted for the identification of the bodies. Pearl Magubane has the details...
The World Health Organisation says not a single country in the world fully meets recommended standards for breastfeeding. Mothers returning to work immediately after giving birth is one of the reasons cited as a contributing factor. Employers have been urged to support breastfeeding mothers by creating an enabling environment for them at least for the first six years after giving birth. Senior Journalist Thabile Mbhele visited infant and child food manufacturing company Nestle SA, one of the companies which has heeded the call...
The CRL Rights Commission has opened a case of intimidation and crimen injuria against Prophet Paseka Motsoeneng popularly known as Pastor Mboro after making numerous accusations and personal attacks on it's Chairperson Thoko Mkhwanazi Xaluva. This comes after the commission conducted an investigation into that commercialization of religion in the country.
A Johannesburg model who says she was assaulted by Zimbabwean first lady, Grace Mugabe says her career is over. Gabriella Engels had to receive several stitches, even on her face, after the alleged assault at a Sandton Hotel. Grace Mugabe allegedly stormed the hotel room in search of her two sons. Gabriella says Mugabe started assaulting her and two of her friends....
A woman who was allegedly assaulted by Zimbabwean first lady, Grace Mugabe, says they were alone in the hotel room when the attack happened. The woman was correcting media reports that Mugabe's two sons were present at the time. The woman, known only as Gabriella, laid a charge of assault against Grace Mugabe. Her mother, who asked to remain anonymous, explains.....
An SABC journalist has been asked to use the public toilet to express breast milk for her little one. The irony is this happened at a woman's day event,during breastfeeding awareness week at the Johannesburg Country Club. This highlights that either the awareness weeks and months are meaningless or that women are down right out of touch with the realities of ordinary women. Sunday (6 August 2017) marked the end of World Breastfeeding week for this year. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Breast is Best. A slogan that fails to capture the difficulties breastfeeding women face. But this month women have been urged to be united and be advocates for public breastfeeding. This comes as the country joins the world in commemorating World Breastfeeding Week. Breastfeeding in public, especially restaurants, is still taboo in the country which child rights activists believe it shouldn't. Thabile Mbhele compiled this report...
Have you ever wondered how you can manually express breast milk for your little one? Are you one of those mothers who wants to exclusively breastfeed your child but you have to return to work before your bundle of joy turns six months? With the high cost of living, you also can't afford to buy a breast pump? Well, you can manually express your breastmilk and leave it at home for your baby to feed while you go back to work. As part of World Breastfeeding Week, we visited the post-natal ward at the Leratong Hospital, in Johannesburg, to learn with new moms how to express breast milk. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Calls have been made for employers to increase maternity leave to four months and above, with full pay to accommodate breastfeeding mothers. Employers have also been reminded that it's a legal obligation to allow a nursing mother to express breastmilk during work hours. This comes as the world commemorates Breastfeeding Week from today. Thabile Mbhele reports...
An estimated 20 percent of children have mental health disorders in South Africa yet the majority of disorders are not detected and treated. That's according to a report in the SA Medical Journal which states that many psychiatric disorders have their onset during adolescence however for some children it's much earlier on. Thabile Mbhele reports...
INTRO: Preventing people from contracting tuberculosis or,TB, remains the biggest challenge in fighting this 200-year-old disease that kills at least two-million each year. For the first time, TB will top the agenda at a high level meeting of all heads of state at the UN General Assembly in September next year. This will hopefully lead to a solution on how to eradicate the curable disease. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The funeral service of the first black woman in South Africa to publicly reveal that she was HIV positive in 1992 has been used to further political views. Prudence Mabele succumbed to pneumonia at a Rosebank hospital on Monday last week, she would have been 46 on Friday. Speakers have committed to continue where Mabele left off in calling for President Jacob Zuma to resign and to also urge government to do more to fight HIV and TB. Activists interrupted Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi's speech and also walked out before Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed mourners. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Lawyers for Human Rights has expressed disappointment in the latest judgment from the Constitutional Court affecting farmworkers who face eviction. The Judgment places the burden on the state to find suitable alternative accomodation. This is the same protection given to evictees in an urban setting. But many farmworkers have been living on the land for generations and constitute a vulnerable grouping. LHR's Louise Du Plessis....
Religious leaders and institutions must be registered and pay tax like any other business in South Africa. And foreign nationals wishing to open churches in South Africa should undergo a strict vetting process. These are some of the recommendations contained in the final report of the CRL Rights Commission following its investigation into the commercialisation of churches in South Africa. The investigation followed reports of unconventional practises by some church leaders which included congregants being made to eat grass, snakes and sprayed with pesticides. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Tomorrow (Friday) is the deadline for all immigration detainees, who were in detention since before last week Thursday, to appear in court. This is in line with a unanimous Constitutional Court decision, with the High Court in Pretoria having extended the deadline. The seminal judgment gives courts oversight over immigration detention. In terms of the Judgment all immigration detainees must appear in court within 48 hours of their arrest. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.....
Sugar tax alone is not the answer to the country's health problems. Education and physical exercise are just as important. That's the word from a roundtable discussion by Mondelez International looking at a new generation of healthier young South Africans. Mondelez is an international company manufacturing snacks in 165 countries. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Thousands of mentally-ill patients risk losing their homes unless Non-Governmental Organisations receive funding from the Gauteng Health Department. The department cut funding to around 149 homes - saying it would pay out monies as soon as the NGO's complied with stringent new licensing conditions. Candice Nolan has the details...
Police will soon launch a major campaign to fight and hopefully end violence against women and children in the coming weeks. They are also prioritising Gauteng in crime prevention and fighting following the opening of the Operational Command Centre at the Johannesburg Central Police Station today. Police minister Fikile Mbalula says it's time to make South Africa a safe place for all who live in it. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Murder accussed Sandile Mantsoe says any statements he may have made to the police about the death of his ex girlfriend, Karabo Mokoena, were made under duress. Mantsoe is applying for bail in the Johannesburg Magistrates Court. Mokoena's body was found burnt beyond recognition in a veld in Lyndhurst at the end of April. Candice Nolan has the details......
The SA Human Rights Commission says it's better equipped to deal with complaints from children. With the launch of their new child friendly complaints handling procedures, the commission will be able to better investigate complaints lodged by young South Africans. Candice Nolan has the details.....
About 193 million children are victims of sexual violence globally. However, the prosecution and conviction rates of offenders are alarmingly low despite the shocking statistics of child abuse and child sexual exploitation globally. This emerged on the first day of the conference on Combatting Sexual Exploitation of Children in Travel and Tourism held in Pretoria. Thabile Mbhele reports
Governments and organisations fighting the sexual exploitation of children have admitted to failing to combat this crime, globally. This has led to many people saying this crime is out of control. It's estimated that about 193 million children are victims of sexual violence worldwide. A UNICEF report says across the world a child dies every five minutes as a result of violence. This emerged at a conference on Combating Sexual Exploitation of Children in Travel and Tourism held in Pretoria. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Families have been continuously forced to postpone burying their loved ones because of the ongoing go slow at mortuaries in Gauteng. The strike has entered its third week as forensic pathology officers complain about the scope of their work. It's alleged that bodies are piling up at mortuaries as staff continue with the go slow action. The National Funeral Directors Association has called for an end of the go slow as this is affecting their business. Thabile Mbhele reports...
House music is a universal sound that gets everyone moving. It is constantly evolving, and those who listen to it are always looking for something new. One person who is nothing short of fresh is house DJ, Bokkie Ult. The 22 year old, whose real name is Bonginkosi Hlongwane says his interest in music was sparked when he was only nine years old, but the road to becoming the undoubted talent that he is now was paved at the tender age of fourteen. Khanyisile Padi reports...
Where should the buck stop when it comes to the bungling of the social grants tender? The Constitutional Court was unable to answer that question, and ordered the parties to map out the way forward. In March, the Court was forced to extend an invalid contract with Cash Paymaster Services after the Social Security Agency failed to keep up its end of the bargain. SASSA was meant to take over the administration of grant payments come April 1st, but at the eleventh hour it became clear that they were not in a position to do so. Candice Nolan has the details.....
The Constitutional Court has given the parties involved in litigation concerning the bungled social grants tender two weeks to come up with a process to determine whether the minister should be held personally liable. On the eve of the expiry of the social grant tender with CPS, which tender the court had declared invalid, it emerged that the Social Security Agency was not in a position to take over the administration of grants. Then followed alot of finger pointing between the Social Development Minister and SASSA. The Court was set to give judgment on whether the Minister could be held personally liable for the crisis. Justice Johan Froneman.....
The Communications Minister says a recent Constitutional Court decision brings us a step closer to reaching the December 2018 switch off deadline for the migration to digital television. The litigation has delayed the roll out of set top boxes which are to be provided to some 5 million impoverished households so that they can continue to watch television via a digital signal. Candice Nolan has the details.....
The Gauteng government says it supports the existence of big grocery retail stores in townships. It says it has an agreement with Pick 'n Pay to open smaller businesses in the form of spaza shops in the township. This has emerged on the last day of the Gauteng leg of the Competition Commission's public hearings into the existence of retail stores in the township. It comes after small businesses in townships have accused government of betraying them and prioritising big business. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Courts must play an active role to protect the rights of vulnerable persons in eviction applications. That's the word from the Constitutional Court, which *today (8 June 2017) cancelled the eviction of 184 residents from a rundown Berea apartment block. The High Court in Johannesburg ordered the eviction after finding that the residents had agreed to move. But the residents deny that there was any such agreement. Candice Nolan has the details....
Soweto business owners have pleaded with the Competition Commission to rescue them from the grocery retail sector that's causing destruction in the township. They've accused government of letting them down by allowing big retailers to operate in the townships, taking away their business and jobs. This has emerged during the public hearings held by the Commission as it believes there may be unfair competition in the industry. Thabile Mbhele reports…
Police are calling for information following the kidnap of a Johannesburg family this past weekend. 57-year old Gregory Naidoo, his wife Melanie and daughter Rakiel are still missing after being taken from their Northcliff home on Sunday night. Candice Nolan filed this report......
South African crime fighters gathered to pay their last respects to celebrated policeman, Piet Byleveld. A memorial service was held at the Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, north of Johannesburg. Byleveld passed away last week following a short battle with cancer. Candice Nolan reports.....
The family of an Eskom employee whose body was found at her place of work - thirteen days after having been reported missing - says they suspect it was an inside job. Thembisile Yende was found dead inside her locked office. Yende was an electrician working at an Eskom sub-station in Springs on Gauteng's Eastrand. Ditaba Tsotetsi and Candice Nolan compiled this report....
The "Almost Human" exhibition has officially been launched at the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site in Maropeng on Gauteng's West Rand. Our reporter Sashin Naidoo has more...
Prostitution continues unabated at Springs, on Gauteng's east rand, despite it being illegal. Earlier this week police arrested a Nigerian national for allegedly abducting young girls and using them as prostitutes. Yesterday police raided another brothel in the area. Sex workers, many of them teenagers can be seen openly plying their trade on the street. Our reporter explores the sex trade in the industrial town...
Journalism as a profession is under threat warns journalism organisations in SA on World Press Freedom Day as Thabile Mbhele reports...
Sexual & physical abuse against children in SA & Zimbabwe has been described as an epidemic by UNICEF Ambassador Priyanka Chopra as Thabile Mbhele reports....
South African women are under siege as the numbers of women attacked, abused and killed by men has been on the increase in the country as Thabile Mbhele reports...
Former Generations actor Mandla Hlatshwayo and his friend Oupa 'Chom Chom" Duma are shot and killed in Pimville, Soweto as Thabile Mbhele reports...
The lives of poor, black and lesbian women do not matter in South Africa - according to feminist NGO, One in Nine Campaign as Thabile Mbhele reports...
South Africa's top detective Piet Byleveld has passed away in a Johannesburg hospital after a short battle with cancer. Byleveld officially closed his career docket in 2010. He retired from the police force after close to four decades of service. Byleveld had an illustrious career, solving many of the country's major murder cases. Melini Moses spoke to the Top Cop in 2010 just after he retired, about his life, and his first love...
Parents of the young girls rescued at a brothel in Springs on Gauteng's East Rand have accused government of failing them. 42-year old Nigerian national Edozi Obi was fronting as a barber and a tuck shop owner but was allegedly running a brothel at the house. Obi and co-accused Mahlatse Hlatswayo are facing six charges including human trafficking, kidnapping and possession of pornographic material. It's alleged that Obi and his associates were recruiting girls as young as 14, whom they would then drug and use as prostitutes. SABC's Horisani Sithole has more...
A new scientific study attempts to rock the cradle, so to speak, by suggesting that our early human ancestors came from Europe. Two fossils of ape-like creatures teeth have been found in Bulgaria and Greece, dating back 7.2 million years ago. The discovery of the creature, nicknamed "el Graeco" by scientists, seems to prove that human ancestors were already starting to evolve in Europe 200 thousand years before the earliest African hominid. Wits University researcher, Doctor Julien Benoit says the study is questionable.....
One in six boys will be sexually abused before the age of 18. This is according to the South African Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse (SAMSOSA). At Parktown Boys High School in Johannesburg, a water polo coach has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing more than twenty pupils. The suspect is expected to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrates court this morning. Pearl Magubane visited a number of schools in Johannesburg where some learners and parents expressed fear and worry following these sexual abuse allegations...
Funding for children's programmes has hit an all time low. Some child care organisations are on the brink of closing down due to lack of funding. They are now pinning their hopes on individuals digging deeper into their pockets to assist children in need. Thabile Mbhele reports....
Interesting and thought-provoking news feature stories produced by the Johannesburg Radio News Team.
Liquor traders are complaining of racism in the liquor trading industry. As a result, they have formed the National Liquor Forum to deal with issues of racism in the industry. However, the Liquor Brands Association has distanced itself from allegations of discrimination on the basis of race or location of liquor businesses. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Authorities believe they have identified the taxi and a suspect linked to a series of gang-rapes of female commuters on Gauteng's West Rand. This comes after Community Safety MEC, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, issued a stern warning at a meeting with taxi associations operating in the affected areas. Jamaine Krige was there....
A struggle of memory must be waged lest we forget the sacrifices of those who came before us. This, according to Gauteng Premier David Makhura, who addressed crowds at a Human Rights Day Commemoration held in Sharpville, South of Johannesburg on Tuesday . Government officials accompanied survivors of the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre that resulted in sixty-nine deaths, as well as family members of those who lost their lives on the day, to the Phelindaba Cemetery for a memorial service. Wreaths were then laid at the Sharpeville memorial, across from the police station where protesters were gunned down. Despite this, some survivors told SABC reporter Jamaine Krige that the government only remembers them for one day of the year, before they are forgotten again...
Interesting and thought-provoking news feature stories produced by the Johannesburg Radio News Team.
Interesting and thought-provoking news feature stories produced by the Johannesburg Radio News Team.
More than a thousand people gathered last week at the ninth annual South African Product of the Year Awards, in partnership with BBM, to honour innovative products and brands and the companies that deliver them to the shelves of local outlets. The glamour awards, held at the Galleria Conference Centre in Sandton in Johannesburg, aim to save consumers from the "tyranny of choice" and guide them in their retail decisions. But what exactly is innovation? Jamaine Krige attended the event to find out....
Last weekend the community of Fochville, a small mining town west of Johannesburg, was rocked by the mass kidnapping of at least fifteen children. A man, known to the community as a local soccer coach, allegedly lured the children, all between the ages of thirteen and sixteen, away under the pretext of taking them to a sports tournament. The children were found at various locations last week Sunday and returned to the safety of their families. The police are continuing with their investigation into the kidnapping, and believe the case may be linked to human trafficking. Jamaine Krige went to Fochville to talk to some of the victims...
"I wish parenting came with a manual with a whole chapter on instilling discipline in children". That's the wish of some mothers who have expressed challenges and frustrations around disciplining their children as Thabile Mbhele reports
Former Constitutional Court Judge, Justice Albie Sachs says the issue of racism needs to be handled in a calm way because it's a highly emotive subject which evokes a lot of hate and anger, given the country's apartheid history. Justice Sachs was speaking on the final day of the two-day public hearings on racism and social media on the 16th of February. The hearings were hosted by the Human Rights Commission in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. The objective was to get to the bottom of racism on social media following recent highly-charged racial incidents. Wisani Makhubele has more..
The South African Human Rights Commission says the increasing prominence of social media in South Africa is further complicating the country's efforts to address racism and other forms of discrimination. The Commission held public hearings on racism in light of the recent racial comments made on social media. The aim is to understand what constitutes racism and who should be held accountable in the context of social media. The first day of the two-day hearings was on the 15th of February at the HRC's officers in Johannesburg. The HRC says racial discrimination and inequality account for the majority of complaints received by the commission. Wisani Makhubele reports....
Residents who face eviction from a dilapidated building in Berea in Johannesburg, have expressed hope that the Constitutional Court will rule in their favour. They presented their arguments in the ConCourt on the 14th of February, seeking the reversal of a 2013 High Court finding that all 184 tenants had agreed to the move. The residents argue that there was no such agreement. They turned to the ConCourt after they were refused permission to appeal against the eviction decision by both the High Court in Johannesburg and the Supreme Court of Appeal. Judgment has been reserved. Wisani Makhubele has more...
Government has spent 32-billion rand to settle historic debt owed by students to universities between 2013 and 2015. This is in response to a wave of protests over fees which broke out in 2015. Speaking during the State of the Nation Address in Parliament, President Jacob Zuma said this was one of government's ways of showing that the state is committed to addressing the funding crisis. However, thousands of students remain heavily indebted as the 32-billion rand only covers students who qualify for funding by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. Wisani Makhubele reports...
The first year at tertiary appears to be the most difficult. The transition from high school to tertiary has proven difficult for many. The majority of students leave the comfort of their own homes to be on their own. While some adjust quickly, some fall through the cracks. Even those who passed matric with distinctions tend to find the going tough, as they battle to strike a good balance between their academic and social lives. Lack of funds is another challenge. Wisani Makhubele has more...
A full moon has always been a symbol of hope, radiance, reflection and romance. But in recent years, the full moon has come to represent something more sinister in South Africa. Many rhino poaching incidents take place over the full moon period, when poachers can roam the game reserves by moonlight and make their kills. Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West decided to change this lunar narrative from sombre to hopeful. Jamaine Krige attended a full moon drumming for rhinos in the park this past weekend...
