ANC says apology is not good enough

By Khanyisa Tabata
31 March 2011

The African National Congress says a front page apology by The Star newspaper will not undo the damage done when they misquoted Youth League leader Julius Malema.

Several media sources reportedly quoted Malema as saying that “President Zuma had bad advisors”, and had been “making bad decisions since 2007”.

It is believed that the story had been written by freelance journalist Matome Sevelemetja, who has not responded to requests for the source of his information.

South African National Editors’ Forum voices its concern

By Khanyisa Tabata
31 March 2011

The South African National Editors’ Forum has voiced its concern over the barring of a group of activists from Parliament earlier this week.

Nine members of the Right2Know campaign were prevented from attending an open meeting of the ad hoc committee in charge of the proposed Protection of Information Bill.

Sanef says it is the right of all citizens to attend meetings in Parliament and not a gift for presiding officers to grant or withhold as they deem fit.

Crime Intelligence boss to be arrested soon

By Khanyisa Tabata
31 March 2011

National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele has confirmed in Parliament that the head of Crime Intelligence Richard Mdluli is not yet behind bars.

An arrest warrant for Mdluli was issued earlier this week, and Cele says detectives are confident of nabbing him soon.

Sources say Mdluli could be charged with murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, assault, intimidation and defeating the ends of justice.

It is alleged that the case relates to the death of a man in 1999, when Mdluli was the head of the Vosloorus Detective Unit on the East Rand.

The victim, Mdluli and a woman had apparently been involved in a love triangle.

Extent of tender corruption shocks MPs

By Lelethu Mquqo
31 March 2011

Special Investigating Unit head Willie Hofmeyr has told shocked members of Parliament that the unit expects to probe R20 billion worth of tender corruption this financial year.

Hofmeyr reported a massive increase in requests for corruption investigations.

He says it needs to be acknowledged that the country faces a very serious corruption problem.

Investigations into corruption include the police force, the Social Security Agency, the, and the Departments of Arts and Culture, Human Settlements and Public Works.

Transport matters to be handled in municipal level

By Lelethu Mquqo
31 March 2011

Western Cape Transport and Public Works MEC Robin Carlisle announced that all public transport matters will now be handled at the municipal level.

Carlisle presented his R5.7 billion budget and said it would help create more work opportunities in the province.

Meanwhile, a R4.5 billion urban regeneration project has been launched to expand the Cape Town International Convention Centre on the Foreshore.

The funds will come from the CTICC, the City of Cape Town and the provincial government.

The expansion includes retail space, a hospital, an office tower, numerous basement parking bays, as well as the regeneration of Founder’s Garden.

The partners say the expansion will drive job creation in the City and the province.

Alleged axe murderer described as a Christian

By Lelethu Mquqo
31 March 2011

The name of the former Blue Bulls rugby player who is accused of three axe murders will appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court today.

The former rugby player’s name will be withheld to protect his daughter.

The 34-year-old suspect, who was born in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, allegedly went on the killing spree after his daughter was raped and infected with HIV.

People who know the suspect have expressed surprise at the charges, describing the man as a Christian and someone of good character.

Police silent on Crime Intelligence head’s warrant of arrest

By Lelethu Mquqo
31 March 2011

Police have refused to divulge why a warrant of arrest has been issued for the head of Crime Intelligence Richard Mdluli.

Sources say Mdluli could be charged with murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, assault, intimidation and defeating the ends of justice.

It is alleged that the case relates to the death of a man in 1999, when Mdluli was the head of the Vosloorus Detective Unit on the East Rand.

The victim, Mdluli and a woman had apparently been involved in a love triangle.

It is not yet known whether the spy boss handed himself over to police last night.

Shooting causes Gauteng highway closure

By Khanyisa Tabata
30 March 2011

Police in Johannesburg temporarily closed off the M1 highway near the Crown interchange after a shooting incident left two people dead.

Police spokesperson Lorraine van Emmerick says the incident happened when three men held another man at knife point near the highway.

The cornered man retaliated by shooting two of his attackers.

The incident comes just hours after National Police Commission Bheki Cele said half of crimes committed in South Africa take place in Gauteng.

Cele labelled the province the “home of crime”. He says that in order to deal with crime in South Africa, police need to tackle the problem in the province first.

ANC Youth League website hacked

By Khanyisa Tabata
30 March 2011

The ANC Youth League website has been hacked. The website, which has since been fixed, earlier displayed statements attributed to Julius Malema, saying he was stepping down from his position as Youth League leader for several reasons.

The faked statement claimed that Malema had “made a fool of himself” and did “not consider youth issues”. Youth League spokesperson Floyd Shivambu says he was not aware of any such attacks on their website.

Shivambu says the league does not have time for things like this.

According to the ANCYL site, the post was made by the.

MPs scrutinise police Head Quarters deals

Lusanda Bill
30 March 2011

A report into a lease agreement for a police building in Durban is being awaited for by the Police Portfolio Committee.

The Police Portfolio Committee has already received a report on the R500 million lease agreement for police headquarters in Pretoria.

National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele came under fire for the invalid agreement regarding the headquarters.

A few weeks ago cabinet was handed the alleged corrupt Pretoria building lease agreement.

Some ID members move to the ANC

By Khanyisa Tabata
30 March 2011

The African National Congress in the Western Cape says a flood of Independent Democrats members are joining them.

According to spokesperson Patrick McKenzie, the former ID members reject the Democratic Alliance and ID-leader Patricia de Lille.

George mayor Bazil Petrus and Matzikama speaker David Jenner have defected to the ANC.

McKenzie says others who feel that the DA is not a home for poor and ordinary people are former MEC Sakkie Jenner, and leaders from Oudtshoorn, Bot River and Kraaifontein.

Theft in hospitals amounts to more than 16 million-rands

Lusanda Bill
30 March 2011

Hospital theft has amounted to over 16million-rands Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi revealed.

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has revealed that computers, linen and medical equipment are some of the most commonly stolen items from hospitals.

The Eastern Cape and Limpopo failed to provide hospital crime information.

The Free State has recorded the highest number of computer theft.

Police member wounded in protest clashes

Lusanda Bill 30 March 2011

A police member has been wounded in protesting clashing with Zandspruit informal settlement residents.

Residents are protesting to show their frustration over a lack of services. A police vehicle’s tyres have also been shot out.

Lieutenant Colonel Lungelo Dlamini says "The situation is tense and the road is blocked".

The crowd have been dispersed with rubber bullets by police officials.

Marcus talks on nationalisation and inflation

By Lelethu Mquqo
30 March 2011

Reserve Bank Governor Gill Marcus has warned that a debate on the nationalisation of mines should take into consideration how well government-controlled entities function, before deciding “what works”.

Speaking at a small business seminar in Soweto, Marcus said nationalisation should not be an ideological debate.

People should look at entities the state does control and ask what is the most efficient.

He says South Africa has an effective state but many aspects need to be improved.

On inflation, Marcus warned that it was bound to pick up. He reiterated that the central bank would not be soft on inflation, as it is concerned about the impact of rising food and oil prices.

Observers interpret Marcus’ remarks as strengthening expectations that interest rates will start to rise later this year.

Cope battle continues

By Lelethu Mquqo
30 March 2011

The Congress of the People says a move by its former deputy-president Mbhazima Shilowa to prevent the swearing in of his parliamentary replacement is nothing more than an irritation.

Shilowa says Graham McIntosh cannot be sworn in as an MP as a court has not yet ruled on his case against party president Mosiuoa Lekota.

According to Cope spokesperson Phillip Dexter, Shilowa has been expelled from the party and has nothing to gain from stalling the process.

Meanwhile, the Shilowa faction has decided not to campaign or field candidates in the May municipal elections.

Shilowa’s spokesperson Sipho Ngwema says they are not calling for a boycott, but want people to “isolate” the Lekota faction.

Ngwema says people should vote for the best candidate in each constituency, as long as he or she is not aligned to Lekota.

International leaders hold emergency meeting on Libya

By Khanyisa Tabata
29 March 2011

International leaders have held an emergency meeting in London to discuss the future of Libya.

The meeting was attended by representatives from 35 countries, including seven Arab states, as well as heads of the United Nations and the North Atlantic treaty Organisation.

British Prime Minister David Cameron called for a concerted international effort to support the Libyan people in their fight against Muammar Gaddafi.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says air strikes against Gaddafi’s forces will continue until the embattled leader calls for a ceasefire.

DA calls for forensic report of at the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality to be realised

By Khanyisa Tabata
29 March 2011

The Democratic Alliance has called for the immediate release of an allegedly damning forensic report on corruption, fraud and mismanagement at the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality in the Eastern Cape.

The DA’s mayoral candidate for the municipality, Leon de Villiers, says the report is being kept under wraps by provincial Local Government MEC, Mlibo Qoboshiyane, for obvious reasons.

De Villiers says the ANC’s reputation in the metro is already at an all-time low.

Shilowa wins another Cope court battle

By Khanyisa Tabata
29 March 2011

Mbhazima Shilowa has won his Western Cape High Court challenge preventing Congress of the People member Graham McIntosh from being sworn in as Cope national executive member of Parliament in his place.

Shilowa stopped the National Assembly from swearing in McIntosh because he says his legal battle with Mosiuoa Lekota has not yet been finalised in the South Gauteng High Court.

