WCED responds to Tiktok teacher's alleged unfair dismissal due to sexual harassment claims

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has hit back following allegations of a teacher who lost her job due to sexual harassment claims.

In a tiktok post, Kelly Manus makes a series of serious accusations against a fellow teacher at a local high school. She claims the matter wasn't adequately addressed as his wife is the principal.

@kelly_manus PART ONE: Apologies for the quality 😮💨#teachersoftiktok #teacherlife ♬ original sound - Kelly Manus

But the department says this couldn't be further from the truth. The WCED says they reviewed Manus' contract and found she didn't qualify for the conversion of her post

‘’Their appointment was not converted because they did not qualify for conversion. The process is regulated in terms of the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) Collective Agreement 2 of 2024. Through this process, all contract appointments in vacant and funded substantive educator posts could apply for conversion,’’ said Bronagh Hammond, WCED spokesperson.

‘’The individual was not in a vacant and funded substantive post. They were appointed in an ad hoc post (substitute post) which does not qualify in terms of the Collective Agreement. Their contract was always due to end on 31 December 2024. The school followed the correct procedures in this regard,’’ she added.

Hammond further reiterated that the school followed the correct procedures with the sexual harassment case.

“The WCED Labour Directorate requested to meet with them to initiate formal proceedings. However, they indicated that they did not want a formal disciplinary hearing. The WCED continued to engage in the matter informally given the serious nature of the allegations, and the alleged educator was cautioned. There had been no prior nor subsequent complaints regarding this educator.’’

According to the WCED, Manus is not unemployed and have been appointed in another post at another school.

Meanwhile, a memorandum was handed over at the school on Friday. Community members protested outside the school in support of Manus.

@kelly_manus My phone is inundated but thanks to everyone for all the support. If I didn’t mention your name; don’t feel offended. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR ALL THE SUPPORT ❤️🇿🇦 Special Thank you to @❤️ Charlene Taurijo ❤️ for recommending @Vanessa_die_Skole_vrou ♬ original sound - Kelly Manus

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Three gang members sentenced to life in prison fort the murder of rival gang member

The Western Cape High Court sentenced three gang members to life imprisonment each on Monday for the murder of a rival gang member.

Picture by: Pixabay

Shakoor Gaffoor, Riedewan Cedras, and Grandall Solomons also received 10 years imprisonment each for the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

The trio, members of the Junky Funky Kids, killed Gaffoor’s nephew, Achmat Gaffoor and his friend sustained gun shot wounds, in a drive-by shooting in Steenberg in 2020, then both victims were members of the Flakka Kids.

“It is reported that on 30 May 2020, a shooting incident took place at approximately 10:00 on the corners of St Blaise and St Barnard Streets in Steenberg, Lavender Hill, were the deceased Achmaat Gafoor and Weseem Wilson who sustained gunshot wounds then were both members of Flakka kids,” said Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani.

“The court ruled that the additional sentences run concurrently with the life sentences. The police have warned gangs that they will do everything possible to ensure peace and order are restored in the country.”

The gang members have been sentenced following a lengthy and complex court process involving multiple court appearances.

 

Done by: Sihle Jezile

Transport minister delivers preliminary road fatality festive season stats (2024/25)

 On Monday, 20 January 2025 the Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy delivered the 2024/25 festive season road safety campaign and shared preliminary data.

The transport ministry says, in spite of the terrible crashes and fatal injuries that occurred over the festive season, road users continue to disobey the traffic laws with no regard for human life.

Courtsey: X- @DoTransport

South Africa witnessed 1,502 deaths resulting from 1,234 fatal crashes during the 2024/25 festive season.

The Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Free State recorded increases of 70, 54 and 21 fatalities as compared to 2023/24 while Gauteng, Western Cape and Mpumalanga recorded decreases of 76, 23 and 15 deaths respectively. Creecy conveyed her condolences.

“I want to convey our heartfelt condolences to the families who lost loved ones during this period and our well wishes to all those who are still recuperating in hospitals as well as at home”

To combat these fatalities, traffic law enforcement officers conducted more than 997 roadblocks throughout the country.

Officers issued more than 700 000 fines for various traffic offences across. More than 23 000 fines were issued to drivers who failed to wear seatbelts, while another 16,925 motorists were fined for using cell phones while driving.