The Gauteng government says Premier David Makhura was only copied but never received a letter warning of possible risks of the impending transfer of psychiatric patients from Life Healthcare Esidimeni. Wits University's Occupational Therapy students doing clinical studies at Esidimeni centres in Germiston and Randfontein say they wrote a letter to Makhura, former health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and Director General in the National Health department in January last year. Gauteng Government spokesperson, Thabo Masebe insists Makhura only became aware of the Esidimeni crisis when reports of fatalities started to emerged. Tshepo Phagane reports....
South Africans will have to fork out up to 14 percent more for medical aid this year. Most open medical aid schemes will charge their members substantial increases because many more people checked into hospital last year, increasing medical inflation. It has also emerged that medical aid schemes have been detecting millions of rands in fraudulent transactions with Discovery nailing down 400 million rand worth of these last year alone. Senior Reporter Angela Bolowana filed this report....
Medical Aid scheme administrators Afrocentric has estimated that fraud involving medical aid scheme to be up to 15 billion rand in 2016 alone. Medical Aids Schemes are forced to establish fraud units to deal with the scourge in the industry. While some schemes will not disclose how much they are investigating for fraud, they say the number of transactions have spiked. There are 82 medical aid schemes in the country. Angela Bolowana filed this report.....
Insurance schemes have reported a spike in medical negligence claims. One insurer says they have paid out 20 million rand for one medical malpractice claim. Another insurer has recorded a 27 percent increase in claims in the last six years. In 2015 alone, the insurer dealt with almost three thousand claims. These increasing litigations make medical practitioners to be rather apprehensive about their work. Angela Bolowana reports....
More than 80 law enforcement officials descended on Rosettenville, south of Johannesburg, last night in an effort to rebuild relationships between residents and the police. This after residents last weekend took the law into their own hands protesting against drug houses, prostitution and illegal immigrants in the area. Our reporter Jamaine Krige accompanied executive mayor Herman Mashaba and other city officials on the raids...
A 49-year-old domestic worker is still traumatised after her employer pointed a gun at her and then handcuffed to the gate. Her only crime was demanding her December salary as Thabile Mbhele reports...
Statistics South Africa's 2011 General Household survey claims that one-point-one million South African households of all races live in poverty in informal settlements. Of these, 31 thousand are white. While these eight thousand households make up only a fraction of South Africans living below the breadline, these communities feel forgotten by the masses and largely ignored by the government. Jamaine Krige visited Sonskyn Hoekie, a white, predominantly Afrikaans 'care camp' in Pretoria....
Gauteng Health MEC Dr Gwen Ramokgopa says the deaths of 94 mentally ill patients will be dealt with in a manner that ensures it never happens again. She's also undertaken to work with the families of the victims. Ramokgopa has replaced Qedani Mahlangu who resigned a night before the release of the Health Ombudsman's report into the deaths of the mental patients. Ramokgopa was sworn-in as both member of the Gauteng legislature and provincial Health MEC. Tshepo Phagane reports.....
The number of people who die of cancer each year, has increased to close to nine million people globally. These are some of the latest statistics issued by the World Health Organisation as the world commemorated World Cancer Day this weekend. The world body says the biggest challenge in tackling cancer, is late diagnosis of the disease. Thabile Mbhele reports…
South Africans will have to fork out up to 14 percent more for medical aid this year. Most open medical aid schemes will charge their members substantial increases because many more people checked into hospital last year thereby increasing medical inflation. It has also emerged that medical aid schemes have been detecting millions of rands in fraudulent transactions with Discovery nailing down 400 million rand worth of these last year alone. Senior Reporter Angela Bolowana filed this report....
The community of Rosettenville, south of Johannesburg, has vowed to burn more properties belonging to Nigerian nationals accused of peddling drugs and prostitution in the area. They've planned another demonstration for this coming Saturday. This comes after they burnt goods belonging to Nigerians in four houses yesterday. However, some of the victims claim ignorance of this issue. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Professor Rudolph Zinn from Unisa's Department of Police Practice says car hijacking victims are usually kidnapped to help criminals find the vehicle tracking device. Last Friday night actor and SA's Got Talent judge Jamie Bartlett was hijacked and robbed. It's understood that the men pointed firearms at him, entered his black Mercedes Benz and started assaulting him. The men pulled him out and stuffed him in the boot of the car. Pearl Magubane filed this report...
University of Johannesburg Vice-Chancellor Professor Ihron Rensburg says South Africa would not be dealing with protests over fees now had government been bold and decisive 20 years ago. Rensburg, who was in government during the time he's referring to, is set to step down in January next year. The search for his successor is already underway. Rensburg has spoken about his highs and low since taking charge of the University of Johannesburg in 2006. Wisani Makhubele compiled this report...
The National Education Crisis Forum says resolving the higher education crisis will depend on government's responsiveness to proposals from civil society. The forum says government has already ignored some of its recommendations aimed at ensuring a smooth start to the new academic year. Universities have over the past two years been dealing with violent protests over fees, transformation and accommodation, among other challenges. While universities have been quiet so far, there've been protests at TVET colleges. Wisani Makhubele reports..
Sexual harassment and rape remain one of the most under-reported crimes in the country including in the domestic sector setting as Thabile Mbhele reports...
The Department of Labour has described the domestic work sector as the most vulnerable. It's mainly run by women, who are forced to leave their own families and look after other people's families as Thabile Mbhele reports...
Hiring a domestic worker is a risk working parents are forced to take. It's also a gamble with one's child and your own life as well. The employment relationship that exists between private households and their domestic workers is one of the most neglected and ill-administered. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Revenge for low salaries, unfair labour practices and bad treatment by employers have been cited as some of the reasons domestic workers and nannies do not return to work. Thabile Mbhele reports...
About 70 people in Soweto are about to lose their jobs at a bread making project which the Democratic Alliance regards it as a waste of money. The DA-led City of Johannesburg has already started to deliver on their promise to close down some multi-million-rand social programs they say are not urgent.
The death of Doctor Humphrey Zokufa has come at a critical time as government plans to roll out the National Health Insurance (NHI). Doctor Zokufa has been instrumental in introducing and laying a solid foundation for the upcoming new health system. 64-year old Zokufa died on Sunday after a short illness. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Gospel sensation Lundi Tyamara is no more. He passed away in the early hours of this morning after he was diagnosed with stomach TB. He also had liver problems. Tyamara had been in a Johannesburg hospital since October the 27th last year. He started his solo career in 1998 and he's known for many gospel hits such as Mphefumlo Wami, Mvulele Angene, and Khuluma Nabo. His ground breaking hits saw him winning at the SAMA Awards, KORA Awards and the Crown Gospel Music Awards. Sashin Naidoo has the details...
Angry and frustrated Soweto parents have called on the Gauteng Education Department to go back to the manual registration system since 40 thousand learners are yet to be placed in schools following glitches with the online system as Thabile Mbhele reports...
The Competition Commission says parents should report schools that force them to buy school uniforms from exclusive suppliers who sell at noncompetitive prices as Thabile Mbhele reports...
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme has paid 1.3 billion rand in registration fees to universities on behalf of deserving students. The organisation says 78 thousand new students have been approved to study for this year and they are expecting to fund over 450-thousand students in total. Angela Bolowana reports...
About two thousand learners have registered for home schooling for this year. Gauteng and Mpumalanga have the highest number of learners with over 700 each registered with the department. Many people are in favour of home education arguing that the prospects of a child excelling in school are higher. The Department of Education has urged parents and guardians to do thorough research before deciding to home school their children. Neliswa Mavundla reports...
The Gay and Lesbian community has expressed shock and disappointment at the "anti homosexual" views of the guest Pastor at the Grace Bible Church in Pimville, Soweto this weekend. The Ghanaian pastor - Bishop Dag Heward-Mills said animals do not have same sex relationships and therefore it's regarded as unnatural for humans to do so. This offended some congregants including Radio personality and choreographer Somizi Mhlongo who walked out of the service. Pearl Magubane filed this report...
Tributes and condolences continue to pour in after the death of the Registrar of the Council of Medical Aid Schemes, Dr. Humphrey Zokufa. Zokufa passed away on Sunday due to ill health. Refiloe Senatle reports....
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga says she can't be held responsible for the non-delivery of study materials in Limpopo. Last Friday, the Human Rights Commission threatened legal action against both the Minister and the Department of Education in Limpopo if all outstanding books were not delivered to schools by Monday, January 23. Several schools in Limpopo are still without stationery. Provincial education officials say schools are not receiving new textbooks this year, as they only need top ups. Wisani Makhubele has more.....
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi says he would rather have over-crowded classes than shut the door on learners who are still waiting for placement. Lesufi says his department received over 12-thousand 800 late applications this month alone. The MEC says only seven-thousand of the 58-thousand who applied last year remain on the waiting list. The online system has been heavily critisized by frustrated parents, mainly those whose children are still without schools. However, the MEC is confident things will get better in time. Wisani Makhubele has more...
South Africans are increasingly seeking opportunities abroad to study medicine. With a limited number of medical schools in the country, young people are now studying in countries such as Mauritius, China and Cuba. Angela Bolowana filed this report...
A South African man has spent the last 13 years trying to get out of a marriage with a woman he's neither met. Nomsa Mdhluli has the details...
Members of NGO Gift of Givers have met with the turkish governor to help with the search and rescue of kidnapped South African photo-journalist, Shiraaz Mohammed in Syria. The 38-year-old was abducted near Turkish border by a group of people last Tuesday. Gift of the Givers team member, Dr Ahmad Ghandour in Syria was summoned by a grouping affiliated to Al-Qaeda for questioning. He was blind-folded and waited for an hour before questioning. Ghandour was then safely released. Pearl Magubane spoke to an SABC journalist who visited Syria and filed this report....
Tributes from the entertainment industry keep pouring following the passing of iconic jazz musician Thandi Klaasen. She died at a hospital in Vosloorus east of Johannesburg after losing her battle to pancreatic cancer. Klaasen's musical career span over five decades, her best songs include "Sophia Town". Neliswa Mavundla reports...
The area of Wentworth, south of Durban is synonymous with violence, murder and a seemingly unstoppable drug trade. Last year, at least 30 lives were lost to gang-related violence. After years of turf-wars, a few residents have joined together to bring a peace agreement to rival factions. Reporter Benita Enoch visited the area to find out more...
The City of Johannesburg says illegal mining drains huge amounts of water which then affects the supply of this resource to surrounding communities. City officials met residents of Tshepisong and Matholeville west of Johannesburg in an effort to educate them about conserving water. They also encourage residents to report illegal water connections. However, illegal gold miners say this is their only means of generating income. Neliswa Mavundla reports....
FOCUS: DALET PACKAGE BY PEARL MAGUBANE ON THE POSSIBILITY OF RECONCILING AFTER INFEDILITY
The victories of the Constitution are victories of all South Africans. This, according to activist and former Constitutional Court Judge Albie Sachs. Objective yet personal, activist and judge, his new book We the People: Insights of an Activist Judge offers readers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of our Constitution. Jamaine Krige reports...
December is considered a time of joy, but for many animal welfare organisations and shelters, the festive season is the most difficult time of the year. Many pet owners realise the burden of an animal when it's time for their annual beach vacation, leading to neglect, abandonment and even death for some animals. Jamaine Krige reports...
There's an increase in the number of children abusing and violating other children, particularly physically and sexually as Thabile Mbhele reports...
South Africa is experiencing brutal kind of abuse against women and children. A concerted effort is needed from every member of society to end violence against women and children. Thabile Mbhele reports...
Serial rapist Lucky Simelane has been sentenced to over 380 years in prison for several counts of rape with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances and housebreaking with intent to rob.
Nsfas opened its new centralised application system in August for Grade 12 learners to simplify the process, and to reduce the administration burden on universities. Previously, students could only apply for funding after being registered at a university. But that has changed and prospective students can apply even before they start writing their matric exams. Universities SA says a significant number of aspiring students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds...
From almost being arrested in India while trying to secure music for Lotus FM to building the world's largest samoosa and being the first broadcaster to share a stage with Madiba - former employee Fakir Hassen's new book '35 years at the SABC' takes readers on a personal and emotional journey, documenting the stories behind the stories that you may have heard on air. Jamaine Krige reports....
Township businesses will close down and thousands of people will lose jobs if the proposed amendments to the liquor act are passed in their current form. Township business owners have accused government of taking business away from black people in the townships and enriching bigger white businesses in urban areas and cities. This emerged at a media briefing by the South African Liquor Traders Association, the National Tourism Hospitality Association and the Gauteng Liquor Forum in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg. They have also expressed concern about regulations related to the sale and use of tobacco announced by Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi. Senior Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
Government has been accused of plotting to plunge black people into more poverty and unemployment in the townships. This comes as government has issued the Draft Liquor Amendment Bill for public comment which seeks to make several changes to how liquor is sold and consumed in the country. Liquor traders say not only will their families suffer but communities they serve as well. Senior Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
Nurses have no right to ask for intimate details about sex between gay and lesbian men and women. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and intersex community say the *1081 clinic, which caters for them, is not sufficient to cater for needs of thousands of them. These are some of the recommendations that emerged at the sitting of the LGBTI parliament in Sebokeng in the Vaal. Senior journalist Thabile Mbhele reports..,
People living with disability continue to face serious challenges when commuting using public transport. And this was proven when a group of people including those that are wheelchair bound took a trip from the SABC's Auckland park offices to the O. R Tambo International airport using public transport. This was also in keeping with Transport month which is held in October. Tshimologo Maputla went along......
Atleast three kidnapping cases involving children have been reported around the country over the past week. The youngest victim was a two month old from Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape. And in all the cases the alleged kidnappers are people related to the victims. Although in these three cases none of the children were physically harmed, the incidents have cast the safety of children into the spotlight. Reporter Benita Enoch looks at what drives a person to abduct a child and the challenges organisations who have to search and rescue these children have to deal with.
Johannesburg Water has warned that it might be forced to implement water rationing if residents don't adhere to water restrictions. Several Johannesburg areas experienced water cut-offs since the weekend. The City of Johannesburg is currently implementing level two water restriction. In terms of the restrictions residents are prohibited from watering their gardens between six in the morning and six in the evening. Residents are also not allowed to fill up their swimming pools with municipal water. Horisani Sithole has more...
The All African Federation of Churches says the investigation into the commercialisation of religion was nothing more than a witch hunt. The CRL Rights commission released a report last month which concluded that there is commercialisation of religion by some religious institutions. The commission called for some churches to be licensed and fall under a regulatory body. However the All African Federation of Churches say they do not recognise the commission's investigation or findings as Jamaine Krige reports....
The Gauteng government has come under fire for organising the LGBTI sector parliament in Sebokeng on the Vaal without deploying representatives from various government department. The event had to be suspended after members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersexed community demanded to be addressed by government officials. The Gauteng Legislature hosted its annual LGBT sector parliament to raise awareness about the challenges facing this community in the province. Thabile Mbhele reports…
The Delta Park environmental centre has warned of an outbreak of the Paramyxovirus*, or Newcastle's disease, infecting pigeons and doves in the Kyalami and Delta Park areas, north of Johannesburg, as well as the Fairland area North west of the city. Nomsa Mdhluli takes a look...
South African scientists are working on finding an effective HIV vaccine. A large scale HIV vaccine clinical trial, called the HVTN 702 has resumed in South Africa as Senior Health Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
Scientists have been challenged to come up with new and innovative ways to deal with the unacceptably high numbers of new HIV infections among young women in South Africa and globally as Senior Health Thabile Mbhele reports...
Intimate partner violence prevents women from using HIV prevention method, the monthly vaginal ring. These are some of the findings of an HIV prevention trial called ASPIRE conducted to determine whether a vaginal ring containing an antiretroviral called dapirivine was safe and effective in protecting women against HIV when used for a month at a time. Results have been presented at the HIV Research for Prevention Conference in Chicago as Thabile Mbhele reports...
HIV/Aids activist Fezekele Kuzwayo, known to the public as Khwezi, has been described as a fighter at a memorial service held in her honour last week in Braamfontein - Johannesburg. Khwezi died the week before. She accused President Jacob Zuma of having raped her in 2005 but the president was acquitted of the charge. Friends and fellow activists gathered to pay their respects. Jamaine Krige compiled this report.....
Friday, the fourteenth of October marked one year since the start of the Fees Must Fall movement. Despite this, students and authorities seem to be no closer to a resolution. Wits University saw a flare up of violent clashes between police and students on Friday night that later spilled over into the streets of Braamfontein. The police made a number of arrests, including that of student activist Mcebo Dlamini in the early hours of Sunday morning. Jamaine Krige will take us through the events of the past weekend....
Welcoming a child into the world is supposed to be a time of joy for families. But when finances dwindle, parents worry about how they would be able to provide for their little ones. Many working mothers rely on the Unemployment Insurance Fund to see them through this period. While some are fortunate to be paid on time, others battle to access the funds. Pearl Magubane explores the story...
The Commission investigating the commercialisation of religion has found that many South African churches are selling religion to desperate and vulnerable people. It says majority of churches do not abide by the country's laws. The Commission has recommended that all religious institutions be registered and affiliated to some regulatory body to be established immediately. Senior journalist Thabile Mbhele has more.
The CITES CoP17 conference has come to an end. It's been almost two weeks of debating highly contentious issues surrounding the protection of the world's most vulnerable fauna and flora. 183 parties member states debated and deliberated the degree of conservation awarded to a species. Our reporter Benita Enoch was there.
The Commission on Gender Equality is calling on society to consider new ways that do not dictate to a widow on how to mourn her husband as Thabile Mbhele reports...
Widows are often ostracised by their husband's family and even at times accused of planning their husbands' deaths as Thabile Mbhele reports...
Tourism is becoming a draw card for people wanting to venture into new business territory. Dissatisfaction with the corporate sector has led two Durbanites to venture into tourism as Thabile Mbhele reports...
A tribute to legendary journalist, Allister Sparks. Sparks died on Monday (19 September 2016), bringing to an end a career spanning five decades. Joan-Marie Verhoef reports.