Shilowa's spokesperson Sipho Ngwema says the court order is a clear message that the battle for the leadership of Cope is not yet over.

Gaddafi wants “barbaric offensive” to end

By Khanyisa Tabata
29 March 2011

Muammar Gaddafi has called for an end to what he describes as the "barbaric offensive" against his country.

The Libya leader addressed a letter to international powers meeting in London to discuss his nation's future.

He likens the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation-led strikes to Adolf Hitler’s military campaigns launched during the Second World War.

More than 35 countries, including seven Arab states, are meeting as rebels close in on the key Libyan city of Sirte.

Bafana striker arrested for drunk driving

By Lelethu Mquqo
29 March 2011

Johannesburg police have confirmed that Bafana Bafana striker Katlego Mphela was arrested early on Monday morning.

He is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol after a weekend of celebrations.

The star player, nicknamed "Killer", scored the only goal in its win against Egypt on Saturday at Ellis Park.

Mphela is out on bail of a R1 000.

Mphela’s agent Glyn Binkin says at this stage it’s just suspicion of drunken driving.

He will appear in court in August when the results of his blood-alcohol test will be available.

No strike for public servants yet

By Lelethu Mquqo
29 March 2011

The Public Servants’ Association says government’s latest wage offer of a 4.8% increase is a slap in the face.

The union has called for a 10% increase and a one-thousand-650-Rands housing allowance.

It also wants government employees to all receive equal medical aid coverage.

With memories of last year’s three-week-long public servants strike still fresh, the PSA’s Manie de Klerk says at this stage, the public need not be worried about their rejection of government’s offer

Motlanthe promotes investment in Africa

By Lelethu Mquqo
29 March 2011

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe has told an audience at the New York Stock Exchange that the African continent is packed with economic opportunities.

Motlanthe, who is on an official visit to the United States, says Africa’s gross domestic product has more than doubled since 2000.

He reminded the audience that the continent had a number of countries that, like South Africa, struggle with the deep-seated legacies of colonialism.

Motlanthe says despite the strength of South Africa’s economy, it is still one of the most inequitable societies in the world.

Race row leads to human rights complaint

By Lelethu Mquqo
29 March 2011

Independent Democrats secretary general Haniff Hoosen has laid a complaint with the Human Rights Commission against a senior Hawks investigator Trompies Theron.

The colonel is alleged to have thrown racial abuse against a security guard at the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court in Cape Town during an argument over a parking space.

Theron is alleged to have called the guard a "baboon", telling him that the Western Cape belongs to white people.

The matter has been handed to the HRC for further investigation.

Police search for hospital robbers

By Khanyisa Tabata
28 March 2011

Three men have made off with an undisclosed amount of money from Netcare’s Linksfield Hospital in Gauteng.

Police spokesperson Phillip Maganedisa says the unidentified men entered the hospital by claiming they were there to see a doctor.

They then robbed a female security guard, who had been collecting cash from the hospital pharmacy. Netcare has not yet commented on the incident.

Mixed reactions to government plans to launch a newspaper

By Khanyisa Tabata
28 March 2011

Some media experts have labelled government’s plans to launch a newspaper next month as a move to feed propaganda to the public.

Government spokesperson Jimmy Manyi this weekend said plans are already in place to convert the bi-monthly Vuk’uzenzele publication into a fortnightly tabloid.

Julie Reid, a lecturer at the University of South Africa, says however that the paper could serve a useful purpose if managed transparently.

Meanwhile, Jane Duncan, head of the Media and Information Society at Rhodes University says the money government plans to spend on the newspaper could be put to better use elsewhere.

Duncan says government has raised legitimate concerns about the lack of linguistic diversity in newspapers and the prioritising of news from the metropolitan areas.

She says government should rather help struggling independent community newspapers

SA National Taxi Council awaiting feedback about second strike

By Khanyisa Tabata
28 March 2011

The South African National Taxi Council says it is waiting to hear back from its members about if it will undertake another strike.

This is after a taxi strike earlier this month turned violent, leaving one person dead and several others injured.

The strike was eventually called off when Transport Minister S’bu Ndebele intervened.

Santaco spokesperson Mvuyisi Menthe says the decision to strike has not yet been made.

Electricity to increase on the 1st of April

Lusanda Bill 28 March 2011

The cost of electricity will increase on the 1st of April 2011 at midnight.

Last February, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa approved Eskom’s three year proposed price hike effective on the 1st of April each year.

This year the price will go up by 25.8 percent.

Eskom spokesperson Hillary Joffie said next year the same adjustment will happen.

Fire leaves 25 people homeless in Masiphumelele

By Khanyisa Tabata
28 March 2011

25 people have been left homeless after a fire destroyed 14 shacks at Masimola Street in Masiphumelele, Fish Hoek.

Disaster Management spokesperson Wilfred Solomons-Johannes says in total 25 people were left homeless as a result of the fire.

“The fire was contained within an hour and the impact of the fire was reduced due to the quick response of the City's Fire and Rescue Services.

“At first light this morning, City Disaster Response Teams with the assistance of the Social Development Department of the Provincial Government were on-site to assist the victims with food parcels, blankets, baby packs and building material,” said Solomons-Johannes.

Solomons-Johannes no injuries were reported and all persons have been accounted for. The cause of the fire is unknown.

Unions at loggerheads with the Defence Force

By Lelethu Mquqo
28 March 2011

The South African Security Forces Union has slammed the National Defence Force for giving the impression that the North Gauteng High Court has deregistered military unions.

Sasfu says Friday’s ruling simply stated that the union’s application for an interdict against its deregistering was not urgent.

Spokesperson Bhekinkosi Mvovo says the ruling emphasises that the union has the right to continue to represent members.

Mvovo also disputes the Ministry of Defence’s argument that things had improved since it stopped all engagement with unions.

ANC tackles its election campaign

By Lelethu Mquqo
28 March 2011

The African National Congress says it is pleased to be fielding more than 9 000 candidates in the upcoming local government elections.

Party spokesperson Brian Sokutu says they managed to make the deadline for candidate submissions despite being taken to court in the Eastern Cape by unhappy members.

Sokutu says the submission of candidates signals the real start of their election campaign.

DA says it will soon lay charges against Schabir Shaik

By Lelethu Mquqo
28 March 2011

The Democratic Alliance says it will soon lay charges against President Jacob Zuma’s former financial advisor Schabir Shaik.

A newspaper reported yesterday that Shaik was violating the terms of his medical parole by holding at least one directorship.

DA federal chairperson Wilmot James says Shaik disobeys section 218 of the Companies Act, which states that no person convicted of fraud may serve as director of a company.

James is also concerned that the Companies and Intellectual Property Registration Office, Cipro, is not doing its job.

IFP leader must blame himself for party's falling apart says kaMagwaza-Msibi

By Khanyisa Tabata
27 March 2011

National Freedom Party leader Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi says Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi has only himself to blame for what she terms the party's falling apart.

KaMagwaza-Msibi was speaking in Durban where she addressed a gathering of women. She says the root of the problem for Buthelezi is his neglect of the masses.

Yesterday, Buthelezi repeated his allegations that KaMagwaza-Msibi was responsible for splitting the IFP.

28 arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol

By Khanyisa Tabata
27 march 2011

28 people have been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Minister of community safety Albert Fritz says the highest alcohol reading was 1.67mg, significantly up from last week’s 1.11mg.

“Speed is a major contributing factor to the countless accidents on our roads, and was intensely monitored across the province, resulting in 3341 speeding cases being recorded.

“The highest speed was 195km/h in a 120km/h zone. This behaviour puts every other road user’s life in danger and I want to see the most severe punishment handed down in this regard, said Fritz.

Fritz added that they will continue to act without fear or favour, until we have total cooperation from all road users.

“With school holidays just around the corner, I am appealing to the public to drive responsibly,” said Fritz.

Residents of informal settlements around Pretoria warned of flooding

By Khanyisa Tabata
27 March 2011

Residents of Ga-Rankuwa and Mabopane in Tshwane have been warned of possible flooding following steady rain that has been falling since yesterday afternoon.

Emergency services are on high alert and spokesperson Johan Pieterse says informal settlements north of Pretoria are most vulnerable as they are all near rivers.

People should stay away from low-lying areas and bridges. More heavy rain is expected to fall today.

Residents of informal settlements around Pretoria warned of flooding

By Khanyisa Tabata
27 March 2011

Residents of Ga-Rankuwa and Mabopane in Tshwane have been warned of possible flooding following steady rain that has been falling since yesterday afternoon.

Emergency services are on high alert and spokesperson Johan Pieterse says informal settlements north of Pretoria are most vulnerable as they are all near rivers.

People should stay away from low-lying areas and bridges. More heavy rain is expected to fall today.

Shark activity forces closure of popular False Bay swimming beach

By Khanyisa Tabata
27 March 2011

The popular swimming beach of Fish Hoek in False Bay has been closed to bathers because of high shark activity.

In one incident, a shark was seen feeding on a seal it had killed close inshore. Three other sightings of sharks have been reported. The Shark Spotters’ white flag is flying to warn people not to enter the water.

This situation at Fish Hoek Beach has prompted the City to issue a general shark alert in False Bay.

Zuma meets with MDC leader to discuss situation in Zimbabwe

By Khanyisa Tabata
27 March 2011

President Jacob Zuma met Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai at his home in Nkandla yesterday amid fears that the country's inclusive government is collapsing.

