Sunday, November 15, 2009

Godsell’s position remains unclear

By Khanyisa Tabata
15 November 2009



It is unclear when former Eskom board chairperson Bobby Godsell will meet with Public Enterprises Minister Barbara Hogan to discuss his resignation.

His personal assistant said Godsell was out of the country. Hogan's office earlier said she and Godsell would meet over the weekend.

He resigned on Monday following a meeting with President Jacob Zuma.

In a statement, Godsell said he had submitted his resignation as the government had not been supportive of the board's move to oust Eskom chief executive officer Jacob Maroga.

New administration for athletics body

By Khanyisa Tabata
15 November 2009


South Africa's Olympic body Sascoc board member Ray Mali will take over Athletics South Africa's administration tomorrow as suspended ASA president Leonard Chuene faces being dismissed.

After a meeting yesterday, Sascoc said in a statement Mali would form an interim board to govern and regulate athletics in South Africa as the sport's administration faces an entire restructuring.

The Olympics body adds that the suspended ASA board and management figures will face disciplinary hearings.

ASA suffered another vote of no confidence when the Athletics Gauteng North board resigned.

Long-time administrator Daan du Toit and three other temporary members have been appointed to look after AGN board matters until elections can be held.

AGN joined the Eastern Province, Western Province, Boland and Free State athletics associations in officially denouncing the federation's board.

Government wants Godsell back at Eskom

By Khanyisa Tabata
15 November 2009


Public Enterprises Minister Barbara Hogan is expected to meet with former chairperson of Eskom Bobby Godsell today.

Godsell stepped down after chief executive Jacob Maroga denied that he had resigned, before the Eskom board confirmed his resignation.

Hogan said on Friday that government would be grateful if Godsell reconsidered his position. Industry experts say Godsell’s return could bring stability to the embattled electricity provider.

Hogan is quoted as saying while President Jacob Zuma's intervention in the Eskom saga was helpful, it did delay processes.

In a statement on Friday Zuma said government would not interfere with what happened in the boardrooms of state-owned enterprises.

It is rumoured that Maroga refused to go because he believed he had Zuma’s support, while Godsell left because he felt that he was not being supported by government.

Western Cape girl fights rare condition

By Khanyisa Tabata
15 November 2009


A young girl from Robertson hopes to go to the United States soon for medical treatment after being diagnosed with a rare disease.

Lihanda Smit was five when she was hit by a drunk driver 14 years ago. She has had to undergo several brain operations.

Her condition, superficial sideroses, developed because undetected bleeding on the brain caused a build-up of iron which suppressed her nervous system.

Without treatment her hearing will fail and she will end up in a wheel chair, with a life expectancy of around 10 years.

It is such a rare condition that no South African neurologist knows enough about it.

Her parents are raising funds for treatment by a neurologist in Baltimore.

Caster Semenya once again the centre of attention

By Khanyisa Tabata
15 November 2009



Britain’s The Guardian newspaper has rejected a claim that it tricked South African athlete Caster Semenya into being interviewed by one of its reporters.

Semenya has threatened legal action against the newspaper for a so-called exclusive interview with her, and says the quotes in the article were obtained under false pretences.

She says she continues to refuse all interviews.

But The Guardian says its reporter was invited to speak to Semenya by her coach, Michael Seme. It says Semenya agreed to the interview.

Probe into air show crash underway

By Khanyisa Tabata
15 November 2009



The pilot of a private fighter jet died when the aircraft crashed near the Overberg Air Force Base at Bredasdorp in the Western Cape yesterday afternoon.

The pilot has been identified as 46-year-old Dave Stock. The jet, a vintage English Electric Lightning, was well-known in Cape Town and belonged to Thunder City based at Cape Town Airport.

The plane was on its way to take part in an air show at the Overberg Air Force base and the pilot is believed to have had difficulties in ejecting.

The roof-wetting of Cape Town’s 2010 stadium celebrated

By Khanyisa Tabata
15 November 2009



Western Cape Premier Helen Zille says she had sleepless nights worrying about what Cape Town’s 2010 Green Point Stadium would look like.

She said she worried that it might permanently scar Cape Town’s renowned beauty.

But Zille told about two thousand guests at the stadium’s roof-wetting last night that she was now convinced that the ultra-modern stadium added to Cape Town’s beauty.

The guests were told to wear comfortable shoes, as they had to wind their way through a few unfinished sections of the stadium. The Cape Philharmonic Orchestra performed, conducted by Richard Cock.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Education Department obtains an interdict against students

By Khanyisa Tabata
11 November 2009


The Western Cape Education has obtained an interdict against the Congress of South African Students.

In a statement the department says the interdict was granted on Friday night and it restrains Consas from gathering or causing a gathering within 300 metres of any examination centre.

The interdict comes after Education MEC Donald Grant strongly condemned the disruption of matric exams at schools in Khayelitsha, Phillippi and Langa.

Fighter jet crash in Bredasdorp

By Khanyisa Tabata
11 November 2009


Fighter jet has crashed at an air show in Bredasdorp in the Western Cape.

It is understood the pilot was on his way to perform in the air show when he made a distress call.

“The plane crashed just on the other side of the Overberg Air Force Base, it is still unclear if the pilot is alright,” said Emergency Services’ Kenneth Brooks.

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa met police officials in Mitchell’s Plain

By Khanyisa Tabata
11 November 2009



Western Cape police officials have been meeting with Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa at the Oval North High School in Beacon Valley, Mitchell’s Plain this morning.

The Cape suburb has been plagued by gangsterism and drug related crimes. Recently two neighbourhood watch members were shot and killed in the area.

The meeting is part of the police’s justice, crime prevention and security campaign and aims to provide residents a chance to question the minister.

Hi-jacking victim thrown from bridge

By Khanyisa Tabata
14 November 2009


A 24 year old woman is in a serious condition after hijackers forced her out of her vehicle and pushed her over the Umkomaas River Bridge on the N2 south in Chatsworth.

Netcare 911 paramedics say the woman was plunged almost 60 metres below the bridge on Friday night and landed in shallow water.

She sustained chest, head and spinal injuries that left her immobile.

The woman managed to keep herself afloat for over four hours before a passerby heard her cries for help and rushed to aid.

Fire-fighters, who arrived first on the scene, pulled the woman out from the water while paramedics treated her for hypothermia before she was airlifted to a hospital in Durban.

Police are still searching for the hi-jackers.

Breakthrough in World War II pilot’s death

By Khanyisa Tabata
14 November 2009


A man has been arrested for the murder of an 89 year old man, believed to be a former World War Two pilot.