Famous kwaito musician Mduduzi Tshabalala, popularly known as Mandoza had died. The 38-year-old lost his battle against cancer yesterday afternoon while he was being transported to hospital. Despite being ill, the defiant multi-award winning Nkalakatha hitmaker recently performed at the SABC's Thank You concert at Orlando Stadium in Soweto. He was one of the 100 local musicians who performed in celebration of 90-percent local music content on the public broadcaster's radio stations. Neliswa Mavundla and Wisani Makhubele compiled this report....
Family members of the psychiatric patients who died after being transferred to various NGO's in Gauteng are upset that they weren't more involved in the process. Thirty-six psychiatric patients were moved from the Life Healthcare Esidimeni Hospital in Randfontein earlier this year after the contract with the Health Pepartment expired. Officials said it was too expensive for the patients to remain there. However, in many cases, they were relocated without their medical files and without their families being notified about where they would be sent. Joan-Marie Verhoef reports...
The DA Mayor of Mogale City Municipality on Gauteng's West Rand says she has taken steps to ensure that Krugersdorp's streets are cleaned up of drugs and prostitution. Lynn Pannall intends to revive a specialized municipal task team that deals with these issues. Krugersdorp has been struggling for years with the problem of drug dealers, prostitution and corrupt police officers. Jacques Steenkamp reports..
Interesting and thought-provoking news feature stories produced by the Johannesburg Radio News Team.
Hearing loss and deafness in babies is under-diagnosed, and therefore under-treated, says Early Intervention Programme - HI HOPES, as Senior Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports... att_20160914_173717_src.JPG — JPG (110.8 KB)
Gauteng Social Development MEC Nandi Mayathula-Khoza is shocked that the principal who allegedly fed sunlight liquid to a 5-year-old at a Johannesburg Day-care centre is still reporting for work. The child was allegedly fed the liquid soap as a form of punishment by the principal at the Grace Day Care and Aftercare in Kempton park. Mayathula-Khoza visited the day care centre this morning. Pearl Magubane reports.
Children should be focusing on playing, developing and learning. Instead, young minds in Westbury are forced to live in an environment of fear. The area has become notorious for drug peddling and violence. In recent months Westbury, west of Johannesburg, has seen a spike in shootings as a result of an ongoing feud between rival drug lords. In the third of our four part series, we look at the situation through the eyes of children living in the area. Sashin Naidoo filed this report...
A feud between rival drug lords at Westbury, west of Johannesburg has instilled fear in the community. They say shots ring out constantly and people have already lost their lives over territorial disputes. Westbury is an area notoriously known for gangsterism and drug peddling. However the violence appears to have escalated over the past few months. SABC News visited the area and spoke to locals about their concerns and fears. In the first of our 4-part series, Sashin Naidoo takes a look at how rivalry between two major drug lords has played out in the small community...
Drug dealers are making money, while lives are being wrecked in the crime-ridden community of Westbury, west of Johannesburg. SABC News has been shining the spotlight on the area this week. Our Reporters have found that several people have been shot and wounded and even killed in recent months due to a turf war over the drug trade. Drug abuse is tearing the community apart. In today's episode Senior Reporter Wisani Makhubele speaks to an addict about his life and how easy it is to access drugs.
The community of Westbury, west of Johannesburg is calling for the Sophiatown police station which services the area to be shut down. They allege that 80% of the officers at their local police station are in the pockets of drug lords. There's been a spike in deadly drug-related shootings in the area in recent months. Authorities estimate that as many as 30 people have been killed over the past two months alone. The community is now living in fear due to random gunfire as a result of an ongoing feud between rival drug lords. Residents claim officers are turning a blind eye to the crimes because they're allegedly taking bribes from the perpetrators. In the final episode of our four part series on Westbury, Senior Reporter Wisani Makhubele takes officials to task on the allegations...
All eyes will turn to Parliament to see whether they will press ahead with disciplinary charges against suspended police watchdog head, Robert McBride. McBride faces charges of gross misconduct related to his handling of an investigation into the illegal rendition of suspects to Zimbabwe. The Constitutional Court has set aside Police Minister Nathi Nhleko's decision to discipline McBride. The court found that the minister's powers were constitutionally invalid because they didn't provide for parliamentary oversight. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details....
Today marks the end of hibernation season for the 16 crocodiles hosted at the Johannesburg Zoo. The crocodiles were kept in a hot-house for three months in a bid to regulate their body temperatures and mimic their natural living patterns as they would occur in the wild. Ian du Plessis from the Joburg Zoo says the crocodiles were not fed during their three month stay in the hot-house.....
Doctors belonging to the South African Medical Association Trade Union say the process of testing for HIV should be changed. They believe the testing process should be easier and quicker. They say living with HIV is like living with other chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and TB. However, Right to Care says changes should be supported by scientific data. Senior health journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
Mother Teresa will officially be declared a saint at the Vatican in Rome. In the Catholic Church, this is the highest honour bestowed on individuals, who people regard as holy, who have died. Mother Teresa died at the age of 87 nearly two decades ago. The process of declaring her a saint began two years after her death, in 1999. Four years later she was beatified and declared Blessed Mother Teresa by Pope John Paul. On Sunday, Pope Francis will officiate in a religious ceremony to make her one of the many Saints in the Catholic Church. Senior journalist Thabile Mbhele reports
The family of a young couple who was attacked and robbed after getting into a cab in Sandton over the weekend are hoping the perpetrators will be arrested soon. The couple, both aged 26 say they jumped into an Uber vehicle in Sandton on Sunday morning expecting to be taken straight home. As Melini Moses reports, nothing prepared them for what was going to happen next...
Matters around the environment is something that affects us all. Concerns over climate change, acid mine water drainage and nuclear are some of the issues. Across the world, there's a lot of NGOs that work tirelessly to protect the environment. However, racism is something that activists are subjected to daily. To try and address this problem, Earth-Life Africa hosted a conference on Race and the Environment. Horisani Sithole has more...
INTRO: The National Health Insurance has come under criticism for its slow pace of implementation. Complaints have also been received about insufficient engagement on this system which is expected to change the country's health system. This has emerged during a panel discussion looking at achieving universal access to quality healthcare in South Africa. However, government has defended the roll out of the system as Senior Health Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
The Skin Cancer Foundation wants government to start screening people for skin cancer when they go to clinics for basic healthcare. The foundation wants skin cancer to be prioritised like other diseases such as HIV, TB, diabetes and basic flu. It says myths around skin cancer and albinism are harming people, especially in African communities. The Foundation says people fail to seek treatment and if they do, it is already too late. Senior Health Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
Students will have to wait a little longer to find out whether they will be paying more towards university fees next year. Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande has conceded that he was unable to meet yesterday's (Aug 31st) deadline to pronounce on the 2017 fee structure. Earlier this month, various student formations threatened to shut down universities if fees were increased. That was prompted by news that the Council for Higher Education had proposed a six percent hike for next year. Wisani Makhubele has more...
A Judicial Conduct Tribunal against Western Cape Judge President, John Hlophe can now go ahead some eight years after a complaint was lodged by justices of the Constitutional Court. This after the Court refused to reconsider its previous decision not to hear an appeal by two of their colleagues. Justices Bess Nkabinde and Chris Jafta, the chief complainants, raised technical procedural points related to the Tribunal. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details........
The breastfeeding culture will soon diminish in South Africa if nothing is done to revive it. Breastfeeding rates have been dropping in the country in the past 15 years with under eight percent of mothers exclusively breastfeeding their babies. This has emerged at the round table discussion on poor breastfeeding practices in the country held in Centurion today. South Africa ranks among the poorly performing countries on breastfeeding globally. Senior Health journalist Thabile Mbhele and Thuso Mokoena compiled this report.....
Corruption Watch has asked the Constitutional Court to fix the law to broaden the scope of entities who can conduct private prosecutions where the National Prosecuting Authority refuses to prosecute. The case was originally brought by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) but after several Justices suggested that they may already have the right to conduct private prosecutions, the need for their constitutional challenge seemed to fall away. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details......
Newly elected Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba has declared corruption enemy number one. He has also committed to creating jobs. Mashaba was elected Mayor of Johannesburg at a marathon inaugural council meeting last night. He defeated former mayor Parks Tau. Senior Reporter Tshepo Phagane has more...
The brother of a gay man who died without a will is trying to block his late brother's same-sex partner from inheriting from his estate. At issue is an earlier Constitutional Court decision which came at a time when same-sex marriage was not yet recognised in our law. The court order gave same-sex life partners a double protection which is not afforded to unmarried heterosexual couples. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details......
The South African Revenue Service has asked the Constitutional Court not to force it to reinstate a racist employee. Jacobus Kruger got into trouble after using the k-word to refer to his supervisor. The Disciplinary Inquiry stopped short of dismissal, ordering a final written warning and counselling. But the then SARS commissioner ignored that ruling and fired Kruger instead. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.......
A Johannesburg couple has been given one week (until Thursday, 11 August) to back up their bid for a postponement in the Constitutional Court. The court was due to hear arguments on a leave to appeal application, with the couple challenging a banks right to repossess their vehicles after they had applied for debt restructuring. But the couple said they spent all the money they raised for their legal fees to assist family members affected by the terror attacks in Nice, France. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details......
A couple who fell victim to the Brusson home loan scheme say it's unfair for ABSA bank to reinstate their home loan even though they had already paid it off. The Moore's are against a bid by ABSA to get the Constitutional Court to reinstate the original bonds. They had taken out a loan with a company called Brusson Finance, but unwittingly sold their home in the process. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter Candice Nolan reports...
ABSA wants the Constitutional Court to come to its rescue, saying it too is a victim of a home loan scheme. About 900 homeowners stood to lose their homes after falling victim to the Brusson Finance Scheme. Some six years later and our courts are still thrashing out solutions for the victims. In an important test case, ABSA bank feels hard done by following the solution put forward by the Supreme Court of Appeal. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.......
It’s highly unlikely that the world will see the end of AIDS by 2030 for as long as the rate of new HIV infections continues to rise in many countries. A study released at the 21st International AIDS Conference has found that the rate of new HIV infections increased in 74 countries just last year alone. The study was conducted by the Global Burden of Disease and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation and has been published in the Lancet today. Senior health journalist Thabile Mbhele reports…
Billions of US dollars are needed to end TB globally. Currently three million people living with TB do not have access to treatment. This has emerged on day one of the TB 2016 conference in Durban held ahead of the 21st international aids conference. Given the link between TB and HIV, it has also emerged that co-ordinated efforts are needed to fight HIV and TB together in order to make a significant impact on the two diseases. Senior health journalist Thabile Mbhele reports from Durban…
Musician Sir Elton John has vowed to fight for the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities in African countries where it’s illegal to be in a same sex relationship. He also wants the South African government to provide Pre- exposure prophylaxis to key populations in the country. Sir Elton Jon has called on government to give PreP to the LGBT community. From last month, PreP has only been given to sex workers in South African. He was addressing the media at the 21st International AIDS Conference in Durban where they announced the recipients of the 10 million dollar in PEPFAR grants for the LGBT projects. Senior journalist Thabile Mbhele reports…
South Africa has the biggest HIV programme in the world. It spends about 23-billion rand a year to keep the 3.4 million HIV-positive people on treatment. It hasn't been an easy journey for South Africa to get where it is today. Hundreds of thousands of HIV-positive people died while government was in denial about HIV/AIDS, creating a bad image of the country. Senior Health Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports on the 16 year journey in fighting HIV/AIDS in South Africa...
Finding a cure for HIV in children should remain a priority even with the success of the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission Programme. PMTCT or vertical transmission has been hailed a success at the 21st International Aids conference in Durban with some countries having managed to eliminate it completely. Meanwhile members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community have continued to express their frustration saying they still feel neglected, stigmatised and discriminated in their own countries. Senior health journalist Thabile Mbhele reports…
The role of the private sector in fighting HIV/AIDS has come under the spotlight at the Tripartite Business Summit in Umhlanga north of Johannesburg. The summit, organised by the Champions for an AIDS-Free Generation, SADC Private Sector Constituency and UNAIDS is aimed at leveraging corporate partnerships to fast track the AIDS response to end AIDS by 2030. There’s a feeling that businesses and the private sector can still do so much more to fight the pandemic in the SADC region. Senior health journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
More money is needed to fight and end the AIDS epidemic in this lifetime. Speakers at the opening ceremony of the 21st International AIDS Conference all agreed that more financial investments from governments and donors are required to tackle HIV/AIDS. The opening ceremony was attended by close to 20 thousand delegates, including civil society organisations. Senior health journalist Thabile Mbhele reports…
As the world gears up for its biggest sporting event, two young South Africans hope to one day also take part in the Olympic games. The sisters, from Fleurhof, west of Johannesburg, are among our top-performing gymnasts. Sadly, gymnastics does not receive the sponsorship and attention it deserves, and many talented young people are discouraged from participating. Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details......
The Constitutional Court has rejected the amended Restitution of Land Rights Act because of an inadequate public participation process. The amended act reopened the window for land claims to be lodged. Parliament has two years to remedy the defects. In the meantime, claims received under the amended act will be placed on the back burner in favour of old order claims. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.....
The Constitutional Court has confirmed a Cape Town High Court decision declaring certain sections of the Drugs and Drugs Trafficking Act unconstitutional. In terms of this ruling - police will have to have a search warrant each time they conduct a drugs raid - unless the situation is urgent. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details........
As the world gears up for its biggest sporting event, two young South Africans hope to one day also take part in the Olympic games. The sisters, from Fleurhof, west of Johannesburg, are among our top-performing gymnasts. Sadly, gymnastics does not receive the sponsorship and attention it deserves, and many talented young people are discouraged from participating. Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details...... Dometrius and Annzelle Daries and their two aspirant olympians — JPG (4.8 MB)
The Department of Higher Department says there's a shortage of 220-thousand beds across all universities. This emerged at a student housing symposium where student accommodation at institutions of higher learning came under the spotlight. Student accommodation shortage was one of the issues highlighted during the fees must fall campaign. Minister Blade Nzimande hosted the first ever student housing symposium at Unisa's main campus in Pretoria on Thursday. Wisani Makhubele has more...
The Constitutional court has lifted an interim interdict which barred the City of Tshwane from changing 25 street names. The court's seminal judgment will no doubt influence future developments over controversial street name changes. Civil rights group, Afriforum says their fight is far from over, despite having been dealt a blow by the highest court in the land. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.......
Two Constitutional Court justices say they are deeply troubled by the stance adopted by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on the handling of a complaint against Western Cape Judge President, John Hlophe. The JSC and the Justice Minister are opposing a bid by the two Constitutional Court justices for their colleagues to reconsider an appeal. When the Constitutional Court closed its doors, an earlier Supreme Court of Appeal judgment held sway, paving the way for the judicial conduct tribunal to get underway. The application for the court to reconsider its decision has further stalled the tribunal. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details....
Seven coloured warders, who won a landmark affirmative action victory, have welcomed a decision by the Constitutional Court that they be promoted within the Western Cape Department of Correctional Services. The Court found that the Departments' 2010 Employment Equity Plan was unlawful for its failure to also consider regional demographics when drawing up numerical targets. This is the first time that our courts have considered an affirmative action case lodged by a previously disadvantaged group. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.....
Occupier rights under the Extension of Security of Tenure Act or ESTA have been extended to the spouses of farmworkers in a critical Constitutional Court decision. Seasonal farmworker, Elsie Klaase together with her family, are entitled to remain on Noordhoek farm in Citrusdal in the Western Cape. And although the court upheld the eviction of Elsie's husband, Jan, he may enjoy protection against that eviction. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details......
The Constitutional Court will tomorrow (Friday, 15 July) hand down its much-anticipated decision in an affirmative action case lodged, for the first time ever, by a previously disadvantaged group. A group of coloured employees say they were unfairly overlooked for promotion within the Western Cape Department of Correctional Services because of the colour of their skin. The case concerns the Department's Employment Equity Policy and the fact that it does not take into account regional demographics. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan, compiled this report following the November hearing.....
The City of Johannesburg is to roll-out low-flush toilet cisterns across the city. It wants to reduce water losses and save this precious commodity. Phase one of the project will see 10-thousand of the new cisterns installed in homes in Soweto. It's hoped the initiative will also benefit customers by reducing their monthly water bill. Tshepo Phagane compiled this report...
The Gauteng Provincial Government promised to electrify 800 households at Tembisa's Winnie Mandela informal settlement in Ekurhuleni by the end of June, but that deadline has not been met. Officials now say residents in Zones 2, 3 and 4 are likely to be switched on a month later than promised. They say there were delays in the registration of beneficiaries as some of them did not have proper documentation. The initiative is part of the local and provincial government's informal settlement electrification project. The timing of the project has been questioned by some, with opposition parties saying it's an electioneering plot by the ANC government ahead of next month's elections. Wisani Makhubele reports...
The Constitutional Court will tomorrow (Thursday, 14 July) hand down judgment on whether the Extension of Security of Tenure Act or ESTA covers the spouse of a farmworker. A rural woman has asked that the court recognise her right of occupation as independent from her husbands'. Elsie Klaase says she has lived on the farm all her life and has nowhere else to go. She was ordered to move out after her husband was fired. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan compiled this report after the September hearing...
Eight SABC journalists have scooped the Nat Nakasa Award for courageous journalism at an event in Johannesburg last night. The journalists, some of whom have been suspended, others facing disciplinary action have been honoured for their courage in challenging a decision by the public broadcaster to ban the broadcast of violent protests. Media freedom dominated talks at the awards ceremony as speaker after speaker emphasized the need for the media to be allowed to report without fear of intimidation. Senior journalist Thabile Mbhele compiled this report...
Retired Consitutional Court Judge Dikgang Moseneke delivering the keynote address at the Nat Nakasa Courageous Journalism awards in Johannesburg.
Only a small of amount of R 23 billion HIV/AIDS budget is spent on the most vulnerable group, young women aged 15 to 24. That's according to the South African National AIDS Council. However the national health department believes it's making sufficient contributions to fighting the epidemic in this age group. What it needs though is to link up all government programmes aimed at young women to make them more effective. This comes as the country and world count down to the 21st International AIDS Conference in Durban later this month. Senior health journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
The UN Refugee Agency says a stateless child is born every ten minutes around the world. The Agency says there are about ten million stateless people in the world and that 30 percent of them are children. This is mainly due to discriminatory citizenship laws which are exacerbated by the fact that most countries grant citizenship based on descent. Children are particularly vulnerable as without citizenship they cannot access school or even travel and find work later in life. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan, has more details....
