Bush Radio 89.5 fm Newsroom

More awareness for public hearings needed

2012-02-01T18:11:00.000+02:00

Anansa Jacobs

01 February 2012

The Press Freedom Commission completed public hearings on the freedom of the media in Johannesburg today.

The commission was led by former Chief Justice Pius Langa.

More than four hundred submissions have been submitted to the commission orally and in writing.

Public Prosecutor Thuli Madonsela says the commission should have put more effort into creating awareness around the hearings.

Mazibuko announces new shadow cabinet

2012-02-01T17:14:00.000+02:00

Anansa Jacobs

01 February 2012

The Democratic Alliance’s parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko has announced the new shadow cabinet for 2012.

Mazibuko says the completely all new shadow cabinet has been designed to achieve greater objectives in Parliament.

She added that the new cabinet is made up of a generational mix of veterans and energetic youth which will make a formidable impact this year.

DA MP Wilmot James has been reassigned to the Trade and Industry portfolio and new recruit Tim Harris will be shadowing the Finance Minister.

Stellenbosch School calls for safety measures

2012-02-01T11:53:00.002+02:00

Lauren Snyders
1 February 2012

Management at a Stellenbosch Primary School appealed to traffic authorities to implement safety measures to stop road accidents involving learners.

Vlottenberg Primary School learner Aiden Jumath was knocked over and killed while trying to cross a busy road yesterday.

Principal Ruth Dreyer said that the death of the eight-year-old is another wake up call for the traffic officials.

She added that this was the tenth learner they have lost in an accident.

Driver and owner of earthmover granted bail

2012-02-01T11:35:00.000+02:00

Lauren Snyders
1 February 2012

The owner and the driver of the unlicensed earthmover which was involved in Monday’s fatal accident will be granted five-hundred-Rands bail each.

The accident took place near Wellington in the Boland when eight farm workers died after the truck they were travelling in smashed into the earthmover and plunged over the bridge.

The case against the driver Isak Stuurman and the owner James van Rooyen will resume in the Tulbagh Magistrates court early in April.

At this stage the two are facing charges of culpable homicide.

Western Cape clinics to work with traditional healers

2012-02-01T11:25:00.000+02:00

Mluleki Mrwebi
1 January 2012

The Western Cape Municipal health officials are looking to have a working relationship with traditional healers in Cape Town.

Officials said the role of these health practitioners has to be recognised as they are the first point of contact for many South African communities.

The City`s Mayco member for health Lungiswa James on Tuesday met with about 50 traditional healers.

They met to encourage a working relationship between the two parties.

James said they will have a lot of talks concerning the basis of their relationship with the traditional healers.

James further said clinics need to work closely with the traditional healers.

Zille promotes animal welfare

2012-02-01T10:39:00.001+02:00

Lauren Snyders
1 February 2012

Western Cape Premier Helen Zille hosted a summit with animal welfare organisations yesterday.

This forms part of the Premier’s efforts to ensure a direct approach to promoting animal welfare.

She wants to promote the humane treatment of domestic animals in the province.

Spokesperson for the Premier Zak Mbhele says the provincial government’s key role is disease prevention and management through by-laws and local policing.

Many people do not know what the Secrecy Bill is

2012-02-01T10:27:00.000+02:00

Andiswa Mkosi
1 February 2012

Unions are accusing parliament of not explaining the Protection of State Information Bill to people attending public hearings .
Hennie van Vuurenfrom the Right2Know Campaign explained that without proper information people cannot be expected to express an opinion.

Gugulethu township which is situated in Cape Town and Thembalethu which is in George are the first two townships that hearings were held in.

Residents that attended the hearings were more concerned about the lack of service delivery than the Bill.

Zoliswa`s murderers to be sentenced today

2012-02-01T09:37:00.001+02:00

Mluleki Mrwebi

01 February 2012

Four convicted homophobic killers are due to be sentenced in the

Khayelitsha Regional Court

today.

The four men were found guilty of murdering 19 year-old Zoliswa Nkonyana in 2006.

Nine men were arrested for the murder.

The other five men were acquitted due to lack of evidence linking them to the murder.

The four that are sentenced have been arguing their innocence throughout the trial.

Nkonyana was stabbed nine times and stoned to death following an argument about her sexual orientation.

Terre’Blanche’s widow defends him

2012-02-01T06:12:00.001+02:00

Andiswa Mkosi
1 February 2012

Today Eugene Terre’Blanche’s widow discarded claims that her murdered husband sodomised a worker on his farm.

Eugene was murdered two years back on his farm in Ventersdorp .

Two farm workers, including a minor, are standing accused and were arrested for allegedly murdering him.

Chris Mahlangu’s lawyer Kgomotso Hlongwane said Hlongwane was sodomised by the late Terre’Blanche.

Public's knowledge about the State Information Bill is limited

2012-01-31T16:34:00.001+02:00

Mluleki Mrwebi

31 January 2012

The debate on the State Information Bill got off today at the Gugulethu Sports Complex.

The public is being given a chance to voice their views on this bill.

The NCOP members will be visiting all provinces with this debate.

The people that attended raised their concerns about certain clause of the bill.

The Chairman of the NCOP Mr Papi Tau answered some of the questions the public had, concerning the bill.

In his response he clarified that this bill is here to prevent things such as espionage and the state information.

Mr Papi further said that the bill will not deprive the citizens their right to know but will protect them against false information.

Mr Dennis Bloem a member of the NCOP said the bill has been passed from the National Assembly and it is now brought to the public.

Blikkiesdorp residents speak out

2012-01-31T15:44:00.001+02:00

Andiswa Mkosi
31 January 2012

Today residents from Blikkiesdorpmarched to voice their concerns due to poor conditions they stay in.

The residents have been protesting fora couple of days asking the government to provide them with houses.

The group gave their local wardcouncilor a memorandum, the warden then listed down their concerns.

About 200 unhappy residentsprotested on the temporary relocation area close to Delft.

2 Airport staff members arrested

2012-01-31T15:25:00.004+02:00

Andiswa Mkosi
31 January 2012

Two staff members of Cape Town International Airport havebeen arrested after being found with a stolen iPad 2.

The driver and cleaner were caughtwhile exiting the airport.

The iPad2 are valued at seventhousand rands.

A customer apparently forgot hisgadget on a flight from Johannesburg.

The time he came back to get it wasalready gone.

He was able to track his iPad on hislaptop.

No suspects for Bellville ATM bombing

2012-01-31T12:43:00.002+02:00

Lauren Snyders
31 January 2012

An ATM has been blown up in Bellville in Durban Road in the early hours of this morning.

No suspects have been arrested.

The incident took place at an ABSA ATM.