Zuma's spokesperson Zizi Kodwa says Zuma met Tsvangirai in his capacity as the Southern African Development Community's facilitator in Zimbabwe to discuss the deepening political crisis.

Media reports that Zimbabwe's government faces collapse as the clampdown on Tsvangirai's MDC by President Robert Mugabe intensifies.

The week ended in dramatic fashion with reports that several MDC ministers and members of parliament face arrest, allegedly to prevent them from voting this week for the position of speaker.

Road accidents claimed at least 26 lives during the past 24 hours

By Khanyisa Tabata
27 March 2011

Road accidents claimed at least 26 lives in North West, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng during the past 24 hours.

In the worst incident, seven people died when a number of vehicles were involved in a collision on the R-47 Mahikeng-Zeerust Road in North West last night.

In another horror accident, six people were killed when a bus and eight cars were involved in a multiple pile-up on the N-One at Boekenhout in Limpopo yesterday.

Apparently the bus was travelling at high speed and smashed into slow moving traffic. Three of the victims were children.

And in Durban three people were killed when four cars, a taxi and a motorbike collided on the Athlone Bridge in Durban North.

Two pedestrians were killed in Ballito in KZN when they were struck by an out of control vehicle while walking along a narrow road in the Obongo Township.

Rains cause Gauteng bridge to collapse

By Khanyisa Tabata
27 March 2011

The heavy rains over Gauteng have caused a bridge along Witkoppen Road in Johannesburg's northern suburbs to collapse.

The damaged bridge spans the Braamfontein Spruit, one of the major streams in Johannesburg.

The collapse occurred between Rivonia Road and Witkoppen road in Sunninghill earlier this morning. Witkoppen Road has been blocked off as a result and will remain closed to traffic for some time to come.

Twenty Eastern Cape ANC members face expulsion

By Khanyisa Tabata
26 March 2011

The ANC says some 20 members of the party in the Eastern Cape who were involved in challenging the party over election candidate lists face possible expulsion.

Provincial spokesperson Mlibo Qoboshiyana says the members have 30 days to explain why they should not be expelled.

The province faced widespread revolt over its candidate lists with many regions challenging them in court.

Rescuers battle to reach Myanmar quake victims

By Khanyisa Tabata
26 March 2011

Rescuers are battling to reach remote Myanmar towns hit by a powerful earthquake which killed 75 and left roads torn apart and homes reduced to rubble.

The 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck in the east of the country near the borders with Thailand and Laos and was felt as far away as the Vietnamese capital Hanoi.

The towns of Tarlay, Tachileik and nearby villages in Myanmar's Shan state appear to have been most severely affected by the quake.

Labour inspectors target Free State farms

By Khanyisa Tabata
26 March 2011

Farms in the Free State can expect visits by Labour inspectors who will be looking for under-aged children being employed during the school holidays.

The provincial labour department says teams will also visit farms in the Petrusburg district to do follow ups on some farms against whom the department had opened cases of child labour after having been found to have employed under-aged children last year.

The Basic Conditions of Employment Act prohibits employers from employing children under the age of 15 years.

Two die in North West accident

By Khanyisa Tabata
26 March 2011

Two people were killed and six seriously injured in a head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a motorcyclist on the N12 near Wolmaransstad, in the North West.

Netcare 911 spokesperson Jeff Wicks says the motorcyclist and a passenger in the front of the minibus died on the scene.

Six passengers in the taxi were treated and stabilised at the scene before being taken to medical facilities in the area.

Motlanthe visits the US to strengthen ties

By Khanyisa Tabata
26 March 2011

The Presidency has announced that Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe has left on a four-day working visit to the United States.

Spokesperson Thabo Masebe says Motlanthe's visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral, political and economic relations in support of South Africa's domestic priorities and foreign policy objectives.

Motlanthe will visit New York, Washington and Chicago. He is being accompanied by four ministers.

City to switch off lights tonight

By Khanyisa Tabata
26 March 2011

The City of Cape Town will be switching off the lights on Table Mountain and in its own buildings for one hour in support of Earth Hour.

Lights will be switched off around the globe and people will commit to actions that go beyond the hour.

Earth Hour 2011 is expected to see more than one billion people in a thousand major cities switch off their lights and Cape Town has called on its citizens to do the same.

Swaziland MPs accepting salary cut

By Khanyisa Tabata
26 March 2011

Swaziland's Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini says his
cabinet ministers have accepted a 10 percent salary cut as the country battles its way out of a budget crisis.

Civil servants last week protested against government moves to slash its wage bill, required by the International Monetary Fund for the kingdom to access much-needed loans.

Dlamini told the media that there clearly needs to be an appropriate level of sacrifice within the civil service and parliament to reduce the payroll cost to a manageable level.

800 rhinos killed in Africa over three years

By Khanyisa Tabata
26 March 2011

Some 800 rhinos have been killed in Africa in the past three years alone and conservationists say the animals face their worst crisis in decades from crime syndicates.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature said today poaching was on the rise in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya due to well-equipped and sophisticated crime gangs.

Rhinos are hunted as trophies and their horns sell like gold on the black market. Each kilogram can fetch tens of thousands of dollars in Asia where the horns are thought to have medicinal value.

Meanwhile, a suspected rhino poacher has been shot dead in a clash with Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife rangers at the Ndumo Game Reserve in Mganu.

The incident occurred late yesterday afternoon soon after the discovery of a freshly killed adult female white rhino.

Police search for two killers in Cape Town

By Khanyisa Tabata
26 March 2011

Cape Town police are still searching for two men who gunned down the deputy principal of Ludwe Ngamlana High School in Khayelitsha.

Forty-six-year-old Linga Mafu died when the men shot him in his driveway in Mitchell’s Plain.

The murderers were apparently after his vehicle. The killers then fled.

Minister of Education in the Western Cape Donald Grant expressed his condolences to the family and friends of slain deputy principal.

Grant spokesperson Bronagh Casey says the WCED will do everything possible to assist the school in this difficult time. To this end, the Department has already sent social workers to the school to counsel the staff.

Gauteng can expect more rain today

By Khanyisa Tabata
26 March 2011

Johannesburg and Soweto can expect more thundershowers and heavy downpours today after flooding caused chaos in some suburbs late yesterday afternoon.

Cars were swept away on the M-One North and at least one woman had to be rescued from her vehicle near the Corlett Drive off-ramp.

The victim was rescued by two men who jumped out of a taxi into the strong flowing water.

Apparently a number of vehicles were swept off bridges as the rain poured down. Emergency services remain on high alert.

Missing Child Alert

Missing Child Alert

Reserve Bank gets new deputy governor

By Lelethu Mquqo
25 March 2011

The rand fluctuated earlier today when President Jacob Zuma announced that he and Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan would be addressing a media conference this afternoon.

There were fears that the announcement could adversely affect the rand.

However, Zuma announced that director of the National Treasury Lesetja Kganyago has been appointed deputy governor of the Reserve Bank.

The rand immediately recovered at the news. He will begin his new job on the 16th of May.

DA slams Zuma’s democracy statement

By Lelethu Mquqo
25 March 2011

The Democratic Alliance has hit back at President Jacob Zuma’s statement that democracy needed “to produce good results”, and not a strong opposition, in order to be successful.

The remark came from an African National Congress fundraiser last night.

The DA’s Lindiwe Mazibuko describes it as a “profoundly undemocratic statement” for an incumbent president to make.

She also feels that it is patently untrue, as in South Africa, the best results are to be found where the national opposition party governs, not the ANC.

State negotiations of a wage increase not going well

Lusanda Bill
25 March 2011

Government’s initial offer of four-point-eight-percent wage hike offer has been rejected by civil servants.

The National Education and Allied Workers Union is demanding a 10-percent increase.

Nehawu’s Sizwe Pamla says they won’t even bother to take the state’s initial offer to members.

In 2010 more than a million state employees, embarked on national strike demanding an eight-point-six-percent increase.

No more unqualified employees to be hired at municipalities

Lusanda Bill
25 March 2011

Acting Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nathi Mthethwa has given the assurance that municipalities will no longer be staffed by unqualified employees.

The Municipal Systems Amendment Bill was tabled in Parliament on Thursday.

The Bill makes municipalities to employ appropriately qualified and competent people.

Any one found guilty of fraud and corruption will not be employed by any municipality for a period of 10 years.

Warning to people who leak information from confidential meetings

Lusanda Bill
25 March 2011

Government communicators have issued a warning to people who leak information from confidential meetings.

Government spokesperson Jimmy Manyi said government communicators had made the resolution at a meeting in Pretoria on Thursday.

Manyi said those responsible for the leaks that their actions constitute misconduct and that steps will be taken to safeguard the confidentiality of internal staff meetings.

Government communicators have expressed their concerns about not being able to speak freely in meetings if the leaking of information continues.

More than half-a-million duplicate identity numbers discovered

Lusanda Bill
25 March 2011

The Home Affairs Department has discovered more than half-a-million duplicate identity numbers.

Director general Mkuseli Apleni says there is no need for concern as all the duplicate numbers have been blocked on the National Population Register.

The people affected have already been notified by the department.

Apleni has urged all those who have been contacted by the department to visit their nearest home affairs department, so their cases could be resolved.

