Lauren Snyders
31 March 2012
It has been reported that many parts of Midrand and Randfontein are without electricity.
Authorities believe this might be due to a storm which caused the disruptions.
Eskom’s spokesperson Hilary Joffe said power should be restored soon.
Joffe added that they apologise for the inconvenience.
She also called on all members of the public to please stay away from damaged power cables.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Parow fire gets extinguished
Lauren Snyders
31 March 2012
A fire which broke out at a storage facility in Parow managed to be extinguished this morning.
The fire started last night.
The fire is being investigated by the authorities.
Fire and rescue spokesperson Theo Layne said that on one stage they had 14 fire vehicles and 68 fire fighters on the scene.
Layne added that no-one was injured in the blaze.
31 March 2012
A fire which broke out at a storage facility in Parow managed to be extinguished this morning.
The fire started last night.
The fire is being investigated by the authorities.
Fire and rescue spokesperson Theo Layne said that on one stage they had 14 fire vehicles and 68 fire fighters on the scene.
Layne added that no-one was injured in the blaze.
Lost python found safe and sound
Lauren Snyders
31 March 2012
One of the two pythons which escaped from a home in Gallo Manor in Johannesburg was found safe and sound.
The other python still remains missing.
The two python’s are named Dolce and Gabbana.
Dolce and Gabbana escaped from their owners home Angie Latimer on Tuesday morning.
Dolce was found was yesterday with the help of a professional snake catcher and his dog Gizmo.
Latimer owns nine snakes and they share a room in her house.
31 March 2012
One of the two pythons which escaped from a home in Gallo Manor in Johannesburg was found safe and sound.
The other python still remains missing.
The two python’s are named Dolce and Gabbana.
Dolce and Gabbana escaped from their owners home Angie Latimer on Tuesday morning.
Dolce was found was yesterday with the help of a professional snake catcher and his dog Gizmo.
Latimer owns nine snakes and they share a room in her house.
Ndebele urges road users to be cautious this Easter weekend
Lauren Snyders
31 March 2012
Minister of Transport Sbu Ndebele has urged all road users to exercise caution over the Easter weekend.
In a statement yesterday, Ndebele said they will focus on driver fitness, wearing of seatbelts at all times, drinking and driving, fatigue and pedestrian safety.
He added that they have also issued the instruction that every driver stopped must be checked for alcohol.
Ndebele stressed that drivers should follow the rules of the road and drive with their headlights on at all times.
31 March 2012
Minister of Transport Sbu Ndebele has urged all road users to exercise caution over the Easter weekend.
In a statement yesterday, Ndebele said they will focus on driver fitness, wearing of seatbelts at all times, drinking and driving, fatigue and pedestrian safety.
He added that they have also issued the instruction that every driver stopped must be checked for alcohol.
Ndebele stressed that drivers should follow the rules of the road and drive with their headlights on at all times.
Five die in Mpumalanga crash
Lauren Snyders
31 March 2012
Five people were killed and eight others were injured in a crash involving a minibus taxi and a car in Mbombela in Mpumalanga.
Netcare 911 paramedics said the two vehicles were traveling towards each other.
The driver of the car apparently lost control of his vehicle.
It spun into the path of the minibus, causing the accident.
31 March 2012
Five people were killed and eight others were injured in a crash involving a minibus taxi and a car in Mbombela in Mpumalanga.
Netcare 911 paramedics said the two vehicles were traveling towards each other.
The driver of the car apparently lost control of his vehicle.
It spun into the path of the minibus, causing the accident.
The business sector in the WC welcomes Metrorail's revised pricing structure
Lauren Snyders
31 March 2012
The Western Cape business sector has welcomed Metrorail’s revised pricing structure on the proposed train fare increase.
Metrorail announced they would increase their fares by 13% and not the initial 27%.
On Thursday the meeting between Cosatu and Metrorail saw the Cape Chamber of Commerce’s Gordan Metter part of the talks.
Metter said the new pricing concession will benefit everyone in the province.
31 March 2012
The Western Cape business sector has welcomed Metrorail’s revised pricing structure on the proposed train fare increase.
Metrorail announced they would increase their fares by 13% and not the initial 27%.
