The president visits Prasa Modernisation Programme

The president visits Prasa Modernisation Programme


President Cyril Ramaphosa made his way to the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, where he was briefed on PRASA’s efforts to improve train services for commuters.

The modernization program focused on the modern train sets, safe and reliable, faster and the improvement of safety on trains. The President believes that government is making rail transport safer and more efficient.

During his speech Ramaphosa said the following, “We are going to make sure that our trains run on time and are safe.”
Speaking about the specialised rail unit and other efforts in making the rail network safer, Ramaphosa said it was important for local and provincial government to work together.

The President then said that not only was the trains built by the young people, but that those who are behind the manufacturing of the new trains are mostly women, “I am delighted that the trains were made by young people, a factory of highly skilled people,”
Then proceeded to state the following “The factory has more women than men. If you could ever speak about women empowerment that is what I saw.”

After his speech addressing the media, he proceeded to cut the ribbon to the newly revamped PRASA train.
The blue and grey carriages have CCTV cameras, electronic displays and can hold up to 1,200 people in six coaches.

By: Amber Court

Opening of schools

The Bush Radio team spoke to the principal of St Agnes Primary School on the start of a new school year.

Post Fire in Khayelitsha

Post Fire in Khayelitsha
Liviwe Finca

It is often easy to generalize the repercussions of an abrupt fire but it is those who were affected that cannot imagine how life will be. This dawned to the many whose homes were burned in a fire that broke out late yesterday afternoon in Site B, Khayelitsha. It is by means of the fire rescue services that the fire did not result in any tragedy nor injuries.

When the fire started, only two fire- fighters had been present to help combat the blaze. According to a resident in the area, the water hoses which were utilized by the fire- fighters were not enough to nip the flames. That led the greater majority to take matters into personal account by allegedly confiscating the hoses to curb the blaze. “The fire was burning the homes from the sidelines. I realized that the two hoses which were used were not enough. Within a minute, the hoses were being handled by one of the residents who soon got help from younger men around the area. They spat the water from the top, side and bottom,” Donald Vusi Puza who is a resident expressed.

The residents whose homes have been damaged were relocated to the Khayelitsha, site B community hall to find refuge for the night. The number of people who have suffered loss amount to forty including their children. Cape Town Fire spokesperson Theo Layne says four fire engines and about 28 firefighters were on the scene. No injuries have been reported and the cause of the fire will be investigated.

Images and video footage by Donald Vusi Puza

The Reclaim Protest

#The Reclaim the city initiative held a protest on Tuesday at the Cape Town CBD, this was because they claimed that public land was sold to Growth point properties and that the City lost up to R140m on the auction because they undervalued it , they went on to say that it is a gift of their best land that is sold to one of the wealthiest companies on the JSE. They say that public land should never be sold in a housing crisis . And if it is, then the money should be used for basic services or affordable housing for poor and working class people. It is said that they visited everyone including the deputy mayor Ian Neilson who was in charge but none of them actually took their complaints into consideration. By Emihle Nogemane

General Elections

Bush Radios’ news team went out to the streets of Cape Town to find out who will be participating in next years general elections and what will motivate people to vote

Gender Based Violence, an issue that affects us all

In light of the 16 days of activism against women and children campaign, Bush Radios’ news team went out on the streets of Cape Town to ask them the following question: What are your thoughts on people who violate women and children?

We are making some changes

Mantashe speaks for cabinet ministers whom are not in favour of Zuma

Somila Nkosana

30 November 2016

African National Congress Secretary General Gwede Mantashe says the party will not allow cabinet ministers who spoke in favour of a vote of no confidence in President Jacob Zuma to be persecuted.

Mantashe says they were well within their rights to raise the issue at the National Executive Committee meeting.

On Tuesday, the ruling party revealed that the call for Zuma to leave office didn't receive enough support and was thus rejected by the party's executive committee.

The motion was tabled by Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom.

‘Pens down’ for matriculants

Somila Nkosana

30 November 2016

The national 2016 matric exams have come to an end.

Many of the grade 12 pupils will now divert their attention to enrolling at tertiary institutions countrywide.

Matric results will be released on the 5 January.

Two injured in shack fire

Natasha Mabuto

29 November 2016

According to a statement,a man and woman, both believed to be in their 50s, were injured this afternoon after a fire broke out in their shack in the informal settlement off Bremmer Road in Pretoria West.

Paramedics and other emergency sevices arrived on the scene and found the elderly man waiting by the side of the road.

The woman was found lying just a few feet outside of her shack which was well alight.

Upon assessment, paramedics found that both the man were found with numerous burn wounds and were both in a serious condition.

Paramedics treated the patients and provided them with advanced life support interventions.

Once treated, the patients were transported to Kalafong Provincial Hospital for urgent treatment.

It is believed that a gas cylinder exploded in the house, apparently causing the fire.

Local authorities were on the scene for further investigations.

10 children injured after taxi overturns

Natasha Mabuto

29 November 2016

According to reports,10 children have been left injured this morning after a taxi overturned on the Doreen Road in Ruimsig, west of Johannesburg.

Paramedics along with Fire Services, arrived on the scene and found the taxi lying on its side in the left lane of the road.

The driver of the taxi was found lying trapped inside the taxi, believed to have sustained moderate injuries.

The occupants from the taxi were found to be children with special needs, believed to be aged between 6 and 17.

Paramedics assessed the patients and found that the children had sustained minor to moderate injuries.

Paramedics treated the patients and provided the driver with advanced life support interventions.

It is believed that the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to crash into a wall and overturn.

Local authorities were on the scene for further investigations.

SADSAWU says proposed minimum wage is not enough

Somila Nkosana

29 November 2016

The South African Domestic Service and Allied Workers’ Union says while it welcomes the increase in wages, it simply is not enough.

As of Thursday, employees in urban areas who work a minimum of 27 hours a week will be paid a minimum of R2 422 per month and R12 49 for those who work hourly.

The union says it’s in talks with government to implement a R3 500 minimum wage.

Spokesperson, Myrtle Witbooi says unionised domestic workers are being exploited.