World Health Organisation voices concerns

By Lelethu Mquqo
24 March 2011

The World Health Organisation has warned on World TB Day that the number of cases of the multi-drug resistant strain of the disease will reach 2 million by 2015 if they are left unchecked.

The number of the hard-to-treat strains of the lung disease has doubled in recent years.

More than 400-thousand cases of TB were identified in South Africa in 2009.

The Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal account for almost half of all cases.

Free State education department tries to improve quality of learning

By Lelethu Mquqo
24 March 2011

The Free State education department hopes to improve quality learning and teaching in rural schools by solving problems during a two-day workshop.

Subjects include school transport, feeding schemes, hostels, HIV and Aids and learner pregnancy.

About 600 delegates, including principals of farm schools, are attending the discussions.

As part of improving rural education, Sony SA is donating 13-thousand books to the Free State.

More than 150 farm schools will benefit from the programme.

Student body withdraws support for Malema

By Lelethu Mquqo
24 March 2011

The Congress of South African Students says it will not support ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema for a second term as president.

Cosas’ Bongani Mani accuses Malema of giving the youth movement a bad name.

The student body will throw its support behind the League’s Gauteng chairperson Lebogang Maile, who is also the province's MEC for sport, culture, arts and recreation.

Mani adds that youth issues such as education are being ignored under Malema’s leadership.

Mail & Guardian wins fight against SABC

By Lelethu Mquqo
24 March 2011

The Broadcasting Complaints Commission has ordered the SABC to apologise to the Mail & Guardian newspaper for broadcasting what was described as an “inaccurate and distorted” story about one of the newspaper's journalists.

The public broadcaster argues that it had not contravened the broadcasting code.

The corporation was found guilty of not giving journalist Sam Sole the right to reply to allegations that he had accepted a 900-Rands bribe and was guilty of racial bias.

The allegations were made in an SABC broadcast by businessman Robert Gumede.

Possiblity of 65 gang members to be released on parole

Lusanda Bill
24 March 2011

There is a possiblity that sixty five top members of different Western Cape gangs could be released on parole.

This has sparked fear in communities in the Western Cape.

Community Safety MEC Albert Fritz said yesterday he was worried about what the release of these top gang leaders could mean, especially in the light of the recent assassination of a gang leader in Cape Town.

Fritz said before a person is considered for parole the local police should be informed and that the community police forum is informed.

4200 mineworkers observe a day of mourning today

Lusanda Bill
24 March 2011

Over 4200 mineworkers are today downing tools at Blyvoor mine outside Carletonville.

This is to mourn the eight mineworkers who lost their lives in a bus accident last week Friday.

The accident killed eight people and left 27 people seriously injured.

National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Lesiba Seshoka says the families of the deceased workers are expected to attended the memorial service today.

NUM Deputy President Piet Matosa is expected to address the mourners at the Blyvoor Mine Sportsground.

Dewani ordered to remain in a psychiatric hospital

Lusanda Bill
24 March 2011

Shrien Dewani has been ordered to remain in a psychiatric hospital until he appears in court again on May 3rd.

Experts in forensic psychiatry and prisons are expected to give evidence for the defence via video link from Cape Town.

Shrien Dewani has been accused of masterminding his wife Anne Dewani’s murder.

Dewani was not in court on Wednesday but he has been ordered by the magistrate in a London court that he has to appear in his next hearing.

If Dewani does not appear in court on May 3rd he will be taken into custody immediately.

Missing Adult: Dolf Hendricks

Police member’s firearm management to be monitored

Lusanda Bill
24 March 2011

Minister Nathi Mthethwa says a Police Inspectorate will in future monitor members’ firearm management.

Mthethwa says this will improve firearm control and curb losses.

Since 2005 one-and-a-half-thousand police members who lost their firearms have been issued with new firearms.

The Minister added that every time a police member loses his or her firearm, there must be a full investigation.

The police force is also considering not issuing another firearm to the member, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Churches encourage members to vote

By Lelethu Mquqo
23 March 2011

Three churches have appealed to their followers to vote in the upcoming local government elections, despite trust in politicians having reached a new low.

Leaders from the Dutch Reformed Church, the Dutch Reformed Church of Africa and the Reformed Churches of South Africa say people should use the opportunity to vote about important issues on municipal level.

The churchleaders encouraged their followers to hold municipal leaders to account.

They say local leaders should not refuse to listen or use police force to handle criticism.

DA says ANC at war with itself

By Lelethu Mquqo
23 March 2011

The Democratic Alliance says ANC members’ protest against the party’s Western Cape provincial executive yesterday proves the ANC is a party at war with itself.

About 150 ANC members from 16 branches blocked ANC provincial leaders from leaving their offices yesterday.

They accuse their provincial leadership of ignoring candidates they suggested.

DA national spokesperson Lindiwe Mazibuko says the ANC’s candidate selection process has been chaotic and the problems are widespread and acute throughout the province.

Macassar fire survivors to get help

By Khanyisa Tabata
23 March 2011

Western Cape Social Development MEC Patricia De Lille says it’s a horrific tragedy that a fire killed nine people in Macassar near Cape Town.

Speaking from the scene of this morning’s fire, which destroyed two homes, De Lille said regional and local government would carry the costs of the funerals of the six children and three adults who died in the fire.

She also said the Red Cross would provide food, blankets, clothes and shoes to the survivors.

De Lille says they have agreed with Cape Town mayor Dan Plato to help with the cost of the funeral of the six children and the Social Development will do the same for the three adults.

“I have also visited the two injured residents that were hospitalised and we will continue to watch their progress closely.

“Of course it is still early to say what started the fire and we will wait for the police investigation to be completed, said de Lille.

Municipal Systems Amendmend Bill passed

Lusanda Bill
23 March 2011

The Municipal Systems Amendmend Bill was passed yesterday in Parliament.

The bill aims to improve service delivery and to make local government more professional.

Acting Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Nathi Mthethwa, says the Bill opens a new chapter in local government.

Mthethwa added that the bill will ensure that local government is accountable, efficient and responsive.

Candidate list due date for political parties getting closer

Lusanda Bill
23 March 2011

The date for political parties to hand over their candidate lists is getting closer.

Political parties have until 5pm on Friday to hand over their candidate lists to the Independent Electoral Commission.

A breakdown of the election timetable was submitted by the IEC in Parliament yesterday.

176 parties have been registered.

Local government elections will be on the 18th of May 2011.

9 people die in a house fire in Khayelitsha

Lusanda Bill
23 March 2011

Nine people have died in a house fire this morning in Makaza, Khayelitsha.

Cape Town's Disaster Risk Management Centre spokesperson Wilfred Solomons-Johannes said he could not confirm if they were a family.

All nine people were living in the same house.

The cause of the fire is still not known, investigators and the fire department are at the scene.

Immigration Amendment Bill approved in Parliament

Lusanda Bill
23 March 2011

The Immigration Amendment Bill was passed in the National Assembly yesterday.

The Bill was not received well by opposition parties.

The parties have voiced their concerns saying it is not fair to give asylum seekers only five days to report to a refugee reception centre from the time they cross the border.

ANC MP Andre Gaum rejected their criticism. He says asylum seekers' human rights will not be infringed.

Gaum said “we do not want refugees to dwell in the country they must go and report to the nearest refugee reception centre”.

City’s Liquor Enforcement Unit issue R30 000 fines this weekend

By Khanyisa Tabata
22 March 2011

R30 000 worth of fines have been issued over the past weekend by the City of Cape Town’s Liquor Enforcement and Compliance Unit in Strand, Somerset West, Gordon’s Bay and Kuils River.

Specialised Law Enforcement Services spokesperson Nathan Ladegourdie says the South African Police Services over the long weekend clamped down on illegal shebeens and liquor traders and to enforce compliance with the City’s existing by-laws.

“The Unit targeted certain shebeens for which they have received numerous complaints from the public. As a result, eight shebeens were fined for operating without permission from the City, one person was arrested for running a shebeen illegally and alcohol worth R870 was confiscated.

“Businesses were also fined for contravening the Business Act, as well as the Community Safety By-Law. The operations form part of the City’s ongoing clamp-down on illegal shebeens and nightclubs to ensure compliance with existing City by-laws, said Ladegourdie.

Bus services resume after strike

By Lelethu Mquqo
22 March 2011
Johannesburg Metrobus says normal bus services have resumed today after a five-week strike by drivers.

Metrobus spokesperson Esther Dreyer says drivers affiliated to the SA Municipal Workers’ Union got nothing out of the strike as their demands were unreasonable.

Samwu had called for its drivers to be given preference when shifts were allocated.

Dreyer says Metrobus could not agree to this because if privilege was given to striking workers, the non-striking workers would not be happy about that.

Four unions to meet the Competition Tribunal

By Lelethu Mquqo
22 March 2011

Four unions will ask the Competition Tribunal to set aside the deal by which Wal-Mart will acquire a 51 percent stake in Massmart.

The national union of metalworkers, the South African Food and Allied Workers’ Union, the Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union and the South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers’ Union will make presentations to a tribunal hearing.

The four day hearing starts today.

Sactwu’s Etienne Vlok says WalMart normally crushes competition and the company has been found guilty of price fixing in England.

