IEC commissioner accused of fraud was granted R20k bail

The Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) Nomsa Masuku has been granted R20,000 bail following her appearance in court on a charge of fraud.

Masuku appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg following her arrest by the Hawks on Friday morning.

The IEC commissioner, who is the former head of the CSI Programme for the "Adopt A School Trust" at Standard Bank, is accused of fraudulently awarding scholarships to friends and family members.  The trust is meant to provide scholarships and bursaries to pupils from schools adopted by the Standard Bank programme.

said Masuku briefly appeared in court on Friday morning.

“Through an intensive probe, the Hawks investigators established that the incumbent flaunted the processes of the trust by awarding scholarships to friends and family members through manipulation of documents and without the approval of the committee with some of the monies deposited directly into her personal bank account to the tune of R1.2 million,” said Hawks’ spokesperson Katlego Mogale

Masuku is set to return to court on 4 September.

 

Done By: Elona Sibunzi

Langa residents alarmed by high rate of robberies

Residence in Langa expressed concern regarding the increase in robberies in the area.

PICTURE: Pixabay

A community meeting was held in Zone 8 on Wednesday, where residents shared their fear of walking either early morning or late at night.

Langa Safety Patrol community leader, Bandile Gcuwa said: “The community members make it hard for us to do our job, there is a lot of dishonesty and protecting perpetrators. They protect the image of the families the perpetrators come from and that is our biggest challenge, it is very frustrating.”

Gcuwa called on the community to report any suspicious activities to local authorities.

Done By Sihle Jezile

Memorial service held for Khayelitsha constable killed

While the Hawks in the Western Cape are still on the hunt for suspects who killed a police constable in Khayelitsha last week, a memorial service was held for the 30-year-old officer on Thursday.

Akhona Ndzingo was conducting a stop and search operation in Q-Block  at approximately 21:30, last Wednesday,  when he and his colleagues came under attack from an armed suspect.

COURTESY: SAPS

The memorial service, organised by South African Police Service (SAPS) was held at the OR Thambo Hall in Khayelitsha, and was attended by Deputy Provincial Commissioners for Support Services and Crime Detection, Major General Preston Voskuil and Major General Bongani Maqashalala were accompanied by the City of Cape Town District Commissioner, Major General Vincent Beaton, Provincial SAPS management, colleagues, friends and family.

COURTESY: SAPS

The memorial service was preceded by a wreath laying ceremony at the Khayelitsha police station where constable Ndzingo was stationed.

 

COURTESY: SAPS

Done By: Esobusi Mkangelwa

Accused in Khayelitsha mass murder says he wasn't there

One of two suspects arrested for the Khayelitsha mass murder of four people, including three children, at a barber shop in Site C, more than a week ago, says he has an alibi and footage will prove he was not at the scene.

Athule Mtsha and Sithisa Masiko appeared at the Khayelitsha Magistrates Court, for the third time, on Wednesday, in connection with the killing.

PICTURE: Pixabay

The two men face four counts of murder, 11 attempted murder, two counts of illegal possession of firearms, two counts of illegal possession of ammunition and a count of robbery with aggravating circumstances.

NPA spokesperson in the Western Cape, Eric Ntabazalila, said the state agreed to provide video footage after the legal representative of one of the accused said it would show it was not him at the crime scene.

‘’The confirmed that it will provide the summary of facts which link the accused to the charges preferred against them, on 24 June 2024.’’

The case has been postponed to the 2nd and 5th of July for their bail application.

‘’The State will oppose this Schedule 6 bail application as it believes that their release will in all likelihood endanger public safety, they will commit Schedule 1 offences, will attempt to evade justice, interfere and intimidate witnesses. The State also believes that their release on bail will undermine the criminal justice system and the bail system and may lead public disorder,’’ said Ntabazalila.

Earlier the court issued an order, after media applied to record the proceedings, that the faces of the legal representatives and the State Advocate not to be published. It also ordered the faces of the accused not to be published due to the sensitive stage of the investigation.