A total of 414 drivers were arrested for driving at high. The highest speedster was arrested in Gauteng driving at 245km/h in a BMW on the 18th of December 2024. The ministry calls on the justice system to serve these drivers with what they deserve.

Courtsey: X- @DoTransport

“On behalf of the national Department of Transport, provincial MECs and their departments, and all law enforcement agencies, I call on the courts to treat these cases with the seriousness they deserve.

There must be consequences for drivers who break the law with wanton disregard for the lives of other road users, whether it is for speeding or drunk driving or any other offence which warrants arrest and prosecution” Creecy.

Another concern noted by the ministry is pedestrians.  According to the minister, 41% of all road fatalities were pedestrians. The highest percentage of pedestrian fatalities were recorded in Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal which are the most populous provinces in the country in terms of vehicles and people.

Gauteng had the highest pedestrian fatalities at 63.84% followed by Western Cape with 53.9% and KwaZulu-Natal with 44.33%.

The minister said the message to pedestrians is clear - if you want to stay alive while using the roads, you must make sure that you:

•    Do not consume alcohol and then walk on the roads;

•    Ensure that you are visible at night and walk in areas that are well lit;

•    Avoid jaywalking; and,

•    Cross the road at a pedestrian crossing or where it is safe to do so.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to confront lawlessness and dangerous driving. I want to appeal to motorists to exercise care and patience on our roads but, at the same time, those who break the law must know that our traffic officers across the country will continue to crack down on those who don’t care about the lives of others.”

Let’s work together to make our roads safer; let’s change our behaviour and save lives.

Done by: Elona Sibunzi

 

ANC NEC members reconfigured

 

The African National Congress (ANC) had its’ first ordinary National Executive Committee meeting (NEC) of 2025.

 

 The main focus of the meeting was to assess the performance and future of the provincial executive committees in Kwa Zulu Natal and Gauteng, following their disappointing results in the 2024 elections.

 

Fikile Mbulula briefed the media at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Center. Mbulula stated that they had an interaction with the two provinces regarding the disappointing election results.

 

The National Executive Committee are weighing options such as maintaining the current structures, reinforcing them and potentially disbanding the provincial executive committees.

 

The decisions were communicated directly to ANC structures in the two provinces before being made public.

 

The NEC made a decision based on the report provided. The final decision was made Sunday.

 

The ANC experienced a notable decrease in voter support across several provinces mainly Kwa-Zulu Natal and Gauteng, the party’s support plummeted from 54% in previous elections to just 16.9%. Gauteng saw a decline from 51% to 34%. He said they have already lost votes in the Western Cape and are struggling to win back power.

These results have prompted the NEC to scrutinise the respective PEC’s considering whether or not structural changes are needed.

 

The outcomes of the NEC’s deliberations are expected to have significant implications not only for the ANC’s internal dynamics but also for the broader political landscape in South Africa. The two-day National Executive Committee’s meeting ended this weekend.

 

The NEC has decided to reshuffle the provincial leadership following the poor performance of the two provinces in the May general elections last year.

 

 Done by: Shaneca Cupido

 

 

 

 

 

 

A 24-year-man went missing while swimming at Strand beach

A 24-year-old man from Eerste River went missing while swimming on Sunday at the Strand beach.

Picture by: Pixabay

Costal rescue responders launched their rescue services, an extensive search was carried out within the surf zone and beyond by NSRI Gordons bay.

“NSRI rescue swimmers and lifeguards entered the water conducting extensive sweeping line free dive search efforts and sweeping line wading search efforts in the surf zone and along the shore break,” said Brian Gosling, NSRI Gordons Bay duty coxswain.

“Despite the extensive sea, air and shoreline search there remains no signs of the missing man,” added Gosling

Police Water Policing and Diving Services responded to the scene and their diving unit conducted an ongoing search operation.

 

Done by: Sihle Jezile

Neighbourhood watch member killed in Khayelitsha

The Western Cape police management as well as the provincial government has condemned the killing of a neighbourhood watch (NHW) member in Khayelitsha.

Monwabisi Mkhutshulwa, 51, was gunned down while patrolling in Makhaza, on Saturday night.