On Thursday the meeting between Cosatu and Metrorail saw the Cape Chamber of Commerce’s Gordan Metter part of the talks.
Metter said the new pricing concession will benefit everyone in the province.
DA calls for a probe on MTN allegations
Mluleki Mrwebi
31 March 2012
The Democratic Alliance has called on the Hawks to investigate allegations of corruption made against mobile operator MTN.
MTN’s CEO Phuthuma Nhleko and a small group of senior employees have been accused of engaging in corrupt acts in order to win a mobile operating license in Iran.
American mobile network Turkcell has now filed a 30-point-two-billion-Rands lawsuit against MTN.
The DA’s David Maynier said that the South African Police and the Hawks need to investigate the claims.
Maynier added that who ever found guilty must be before the court of law.
31 March 2012
The Democratic Alliance has called on the Hawks to investigate allegations of corruption made against mobile operator MTN.
MTN’s CEO Phuthuma Nhleko and a small group of senior employees have been accused of engaging in corrupt acts in order to win a mobile operating license in Iran.
American mobile network Turkcell has now filed a 30-point-two-billion-Rands lawsuit against MTN.
The DA’s David Maynier said that the South African Police and the Hawks need to investigate the claims.
Maynier added that who ever found guilty must be before the court of law.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Western Cape business sector welcomes Metrorail`s compromised hike fare
Mluleki Mrwebi
The Western Cape
The commuter rail service announced earlier today that it would be implementing a 13 percent fare hike.
Metrorail had initially proposed to hike the fares by 27-percent.
The Cape Chamber of Commerce
Fuel increase set out for April
Mluleki Mrwebi
The Minerals and Energy Department announced a major fuel price increase today.
The fuel prices will come to effect in April.
The fuel price increase coincides with the fuel levies set out by Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan in his 2012 budget speech.
On the increased prices a litre of unleaded petrol will cost 70 cents more inland and 66 cents more in coastal areas.
Freedom Front Plus vows to continue with the toll protest
Mluleki Mrwebi
The Freedom Front Plus says they will continue with their plans to protest against electronic e-tolling on the N1 in Johannesburg
Demonstrations were stopped on Thursday when the metro police intervened.
The Freedom Front-Plus was told that they had not applied for permission for the toll protest.
FF-Plus Spokesperson Anton Alberts said that Thursday`s protest was just the beginning of a range of protests to follow.
Alberts further said that they are busy planning what they will be doing in April.
Alberts added that next time they will follow proper procedures.
Metrorail announced a reduced fare hike
Mluleki Mrwebi
Metrorail in the Western Cape
The transport company announced today that the fare hike has been reduced from 27-percent to 13-percent.
Metrorail provincial manager Mthuthuzeli Swartz says passengers who buy monthly tickets will also get a 15-percent discount for the first three months.
The Congress of South African Trade Unions has welcomed the percentage decrease.
Cosatu has been campaigning against the proposed hike.
Another Cape Town shack fire claims lives
Mluleki Mrwebi
Two people lost their lives in a shack fire in Phillipi.
The fire occurred in the early hours of today at
Sheffield Road
.
In the fire four shacks were burnt down.
Disaster Risk Management Centre`s Wilfred Solomons-Johannes said that other people escaped unharmed.
Solomons-Johannes added that the cause of the fire is not known at this stage.
The Right2know group against the Secrecy Bill march
Mluleki Mrwebi
30 March 2012
On Thursday, sections of the ANC, SACP and SANCO in the Cape Metro issued a public statement that they will be marching to Parliament later today.
The march is in support for the State Information Bill.
The Right2know group in the Western Cape has expressed disappointment in this march.
The Organiser of the Right2know in the Western Cape Cedile Nkwame said that it is shocking that these parties are in support of the bill.
Nkwame added that they should have consulted with other organisations to discus certain clauses of the bill.
Dewani to find out his fate this morning
Andiswa Mkosi
30 March 2012
The British High Court is expected to announce if Shrien Dewani will be extradited to South Africa to face charges relating to the murder of his wife today.
Dewani has been caught up in the murder of his wife Anni, who was killed while the were on honeymoon in SA in December 2010.
The announcement is expected after 11 AM.
Dewani returned to the UK after the murder, but the National Prosecuting Authority has applied for his exile to SA as the fourth accused in the case.