‘’This may change at a later stage and the media may be required to bring another application when the situation has changed. This point was emphasised twice during the court sitting i.e. at the beginning of the case and at the end of the case. On 2 July 2024, the media is expected to set up 15 minutes before the start of the bail application. The court committed to adjourn the court to allow the media to set up as it does not want any disruptions during the proceedings,’’ said Eric Ntabazalila, NPA spokesperson in the Western Cape

The duo also appeared in a separate matter with four other co-accused for possession of a stolen vehicle.

“The state asked for the matter to be postponed as three statements were still outstanding. The [investigating officer] also advised the court that fingerprints and DNA were lifted from the vehicle and they need to be analysed and a report obtained.”

This case has been postponed to 8 August for further investigation.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Eviction order for various Cape Town CBD occupations granted

The Western Cape High Court has granted a final eviction order for various unlawful occupation sites in the Cape Town CBD.

The order relates to various unlawful occupation hotspots along Buitengracht Street, FW De Klerk Boulevard, Foregate Square, taxi rank and Foreshore, Helen Suzman Boulevard, Strand Street, Foreshore/N1, Virginia Avenue and Mill Street Bridge in the City.

PICTURE: Pixabay

The order includes a standing interdict against any further unlawful occupation of these areas and further City-owned public spaces by respondents identified in the application.

The ruling comes after a lengthy court process since the initial granting of an order for eviction notices to be served in February 2023. Judgment was eventually handed down on Tuesday.

Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis said its Social Development officials have made repeated offers of social assistance to those unlawfully occupying public spaces in the city, including offers of dignified transitional shelter at NGO-run night shelters and City-run Safe Spaces.

Hill-Lewis welcomed the ruling.

‘’The City welcomes this order, which will enable the restoration of public places for all to use in Cape Town's CBD. The court has affirmed City Safe Spaces as dignified transitional shelter, and the offer of spaces at these facilities still stands for those who have not yet accepted. Accepting social assistance to get off the streets is the best choice for dignity, health, and well-being, and the City has gone to great lengths to extend every offer of care to individuals unlawfully occupying public places in various parts of the metro.’’

‘’Where offers of help to get off the streets have been persistently refused, we continue to seek the court's help as a last resort. No person has the right to reserve a public space as exclusively theirs, while indefinitely refusing all offers of shelter and social assistance,’’ he added.

ARCHIVE: Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, at Bush Radio

The High Court further granted the City two similar eviction orders in recent months for central Cape Town. The Sheriff carried out eviction orders for occupants living illegally at the Green Point Tennis Courts in February, and in the vicinity of the Nelson Mandela Boulevard intersection with Hertzog Boulevard, Old Marine Drive, and Christiaan Barnard Bridge on 10 April.

Hill-Lewis says next on the ‘eviction application’ are those surrounding the Castle of Good Hope by the land custodian, the national Department of Public Works.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Gauteng man guilty of killing his son

A 29-year-old man, Ronald Ngobeni, has been found guilty by the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg for the murder of his 5-year-old son, Khayone Rivoningo Capu, two years ago.

According to the NPA, Ngobeni asked the child's grandparents to take him to the mall, but instead Ngobeni killed the boy and buried him in a shallow grave. The grandparents reported the child missing, and police later found the decomposed body with a fatal head injury.

Courtesy:Pixabay

In court, Ngobeni claimed he killed the child because he was angry at the boy's mother and grandmother, who had told him the child was not his and encouraged him to kill the boy if that would make him happy. The case has been postponed for further sentencing arguments.

 

Done by: Stephanie Van Rayen

Gas tank explosion in Bonteheuwel leaves 6 injured

Western Cape police are investigating an apparent gas tank explosion in Redberry Street, Bonteheuwel that occurred on Tuesday.

PICTURE: Pixabay

The police’s Joseph Swartbooi says six people sustained minor injuries.

‘’Bishop Lavis police responded to the complaint at around 4 o’clock the afternoon and found structural damages to the roof and walls of the house. We can confirm that six victims between the ages of 2 and 45, who sustained minor injuries were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment,’’ said Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, Western Cape SAPS spokesperson.