Former fighter pilot Frans Swemmer was apparently bludgeoned to death in his Monument Park home yesterday.

Pretoria police say Swemmer’s body was discovered after neighbours noticed that his garage door was standing open.

A suspect believed to be in his 30’s was found sitting in the deceased’s Mercedes Benz at the Tower Plaza centre in Hamanskraal.

Police could not confirm which weapon was used in the murder but have ruled out a firearm and a knife.

Cater Semenya speaks out on life in the spotlight

BY Khanyisa Tabata
14 November 2009



South African gold medallist Caster Semenya says she is not comfortable with the fame she has acquired since her championship title was obscured by gender test revelations.

In an interview Semenya said people now want to stare at her.

The IAAF is currently reviewing gender test results to determine if Semenya is eligible to compete as a woman.

The athletics body has refused to confirm or deny Australian media reports that the tests indicate Semenya has both male and female organs.

A decision is expected to be announced next Friday.

SA diplomat injured in Durban accident

By Khanyisa Tabata
14 November 2009


A senior South African diplomat was seriously injured in an accident in Durban’s Isipingo area.

KwaZulu-Natal paramedics say the country’s ambassador to Malawi, Ntombile Mabude, sustained serious head and spinal trauma and was rushed to hospital.

Her bodyguard sustained minor injuries. It is alleged that the luxury SUV she and her entourage were travelling in was hit by a security vehicle at an intersection last night.

Matric exams disrupted

By Khanyisa Tabata
14 November 2009


176 matriculants have been forced to rewrite their Physics paper one, after their exams were disrupted by angry mobs at three high schools in Cape Town yesterday.

The Western Cape Education department says the schools exams at the Thembelihle High School in Khayelitsha, the Sinethemba and the Intsebenziswano schools in Philippi were brought to a halt after a crowd of pupils who were protesting over the closure of Lagunya Finishing School stormed into their classrooms.

They re-wrote their exams after the protesters dispersed. In a similar incident on Thursday exams at Langa Secondary School were disrupted and two pupils were injured after policed dispersed the crowd with rubber bullets.

“Razor” sharp crackdown in Atlantis

By Kim Saulse
14 November 2009


Yesterday, Metro police together with members of the Atlantis police station, arrested 6 suspects as they took operation “Razor” to Atlantis where the focus was on drug related offences.

Metro police noted with great concern the unacceptable increase in criminal activity in Atlantis and an urgent intervention was needed. We have been very successful with “Operation Razor” in other areas and we trust that it will have the same effect in Atlantis, says Deputy Chief, Yolanda Faro.

Nine search warrants were executed and three suspects were arrested for possession of drugs whilst three others were arrested under the nuisance by-law.

“Our colleagues of the South African Police Services also confiscated 100 Mandrax tablets and approximately R15 000 cash,” added Faro.

Kewtown falls victim to Operation “Choke”

By Kim Saulse
14 November 2009


Five suspects were arrested during Metro Police’s operation “Choke” in Athlone yesterday. The metro officers started the day with a vehicle check point in Jan Smuts Drive, Athlone, where they arrested one motorist for a fraudulent license disk.

Thereafter the focused shifted to crime prevention where they conducted stop and seizure exercises and patrols in Kewtown.

According to Deputy Chief Yolanda Faro: “The recent murders in the area are alarming and we need to act to rid the community from the fear of gangsterism and drug abuse in the area.

Today we arrested 2 suspects for drug related offences with in minutes of our exercise and confiscated 44 packets of TIK.

Over the next few days the criminal element, operating in the Athlone area, can expect a more stringent approach from our members.”

Two other suspects were also arrested for outstanding warrants of arrests as they are wanted by the Athlone police for charges relating to shoplifting and possession of drugs respectively.

Friday, November 13, 2009

City facilitates major investment in contact centre industry

By Ofentse Mokae
13 November 2009

The City of Cape Town and Teleperformance, the world's leading provider of outsourced contact centre services, today announced a major investment into new contact centres in Cape Town.

It will see the creation of two-thousand new jobs by 2012.

Deputy mayor Ian Neilson, who is in London to help facilitate the deal, says in a statement the investment once again illustrates confidence in Cape Town as an investment destination.

“Cape Town needs more investment like this and the City will do whatever it can to enable investment that will lead to more job creation for the city’s residents,” Neilson said.

Teleperformance’s Jeff Smith says South Africans have a justifiable reputation for their excellent customer service skills.

“We have chosen to further expand our facilities in South Africa as in our opinion it has the potential to become one of the fastest growing Business Process Outsourcing destinations,” Smith said.

Smith says there is a real pool of talent that fits extremely well with our business needs in terms of both skill and culture.

“South Africans have a justifiable reputation for their strong empathy with UK callers and for their excellent customer service skills,” Smith added.

Colleague fatally wounds SANDF corporal

By Kim Saulse
13 November 2009

A 36 year old National Defence Force corporal was shot and killed by a colleague during a training exercise in Oudtshoorn yesterday.

Defence and Military Veterans Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has expressed her sympathy and that of the SANDF with Corporal Tuis Malitisi’s family and friends.

Members were busy with crowd control training at Kansasvlakte when one of the trainees wounded Malitisi, who had been stationed in Polokwane in Limpopo.

He was declared dead after being rushed to hospital.

An investigation by South African Police and a Board of Inquiry by South African National Defence Force has since been opened.

New technology aims to improve service delivery at Home Affairs

By Ofentse Mokae
13 November 2009

Home Affairs department is currently implementing a new system aimed at speeding up the processing of identity documents.

The service, known as live capture, has already been introduced at 40 regional offices around the country.

The system will secure data captured at front offices.

In a statement the department says the system will capture applicants’ signatures and fingerprints digitally.

“Officials scan the photo of the ID applicant on to a computerised system, which then prints the image directly on the document,” the statement said.

The department says while currently used for passport applications, the system will be extended to ID applications during 2010.

The new technology would save officials time, as they no longer have to manually stick an applicant’s photo on his or her new ID.

“The department’s administration duties would also be dramatically reduced, as until now copies of all citizens’ fingerprints and ID photos have had to be manually collected and filed,” the statement added.

Government is planning to equip every Home Affairs office with such a workstation by the end of its turnaround drive in March 2011.

Other technology developments within the department, is the Home Affairs Information System.

HANIS converts existing hardcopy records from paper-based images into digital images to allow for faster and more accurate identification of persons, currently houses 33 million sets of fingerprints and more than 13 million pictures.

The department is also investigating making changes to the birth certificate to include more information and make it more secure.