‘’On Saturday 18 January 2025 at about 23:00, a group of neighbourhood watch members were patrolling in Ezimfenenni, Nkanini informal settlement in Makhaza when they came across a group men who were standing on the corner of the street. It is reported that gunshots were heard of which the deceased was hit in the shoulder and leg. He fell to the ground and succumbed to injury,’’ said Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie, Western Cape police spokesperson.

PICTURED: Monwabisi Mkhutshulwa, 51

A murder case is being probed. The Western Cape’s police commissioner, Lt Gen Thembisile Patekile, described the incident as ‘’a callous, selfless act against the community and those who serve their community with pride.’’

Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety, MEC, Anroux Marais, has expressed shock at the incident.

“I want to express my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of our slain Neighbourhood Watch member. This is a tragedy. He was trying to make Makhaza a safer place when he was killed. I urge any members of the public who may be able to assist the South African Police Service in the investigation into this attack."

The Khayelitsha Community Policing Forum (CPF) has condemned this heinous act, emphasizing that every crime fighter lost is a setback to the hard-won gains in the fight against crime. They have called for law enforcement resources to be mobilized urgently to bring those responsible to justice and to ensure this case is treated with the seriousness it deserves.

Parliament’s Chairperson for Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, said more needs to be done to protect NHW members

‘’This incident highlights the immense risks faced by volunteer patrollers who dedicate themselves to fighting crime with limited resources. It also serves as a reminder of the relentless efforts by criminals to undermine community safety initiatives.’’

‘’Monwabisi’s murder is a stark reminder of the critical need for increased police intervention and greater support for community safety structures. His death must strengthen, not weaken, the collective resolve to fight back against crime in Khayelitsha and beyond. Monwabisi’s family, fellow patrollers, and the Khayelitsha community deserve justice and accountability for this senseless loss,’’ added Cameron.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Man's body discovered in Elsies River

Elsies River police are probing a murder after an 18-year-old man was shot and killed. The police said the discovery was made at a local primary school alongside Jan van Riebeek Drive, on Friday morning.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Western Cape police said circumstances surrounding this shooting incident are still under investigation and that the motive for the attack is unknown at this stage.

‘’Elsies River police are investigating a case of murder following the discovery of the body of a 18-year-old man this morning (Friday, 2025-01-17) at about 07:20  in the road at 35th Street, Elsies River,’’ said Captain F.C Van Wyk, Western Cape police spokesperson.

‘’According to reports, Police members responded to a compliant of a person laying at the mentioned address. On their arrival they found the body of a man dressed in a black tracksuit pants and blue top with multiple gunshot wounds to the head. The victim was declared deceased at the scene by medical personnel,’’ he added.

Van Wyk says no arrests has been made as yet.

Anyone with information regarding this incident are urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

 

Done By: Elona Sibunzi

Duo in Manenberg gang shooting decides on bail

Iekraam Achilles and Brandon Jansen, the two accused in the shooting of a five-year-old boy in Manenberg, made their second appearance at the Athlone Magistrate's Court, on Friday morning.

It was a brief appearance, as they made their bail applications.

Achilles says he intends to apply for bail, however Jansen aboded his bail application. The court also heard that Jansen had previous convictions against him, including a charge in 2018 for illegal possession of drugs. He is expected back in court on 28 March 2025.

Meanwhile Jansen has a pending matter before the court for unlicensed firearm and ammunition, as well as a pending assault case. The court also heard he has a history of warrant of arrests. He is back in court next Friday.

Five-year-old Ameer Abrahams succumbed to injuries last Wednesday after he was shot and wounded in a shooting incident in Irvine Street, last Monday. Little Ameer was walking with his father towards a nearby tuckshop, when they were caught between crossfire hitting the boy in the head. Two other women were also injured.

PHOTO - Mitchum George: Crowd gathered outside court in protest for suspect to be denied bail

The suspects face charges of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and malicious injury to property.

Speaking to Bush Radio News, Ameer’s father, Roman Bezuidenhout, says he wants justice to be served

‘’Die justice system kan meer gedoen het want dit gaan heeltyd gaan postpone word, en almal weet klaar hulle het my kind se lewe geneem. Ek voel dat hulle moet meer streng wees oor hoe hulle dinge doen, want hier is ‘n familie wat sonder ‘n kind sit, ‘n community wat broken (sic) is, deur wat hulle gedoen het. Ek dink die justice system moet trap op hulle voete (sic) en doen wat hulle moet doen om ons te help in die situasie.’’