Exclusive: De Lille's response to Human Rights day incident (video)

Acting Western Cape Premier Patricia de Lille was mocked and booed yesterday (21 March 2011) at a government organised Human Rights Day rally in Cape Town.

The act was condemned by different human rights groups and political parties including the Western Cape COSATU's provincial secretary and mayoral candidate Tony Ehrenreich.

De Lille was at Bush Radio this morning to record a message in her capacity as Western Cape MEC for Social Development. The news team’s Lelethu Mquqo used the opportunity to get her response on the incident.

35 injured after train derailed

By Khanyisa Tabata
22 March 2011

Thirty-five commuters were injured, two of them seriously, when a passenger train derailed in Germiston in Gauteng.

The passenger train went off the tracks between the Nights and Ravensklip Stations. Ambulances transported the injured to hospital.

Metrorail Lilian Mofokeng says there is only one coach that derailed and there is a track that has been damaged that they are trying to repair.

A spokesman for Netcare 911 says it’s still unsure why the train derailed, but police are investigating.

Religious leaders outrage over mocking of Patricia de Lille

Lusanda Bill
22 March 2011

Acting Western Cape premier Patricia de Lille was mocked booed at the ANC rally in Athlone on Monday.

Religious leaders who attended the rally in Athlone say the extreme intolerance did not bode well for the forthcoming local government elections.

Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, Father John Oliver and Tahirih Matthew of the Western Cape Religious Leaders Forum say they were saddened and shocked to witness the gross disgrace De Lille was subjected to.

The Democratic Alliance also condemned the way De Lille was treated.

Mazibuko says the ANC used the multi-party, government-sponsored event as a political rally.

Missing Child Alert:

Missing boy found dead

By Lelethu Mquqo
21 March 2011

Police have found the body of the 15-year-oldLebogang Rabolao who went missing last week.

The boy who attended Sutherland High School, was last seen on Tuesday afternoon.

His body was found in a veld close to his home today.

Public comments on the Muslim Marriages Bill extended to the 31st of May

By Lelethu Mquqo
21 March 2011

The Minister of Justice, Jeff Radebe, has extended the deadline for public comments and input on the Muslim Marriages Bill to the 31st of May.

The deadline has been extended in recognition of the need to allow for maximum participation in the process of consultation and engagement.

Department spokesperson Tlali Tlali says they trust that everybody concerned will exploit the opportunity and make meaningful submissions.

He says that since its publication the Bill has elicited more than five thousand submissions.

Violence breaks out at ANC meeting

By Lelethu Mquqo
21 March 2011

Violence broke out at an African National Congress meeting in the KwaQanda community hall in Pietermaritzburg yesterday.

Provincial executive committee member Lydia Johnson had to dive for cover when chairs were thrown and tyres set alight.

Johnson, the provincial MEC for public works, had been sent to explain the nomination of the party’s Ward Six candidate for the local government elections on May 18.

However, those attending the meeting objected to the candidate and things turned ugly.

Johnson had to flee the scene and the meeting finished early.

Sharpeville to get six heritage sites

By Lelethu Mquqo
21 March 2011

At one of the main Human Rights Day celebrations today, six sites in Sharpeville are to be declared heritage sites.

Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane will declare the old Sharpeville Police Station, Phelinda and Vuka cemeteries, the local Roman Catholic Church, Sharpeville Memorial and Exhibition Centre and the Kwa Dlomo Dam as heritage sites.

Meanwhile, Democratic Alliance leader and Western Cape Premier Helen Zille says she had to turn down President Jacob Zuma's invitation to join him for Human Rights Day celebrations in Cape Town today because she had already committed to speaking in Mpumalanga.

Zille however has offered to send social development MEC Patricia de Lille to the celebrations in Athlone.

More heavy rain expected in Johannesburg

By Lelethu Mquqo
21 March 2011

Rescue workers have warned that Johannesburg can expect more heavy rains following the flooding that caused chaos in the City last night.

Motorists and shack dwellers had to be rescued as floodwaters overcomed their vehicles and shacks.

Johannesburg emergency services spokesperson Nana Radebe says 97 shacks were flooded at the Protea South informal settlement.

Passengers also had to be rescued from the roofs of cars that had been swept away in the flood water in Commando Road, Florida last night.

China opposes strikes against Libyan defences

By Lelethu Mquqo
20 March 2011

China is opposed to Western nations' strikes against Libyan defences.

French, United States and British forces are attacking military installations controlled by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

They are enforcing a United Nations-sanctioned no-fly zone over Libya after government forces violated the cease-fire it had declared.

China’s Foreign Ministry says, as always, it does not agree with the use of force in international relations.

It believes all nations should respect Libya's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity.

China along with Russia, Brazil, Germany and India abstained from voting on the draft UN resolution on Thursday.

Four die in an accident on the West Coast

By Lelethu Mquqo
20 March 2011

Yesterday two cars were involved in a head on collision on the R27, 10km from Yzerfontein on the West Coast.

The occupants of the two cars, a BMW and Nissan Bakkie all died at the scene.

In total four people died in the accident two males and two females.

The bodies have been taken to Malmesbury Forensic Pathology Services and are still awaiting identification and post mortem.

Pathology Services’ Zenzile Zolani says police are still investigating the cause of the accident.

Missing Adult Alert:Mogamat Ajam

Missing Child Alert:Amile Mahlamvu

Zuma and Zille won’t share Human Rights Day stage

By Lelethu Mquqo
20 March 2011

Western Cape Premier and Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille has turned down President Jacob Zuma's invitation to join him for Human Rights Day celebrations in Cape Town tomorrow.

She says she had already promised to address a DA rally in Mpumalanga when Zuma’s invitation arrived.

Zuma will be delivering a key note address in celebrations at the Athlone stadium.

Zille has offered to send social development MEC Patricia de Lille to the Athlone celebrations in her place.

Cope replaces Shilowa as MP

By Lelethu Mquqo
20 March 2011

The Congress of the People’s Lekota-faction has replaced the expelled Mbhazima Shilowa as Member of Parliament with Graham McIntosh.

Spokesperson Philip Dexter says McIntosh is an experienced politician who has served as an MP before.

At a meeting in Johannesburg yesterday, several other Cope members, including Mluleki George were also expelled for bringing the party into disrepute.

The meeting also resolved to recover the funds spent on legal cases from those who have been ordered by courts to pay costs.

Zille wants voters to compare Johannesburg to Cape Town

By Lelethu Mquqo
19 March 2011

Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille says the coming local government elections could prove a watershed moment in South African politics.

Zille says voters will for the first time have an opportunity to properly compare political parties' track records.

Voters will, for instance, be in a position to contrast five years of DA government in Cape Town with five years of ANC government in Johannesburg.

Zille says instead of making local service delivery the issue, the ANC is making race the issue in the run-up to the polls.

Police take on the streets of Gauteng and North West

By Lelethu Mquqo
19 March 2011

Over one-and-a-half-thousand national headquarters police members have taken to the streets of Gauteng and North West under the command of National Commissioner Bheki Cele.

Operation Squeeze is concentrating on activities such as illegal liquor sales, drug dealing, illegal possession of firearms and tracking wanted criminals.

This morning, nearly five-thousand firearms seized or surrendered in North West were destroyed in Benoni on the East Rand, where the Gauteng operation kicked off.

Libyan ceasefire violated

By Lelethu Mquqo
19 March 2011

A warplane has been shot down over the Libyan city of Benghazi.

Sustained bombing has rocked the rebel stronghold today, while reports suggest Muammar Gaddafi's forces have entered the city.

Libya declared a unilateral ceasefire yesterday after the United Nations Security Council authorised a no-fly zone over the country.

United States President Barack Obama has warned that Gaddafi faces military action if the ceasefire is not respected.

Leaders from Britain, the US, France and Arab countries are due to meet in Paris to discuss military action.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon says the world must speak with one voice on Libya.

ANC Youth League shocked by state of Gauteng’s education sector

By Lelethu Mquqo
19 March 2011

The ANC Youth League in Gauteng says it is "appalled and disappointed" at the state of the province’s education sector.

Provincial secretary Ayanda Kasa-Ntsobi adds that what she calls the "irresponsible and reckless" comments by Democratic Teachers' Union Gauteng chairperson Moss Senye show that he needs a crash course in leadership.

Senye called provincial education MEC Barbara Creecy a racist and a Satanist.

The League also condemned Congress of SA Students’ Ntsako Mogobe statement that pupils should hit back if teachers use corporal punishment.

Missing Child Alert: Lebogang Rabolao

All South Africans urged to save electricity

By Lelethu Mquqo
19 March 2011

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe says every South African should seriously consider how he or she is using electricity.

At the launch of Eskom's energy efficiency campaign in Johannesburg, Motlanthe said by taking saving actions at home and in the workplace, people can also contribute to the health of the environment.

The private sector has committed itself to reducing wastage by introducing efficient production methods.

Motlanthe says the government and Eskom are working closely together.

More violence in Gauteng schools

By Lelethu Mquqo
19 March 2011

The Gauteng education department has confirmed that a teacher at Alberton’s Glenbrack High School is on precautionary suspension for allegedly hitting learners.

The woman faces a possible disciplinary hearing.

The department has encouraged pupils subjected to corporal punishment to report the matter to the school principal and their parents.

Meanwhile, the 14-year-old boy who allegedly stabbed a PJ Simelane High School teacher in Soweto has been released into the care of his parents.