National Treasury says that President Jacob Zuma should not have to pay back money for the ground floor of the Nkandla visitors centre, because this is being used by the police and is a security-related component. In its report to the Constitutional Court, Treasury found that the President is liable to pay back just over seven-million-eight-hundred-thousand rand. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details....
Gauteng Health officials breathed a collective sigh of relief after the Constitutional Court found that the High Court was wrong to hold them personally liable for court costs in a medical negligence claim. Baby Menzi developed cerebral palsy due to negligence at a state hospital. The High Court granted him the right to claim damages from the provincial health department. But the court went a step further, ordering the state attorney, a legal advisor and a medical advisor to pay half of the court costs with the MEC held personally liable for the rest. Justice Chris Jafta penned the unanimous Constitutional Court decision.....
Men's sexual health is in crisis in South Africa. That's according to one pharmaceutical company which says the poor personal management of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and hypertension results in men suffering in the bedroom. It's estimated that one in five South African men suffer from erectile dysfunction and only a fraction seek medical help. June is Men's Health Awareness month as Senior health journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
The mystery of a model World War Two hospital ship at the SA Red Cross offices in KwaZulu Natal has finally been solved thanks to a 97-year-old retired British Army Captain. This model ship, donated to the red cross some 73 years ago by the crew of the original hospital ship, could help tell the tale of the Red Cross Society's 92 year history in South Africa. Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details...
The Independant Electoral Commission acted outside the law when it failed to retain addresses for voters on the national voters roll. The Constitutional Court suspended its order of constitutional invalidity for 18 months for parliament to look into the IEC's obligations and also for the IEC to work to remedy the problems on the voters roll. The suspension will enable Local Government Elections to go ahead in August. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan reports....
Residents who face eviction from a dilapidated building in Berea, Johannesburg, are looking to the Constitutional Court to protect them from being dumped on the street. The High Court in Johannesburg ordered the eviction, after finding that all 184 tenants had agreed to the move. But the residents argue that there was no such agreement and that they had been hoping for a postponement instead. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details......
The Social Security Agency (SASSA) is now free to impose a ban on new applications for funeral policy deductions from children's grants. This follows an agreement with Lion of Africa Assurance, an insurance company that had taken issue with the ban. SASSA has agreed to withdraw their Constitutional Court appeal after Lion of Africa said they would not enforce a High Court interdict against the ban. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan, has the details.....
Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke has been showered with praises at a special ceremonial sitting at the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg. After serving 15 years the bench, the 68-year-old Moseneke is ready to hang up his robes. Much of his career as a judge has been served in South Africa's highest court. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.......
Today (Friday 20 May 2016) is Deputy-Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke's last day in office. Sixty-eight-year-old Moseneke is retiring after having served 15 years on the bench. He helped to steer South Africa's highest court and also to shape our law. The Constitutional Court will say goodbye to him at a special ceremonial sitting this morning. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter Candice Nolan sat down with Moseneke to reflect on his life...
Health experts estimate that up to 80 percent of South Africans are living with hypertension, most of them are not even aware of it. They say there's been an increase in the number of people with hypertension or high blood pressure in younger people including children in our country. This comes as the world commemorates World Hypertension Day today as Senior Health Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
What, if anything, will the Constitutional Court do about our less than perfect national voters roll? The clock is ticking for a solution, as the voters roll must be certified by the end of May, in order to be ready for the August municipal elections. The IEC wants the Constitutional Court to intervene after the Electoral Court set aside the voters roll for the Tlokwe by-elections. This was because the IEC is unable to provide verifiable addresses for some 4000 voters. The IEC says that that judgment spells catastrophe for our national voters roll. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details......
The Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (FEDSAS) has complained to the Constitutional Court that regulations imposed by the Gauteng Provincial Government unfairly restrict their powers to formulate admission policy for schools. Among other things the regulations, which have been in operation since 2012, give the department the power to determine the feeder zones of all public schools. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details....
The newly ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Johannesburg, Duncan Theodore Tsoke, has promised to be compassionate but will not compromise on standing for the truth as he takes on his new role. He spoke in front of thousands of Catholic faithfuls who attended his ordination at Sacred Heart College in Observatory in Johannesburg. Senior Journalist Thabile Mbhele...
The Catholic Archdiocese of Johannesburg will have a new assistant bishop from today. Father Duncan Tsoke, who hails from Daveyton in Ekurhuleni. will be ordained auxiliary bishop at a ceremony at Holy Cross College in Observatory today. It's a big day for Catholics in the Archdiocese because it's been 30 years since the Archdiocese ordained a Bishop. About 5 thousand Catholics are expected to attend the ceremony. Senior Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
A Constitutional Court judgment puts paid to a David and Goliath battle for fair compensation. At the centre of the battle is the multi-billion rand Please Call Me concept, which is listed among the top five South African innovations of the decade. Sixteen years ago, Kenneth Makate, a trainee accountant, pitched his idea to his then employer - cellphone giant Vodacom. The highest Court in the land has now ordered Vodacom to negotiate fair compensation with Makate. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details........
Minibus taxi drivers are more likely to be involved in aggressive behavior and accidents than other drivers. Some taxi drivers have blamed their attitude on passengers who demand to arrive on time in their destinations while others have put the blame squarely on the pressure put on them by taxi owners. Just this week only, 16 people were injured after a taxi they were travelling in collided with another car and overturned on the corner of Empire Road and Jan Smuts Avenue in Parktown, Johannesburg. Our reporter, Brian Ndlovu, filed this report.....
A Johannesburg businessman, who has spent 15 months in prison in Mauritius for the alleged murder of his girlfriend, is set to return to South Africa soon. Peter Wayne Roberts was arrested in January last year after Lee-Ann Palmarozza's body was found floating in a swimming pool at a luxury resort on the island in December 2014. Her family however still believes that he was involved in her death, even though a court in Mauritius found him not guilty of manslaughter. Jacques Steenkamp reports...
The Office of Health Standards Compliance has presented damning findings against the conduct of some clinics and hospitals. The findings detail the gross violation of patients' basic human rights. The Office released the report at its summit in Boksburg on Gauteng's East Rand. It says some clinics and hospitals keep and distribute expired medication to patients. They also keep food and medicine in one fridge, some patients sleep on the floor and others are forced to share beds increasing the risk of cross-infection. Senior Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
Bad attitudes of health professionals have been linked to the increasing number of medical negligence cases in the country. They've also been identified as a weakness in health care delivery. These are some of the issues that emerged during a summit organised by the Office of Health Standards Compliance in Boksburg on the East Rand. The Office has conducted inspections at close to two thousand health facilities across the country and has found many are failing dismally to meet standards that ensure safety and quality of care. Senior Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
The Office of Health Standards Compliance has presented damning findings against the conduct of some clinics and hospitals. The findings detail the gross violation of patients' basic human rights. The Office released the report at its summit in Boksburg on Gauteng's East Rand. It says some clinics and hospitals keep and distribute expired medication to patients. They also keep food and medicine in one fridge, some patients sleep on the floor and others are forced to share beds increasing the risk of cross-infection. Senior Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
Advocates for Transformation (AFT) have lamented pronouncements from government and the ruling party on the recent Constitutional Court judgment on Nkandla. The advocates body has warned public officials against deliberately misinterpreting the clear words of the court. The Presidency, members of the Executive and the ruling party are on record claiming that the Court did not find that the President violated his oath of office. Unless specifically approached, the Constitutional Court is unable to further clarify its unanimous decision. AFT Chairman, Dumisa Ntsebeza.....
Listen to the full interview (questions omitted) here
The Centre for Child Law says its disappointed that the Constitutional Court turned down an appeal against a High Court decision to cancel an adoption order. A step-father was allowed to get out of maintenance payments for his ex-wife's two children. This after he complained that he was being used to financially support the children, while being denied access to them. The Centre for Child Law wanted to intervene in the case on behalf of the children. But all the justices of the court dismissed the appeal request, saying it lacked prospects of success. The Centre's Anne Skelton.......
Two Constitutional Court Justices want their colleagues to intervene in their battle over the procedure used to handle a complaint against Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe. Justices Bess Nkabinde and Chris Jafta are key witnesses in the complaint lodged by the collective justices of the Constitutional court in May 2008. Now they want a Constitutional Court appeal on the procedure followed in respect of their complaint. This after they lost a bid in the Supreme Court of Appeal on the procedural point. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details......
Living at the hostel and surrounding areas has become a health hazard in Johannesburg because of the rubbish all over the city. Pikitup workers affiliated to municipal worker's union SAMWU have been on an illegal strike for more than a month and waste keeps piling up in and around the city. We visited the Denver Men's Hostel in Johannesburg to check the living conditions. Senior journalist Thabile Mbhele reports... att_20160405_112959_src.jpg — JPG (39.2 KB) · att_20160405_113019_src.jpg — JPG (35.3 KB) · att_20160405_113033_src.jpg — JPG (41.8 KB) · att_20160405_113050_src.jpg — JPG (48.4 KB) · att_20160405_113127_src.jpg — JPG (46.8 KB) · att_20160405_113146_src.jpg — JPG (39.6 KB)
Young prostitutes are roaming the streets of Krugersdorp on Gauteng's West Rand and drug dealers and child traffickers are profiting from it. SABC investigative journalist Jacques Steenkamp was held captive for two hours on Friday while on the story. He uncovered that there may be police officers linked to the Nigerian syndicate…
The Democratic Alliance and the EFF have enjoyed a resounding victory in the Constitutional Court. The highest court in the country, not only affirmed the powers of the Public Protector, but it also declared that the President and the National Assembly's acted in breach of their constitutional obligations. This relates to their handling of the Public Protectors 2014 report into upgrades to the Presidents' Nkandla home. The court described the judgement as of monumental importance to the nation and to the wellbeing of the country's constitutional democracy. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan reports
A demand has been made for pharmaceutical company Roche to drop the price of a breast cancer drug, herceptin, in South Africa. It currently costs close to half a million rand a year for each patient to access this lifesaving drug. Organisations such as Section 27, Treatment Action Campaign, Advocates for Breast Cancer and People Living with Cancer, took to the streets and marched to the head offices of Roche in Sandton to present their demands. Senior Health Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
South Africa is currently owed 86 million rands by Lesotho for health services rendered at two of of it’s public hospitals in the Free State province. This has been revealed by health minister Aaron Motsoaledi when he made his submissions before the Health Market Inquiry in Cape Town yesterday (Friday). The inquiry is investigating the cost of private healthcare in South Africa. Senior health journalist Thabile Mbhele reports..
Former President Thabo Mbeki has questioned the increase in the numbers of people who died of HIV between 2008 and 2013 at a time when government had gone on a massive drive to fight HIV/AIDS. This is contained in his latest installment of the Mbeki Letters published on social media. This is the second letter Mbeki has penned to respond to questions raised about his AIDS stance during his presidency. Senior health journalist Thabile Mbhele reports…
The Constitutional Court has affirmed the powers of the Public Protector, emphasising the obligation on the state to protect and respect this important watchdog. A unanimous Constitutional Court judgment sets in stone once and for all the powers of the public watchdog. The court was also critical of President Jacob Zuma and the National Assembly's handling of the Public Protector's Nkandla report. Absent a court review, the Constitutional Court said it was not open for anyone to second guess the remedial action. Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng delivered the hour-long judgment.....
A unanimous Constitutional Court has done what few expected them to do: they have declared the conduct of the President and the National Assembly over the handling of the Public Protector's Nkandla report as inconsistent with the constitution and invalid. This was framed as a huge ask from opposition parties, the DA and the EFF, when they first approached the Constitutional Court. Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng read out the marathon judgment....
The Constitutional Court says that President Jacob Zuma must pay back money related to the non-security upgrades at his Nkandla home. This is in terms of the recommendations by the Public Protector in her 2014 report. The Court says that these non security related features are limited to the ampitheatre, the pool, cattle kraal, chicken run and visitors centre. Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng issued a timetable....
The Democratic Alliance and the EFF have enjoyed a resounding victory in the Constitutional Court. The highest court in the country, not only affirmed the powers of the Public Protector, but it also declared that the President and the National Assembly's acted in breach of their constitutional obligations. This relates to their handling of the Public Protectors 2014 report into upgrades to the Presidents' Nkandla home. The court described the judgement as of monumental importance to the nation and to the wellbeing of the country's constitutional democracy. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan reports
The Democratic Alliance and the EFF have enjoyed a resounding victory in the Constitutional Court. The highest court in the country, not only affirmed the powers of the Public Protector, but it also declared that the President and the National Assembly's acted in breach of their constitutional obligations. This relates to their handling of the Public Protectors 2014 report into upgrades to the Presidents' Nkandla home. The court described the judgement as of monumental importance to the nation and to the wellbeing of the country's constitutional democracy. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan reports
The Constitutional Court will today deliver judgment in arguably one of the most politically charged legal cases to rock the presidency. The Court is expected to settle the long standing debate on the powers of the Public Protector, which dates back to the release of her report into the upgrades at President Jacob Zuma's private home in Nkandla. President Zuma put paid to the debate - when he made surprise concessions at the February hearing. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan looks back on the arguments .....
Young women are prepared to exchange sex for alcohol and drinking alcohol exposes them to the risk of HIV infection. These are some of the findings of a study conducted by Soul City and Wits University looking at alcohol in the context of HIV in young women in South Africa. The report was released to coincide with International Women's day. Senior Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
This is the broadcast version of Part Two of the two-part series on Statelessness. Broadcast date: 1 March 2016 Show: SAfm AM Live Current Affairs
This is the broadcast version of Part One on the Stateless series. Broadcast date: 29 February 2016 Show: SAfm AM Live Current Affairs
The Constitutional Court has heard arguments in an important test case on our surrogacy law. A woman, known only as AB, wants the court to remove the so-called "genetic-link requirement", saying it unfairly discriminates against those who, like her, cannot donate their own genetic material. Government defends the provision, asking the court to preserve it. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.....
A number of South Africans are falling through the cracks as there is no policy in place to deal with statelessness. They are unable to prove their citizenship and risk deportation, sometimes on a whim. Today we look at the sad story of Alpha Mntambo, a Zulu speaking man who grew up in South Africa but who was deported to Zimbabwe where he is now a stranger. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter Candice Nolan reports......
After four days of searching, the body of six year old Angel Sibanda was found on Sunday morning in the Jukskei River, north of Johannesburg. Sibanda went missing on Thursday morning after flash floods swept her away from her home in Diepsloot. Jamaine Krige reports....
A number of South Africans are falling through the cracks as there is no policy in place to deal with statelessness. They are unable to prove their citizenship and risk deportation, sometimes on a whim. Today we look at the sad story of Alpha Mntambo, a Zulu speaking man who grew up in South Africa but who was deported to Zimbabwe where he is now a stranger. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter Candice Nolan reports......
Your South African ID is your most valuable asset. All fundamental rights flow directly from being a citizen. Yet countless South Africans are being rendered stateless, simply because they cannot prove their identity. The UN estimates that there are over 10 million stateless people worldwide. These are people who cannot claim citizenship of any country and are thus unable to work or travel. In South Africa they face constant police harassment. In a two part series Senior Constitutional Court reporter Candice Nolan tackles this issue....
Your South African ID is your most valuable asset. All fundamental rights flow directly from being a citizen. Yet countless South Africans are being rendered stateless, simply because they cannot prove their identity. The UN estimates that there are over 10 million stateless people worldwide. These are people who cannot claim citizenship of any country and are thus unable to work or travel. In South Africa they face constant police harassment. In a two part series Senior Constitutional Court reporter Candice Nolan tackles this issue....
Your South African ID is your most valuable asset. All fundamental rights flow directly from being a citizen. Yet countless South Africans are being rendered stateless, simply because they cannot prove their identity. The UN estimates that there are over 10 million stateless people worldwide. These are people who cannot claim citizenship of any country and are thus unable to work or travel. In South Africa they face constant police harassment. In a two part series Senior Constitutional Court reporter Candice Nolan tackles this issue....
The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has appealed to the public to be patient as service delivery will be affected by protesting SAMWU affiliated workers. Much of the Johannesburg CBD was brought to a standstill again yesterday (Wednesday 24 February) due to ongoing protests over a salary increment which workers claim was promised to them last year. Jamaine Krige was there....
Despite the current economic difficulties, South Africans have found a way to unwind and reconnect. Secret Sunrise is an early morning interactive dance session taking the Jozi social scene by storm. It is a fun, energetic celebration that combines yoga, meditation, make believe and dancing, guided by music and instructors through a set of wireless headphones. Jamaine Krige attended last week's event at 27Boxes in Melville in Johannesburg....
Women can now prevent HIV infection by using a vaginal ring with an antiretroviral drug every month. This is the main finding of two studies conducted on four-thousand-500 women across Eastern and Southern Africa. The studies have found that the vaginal ring provides 30 per cent protection against HIV infection in women. The results of the studies were released at a conference on retroviruses and opportunistic infections in the United States last night. Senior Health Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
It may take about two years to finally get the vaginal ring that provides protection against HIV to South African women. However, the news that's been described as exciting and a scientific breakthrough in the HIV/AIDS sector. Two studies conducted on four-thousand-500 women in Eastern and Southern Africa have found that a vaginal ring , with an antiretroviral drug dapivirine, provides 30 per cent protection against HIV infection in women. Senior health journalist Thabile Mbhele reports....
The Merafong municipality on the West Rand, which sits on some of the richest gold mines in the world, insists that it was perfectly within its rights to impose a 62 percent surcharge on the supply of industrial water to mines in the area. This is despite the surcharge having been overturned by the Water Affairs Minister on appeal over ten years ago. The Supreme Court of Appeal said the Municipality was not entitled to ignore the Minister without lodging a review of her decision. The Municipality wants the Constitutional Court to help them defend the imposition of the surcharge. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.......