The current certificate is easy to forge.

Man hit by train in Khayelithsa

By Nomava Nobumba
13 November 2009

Khayelitsha man believed to be in his thirties was hit by a train at Nolungile station Khayelitsha this morning.

It is alleged that he came into oncoming train that was traveling from Khayelitsha to Cape Town around 7am.

Police’s Mthokozisi Gama says the deceased is not known yet.

Anyone who can assist can contact Detective Constable Sinethemba Jam Jam on 021 360 2300.

More disruptions on matric exams

By Nomava Nobumba
13 November 2009

Western Cape education MEC Donald Grant is seeking an urgent interdict against the Congress of South African Students after the disruption today of a second examination centre at Thembelihle High School in Khayelitsha.

Dissatisfied learners from the Lagunya Finishing School, led by Cosas, are trying to disrupt the matric exams because of the possible closure of Lagunya.

Grant says he has the support of Premier Helen Zille, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga and the Presidency for tough action against anyone who disrupts any examination centre.

In Phillipi two schools were disrupted this morning.

More than 90 students were taken in for questioning after Nyanga police received reports of assault at Intsebenziswano high school.

Police spokesperson Captain Ntomboxolo Sitshitshi says student leaders have been taken to the school to identify the culprits on the footage.

“After they identified them we will go back to the list of the students we have and arrest them,” she said.

Yesterday examinations at Langa high came to a halt after angry students marched to the school and forced their way to the classroom.

Students will have to rewrite English paper at a later stage.

Spokesperson for WCED Bronagh Casey said if MEC Grant decide to close the school,it will be in the best intrest of learners and the education system.

Witness charged with defeating the ends of justice

By Nomava Nobumba
13 November 2009

A 21 year old Mitchell’s Plain man has been charged with defeating the ends of justice after he suddenly withdrew his statement about the killing of a local crime fighter, Mervin Jacobs.

The charges were then provisionally dropped on Wednesday in court against Mario Abrahams and Bradley Hess.

The pair was arrested last month after a so called witness voluntarily made the statement implicating the two to the murder.

He also pointed Abrahams and Hess in an identity parade.

Mitchell’s Plain station commander Jeremy Veary says the decision was taken after they were instructed to do so by superiors.

“We received a call from the Director of Public Prosecutions that he must be charged,” said Veary.

Veary also mentioned that there are allegations from the community of collusion between the Mitchells Plain SAPS members and the gangsters from the area.

“It is alleged that the police with gangster led to the charges being dropped,” he said.

Jacobs was the second crime fighter to be killed in the area after Vincent Naidoo was also gunned down while on duty.

City’s young soccer team gets a boost

By Ofentse Mokae
13 November 2009


A team of young, soccer stars have received a helping hand to get them fighting fit for the field.

The Lucky Stars from Gugulethu, Cape Town, have been sponsored by Mywage, the Southern African organisation dedicated to salary transparency, decent work for decent wages and career advice.

Each of the 15 boys was given a full soccer kit, while coach Johannes Makiti received a special manager’s jacket.

In addition, the team was provided with 20 footballs, soccer cones, bibs and a keeper’s kit.

The sponsorship comes amidst the build-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, to be held in South Africa.

Karen Rutter Manager at Mywage says the kits will greatly asssit the team.

“There are many aspirant stars that come from disadvantaged areas and do not have easy access to proper training gear, football kits and even decent footballs and this will greatly help them,” Rutter said.

Rutter says accordingly, the Bafanakids project was initiated, in conjunction with Ajax Cape Town, Abang Africa and Go in Africa, to initiate sponsorship for young teams.

“A sponsorship package, which includes the above-mentioned kit and gear, costs EUR 1500 approximately R18 000 per year,” Rutter added.

Armed robbery and murder investigated in Khayelitsha

By Kim Saulse
13 November 2009

Khayelitsha police are requesting the assistance of the public in their investigation into an armed robbery and murder incident in Khayelitsha.

It is believed that employees from Kelvin Grove Club, Newlands, were dropped off at their residences in Khayelitsha, when they were approached by unknown suspects who fired shots towards the vehicle they were travelling in.

The driver brought the vehicle to a halt after he was shot in the neck.

Five suspects opened the sliding door of the vehicle and demanded money and cell phones. Several shots were again fired, fatally wounding two passengers, a male and female, both 34 years old and wounding another passenger.

The suspects removed several personal belongings from the passengers including cash and two cell phones.

They then fled the scene on foot.

The victims were taken to the Grootte Schuur Hospital after police and ambulances were called to the scene.

No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is requested to contact the investigating officer, Inspector Anton Barnard from the Detective Services, Khayelitsha on 082 579 3007 or on 021 360 2399 during office hours.

Standard lesson plans for lower Grade teachers

By Kim Saulse
13 November 2009

As from January next year, the Gauteng Education Department will start providing all Grade 1 to 3 teachers with standard lesson plans for literacy and numeracy.

Provincial MEC for Education Barbara Creecy said the initiative was the beginning of a new support programme for primary schools that aimed to make sure all children pass Maths and English by the time they leave Grade 7.

Later in the year, the learners in the same Grades will further get textbooks to help them learn literacy and numeracy.

Government will spend R524 million to fund the rollout of workbooks for pupils in Grades 1 to 7 in the poorest 60 percent of schools for the 2010 school year, to boost literacy and numeracy in early grades.

Creecy also challenged parents to help their children by listening to them read for ten minutes, counting and doing simple sums with them for ten minutes.

She also emphasized the importance of parents attending school meetings and meeting with educators once a month to discuss the child’s progress.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Politicians in line for above inflation increase

By Kim Saulse
12 November 2009

Members of Parliament, Cabinet ministers and President Jacob Zuma are in line for an eight-percent salary increase backdated to the 1st of April.

Judge Willie Serote says the politicians might get the increase paid out before Christmas.

Presenting the decision of the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers, Serote, who is its chairperson, said the increase took account of inflation as well as the global economic crisis and its effect on South Africa.

The figure is above the inflation forecasts for this and next year.

Loss of innocent lives unavoidable in fight against crime

By Ofentse Mokae
12 November 2009


Deputy Police Minister Fikile Mbalula says it is unavoidable that innocent civilians will get shot in the crossfire between police and criminals.

Mbalula was addressing reporters in parliament this afternoon.

The former ANCYL leader defended plans to give officers greater licence to use deadly force.

He says in war with criminals, innocent people are going to die, not deliberately, but in the exchange of fire.

Police have been forced to defend their shoot-to-kill statements as rage mounted over a shooting in which a police officer killed a three-year-old boy.

