City implemented a MyCiTi bus night service

Mbasa Gqokoma

31 October 2015

As from today, the City of Cape Town has implemented a MyCiTi night service in Atlantis, as well as twelve additional bus stops along the feeder eoutes in Marme and Sherwood.

In a statement issued, the City says it is also heartened by the exceptional uptake of the MyCiTi service in Atlantis over the past eighteen months.

City’s Mayoral Member for Transport, Brett Herron says “A night service with bus operating from 21:00 to 23:00 is implemented along three routes.

He says…

“Firstly, to Saxonsea, Protea Park and Avondale, and then from Atlantis to Protea Park, Robinvale, Beacon Hill and Sherwood. The third route from Atlantis to Marme and Pella.”

3 and another one died in separate head-on collisions

Mbasa Gqokoma

31 October 2015

Three people died and four others were injured in a head-on collision between two vehicles on Marine Drive, Paarden Isalnd, in the early hours of this morning. ER24 spokesperson Chitra Bodasing….

“ER24 and Life Healthcare paramedics as well as other services arrived on scene and found one vehicle in the middle of the road and other one that had rolled on the side of the road. Three men had been ejected from one of the vehicles. They were assessed, sadly, there was nothing that could be done for them, they were declared dead.

Two people from the same vehicle as well as two from the other vehicles were trapped. They were extricated by Metro Rescue and Fire and Rescue Services with the use of Jaws-of-Life. Two patients were found to have sustained critical injuries and two had sustained moderate injuries.

They were treated and transported to local hospitals for further medical care.

The exact cause of the collision is unknown. Authorities were on scene.

Meanwhile, one person died and at least 15 others injured when a taxi veered off the N12 about 20km before Potchefstroom. Chitra Bodasing says

“When ER24 paramedics and other services arrived on scene they found that the taxi, which was travelling from Johannesburg, had rolled down a steep embankment.

Patients were found laying around the taxi.

Paramedics assessed the patients. Sadly there was nothing that could be done for one of the patients.

The person was declared dead.

All other patients were treated for minor to moderate injuries and transported to hospital for further medical care.”

Paramedics say the exact cause of the accident is unkown at this stage, however authorities were on scene.

9 injured in a collision and 8 injured in a separate incident

Mbasa Gqokoma

31 October 2015

Nine people were injured in a head on collision between two cars on N14 Kathu Road last night. ER24 spokesperson Chitra Bodasing…

“ ER24 paramedics and other services arrived on scene and found the area in chaos. Patients were sitting in the vehicles as well as lying next to the vehicles.

Paramedics assessed the patients and found that they had sustained minor to moderate injuries. The patients were treated and transported to the Kuruman Hospital for further medical care.”

The exact cause of the incident is unknown, however, authorities were on scene for further investigations.

Meanwhile, eight people were injured in a head on collision between two vehicles on the R33 Umlaas Road/Umbumbulu direction last night. Chitra Bodasing…

“ER24 paramedics and other services arrived on scene and found one patient trapped in one of the vehicles. Others were found scattered around the scene.

The patients trapped in the vehicle was extricated. All patients were assessed by paramedics. They were found to have sustained moderate injuries.

Paramedics treated the patients and transported them to local hospital for further medical care.”

The exact cause of the collision is unknown.

DA: ANCWL out of touch

Melon Radebe

31 October 2015

The Democratic Alliance Shadow Minister of Women in the Presidency Denise Robinson said in a statement on Friday that the African National Congress Women’s League March to the Union League “demonstrates just how out of touch the organisation is with the plight of women across South Africa.

“’We feel that the ANC Women League are just using this as a smoke screen to protect President Zuma and Blade Nzimande with the student unrest.” Denise Robinson said.

City Returns Land to Rightful Owner

Jason Murphy

30^th October

The City of Cape Town yesterday returned six hectares of land that was once owned by Juanita Solomon’s father. Her father had to sell his land under the Group Areas Act. Mayor of the City of Cape Town Patricia De Lille explains .