The police’s FC Van Wyk said at about four o clock this morning the ATM was damaged by explosive materials.

He added that the security guard on duty did not notice any suspicious person or vehicle while conducting his patrol.

Police investigating Bryston murder

2012-01-31T12:00:00.003+02:00

Andiswa Mkosi
31 January 2012

Forensic investigators are at the moment investigating the scene of a murder and robbery case that occurred lastnight in Bryston.

The evidence they gathered is still vague but the police claim that a man was robbed and killed on the scene.

The police’s Kim Cloete says they have laid a charge of house robbery and murder which they are still investigating.

The police are still trying to track down the victim’s vehicle.

Harsher sentences for lesbian killers

2012-01-31T11:53:00.001+02:00

Lauren Snyders
31 January 2012

Some of the lawyers in the Zoliswa Nkonyana case said they dismissed testimony from gay and lesbian representatives because it might have been biased.

Jill Henderson from the Triangle Project presented a report in the Khayelitsha Regional Court yesterday which outlined lesbian attacks in townships.

She was the state witness in the case against four men who were convicted of killing Zoliswa Nkonyana in 2006.

The Triangle Projects Marlow Valentine said that it has taken the court six years to get to this point.

She also added that on the one hand they are happy that the case will be concluded and they hope the court passes down an appropriate sentence.

Shortages at petrol stations

2012-01-31T10:25:00.001+02:00

Lauren Snyders
31 January 2012

Shell petrol stations in Sea point and Heathfield are running out of certain grades of petrol.

This comes after garages brace themselves for the massive fuel price increase on Wednesday which sees motorists flocking to fill their tanks.

The price of petrol is set to increase by 34 cents a litre.

Shell SA’s Bonang Mogale said he was trying to figure out exactly where the shortages were and how to address them.

Authorities searching for fatal crash driver

2012-01-31T09:01:00.001+02:00

LaurenSnyders
31 January 2012

Authoritiesare searching for the driver of the earthmover which was involved in a fatalcrash yesterday near Gouda.

Eightpeople died after the truck they were travelling in crashed into the earthmoverbefore plunging over a bridge on the R44.

Afterofficials investigated they found that the earthmover was unlicensed andunregistered.

MEC forTransport in the Western Cape Robin Carlisle said the driver fled the scenesoon after the accident took place.

Carlisle said that leaving the earthmover onthe side of the road was reckless.

He addedthat it’s an act of irresponsibility and at the end of the day people are deadand it’s a disgrace.

WesternCape Traffic Chief Kenny Africa said they are considering murder chargesagainst the driver as well as the driver of yesterdays Kombi crash.

The Kombicollided with a bread truck killing the five occupants.

Africa said they have not yet decided onthe charges.

Metrorail warns that more delays can be expected

2012-01-31T08:15:00.000+02:00

AnansaJacobs

31 January 2012

Metrorailofficials have warned that more train delays can be expected during this week.

Thecause of these delays are due to vandalism at stations throughout Cape Town.

Some trainsrunning from the Cape Flats,Bellville and Khayelitsha lines were vandalised on Monday which causedmajor delays and cancellations.

Regional manager for Metrorail Lindelo Matyasaid, “Our technicians are trying to sort out the vandalised equipment. Therewill be some delays because a lot of it has to do with restoring it to itsoriginal state.”

Governing bodies calls on parents

2012-01-31T07:08:00.001+02:00

Anansa Jacobs

31 January 2012

The Minister for Basic Education Angie Motshekga has reminded parents that they have a vital role to play in school governing bodies.

As said at a news conference in Pretoria, Motshekga mentioned that schools with good governing bodies have better success compared to those where parents and the community are not involved.

She also said that this year’s school governing body elections would take place throughout the month of March.

The Minister urged parents to stand for election and to participate in voting procedures.

Free State miner dies

2012-01-31T06:22:00.001+02:00

Andiswa Mkosi

31 January 2012

A mine company reported that a miner was killed at Harmony Gold’s West shaft in the Free State.

Operations were stopped while investigations into the incident were taking place

The incident happened while a scheduled maintenance was in progress at the west shaft mine.

National Union of Mineworkers spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka said during the weekend he is disappointed at the high number of miner deaths.

Corporal punishment may be banned

2012-01-30T17:51:00.001+02:00

Andiswa Mkosi
30 January 2012

Children’s rights groups want to banspanking of children and make it illegal.

The Social Development Department isalso considering modifying the Children’s Right Act following the Child Justice Allianceat the University of Cape Town asked to forbid corporal punishment.

If the request goes through thiswould mean that parentswont be able to utilize corporal discipline in theirhomes.

Sam Waterhouse spokesperson of the Child Justice Alliance says they are aware of the negative reaction they willreceive from society

The lesbian murder case resumed today

2012-01-30T17:05:00.003+02:00

Mluleki Mrwebi

30 January 2012

The Gay and lesbian group, the Triangle Project today urged the court to consider the key prejudice that led to the killing of Zoliswa Nkonyana.

The 19-year-old woman was stoned to death in 2006 allegedly because she was a lesbian.

Nine men were arrested in connection with her murder and four of them have been found guilty.

Today the Triangle Project`s Jill Henderson was called to testify in the case.

Henderson presented a six page report as part of her testimony on attacks on gays and lesbians across the townships in

South Africa

A fatal crash in Gouda to be investigated

2012-01-30T16:45:00.004+02:00

Mluleki Mrwebi

30 January 2012

The Western Cape police and transport authorities are investigating

the accident which happened today involving a truck and an earthmover.

The tuck that was carrying about 50 farm workers collided with an earthmover.

The owner of the earthmover has disappeared as it is alleged that his vehicle was unlicensed.

The MEC for Transport and Public works in the Western Cape Mr Robin Carlisle said the police are looking for him and once he is arrested he will be charged with murder.

On the accident eight people died.

Construction underway at Chapman’s Peak

2012-01-30T14:54:00.002+02:00

LaurenSnyders

30 January 2012

Constructionstarted today on the new Chapman’s Peak toll plaza.

Residentshave been up in arms ever since the toll plaza was first mentioned and theygathered at the construction site to discuss it.

They held amodest meeting as construction vehicles made a racket.

The civilrights group comprising of community members from Hout Bay, Hangberg, and Imizamo Yethu saysthey are disgusted that the Western Cape government has continued with theconstruction.

Residentssay that the construction sets a negative precedent for developments wherenational parks are concerned.

Eskom experiences problems

2012-01-30T14:19:00.003+02:00

Andiswa Mkosi
30 January 2012

Eskom is experiencingproblems with maintaining a balance between a stable power supply and a growingneed to maintain old power stations.