Interest rate will remain unchanged
Andiswa Mkosi
30 March 2012
The South African Reserve Bank announced yesterday that interest rates will remain unchanged for the foreseeable future. The repo rate stands at 5.5%
This is the lowest level in more than 30 years.
The Federation of Unions of South Africa says they are very disappointed with the lack of change.
Krister Janse van Rensburg of FEDUSA calls it a missed opportunity to cut interest rates to motivate consumer spending and economic growth.
Stop rhino poaching
Andiswa Mkosi
30 March 2012
The struggle to stop rhino poaching is on-going according to the Department of Environmental Affairs.
New measures are being put in place to try end the killings.
One-hundred-and-50 additional rangers have completed their competency test and are soon to be deployed in the Kruger National Park.
The Department’s Albi Modise acknowledges that corrupt rangers are sometimes the problem and outlines how they aim to put a stop to this.
30 March 2012
The struggle to stop rhino poaching is on-going according to the Department of Environmental Affairs.
New measures are being put in place to try end the killings.
One-hundred-and-50 additional rangers have completed their competency test and are soon to be deployed in the Kruger National Park.
The Department’s Albi Modise acknowledges that corrupt rangers are sometimes the problem and outlines how they aim to put a stop to this.
The ANC has won the by elections Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole
Mluleki Mrwebi
30 March 2012
The ANC has won thirteen out of fourteen wards on Wednesday’s national by-elections.
In the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole the ANC won all three wards contested by a margin of over 90-percent.
ANC Spokesperson Keith Khoza said that this shows the ruling party’s continued support across the country.
Khoza further said this shows that people still believe that ANC is the only party that can deliver.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
A red tide endanger rock lobster
Mluleki Mrwebi
A toxic red tide on the West Coast has resulted in a rock lobster walkout near Lamberts Bay Elands Bay
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries officials have collected around one-ton of live rock lobster.
Department spokesperson Lionel Adendorf says this is the third walkout this week.
Adendorf added that there is nothing they can do as this is a natural occurrence.
MEC Robin Carlisle calls for a stop on stone throwing
Mluleki Mrwebi
The Western Cape MEC for Transport Mr Robin Carlisle has urged Metrorail to stop the stone throwers.
This week alone about three incidents of train commuters that hit on the trains were reported.
A shack fire claims two lives
Mluleki Mrwebi
A couple burnt to death in a shack fire that occurred in the early hours of today.
The incident in Gugulethu Cape Town.
Disaster Risk Management Centre`sWilfred Johannes-Solomons said that Zamile Mqokeli and his girlfriend were burnt beyond recognition.
Cape Town Police Spokesperson Andre Traut said that a 41-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the fire.
ANC welcomes the civic organisations` decision
Mluleki Mrwebi
The ANC in the Western Cape
The organisations had agreed to form an education forum in the Theewaterskloof municipality.
This comes after the overcrowding crisis in the Umyezo Wamampile combined school and Groenberg Secondary Schools in Grabouw.
The crisis led to racially-based clashes when the residents took to the streets.
The ANC says the forum will be able to draw on the considerable success of the Mitchells Plain Education Forum on the Cape Flats
Gun Free South Africa calls for businesses to have gun free zones
Mluleki Mrwebi
The Gun Free South Africa says businesses and organisations should consider enforcing firearm free zones.
Gun Free SA’s Alan Storey says that would ensure that tragedies like the murder-suicide at a Centurion law firm in Gauteng
Four people were killed when 64-year-old Martin van Deventer opened fire on them in a meeting at Du Randt-Richards Attorneys.
Van Deventer is believed to have had two firearms with him at the time.
Storey further said that, had the offices been a gun free area, the killings would not have occurred.
Traffic officials on high alert
Mluleki Mrwebi
The Easter weekend is just around the corner and the traffic authorities remain on high alert.
Western Cape Traffic Chief Kenny Africa says that toady about four luxury long distance buses were removed from Western Cape
He also said that the fourth bus was found that it had been removed from the road in another province.
19 injured in an accident in CT
Andiswa Mkosi
29 March 2012
This morning in Cape Town 19 people were injured in an accident on the N-2 highway near Bhunga Avenue.