Done by: Mitchum George

Western Cape Task Force Investigates Alleged Kidnapping of UDM deputy president

Parliament has expressed deep shock and concern over the alleged kidnapping of UDM(United Democratic Movement) Deputy President, Ngabayomzi Kwankwa. However, they have expressed relief that has since been rescued and released, though the trauma of the incident remains.

Reports indicate  Kwankwa was en route to Cape Town International Airport when the attack occurred. Parliament has described this act of criminality as deeply troubling and has called on law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

Done by: Stephanie Van Rayen

Wynberg Police seek assistance in finding murder suspect

 

Wynberg police are seeking the assistance of the public to trace the whereabouts of two suspects namely Siseko Joseph and Siyabonga Keneti. The two men are wanted on a murder case which happened in April.

On the 23^rd April the victim and the suspects had an argument during which they assaulted him on the corner of Waterloo and Carhill Roads in Wynberg.

The victim died because of the injuries he sustained. The last known locations of the suspects were Khayelitsha and Macassar.

 

Police urge anyone with information that can lead to the arrests of the suspects is kindly requested to contact the investigating office Detective Warrant Officer Zilindile Lwana on 079 498 9937, Detective Sergeant Frederick Abrahams on 079 498 9946 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

 

Done By: Elona Sibunzi

 

Police arrest Chinese National for dealing with illegal liquor in Strand

Yesterday police members ensued with a search which led to a liquor outlet situated in Abbeglen Street in the Strand, during which they confiscated liquor which did not meet the requirements for sale purposes. The estimated street value of the liquor is R450 000. 

 

As a result of the discovery, the members arrested a 48 year old Chinese national on charges related to dealing in counterfeit, illicit and illegal goods as well as the contravention of the Liquor Act 50/2003.

 

The suspect is due to make a court appearance in the Strand Magistrates’ court once he has been charged.

 

Done by: Elona Sibunzi

 

 

 

 

  

Western Cape police arrest suspects in connection with double murder and robbery

 

A 38-year-old suspect is expected to make his first court appearance in the Bellville Magistrates’ court after he was arrested on murder and attempted murder charges relating to a robbery of a bread truck in Symphony way, Delft on 15 May.

 

During the initial stage of the investigation, the suspect was identified but evaded arrests after many tracing operations were initiated.

Picture: Pixabay

On Sunday the investigating team followed up on information that the suspect was at the Delft Day Hospital for medical treatment after he was involved in a scuffle with community members who accused him of robbery.

The investigating team visited the hospital, recognised the suspect and placed him under arrests

The suspect is due to appear in court today, facing charges of murder, attempted murder and robbery aggravated.

 

City concerned about high number of pedestrian deaths

The City of Cape Town has expressed concern about the high number of pedestrians who are involved in accidents. According to the city, five pedestrians were killed in road accidents over the past week.

COURTESY: X - @CapeTownFreeway

During the period, officers also recorded the death of two motorcyclists who had been involved in collisions with motor vehicles – one past Camps Bay, and the other in Ottery.

The City says some of the pedestrians are hit by cars on highways where the chance of survival is very low.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says motorists and pedestrians need to be more careful on the roads. He says people treat traffic fines as suggestions

‘’Road safety remains one of our biggest challenges, and the number of pedestrian fatalities is quite simply alarming. The City conducts enforcement operations along our highways as far as our resources allow. Fines are issued to pedestrians who enter roadways, and we act against speeding and motorists driving recklessly. I have also called for increased enforcement of intersections, to reduce the risks to pedestrians in communities. Far too many motorists treat traffic signs as suggestions, often with devastating consequences.’’

‘’Equally devastating is the number of pedestrian fatalities on our highways. Not only is there a very low chance of survival for the pedestrian, but there is also secondary trauma and risk of injury to the other road users involved. I want to appeal to pedestrians to walk only where it is safe, and legal to do so. To motorists, please be incredibly alert to your surroundings at all times, and obey not only the speed limit, but all rules of the road. The City will also renew its engagements with the Western Cape Government and Sanral to install durable fencing or walls along the major highways,’’ added Smith.

 

Done by: Esobusi Mkangelwa

IEC clarifies seat allocation in National Assembly

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has clarified how the different political parties were allocated their seats in the National Assembly.