Brian DamesEskom’s Chief Executive attended Eskom’s first quarterly update for the year.

He saysthat most power stations are in midlife and they require constant maintenance.

Hecontinued to say that Eskom has different methods of achieving its goal likeintroducing a voluntary energy conservation scheme that aims to encourage SouthAfrican citizen’s to save electricity.

MEC Donald Grant kicks off 2012 teacher training programme

2012-01-30T13:49:00.001+02:00

Mluleki Mrwebi

30 January 2012

The Western Cape Education Department this year will focus on improving the skills for the educators.

MEC for Education in the Western Cape Donald Grant will be launching the teacher training programme this week.

The programme will be providing the teachers with various training and development projects.

The department’s spokesperson Bronagh Casey said they will conduct workshops for the next three weeks with the educators from the first phase.

She further said they intend to improve the quality of teaching in skills in class as well as the knowledge of the educators.

The ANC in a war of words with the media

2012-01-30T12:58:00.005+02:00

Andiswa Mkosi
30 January 2012

The argument between the media and the ANC has now become a cold war.

The commission’s public hearings started after similar hearings were held in Cape Town a couple of weeks back.

Over the next three days verbal submissions will be heard before the commission presents a report on how they feel the press should be regulated.

Justice Pius Langa led the hearing by saying his wish was for a successful debate about regulation.

Out-of-control fire in the Boland

2012-01-30T10:38:00.001+02:00

Lauren Snyders
30 January 2012

Another fire has hit the Western Cape and sees firefighters going all out to stop the blaze.

An out-of-control veld fire in the Slanghoek Valley near Worcester in the Boland saw helicopters being used to fight the blaze.

So far two structures have been destroyed and many residents have decided to flee their homes.

The fire has been raging since Saturday night and is out-of-control because of strong winds.

15 fire trucks and 150 fire personnel have been sent to the scene.

Bainskloof Pass between Wellington and Wolseley has been closed due to poor visibility.

Cape Town Gang unit is a success

2012-01-30T09:15:00.004+02:00

Mluleki Mrwebi

30 January 2012

Cape Town Metro police formed the gang unit in December last year.

The unit was formed to fight crime in gang affected areas across Cape Town.

Metro police Chief Wayne le Roux today said they have made several arrests and confiscated drugs since the unit was formed.

The unit consists of ten members.

Le Roux said they have been hard at work since the launch of the task team.

The task team has been focusing on areas such as Lavender Hill , Hanover Park and Elsies Rivier.

Le Roux further said they will focus on the City`s rental units where there is a lot of illegal activities taking place.

In some places they found that there are houses where electricity has been tampered with.

Porterville accident leaves seven dead

2012-01-30T09:09:00.002+02:00

Anansa Jacobs

30 January 2012

In Porterville near Gouda on the R44 seven people have been killed in a serious accident this morning.

The farmer’s truck collided with an earthmover.

The driver of the truck which had 50 passengers onboard,lost control of the vehicle and landed in the river.

Motorists that passed the scene said that bodies were laying in the road.

Protesters not done with Rondebosch Common

2012-01-30T08:53:00.003+02:00

LaurenSnyders
30 January 2012

The groupwhich wanted to occupy the piece of land at Rondebosch Common last Friday saidthey are not done.

Severalpeople were arrested after they tried to move onto the piece of land.

They wereeventually removed after police used tear gas and water cannons on them.

The groupsMike Hoffmeester said they might have withdrawn from the piece of land but theywill be back.

He addedthat they know that there are still visible police and law enforcement on thescene but they do have plans in place.

Hoffmeestersaid they will continue to do this until authorities take them seriously.

He addedthat they have plans which are very sensitive and which he cannot speak about.

The Communities for Social Change Jared Sacks said that last Friday's protest was infact not illegal.

He added that the City had to take various steps to ban the march.

One of the protesters Mario Wanza who was arrested last Friday has been granted bail after he spent two nights in the Athlone Police Station.

Over 40 people who participated in the protest was released hours after being arrested.

Charges against them were dropped but Wanza was not sure if the state is going to drop charges against him.

5 killed in car accident

2012-01-30T08:10:00.000+02:00

Anansa Jacobs

30 January 2012

Five people have been killed in an accident on the N1 incoming at the Kraaifontein exit in Cape Town this morning.

It is believed a Caravelle Kombi collided with a truck.

Western Cape Traffic Chief Kenny Africa said that the highway in the direction of Cape Town will be closed while officials clear the scene.

Three males and two females have died. Paramedics are on scene as two women are still trapped inside the vehicle.

Raging fire in Boland

2012-01-30T07:08:00.001+02:00

Anansa Jacobs
30 January 2012

Two structures have been destroyed by a veld fire that burnt out of control in the Slanghoek Valley near Worcester in the Boland yesterday.

Farm owners fled their homes as the fire, fanned by strong winds, approached their properties.
The fire started on Saturday night.

Fifteen fire engines, 150 ground personnel and 3 helicopters were reportedly trying to extinguish the flames.

The cause of the fire is still unclear.

Suspect arrested for ATM bombing

2012-01-30T06:03:00.001+02:00

Andiswa Mkosi
29 January 2012

A suspect has been arrested for having explosives in his possession.

The man was arrested in Johannesburg after a series of ATM bombings occurred.

The police caught the suspect while they were following up on information on the ATM bombings.

He was found in possession of commercial explosives.

The suspect is currently being questioned and police are expecting to arrest more suspects.

Rockfall claims life of two miners

2012-01-29T11:33:00.002+02:00

Andiswa Mkosi
29 January 2012

A rockfall at the Modikwa platinum mine claimed the lives of two miners.

According to the National Union of Mine Workers this occurred yesterday afternoon.

Spokesperson of the NUM says they are really disappointed with the rise in mine fatalities.

He continued to say that the deaths rose up to 120 last year.Identities of the two men are still not released.

Durban man hit by a truck

2012-01-29T10:18:00.001+02:00

Andiswa Mkosi
29 January 2012

A man was hit by truck on the N2 in Durban yesterday while trying to cross the road.

Paramedics say he is critically injured.

ER24 spokesperson Vanessa Jackson says the man got hit by a bakkie while trying to cross the highway.

She continued to say he was flung seven metres away from the scene of the accident.

Mandela returns to Johannesburg

2012-01-29T09:25:00.001+02:00

Andiswa Mkosi
29 January 2012

Today former President Nelson Mandela will return to his home in Johannesburg .

Mandela is returning because of to regular maintenance that has to be undertaken at his Qunu home.

It is said that Mandela is still in good health.

He has been staying permanently at Qunu since July 2011.