A court appearance date still has to be set. It is alleged that the boy had been loitering when the teacher confronted him.

He is said to have stabbed the woman in the stomach.

She has been discharged from hospital.

Government and business join forces to tackle job creation

By Lelethu Mquqo
19 March 2011

Government and Business Unity South Africa have agreed to form a task team to explore areas of co-operation and highlight problems in the drive to stimulate economic growth and job creation.

Updating the media after a closed-door session at the Presidential Business Summit in Pretoria yesterday, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies explains further.

Speaking at the Presidential Business Summit in Pretoria yesterday Business Unity South Africa’s Futhi Mtobasome says it is very important for the country to create a healthy business environment.

He says this will inspire investor confidence and help make ambitious job creation targets a reality.

Mtobasome warned that negative public debates have the potential to inflict a lot of damage on investor insight.

No political parties have submitted party candidate list

Lusanda Bill
19 March 2011

No political party candidate lists for the upcoming local government elections have been submitted to the Independent Electoral Commission.

The deadline for submission is Friday the 25th of March 2011.03.18

IEC deputy chief electoral officer, Norman du Plessis, says this is normal.

He added that parties usually come forward with their candidates only two- or three-hours before the deadline.

Flood warning issued for some parts of the Eastern Cape

Lusanda Bill
19 March 2011

A flood warning has been issued by the Eastern Cape Water Affairs Department.

The warning has been issued for people living near the Great Fish River.

People have been urged by the department to avoid using low water crossings.

The SA Weather Service has issued a warning of further heavy rains around the Addo, Patterson and Port Alfred area.

6 people die in a head-on-collision in near Kimberly

Lusanda Bill
18 March 2011

An accident has claimed the lives of six people in the Northern Cape.

The six people who died it included two children and another is in a critical condition after a head-on-collision.

Netcare 911’s Jeffery Wicks says paramedics arrived at the scene to find one of the vehicles had veered out of its allocated lane, causing the crash.

A woman who was in a critical condition was taken to a nearby hospital for the special care that she required.

A murderer and a rapist sentenced to 16 life sentences

Lusanda Bill
18 March 2011

Convicted murderer and rapist, Jack Mogale, has been handed down with a 16 life sentences by the South Gauteng High Court.

The 42-year-old was found guilty earlier this week of 19 rapes and 16 murders, as well as attempted murder, three robberies and assault.

Judge Frans Kgomo says Mogale is evil and must be kept away from women and children.

Judge Kgomo added that Mogale sentences will run concurrently with no parole.

After serving his 16 life sentences he will serve another 23-years.

A new unit to monitor schools launched today

Lusanda Bill
18 March 2011

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga launched the new National Education Evaluation and Development Unit (Needu) in Pretoria today.

The unit will identify principals and teachers who are not performing.

Schools will have to give answers to the development unit if they fail to deliver.

The minister said it will also monitor districts, provinces and the national department, adding this will allow Needu to identify problems and address them.

ACDP welcomes Constitutional Court ruling

By Khanyisa Tabata
18 March 2011

The Christian Democratic Party welcomes the Constitutional Court ruling that the legislation disbanding the Scorpions was unconstitutional.

ACDP spokesman Richard Botha says the ruling means the ANC was wrong in its constitutional assessment and opposition parties were right.

He says the principles underlying the Scorpions should soon be restored so that corruption cases can be handled without fear of political interference.

Meanwhile the Congress of the People said it has argued that the disbandment of the Scorpions was politically motivated and that the Hawks, were not sufficiently independent to effectively conduct their constitutional responsibilities.

The Democratic Alliance said it welcomed the ruling and would study the judgement before commenting.

Missing Child Alert:Memory Mlambo

Transport department warns of a fake e-mail

Lusanda Bill
18 March 2011

The transport department has issued a warning to the public about a false e-mail making the rounds.

The e-mail states that the grace period for renewing motor vehicle licences had been done away with.

Department Spokesperson Sam Monareng said the department wishes to state unequivocally that this message is devoid of any truth, and that the 21-day grace period in terms of regulation 60 of the National Road Traffic Regulations still applies."

Monareng added that changes affecting motorists would be communicated well in advance.

Khayelitsha receiving a R20 million health centre today

Lusanda Bill
18 March 2011

Khayelitsha will be receiving a 20 million rand community health centre in today.

The Cape Town City Council says the health facility started off as a mobile van operating in three areas on different days of the week.

Many people in Khayelitsha attended the health facility since it started especially in 2003.

The city says the health centre is more than a clinic and will provide extensive services.

A pupil stabs a teacher at school

Lusanda Bill
18 March 2011

A 14-year-old boy from Soweto has allegedly stabbed his teacher at school in Soweto.

It is suspected that the boy stabbed the female teacher in the stomach before running away.

The incident happened at the P J Simelane High School in Soweto.

Yesterday, the Congress of South African Students, told schoolchildren to hit back when they were being hit by teachers.

This statement by Cosas comes after a high school principal from Soweto, Moss Senye, appeared in court on Monday after allegedly assaulting a pupil.

Fire in the Overstrand area to be under control soon

Luanda Bill
17 March 2011

Fire fighters in the Western Cape are trying to get a vegetation fire under control in the Overstrand area.

Overstrand fire chief, Riaan Jacobs, says residents of Gansbaai and Kleinmond are not in any danger at this point.

Jacobs added that he hopes the fire will be controlled by later this evening.

Constitutional Court rules that the disbanding of the Scorpions is invalid

Lusanda Bill
17 March 2011

The Constitutional Court has ruled that the legislation that brought about the disbanding of the Scorpions is invalid.

Businessman Hugh Glenister says “I am a little bit shell shocked. I was really not expecting this".

The Police Ministry said it will not comment on the judgement, but the ministry has assured the public that will adhere to the 18-months deadline the court gave government to rectify the legislation.

The Freedom Front Plus has responded by saying it had argued at the time that the decision to disband the Scorpions had been merely a political, and not a thoroughly considered, decision.

The Democratic Alliance also says the ruling is a vindication of its deep and longstanding concerns over the disbandment of the Scorpions and its impact on the political independence of prosecution processes.

Violence and disruptions will be not be tolerated during elections

Lusanda Bill
17 March 2011

Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane today said in a media briefing that government will not tolerate violence and disruptions during to the elections period.

Chabane said “As the local government elections approach, there have been some sporadic protests which have been accompanied by damage to property”.

People who have registered are being encouraged to vote and elect representatives who would promote their community's interests.

Cabinet has also called on the country to work together to ensure the elections were conducted in a free and fair manner.

Yesterday President Jacob Zuma declared the 18th of May a public holiday.

Human rights complaint against Jimmy Manyi shrouded in mystery

By Khanyisa Tabata
17 March 2011

The Human Rights Commission has confirmed that it has received a formal complaint about government spokesperson Jimmy Manyi. The HRC’s Kayum Ahmed would not reveal who had brought the complaint.

It is understood to centre is investigating Manyi’s comments about racial equity and employment. While he led the Black Management Forum, Manyi said there was "an over-supply" of Coloured people in the Western Cape.

Earlier, he remarked that Indians had bargained their way to the top. The HRC’s legal committee will meet to discuss the complaint.

HRC chairman Lawrence Mushwana yesterday told Parliament’s justice committee that the organisation’s Durban office had received an official complaint on Tuesday.

Metrobus strike could be over

By Khanyisa Tabata
17 March 2011

Johannesburg Metrobus drivers will be back at work on Tuesday. This follows an agreement management reached with municipal workers union Samwu.

A formal agreement will be signed today and buses will start operating again after the long weekend.

Metrobus suspended its service five weeks ago when some bus drivers refused to work due to the implementation of a new shift system.

Metrobus’s Herman van Laar said the final details will be released soon.

The case against missing Macassar baby’s mother postponed

Lusanda Bill
17 March 2011

The case against Shamiela Stanley who allegedly played a role in the disappearance of her seven-month-old baby in February has been postponed.

The Somerset West Magistrate’s Court stated that Stanley must undergo medical evaluation to determine whether she is fit to stand trial.

During court proceedings yesterday it came out that Shamiela Stanley did not remember much about the day her son disappeared.

If she is fit she will be expected to appear in court on Friday the 18th of March 2011.

Schabir Shaik has been released from prison

Lusanda Bill
17 March 2011

Schabir Shaik has been released from prison after he was arrested on Monday for allegedly assaulting a journalist at a mosque.

The Department of Correctional Services said the man who was allegedly assaulted by Shaik could not be found to help with the investigations.

Shaik was released on medical parole two years ago.

Addressing the media at Westville prison on Wednesday afternoon, department officials said their attempts to get hold of Ismail failed.

May 18th declared a public holiday

Lusanda Bill
16 March 2011

May 18th the day of the local government election has been declared a public holiday.

President Jacob Zuma declared the day a public holiday to allow people to go and vote.

Zuma wished all political parties well in their preparations for the upcoming elections.

Local government elections in South Africa take place every five years.

Student union encourages pupils to hit back

By Khanyisa Tabata
16 March 2011

The Congress of South African Students today encouraged school children to retaliate against teachers who hit them. Gauteng provincial Cosas chairperson Ntsako Mogobe told reporters in Pretoria that teachers were failing in their duty to teach.