[The justice system must do more, as cases alwatys gets postponed. Everyone knows that the suspects took my childs life. I feel like there should be stringent measures on how the justice system works, as there is a family who has lost a child, a community that is broken, because owhat the suspects has done. I think the justice system should do more in helping better the situation]

Bezuidenhout says it was a difficult week for the family, as it would’ve been the beginning of ameer’s scholling career

‘’Dit was baie hartseer. Ons het sy klein broer skool toe gevat het, en geweet het dai moes my kind gewees het. Hulle (Die skool) het ‘n memorial service gehad en dai het my afgebreek. Net om te dink my kind sal nooit sy report of certificate huis toe bring nie. Hulle het die power in hul gehad om te skiet.

[It was heartbreaking. We took Ameer’s little brother to school, knowing that it should have been my child. The school held a memorial service and that just broke me. Just to think that my child will never come home and show his report or a certificate of achievement. They (the suspects) had the power to shoot.]

PHOTO - Mitchum George: Placard calling for Justice for Ameer Abrahams (5)

The Manenberg CPF has welcomed the postponement of a case, saying they will leave no stone unturned until justice is served

‘’The justice system keeps on failing us. We are by a point, where these kind of people (suspects) must not have choices anymore, where they decide if they want bail or not. Government must step up their efforts to say no bail. The cases must also stop dragging as the family has to suffer for many years and at the end of the day, they are still unhappy about the outcome,’’ said Vanessa Adriaanse, Manenberg CPF Deputy Chairperson.

 

PHOTO - Mitchum George: Manenberg CPF Deputy Chairperson, Vanessa Adriaanse addressing crowd outside court

Done by: Mitchum George

Deployed officers arrested a suspect for possession of drugs in Mitchell's Plain

 A 36-year suspect was arrested for the possession of drugs; the arrest comes after officers on horseback were deployed area of Mitchell’s Plain to combat crime activities.

The suspect appeared nervous upon seeing police presence conducting patrols and the officers were alarmed and started to approach him.

“He instantly turned and changed his direction to a nearby spaza shop. One of the members dismounted from his horse and followed the suspect who was blocked in and searched. During the search, the members found a yellow bag concealed under his clothes, which contained 40 mandrax tablets and 40 sachets of tik,” said Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie, Western Cape Police spokesperson.

The suspect was arrested and put in police custody at Lentegeur police station, for the above-mentioned charges.

He is scheduled to appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ court today.

 

Done by: Sihle Jezile

Peter de Villiers joins MK Party

Former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has a new political home.

De Villiers was officially welcomed to Jacob Zuma's UMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party by its deputy president and parliamentary leader, John Hlophe, at a ceremony this week.

COURTESY: X - @MKWesternCape

He was removed from the GOOD Party in March 2024 after allegations of sexual misconduct.

In a post on X, the MK party said De Villers appointment marks a significant milestone for the party.

‘’This welcoming signifies a commitment to unity and empowerment within the party, as they strive to harness De Villiers's experience and leadership skills to further their goals of unifying the people of the province as a whole.’’

The uMkhonto Wesizwe Party Western Cape welcomes the decision by these astute and well experienced leaders as it could not have come at a better time. The onboarding of these progressive and politically experienced comrades will further strengthen the agenda of the Progressive… pic.twitter.com/OH8e1jIiH2

— uMkhonto WeSizwe Western Cape Official (@MKWesternCape) January 15, 2025

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Man's body discovered at Delft taxi rank

Delft police are investigating a case of murder after they found the body of an unknown man with gunshot wounds to his body, on Thursday morning.

SUPPLIED

The police said the discovery was made at the Palm Taxi rank in Eindhoven, Delft.

‘’The circumstances surrounding this shooting incident are still under investigation. Police members responded to the crime where upon arrival they found the body of an unknown man with gunshot wounds sustained to his body. The victim was declared as deceased at the scene by the medical personnel. The motive behind this incident forms part of an ongoing investigation,’’ said Anelisiwe Manyana, Western Cape police spokesperson.

No arrests has been made as yet. Anyone with information regarding this incident are urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

 

Done by: Mitchum George