Missing Person Alert:Lee Anne Van Wyk

2012-01-29T08:50:00.000+02:00

Elderly woman strangled to death

2012-01-28T14:50:00.003+02:00

Andiswa Mkosi
28 January 2012

An elderly woman was murdered in Parkview after she walked in on a gang of robbers.

Yesterday the 65 year old woman arrived at home and found the suspects inside.

The robbers strangled her to death before they escaped.

Police are investigating a case of murder and armed robbery.

Three girls drown in Mpumalanga

2012-01-28T13:23:00.002+02:00

Andiswa Mkosi
28 January 2012

Mpumalanga police reported that three children drowned while crossing a river.

The 3 girls were trying to cross the fast flowing river in Balfour after heavy rains in the Mpumalanga province.

The girls experienced difficulty in the water and by the time helped arrived the girls the river had already swept them away.

Three bodies were found by police divers.

Druge mule arrested in Malawi

2012-01-28T11:33:00.001+02:00

Andiswa Mkosi
28 January 2012

A South African drug mule has bee arrested at the Lilongwe International Airport in Malawi for smuggling 4kg of cocaine.

The South African woman had the cocaine in a stroller.Airport officials stoped her after noticing there was no baby in the pram.

The smuggled goods were found hidden in the hollow metal frame of the stroller.

Patience Monkei-Khame confessed to smuggling the drugs and that a gang offered her R30, 000 to smuggle the drugs into South Africa.

Protest at Manenberg Waterfront

2012-01-28T10:35:00.004+02:00

Andiswa Mkosi
28 January 2012

The land,jobs and housing summit will continue today says Proudly Manenberg a community organisation.

Yesterday a group of demonstrators tried to occupy the Rondebosch Common.

The police intervened because the protest was illegal

Things will continue today peacefully at the Manenberg Waterfront says organization’s Amelia September

DA wants ‘shadow planes’ investigation

2012-01-28T09:49:00.004+02:00

Andiswa Mkosi
28 January 2012

The Democratic Alliance requests that defence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu to appear before parliament to explain why huge amounts of money was spent on hiring shadow planes for President Jacob Zuma.

It emerged last week that a bombardier global express and an airbus A340 were used to shadow the president's business jet to the United States.

DA shadow minister,David Maynier,wrote a letter to the committee’s chairperson Jerome Maake.

In the letter he was requesting a special hearing following the mess at the South African Air Forces' 21 squadron.

Zimbabwean national prevented from laying charges

2012-01-28T08:19:00.004+02:00

Andiswa Mkosi
28 January 2012

A Zimbabwean national was prevented from laying a charge of assault yesterday at the Maitland police station.

Lucky Dhuve was assaulted by security guards at a nearby refugee centre.

People Against Suffering Oppression and Poverty, a refugee rights group had to accompany Dhuve to the police sation.

Langton Miriyoga of Passop said he was shocked at the attitude of the police officers.

Traffic officer faces charges of misconduct

2012-01-28T07:47:00.001+02:00

Anansa Jacobs
28 January 2012

A senior official in the Uitenhage traffic department was fired yesterday after being found guilty of misconduct.

Dennis Januarie has been found guilty on 16 charges of dishonesty, as mentioned by a spokesperson for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in the Eastern Cape.

Januarie was found guilty of allowing his staff to perform illegal tasks.

These tasks comprised of persons applying for a drivers or learners license not to undergo a compulsory eye test.

He also allowed the illegal alteration of foreign licenses to South African licenses.

Taxi drivers undergo advanced driving course

2012-01-27T18:13:00.000+02:00

Anansa Jacobs

27 January 2012

Approximatley 130 Gauteng taxi drivers have completed a three week advanced driving course.

The course aims to improve taxi drivers behaviour on national roads.Nearly R1 million has been spent on the drivers to respect others on the roads.

The candidates underwent their final examination today.

The Gauteng Taxi Council stated that basic rules as well as customer relations are featured in their programme.

Arts and Culture Minister stresses on languages

2012-01-27T17:20:00.006+02:00

Anansa Jacobs

27 January 2012

Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile has stated that the draft of South African languages bill will ensure that all eleven languages are used.

He also mentioned that in future the languages must be utilized in a fair and equal manner.

Government needs to ensure that at least one indigenous language is used in service delivery to the people.

Mashatile added that the Pan South African Language Board has not been effective in promoting multilingualism in the country.

New Springbok coach welcomed

2012-01-27T16:14:00.000+02:00

Anansa Jacobs

27 January 2012

The confirmation of the new Springbok Rugby coach,Heyneke Meyer’s has been well received.

Meyer 44-years old, who serves as director of rugby for the Blue Bulls, will soon take over from Peter de Villiers.

De Villiers coached the Springboks since 2008.

Meyer has been offered a four year contract and his first Springbok Test will be against

England

in Durban in June 2012.

Relief for diesel users as price goes down

2012-01-27T15:05:00.003+02:00

MlulekiMrwebi
27 January 2012

TheEnergy Department this afternoon is expected to confirm the petrol increase ofall grades.

Thepetrol price increase will come into effect next week on Wednesday.

Theprice of consumer goods and transport will rise even higher.

Allgrades of petrol are expected to increase by thirty-four-cents a litre.

Meanwhilethe diesel prices are expected to drop by one to two-cents a litre.

Theillumination paraffin goes down by four-cents a litre.

Petroleumgas will go up by 50-cents per kilogram.

Transport Department warns non-performing managers

2012-01-27T14:07:00.003+02:00

Mluleki Mrwebi

27 January 2012

The Transport Department has issued a strong warning against non performing managers in 2012.

The Department had a planning session this week.

Transport Minister Sbusiso Ndebele said they need to renew their focus on rail and transport as well as safety and rural development.

Ndebela added that the Director General should take action against those senior managers that do not comply with the Public Service Act.

Protest at Rondebosch Common goes ahead

2012-01-27T13:09:00.000+02:00

Anansa Jacobs

27 January 2012

Metro Police Officers at Rondebosch Common this afternoon

The organisers of a protest march to Rondebosch Common in Cape Town has said that they have no intention of cancelling the march.

The planned march is illegal because the City of Cape Town has not granted the organisers permission.

According to the City, organisers have not followed the correct procedure in applying for the march to take place on Saturday.

One of the organisers are adamant that the march will take place.

Demonstrators will gather outside the Athlone Stadium from 2pm today.

City of Cape Town officials have instructed authorities to try to prevent the demonstration in a diplomatic way.

The protest is targeted to highlight the plight of the poor and unemployed.

MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela to oversee municipalities

2012-01-27T12:12:00.005+02:00

Mluleki Mrwebi

27 January 2012

MEC for Human Settlement Bonginkosi Madikizela will be visiting several municipalities from the 30 January 2012to the 4 February 2012.