A truck and two cars were involved.
Traffic officials say the accident left two lanes blocked and severely backed up morning traffic.
Meanwhile,Forty people were injured when a bus left the Hornsnek Road in Pretoria North and crashed into a ditch this morning.
A man attempts suicide after murdering four people
Andiswa Mkosi
29 March 2012
A Cape Town man tried to commit suicide this morning after allegedly killing four members of his family, including two small children.
Police say Khayelitsha community members handed the 25-year-old after he murdered four family members.
A knife and spade found on the scene had apparently been used to commit the murders.
The man drank battery acid and is being treated in hospital under police guard.
Mdluli returns to office
Andiswa Mkosi
29 March 2012
Police management says there will be no public discussion on the lifting of the suspension of Crime Intelligence boss General Richard Mdluli and Major General Solomon Lazarus.
The decision was announced last night in a short statement.
The crime intelligence boss was suspended last year after his arrest for murder and fraud charges which were then withdrawn.
Mdluli was suspended until an investigation into his and other official's alleged abuse of the division’s 200-million-Rands secret services account was done.
Cosatu to meet with Metrorail
Andiswa Mkosi
29 March 2012
Today Cosatu wil meet with Metrorail in an attempt to find a solution to what they regard as very high train fare increases.
The Passenger Rail Agency intends hiking fares by as much as 27-percent on Sunday.
Tony Ehrenreich of Cosatu has warned that they will go ahead with a strike should Metrorail follow through with its plans.
Meanwhile the Western Cape MEC for Transport and Public Works Robin Carlisle says the fare hike is not justified.
Confrontation leads to a suicide
Andiswa Mkosi
29 March 2012
It appears that a dispute over money led to yesterday’s murder-suicide at a law firm in Centurion, Gauteng.
Four men were killed.
It is believed that 64-year-old Martin van Deventer had confronted 43-year-old Pieter Erasmus, 50-year-old Johan Griesel and 56-year-old Wimpy van Heerden over money they are believed to have owed him.
When they said they didn’t have the money but would pay him later, Van Deventer shot the three men and himself.
A body found on Chapman`s peak
Mluleki Mrwebi
29 March 2012
A body of a man was found near a hiking trail above Chapman’s Peak Drive on Wednesday.
Emergency services officials were alerted to the scene by base jumpers who had found the body.
Emergency Spokesperson Keri Davids said that the jumpers spotted a body about 200 metres from the top of the peak.
Davids added that the body had been wedged between rocks there.
Davids also said that the cause of death is not known at this stage.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Ad Hoc Committee disappointed with presentation on state information bill
Mluleki Mrwebi
The presentation on Protection of State Information Bill was stopped by the chairman of ad-hoc committee in parliament today.
Raseriti Tau told Mark Weinberg from the Alternative Information Development Centre that he could not continue with his submission after he made political comments.
Tau accused Weinberg of making reference to the 2007 ANC Polokwane Conference.
Tau further said that the Committee welcomes and appreciates all relevant oral presentations that have been made to the Committee as they will assist the Committee members in their deliberations.
A murder suicide leaves four people dead
Mluleki Mrwebi
The Gauteng Police say that the motive for the killings at a law firm in Gauteng
Four people were shot dead in Centurion this afternoon after an alleged argument broke out in attorneys’ offices where six men had been in a meeting.
Three of the victims died instantly while the man who was critically wounded passed away a short while later.
The police added that they are still investigating the cause of the shooting.
Plans for tolled highways in the Western Cape put on hold
Mluleki Mrwebi
The Government has reportedly put on hold plans for tolled highways in the Western Cape
Deputy Transport Minister Jeremy Cronin said that government will not prioritize the Winelands Toll Road Project.
The City took the National Roads Agency and the Transport Department to court in a bid to block toll road plans.
The provincial government of the Western Cape Cape Town
DA calls for SABC to appear before the portfolio committee
Mluleki Mrwebi
The Democratic Alliance wants the SABC to appear before Parliament’s communications portfolio committee.
This comes after Minister Dina Pule revealed that the corporation had spent more than 16-million-Rands over the past two years on renting cars.
DA’s Marian Shinn says that in addition, the broadcaster spent more than half-a-million-Rands on shuttle services.