“We will be returning more land every month over the next period to return as much land as possible to it’s rightful owners”

Western Cape Government Prepares for Wild fires

Jason Murphy

31^st October 2015

The Western Cape Environmental Affairs Department says following one of the worst fire seasons in recent memory in early 2015, it’s geared up and ready for this summer. Biodiversity agency CapeNature recorded 153 vegetation fires in the last financial year, the highest in the past 17 years. Earlier this year, the south peninsula was engulfed by runaway vegetation blazes. Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell says emergency crews are adequately prepared.

Community Leader on Trial

Jason Murphy

30^th October

Masiphumelele Community Leader Lubabalo Vellem was charged on Friday with murder, attempted murder, assault GBH and public violence at Siomonstown magistrates. Vellem was arrested two weeks ago as part of a police crack down on mob justice in Masiphumelele. Tshepo Moletsane ANC Branch secetary in Masiphumele is at the court and explains:

“We know that there is a bail hearing underway and that this is being opposed. There is a large crowd outside and in the court”

DA calls out Nzimande for letting down students

Rentse Khiba

30 October 2015

The democratic alliance has called Higher education minister Blade Nzimande out for not delivering on a commitment to South African students.

Democratic Alliance’s spokesperson Samkelo Mgobozi said Nzimande’s cancellation of his briefing on where the extra R2.7 billion needed to address higher education funding would be sourced yesterday demonstrated disinterest and skewed priorities.

Samkelo Ngobozi explained “we urge the minister to re-schedule his briefing and to explain to South Africa as a matter of urgency, what his plan is to address the funding shortfall at Universities.”

Nzimande remains a man without a plan on higher education. This needs to change, and soon, if young South Africans are to be equipped to pursue a better future Ngobozi concluded.

DA disappointed by progress report postponement

Melon  Radebe

29 October 2015

The Democratic Alliance says it is disappointed that the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Fourth Quarter Progress Report postponed the date that was to permanently remove bucket toilets in the township.

The date was set for December 2015. The date is now set for March 31, 2016.

“Our concern is that there is no planning within the department and the Minister [Nomvula Mokonyane] is most probably going to extend this again after March next year.” DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Leon Basson said.

Voices of the Foreigners Wives to protest

Melon Radebe

29 October 2015

Voices of the Foreigners Wives said that it will proceed with their protest on Friday at the City Hall. 

The organisation claims that the municipality has not done anything about xenophobic attacks in Grahamstown.

“Our homes and our shops continue to be looted and destroyed. Our husbands have not been able to return to their families. Our children are still being hidden at home.” VFW wrote in a statement. 

“We still do not feel safe on the streets. We are still being insulted on the streets. Rumours are still being circulated about our husbands. We have lost everything and we have had no income for a week.”

The Economic Freedom Fighters and the Unemployment Peoples’ Movement are reported to join the protest.

Man airlifted to Hospital after being critically injured

Rentse Khiba

29 October 2015

Last night the ER24 medical helicopter had to airlift a critically injured patient following an incident at the corner of Beyers Naude drive and Peter road in Roodeport.

It is understood that the man, who was riding a bicycle was knocked over by a bakkie.

ER24 Spokesperson Chitra Bodasing reported when ER24 paramedics and other services arrived on the scene they found a man, believed to be about 25 years old, lying on the side of the road.

He was assessed and found to have sustained critical injuries. He is being treated and the ER24 medical helicopter was activated to airlift him to hospital, Bodasing explained.

The exact cause to the incident is unknown, however Local authorities were on scene to investigate Bodasing concluded

DA disappointed at Nzimande’s plan

Melon Radebe

28 October 2015

Democratic Alliance Shadow Minister of Higher Education, Belinda Bozzoli, in a statement issued says Higher Education Minister, Blade Nzimande has demonstrated yet again that he doesn’t have a plan to address the underfunding of higher education, which has led to student protests around the country.

She says that the truth is that Nzimande and the ANC do not care about fixing the problem.

“I am very disappointed in the minister’s lack of clear focus plan to remedy the situation.” Bizzoli said. 

Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements hails Estate Agency Affairs Board

Melon Radebe

28 0ctober 2015

The Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements has hailed the Estate Agency Affairs Board for establishing an internship program called One Learner-One Estate Agency.