The MEC`s visit is to ensure the accelerated delivery of the housing opportunities to the people who most need them, with a strategic focus on the provision of basic services.

Madikizela said that some municipalities have had a slow pace of housing delivery.

Madikizela expressed his concern over the slow delivery.

Man gets shot in the face for attempting to rob a farmer

2012-01-27T11:34:00.000+02:00

Lauren Snyders
27 January 2012

A robber with a plastic gun was shot dead after he tried to enter a 70-year-old’s home in Mpumalanga.

Corrie Potgieter who lives on a farm near Karino, heard his gardener Fana Mashalela talking to someone yesterday morning.

After peeping through the bedroom window, Potgieter saw that two men were standing with Mashalela.

He then decided to fetch his shotgun out of his safe.

The men were gone but when he saw Mashalela on his knees he became suspicious.

Suddenly one of the men jumped up from underneath the window and pointed a pistol at Potgieter.

Potgieter fired a shot which hit the robber in the face and killed him instantly.

When police arrived on the scene they found his body with the BB gun laying next to him.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Gerald Sedibe said that Mashalela told him that there were three men and the other two got away.

This attack was one of many which happened in the Mbombela area.

Just under 300 missing last year

2012-01-27T09:46:00.003+02:00

Lauren Snyders
27 January 2012

Since the start of the year more than 22 children have gone missing.

The statistics includes the one-month-old Mlondi Thwala, who was stolen in Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Last year nearly 300 children were reported missing across South Africa.

About three percent of the missing children were found dead.

The cases for January could be higher if the cases reported to police are still included said Missing Children South Africa’s Nicky Rheeder.

She added that every year during the school holidays they notice an increase in the trend in the amount of cases reported.

Rheeder said that it is mostly cause children are left at home while their parents are at work.

Western Cape Education Department is aware of problems at schools

2012-01-27T09:09:00.001+02:00

Mluleki Mrwebi

27 January 2012

The Western Cape Education Department said on Thursday it was aware of maintenance problems and shortcomings raised by Cosas at various Gugulethu schools.

The Congress of the South African Students (Cosas) Thursday visited several schools in Gugulethu and found that township schools face a lot of problems.

At Siyazingisa they found that eight toilets were not working , the overcrowding in classrooms and some classes had no electricity.

The education department's Paddy Atwell said they were aware of the issues and they are working towards fixing them.

Toll plaza going ahead as planned

2012-01-27T08:57:00.001+02:00

Lauren Snyders
27 January 2012

MEC for transport in the Western Cape Robin Carlisle said yesterday that he is not able to reverse the decision to build the toll plaza on Chapman’s Peak.

The toll company Entilini was informed by the department that they should go ahead with construction.

Construction workers then moved onto the site and are ready to begin with their work.

After the 2000 people strong protest last weekend, construction is still going ahead as planned.

Carlisle said he hopes the residents of Cape Town will be able to understand and respect the position he was in to let the construction continue.

He added that if he fails to carry out due process, the courts would not be impressed.

Carlisle said that this may lead to a court case.

Residents in the area are busy making plans to seek legal advice.

Accounts frozen of men leading land invasion

2012-01-27T08:49:00.000+02:00

Lauren Snyders
27 January 2012

The Land Affairs Department sent out security guards in aid of stopping land invasion near Wallmansthal.

Afriforum also froze the accounts of the men leading the land invasion.

The land in question was being processed by government for to successful land claimants.

Afriforum’s Willie Spies said that First National Bank (FNB) and Standard Bank confirmed that the bank accounts were indeed frozen.

He added that the next step would be to establish exactly who the beneficiaries are of the account are to summon them for damages.

Deteriorating public transport in the greater Cape Town area

2012-01-27T08:47:00.004+02:00

Mluleki Mrwebi

27 January 2012

Metrorail has been experiencing problems of vandalism and sabotage in the greater Cape Town area in the last few weeks.

The Metrorail Management will be meeting with the MEC for Transport in the Western Cape Mr Robin Carlisle today to discus possible ways of fighting these problems.

The commuters have been affected dearly by the train delays and Metrorail incurred losses.

The meeting is scheduled to start at midday between the MEC for Transport, Metrorail Management and Santaco under the Chairmanship of Mr Mike Marsden the Deputy City Manager of Cape Town.

Justice Minister Jeff Radebe defends media

2012-01-27T08:28:00.004+02:00

Mluleki Mrwebi
27 January 2012

Justice Minister Jeff Radebe on Thursday said media freedom was vital in fighting corruption and must be protected at all costs.

Radebe would not comment in detail on the proposed Secrecy Bill which has brought clashing opinions.

The Minister was speaking at the launch of Corruption Watch .The Corruption watch is a civil society initiative that the public can use to report any wrongdoing.

Radebe said that the media need to be given credit when exposing corruption in all sectors.

Missing Person Alert: Johanna Thys

2012-01-27T06:56:00.000+02:00

Maitland Refugee Centre under spotlight

2012-01-27T06:29:00.002+02:00

Anansa Jacobs
27 January 2012

The acting head of the Maitland Refugee Reception Centre in Cape Town, has urged people to come forward with information about the alleged corruption at the facility.

A Zimbabwean man reportedly beaten by security guards at the centre on Thursday.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, a Bangladeshi man died inside the facility due to natural causes.

Santo Mohaploa, the acting head of the centre, urged people to contact him or the provincial government manager of any similar occurrences.

Some foreigners have come forward and complained that the security guards at the centre have been assaulting them for no apparent reason.

Police arrest robbers

2012-01-26T18:25:00.002+02:00

Anansa Jacobs

26 January 2012

Two men have been arrested today after a high speed chase through Epping.

The pair are being accused of robbing workers that are employed by a catering company located on the premises of Conradie Hospital in Thornton, Cape Town.

Police spokesperson, Andre Traut said a stolen vehicle, money and 9mm firearm have been recovered.

He added that they have reason to believe more suspects are involved in the robbery.

Commuters can expect a hike in taxi fares

2012-01-26T15:11:00.000+02:00

MlulekiMrwebi

26 January 2012

The SouthAfrican National Taxi Council (Santaco) said today that taxi fare increases canbe expected if the fuel price continues to rise.

The Department of Energy announced last week that the fuel prices mightincrease this week.

The fuelprice increase of 30 cents is expected tomorrow.

Santaco`sMvuyisi Mente said that they will call a special meeting to discuss thepossibilities of increase in taxi fares.

Mente further said the needs of the commuterswill be considered before prices are adjusted.