Shinn added that SABC board members were responsible for 60-percent of the shuttle costs.
Four seriously injured in Pretoria crash
Lauren Snyders
28 March 2012
An accident occurred on the N1 in Erasmuskloof in Pretoria, where four people were seriously injured.
A light motor vehicle and a light delivery vehicle collided head-on on the Rigel Avenue Bridge.
The events leading up to the accident remain unclear and police are still investigating.
Netcare 911’s Jeffrey Wicks said the common cause information suggests that an errant party veered from their allocated lane and pushed into oncoming traffic.
He added that the two then collided head-on and skidded to a halt at the carriageway.
Netcare911 paramedics arrived on the scene to assist the injured.
Wicks said the driver of the car was in a serious condition and the three occupants of the truck were also seriously injured.
All of the injured were treated, stabilised and taken to hospital for further care.
28 March 2012
An accident occurred on the N1 in Erasmuskloof in Pretoria, where four people were seriously injured.
A light motor vehicle and a light delivery vehicle collided head-on on the Rigel Avenue Bridge.
The events leading up to the accident remain unclear and police are still investigating.
Netcare 911’s Jeffrey Wicks said the common cause information suggests that an errant party veered from their allocated lane and pushed into oncoming traffic.
He added that the two then collided head-on and skidded to a halt at the carriageway.
Netcare911 paramedics arrived on the scene to assist the injured.
Wicks said the driver of the car was in a serious condition and the three occupants of the truck were also seriously injured.
All of the injured were treated, stabilised and taken to hospital for further care.
Fritz calls for fewer children in juvenile centres
Lauren Snyders
28 March 2012
The Western Cape’s MEC for social development Albert Fritz said that there are too many children who are sent to juvenile centres, which return unreformed.
If a minor is found guilty of serious or violent crimes they are sent to one of seven centres in the Western Cape.
In the province about 411 children are currently being held in centres, Fritz wants to reduce this number.
Fritz said that children who are awaiting trial should be held within their communities through a community supervision programme.
He said the centres have to remain the last resort.
Fritz added that he will work towards having only one centre for children who have been sentenced in the province.
28 March 2012
The Western Cape’s MEC for social development Albert Fritz said that there are too many children who are sent to juvenile centres, which return unreformed.
If a minor is found guilty of serious or violent crimes they are sent to one of seven centres in the Western Cape.
In the province about 411 children are currently being held in centres, Fritz wants to reduce this number.
Fritz said that children who are awaiting trial should be held within their communities through a community supervision programme.
He said the centres have to remain the last resort.
Fritz added that he will work towards having only one centre for children who have been sentenced in the province.
Illegally-harvested seafood was confiscated in CT
Andiswa Mkosi
28 March 2012
Agriculture and Fisheries officials yesterday received a perlemoen delivery worth about 27-million-Rands in Cape Town.
This delivery comes three weeks after it was detained in Hong Kong.
The illegally-harvested seafood was taken after having been shipped from South Africa to Hong Kong.
The detained batch weighed more than two-and-a-half-thousand-kilograms. Lionel Adendorf the department spokesperson says this is the first batch to be returned to SA after docking in a foreign country.
Thai national arrested for illegal rhino trading
Andiswa Mkosi
28 March 2012
Yesterday the Hawks arrested a Thai National in Johannesburg at the Thai Emperors Palace in connection with illegal rhino horn trading.
Spokesperson of the Revenue Service Adrian Lackay says the arrest comes after a thorough investigation into the unlawful trade in rhino horn internationally.
The suspect had 21-thousand-Rands in cash on him.
He is believed to be the fourth suspect in a big syndicate, including another two Thai nationals and Free State game farm owner Marnus Steyl.
City of Cape Town plans to improve security in the city
Mluleki Mrwebi
28 March 2012
The City of Cape Town’s Metro Police are currently hosting a delegation of CCTV experts from the United Kingdom.
The delegation will take a critical look at the CCTV system in the mother city.
JP Smith from the City’s Safety and Security Committee says that there are currently 600 camera’s across Cape Town.
Smith further said that they need advice from successful systems like the one in London in order to facilitate future technology improvements.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Four suspects arrested in connection with mob justice killing
Mluleki Mrwebi
On Monday morning police received information about a mob justice murder which occurred last Saturday in Khayelitsha.