PHOTO: Veerle Kroon

In a statement released on Monday night, the IEC said it had noted the conversation and some confusion with the update of the Elections Dashboard last week to reflect the total number of votes from the two National Assembly ballots and final seat allocation (out of 400 seats) for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

This follows general elections held on 29 May.

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party revealed on Sunday that it will be returning to the Electoral Court to ask it to set aside the election results.

In its court papers, the party argues that given the alleged vote rigging, the aspects of the National Assembly and the election of the president did not reflect the will of voters.

 

Done by: Elona Sibunzi

All systems go for President-Elect Cyril Ramaphosa Inauguration on Wednesday

 South Africa Inter-ministerial committee addressed the media on the state of readiness for the Presidential inauguration of the seventh administration for Cyril Ramaphosa. He will be inaugurated on Wednesday.

Re-elected, President Cyril Ramaphosa

Khumbudo Ntshavheni, minister in the Presidency said that the ceremony will be at the Union Buildings and Chief Justice Raymond Zondo will administer oath of office to President-Elect.

This Presidential Inauguration is an important feature in which South Africa is marking 30 Years of Freedom.

Under the theme “30 years of Democracy, Partnership and Growth” – which is also a theme of the inauguration. The Inauguration will bring together South Africans from all backgrounds, walks of life and political orientation, united in our diversity. It offers us an occasion to celebrate our democratic values and system of governance, including the agreed commitment of our body politic that the Seventh Administration will be one led by a Government of National Unity.

The theme brings perspective to our past and the road of progress that we have travelled since 1994 when Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela took his Oath of Office at the Union Buildings on 10 May as our first democratically elected President.

 “It emphasizes the need to build on our achievements since 1994, leverage on our experiences of the past 30 years and commit to work together to address the remaining challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment that still face our country” said Ntshavheni.

Ntshavheni said that, “Law enforcement agencies will be fully deployed to ensure safety and security, as demonstrated in action, our law enforcement agencies have the capacity and capability to keep South Africa safe and stable and no amount of veiled threats of instability should intimidate South Africans”.

Ntshavheni encouraged South Africans to be part of the occasion.

Those who cannot attend are encouraged to follow proceedings on television and radio.

Done by; Sihle Jezile. 

Two men arrested for illegal possession of firearms and drugs in Vredenburg, Western Cape

The Vredenburg Police in the Western Cape arrested two men for unlawfully possessing firearms and drugs on Friday. The police searched two premises during a crime-combatting operation and found three firearms with ammunition and mandrax tablets.

The operation involved both the local Vredenburg police and the police anti-gang unit.  Sergeant Wesley Twigg said they ensued with a search of two identified premises and confiscated three firearms with ammunition as well as Mandrax tablets.

Two suspects aged 29 and 40 years of age were arrested for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition as well as drugs.

The suspects appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

   Picture by: SAPS

Done by: Esobusi Mkangelwa

City Of Cape Town warns residents of water interruptions

The City Of Cape Town has warned that several areas will experience extended water supply disruptions this week. These interruptions are necessary to repair critical infrastructure. The repairs are scheduled to begin on Tuesday and continue through Sunday.

 

Courtesy: Pixabay

The affected areas include Haasendal, Brackenfell, Malborough Park and others. The site C neighbourhood in Khayelitsha will also undergo an unusually prolonged water supply interruption during this period.

 

Done by: Stephanie Van Rayen

Fire in Overcome Heights leaves many displaced

More than 20 structures have been destroyed, with approximately 100 people displaced, after a fire broke out in Overcome Heights near Muizenberg on Sunday.

SCREENSHOT of fire in Overcome Heights

The blaze has since been extinguished and the cause of the fire is unknown at this stage.

Ward councillor, Mandy Marr, says this has been the second fire in Overcome Heights in a space of a week. She appealed to the public to assist with donations.

 "We are on site of the terrible fire that happened this morning [Sunday]. Gift of the Givers has been here already and we have alerted the disaster management. The fire guys are still busy with their work. We [would] just like to appeal for any donations (clothing, any material, household goods, old furniture, etc.)...you can take it to Living Hope in in Drury Road, Vrygrond.’’