“One of the things we were happy about is their programme One Learner-One Estate Agency which is an internship programme that is meant for the previously disadvantaged programme to be able to break into that space.”

This after the Committee met the agency as well as the DHS and NHBRC on Tuesday to receive briefing on their corporate responsibility programmes. Justice Molafo explains. 

IFP calls for thorough investigations on Senzio Meyiwa’s death

Mbasa Gqokoma

28 October 2015

In a statement issued, the Inkatha Freedom Party demands that the Hawks Head Mthandazo Ntlemeza must also prioritise Senzo Meyiwa’s murder case and those of IFP supporters who were killed.

IFP national chairperson, Blessed Gwala says it has been a year now since Meyiwa was killed but police are still failing to arrest his killers.

He says the Hawks must fast track the investigations.

Gwala says “They must not take one case only simply because it is attached to the president of the country and neglect the whole lot of cases which are just like Senzo Meyiwa as well as other members of the IFP, particularly in Durban who were brutally assassinated.

He says all cases need to be prioritise.”

WC Grade12’s to receive food parcels

Mbasa Gqokoma

28 October 2015

Western Cape Education MEC Debbie Schafer visited Voorbrug High School today to accept a handover of food parcels for the Grade 12 NSC candidates.

Afri Products and Logistics LTD donated food parcels to the school. Spokesperson for the MEC, Jessica Shelver explains

“They have donated 5000 food parcels and other essential items to assist our grade 12 learners who are from disadvantaged backgrounds with the preparation and sustainability during their examinations period.” 

Taxi driver extracted from a collision

Mbasa Gqokoma

28 October 2015

A taxi driver and three passengers who had to be extracted from the vehicle were injured in a collision on Old Main Road in Pinetown this morning. ER24 spokesperson Chitra Bodasing explains

“ER24 paramedics and other services arrived on scene and found that a truck and taxi had collided.

The area was chaotic. The taxi driver was trapped in the vehicle, paramedics were able to take him out of the taxi.

The taxi driver as well as all other patients were assessed. The driver and one passenger were found to have sustained moderate injuries. Two other patients had sustained minor injuries.

They were treated and transported to local hospitals for further investigation.”

The exact cause of the collision is unknown, however, authorities were on scene for further investigations.

City of Cape Town seeking new ways to improve water and sanitation

Melon Radebe

28 October 2015

The City of Cape Town will partner with the Centre of Expertise for water, sanitation, and resources recovery, the City said in a statement.

The motive is to provide better water and sanitation.

“In this day and age it is becoming more and more important to stay up to date with emerging technology and new discussions surrounding water and sanitation.” Mayoral Committte for Utility Services Ernest Sonneberg said.

“The prevalent forces of climate change and urban migration mean that the context in which these technologies are applied is not static. This partnership makes way for a dynamic dialogue that will allow Cape Town to refine its Water and Sanitation budget allocation to maximum effect for its own unique requirements.” He added. 

Baartman liable for legal costs

Jason Murphy

27 October 2015

Costs of R94,000 have been awarded against Municipal Manager of the Nama Khoi Local Municipality, Aubrey Baartmen  in a case taken by civil rights orgnaisation Afriforum. The case was taken after Afriforum brought an application for review against Baartman in the Northern Cape High Court. Wico Swanepoel, Provincial Coordinator for Afriforum explains:

“The legal costs are to be settled on a monthly basis, Afrifourm’s legal team will closely monitor these payments and if Baartmen fails to honour these payments an execution will be made against his assets”

According to Chairperson of Afriforum in Springbok, Sarel Stone, this case marks a highlight in the battle against maladministration.

Another Clean Audit for Western Cape Local Government.

Jason Murphy

27 October 2015

The department of Local Government in the Western Cape has just tabled another Annual Report with a Clean Audit before the Standing Committee on Local Government. The department has responsibility for supporting municipalities to manage their own affairs. James-Brent Styan is spokesperson for the Minister responsible:

“Some of the highlights include two new service centres have been opened in rural municipalities, electricity markets opened, annual flood and fire campaigns were rolled out to 26 school and 12,000 learners”

Also highlighted in the report was the fact that 99.1% of households have access to piped water while 93.4% have access to electricity.