Prices for private hospital care in South African rank among the most expensive and un-affordable in the world. Private hospitals and specialists are the main drivers of these high prices which increase more than inflation each year. These are some of the findings of a study conducted by the World Health Organisation and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, presented at the Competition Commission's Health Market Inquiry in Pretoria. The Commission is conducting a market inquiry in the private healthcare sector in the country. Senior Health journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
Government has recommended that mothers should feed their babies from a cup instead of a bottle as commonly done. Mothers attending antenatal care clinics have been encouraged to cup feed their babies as it is apparently more hygienic. According to Infant and Young Child Feeding policy of the Department of Health, cup feeding is encouraged and bottle feeding discouraged for a number of reasons. Health journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
The Constitutional Court has reserved judgment in an important test case about the amended Restitution of Land Rights Act. The amendment reopened the claims process for land restitution by another five years. But the legislation was rushed through by the last parliament ahead of the 2014 national elections. The complaint is that public interest groups were not consulted, resulting in problems with the amended law. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.....
The case against four farmers and a police captain accused of murdering two alleged farm attackers in Parys in the Free State has been postponed to the April 15th. The men stand accused of murdering suspected farm attackers Samuel Tjixa and Simon Jubeba on the sixth of last month. The small Free State town appeared to be on lockdown on Friday when they appeared briefly in the Parys Magistrate's Court. Jamaine Krige reports...
A truck driver from Soweto in Gauteng claims he's being discriminated against by his employer because of his HIV-positive status.The man alleges that his supervisors at Goldfields Logistics have told him numerous times that they don't want to work with him because he's sick. He even claims that they've tried to kill him while on duty. But AIDS activists are criticising this, saying some companies in the private sector refuse to abide by the law. Ditaba Tsotetsi and Thabile Mbhele compiled this report..
The Centre for Child Law in Pretoria wants to intervene on behalf of minor children at the centre of an adoption battle. The High Court cancelled an adoption order, after a stepfather complained that he was being used to financially support his ex-wife's children. He's opposing a Constitutional Court bid by the Adoption Registrar to overturn the High Court's order. The Centre for Child Law asked for permission to intervene if the Court decides to hear the appeal. The Centre's Anne Skelton......
Today marks the beginning of an important period in the Christian calender. It's Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of Lent. The estimated three billion Catholics and other denominations will observe Lent by fasting, abstaining, praying and doing charity work. Besides Christmas, this is one of the more popular Christian festivals. For many Lent is all about giving up food and some luxuries as Thabile Mbhele reports...
It's estimated that one in every hundred people suffers from epilepsy. International Epilepsy Day took place on 8 February this year. Despite it being a recognised neurological disorder, there is still a lot of stigma and discrimination associated with epilepsy. Epilepsy South Africa's Gauteng Director, Magdaleen Kruger, says many people succeed in life despite living with the condition. Jamaine Krige found out more about the condition...
It's estimated that one in every hundred people suffers from epilepsy. International Epilepsy Day took place on 8 February this year. Despite it being a recognised neurological disorder, there is still a lot of stigma and discrimination associated with epilepsy. Epilepsy South Africa's Gauteng Director, Magdaleen Kruger, says many people succeed in life despite living with the condition. Jamaine Krige found out more about the condition...
The Economic Freedom Fighters and the Democratic Alliance still want the Constitutional Court to declare the conduct of President Zuma and Parliament unlawful. This even after the President agreed that he is bound by the Public Protectors report and that he was mistaken in dismissing it as a mere recommendation. The Public Protector said that President Zuma must pay back money for non-security features at his Nkandla home. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.........
Ever wondered what it would be like to raise twins? No maybe lets say triplets, it's triple the work load you think? Now imagine raising a set of twin and triplets. 38 year old Martha Seabi from Kempton Park on the east rand, is a mother of five children after two pregnancies. We spent time with her to see how she juggles around her newborn triplets and older twins as Senior Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
The much-anticipated Constitutional Court hearing into the powers of the Public Protector is set to get underway this morning (Tuesday, 9 February 2016). The marathon hearing before the highest court in the land is expected to settle the dispute over whether President Jacob Zuma is obliged to pay back money for non-security features at his Nkandla home. Senior Constitutional Court reporter, Candice Nolan looks ahead to the arguments before the court.........
To mark World Cancer Day, people have been encouraged to be screened for all cancers, including Breast Cancer. In South Africa, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and it's also been noted in men as well. At the Bara Taxi Ranktaxi drivers, queue marshalls and commuters had the opportunity to be screened for breast cancer in both men and women, and prostate cancer in men. This is an initiative by the South African National Taxi Council and the Pink Drive Campaign. Our health journalist Thabile Mbhele used the opportunity to get screened for breast cancer as well. She is in the group that is at high risk of cancer because of a family history of cancer on both sides as Mona Orgel of the Pink Drive Campaign elaborates...
The High Court in Pretoria has ruled that a section of the immigration act is unconstitutional as it allows for immigrants to be detained without any court oversight. Under our criminal law, all detainees must appear before a court within 48 hours of their arrest. This same protection is not extended to persons arrested on immigration charges. Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR), who brought the court challenge, have welcomed the decision. The LHR's Patricia Erasmus says their next stop is the Constitutional Court.....
Farm evictions are back in the spotlight as the Constituitonal Court considers whether or not it should intervene in the eviction of a worker and his family off a farm in the Western Cape. The story of the Snyders family was first highlighted late last year and has now developed to include contempt of court proceedings against the farm manager. Senior Constituitonal Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.....
Justice Johann van der Westhuizen has retired after a 12 year stint on the Constitutional Court bench. The Judicial Services Commission has already begun the process to fill the vacancy in South Africa's highest court. During his term, Justice van der Westhuizen penned judgments which dealt with matters such as socio-economic rights, freedom of expression and free trial rights. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan caught up with Justice van der Westhuizen and compiled this profile..... Justice vd Westhuizen's chambers — JPG (1.5 MB) · Justice vd Westhuizen said he never used the reading nook inside his offices (no time!!!) — JPG (835.6 KB) · Hard at work even on the eve of his retirement — JPG (1.7 MB) · Selfie time! — JPG (325.5 KB)
A bank wants the Constitutional Court to apply its great wisdom in the wake of a particularly damaging loan scheme. Nearly ten years after the fraudulent Brusson Finance scheme reared its ugly head, the courts are still thrashing out solutions for the victims. In an important test case, a particular bank feels hard done by following the solution put forward by the Supreme Court of Appeal. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.......
The Gauteng Health Department has expressed shock and outrage after a psychiatric patient allegedly raped another patient at the South Rand Hospital in Rosettenville, south of Johannesburg. The Democratic Alliance says the hospital management was warned last year to improve its security, but it seems they ignored the advice. Jamaine Krige reports...
A rail commuter who was given the go ahead to sue passenger rail agency, PRASA, says he will never feel safe on a train again. Irvine Mashongwa had to have his left leg amputated after being flung from a moving trian on New Years Day in 2011. He was robbed and then thrown through the open doors by three unarmed men. A recent Constitutional Court judgment means that PRASA will now attract lawsuits if they fail to ensure that their train doors are kept closed while the train is in motion. Mashongwa recently visited the scene of the crime at Walker Street Station in Pretoria.....
A rail commuter, who scored a major victory in the Constitutional Court, says he intends to study economics. Irvine Mashongwa lost his leg after robbers threw him out of the open doors of a moving train. The Constitutional Court said that PRASA MUST ensure that train doors remain closed while the train is in motion. Failure to do so will now attract damages claims from rail commuters. In an exclusive interview, Mashongwa told the SABC about his plans for the windfall .....
A rail commuter, who scored a major victory in the Constitutional Court, says he intends to study economics. Irvine Mashongwa lost his leg after robbers threw him out of the open doors of a moving train. He can now approach the High Court to work out his damages claim. The Constitutional Court said that PRASA MUST ensure that train doors remain closed while the train is in motion. Failure to do so will now attract damages claims from rail commuters. In an exclusive interview, Mashongwa told the SABC about his plans for the windfall .....
Passenger rail agency, PRASA, MUST make sure that the doors on their commuter trains remain closed while the train is in motion. In terms of a recent Constitutional Court Judgment, failure to do this will mean that PRASA will have to cough up for damages. To date, PRASA seems to have done little to comply with their own basic safety procedures. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan reports... Exclusive interview with Irvine Mashongwa in the wake of the Constitutional Court Judgment — JPG (70.9 KB) · Mashongwa says he "doesn't want to be remembered as a victim" — JPG (71.1 KB) · About to catch a commuter train. "A harrowing experience" says Candice Nolan — JPG (445.1 KB) · The doors on many of the coaches remained open throughout the journey — JPG (381.2 KB) · Safety first! A commuter waits for the train. There were no officials on any of the platforms we visited — JPG (370.9 KB)
Animal protection body, the NSPCA (National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) wants to be able to itself instigate criminal proceedings in instances where the state declines to prosecute. In 2010, the NSPCA intervened in the ritual slaughter of a camel in Lenasia. Despite the evidence collected by the NSPCA, the state declined to prosecute. The law currently does not allow juristic persons, such as the NSPCA to conduct private prosecutions. Senior Constituitonal Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details......
A woman from Nkandla in northern KwaZulu Natal cannot believe she is still alive after her baby was stuck between her legs for close to three hours during birth. The baby's head had come out but the rest of the body was still stuck inside her when she went into labour at the KwaNxamalala Clinic in Nkandla in northern KwaZulu Natal last week. Samkelisiwe Biyela has accused the nurses of negligence following her ordeal. Senior Health Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
This year the independence of police watchdog body, IPID, is being thrown into the spotlight with the Constitutional Court being asked to provide similar protections to that provided for corruption busters, the Hawks. Last year, Police Minister Nathi Nhleko suspended Independant Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) head, Robert McBride over allegations that he deliberately shielded Hawks bosses from an illegal renditions investigation. McBride challenged the suspension in the High Court, complaining also that the IPID act does not provide sufficient safeguards against political interference. The High Court agreed, finding that Parliament should have the final say on any decisions to suspend or discipline the IPID head. McBride asks the Constitutional Court to confirm this decision, while the minister opposes confirmation and requests an appeal. Senior Constitutional Court reporter, Candice Nolan chatted to Johan Burger a senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studies...... Dr. Johan Burger - Senior Researcher at ISS (source: issafrica.org) — JPG (20.0 KB)
The Department of Social Development says child support grants were never intended to pay for the burials of elderly people. The Department is supporting moves by its grants distribution agency, SASSA, to ban the payment of funeral policies from child care grants. Even though the regulations don't spell this out, the Department says it was always their position that funeral deductions can only be made from adult social grants. SASSA launched a bid for a direct access appeal to the Constitutional Court after the High Court lifted the ban. The Department's spokesperson, Lumka Oliphant....
Insurance company, Lion of Africa, insists that the Social Security Agency (SASSA) simply does not have the power to cherry pick deductions to be paid from grant monies. The Insurance company says that the only recourse SASSA has is to amend the regulations which empower insurance companies to make deductions for funeral cover from grants. SASSA tried to ban such deductions from child care grants saying it's not in the childrens' best interest. Lion of Africa Lawyer, Michael Straeuli....
The Social Security Agency says children don't need funeral cover because the risk of them dying is minimal. This is contained in SASSA's application for direct access to the Constitutional Court. But Stats from 2013 show that 13% of deaths in South Africa are children aged 18 and below. SASSA wants to appeal after the Pretoria High Court lifted a ban on deductions for funeral cover from child care grants. The Constitutional Court is still in recess and has yet to indicate what it will do with SASSA's application. Candice Nolan has the details......
Four farmers from Parys in the Free State who are accused of murder were released on bail late yesterday afternoon due to a lack of evidence. The men allegedly killed two alleged farm attackers last Wednesday. However Samuel Tjixa and Simon Jubeba are believed to have first attempted to rob 72 year old Loedie van der Westhuizen before fleeing on foot. Jacques Steenkamp reports...
Oscar Pistorius' lawyers have attempted to poke holes in a recent Supreme Court of Appeal judgment which found the paralympian guilty of murder. Yesterday (monday 11 January), they petitioned the Constitutional Court. However, a Constitutional Court appeal is not automatic and if the Justices decline the appeal, the Supreme Court's judgment will stand. Pistorius is due back in the Pretoria High Court in April for sentencing procedures. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details...
Temperatures soared to record highs on Thursday (7 January 2016) as a heat wave struck various parts of the country. In some parts of Gauteng, the mercury hit 42 degrees! Warnings and special precautions have been issued for for people and pets. The South African Weather Service says temperatures should start to subside by the weekend. Jamaine Krige reports....
One of the most popular New Year's resolutions is to eat healthy and to get into shape. The country's gyms are always packed to capacity during the first few weeks of the year with people hoping to shed some weight gained during the festive season. However, most drop out as they don't see instant results. It's the same thing when one has just had a baby, getting into shape is challenging. Health experts advise that the results are not instant, so patience is key as Senior Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
Matsidiso Mkhwanazi, friend of the late Univerisity of Johannesburg student, Palesa Madiba who went missing in 2013 says she is also asking herself who killed her friend. Palesa's remains were found in a shallow grave at the backyard of Mkhwanazi's home in early December. Mkhwanazi is one of the last people reported to have been seen with Madiba before her disappearance and subsequent death. Neliswa Mavundla reports.....
A select few South African fans of the Star Wars movie franchise got to see the long awaited seventh instalment on Tuesday night at a special premiere in Johannesburg. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is expected to become the highest grossing film of all time as screenings of it has been sold out all over the world. Jacques Steenkamp was at the premiere...
Young girls will be are among the first groups that will have access to the newly-approved HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis drug. The fixed dose combination drug, which was recently approved by the Medicines Control Council, will be used in preventing HIV transmission for those groups who engage in risky sexual behaviour. Young girls, sex workers and men who have sex with men are among the high risk groups that will benefit from this drug. Senior health journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
The SABC scooped two awards at the annual Children's Reporting Award. The annual awards are organised by the Media Institute of Southern Africa, in partnership with organisations such as Media Monitoring Africa and Save the Children International, to recognise child-centred reporting. Candice Nolan scooped a radio news award for her story about a teenage orphan, who was rendered invisible by SA's imigration system. Listen to the story here....
All eyes turn to the courts after the disciplinary inquiry of former SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng was put on ice. Chairman William Mokhari terminated the inquiry, finding that a recent High Court Judgment renders the process moot or academic. The SABC, through its pro-forma prosecutor, yesterday indicated that it intends to appeal that High Court judgment. Mokhari says the pending appeal cannot save the Inquiry. Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details....
The Disciplinary Inquiry into axed SABC COO, Hlaudi Motsoeneng, has been terminated. Chairperson, William Mokhari lamented the DA's bid to pursue review proceedings as a parallel process to the inquiry. Last Friday, the High Court in Cape Town set aside the decision to permanently appoint Motsoeneng as COO, rendering the position vacant. Motsoeneng complained that he has been left in limbo and had challenged the SABC to decide what to do about the position. Mokhari says the High Court judgment by Judge Dennis Davis, rendered the Disciplinary Inquiry moot or academic....
Hlaudi Motoseneng has challenged the SABC to reveal its next move, after complaining that last week's High Court judgment has left him in limbo. The High Court in Cape Town overturned the decision to permanently appoint Motsoeneng as COO. This means that the position is vacant yet again. Motsoeneng's disciplinary hearing got underway yesterday in Sandton, Johannesburg. Senior Reporter, Candice Nolan reports....
INTRO: The lesbian community in South Africa feels left out of government's plans to provide protection against sexually transmitted infections including HIV. They say while the chance of HIV infections are exceptionally low between lesbian women, they would still like to have the choice of protecting themselves against the virus. Government currently provides a billion male condoms and about half a million female condoms, however it doesn't provide finger condoms and dental dams used by women in same sex relationships. Senior Health Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports..
A recent judgment from the Western Cape High Court is threatening to derail the disciplinary hearing of SABC COO Hlaudi Motoseneng. The inquiry was adjourned until tomorrow for the parties to look at the implications of that judgment. The judgment in review proceedings set aside the permanent appointment of Motsoeneng. The disciplinary proceedings were recommended by the Public Protector who found that, among other things, Motsoeneng had lied about his matric qualifications. Motsoeneng's lawyer, Zola Majavu also objected to the appointment of a new pro-forma prosecutor. We spoke to Majavu shortly after the adjournment....
INTRO: The lesbian community in South Africa feels left out of government's plans to provide protection against sexually transmitted infections including HIV. They say while the chance of HIV infections are exceptionally low between lesbian women, they would still like to have the choice of protecting themselves against the virus. Government currently provides a billion male condoms and about half a million female condoms, however it doesn't provide finger condoms and dental dams used by women in same sex relationships. Senior Health Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
The Department of Home Affairs insists that it cannot be held liable for damages over its failure to specifically determine places for the detention of illegal immigrants. The Department is appealing a Supreme Court of Appeal decision in the Constitutional Court. Fifteen illegal migrants, mostly Bangladeshi nationals, were awarded damages after they were detained in police and prison cells. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.....
A rail commuter who lost his leg in a violent train robbery has been given permission to sue Passenger Rail Agency PRASA. Sam Mashongwa approached the highest court in the land after the Supreme Court of Appeal found that he didn't meet the test to prove his claim. But a unanimous Constitutional Court found in favour of Mashongwa. It found that PRASA's failure to ensure its train doors were kept closed, made it easy for the robbers to throw Mashongwa off the moving train. Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng.....
With an alarming figure of more than 50 armed robberies on businesses each day, South African retailers have been urged to practice extreme caution over the festive season as they face an increased risk. During December, central business districts are usually the most high-risk areas in the country. These areas include central Johannesburg, central Durban, central Cape Town and central Pretoria. Sashin Naidoo reports...
Methodist Church Minister, Ecclesia de Lange, who was fired after she announced that she would be marrying her same sex partner, says she is deeply disappointed by the Constitutional Court judgment. The highest court in the land declined to get involved in the dispute, saying it was a matter best left for arbitration. Senior Constitutional Court reporter, Candice Nolan has the details....
The Methodist Church of South Africa has welcomed the hands-off approach adopted by the Constitutional Court over a decision to dismiss a lesbian minister. Ecclesia de Lange was fired in 2010 after she announced her decision to marry her same-sex partner. The Church has a strict rule that its minister's may not enter into same sex unions. Ziphozihle Siwa is the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church....
The Constitutional Court has declined to get involved in the "complex question" raised in a case about the Methodist Church of SA's decision to fire or discontinue a lesbian minister. The church took the decision after Ecclesia de Lange announced her intention to marry her same sex partner in a civil ceremony. Listen to the summary of the judgment, penned by Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke....