Filander said the four suspects are arrested for the murder of a 19-year-old Thabo Mzimela.
Filander added that the suspects will appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrates Court later on Wednesday.
Union Solidarity to launching a campaign against retrenchments at Absa
Mluleki Mrwebi
Trade Union Solidarity confirmed today that they would be launching a massive campaign to put an end to planned retrenchments at Absa.
Absa bank has denied the rumours that major cut backs are looming from the 31stof March.
Solidarity spokesperson Chris du Plessis said that they cannot allow the retrenchments to continue.
du Plessis added that they want to send a clear message that retreching people is not the answer.
An 84-year-old woman rescued on the mountains
Mluleki Mrwebi
An 84-year-old woman was rescued this afternoon in Llandudno.
Emergncy Medical Services`s Keri Davids said that the woman was hiking on the mountains.
Davids said the woman sustained minor injuries.
Davids added that she was transported to Vincent Palloti Hospital
Chris Whelan appointed the new CEO of Accelerate Cape Town
Mluleki Mrwebi
The Business think tank and leadership network facilitator Accelerate Cape Town has appointed Chris Whelan as the new Chief Executive Officer.
Whelan the former associate director of Ernst & Young will take his new position as CEO on the 1 July 2012 .
Accelerate Cape Town
Lundy says he has all the confidence on Whelan.
Accelerate Cape Town Board Chairman Jock McKenzie says that they ran a rigorous selection process over a period of several months and they are confident that this has ensured the best successor for Guy.
McKenzie added that they were all impressed with Chris’ broad experience, as well as the enthusiasm he showed for the work that Accelerate Cape Town is doing.
New school principals in leadership management programme
Lauren Snyders
27 March 2012
The Western Cape Education Department has also embarked on a training programme for first time principals.
The MEC for education in the Western Cape’s spokesperson Bronagh Casey said they are glad that the Cape teaching and leadership Institute is holding an induction programme for new school principals on leadership and management.
About 45 news school principals will be part of the programme.
The programme will covers topics such as the legal framework in which a principal operates, the Western Cape education departments structures and protocols and school management team alignment and communication.
Casey said the programme is one of many that will focus on school principals this year.
27 March 2012
The Western Cape Education Department has also embarked on a training programme for first time principals.
The MEC for education in the Western Cape’s spokesperson Bronagh Casey said they are glad that the Cape teaching and leadership Institute is holding an induction programme for new school principals on leadership and management.
About 45 news school principals will be part of the programme.
The programme will covers topics such as the legal framework in which a principal operates, the Western Cape education departments structures and protocols and school management team alignment and communication.
Casey said the programme is one of many that will focus on school principals this year.
Still no sign of missing rugby players
Lauren Snyders
27 March 2012
The National Sea Rescue Institute confirmed that there is still no sign of the five rugby players who were swept out to sea on Sunday.
The five players belong to the Motherwell Rugby and Football club.
The NSRI’s Craig lambinon said the five were part of 21 people who were swept out to sea.
He added that 15 of them survived with no injuries while one died.
According to the police’s Andre Beegte, the army will also assist in finding the remaining five missing men.
27 March 2012
The National Sea Rescue Institute confirmed that there is still no sign of the five rugby players who were swept out to sea on Sunday.
The five players belong to the Motherwell Rugby and Football club.
The NSRI’s Craig lambinon said the five were part of 21 people who were swept out to sea.
He added that 15 of them survived with no injuries while one died.
According to the police’s Andre Beegte, the army will also assist in finding the remaining five missing men.
Training for teachers to improve learning
Lauren Snyders
27 March 2012
The MEC in the Western Cape Donald Grant will be visiting the Cape Teaching and Leadership Institute today.
500 foundation phase educators are receiving training and teaching of language and reading skills.
The MEC spokesperson Bronagh Casey said they believe and are committed to provide educators the opportunity for ongoing professional skills development.
Casey said the aim of the training is to improve the teaching skills of the educators, and in turn improving the reading and learning skills of learners.
Casey said improving the learning skills of the learners is a priority of the government.
27 March 2012
The MEC in the Western Cape Donald Grant will be visiting the Cape Teaching and Leadership Institute today.