Cosas visits township schools

2012-01-26T14:03:00.002+02:00

Mluleki Mrwebi

26 January 2012

The Congress of South African Students (Cosas) today said that the Western Cape government is doing enough to rectify the problems in township schools.

Cosas members visited primary schools in Gugulethu today.

The members pointed out vandalized buildings, overcrowding in class rooms and some classrooms with no electricity.

In some of the schools that was visited the toilets were not in a good condition to be used.

The teachers and the learners at Siyazingisa Primary said they have no choice but continue teaching and learning in those conditions.

Emergency phone service launched in Cape Town

2012-01-26T13:18:00.003+02:00

Anansa Jacobs

26 January 2012

The City of Cape Town will be launching a pilot project that could possibly improve the water services in informal settlements.

A emergency phone will be unveiled by Cape Town Mayor Patricia De Lille later today in Fisantekraal.

The phone will be installed in a central part of the area and will ensure that residents are able to report leaking taps or blocked sewerage pipes.

De Lille's spokesperson Solly Malatsi says, “We’ve realised that residents are not able to contact the city as quickly as possible because they do not have infrastructure for basic services in their communities.”

Malatsi also added that the City would like to install phones in every informal settlement.

SA to make dramatic change on war on Aids

2012-01-26T10:12:00.000+02:00

Lauren Snyders
20 January 2012

A senior United Nations official said that in the next eight years South Africa could make a dramatic change in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

UNAIDS Southern Africa Regional Director Sheila Tlou applauded the South African government for their efforts in fighting the pandemic.

Tlou said the South African governments turnaround in Aids policies have borne fruit.

She added that SA had the most comprehensive Aids plan in the world but that so much more needed to be done.

At the same time she added that SA still has the highest number of people living with HIV in the world, and she blamed this for the lack of political commitment in the past.

She predicted that by 2020 there could be a massive drop in infections.

Maitland Refuge Reception Centre need to improve their services

2012-01-26T10:09:00.003+02:00

Mluleki Mrwebi
26 January 2012

People Against Suffering, Oppression and Poverty (Passop) said yesterday the Maitland Refuge Reception Centre need to improve their services.

This comes after the death of a Bangladesh man yesterday afternoon at the facility while waiting to renew his asylum.

Police are still investigating the cause of his death.

Others on the queue told the Passop officials that the man had been waiting in line since the morning.

They say the 33-year-old was initially refused entry because of his illness.

Passop`s Langton Miriyoga said something needs to be done urgently.

A seven year old girl raped at school

2012-01-26T09:25:00.004+02:00

Mluleki Mrwebi

26 January 2012

A mother of a seven year old girl in Cape Town yesterday said that her daughter was traumatised after she was allegedly raped at school.

The mother was shocked to hear that something like this can happen at school.

The grade two learner returned home from school on Friday and the mother noticed that something was wrong with her daughter and took her to the doctor.

The girl confessed to have been ordered by a grade three learner to take off her panty and then he raped her.

Western Cape Education Department`s Bronagh Casey said the victim and the alleged offender will receive counseling.

Pack of dogs kills a man

2012-01-26T08:34:00.001+02:00

Lauren Snyders
26 January 2012

Police in the Southern Cape are investigating the death of an 83-year-old man from Thembalethu in George that was killed by a pack of dogs.

Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie said the owner of the seven dogs found the body of Blom Mbanve in George Industria.

The attack happened last week and details were only released yesterday.

The owner of the dogs had not been at home when the attack took place.

Pojie said the SPCA confiscated the dogs.

MEC Albert Fritz determined to create jobs for the youth

2012-01-26T08:11:00.003+02:00

Mluleki Mrwebi
26 January 2012

Western Cape Social Development MEC Albert Fritz today said his department and the Community Safety Department are working together to create job opportunities for the youth in gang-infested areas.

Fritz and other Western Cape Community Safety officials visited the communities that are overwhelmed by gang related violence on Tuesday.

Mr Fritz further said he plans to enroll the unemployed youth at training academics and teach skills such as carpentry and plumbing.

He urged the youth to take part in this programme so they can become better citizens.

The areas that have been affected by crime are Hanover Park , Lavender Hill and Elsies Rivier.

Swimmers body might be decomposed said rescuers

2012-01-26T07:56:00.001+02:00

Lauren Snyders
26 January 2012

Rescuers suspect that the body of Jerome Booysen might have sunk tot the bottom of the ocean floor and decomposed.

Last week Booysen was swept out to sea by a strong rip current at Lagoon Beach in Milnerton.

Booysen and his friend tried to rescue two females from drowning when he found himself in difficulty.

The City’s Disaster Risk Management Wilfred Solomons-Johannes said that patrols were conducted along the coastline and officers on foot along the shoreline near to where it is reported he gone missing.

Du Noon clinic to be set alight

2012-01-26T07:15:00.002+02:00

Anansa Jacobs
26 January 2012

The City of Cape Town urgently needs to improve the local clinic in Du Noon near Milnerton before it is set alight by the community.

The committee has since closed the clinic because it poses has a health hazard to the patients it serves.

The Du Noon clinic is not currently delivering a service and those in need of health care attention are to attend Table View clinic.

Local committee members insisted they could not allow children to be treated in the same room with adults who are suffering from tuberculosis.

The committee however, has given officials until 13 February 2012 to provide more temporary consulting rooms at the clinic.

Unruly pupils a disruption

2012-01-25T17:55:00.002+02:00

Anansa Jacobs

25 January 2012

Behavioural management training would benefit educators in the classroom as stated by The National Professional Teachers Organisation of South Africa .

In 2011 many educators were booked off sick due to stress and anxiety attacks after dealing with undisciplined learners in schools.

Dave Miller the Chairperson for NAPTOSA has said that parents need to teach their children discipline at home.

The curriculum which a teacher has to deliver in class is disturbed by unruly children which minimizes teaching time.

Metro police officer remembered

2012-01-25T16:29:00.001+02:00

AndiswaMkosi
25 January 2012

In KemptonPark Civic Centre,mourners gathered at the memorial service of the metro policeofficer who was electrocuted today.

The policeofficer was electrocuted by train cables while he was chasing people who wereon strike.

Theprotestors were holding train passengers hostage.

WilfredKgasago spokesperson of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department says that MveliNhlapo will be missed.

Procedures were followed in recruitment for the Khayelitsha Hospital

2012-01-25T15:34:00.005+02:00

Mluleki Mrwebi
25 January 2012

Health MEC in the Western Cape Theuns Botha says a prescribed recruitment and selection process was followed in appointing staff for the Khayelitsha District Hospital.

This comes after the Khayelitsha residents had a protest outside the hospital last week claiming that locals were overlooked in the selection process for employment.

Botha said that the appointed staff has already started working in the hospital.