Police earlier last month also killed a 28 year-old woman who they had mistaken to be hijacker and injured two others in Mabopane near Pretoria.

Mbalula says the recent spate of civilian deaths at police hands can not be blamed on the ministry's call for harsh action against violent criminals.

Alleged teen sex worker shot in face

By Nomava Nobumba
12 November 2009

17 year old alleged sex worker is receiving treatment in hospital after she was shot in the face by the man who later committed suicide.

The girl was shot in the face by the deceased in a house in Goodwood on Wednesday which is used as an alleged brothel.

The deceased later shot himself after chased by an off duty police.

Spokesperson Inspector Wayne Theunis says the man visited the house in Goodwood and posed as a client before shooting the teenager in the face.

The man pointed the gun to an off duty police who saw him.

“The officer chased the man and caught him in Nelson Street. The man stopped and pointed the firearm on himself killing him instantly,” said Thenius.

The victim is reportedly in a stable condition in a local hospital.

Last week 38 year old sex worker was killed in Goodwood, since then police are looking for two suspects for her murder.

Eight year old reported missing


By Kim Saulse
12 November 2009

8 year old Moegamat Yunis Desai from Lentegeur , Mitchells Plain has been reported missing.

Moegamat, a scholar at Merrydale Primary School, was last seen by classmates during interval at school.

At the time of his disappearance he was wearing long grey pants, a white t-shirt, navy blue jacket and a pair of black school shoes.

Moegamat has been described as 1.2 metres tall, brown skinned with short black hair. He has black eyes, thin lips and a flat nose.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Investigating Officer detective Inspector Charles Julies of the Mitchells Plain police at 021 370 1706 or alternatively on
073 804 2000.

Angry students disrupt matric exams

By Nomava Nobumba
12 November 2009

Police have fired rubber-bullets to disperse an angry crowd of students at the Lagunya Finishing School in Langa.

The students gathered outside Khulani High School, in a bid to disrupt examinations early today.

They say they do not want their school to be shut down.

This is after the Western Cape Education Department has announced possible closure of the school by the end of this year.

Students demand the department to reconsider its plans.

Education Department spokesperson Bronagh Casey says it will be in the best interest of learners and the integrity of the educational system, if it happens as the education MEC Donald Grant still have to finalise the issue.

Casey adds that the security measures have been put on place to avoid this in future.

“Upon receiving the report that the examinations were disrupted, the minister immediately contacted community safety MEC Lennet Max to speed up the divisibility of patrols in the area to make sure that there are no similar such disruptions in the week ahead,” she said.

It has been reported that there was a tense stand-off between police and students shortly after the shooting.

Performance reviews road show for commercial fisheries sectors

By Ofentse Mokae
12 November 2009


The Environmental Affairs Department’s Marine and Coastal Management branch is embarking on a four-week road-show.

The road show is for the cluster D and C fisheries sectors along the South African coastline.

In a statement the department’s Carol Moses say the show is scheduled from Monday November 16 to Friday December the 1 in an attempt to ensure the participation of every long-term fishing rights holder.

“The roadshow forms part of the performance reviews of long-term Right Holders in seventeen fishing sectors in South Africa. Participation of all right holders is compulsory,” Moses said.

Moses says the performance reviews are aimed to ensure that the objectives of the fisheries are being met in terms of maintaining or improving transformation.

The reviews are also aimed at the creation of an environment for investment and job creation; and supporting the economic viability as well as environmental sustainability of the fisheries.

“All Right Holders in the affected sectors are expected to attend an interview where Departmental officials will gather information in respect of the criteria upon which Right Holders’ performance will be assessed,” added Moses.

Mitchell’s Plain CPF cries foul play in case of murdered crime fighter

By Nomava Nobumba
12 November 2009

The Mitchell’s Plain Community Policing Forum says police urgently needed to track down the killers of a local crime-fighter.

Mervyn Jacobs was gunned down while on patrol in Tafelsig last month.

Two gang members, Bradley Hess and Mario Abrahams, were arrested in connection with his death, but the charges against them were dropped in the local magistrate’s court yesterday due to a lack of evidence.

Community policing forum chairperson Michael Jacobs says its members were disappointed by the turn of events.

“We are quite shocked, but we say this is not the end,” he said.

Jacob says they will pursue the matter with the director of the public prosecutions in order to re-look at the case.

“Clearly there’s an element of corruption involve,” adds Jacobs.

Driving licence syndicate arrested

By Kim Saulse
12 November 2009

Police have arrested six people believed to be part of a syndicate which sold fake learner and driver licences in and around Bloemfontein.

The group was arrested during raids that started on Tuesday and lasted until yesterday afternoon.

Police say several houses in Mangaung were raided and authorities seized a computer and printer believed to have been used to develop the fake documents.

It has been reported that also the documentation belonging to the Department of Transport had also found.

Four people were arrested in their homes while a clerk at the Lengau Testing Station in Bloemfontein was arrested at work.

Another suspect was arrested and a firearm with its serial number scrapped was found.

The suspects will appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s court on charges of fraud and corruption.

Cape Town’s drinking water is perfectly safe despite bad taste

By Kim Saulse
12 November 2009


The City of Cape Town has assured residents that their drinking water is perfectly safe to drink despite an earthy taste in some areas.

Spokesperson Peter Flower says numerous complaints have been received by the Water and Sanitation Department about drinking water that originates from the waterskloof Dam.

Water from this dam is treated at the Blackheath and Faure Water Treatment Plants that currently supply some of the northern suburbs, the Helderberg area in the east, across the Khayelitsha and Cape Flats areas, through to the South Peninsula in the west.

Flower says the cause of the taste is a substance given off by algae when it dies.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

President and cabinet to lead by an example

By Khanyisa Tabata
11 November 2009


In a bid to raise awareness around HIV and AIDS, the Health Department plans to encourage South African leaders in various fields to undergo HIV tests in the hope that others will lead by example.

Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi will approach sports, business, entertainment and religious leaders to undergo testing; adding that both the President and the Cabinet had agreed that having a strategy of leading by example was the best way forward.

He believed it was possible to reverse the rate of infections and highlighted the case of the Western Cape which had seen a reduction in the number of early childhood deaths after introducing dual therapy in 2003.

Joint-sitting bids farewell to former Chief Justice Langa

By Ofentse Mokae
11 November 2009


Parliament’s two houses the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces held a joint sitting today to bid farewell to former Chief Justice Pius Langa and to welcome Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo.