Democratic Teachers' Union regional chairperson Moss Senye, who is the principal of Soweto's Meadowlands High School, appeared in court on Monday for allegedly assaulting a 17-year-old pupil last month.

The ANC has called for the teachers who missed school to attend Senye's hearing to be fired.

In another development the Congress of the People in the Gauteng legislature has slammed the ANC’s silence following Senye’s attack on education MEC Barbara Creecy.

Senye described Creecy as a Satanist and a racist for calling for restraint and discipline among teachers.

Cope’s Ndzipho Kalipa says they are waiting to see whether the ruling party will act against the Sadtu official.

Zuma heads for Libya

By Lelethu Mquqo
16 March 2011

President Jacob Zuma heads for Libya next week.

He will join the presidents of Mauritania, Congo, Mali and Uganda in a committee appointed by the African Union to mediate in the worsening conflict in Tripoli.

Retreating rebel forces in Libya have complained about the lack of concrete support from foreign governments.

They fear further assaults from Libyan army units and pro-regime forces.

Observers say the conflict in Libya has already taken on the character of a civil war.

Cosatu demands investigation into Shaik’s parole

By Lelethu Mquqo
16 March 2011

The Congress of South African Trade Unions says there are grounds for concern that President Jacob Zuma’s former financial advisor Schabir Shaik has been getting preferential treatment.

An allegedly terminally ill Shaik remains standing some two years after he was granted medical parole.

Cosatu spokesperson Patrick Craven has welcomed Shaik’s re-arrest earlier this week.

He wants a full investigation into the convicted fraudster’s parole

Taxi strike in some areas still continues despite suspension

Lusanda Bill
16 March 2011

Some taxi drivers in Cape Town today are continuing to protest even though the taxi strike has been suspended.

Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele said yesterday in a joint news conference that normal public transport has been restored, to normality with no further delays.

Cape Town Transport MEC Robin Carlisle said he received reports of buses being stoned in Delft and Khayelitsha.

South African National Taxi Council spokesperson Mvuyisi Mente said many of its members do not have cell phones and they have not yet been informed that the strike was suspended on Tuesday.

A meeting is expected to be held today by Santaco to inform its members about the strike being suspended.

South Africa assists Japan

By Khanyisa Tabata
16 March 2011

A team from Rescue South Africa leaves for earthquake and tsunami-hit Japan later this morning.

The organisation’s Ian Scher says the experienced team will offer whatever assistance they can.

The eyes of the world are fixed on Japan as it deals with a level of destruction not seen since the infamous hydrogen bombs landed on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.

In another development the South African government has moved 10 exchange students from disaster-hit Sendai to Tokyo as a safety precaution.

The students were following a foreign language exchange programme in Sendai, when the north-eastern port city was hit by the worst earthquake in Japan's history on Friday.

Zuma says an uprising will never happen in South Africa

Lusanda Bill
16 March 2011

President Jacob Zuma says an uprising that has happened in Libya will not happen in South Africa.

Zuma was speaking at launch of the African Ombudsman Research Centre at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Howard College Campus.

President Zuma says “there will never be uprisings in this country because our Chapter 9 institutions are working”.

He added that “There have been many speculations about the cause of the protests. The answer is simply people want to participate in the affairs of their own countries. They want governments that represent their aspirations.”

Western Cape taxi strike comes to an end

Lusanda Bill
16 March 2011

The taxi strike in the Western Cape has come to an end for now.
Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele made the announcement in a joint news conference with the SA National Taxi Council, Cosatu and the provincial Transport Department.

Ndebele said “it is my responsibility to ensure that public transport services are available at all times. It is in this regard that as Minister of Transport, I would like to ensure that normal public transport service is restored to its normality without any further delay”.

All parties involved will now be involved in talks to solve their disputes.

Japan hit by another aftershock

Lusanda Bill
15 March 2011

Japan has been hit by another aftershock after the country was hit by a 9.0 magnitude quake and tsunami.

Details of the aftershock were unclear but it has been reported that buildings were swaying in the capital of Tokyo.

The aftershock follows a series of aftershocks which have hit the country in the last few days.

Japan has been also dealing with a potential nuclear catastrophe at its quake-stricken Fukushima power plant.

Missing Child: Troy Boltman

Schabir Shaik moved to hospital wing in prision

Lusanda Bill
15 March 2011

It has been reported that Schabir Shaik has been moved to the hospital wing at Westville Prision.

Shaik was yesterday taken into custody after he allegedly assaulted a fellow worshipper at a Durban mosque last week.

Schabir Shaik was also involved in a separate incident last month when he allegedly assaulted a female journalist on a golf course.

He is now awaiting a decision on his future by the Parole Board.

Zuma determined to curb substance abuse

By Khanyisa Tabata
15 March 2011

President Jacob Zuma says substance abuse is tearing families and communities apart. Opening a summit on the scourge in Durban today, Zuma said government had directed the police to act decisively against drug peddlers.

Zuam said the affected communities should not to hesitate to provide information to the police.

He says over the past decade there has been a rapid increase in the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs by citizens of all ages, men and women, boys and girls.

The president has promised stern action against tavern and club owners who allow under-aged children into their facilities.

Alcohol is said to be the most abused substance in South Africa followed by cannabis commonly known as dagga.

The South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use has also indicated that an increasing number of young patients is being admitted to rehabilitation centres for alcohol and other drug related problems.

Cosatu says parties involved in the taxi strike must enter into negotiations to find solutions

By Lelethu Mquqo
15 March 2011

Cosatu has called on the Western Cape provincial government to suspend the impounding of taxis for a month.

In return, the taxi Industry should suspend its strike for a month.

The strike in Cape Town, which started yesterday, has been marred by violence and intimidation.

The trade union federation suggests that during the suspension, the parties must enter into negotiations to find solutions to the dispute.

It wants the national Transport Ministry to assist in finding an agreement.

Cosatu spokesperson in the Western Cape Tony Erenriech says the strikers must not take their anger out on workers but on the government.

Meanwhile, Golden Arrow says more than 40 of its buses have been damaged in violence related to the taxi strike.

One person has been killed and several more injured in unrest, allegedly perpetrated by striking workers.

Golden Arrow spokesperson Bronwen Dyke says Mfuleni and Nyanga continue to be areas of concern and where necessary buses in those areas have been diverted as a precautionary measure.

Eskom’s artisans, technicians and engineers at Eskom approaching retirement

By Lelethu Mquqo
15 March 2011

Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba has confirmed that almost one-third of artisans, technicians and engineers at Eskom are approaching retirement.

To avert the approaching skills crisis, the state utility has invested R780 million in training over the last financial year.

Gigaba told a gathering of black professionals in Durban that Eskom had established 24 training centres.

More than 5 000 young people will be put into training in the near future.

A man and three daughters die in a fire

By Lelethu Mquqo
15 March 2011

A man and his three daughters died when a fire broke in a garage of a house in Highlands, Johannesburg.

The fire reportedly broke out around 5am this morning when the family of five was still sleeping.

The cause of the fire is not yet known and remains the subject of police investigation.

When ER24 paramedics arrived at the scene, the mother, who was the only survivor, was in a state of emotional shock.

Paramedics declared the four victims deceased at the scene.

The little girls, who appeared to be between the ages of 3 and 6 years old, are believed to have died due to smoke inhalation.

Japan’s prime minister calls for calm

By Khanyisa Tabata
15 March 2011

Japan's prime minister has called for calm after the country's nuclear emergency took a dramatic turn for the worse this morning.

Radiation levels at a nuclear power station spiked to health-threatening levels after a huge explosion hit the Fukushima plant's overheated number two reactor.

Prime Minister Naoto Kan confirmed that authorities are assuming the reactor container has been damaged.

A hydrogen explosion has also occurred at Fukushima number four reactor, following explosions at the first three. Authorities earlier confirmed that the number four reactor, which contains spent fuel rods, had caught fire.

The bodies of two girls who drowned have been recovered

Lusanda Bill
15 March 2011

The bodies of two school girls who drowned while on an educational tour in the Free State have been found.

The girls drowned in Sterkfontein dam on Friday.

Police spokesperson Najang Mofupa says Malefu Mahlangu, 13, and Seipati Mokoena, 14 were on an educational tour to the dam with their school, Mafube Primary.


Mofupa says Mokoena's body was recovered on the same day by local municipal divers. Mahlangu's body was recovered by police divers on Saturday, as it was too dark to begin the search by the time the principal reported her missing.

The full impact of taxi strike not yet known

Lusanda Bill
15 March 2011

One person has been reported as having died after the start of the taxi strike yesterday in Cape Town.

The man is believed to have been shot while driving a bakery delivery van earlier this morning.

The full impact of the strike is not yet known but there were clashes between protesters and police.

Ministry of Transport’s Logan Maistry says the department will not tolerate violence and that they will ensure that the strike ends soon.

A father sentenced to life in prision for murdering his daughter

Lusanda Bill
14 March 2011

A Cape Town father has been sentenced to life in prision today after he murdered his 13-year-old daughter in 2008.

Rashaad Kruger slit his daughter’s throat in 2008, a month after she witnessed him trying to rape her friend in their house.

Moneeba Kruger body was found by her mother locked in her bedroom.

Nadia Kruger the mother of Moneeba Kruger said after the sentencing that “I’m feeling much better now for the life sentence that he got. I’m looking now forward to a new life for me and I say thank you very much to everybody who was helping me”.