City appeals judgement in South Roads, Wynberg case

Rentse Khiba

27 October 2015

The City of Cape Town on Monday applied for leave to appeal the judgment and order that stops it from evicting residents and demolishing homes in South Road to make way for the Wynberg MyCiTi route.

The City considers the judgment handed down by Acting Judge AJ Weinkove in the Western Cape High Court two weeks ago, unclear.

Mayoral Committee Member on Transport for Cape Town Councillor Brett Herron explained “after considering the court order and the judgement we have decided to appeal the judgement.”

Meanwhile Wynberg residents have expressed their disappointment with the city’s decision.

The proposed South Road/Brodie Road MyCiti route would affect up to 100 properties and turn Main Road into a one way system.

South Roads family association’s Laurie Peregrino said in Brett Herrons statement Herron said that, “The court was not clear on what was said and that the court did not give them a proper guideline in terms of what is required of them to do in terms of public participation.”

They are the Municipality, they should know what to do, Peregrino concluded.

Accident round up

Jason Murphy

27^th October 2015

On Monday the 26^th again saw fatalities on our roads. Two accidents occurred in KwaZulu Natal. Which again saw fatalities on our roads.

In the first a man lost his life after a bakkie and a car collided on Albert Road in Newcastle.

ER24 spokesperson Russell Meiring reported:

“When ER24 paramedics arrived we found two vehicles lying in the road, one person lay trapped in the vehicle who had already succumbed to his injuries, the women in the bakkie was treated for light injuries”

Meanwhile also in the Newcastle district of KwaZulu Natal three people were injured when a taxi lost control and left the road.

Russell Meiring said:

“It is understood that the taxi swerved to avoid rocks on the road and lost control of the vehicle”

Local authorities were on both scenes for further investigations.

Three people killed after domestic dispute

Rentse Khiba

27 October 2015

On Sunday afternoon three people were shot and killed in Mzinyathi area, Inanda North of Durban.

The fourth person was able to escape.

South African Police Service’s Major Thulane Zwane reported it is alleged that four people went to the house of the suspect to fetch linen.

It appears there was a domestic argument and the house owner produced his licensed firearm and shot dead three victims.

One was killed while in the car, one in the house and the third victim was killed at their neighbour’s house.

The suspect fled the scene after an incident and was later arrested.

He was found in possession of a licensed firearm believed to be the same one used to kill the victims.

It will be taken for ballistic tests to establish if it was used during the crime.

The KwaZulu Natal Provincial Commisioner General Mmamonnye Ngobeni condemned the killing of family members by suspect.

“This is unacceptable, we encourage the community to resolve their differences peacefully rather than to attack each other. I commended the Inanda police for arresting the suspect who was allegedly involved in this brutal killing and we’ll make sure that the case is thoroughly investigated”, she said.

WC MEC commemorates Breast Cancer Awareness month

Rentse Khiba

27 October 2015

The western cape MEC of health Nomafrench Mbombo will today visit the Pink Drive Mobile Breast Clinic at Mitchells Plain Hospital to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness month.

The MEC will address those living with breast cancer as well as relatives who have lost loved ones.

Ministerial spokesperson Colleen smart explained that the MEC will also address woman on the importance of early detection, as well as the services available at the facilities.

“We want to create awareness because breast cancer is the most common cancer amongst woman in South Africa.” Smart said.

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death amongst women and it is a highly relevant diseases Smart concluded.

MEC commends farmers in the Western Cape

Melon Radebe

27 Oct 2015

Western Cape MEC of Economic Opportunities, Alan Winde completed a site visit to Swartland to assess the impact of low rainfall on the regions agricultural sector.

He also visited the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s farm, Langgewens.

“Minister Winde has commended the farmers in the area for adopting more responsible farming practises and we can already see the positive effects it’s having on farming.”Ministerial spokesperson Bronwynne Jooste said. 

SADTU wishes 2015 Matric Class good luck.