The sitting which was called by President Jacob Zuma was attended among others, by members of the Constitutional Court, the Labour Court, the Land Claims Court, the Competition Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court of Appeal as well as Judge Presidents from all the divisions.

Justice Langa was one of the first eleven judges appointed by then President Nelson Mandela to serve on the Constitutional Court when it was established.

In his speech Zuma said the occasion was testimony to the high regard in which retiring Chief Justice Pius Langa has held.

Zuma said Langa has been a vital part of the birth and development of constitutional jurisprudence in a democratic South Africa.

“It was because of his commitment and dedication that he was appointed as Chief Justice of the Republic and head of the Constitutional Court in June 2005, taking over from Chief Justice Arthur Chaskalson,” Zuma said.

Zuma applauded the exceptional contribution that Justice Langa has made to the Constitutional Court during his tenure as its head.

“Today we are also paying tribute to Justice Langa for the role that he has played in the struggle for democracy in our country, for many years he has been a champion and defender of people’s rights.,” Zuma added.

Langa was a founder member of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers (NADEL) and served as its President.

He also participated in the major campaigns of the United Democratic Front, and was part of the Release Mandela Campaign, he was also was deeply involved in the process of negotiating the end of apartheid, participating in the work of CODESA and the Multi-Party Negotiating Forum.

The president also welcomed newly appointment Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo who replaces Langa.

Although the process of his appointment was widely criticised by opposition parties, Zuma told parliament Justice Langa leaves the court in the hands of another capable judge, Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo.

“Justice Ngcobo has an outstanding track record in defending the marginalised and in upholding human dignity and human rights and we wish to take this opportunity to welcome Justice Ngcobo and thank him for taking on this huge responsibility,” Zuma concluded.

Man wanted for robbery

By Nomava Nobumba
11 November 2009

Police are looking for the male suspect for a robbery case that occurred in Hout Bay in July.

It is alleged that 29 year old Jeremy Ensfield also known as Brandon Louw robbed a driver of his cash in Camps Bay in July at knife point.

Superintendent Randall Stofells says the complainant was stopping to pick up a female hitch hiker in Cape Town.

“As she was getting into the car, the suspect also jumped into the vehicle. When they got to Camps Bay Drive, he suddenly pulled out a knife and robbed the driver of his cash and fled on foot,”.

The suspect was supposed to appear in the Cape Town Magistrates Court in August and didn’t, then the Magistrates issued a warrant for his arrest.

Anyone with information can contact the Investigating Officer, Constable Davids at the Camps Bay Police station on 021 437 8140 or at 082 4710100.

More turmoil in the WC ANC

By Khanyisa Tabata
11 November 2009


Interim Western Cape African National Congress leader Membathisi Mdladlana says the former premier of the province Ebrahim Rasool and the ANC chief whip in the provincial legislature Max Ozinsky have been suspended.

Mdladlana says this is because of the public spats between the two played out in the media.

Rasool and Ozinsky have been involved in a dispute over allegations made by Western Cape Premier Helen Zille that Ozinsky and ANC provincial legislature member Mcebisi Skwatsha had leaked information to the Democratic Alliance.

Rasool had responded to the allegations in the media, even though he and Ozinsky had been asked not to discuss their differences in public.

Mother appears in court for child abuse









From left to right is: Constable Mthokozisi Gama Khayelitsha, the baby, and Miss Angela Nyameka (Victim Support Volunteers)


By Nomava Nobumba
11 November 2009


A 20 year old mother appeared in the Khayelitsha Magistrates Court yesterday on the charges of child neglect and child abuse.

She was arrested on Saturday after a one year old baby was left unattended playing outside in the cold weather.

Police’s Constable Mthokozisi Gama says they were contacted by the community after they discovered that the baby had been left alone at home.

“Police found the child playing outside in the cold weather. She was in a bad state of neglect and when brought to the station, Victim Support Volunteers found that she was extremely hungry,” he said.

Gama says after Victim Support Volunteers bathing her and seeing to her needs, police commenced with the search for her mother.

The young mother was arrested in a nearby shebeen.

The mother was released on bail and the child is currently in foster care and will remain there until the case has been finalised.

Youth agency announces new CEO

By Ofentse Mokae
11 November 2009


Board Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency Andile Lungisa, is expected to announce the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer of the agency during a press conference today.

The press conference is scheduled to take place at parliament this morning.

Lungisa will brief the media on the outcomes of the provincial consultations they held with key role players in the youth development sector on the establishment of NYDA provincial structures.

Lungisa recently embarked on provincial visits where he met officials from government, municipalities, civil society and political youth organizations on the establishment of the NYDA provincial and local structures in the provinces.

“During these visits we also outlined the eight priority areas the NYDA has approved to strengthen youth development in the next five years,” Lungisa said.

During the briefing Lungisa will also announce the launch of the National Youth Service Project to take place in Mitchells Plain as part of the drive by the agency to recruit not less than 500 000 young people into the youth service by April 2010.

The NYDA is a South African youth development agency aimed at creating and promoting coordination in youth development matters.
It results from the merger of the National Youth Commission and Umsobomvu Youth Fund and was formally launched on 16 June this year, as pronounced by President Jacob Zuma in his first State of the Nation Address.

Zuma awarded African President of the year

By Kim Saulse
11 November 2009


President Jacob Zuma has been awarded the prestigious 2009 African President of the Year award.

Zuma was addressing the African Consciousness Media Leadership Awards ceremony in Johannesburg yesterday, Zuma paid tribute to African elders who fought for freedom and independence.

He said what is most special about the reward is that it is Africans recognising what they regard as achievement and appreciating their own.

Zuma said the awards help to remind African leaders of their responsibilities to the people.

Government keen to discuss ways to make rand more competitive

By Kim Saulse
11 November 2009

The Minister of Economic Development, Ebrahim Patel ,says government would like to engage in an open debate with trade unions and private-sector economists on how to make the Rand more competitive.

Patel says Cabinet had agreed that the country needed a more competitive exchange rate and pointed out that the problem was that while a strong rand brought down the cost of imports, it raised the price of exports.

Briefing the media on the progress made by the Economic Sectors and Employment cluster, Patel said 7 431 workers in the automotive sector had been sent on training programmes as part of the government’s training layoff scheme.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Shooting of three-year-old by police makes international headlines

By Khanyisa Tabata
10 November 2009


The incident, in which a three-year-old boy was shot and killed by a South African policeman in Klipfontein View in Midrand, has made headlines in Britain.

The BBC says South Africa's police watchdog has condemned the shooting in the strongest possible terms.

The officer reportedly mistook a pipe the boy was carrying for a gun.