Rashaad Kruger will be serving 12 years for the attempted rape of his daughter’s friend and two years for assaulting her. For the rape of his daughter he has been sentenced to life in prision.

Both the sentences will run concurrently.

Parole Board to decide on the fate of Schabir Shaik

Lusanda Bill
14 March 2011

The Parole Board has 72 hours to decide whether Schabir Shaik has to go back to prison.

Shaik has been arrested and is being held at Westville Prison in Durban.

Correctional Services is investigating whether he disobeyed his medical parole conditions following two allegations that Shaik had punched a man and slapped a journalist.

The Durban businessman was released on medical parole in 2009 after being convicted of fraud and corruption and jailed for 15 years.

Political parties have welcomed the arrest of Schabir Shaik, with the Democratic Alliance saying it was pleased the correctional services department was taking this matter seriously.

A rescue team from South Africa sent to help in Japan

Lusanda Bill
14 March 2011

The Rescue South Africa has sent a team of forty people to assist with the search and rescue mission in Japan.

The majority of the team members who are on their way to Japan today are from the Western Cape.

MEC of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell says he is excited that the team is led by Colin Deiner who is the Chief Director of Disaster Management and Fire Brigade Services and Head of the Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre.

Meanwhile Earth life Africa’s Tristen Taylor says the failure of the cooling systems at four nuclear reactors in north eastern Japan is proof that nuclear power is dangerous.

Taylor also said the South African government should think twice about the future of the Koeberg nuclear plant outside Cape Town.

Schabir Shaik rearrested

By Lelethu Mquqo
14 March 2011

Correctional Services has confirmed that convicted fraudster Schabir Shaik has been re-arrested

President Jacob Zuma’s former financial advisor was last week accused of a second assault, this time at a mosque in Durban.

Last month, a journalist claimed that Shaik had slapped her on a golf course while she was investigating his conduct during his medical parole.

Correctional Services initially said no action would be taken against the Durban businessman after the alleged mosque attack as the victim had declined to lay a charge with the police.

Cosatu condemns violence in Cape Town taxi strike

By Lelethu Mquqo
14 March 2011

The Congress of South African Trade Unions in the Western Cape says taxi operators in the province should take their anger out on the provincial government, not on commuters.

Striking taxi drivers affiliated to the SA National Taxi Council have forced thousands of commuters in Cape Town to make other arrangements.

Cosatu’s Tony Ehrenreich says there are several avenues Santaco could take

At least four areas have experienced incidents of violence related to the taxi strike.

These include Nyanga, Crossroads, Bloekombos and the Eisleben, Klipfontein and Lansdowne areas.

So far, eleven people have been arrested in Nyanga for malicious damage to property.

38 suspects arrested over the weekend across the city

By Khanyisa Tabata
14 March 2011

Metro Police arrested 38 people over the weekend with 633 traffic fines issued and 59 of the City by- law offences recorded.

Metro Police Deputy Chief Yolanda Faro says police officers were deployed across the city to ensure that the operations were executed successfully with the aim focus on combating drug-related crimes as well as drunk driving.

“Of the 38 suspects arrested, 32 were motorists driving drunk, two were for possession of a stolen motor vehicle, one was arrested for possession of dagga, one person for drinking in public, another one was arrested for possession of drugs and one suspect was arrested for assault.

“On Friday eighteen motorists were arrested for drunk driving at a roadblock held in Philippi, whilst six motorists were arrested in Langa for the same offence, another two motorists were arrested in Rondebosch whilst one more motorist was nabbed in Cape Town,” said Faro.

Faro added that on Saturday during a joint operation with the South African Police Services in the Athlone area, three motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and in Khayelitsha another two motorists were arrested for the same offence whilst one more suspect was arrested for assault.

Cape Town commuters hit by taxi strike

By Khanyisa Tabata
14 March 2011

The Western Cape transport department says any acts of violence during today’s taxi strike will have serious consequences for those involved.

Transport MEC Robin Carlisle says the SA National Taxi Council will be held personally responsible if rumours that the strike will turn violent are true.

He added that Santaco had no reason to strike as its apparent frustration about the issuing of operating licences had already been dealt with.

Meanwhile, Reports of violence have already been received as taxi drivers down tools in protests against what they perceive as unfair treatment by the authorities. Thousands of people are expected to be late for work.

Some Golden Arrow buses have reportedly been targeted. Worst affected areas seem to be Crossroads, Nyanga and Bloekombos. Some Mitchell’s Plain taxi drivers have apparently broken ranks and are operating.

National Taxi Alliance spokesperson Mvuyisi Mente says they have urged taxi drivers not do anything instead they must park the taxis either at the taxi ranks or at home.

ANC says it has no ties with Muammar Gaddafi

Lusanda Bill
14 March 2011

The African National Congress has denied links with Muammar Gaddafi.

ANC General Secretary Gwede Mantashe said the idea that there is an historical relationship between the party and Gaddafi is a myth perpetuated by the media.

The party also says it supports the African Union’s position on the violence in both Libya and the Ivory Coast.

The situation in Libya was on the agenda of the ANC’s National Executive Committee which was held at the weekend.

Soweto schools are criticized by Education MEC Barbara Creecy

Lusanda Bill
14 March 2011

Poor performance of pupils and teachers at Soweto schools has been criticized by Gauteng Education MEC Barbara Creecy.

Creecy was speaking in Johannesburg on Sunday at the launch of the Soweto Education Summit.

The summit is aimed at looking at issues such as discipline, safety, teaching methods and the improvement of school governance and management.

High schools in Soweto had a pass rate of 63 percent; this was lower than the provincial average which was 17 percent.

The Soweto Education Summit will be in April.

A Cape Town women arrested for coordinating her sister’s murder

Lusanda Bill
13 March 2011

A 44-year-old women has been arrested in the Western Cape for coordinating her sister’s murder.

The murder happened during a house robbery in Mau-Mau on Friday.

Police spokesperson Ntomboxolo Sitshitshi said, “The deceased’s boyfriend was shot in the finger when he came to check on all the commotion”.

Investigation by the police led to to the death of the deceased’s 44-year-old sister a few hours later.

Police are still searching for the woman’s killer, the 44-year-old murder accused is expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Police looking for six suspected robbers

Lusanda Bill
13 March 2011

Cape Town Police are searching for six suspects who robbed a caterting company.

The robbery happened in Paarden Eiland, when four men and two women pretended to be customers.

The six fled the scene with employees personal belongings including a black Opel Corsa.

Police spokesperson Siyabulela Vukubi said “They managed to get two cellphones, a handbag and an undisclosed amount of money”.

Danger increases at a Japanese nuclear power station

Lusanda Bill
13 March 2011

There is increasing pressure threat leakages at a damage nuclear power stations in Japan.

The Japanese government today warned of a fresh threat of an explosion from a nuclear unit.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano told journalists that a hydrogen explosion could occur at Unit 3 of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear complex.

Meanwhile millions of Japanese were without drinking water or electricity today, surviving on instant noodles and rice balls.

Around 10 000 people are feared to be dead.

Missing Child:Jodie Ward

Missing Child:Aisha Mahomed

Two Mpumalanga police constables arrested for corruption

Lusanda Bill
13 March 2011

Two police constables from Mpumalanga who were suspects in the murder of Mbombela spokesperson Jimmy Mohlala has been dismissed.

Police spokesperson Leonard Hlati said, “The constables were found guilty on certain counts through an internal disciplinary hearing. The two face several charges amongst which were corruption and the violation of the South African Police Service conduct.”

It was found that the two constables used state resources for questionable reasons when they were at the murder scene.

The two police constables are expected to appear in the Kanyamazane Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

A 52-year-old man killed in his home in Limpopo

Lusanda Bill
13 March 2011

A man in Limpopo was shot dead and his wife was left injured in their home in Elandskraal.

Police have stated that three armed men entered the couple's house and demanded money.

The man was shot in the chest and died immediately on the scene.

The robbers left the scene with two cellphones and undisclosed amount of money.

Accident in the Eastern Cape leaves four people dead

Lusanda Bill
13 March 2011

An accident on the R61 between Queenstown and Port St Johns has claimed the lives of four people.

Lieutenant Mzukisi Fatyela says two cars were travelling towards Mthatha when one crashed into the back of the other.

The accident claimed the lives of four women and injured four others.

ANC will register its national list for election dispite lawsuits

Lusanda Bill
13 March 2011

The African National Congress will go ahead and register the party’s national list for the coming elections dispite pending lawsuits.

ANC general secretary Gwede Mantashe speaking in Pretoria he said the ANC only had one current lawsuit in which members in the Alfred Nzo region launched a suit against the ANC in the past week, in a dispute over a candidate list.

The ANC has opposed the application.

The party will provide its reasoning for opposing the application on Thursday and why the interdict should not be made a final order.

Taxi strike in the Western Cape to go ahead

Lusanda Bill
12 March 2011

The National Taxi Council will be going on with the taxi strike this week.

The taxi drivers are demanding that they stopped being harrased and the problem of their vehicles being impounded needs to be looked at.

Law enforcement officials will be increased along major routes to protect commuters.

Provincial transport spokesperson Solly Malatsi warned that violence will not be tolerated. He added that their first piority is to make sure that the commuters are safe.