The hospital will be opened officially next month by the Western Cape Premier Helen Zille.

Missing boy found in Delft

2012-01-25T14:52:00.001+02:00

Mluleki Mrwebi

25 January 2012

The boy that had been missing since Monday has been found in Delft.

Likho Gosani went missing from his home in Nyanga on Monday. He was still in his school uniform at the time of his disappearance.

Police say he was found by children in Delft and they handed him to the neighbourhood watch in the area.

He was then taken to the GF Jooste Hospital where he was examined by a doctor.

The boy`s father Thabile Majova said he can not believe that his boy had been found unharmed.

Fire rages in nature reserve

2012-01-25T14:37:00.000+02:00

Anansa Jacobs

25 January 2012

Fire fighters in the Western Cape are attending to a veld fire today at the Plattekloof Nature Reserve.

A helicopter has been dispatched to water bomb the area.

The fire is fairly undercontrol as mentioned by Cape Town Fire and Rescue’s Mark Bosch.

Mostly vegetation has been burnt causing no further danger as the wind is blowing the fire toward the top of the hill.

First council meeting kicks off today

2012-01-25T14:17:00.001+02:00

Lauren Snyders
25 January 2012

First Council meeting for 2012

Today marked the first council meeting of 2012 for the City of Cape Town.

Some of the issues on the agenda were applications for public passages, proposed lease of road reserves, proposed alienation of public open space and the audited annual financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2011.

Cape Town Mayor Patricia De Lille conducted a speech which highlighted some keys issues the City faces.

She said that during the festive season all law enforcement took a firm stance against crime and drunk and negligent driving.

De Lille thanked each and every person for helping to make Cape Town a wonderful city.

SA adult literacy falls behind

2012-01-25T13:57:00.000+02:00

Andiswa Mkosi
25 January 2012

The South African Institute of Race Relations reported today that South Africa's adult literacy level is falling behind other up-and-coming markets even though it spends more on it.

The adult literacy rate for South Africa is 89%. Jonathan Snyman a researcher at the institute says the way forward would be backing up the quality of teaching at school level and focusing on the dedication of teachers and principals.

United Nations says that adult literacy rate reflects the number of people aged 15 years and above who can read, write, and speak.

Wild party leads to death

2012-01-25T11:33:00.001+02:00

Anansa Jacobs

25 January 2012

A wild party in Ballito near kwaZulu-Natal has left two young people dead after the useage of drugs.

The bodies of Gareth Kyle and Camryn Coetzee both 29 years old were found dead in the flat on Sunday morning.A third person is fighting for his life in hospital.

When the bodies were discovered there were multiple puncture marks on their arms.

It is believed the boys were at a private party in the flat and consumed large quantities of drugs and alcohol.

Parents concerned about safety of children

2012-01-25T11:09:00.004+02:00

Andiswa Mkosi
25 January 2012

After a shoot out that occurred at a primary school in Johannesburg yesterday morning, a request by concerned parents was given to the Education Department to ensure that they adhere to the safety of the children.

The primary school was the recent target of an organisation operating in the Johannesburg area and responsible for the increase in theft of cars at primay schools and shopping centres.

The police were alerted by a security guard yesterday morning that a suspicious man was lingering outside the school premises.

When the police arrived the man started shooting at them.

Hex River Valley not a disaster area

2012-01-25T08:43:00.003+02:00

Mluleki Mrwebi

25 January 2012

Heavy rains and hailstorms hit the De Doorns region last week. The rivers were flooded and grape farms were affected.

The Western Cape Agriculture Department said today there is no need to declare the Hex River Valley a disaster area.

The Agricultural department`s Wouter Kriel said there is a lot of damaged caused by the storms but not on a level that the area can be declared a disaster area.

MEC for Agriculture Gerrit van Rensburg visited the area and spoke to the affected farmers.

Mr van Rensburg promised the farmers that engineers will look at the affected areas and the roads that were flooded .

The City to minimise noise from nightclubs

2012-01-25T07:45:00.001+02:00

Lauren Snyders
25 January 2012

The City of Cape Town wants to minimise noise in the city after many residents across Cape Town have been complaining about noise from nightclubs.

Many residents have to endure loud music for long hours.

On Monday popular Camps Bay nightclub, St Yves’s sound equipment was impounded by the City’s Liquor Enforcement Unit.

The City’s JP Smith said that it was each and every nightclub owner’s responsibility to ensure that the noise in the nightclub does not affect their neighbours.

He added that he does not expect nightclubs not to make a noise, but that they should consider their neighbours.

Four suspects arrested

2012-01-25T06:21:00.001+02:00

Anansa Jacobs
25 January 2012

On Monday Phillipi East South African Police Services arrested four suspects for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Phillipi East SAPS members received a call from the community relating to four suspicious men driving an Avanza.

Police were doing their normal routine checks when they spotted the vehicle in Lansdowne Road Phillippi.

The suspects will appear in the Athlone Magistrates Court today.

DASO poster causes a stir

2012-01-24T18:23:00.001+02:00

Anansa Jacobs

24 January 2012

The Democratic Alliance has responded to mixed reactions of a poster that was shared on the social network site Facebook.

The poster portrays a white male holding a black female. Many suggest that the couple is naked in the picture.

The tag line in the poster states that “In our future,you wouldn’t look twice”.

The Chairman of the DASO, Mbali Ntuli says the organization has received positive feedback relating to the poster while others are causing a negative stir around the interracial couple.

8 year old boy missing

2012-01-24T16:14:00.000+02:00

AndiswaMkosi
24 January 2012

Nyangapolice are in search of a missing eight year old Likho Gosani.

He was lastseen wearing grey trousers, white shirt and a brown jersey.

At the timeof his disappearance he was carrying his blue and red school bag.

Meanwhilepolice are still searching for a six year old child who went missing in Paarlover the weekend.

Cruise liners are good for Cape Town

2012-01-24T15:57:00.002+02:00

Mluleki Mrwebi

24 January 2012

The Cape Chamber of Commerce said today they expect local businesses to profit from the two cruise liners that docked in Cape Town.

The Queen Mary II Cruise liner docked in Cape Town harbour yesterday followed by the Silversea cruise liner that arrived today.

Thousands of passengers from both these cruise liners are expected to spend the next few days exploring Cape Town.

Cape Chamber of Commerce President Michael Bagraim said that every business is bound to benefit from the visitor`s presence.

Gays seek apology

2012-01-24T15:31:00.001+02:00

Anansa Jacobs
24 January 2012

Some gayand lesbian activists in KwaZulu-Natal are requesting an apology from KingGoodwill Zwelithini about same sex relationships.