He was in a car the police thought was being driven by suspected criminals.

The policeman has appeared in court for murder and remains in custody.

Moses Dlamini from the Independent Complaints Directorate told the BBC that no pipe or firearm had been recovered from the

LOC promises 2010 extravaganza

By Khanyisa Tabata
10 November 2009


Local Organising Committee has promised an extravaganza will hit the African soil when the world’s biggest soccer tournament kicks off in just 212 days in South Africa.

Briefing Parliament’s Committee on Sport and Recreation, LOC boss Danny Jordan assured the supporters and the media that the country is ready to put on a premier tournament and protect every visitor without a doubt.

International and local media have raised concerns about the country’s ability to host the soccer spectacular.

Jordaan said South Africa had regularly proved itself capable of hosting international showpieces, starting with the Rugby World Cup in 1995 - just a year after the country's first democratic elections.

Referring to this year's Confederations Cup and British and Irish Lions rugby tour which passed without serious incidents, Jordaan reiterated that the level of crime in South Africa would not deter visitors or mar the first soccer World Cup to be held in Africa.

ANC meets to discuss controversial issues

By Nomava Nobumba
10 November 2009

The ANC Western Cape Provincial Task Team met in Cape Town this morning following a marathon meeting yesterday in which a number of controversial issues were raised.

The task team is also looking at the state of the organisation in the province, allegations of corruption in the Stellenbosch Municipality and factionalism.

It has been reported that the team's chairperson, Membathisi Mdladlana, indicated yesterday that any individual found guilty of bringing the party into disrepute would be firmly dealt with.

This is after four out of six director’s claim they were forced to resign by Municipal Manager, Ian Kenned.

R1 Rifle ammunition recovered in Claremont

By Ofentse Mokae
10 November 2009


Claremont police recovered about 66 rounds of abandoned ammunition in a house in Claremont yesterday.

Police spokesperson Captain Angie Latchman says police received a report from a Construction Employees that they had found ammunition buried in the ground at 19 Keurboom Road in the area.

The house is believed to have been a Missionary residence, and the current owner is busy with renovations.

Whilst construction employees were busy digging the ground with the purpose of erecting a wall, they came across rusted ammunition buried in the ground.

According to Detectives on the scene, the ammunition could be about forty years old.

“The ammunition has been handed over to the Explosives Unit for disposal and the Dog and Explosives Unit were at the scene to comb the area in order to ascertain if there is any other form of arms or ammunition on the vicinity,” Latchman said.
Latchman says the ammunition was not found in a cache or in any sort of box or container.

Investigations around the incident are continuing.

Eskom appoints acting board chairman

BY Khanyisa Tabata
10 November 2009


Ex-chairman of Eskom’s board Bobby Godsell says he resigned because government had not supported the board’s decision to accept Jacob Maroga’s resignation nor its attempts to resolve the dispute.

Godsell resigned yesterday as news spread that Maroga was back in his office to resume his duties as chief executive.

In a statement issued last night Godsell said Maroga had offered to resign on October 28 and the board had accepted his decision.

Godwell said the board’s legal advice is that the resignation was quite clear in its intent, and the board was entitled to accept it. He explained that Maroga denied resigning the next day.

According to Godsell the board offered to submit this dispute of fact to binding private arbitration but Maroga has not responded to the offer.

Mpho Makwana has been appointed as acting chairman of Eskom’s board.

Minister of Public Enterprises Barbara Hogan thanked the former chairman Bobby Godsell for his commitment to Eskom in the past 15 months.

The Minister said Makwana was taking the reins from Godsell with the full support of the remaining members of the board.

Traffic officer commits suicide after killing his lover

By Nomava Nobumba
10 November 2009


Bodies of a couple were found in their Woodstock home last night both with gunshots wounds.

It is alleged that 31 year old Mpumelelo Singatha took his service pistol and shot his 26 year old girlfriend Yandiswa Klass, twice in the head and once in the chest before turning the gun on himself.

Police’s Sergeant Hilton Malila says upon arrival of police at the scene Klass’s body was outside in a parking area with multiple gunshots wounds while Singatha’s was found in their bedroom with a gunshot to his head.

“Both deceased died due to gunshots wounds sustained during the incident,” he said.

The motive of the incident is unknown at this stage.

“Murder inquest docket has been open for an investigation,” added Malila.

Anyone with the information regarding the incident can contact the investigative officer on 021 486 2853.

Singatha was employed at Provincial Traffic Department as a traffic officer.

Cameras pay off for the city in crime fighting

By Ofentse Mokae
10 November 2009


The City of Cape Town metro police states that the city’s CCTV cameras are playing an effective role in spotting criminals.

More than 260 cameras are placed in a number of suburbs around the city including the CBD, Observatory, Gugulethu and Mitchell’s Plain.

Recently, seven people were arrested in the CBD and charged with public violence after cameras detected a group fighting outside a nightclub.

Metro police deputy chief Yolanda Faro say they have also joined hands with South African Police Services that responds to the cameras.

“The cameras are very effective especially where they are placed, we’ve the got the SAPS responding to the cameras, we’ve the metropolitan department as well as the law enforcement officers responding to the cameras,” Faro said.

Faro says the cameras also assist in other city services such as when they need to see where there is dumping, painting of lines as well as picking up of traffic signal defects.

More than 8 000 households benefit from Food Production program

By Kim Saulse
10 November 2009

More than 8 000 households have benefited from the government’s Food Production Program.

It was introduced to improve household and community food production primarily for consumption, and to generate income from the sale of left-over food.

The households are provided with agricultural starter packs such as implements, vegetable seedlings and fertilizers.

Public Works Minister Geoff Doidge said in Cape Town yesterday that the program is the result of a partnership between civil society, the corporate sector and government.

Societies continue to fail to meet the health care needs of women-WHO report

By Kim Saulse
10 November 2009

A new World Health Organisation (WHO) report has found that despite progress in the past decades, societies continue to fail to meet the health care needs of women at the most important phases of their lives.

This mostly happens in women’s adolescent years and in older age.

It has been reported that at the launch of the report, WHO director-general Margaret Chan, said up to 80% of all health care and 90% of care for HIV and Aids-related illness was provided in the home - almost always by women.

But more often than not, they go unsupported and unrecognised.

Monday, November 09, 2009

Two Home Affairs officials fired

By Ofentse Mokae
09 November 2009


Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma announced today that two Pinetown officials had been dismissed.

This follows after the suicide of a man whose identity document application was allegedly torn up.