Jason Murphy

26 October 2015

Nomusa Cembi, Media Officer for the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) has extended good wishes on behalf of the union to all students sitting the 2015 Matric. Over 55,000 students began exams today in what is the biggest moment in their education journey so far. 35,039 students are registered as having English as a first additional language while 21,514 have English as their Home Language. Nomusa Cembi:

“It is the threshold for their different careers after years of primary and secondary education, we wish them all the best we would like to urge the parents and the teachers to give them the support they need”

COPE Wishes Students Good Luck While Arguing for Fee Reductions.

Jason Murphy

26 October 2015

The Congress of the People Youth Movement have characterized last weeks events in the #feesmustfall campaign as a ‘marginal success’. Student protests swept the country last week resulted in Jacob Zuma announcing a zero % fee increase on Friday. However COPE spokesperson Tyson Ndou spoke to Bush Radio and told us that the there is still a lot to do in the battle for free education for all:

“We were fighting for free education, NSFAS is still not giving enough funds and therefore we are saying we want free education saying that fees are not going to increase, they must also make sure that they decrease fee to a point where NSFAS is going to be able to pay”

40 injured in Western Cape accident and 18 further in Pietermaritzburg.

Jason Murphy

26 October 2015

Two buses collided this morning on the N2 near the Jan Smuts in the Western Cape. Up to 40 people were reported injured following the incident. Russell Merring, ER24 spokesperson gives more information:

“When ER paramedics arrived on the scene they discovered two buses had blocked the highway, some of the occupants were injured and walking around the scene. Roughly 40 people had sustained minor to moderate injuries”

Meanwhile over in Pietermaritzburg 18 children were left injured this morning after a bakkie appeared to have lost control on a corner and left the road. The driver of the vehicle in which the children were travelling had left the scene.

WC MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport to hand over sporting facilities

Melon Radebe

26 October 2015

Western Cape MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport Anroux Marais will today officially hand over sporting facilities to the communities of Ashton and Bonnievale in the Langeberg Municipality.

The department said that it had allocated R500 000 in the 2014/2015 financial period for the brand new facilities.

“These facilities will indeed assist us in releasing our departmental mission to encourage excellence  and inclusivity in sports and culture through efficient use of our resources and create a partnership.” Ministerial spokesperson Stacy McLean explains . . .

Man shot and killed at midnight

Melon Radebe

25 October 2015

Early Sunday morning around midnight, a man in his late twenties was shot and killed at a taxi rank on the corners Plein and De Villiers in Johannesburg.

“When ER24 paramedics srrived on the scene, they found that a man had sustained a gun shot wound to his abdominal. There was unfortunately nothing paramedics could do for the man as he had already succumb to his injuries.” ER24 spokesperson Pieter Rossouw said.

The reasons behind the incident are not known, however local authorities on scene. 

Three shot dead, four others injured in Gugulethu

Melon Radebe

25 October 2015

Three men have been shot and killed and four others have been left injured on Saturday night at a tavern in Gugulethu.

The men are believed to be between the ages of 24 and 30.

“We can confirm that cases of murder and attempted murder are being investigated after an incident which occurred yesterday at about 6:45pm at Cubungu Street in a tavern at KTC, Gugulethu.” Constable Noloyiso Rwexana said.

She also added that no arrests have been made. 

UPM condemns xenophobic attacks in Grahasmstown

Melon Radebe

25 October 2015

The Unemployment People’s Movement claims that shopkeepers from Ethiopia, Pakistan, Somalia and Bangladesh are under attack in Grahasmstown. The attacks started on Wednesday. In the past months, six bodies had been discovered, mostly of women.

“There were rumours that people who are behind these killings are from Pakistan and other parts of the country.” UPM’s Ayanda Kota said.

Kota added that they urged the police and the municipality to act but says nothing has been done.

“Now we condemn the police for not moving swiftly, including the municipality for not moving swiftly and prevent [sic] these xenophobic attacks.”

R1.9 million worth drugs confiscated, two arrested in Gugulethu

Melon Radebe

24 October 2015

Two people have been arrested in Gugulethu this morning after police received a tip off of drugs hidden in a vehicle.

Police discovered that a large amount of drugs with an estimated street value of R1.9 million, were in the backseat of a vehicle.