KingGoodwill Zwelithini delivered a speech on Sunday commemorating the battle ofIsandlwana near Dundee.

Zwelithini statedin his speech that he was against same sex relationships.

Some of thepeople who attended said the comments made by King Goodwill Zwelithinireflected homosexuality as not part of the Zulu culture.

Mpumalanga Government to count the damage costs

2012-01-24T14:55:00.000+02:00

Mluleki Mrwebi

24 January 2012

The Mpumalanga Government said today that they are still counting the costs incurred during the floods last week.

The province was hit by rain and hailstorms last week that led to the death of six people.

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in and around the Kruger National Park damaging the bridges and the roads.

Government`s Simphiwe Kunene said relief work in the province is underway as well as the repairing of roads.

The weather services predicts more rain for the area on Wednesday.

Zille and Winde on a fact-finding mission

2012-01-24T13:31:00.001+02:00

LaurenSnyders
24 January 2012

Western Cape Premier Helen Zille andfinance MEC Alan Winde are on a fact-finding mission to

Namibia

to investigate a model for the regulation of liquor outlets.

The delegation will tap the knowledge ofthe Namibian Self-Regulating Alcohol Industry Forum.

Zille believes that stakeholders theywill meet in Khomas will have valuable insights, due to the similarities insocial conditions between the region and the Western Cape.

The province is developing a liquorregulation model aimed at tackling alcohol-related challenges.

Shooting at primary school

2012-01-24T11:59:00.004+02:00

AnansaJacobs

24 January 2012

The Bryanston Parralel Medium Primary school in Johannesburg experienced a shoot out in theschools parking lot this morning.This has left parents very worried.

Securityguards were called to the scene earlier in the morning when a suspicious manwas noticed near the cars.

Bulletsstarted to fly once security guards arrived.Parents then came to the schoolto collect their children.

It issuspected that the robber tried to steal a car. Police say they areinvestigating a possibility that the suspect belongs to a syndicate.

MEC Dan Plato to root out gangsterism

2012-01-24T10:13:00.003+02:00

Mluleki Mrwebi

24 January 2012

Western Cape Community Safety MEC Dan Plato today said his department would work on addressing the root causes of gangsterism in violent Cape Town neighborhoods this year.

The residents of Lavender Hill ,Hanover Park and Elsies Rivier reported the safest communities over the festive season .

Gangs in all three areas signed peace treaties in the months leading up to the festive season.

Plato said they will do their best to remove the youth from the streets.

He further said they will do some progrmmes in those areas to ensure they keep the peace.

Speeding motorists to be arrested

2012-01-24T09:12:00.001+02:00

Mluleki Mrwebi
24 January 2012

The Western Cape traffic services has been very strict on speeding motorists. They even installed stationery cameras along the roads.

Over the weekend about two drivers were caught on camera for speeding.

The stationery camera caught one motorist clocking 193 kilometers per hour in a 120 kilometers per hour zone on the N1 near Brackenfell.

The other one was caught clocking about 153 kilometers per hour on 100 kilometers per hour zone in Worcester.

Western Cape Traffic Chief Kenny Africa said both drivers will be arrested soon.

He further said they have completed their investigation.

Many SA girls forced into prostitution

2012-01-24T08:49:00.000+02:00

Andiswa Mkosi
24 January 2012

A teenager from Gauteng who escaped from a human trafficking ring that allegedly forced her into prostituition claims there are still many other girls like her.

She says that she has come forward in order to help girls who are still trapped in prostitution rings like she was.

She was kidnapped by unknown men who drugged her and transported her to Cape Town in Khayelitsha where she was raped and forced to sell her body.

She continued to say that the men who kidnapped her still had ten other girls in hostage.

HRC to investigate King’s homophobic remarks

2012-01-24T08:34:00.000+02:00

Andiswa Mkosi
24 January 2012

The South African Human Rights Commission reported that they will be investigating King Goodwill Zwelithini's homophobic remarks that he made during the weekend.

Zwelithini said at an event that traditionally there were no people who are homophobic.

He referred to gay people as rotten and that same sex relationships are not acceptable.

Vincent Moaga of the HRC says they plan to write to the King to find out if whether or not he made the remarks.

Judasa asks Health minister to intervene for junior doctors

2012-01-24T08:22:00.001+02:00

Lauren Snyders
24 January 2012

The Junior Doctors Association has called on the Minister of Health and the National Treasury to intervene on behalf of junior doctors in the Eastern Cape.

According to Judasa, the provincial government is refusing to pay junior doctors until the end of March.

The Association is nevertheless encouraging their members to honour their contracts.

The Eastern Cape treasury has apparently decided not to pay new employees until the end of the financial year.

The MJC welcomes critics to scrutinise their books

2012-01-24T07:55:00.001+02:00

Lauren Snyders
24 January 2012

The Muslim Judicial Council MJC says that critics are welcomed to scrutinise their books.

This comes after People Against Gangsterism and Drugs Pagad called on all Muslim South Africans to boycott halaal products from the MJC.

The council has been in spotlight after awarding halaal certification at the Cape Town meat distributors Orion.

Orion was taken to court after a cell phone video emerged showing products being relabeled as halaal.

Six people killed in Mpumalanga floods

2012-01-24T06:26:00.002+02:00

Anansa Jacobs
24 January 2012

In Mpumalanga six people were killed in floods that destroyed parts of the province.

Initially only two people were reported dead.

Spokesperson Simphiwe Kunene mentioned in a statement that the death toll had rose to six people.

Some of the areas affected by the floods were Mkomazi, Bushbuckridge, Thabachweu, Mbombela, and the Umjindi municipalities.

Temperatures for Western Cape to rise

2012-01-23T16:26:00.001+02:00

Anansa Jacobs
23 January 2012

Forecasters have said today that the Western Cape will be experiencing more hot weather conditions for the month of February.

The mercury rose as high as 35 degrees last week.

At the same time Cape Town is experiencing a drop in the pressure system which is resulting to light rain being experienced.

This time of year Cape Town usually experiences hot weather.The city can surely expect the temperatures to rise.

UCT prohibits first year initiation

2012-01-23T15:05:00.003+02:00

MlulekiMrwebi
23 January 2012

The University of Cape Town said the initiation practice is strictlyprohibited.

Theinitiation is a practice done on first year students by the senior students at universities.

Mostuniversities will reopen in February when thousands of first year students willstart their tertiary education.

Thestatement made by the UCT comes after an incident where a student drowned inthe swimming pool at the Potchefstroom campus of the University of the North West over the weekend.

The detailsof the student’s death are not known yet but police suspect he died during aninitiation process.

UCT's PatLucas said they will closely monitor the orientation of the first years. Hefurther said initiation is not allowed at all.