Dlamini Zuma said during a surprise visit to the department's offices in Pietermaritzburg that the two officials had the right to appeal.

Twenty-two-year-old Skhumbuzo Mhlongo committed suicide after the incident in August.

A local official reportedly refused to issue the papers to Mhlongo, accusing him of being a foreigner.

At the time of his death he was looking after his four siblings in the absence of his parents.

Dlamini Zuma urged people not to resort to such drastic actions if they have problem with Home Affiars.

Government distributes over 400 tons of food relief

By Khanyisa Tabata
09 November 2009


More than eight-thousand households have benefited from the government’s Food Production Program.

The program was introduced to enhance household and community food production primarily for consumption, and to generate income from the sale of surplus food.

Media reports that the households are provided with agricultural starter packs such as implements, vegetable seedlings and fertilizers.

Public Works Minister Geoff Doidge said today that the program is the result of a partnership between civil society, the corporate sector and government.

The four food banks located in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng and Kwazulu-Natal, had distributed food through 900 agencies.

The government plans to have a food bank, complemented by a network of village food banks, set up in each of the country's nine provinces.

South Africa and Sub-Sahara's first food bank was launched in Cape Town in March and already a number of countries around the world have set up their own networks of food banks.

More than hundred arrested at the weekend

By Nomava Nobumba
09 November 2009

A Provincial Police Crime Operation conducted at the weekend netted a total of 107 arrests around the Peninsula.

Police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk says a total of 537 police officers were deployed for the operation.

Random vehicle searches were conducted at various locations, and high police visibility was maintained in areas where crime is known to be prevalent.

Some police members were deployed in civilian clothes and on foot patrols near various shopping malls.

“Police confiscated firearms, ammunition, drugs and stolen property. Shebeens were also closed down,” added Van Wyk.

Soccer theme for Cape Town’s festive lights

By Khanyisa Tabata
09 November 2009


As thousands of soccer dignitaries and journalists prepare to visit Cape Town for the final draw for the 2010 Fifa World Cup on the 4th of next month, the City of Cape Town has focused on a soccer theme for this year’s festive lights in the city centre.

The 12 light installations will span the entire width of Adderley Street.

Over 50-thousand people are expected to witness the colourful extravaganza of light and sound when Mayor Dan Plato switches on the lights at the end of the month.

Weekend chaos on wet roads

By Nomava Nobumba
09 November 2009

The wet weather caused chaos on the roads in the greater Cape Town area this weekend, with a notable increase in motor vehicle collisions.

ER24 attended to no less than seventy six collisions involving motor vehicles from Friday evening until this morning.

At one stage paramedics were coming across collisions while en route to other collisions.

ER 24 spokesperson Tristan Wadely says emergency service personnel also had their work cut out for them while driving en route to emergency calls.

“Some roads were flooded and others just very water-logged, making driving extremely dangerous with a high risk of aqua-planning,” adds Wadely.

Five people have died and others sustain injuries

ER24 emphasise that besides taking the usual precautions while driving in wet weather (keeping your headlights on, increasing following distance and reducing speed),

“We urge all motorists to be courteous to other road users and be patient on the way to their destination,” pleads Wadely.

Water week conference focuses on increasing Africa’s water supply

By Ofentse Mokae
09 November 2009


The second water week conference starting today in Johannesburg and runs until Friday, will focus its attention on establishing a sustainable roadmap on increasing Africa’s water supply.

In Africa, about 350 million people do not have access to water.

The annual water week is a project of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW).

The department of water affairs says a reduction in the number of Africans without access to water is yet to be achieved.

In a statement the council says to reduce the number of Africans that are still living without adequate access to water is challenging.

“Our efforts in providing water access to areas in need are fruitful, however, it cannot be seen owing to the ever-increasing African population,” says AMCOW executive secretary Bai-Mass Taal.

Taal stresses the importance and need for Africa Water Week, to be able to reach and carry forward the commitments made at the Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt meeting, which was an African Union (AU) summit on water and sanitation.

Presently, only 26 countries are doing well in supplying water to the poor however, there are countries that are off track owing to a lack in financial resources and adequate policy planning.

The meetings at the Africa Water Week summit are expected to be able to come up with a national plan for each country to invest in itself and meet commitments made.

Africa Water Week will be both unique and innovative in character as the main focus will be on implementation and partnership.

It will bring together a strong unity of purpose to address the critical issue of water and sanitation, which is key to sustainable development on the continent.

Heroin valued at R300 000 seized in Mitchells Plain

By Kim Saulse
09 November 2009

Mitchells Plain police have seized heroin with an estimated street value of R300 000 from six men.

A tip off from the public led police to “a suspicious” white double-cab Toyota.

“The double-cab was spotted in Caravel road Mitchells-Plain and was ordered to stop.
The six occupants and vehicle was searched and drugs were found and confiscated.
The value of the heroine is estimated to be worth R300 000,” said police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk.

The six suspects were arrested and face charges of possession of heroin.

The suspects aged between 30 and 50 years old from Mitchells Plain will appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court today.

Nine arrested for various charges in Woodstock

By Kim Saulse
09 November 2009

Woodstock police have arrested nine suspects for possession of an unlicenced firearm, ammunition and dagga.

The arrest follows after police, dressed in civilian clothes, conducted stop and search patrols in Bromwell street in the area, and noticed drug dealing activity at a house.

“During a search of the house, a loaded 38 special revolver with eight rounds was recovered. The serial number of the fire-arm was filed off. There were also ninety three (93) stoppe dagga confiscated, which was hidden in one of the rooms.

The street value of the dagga confiscated was R700, “ said police spokesperson Sergeant Hilton Malila.

The suspects are due to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s court tomorrow.

Sunday, November 08, 2009

Seven killed in Polokwane shootout

By Kim Saulse
08 November 2009

Paramedics say a violent shootout early this morning in Polokwane has left seven people dead.

ER24’s Werner Vermaak says armed robbers allegedly tried to rob a security warehouse, leading to the police and security guards opening fire.

Upon arrival, the seven suspects had all already died of gunshot wounds.

None of the police members or guards were wounded in the confrontation in the Superbia part of the Limpopo city.

Stellenbosch mayor stripped of powers

By Kim Saulse
08 November 2009

The Western Cape African National Congress has reportedly stripped the mayor of Stellenbosch of his powers.

It is believed that mayor Patrick Swartz put the Stellenbosch municipal manager Ian Kenred on special leave after he exposed an alleged corrupt municipal tender application.

The ANC’s André Gaum says Kenred had been reinstated.

Gaum says the council’s decision was unavoidable.