A Zimbabwean mother who was detained for three days in dingy police cell with her breastfeeding infant has lodged a two hundred and fifty thousand (250 000) Rand damages claim against the police and Home Affairs. In July, Priska Mhlanga was detained at the Tembisa Police Station over an expired police stamp on a certified copy of her Assylum Seeker Permit. Her nine-month-old baby became ill after being exposed to the abject conditions. It was only after Lawyers for Human Rights approached the High Court in Pretoria, that Mhlanga and her baby were released. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan filed this report in July.....
A Zimbabwean mother who was detained for three days in dingy police cell with her breastfeeding infant has lodged a two hundred and fifty thousand (250 000) Rand damages claim against the Police and Home Affairs. In July, Priska Mhlanga was detained at the Tembisa Police Station over an expired police stamp on a certified copy of her Assylum Seeker Permit. Her nine-month-old baby became ill after being exposed to the abject conditions. It was only after Lawyers for Human Rights approached the High Court in Pretoria, that Mhlanga and her baby were released. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.....
Police Minister, Nathi Nhleko says the safety of both South African citizens and officers remains the top priority of the SAPS. He was speaking at a New Age Breakfast briefing on Thursday on the state of the police service in the country. Sashin Naidoo reports...
INTRO: A group of coloured employees says they were unfairly overlooked for promotion within the Department of Correctional Services because of the colour of their skin. In an important test case, the employees told the Constitutional Court that they too are a previously disadvantaged ethnic group. And that as the majority race in the Western Cape they should have been favoured for promotion. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details......
Did President Jacob Zuma create a legislative vacuum when he signed a single environmental system into law without first ensuring that regulations to guide its implementation were in place? That's the question which the Constitutional Court is set to consider after hearing arguments *today (tuesday, 17 November). Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.......
Gauteng's Human Settlement Department wants to change the layout of informal settlements as a short term measure, to help control the wave of shack fires in the province. Over the past week, hundreds of families have been left without a roof above their heads, after their homes were destroyed by fire. Neliswa Mavundla reports...
The Department of Home Affairs says it will act swiftly to re-open the PE Refugee Reception Office. The department has until early February next year to give effect to a Supreme Court of Appeal judgment. The clock started ticking after the Constitutional Court refused to hear the Department's appeal. The closure of inland RRO's meant that many refugees and assylum seekers, who were unable to travel back to the border, could not access necessary services. The Department's Spokesperson, Mayihlome Tshwete......
The SABC is in possession of documentation that shows the Gauteng Education Department unlawfully pushed for the expulsion of a Grade 10 learner from the Krugerlaan High School in Vereeniging. The learner in question was punished by the school's SGB in June this year after he was caught on camera assaulting another learner in a classroom while a teacher watched on. But nearly five months later the school received a letter from the Education department, stating that the learner must be expelled. Jacques Steenkamp reports...
INTRO: Joburg residents have been advised to use water sparingly. This as the City announced level two water restrictions due to persistent heat wave. Residents have been assured that there is still water but levels are dropping in the reservoirs. Pearl Magubane (English) and Ditaba Tsotetsi (Sotho) filed this report....
INTRO: Residents of Germiston on Gauteng's East Rand have filled buckets with water to prepare for the worst as the province is experiencing water shortages. The Cities of Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg have warned that water levels in the reservoirs supplying areas including Bedford Gardens, parts of Katlehong, and some parts of Johannesburg are at a critical level. Pearl Magubane (english) and Neliswa Mavundla (nguni) filed this report.....
The Department of Home Affairs has until February next year to reopen the refugee reception office in Port Elizabeth. This after they lost a bid to have the Constitutional Court reconsider its decision not to hear their appeal. In March this year the Supreme Court of Appeal ordered the department to reopen the RRO and provide full services to assylum seekers and refugees in the province. The RRO's closure meant that pregnant immigrants, who could not make the arduous journey to Pretoria or Durban, were denied access to health care. Lawyers for Human Rights, David Cote...
Deputy Chief Justice, Dikgang Moseneke, delivered a special tribute to the late Justice Thembile Skweyiya. He was speaking on behalf of the Judiciary as well as the Chief Justice, Mogoeng Mogoeng, who was sadly unable to attend as he is abroad. The court is holding a special sitting in honour of the retired justice, who passed away two months ago.
INTRO: Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke says that the case about the powers of the parliamentary speaker to involve the police is important for our democracy. Moseneke has reserved judgement after the Constitutional Court heard arguments earlier today. The case relates to events during the State of the Nation Address in February where the police were called in to arrest and remove rowdy EFF members. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details....
The Democratic Alliance had a tough time answering questions on why its such a bad thing for the Parliamentary speaker to be able to call on the police when there is a disturbance. The DA brought their challenge against these powers to the Constituitonal Court. The section allows the police, with the go ahead of the speaker to arrest and remove rowdy Mp's. This is what happend during the State of the Nation Address earlier this year. Justice Johann van der Westhuizen.....
INTRO: Should the police and army be deployed against rowdy Members of Parliament who raise the ire of the presiding officer in Parliament? That's the question the DA wants answered by the Constitutional Court. The court is set to hear arguments this morning (thursday, 5 November), in a case related to events that unfolded during this year's State of the Nation Address (SONA). Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details...
Over 350 million rand has been set aside to address the drought problems in South Africa as over 11 thousand rural communities could face serious drought if there is no rainfall in the coming weeks and months. This was revealed by Water and Sanitation minister Nomvula Mokonyane at a media conference in Johannesburg about the extent of the water crisis in the country. Senior journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
It's a choice between disciplining your young child to sit in their car seat, or facing the prospect of them dying in a vehicle accident. This is the word from motoring enthusiast, Vuyi Mpofu, on the issue of safely transporting children and babies in private vehicles. In April this year, government introduced new regulations aimed at improving the safety of children on the country's roads. Thabile Mbhele reports...
The clock is ticking in terms of the court ordered 60-day window period for the finalisation of the Disciplinary Inquiry. The clock started ticking today, as the hearing was expected to get underway. Motsoeneng's lawyer, Zola Majavu didn't want to be drawn on the details....
SABC COO, Hlaudi Motsoeneng was strongly opposed to the request for a postponement. His lawyer, Zola Majavu
The Western Cape High Court ordered the SABC to institute disciplinary proceedings against its COO and to have that inquiry finalised within 60 days. The clock started ticking today, at the start of the inquiry in Sandton, north of Johannesburg. The DC Chair, William Mokhari, in granting a 15 day window period for a pre-arbitration conference, addressed what might happen if they are unable to finalise the inquiry within the court ordered timeframe....
The chairperson of the Disciplinary Inquiry instituted against SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng has given a ruling in respect of the further conduct of the hearing. This after the SABC, via its pro-forma prosecutor, requested a postponement saying they need to see the documents which informed the Public Protectors findings in her report titled "When Governance and Ethics Fail". The request was strongly opposed by Motsoeneng. Chairman William Mokhari explains his ruling....
It's a choice between disciplining your young child to sit in their car seat, or facing the prospect of them dying in a vehicle accident. This is the word from motoring enthusiast, Vuyi Mpofu, on the issue of safely transporting children and babies in private vehicles. In April this year, government introduced new regulations aimed at improving the safety of children on the country's roads. Senior journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
The Western Cape family - the Snyders - who were evicted from their home on the first of October, want the farm manager to be jailed or fined over her failure to comply with an earlier Constitutional Court order. On the 16th of October, and after hearing from both sides, the Court ruled that the farm manager take all reasonable steps to enable the Snyder's peaceful return to the workers cottage. This was an interim order, pending the outcome of a proposed appeal against the eviction. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details........
The Western Cape family - the Snyders - who were evicted from their home on the first of October, want the farm manager to be jailed or fined over her failure to comply with an earlier Constitutional Court order. On the 16th of October, and after hearing from both sides, the Court ruled that the farm manager take all reasonable steps to enable the Snyder's peaceful return to the workers cottage. This was an interim order, pending the outcome of a proposed appeal against the eviction. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details........
It's been a year since the passing of the former Bafana Bafana player, Senzo Meyiwa, however the murder mystery remains unsolved. Meyiwa was shot and killed during a robbery in Vosloorus in October last year. He was with his girlfriend Kelly Khumalo and some friends at the time of the tragic incident. Despite police saying there were a number of leads - there have been no arrests since then. Pearl Magubane compiled this report...
No one will be allowed to smoke anywhere in the country if Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has his way. There will also be no advertising of tobacco and alcohol anywhere in the country. He says tobacco and alcohol contribute to the explosion of non-communicable diseases that are on the increase countrywide and globally. Motsoaledi was speaking at the launch of a 24-hour-health channel in Alexandra north of Johannesburg. The new channel, The Goodlife Network, goes live on air on the 1st of December this year. Senior health journalist Thabile Mbhele reports.
A Western Cape farm manager has been given until next week Tuesday to allow the Snyders family to return to their home on Voorbaat farm. The family complained that they were evicted without notice on the first of October. They also complained that they had nowhere to go and were forced to live in a drafty warehouse. Senior Constituitonal Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.......
The number of breast cancer patients who default on their treatment has dropped by 70 percent at the Breast Health Foundation in Helen Joseph Hospital over the past two years. They now have access to high level of care following financial contributions from fashion designer and businesswoman Carolina Herrera. Herrera has committed five million rand over a five year period since 2013 to care for breast cancer patients at the hospital. The Foundation sees up to 700 breast cancer patients per month. Senior health journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
The four children of a taxi driver who died in a bridge collapse in the Sandton area, north of Johannesburg, now face an uncertain future. Twenty-seven year-old Siyabonga Myeni, is one of the two people who died when a pedestrian bridge under construction on the Grayston Drive off-ramp collapsed on Wednesday afternoon. Over twenty other people were injured, three of them critically. Both sides of the M1 highway in the area were re-opened to traffic yesterday afternoon after a 24-hour closure. Wisani Makhubele has more.......... Clean-up operations following bridge collapse — JPG (3.5 MB)
A Western Cape farm manager has contradicted allegations that a family has been rendered homeless by their eviction. This is contained in a response to a Constitutional Court petition for the Snyders family to be returned to the workers cottage on the farm. The manager says their return is impractical, as there is already someone else living there. Senior Constitutional Court reporter, Candice Nolan has the details........
The cause of yesterday's deadly structural bridge collapse near Grayston Drive on the M1 in Johannesburg, is not yet known, but various investigations are underway to establish the cause of the collapse. Two people were killed and 21 others injured when the scaffolding for a new pedestrian bridge collapsed onto moving vehicles. Construction workers and members of various emergency services have been working tirelessly to clear the site so that the busy highway can reopen for traffic this afternoon. Jacques Steenkamp reports...
Two weeks after being kicked out of their home, a Western Cape farm labourer is looking to the Constitutional Court for help. The Court will pronounce tomorrow (14 October) whether or not the family should be allowed to return to their home. Karel Snyders approached the highest court in the land on an urgent basis after he and his family were evicted on the first of this month. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details....
A farm labourer has approached the Constitutional Court for urgent relief after he was kicked out of his home. On the first of October Karel Snyders, his wife Sofia and their teenage daughter found their belongings on the street. The Snyders had been living in a house on a farmers land at Ladismith in the Western Cape. The farm manager wanted them off her land, after he stopped working on the farm. She obtained an eviction order which was confirmed by the Land Claims Court. The family were evicted a day after the Supreme Court of Appeal refused to intervene. Karel Snyders says they have nowhere else to go...
A judgment by the Supreme Court of Appeal ordering that disciplinary steps be taken against SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng could have a bearing on the upcoming Constitutional Court hearing into the powers of the Public Protector. Earlier this week, the Constitutional Court allowed Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela, to participate in the case lodged by the Economic Freedom Fighters. The EFF wants President Jacob Zuma to pay back the money for non-security upgrades at his Nkandla home as recommended by the Public Protector. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details
Some mothers whose children have cerebral palsy are so ashamed and devastated that their children have never stepped out of the house. That's according to Alice Dladla, a single mother of a seven year old boy, Oratile who also has this movement disorder. She is part of a support group of mothers of children with Cerebral Palsy in Pretoria and Mpumalanga. It's estimated that 17 million people have cerebral palsy globally while there are no official figures in South Africa. Senior Health Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
The following story contains graphic description, which may upset sensitive listeners, including children…
The SABC is adamant that there's nothing illegal about the way in which it has obtained emails relating to the Bob Hewitt rape and sexual assault case. The public broadcaster has been accused of "hacking" into computer systems to obtain the correspondence. The emails show that Hewitt's accusers communicated extensively with each other before his trial. This is despite them having testified in court that they had had only limited contact and never discussed the case. Hewitt was sentenced to six years in prison earlier this year after having been convicted on two counts of rape and one of sexual assault. Jamaine Krige reports...
A unanimous Constitutional Court has lifted a gagging order imposed on a municipal worker. The court also found that there was no basis to find the employee guilty of defamation. The National Provident Fund of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) obtained a gagging order against Ayanda Mtyhopo, who had led a charge by 99 municipal employees to leave the fund. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan reports.....
"When there's a shot fired in the middle of some African bush and a rhino falls over, the repercussions of that shot do not end when the echo goes out...the repercussions of that shot go around the world many times.."
By Spetemeber, an estimated 850 rhino had been poached in South Africa in 2015 for their horn. This brings the total rhino killed since 2008 to more than four-thousand-eight hundred. Septemeber marked International Rhino Awareness Month, but despite increased anti-poaching efforts, three rhino carcasses were discovered in recent weeks in Madikwe Game Reserve in the North-West. Jamaine Krige reports....
Your gender identity was hard wired in your mother's womb. Some people are gender dysphoric, a recognised psychiatric condition, where one's gender identity does not line up with your assigned sex at birth. Even the natural world demonstrates that gender and gender identify are not binary (male or female) constructs. Prevailing science seems to indicate that society may have got it wrong on gender. Candice Nolan spoke to SAfm PM Live Presenter, Elvis Presslin in studio....
Trade union NEHAWU has accused the management of the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto of allowing the Economic Freedom Fighters to take certain decisions for the institution. The union has now called on hospital CEO, Doctor Sandile Mfenyana, and his management team to step down for allegedly being bullied by a political party. The union alleges that 147 EFF members were employed at the hospital without following proper procedures. Senior Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
Paternity testing services should be made available at local clinics for free. The call has been made after a study conducted by Wits University showed that there's a huge demand for free paternity testing services in South Africa. The study was conducted in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng. It shows that teenage mothers and their children suffer the shame of denied paternity when men refuse to acknowledge their role in the pregnancy. Senior Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports..
Atleast 210 South Africans die of heart diseases and stroke in this country every single day. A large number of them are Black Africans as there is an increase in the number of them with heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. This is according to Associate Professor of Cardiology at Wits University, Richard Nethononda who revealed this as the world commemorates World Heart Day. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa called on South Africans to prevent these diseases. Senior Health Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
What if we got it wrong? What if gender is not some binary construct of male or female? Over the last few years scientific thinking has shifted toward an understanding that gender identity is much more fluid than was originally thought. Yesterday, we brought you the story of a trans man, raised as a girl but who sees himself as a man, who was allowed to use a surrogate. In the latest installment of this series, Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan, unpacks just what it means to be transgender in South Africa.......
Although classified as female at birth, a man has made South African legal history by becoming the first transgender person to enter into a surrogacy agreement. X was raised as a girl but identifies as male. In March this year, the High Court confirmed a surrogate motherhood agreement, enabling X to use a surrogate. In part one of this feature series, Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan explores this critical court decision and its implications for the transgender community...
If the state owes you money, can you then go and attach monies from the State Revenue Fund? That's the question posed in the Constitutional Court in an important test case brought by the North West Premier, who is challenging the attachment of funds allocated to the Department of Public Works pending review proceedings. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.......
The Metsimaholo Municipality may be held liable for more than a hundred million rand's damage that occurred on Sunday after a fire destroyed more than twenty houses next to the Vaal River in the Free State. Both the owners of these properties and onlookers are claiming that the municipality's fire department could have stopped the fire, but that they were ill equipped to battle the blaze and therefore it spread to the other houses. Jacques Steenkamp reports...
The Department of Trade and Industry's Copyright Amendment Bill of 2015, which closed for comment last week, is being called unconstitutional and downright absurd. The new legislation that is currently being processed will in effect transfer the copyright of an artist to the State on his or her death. But under the current legislation of the Copyright Act of 1978, the copyright of an author of literary, artistic and musical works enjoys protection for 50 years after his or her death. This copyright can also be transferred as an asset to the author's heirs for up to 50 years, a period in which they can still receive money earned from royalties. Jacques Steenkamp compiled this report...
The buck stops with the Presidency in legal aid funding for participants in commissions of inquiry. That's the word from a lone Constitutional Court justice who opted to step into the fray in the Marikana funding dispute. The majority of judges declined to even look at the merits of the case, saying the dispute was moot or academic. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.....
The buck stops with the Presidency in legal aid funding for participants in commissions of inquiry. That's the word from a lone Constitutional Court justice who opted to step into the fray in the Marikana funding dispute. The majority of judges declined to even look at the merits of the case, saying the dispute was moot or academic. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.....
'n Tekort aan hulpbronne en probleme met munisipale grense kon bygedra het tot die reuse skade aan eiendom langs die Vaalrivier. Spoghuise van 'n honderd miljoen rand het Sondag afgebrand. Die brand het na bewering uitgebreek toe 'n gasbottel ontplof en die vlamme deur sterk wind versprei is. Boonop het die Metsimaholo-munisipaliteit gesukkel om die brand onder beheer te bring, aangesien hulle net een brandweerwa het wat tans aan hulle geleen word. Jacques Steenkamp doen verslag...
A lack of resources and a boundary issue may be among the reasons why a fire managed to cause 100-million rand's worth of damage on several plots next to the Vaal River on Sunday (20 September). The fire broke out when a gas bottle allegedly exploded and it quickly spread to about 24 houses. But the Metsimaholo fire department was hard pressed to battle the flames, seeing that they only have one working fire truck from Boksburg. Jacques Steenkamp reports...
Recent successes in the fight against rhino poaching in the Kruger National Park may drive poachers to target smaller game reserves. This is the concern expressed by operations manager of Madikwe Game Reserve, Declan Hofmeyr. Today marks World Rhino Day. Despite a strong stance against rhino poaching, an estimated 850 rhinos have been killed for their horn this year. In recent weeks, the Madikwe Game Reserve in the North-West has lost at least three rhinos to poachers. Jamaine Krige reports...