500 foundation phase educators are receiving training and teaching of language and reading skills.
The MEC spokesperson Bronagh Casey said they believe and are committed to provide educators the opportunity for ongoing professional skills development.
Casey said the aim of the training is to improve the teaching skills of the educators, and in turn improving the reading and learning skills of learners.
Casey said improving the learning skills of the learners is a priority of the government.
Reviews of court judgement
Andiswa Mkosi
27 March 2012
Government has made it known that Judgments of the Supreme Court of Appeals will also be reviewed.
This comes after announcement that Constitutional Court judgments will be re-examined to determine how they had contributed to the transformation of society.
The planned review has been criticised as an attempt to interfere with the judiciary.
Justice department spokesperson, Tlali Tlali insists this is not the case.
HIV infected residents protest
Andiswa Mkosi
27 March 2012
A group of HIV positive residents took to the streets of Cape Town yesterday.
The reason for the protest was that they want the government to offer an alternative when their social grants are discontinued.
Government is in the process of re-registering people on social grants.
Western Cape secretary of the National Association of People with Aids, Siphiwe Mzhimelo says they are concerned that HIV grant beneficiaries will not be re-registered again.
27 March 2012
A group of HIV positive residents took to the streets of Cape Town yesterday.
The reason for the protest was that they want the government to offer an alternative when their social grants are discontinued.
Government is in the process of re-registering people on social grants.
Western Cape secretary of the National Association of People with Aids, Siphiwe Mzhimelo says they are concerned that HIV grant beneficiaries will not be re-registered again.
Necklacing in Khayelitsha
Mluleki Mrwebi
27 March 2012
The Freedom Front Plus says that the necklacing of alleged criminals in Khayelitsha is not acceptable.
In the last two weeks the community has been using necklacing to punish criminals.
At least eight people have been killed in vigilante attacks in the township and in Macassar.
Freedom Front Plus’ Pieter Groenewald says serious intervention is needed by the Minister of police Nathi Mtethwa.
27 March 2012
The Freedom Front Plus says that the necklacing of alleged criminals in Khayelitsha is not acceptable.
In the last two weeks the community has been using necklacing to punish criminals.
At least eight people have been killed in vigilante attacks in the township and in Macassar.
Freedom Front Plus’ Pieter Groenewald says serious intervention is needed by the Minister of police Nathi Mtethwa.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Khayelitsha residents differ on mob justice
Mluleki Mrwebi
Khayelitsha residents have expressed different views on the vigilante killings that have been happening in the area recently.
Some residents are against it, while others believe it is justifiable.
The Western Cape Community Safety MEC Dan Plato today met with the police commisioner in the Western Cape Arno Lamoer to discus possible ways of combating mob justice.
Dan Plato said that there seems to be a communication failure between the police and the residents.
Plato said that some of the victims were stoned to death and others necklaced.
Plato added that such cruelty is not welcome.
African National Congress is yet to comment on Malema`s court bid
Mluleki Mrwebi
The African National Congress and its National Disciplinary Committee today refused to comment on Julius Malema's announcement that he was taking the ruling party to court.
The embattled ANC Youth League leader on Sunday said that he had no choice but to exercise his right to legally challenge his expulsion.
Malema was expelled for sowing divisions and bringing the party into disrepute in February this year.
The National Disciplinary Committee Appeals is yet to announce its verdict on Malema's expulsion.
The embattled ANC Youth League leader on Sunday said that he had no choice but to exercise his right to legally challenge his expulsion.
Malema was expelled for sowing divisions and bringing the party into disrepute in February this year.
The National Disciplinary Committee Appeals is yet to announce its verdict on Malema's expulsion.
Western Cape Health Department gets a boost
Mluleki Mrwebi
Western Cape Health MEC Theuns Botha said that service delivery at medical facilities would not suffer despite budgetary restraints.
Botha tabled his department's budget for the 2012/13 financial year in Parliament,Cape Town
The Department of Health has been allocated the biggest slice of the province's financial pie, with R14.6 billion.
Botha stressed that they would have to stretch their funds.