“Mandrax, cocaine and rocks with an estimated street value of R1.9 million were confiscated. Two suspects, [a] female, 50 year-old and a 67-year-old man were arrested and will appear at Athlone Magistrates’ Court on charges of possession of drugs.” Constable Noloyiso Rwexana said. 

Driver crashes in rollover accident near Shelly Beach

Melon Radebe

24 October 2015

A rollover crash near Knoxcorr Road near Shelly Beach on Friday has left one man injured.

“Reports indicate that the driver was delivering the vehicle to a client when he veered of the road and rolled down an embankment.” Netcare 911 spokesperson Chris Botha said.

Botha added that the driver escaped with minor injuries. He was treated and take to hospital.

The cause of the incident is not yet known, however, local authorities were on scene to investigate. 

120 train passengers injured in Johannesburg

Melon Radebe

24 October 2015

On Friday evening, passengers jumped out of a train at Ennerdale Station in Johannesburg.

It’s believed that 120 people were injured in the incident.

“When paramedics arrived they found that the rain did not crash or derail at all. Reports indicate that for reasons still to be investigated, the brakes seem to have locked causing people to fall. In the panic, it appears some of the commuters jumped from the moving train.” Netcare 911 spokesperson Chris Botha said in a statement.

Botha added they passengers had serious to minor injuries. They were treated by various paramedics and taken to hospitals

MEC Marais to attend PMAAC

Mbasa Gqokoma

24 October 2015

Western Cape MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais will attend the 2015 Western Province Marching Association Annual Championship in Athlone.

Spokesperson for MEC, Stacey McLean says “In the address Minister Marais will highlight the importance of participating in positive youth programs to bring about significant change in communities.”

0% #FeesMustFallCampaign a success for born-frees

Mbasa Gqokoma

23 October 2015

President Jacob Zuma has reported that there will be no increase in university tuition fees for 2016.

His address comes after a meeting with student leaders and university officials following a nationwide protest against increased fees.

Thousands of students had travelled from around Pretoria and Johannesburg to attend the demonstration, which gradually degenerated into violent scenes at a fence erected on the south lawn separating the students from the Union Buildings. President Zuma said

“On the matter at hand we agreed that there will be a 0% increase of university fees in 2016”

SAWCTU files notice with NEDLAC against the City

Rentse Khiba

23 October 2015

The South African Clothing and Textile Workers Union has filed a notice with NEDLAC against the City of Cape Town, its Executive Mayor and its Mayoral committee.

This follows the City of Cape Town’s unilateral decision to lease out the Good Hope Centre, despite objections from SACTWU and other community organisations in Cape Town.

SAWCTU’s Fachmy Abrahams explained that SAWCTU objected as the city’s decision meant that the union was unable to host it’s Spring Queen fashion event at the good hope centre.

SAWCTU does not accept the disrespectful manner in which one their premier “Save Jobs” popularising events has been summarily dismissed by the city, Abrahams concluded.

DENOSA supports the #FeesMustFall protests

Rentse Khiba

23 October 2015

The Student Movement of The Democratic Nursing Union of South Africa has put its support behind the #feesmustfall campaign.

In a statement issued the DENOSA national student movement calls for full free undergraduate education in order to lift more South Africans out of the poverty trap.

DENOSA’s Tshepo Monoketsi said DENOSA is looking to Government to provide leadership on the issue.

Monoketsi explained, “We remain convinced that it is only through education that we can build a better society and defeat poverty.

The majority of students come from families that are either employed in the public sector or from families that have virtually no income and mostly would heavily rely on the student financial aid scheme for their children’s education Monoketsi concluded.

WC Cosatu considers joining student nationwide protest

Rentse Khiba

23 October 2015

The Western Cape Congress of South African trade unions says it will consider strike action against universities and the state in support of students.

Cosatu has reaffirmed its support to the students and to the principles contained in the freedom charter.

Cosatu’s, Sizwe Pamla said Cosatu will be supporting students in their struggle for equity and fairness in the educational arena.

Pamla explained that Cosatu condems in the strongest possible terms the violence that the police had used against the students.

“We call for an investigation and the strongest possible action to be taken against the guilty parties” Pamla concluded.