Would you donate a part of your body to a loved one? Well a Benoni man, Louis van Rensburg, has donated one of his kidneys to his wife to improve the well being of their family. He says while he lay at the Intensive Care Unit of the Donald Gordon Hospital in Johannesburg after the transplant, a number of intern doctors came to see him saying they could never understand how he came to the decision to put his life on hold just to save his wife's life. Senior Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
The issue of life and death dominated discussions on the first day of the South African Medical Association Conference in Sandton north of Johannesburg. Euthanasia or assisted suicide made headlines in the country in May this year when the High Court in Pretoria ruled in favour of the act if the patient is too ill. While the decision was welcomed by some however it remains a controversial issue in the medical fraternity. Senior Health journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
The Department of Home Affairs has pleaded with the Constitutional Court to reconsider a decision to dismiss its appeal regarding an office for refugees. The appeal relates to the decision to close down the Refugee Reception Office in Port Elizabeth. The Constitutional Court's refusal to hear the appeal means the Department has three months within which to re-open the office. This was the order of the Supreme Court of Appeal which also has implications for the Cape Town office which had also been closed down. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details....
Catholics have expressed hope that through the beatification of Benedict Daswa, he can now intercede for them in difficult situations like witchcraft. This comes as thousands of Catholic pilgrims gather in Tshitanini, in Thohoyandou this weekend to witness the beatification of the first layman in Southern Africa. Daswa who was killed for his Catholic faith and for opposing witchcraft will receive one of the greatest honours in the church when he is made one of the blessed. Thabile Mbhele reports…
The family of the late Benedict Daswa says the unveiling of his tombstone at his home village near Thohoyandou in Limpopo will give them closure. But it won’t erase their pain. That’s according to Daswa’s eldest daughter, Helen Mulalo, who’s shared her family’s feelings about his brutal murder over 25 years ago. Daswa was killed for opposing witchcraft and witch-hunts. Cardinal Angelo Amato from the Vatican in Rome will beatify Daswa at nearby Tshitanini as senior Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
The beatification of Blessed Benedict Daswa has been used as a platform to call for an end to violence and senseless killings linked to witchcraft and witch hunts in South Africa. A call was also made for the strengthening of families, in honour of Blessed Daswa. Daswa has now officially been named a “Blessed” after the beatification service at his home village of Tshitanini outside Thohoyandou in Limpopo yesterday. Thousands of people came to the rural village to witness the making of a blessed. Senior Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports…
The Gauteng Education Department has confirmed that one of several bullies at the Laerskool Randfontein on Gauteng's West-Rand has been suspended. The remaining thirteen primary school children will learn their fate tomorrow (wednesday 16 September) during a disciplinary hearing. Video footage of the bullying incident went viral on social media over the weekend. Jacques Steenkamp reports...
The Constitutional Court has been asked to intervene over a contested series of by-elections in Tlokwe municipality in the North West in 2013. Essentially, the court is being asked to devise a test or standard to determine the impact of election irregularities. The Independent Electoral Commission says the improperly registered voters did not have a material impact on the election results and can safely be ignored. Senior Constitutional Court reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.....
In a last ditch bid to avoid paying up, two lawyers and a doctor have petitioned the Constitutional Court. They were saddled with potentially millions of rands of costs in a medical negligence claim. The High Court in Johannesburg found the Gauteng Department of Health liable for damages in a case which has dragged on for more than a decade. The court then ordered that the officials themselves, be held personally liable for part of the claim and half the trial costs. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details
Three-thousand retrenched Edcon employees are looking to the Constitutional Court to endorse the weapon they chose to fight their dismissal. Edcon did not comply with the 60-day notice period in their large scale retrenchment two years ago. Ignoring other legal options, the workers relied on the defective notice period saying it invalidated their dismissal. But Edcon won a Labour Appeal Court judgment which essentially took that option off the table. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details....... some of the 3000 retrenched workers — JPG (1.8 MB) · Gathered in concourt foyer after judgment reserved — JPG (1.9 MB) · being addressed by leaders about the hearing — JPG (359.2 KB)
The police's family violence, child protection, and sexual offences unit in Gauteng has been largely occupied with cases relating to child pornography this past year. The majority of these cases originate from countries such as Canada, Belgium, and Australia which Interpol brings under the country's attention. The commander of this specialised unit, Lieutenant-Colonel Heila Niemand, spoke to Jacques Steenkamp...
A man facing hundreds of charges relating to the alleged sexual molestation and rape of 19 young girls will appear in the Sasolburg Magistrate's Court in the northern Free State tomorrow. The 42 year-old man was arrested last October after Interpol tracked him down to his house in Vaalpark in the Free State from where he was allegedly manufacturing and distributing child pornography. Two of his alleged victims are his own daughters. In an exclusive interview their mother and the ex-wife of the suspect spoke to Jacques Steenkamp...
[INCLUDES ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS] The Constitutional Court has reserved judgment on the question of whether the Extension of Security of Tenure Act can be said to cover the spouse of a farmworker. A rural woman has asked that the court recognise her right of occupation as independent from her husband. Elsie Klaase says she has lived on the farm all her life and has nowhere else to go. She was also ordered to move out after her husband was fired. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details... Elsie & Klaasie at ConcourtSA all the way from Citrusdal — JPG (363.6 KB)
The Constitutional Court has reserved judgment on the question of whether the Extension of Security of Tenure Act can be said to cover the spouse of a farmworker. A rural woman has asked that the court recognise her right of occupation as independent from her husband. Elsie Klaase says she has lived on the farm all her life and has nowhere else to go. She was also ordered to move out after her husband was fired. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details... Elsie & Jan Klaase — JPG (363.6 KB)
The shortage of pharmacists remains the biggest challenge facing the pharmacy sector in South Africa today. The lack of information about the scope of the services provided by these health professionals is another frustration. Calls have been made for an increase in the intake of pharmacists at tertiary level with the aim of increasing the number of pharmacists in the country. These are some of the issues that have been highlighted as the country marks Pharmacy Week. Senior health journalist Thabile Mbhele reports..
Cellphone giant, Vodacom, had a tough time explaining to the Constitutional Court why it shouldn't reward a former employee who came up with the "please call me" concept. Kenneth Makate was employed as a junior accountant in 2000 when he came up with the idea. He says he wanted his then girlfriend to be able to request a call back even if she didn't have airtime. The highly lucrative Please Call Me product has been described as a genius idea and is listed among the top five South African innovations of the decade. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details....
At least six thousand foreign women gave birth at the Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital in Johannesburg last year alone. The health department says it cannot deny health care to citizens from neighbouring countries, however undocumented foreigners have to pay a certain amount of money for health care. The majority of the foreign moms are from Zimbabwe. Senior Health Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports....
The Constitutional Court will deliberate on whether or not to give a lesbian Church Minister her job back. The issue arose after Minister Ecclesia De Lange was fired by the Methodist Church of South Africa when she announced her intention to marry her same-sex partner. Senior Constitutional Court reporter, Candice Nolan has the details....
The genetic link requirement in surrogacy agreements acts as a potential bar to infertile homosexual persons desperate to start a family. According to the current law, you may only use a surrogate if you or your partner are able to donate either the sperm or the egg. In other words, either you or your partner have to be biologically related to the baby or else you cannot use a surrogate. A 55-year-old divorcee, known only as AB, is set to challenge this requirement in the Constitutional Court. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details....
The Constitutional Court is set to consider whether the genetic-link requirement in surrogacy law should remain. The requirement means that if one is unable to carry one's own child and similarly unable to donate either the egg or the sperm, then one is excluded from entering into a surrogacy agreement. Earlier this month, the High Court in Pretoria found that requirment unconstitutional and invalid. This order must be confirmed by the Highest Court in the land before it can have any effect. Senior Constituitonal Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.......
The Constitutional Court has expressed disquiet over unnecessary delays on the part of legal aid lawyers which might have contributed towards a damages claim being filed too late. A man lost his thumb and the use of his left arm due to treatment at Kimberley Hospital in the Northern Cape. He had three years in which to file his claim against the Provincial Health Department, but when he eventually did, it was thrown out for being too late. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details......
Land reform activists have welcomed a Constitutional Court decision - which upholds the rights of rural communities. The unanimous decision recognises Communal Property Associations as a vehicle for people to manage their own land. Experts believe the current trend in land reform policy seems biased in favour of traditional authority's management of restored land. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan, reports....
Three women - a foster mother, a doctor and a psychologist - have petitioned the Constitutional Court, asking that an unborn foetus be granted the right to life. The Choice of Termination of Pregnancy Act makes abortions legal under certain conditions. But the act does not recognise the foetus' right to life. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan reports...
INTRO: Three nurses are accused of neglecting a pregnant woman at the Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital in Johannesburg will be disciplined by the department of health. This comes after the death of an unborn baby at the hands of the nurses at the facility. It's alleged that the mother had been admitted at the hospital as a high risk patient, however she wasn't treated as such. Senior Health Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports....
As the country continues to celebrate South African women in all fields, the SABC profiles a woman who became the first African to take part in international bowling competition for people who are blind or partially sighted. Thandi Mbhele, from Soweto has won numerous medals locally and globally as a partially sighted bowler. Mbhele shares with us the highlights of her career as a sportswoman, and also the challenges within the sport. Neliswa Mavundla reports....
One hundred and thirty three (133) residents of Winnie Mandela Park in Ekurhuleni will continue with their High Court application, after negotiations with the municipality and the province fell through. Residents want housing officials to tackle the mis-allocation of housing in the area, which has pitted neighbour against neighbour in a battle over housing. The application was lodged in June, but was stayed pending a report from housing officials. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details...... Mrs Thubakgale sits outside her shack, a mere stone throw away from a fully serviced stand and RDP which she was allocated — JPG (159.5 KB) · this is the RDP and the stand that she was allocated — JPG (277.3 KB)
Many blind beggars from outside the country flock to cities in South Africa in search of a better life. Zimbabweans for instance, feel that their government does not provide enough support for its disabled community, so they come to South Africa to beg for money on the city's streets. Buchule Putini spoke to a blind beggar from Zimbabwe who came to Johannesburg in search of greener pastures.
Comedian Leon Schuster's new movie 'Schucks! Pay back the money' premiered in Sandton on Wednesday evening. This is Schuster's 18th film, and he says he now plans to retire from making candid camera films. In the film well-known celebrities are again pranked by this funny-man. Jacques Steenkamp attended the premiere...
The battle over an RDP stand at the Winnie Mandela Park, Ekurhuleni has landed up in the Constitutional Court. The disputed stand was allocated to a JJZ Linda by the Ekurhuleni Metro. But he couldn't move in because there was someone else living there. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.......
Close to twenty thousand people descended on Northam in Limpopo this weekend for the 21st annual Oppikoppi music festival. Both local and international bands performed from the morning until late every evening over the three days of the festival. This year South African music legend Johnny Clegg was also honoured during a one hour tribute show. Jacques Steenkamp compiled this report.....
Byna twintig duisend mense het die afgelope naweek toegesak op die een-en- twintigste jaarlikse Oppikoppi-musiekfees by Northam in Limpopo. Beide plaaslike en internasionale groepe, het van die oggend tot laat in die aand tydens die drie-dae-lange musiekfees opgetree. Vanjaar word die Suid-Afrikaanse musieklegende, Johnny Clegg, vereer tydens 'n een uur lange huldeblykvertoning. Jacques Steenkamp doen verslag...
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi has described Glenvista High School in Johannesburg as the most corrupt school. This after he released findings of a forensic investigation into the allegations at the school in between 2012 and mid 2014. Lesufi says he will lay criminal and civil charges against all those who are implicated in the mismanagement of funds and other irregularities at the Glenvista High School. Senior Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports....
The Constitutional Court has heard that petroleum company, ENGEN, was perfectly within its rights to apply for the eviction of a Soweto Filling Station after their contract expired. The filling station was located along the Soweto Highway. Engen concluded a lease with the landowner and sublet the property to Mighty Solutions CC. The late landowner's estate also applied to have Mighty Solutions evicted from the property. The former filling station owner is asking the court to allow him to re-open for business. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details......
Only three people were infected with diseases through blood transfusion in over eight million blood units donated in the past ten years. The South African National Blood Service says two people were infected with Hepatitis B and one with HIV. South Africa ranks among the best countries with safety records in blood supplies globally despite the high prevalence of diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis B in the country. Senior Health Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
In April this year, SABC Radio conducted an exclusive interview with a rail commuter who wants to be able to sue PRASA after he was thrown off a moving train by robbers. He lost a leg as a result and still battles with the trauma. He approached the Constitutional Court after the Supreme Court of Appeal ruled that he had not met the test for negligence. This report was broadcast in April on several SABC Radio Stations including SAfm AM Live. The concourt hearing happened yesterday. Candice Nolan interviewing Sam in April 2015 — JPG (135.0 KB)
A train commuter has complained to the Constitutional Court that the Passenger Rail Agency, PRASA, does nothing to protect its passengers from crime. Sam Mashongwa wants to be able to sue PRASA for negligence. He lost his leg after he was thrown out of a moving train by robbers. The incident happened on New Year's Day in 2011. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.... Sam outside the Concourt during the hearing on Thursday, 6 August 2015 — JPG (134.4 KB)
Rehabilitation drugs should be made easily available like antiretrovals, that's according to Professor Jannie Hugo from the Nyaope Project of the University of Pretoria. He further called for the legalisation of drugs to reduce drug addiction in the country as Senior health journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
The Passenger Rail Agency's (PRASA's) woes are set to increase. They were recently in the headlines over a procurement debacle and a battle with their axed CEO, Lucky Montana. On Thursday, they will find themselves in the hot seat again, as they defend themselves against a Constitutional Court application. The application was brought by a Zimbabwean man who lost his leg following a violent train robbery. He wants to sue PRASA in a case which raises the question of whether there is adequate security for train commuters. Senior Constitutional Court reporter, Candice Nolan has the details......
Restaurants and shopping malls are currently being reviewed by mystery shoppers and are being rated according to the service experience of breastfeeding mothers. Members of a Facebook group, Breastfeeding Friendly South Africa, which includes over 2000 breastfeeding moms, are visiting various establishment across the county to review their policies on breastfeeding. This comes as the world commemorates Breastfeeding Week. Senior Health Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports... att_20151130_154410_src.pdf — PDF (735.4 KB) · att_20151130_154409_src.jpg — JPG (1.5 MB) · att_20151130_154406_src.jpg — JPG (1.6 MB) · att_20151130_154404_src.jpg — JPG (1.6 MB)
Load shedding is just as frustrating for babies as it is for adults, businesses and the economy. Babies have often missed their meals as they cannot get their formula milk or expressed breast milk when the power goes off. South Africa has been experiencing load shedding since the beginning of the year. Senior health journalist Thabile Mbhele reports...
Training of the South African Police Service is of world class standard, if not better. That's according to National police spokesperson, Vishnu Naidoo. He's adamant that claims of poor training is not to blame for the increase in the number of police officers being killed. At least 54 police officers have been killed countrywide since January, already seven more than last years figure of 47. Many more have been shot and wounded. Sashin Naidoo reports...
The Institute for Security Studies says authorities need to bust major crime syndicates in the country if they are to effectively stop the killing of police officers. 54 police officers have been killed since January, 4 of them over the past few days. Over the weekend four officers were shot and wounded in Gauteng and Cape Town. Sashin Naidoo reports...
Is it possible that a person with a mental disability be capable of outsmarting people?...... Fifty-year-old Clifford Mlamli Shikwambana allegedly defrauded over 400 people in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng. Shikwambana allegedly defrauded people using various aliases including Senzo Nkuna, Themba Khumalo and Patrick Mkhize. He allegedly hired people under different company names and would later fire them. He is also accused of giving police false information regarding high profile cases, including details of the murder of Bafana-Bafana goalkeeper, Senzo Meyiwa. Clifford's mother, Lettie Shikwambana, says her son was born with a brain tumour and he is mentally disturbed. Clifford is currently arrested and will appear in court next month. Neliswa Mavundla reports...
Throw Back Thursday: this feature was compiled about 10 years ago. It explores the then emerging urban sport popularly known as Parkour.
If you thought social networks are just for fun, think again? A group of women who connected on Facebook a few months ago have met face to face for the first time on Saturday for a good cause. They call themselves Virtous Wives and have adopted a safe house for abandoned, abused and traumatised children. They have also donated necessities for young ones. The Shammah Safe House in South Hills, south of Johannesburg, houses children who have nowhere to go until the parents, relatives or adoptive families have been found for them. Senior Journalist Thabile Mbhele... att_20151130_154416_src.jpg — JPG (31.4 KB) · att_20151130_154414_src.jpg — JPG (36.4 KB) · att_20151130_154413_src.jpg — JPG (36.4 KB) · att_20151130_154412_src.jpg — JPG (57.8 KB)
A Zimbabwean mother, Priska Mhlanga, is considering whether to sue for damages after she was detained for three days in police cells in Tembisa, east of Johannesburg. She had to keep her nine-month old baby with her in the cells. She was detained despite having the necessary Asylum Seeker documents. Provincial Police Spokesperson, Lungelo Dlamini said he would look into the matter. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details..... inside Tembisa Police Cells — JPG (103.6 KB) · mommy and baby in jail — JPG (131.7 KB) · baby inside a police cell — JPG (188.8 KB) · At the LHR offices in PTA — JPG (153.8 KB) · At the LHR offices after the ordeal — JPG (150.6 KB)
If you earn too much to qualify for RDP housing, and too little to qualify for a reasonable bond, there's good news. The Gauteng government and its partners have developed an innovative home finance solution for those earning between R3500 and R30 000 per month. Tshepo Phagane has the details...
Former Constitutional Court Judge Yvonne Mokgoro says South Africa cannot afford to have a culture of disregard for the law and unwarranted attacks on the judiciary. She made reference to government's apparent non-compliance with a court order on the Omar al-Bashir matter last month. Mokgoro has commended Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng's decision to seek a meeting with President Jacob Zuma over criticism of the courts by top ANC officials. She was delivering the Kader Asmal Human Rights Lecture at Wits University in Johannesburg on Tuesday night. Wisani Makhubele was there......