It is not clear who will take up the mayoral seat of the Boland town.

Government aims to slash rate of AIDS infection

By Kim Saulse
08 November 2009

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has urged people living with HIV and Aids to work with government to intensify the fight against the disease.

Motsoaledi says infighting must stop and the country must stand shoulder to shoulder with guns blazing to fight the scourge.

The South African National Aids Council, together with government, is committed to cut the rate of the infection by 50 percent by 2011 and ensure that 80 % of people who need the treatment have access to it.

Drugs valued at R200 000 confiscated in Woodstock

By Kim Saulse
08 November 2009

During routine patrols in Woodstock yesterday, police arrested a 35 year old man for possession and dealing in drugs with an estimated street value of R200 000.

“The arrest follows after police members on routine patrols, noticed a Silver Grey Mazda vehicle in Wright street Woodstock. When the police approached the vehicle sped off. After a pursued by the police, the vehicle was stopped in Albert road Woodstock,” said police spokesperson Sergeant Hilton Malila.

The vehicle was searched and a brown shoe box containing 800 grams of tik was confiscated.

Police also confiscated a substantial amount of money in the suspect’s possession.

The suspect will appear at the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.

He faces charges of possession and dealing in drugs.

Soldiers to improve service delivery

By Kim Saulse
08 November 2009

The Minister of Defence, Lindiwe Sisulu, says the army will down their guns and pick up picks and shovels next year when servicemen will assist in building homes.

Sisulu says government’s decision to cancel a R 47 billion contract to buy eight transport aircraft would allow resources for a plan she has with Sicelo Shiceka, the minister responsible for local government.

Sisulu says the army would go a long way in improving service delivery using the money saved from the cancelled contract.

DA slams Malema over VIP protection

By Kim Saulse
08 November 2009

The DA has responded with outrage to reports that ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema will receive VIP protection which could cost taxpayers some 300-thousand rands a month.

It is understood Malema sent a letter to the police ministry saying his life is in danger.

He has since been assigned guards to ensure his safety around the clock.

The DA’s Dianne Kohler Barnard says this is unacceptable.

Barnard wants to know why the public have to pay for private citizens to have VIP protection units surrounding them.

Saturday, November 07, 2009

Smooth opening for Cape Town’s 2010 terminal

By Kim Saulse
07 November 2009

Cape Town International Airport's Terminal 2010 , the new multi-million-rand central terminal building , opened without a hitch today.

The R1.5 terminal has 120 check-in counters, 20 self-service check-in machines, eight air bridges, 11 bus gates and an automated baggage-sorting system.

The combined domestic and international terminal boasts a number of popular retail outlets and shops, a food court and a public viewing deck from which families can watch aircraft land and take off.

PSL suspends Ncobo following allegations of abuse of his position

By Kim Saulse
07 November 2009

The Premier League has suspended their general manager Ace Ncobo after allegations of abuse of his position.

It has been reported that two top referees accused Ncobo of ordering them to be on the lookout for any damaging information against Orlando Pirates.

They said Ncobo ordered them to report any information concerning allegations or evidence of bribery.

Based on the reports, the PSL and Ncobo have agreed that an urgent investigation would be undertaken.

Zuma pays tribute to Madiba

By Nomava Nobumba
06 November 2009

President Jacob Zuma has paid tribute to Nelson Mandela, describing him as a true leader who united the country.

He was speaking at a gathering of traditional leaders which was organised to honour Mandela for his outstanding contribution to reconciliation and nation-building in Pretoria yesterday.

The president encouraged all those who attended to follow in Madiba’s footsteps to improve the lives of South Africans.

“Madiba characterizes a generation of leaders whose selfless sacrifice placed South Africa on the road to democracy,” he said.

Sport Ministry supports athletic body’s suspension

By Kim Saulse
07 November 2009

The Department of Sport and Recreation has applauded the South African Olympic governing body Sascoc for its action against Athletics South Africa.

This happened after Sascoc suspended the national athletics federation yesterday afternoon.

The Sport Ministry’s statement adds that ASA has to allow the process of the law to be completed.

ASA’s president Leonard Chuene and all the board members have been suspended over the handling of the Caster Semenya gender testing debacle.

Man killed in R44 collision

By Kim Saulse
07 November 2009

One person died and another is in a serious condition after a Toyota Quantum and Toyota Corolla collided on the R44, about ten kilometres outside of Stellenbosch last night.

The female occupant of the Corolla was in a serious but stable condition and was taken to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

A man, also an occupant of the Corolla, was declared dead on arrival of emergency services.

There were no injuries reported from the occupants of the Quantum.

The exact cause of the collision is unclear but police are investigating the incident.

Six year old critical after being hit by bakkie

By Kim Saulse
07 November 2009

A six year old boy is in a critical condition after being hit by a bakkie on the N1, in the direction of Paarl, at the Sable Road bridge last night.

Upon arrival, paramedics from ER24 found the boy lying in the fast lane of the N1 and had sustained serious injuries.

Advanced life support treatment was initiated on the scene and the boy was taken to Tygerberg Hospital for further treatment.

It is alleged that the boy and three other friends were crossing the N1 without adult supervision when the incident occurred.

Taxi driver killed in Delft

By Kim Saulse
07 November 2009

A 49 year old taxi driver was fatally wounded in Delft, Main Road yesterday.

Police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk says the suspect, posed as a passenger then pulled out a firearm and fired two shots at the driver while he was offloading passengers.

The driver sustained two wounds to his head and died on the scene.

The suspect fled on foot.

The motive of the murder is still unclear but investigations are underway.

Police urge anyone who can identify or trace the suspect to contact the investigating officer Detective Captain Kenneth Speed on 082 411 2127.Alternatively Crime Stop can be contacted on 08600 10111.

More inspections in hospitality sector

By Nomava Nobumba
07 November 2009

Following the recent shocking findings during the Western Cape’ mall restaurants inspections, the Western Cape Department of Labor decided to extend the inspections to the hospitality sector, focusing on guest’s house, hotels and restaurants.

Last month the inspectors found that only 89 out of 261 companies they visited do not comply with Labor legislation.

Provincial spokesperson Themba Gubula says it is a concern to the department and it will take all the measures to make sure that all companies do the right thing.

“These inspections seek to establish as to whether the current wage being paid by employers complies with the minimum wage as stipulated in the sectoral determination, whether workers are currently enjoying basic conditions of employment, whether employers are currently discharging the administrative obligations imposed by the sectoral determination as well as whether employers are registered with UIF".

The inspections will take place from the 9th to the 13th of this month.

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