Botha added that commissioning newly built hospitals in Mitchell’s Plain and Khayelitsha, and refurbishing theValkenberg Psychiatric Hospital
Botha tabled his department's budget for the 2012/13 financial year in Parliament,
The Department of Health has been allocated the biggest slice of the province's financial pie, with R14.6 billion.
Botha stressed that they would have to stretch their funds.
Botha added that commissioning newly built hospitals in Mitchell’s Plain and Khayelitsha, and refurbishing the
School rugby match turns violent
Lauren Snyders
26 March 2012
The principal of a high school in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga said a rugby match between two rival schools turned violent.
It is apparent that spectators attacked players with baseball bats, pipes and hockey sticks.
The headmaster of Evander High School said his learners were also stopped from leaving Reyno Park Hoërksool as spectators blocked off the exits.
He said that one player was knocked unconscious while parents were also hurt.
The headmaster said emotions ran high as spectators blocked off exits and threw rocks and bottles at Evander High School buses.
The police was called but never arrived.
Attempts to contact the headmaster of Reyno Park Hoërskool have been unsuccessful.
26 March 2012
The principal of a high school in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga said a rugby match between two rival schools turned violent.
It is apparent that spectators attacked players with baseball bats, pipes and hockey sticks.
The headmaster of Evander High School said his learners were also stopped from leaving Reyno Park Hoërksool as spectators blocked off the exits.
He said that one player was knocked unconscious while parents were also hurt.
The headmaster said emotions ran high as spectators blocked off exits and threw rocks and bottles at Evander High School buses.
The police was called but never arrived.
Attempts to contact the headmaster of Reyno Park Hoërskool have been unsuccessful.
Community safety to meet with police over mob justice
Lauren Snyders
26 March 2012
Later this week community safety officials will meet with police to discuss the issue of vigilantism.
This past weekend, two bodies were discovered by police in Khayelitsha.
Police believe the two are victims of mob justice.
This is the third incident of mob justice in the Cape in recent weeks.
Community safety spokesperson Greg Wagner said they will be taking this matter up with the police commissioner.
Wagner added that MEC for community safety Dan Plato will meet with local councilors in Khayelitsha later this week to discuss the issue.
The latest incident comes just days after three bodies were discovered in Macassar.
The three men were suspected of stealing a flat screen television and a DVD player.
Four suspects have been arrested for their murders.
26 March 2012
Later this week community safety officials will meet with police to discuss the issue of vigilantism.
This past weekend, two bodies were discovered by police in Khayelitsha.
Police believe the two are victims of mob justice.
This is the third incident of mob justice in the Cape in recent weeks.
Community safety spokesperson Greg Wagner said they will be taking this matter up with the police commissioner.
Wagner added that MEC for community safety Dan Plato will meet with local councilors in Khayelitsha later this week to discuss the issue.
The latest incident comes just days after three bodies were discovered in Macassar.
The three men were suspected of stealing a flat screen television and a DVD player.
Four suspects have been arrested for their murders.
R40 million for prison uniforms
Lauren Snyders
26 March 2012
Uniforms for prisoners awaiting trial will cost the state nearly R40 million.
Correctional services minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said in response to a parliamentary question from the ANC MP Winnie Ngwenya 100 000m of material had already been bought for the manufacturing of the uniforms.
The rest of the material will be bought in the new financial year.
Mapisa-Nqakula added that Article 49 of the Correctional Matters Amendment Bill would only be promulgated after the uniform manufacturing process was finished.
26 March 2012
Uniforms for prisoners awaiting trial will cost the state nearly R40 million.
Correctional services minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said in response to a parliamentary question from the ANC MP Winnie Ngwenya 100 000m of material had already been bought for the manufacturing of the uniforms.
The rest of the material will be bought in the new financial year.
Mapisa-Nqakula added that Article 49 of the Correctional Matters Amendment Bill would only be promulgated after the uniform manufacturing process was finished.
ANC to meet with COSATU
Andiswa Mkosi
26 March 2012
Gwede Mantashe says the government is standing firm on its implementation of the eTolling system in Gauteng.
The ANC’s National Executive Committee will meet with Cosatu today to address its grievances.
The ruling party will use this opportunity to better understand why the trade union federation is unhappy.
E-tolling on Gauteng’s highways will begin at the end of next month. Mantashe says all parties should respect the decision to go ahead with the system.
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