It's every child's human right to be breastfed. Each child has a right to optimum nutrition which is breast milk. That's according to Professor Anna Coutsoudis from the department of Peadiatrics and Child Health at the University of KwaZulu Natal. Coutsoudis has urged breastfeeding mothers to donate their breast milk to assist babies who need it the most. Premature babies and orphaned babies are the main recipients of the donated milk across the country. Senior Health Journalist Thabile Mbhele reports... att_20151130_154454_src.JPG — JPG (90.4 KB) · att_20151130_154452_src.JPG — JPG (89.0 KB) · att_20151130_154451_src.JPG — JPG (89.3 KB) · att_20151130_154450_src.JPG — JPG (80.9 KB) · att_20151130_154449_src.JPG — JPG (92.9 KB) · att_20151130_154447_src.JPG — JPG (89.5 KB) · att_20151130_154445_src.JPG — JPG (103.3 KB) · att_20151130_154444_src.JPG — JPG (81.1 KB)
The police officer who was shot dead while attempting to rescue his neighbours caught in a hostage situation has been described as hero. 65-year old Martinus Bann had gone to investigate after hearing that an attempted robbery was taking place just across his house at Edleen in Kempton Park. Sashin Naidoo has the details....
A police station that should have cost 52 million rand, is costing taxpayers an additional 54 million rand! The Diepsloot police station, north of Johannesburg was expected to take 3 years to build. However, 8 years later, it is yet to open it's doors to the public. Diepsloot has one of the highest crime rates in Gauteng and residents had hoped the new police station will help increase police visibility in the township. Tshepo Phagane visited the community and filed this report...
Have you ever thought about swapping your car for two wheels? Ever felt like experiencing the wind in your hair while riding a bicycle to work? Our reporter, Noma Bolani hopped on a bike to take advantage of the newly installed cycle lanes in Johannesburg. She shares her experience on a trip from Brixton to Braamfontein…
A sitting judge has admitted that her cellphone bill is still being paid by a firm of attorneys. This emerged during Judicial Service Commision interviews for candidates to fill a vacancy on the Constitutional Court bench. Supreme Court of Appeal Judge Zukisa Tshiqi started the firm years ago but left as soon as she was appointed to the bench. But the firm continued to pay her cellphone bill. Judge Zukisa insisted that it's not a conflict of interest as she would never sit on cases which that firm brought to court. However, after being lambasted by the Chief Justice himself, Justice Tshiqi vowed to cancel the arrangement. It was Advocate Michael Hellens, one of the commissioners, who drummed home the point...
There is a serious lack of women judges in South Africa, which continues to threaten transformation targets. This concern was once again raised during Judicial Service Commission interviews for Judges. For the first time ever, five female judges were shortlisted for positions on the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal. After gruelling interviews, the JSC recommended all four female candidates for the vacancy on the Constitutional Court bench as well as the sole candidate recommended to fill the position of Deputy President of the Supreme Court of Appeal. That candidate, SCA Justice Mandisa Maya told the JSC interview panel that their biggest challenge is the shortage of women candidate judges. She says that of the 23 judges in the SCA, less than a third are women....
A sitting judge has admitted that her cellphone bill is still being paid by a firm of attorneys. This emerged during Judicial Service Commision interviews for candidates to fill a vacancy on the Constitutional Court bench. Supreme Court of Appeal Judge Zukisa Tshiqi started the firm years ago but left as soon as she was appointed to the bench. But the firm continued to pay her cellphone bill. Judge Zukisa insisted that it's not a conflict of interest as she would never sit on cases which that firm brought to court. However, after being lambasted by the Chief Justice himself, Justice Tshiqi vowed to cancel the arrangement. It was Advocate Michael Hellens, one of the commissioners, who drummed home the point...
The sole nominee for the Deputy Presidency of the Supreme Court of Appeal has insisted that her nomination is above board. President Jacob Zuma nominated Justice Mandisa Maya to help head up the SCA. The Judicial Service Commission interviewed Justice Maya as requested by the President. EFF leader Julius Malema was one of the commissioners on the interview panel.....
Early every Wednesday morning, an elderly Johannesburg couple gets to work preparing a huge pot of breyani. They then drive to various parts of Johannesburg dishing out hot plates of food. 73-year old Krishna Naidoo and his 62-year old wife, Prakashne have been doing this for almost 30 years. Sashin Naidoo spoke to the Randburg couple about what inspires them to go the extra mile...
For the first time in the history of a democratic South Africa, the country's judges have called for a meeting with President Jacob Zuma to discuss threats to the judiciary. Following an extraordinary sitting by top judges across the country, the Chief Justice has been mandated to ask for a meeting with the president. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan, has the details....
The City of Joburg has spent more than 120-million-rand installing 38-kilometres of new bicycle lanes in the CBD, Soweto, Alexandra and even in Orange Farm. This is to promote eco-friendly transport options. Officials are hoping motorists will swop their cars for bicycles. The lanes also provide added safety for cyclists using busy routes such as those between Auckland Park and Braamfontein. But, how much of a difference will these lanes make and is cycling a safe and practical option. SABC Reporter, Noma Bolani took a ride from Brixton to Braamfontein and filed this report...
Imagine a toy library, where children can borrow toys just like they do books. Well this is a reality for many toddlers in South Africa. It's thanks to non-profit organisation Cotlands, which renders the service to over five-thousand children between the ages of 2 and six across six provinces. They focus on poor communities. Neliswa Mavundla visited one of their centres at Turffontein west of Johannesburg, and compiled this report....
Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Thandi Modise, wants the Constitutional Court to give the final word on how much powers a court has to interfere with decisions by presiding officers in parliament. Modise filed an application for direct access to the Constitutional Court to appeal against an earlier Western Cape High Court judgment. The decision over-ruled Modise's orders in respect of Julius Malema during last year's debate on the 2014 State of the Nation Address. Senior Constitutional Court reporter, Candice Nolan has the details....
A prison inmate and law graduate is being credited with helping to change the law. Johannes Mogoba is serving time at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Pretoria. He drafted a Constitutional Court application which helped to free three innocent men. All it took was access to a prison computer and legal know-how. The three men had served up to 13 years in jail. Their convictions were based solely on the say-so of co-accused and there was no other evidence against them. Senior Constitutional Court reporter, Candice Nolan reports... Charles - Johannes' (the legal eagle) brother — PNG (878.1 KB)
Residents of Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg say they have no choice but to risk their lives every day by crossing the N14 highway to and from work. About 40 people have been killed by cars on that stretch of the road since 2011, due to lack of an overhead bridge. Hundreds of people from Diepsloot are employed by various companies which are located on the other side of the highway. Government is aware of the problem, but says an overhead bridge can only be built in about two years' time. Wisani Makhubele compiled this report.......
A decision on the fate of grocer's wine licences in the Eastern Cape has split the Constitutional Court Judges. The majority of nine judges upheld the Eastern Cape Liquor board's decision to do away with the licences in favour of a system where all liquor would be sold in seperate premises. Shoprite Checkers has essentially lost a bid to protect their 27 grocers wine licences in the Eastern Cape. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details....
He's humble, yet hard working. He's dedicated to his job, works long hours and won't rest until he has an accused person locked up behind bars. That's Captain Selaelo Ramabale of the Gauteng Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit. The shy and soft-spoken detective is commended for cracking several cases, mainly involving serial rapists. In one of the cases, he spent eight months sleeping in dump-sites searching for an alleged serial child rapist, Peter "Dashboy" Khoza. Khoza is facing close to 240 counts including rape, sexual assault and kidnapping. Tshepo Phagane spoke to Ramabale about his work and how he managed to apprehend Dashboy....
What would be a fair compensation for a man who spent 13 years in jail for a crime he did not commit? According to the present rule of thumb, such a person might be entitled to some 300 million rand for wrongful imprisonment. Boswell Mhlongo and two other men walked out of prison after the Constitutional Court overturned their convictions and life sentences. In an exclusive interview, Boswell Mhlongo spoke to Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan....
Congratulations, you are pregnant... with triplets. But nothing prepared Chantal Emery for quadruplets. Paralysed from the waist down, Chantal gave natural birth to four boys, three months earlier than expected. A miracle she and her family never expected. Chantal and her newborn babies are currently at the Flora Clinic, west of Johannesburg. Pearl Magubane complied this report..
Thembekile Molaudzi is finally free from prison after serving 11 years for a crime he did not commit. Molaudzi and two other men were wrongfully convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the 2002 murder of a police officer. But aside from finger pointing by other suspects, there was no other evidence linking them to the crime. Carolyn Raphaely is with the Wits Justice Project and met Molaudzi as he walked out of Pretoria's C-max prison....
Courts are going to need much more than just a confession from one accused to implicate another in a crime. The Constitutional Court reaffirmed this principle when it ordered the immediate release of three men wrongfully convicted for the 2002 murder of a police officer. The only evidence against the three was the mere say-so of five other suspects. In an exclusive interview with SABC News, one of the men spoke to Senior Constitutional Court reporter, Candice Nolan.... Boswell Mhlongo and his fiance Mavis with lawyer Donrich Jordaan — JPG (105.9 KB) · Boswell Mhlongo and his fiance Mavis spoke exclusively to SABC Radio — PNG (673.5 KB)
If one arm of government patently acts outside its powers, is it acceptable for another branch of government to simply ignore it? This is the question which the Merafong City Local Municipality wishes to pose in the Constitutional Court. They are up in arms over a 2005 decision by the Water Affairs Minister which found the municipality's inflated water tariffs to be unreasonable. The municipality had imposed a 62 percent increase on water tariffs on all mines in its jurisdiction. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan, has the details.....
Bikini model, Candice Jean van der Merwe, has turned to the Constitutional Court over her tax war with SA Revenue Service. Last month, the Supreme Court of Appeal placed her entire estate under curatorship. SARS believes that the blonde bombshell is being used by her father to hide assets. The businesman is suspected of tax fraud and is said to owe the tax man some 225 million rand. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.....
Recent research has found that there is a noticeable increase in hands-on fathers. These are dads who have broken traditional barriers and are getting more involved in their children's lives. The "new-age" dad isn't afraid to get his hands dirty, from changing diapers to reading bedtime stories. As the world recognised Father's Day yesterday, SABC reporter Noma Bolani spoke to modern fathers to get an understanding on why they’ve adopted a new approach on parenting.
Medical doctors are at liberty to charge in cash whatever amount they choose, for services they've rendered, even if it's way above the medical scheme rates. This is because there hasn't been a standard tariff regulation for the cost of health care for the past decade in the country. Many patients find themselves paying cash for health care even when they are members of medical aid schemes. Senior health journalist Thabile Mbhele takes a look at the issue...
Residents of Carletonville on Gauteng's far West Rand say they are fed up with having to deal with the recurring water shortages in the area. They say the town has been experiencing water shortages on a regular basis for several years. In the latest incident, a large part of the Merafong Municipality was left without water for several days, after pipes were sucked into a sinkhole just outside the Carletonville reservoir. Sashin Naidoo visited the area and filed this report....
A Divorce Law expert says the claim brought by a jilted husband against his ex-wife's lover would have failed in any event. The man appealed all the way to the Constitutional Court which ultimately scrapped such claims from our law books. Senior Constitutional Court reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.....
Billionaire philanthropist Mark Shuttleworth has lost his six year battle over a 250 million rand refund from the Reserve Bank. The Constitutional Court has had the final say in the matter, finding that the 10 percent exit levy he was charged, was not a tax. Over a seven year period, the state raised 2,9 billion rand in exit charges from thousands of people who emigrated. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details....
Over a hundred people, many of whom are pensioners, have turned to the courts to deal with the widespread misallocation of housing in Tembisa. The housing corruption scandal is clearly illustrated in the Winnie Mandela settlement which sits on the doorstep of OR Tambo international, Africa's largest airport. In the early 2000's, 133 people were allocated state subsidised stands, only to find other people living there when they tried to move in. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details...... Maria Mathebula outside her shack — PNG (707.4 KB) · Mrs Thubakgale with a view of her house in the background — JPG (159.5 KB) · Paulus Mauwane believes corruption is to blame — PNG (673.8 KB)
Schabir Shaik, who was convicted for fraud and sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2005, made news headlines this week after he allegedly threatened to assault a News24 reporter. President Jacob Zuma's former financial advisor was released on medical parole in 2009 to die a dignified death at home, but his health has improved since then, and he is now seeking employment. In an interview with reporter Jacques Steenkamp, Shaik revealed, among other things, that he is bored with sitting at home and that he wants to travel with his family...
Illegal gambling operators in Gauteng are being urged to get their papers in order or face being shut down. Government together with the Gauteng Gambling board plan to crack down on around 180 illegal gambling establishments in the province. Many are online gambling centres that masquerade as Internet Cafes. Sashin Naidoo has the details...
Illegal gambling operators in Gauteng are being urged to get their papers in order or face being shut down. Government together with the Gauteng Gambling board plan to crack down on around 180 illegal gambling establishments in the province. Many are online gambling centres that masquerade as Internet Cafes. Sashin Naidoo has the details...
Part II of a two part series on one of the worst inner city buildings. We look at the latest proposal from the city for the relocation of the Chung Hua Mansions occupiers.
The City of Johannesburg has less than two months to comply with a 2012 High Court order. Failing which Mayor Parks Tau could face contempt of court proceedings in his personal capacity. The court order relates to the provision of temporary emergecy accomodation to some 43 people who face eviction from a dilapidated building in the inner city. The City lost a Constitutional Court bid to shield senior officials from having to take the fall if the city failed to comply with that court order. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details..... att_20151130_154612_src.jpg — JPG (259.1 KB)
The Constitutional Court has declared quite clearly that the buck stops with state functionaries to ensure that court orders are complied with. The Highest Court recently dismissed an appeal by the City of Johannesburg which had complained that city officials were being called to account by the courts. The battle centres on the provision of accommodation for some 43 people living in one of the inner city's worst buildings. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details...... att_20151130_154622_src.jpg — JPG (259.1 KB) · att_20151130_154619_src.jpg — JPG (181.2 KB) · att_20151130_154616_src.jpg — JPG (197.5 KB)
Tourists have been warned to follow rules and regulations when visiting game parks. This after an American was killed by a lioness at the Lion Park in Honeydew, north west of Johannesburg. It's believed the woman had the window of the car she was travelling in rolled down while taking pictures in the park. According to Independent Field Guide Juluka Chauke there are a number of reasons that could lead lions to attack people. A report by SABC's Horisani Sithole.
Control over the rich platinum deposits on reclaimed land is at the centre of a dispute between a tribal community and their chief in the North West. The Constitutional Court has reserved judgment after hearing arguments on a case involving the future of Community Property Associations (CPA). In a test case on the country's land reform policy, the court has been asked to pronounce on the status of the contested Bakgatla Ba Kgafela CPA. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.......
A Gauteng family is struggling to find closure as the body of their father was never brought home after he died in Mozambique 15 years ago. Isiah Magadla, who worked for local logistics company AGA Transport, was on duty when he contracted a disease and died at Beira Hospital outside Maputo in April 2000. His wife, Paulinah says he was buried in a mass grave together with more than 20 other people. The family still wants help from government and his former employer to repatriate his body for a proper burial. Wisani Makhubele has more...
THE Federation of School African Schools Fedsas has won their case against the Gauteng Department of Education. Johannesburg High Court Judge Charles Wright has ruled that schools should continue with their admission processes as they have been in the past. The federation approached the court after obtaining a leaked document which indicated that the department was considering turning 124 schools into dual medium schools. Senior Reporter Angela Bolowana filed this report...
The future of Community Property Associations hangs in the balance in a test case before the Constitutional Court on Thursday (28 May). This is one of the first cases to come before the highest court in the land on the contentious question of land reform. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details.......
Beggars and car window washers still dominate major intersections in Johannesburg despite operation "ke Molao". The operation was launched earlier this year by the Johannesburg Metro Police Department - in an attempt to rid loiterers around hi-jacking hotspots in Gauteng . Upon commencement of the operation - Metro police managed to clear up almost all of the hotspots. However, several months down the line, it seems as though interest has been lost and the intersections have once again filled up with people plying their trades. Sashin Naidoo has the latest...
The Film and Publication Board - FPB's - Draft Online Regulation Policy, which is currently open for public consultation, is being described as the worst internet censorship law in the country. Under the proposed regulation, people who post videos on social media and other websites, will first have to apply for a license and pay a fee so that the material can be classified. The FPB will also be granted the power to remove any material posted on any online platform if they or a member of the public disagrees with the content. Jacques Steenkamp has the details...
The Defence Minister told the Constitutional Court that she cannot be sued for workplace compensation. The minister is defending a lawsuit brought by a Doctor who was seconded to work at number two military hospital in the Western Cape. While on duty Doctor Liesl-Lenore Thomas slipped and fell down some stairs, injuring herself. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has more details....
The Constitutional Court has reserved judgment in a matter involving the Marikana funding dispute. Legal Aid SA wants to appeal against the High Court decision that it cover the legal costs of the miners before the Marikana Commission of Inquiry. But Legal Aid SA insists that it does not want its money back from the miners, but is merely persuing an important principle. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter Candice Nolan has the details
The Constitutional Court is to consider the Marikana funding dispute in an appeal brought by Legal Aid South Africa. The funding dispute prompted a delay in the Marikana Commission of Inquiry set up to investigate the deaths of 44 people during strike related unrest in August 2012. But the appeal is said to be academic or moot because the commission has already finalised its work. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details
The Lolly Jackson murder case may never be solved following the death of the main suspect, George Louca. The Cypriot died in prison in Pretoria last night after suffering from stage four lung cancer. The NPA has confirmed that the case has now been struck off the court roll. Jacques Steenkamp has the details.
Municipal Mayors and even Provincial Premier's could face jail time if their departments fail to comply with court orders. This is in terms of a ground-breaking decision by the Constitutional Court which paves the way for state functionaries to be held personally liable for the enforcement of court orders. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter Candice Nolan has the details.....
Eskom says it won't write off the debt owed by residents of Soweto. 180 000 households owe Eskom R4bn for electricity for the past ten years. In 2003, the power utility cancelled over a billion rand in debt but it did little to prompt consumers to pay for their electricity. Jacques Steenkamp has the details...