American tech learning centre opens in Cape Town

Mkhuseli khusi Veto

22 October 2015

The U.S Government and the City of Cape Town today have launched a Learning Centre called American Corner at the Central Library, Cape Town.

The first American Corner in Central Library was launched in 2008, The New American Corner is filled with state of the Art digital tools like iPad’s, Chrome Books, Mac Books, Digital Camera Video production equipment and High Speed Wi – Fi.

The U.S Consul General, Teddy Taylor said The U.S Consulate in Cape Town first established an American Corner in Central Library in 2008 under the name US@infoCentral.

In early 2015, the office of International Information Programs (IIP) at the U.S Department of State designated it as a Tier One American Space and invested over R3.5 million rand.

Meanwhile the Executive Mayor of Cape Town Patricia De Lille Acknowledged the American Corner as an Initiative that will equip Cape Town Residents with skills and Knowledge.

The City also set the goal of becoming the Digital Capital of Africa through internet and WiFi Services.

Cape Town Mayor Patricia De Lille Explained that It is indeed a pleasure for me to be here today as we launch this wonderful innovative space which will provide library users with a range of hi – tech tools and resources.

“As part of our undertaking to build opportunity city, we have committed to providing our residents in Cape Town to services to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills to enter the job market.” De Lile said.

38 Children injured after school bus overturned

Mbasa Gqokoma

22 October 2015

38 Children, aged between 4 and 7, have been injured yesterday afternoon after their school bus overturned at the Shive and Regina Road intersection in Northdale, Pietermaritsburg.

ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring explains….

“ When ER24 paramedics, along with other services, arrived on scene, they found a school bus lying on its side against a residence wall. Children from the bus were found walking around on scene.”

On assessment, paramedics found that 38 children had sustained minor injuries in the collision.

He says “Paramedics treated the patients and thereafter transported them to various hospitals for further treatment. It is understood that the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to roll.”

Fortunately no serious or fatal injuries were reported on scene.

23 UCT students will not be charged with treason

Mbasa Gqokoma

22 October 2015

The 23 University of Cape Town students arrested and subsequently released late last night will not be charged with treason.

The police released a statement confirming that there are no treason charges.

The National Prosecuting Authority said earlier charges against six UCT students arrested at Parliament have not been finalised yet.

The students are Chumani Maxele, Kgotsi Chikane, Nathan Taylor, Markus Trengrove, Ian Price and Bucks Whaley.

The other arrested protesters were released from police custody late last night while some spent the night in jail.

Bush Radios’s correspondent Jason Murphy explains….

“I’m standing outside the Magistrate Court here in Central Cape Town. There is a lot of confusion here this morning, cases are due to be heard.

He says “So far we know for sure 23 students are facing trial due to face the judge at 11:00 am on various charges including illegal gathering, public violence and trespassing.”

14 people injured in a collision

Mbasa Gqokoma

22 October 2015

14 people were injured yesterday afternoon after two vehicles collided on the Highlands Drive in Mandalay, Western Cape.

ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring says “ER24 paramedics, along with other services, arrived on scene they found a light motor vehicle sitting in the middle of the road while a bakkie lay on its roof on the side of the road.”

He says “On assessment, paramedics found that 14 people had sustained minor to moderate injuries in the collision.”

Paramedics treated the patients for their injuries and thereafter transported them to various facilities for further treatment.

The cause of the collision is not yet known but local authorities were on scene for further investigations.

COSATU: warns people who personally attacks Blade Nzimande

 Mbasa Gqokoma

22 October 2015

The Congress of South African Trade Unions has called for an end to personal attacks against Minister for Education Blade Nzimande in the current education fees protest.

The Congress are behind the #feesmustfall movement noting that more South Africans are at risk of being excluded from tertiary education due to rising costs across the economy.

Spokesperson Sizwe Pamla says “We are still reiterating our previous call that a moratorium be put on these fee increases because they are not affordable.

We represent workers, we know how much increases they have received.”

He says “At the same time while we are totally behind this campaign we want to warn those who are using this noble campaign to attack Minister Blade Nzimande.”

The Minister is not Father Christmas, he’s not going to give free education to South Africans. That is the responsibility of the entire cabinet.