COURTESY: Facebook - Cllr Many Marr, Ward 45 - Gift of the Givers supplying blankets to affected residents

Done by: Elona Sibunzi

Trio arrested in Woodstock for alleged kidnapping and extortion

Three alleged kidnappers has been arrested in Woodstock.

PICTURE: Pixabay

The Hawks’ Zinzi Hani said it received information regarding a kidnapping, on Friday and upon further investigation linked suspicious banking activities and transfer patterns by the suspects to various banks.

‘’It is reported that on 14 June 2024, at about 19:00 hours, the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team received information regarding a kidnapping. Upon receiving the information, analysis was made and linking the information to suspicious banking activities and transfer patterns by the suspects to various banks. This led the team to tracking the hostage's phone which was active in the Woodstock area,’’ said Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, Hawks’ spokesperson in the Western Cape.

She says officers tracked the suspects location in Woodstock, where entry was gained into the premises and the team discovered the hostage tied up in the main bedroom and was successfully rescued then taken to hospital for examination.

‘’Furthermore, the tracing later resulted in the arrest of two suspects who attempted to flee the scene on 14 June 2024. Further investigation led to an arrest of the third suspect today, 15 June 2024 who was hiding at a nearby residence in the backyard,’’ said Hani.

The suspects, aged between 33 and 37, is expected to appear in the Cape Town Regional Court on Tuesday on charges of Kidnapping and Extortion.

The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Mathipa Makgato urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities such as kidnapping to the Police.

 

Done By: Elona Sibunzi

Youth Day 2024 aims to 'actively advance socioeconomic gains in SA''s democracy'

The South African Government will commemorate Youth Day 2024 at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

The Acting Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Maropene Ramokgopa, called on South Africans to come together and embrace unity in our diversity to further strengthen our democracy

South Africa commemorates Youth Month under the theme, “Actively advancing socioeconomic gains in our democracy”.

“We celebrate the socioeconomic gains that have been made in our democracy, yet also acknowledge that there is more to be done. Sport, Arts, and Culture play an important role in the mood and identity of our nation. Our commitment stands to continue developing the sectors,’’ said the Minister.

“As we continue to advance the socioeconomic gains of our democracy, we commit as Government to continue our endeavour to quantify, to lift and to develop the country’s sport, arts and culture sectors,’’ she added.

This year marks the 48th anniversary of the 16 June 1976 student uprising in Soweto, when young people protested against the Bantu Education Act, which enforced Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in schools and apartheid laws that oppressed black South Africans.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

NCOP held its first sitting as part of Parliament’s seventh administration

The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) held its first sitting as part of Parliament’s seventh administration, on Saturday, where 54 permanent delegates representing nine provinces were sworn in.

The Council decided to elect Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane as its Chairperson and Kenneth Mmoiemang as the Chief Whip.

COURTESY: X - @ParliamentofRSA

Mtshweni-Tsipane was the Premier of Mpumalanga from 2018 until the end of the sixth term. She has been a Member of the Provincial Legislature since 2014, serving as the Chairperson of various committees, including the Co-Operative Governance and Human Settlements Committee and the Select Committee on Women, Children, and People with Disabilities. She previously served as the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs from 2014 to 2018 and has held several political positions within the provincial structures of the African National Congress.

Meanwhile, Mmoiemang joined Parliament in 2019 and has served as the Chairperson of the Select Committee on Transport, Public Service and Administration, Public Works and Infrastructure, and the Ad Hoc Committee on the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill. He was the Speaker of the Northern Cape Legislature from 2014 to 2019.

PHOTO: ANC - Kenneth Mmoiemang as the NCOP's Chief Whip.

Mtshweni-Tsipane received all nine votes from the nine provinces. Mmoiemang, a delegate from the Northern Cape, nominated her, and the nomination was seconded by Patrick Sibande from Mpumalanga.

Chief Justice Raymond Zondo presided over the sitting and the swearing in of all the designated delegates present at the sitting.

The NCOP is one of the two Houses of Parliament. It ensures that provincial interests are taken into account in the national sphere of government. This is done through participation in the national legislative process and by providing a national forum for the consideration of issues affecting provinces.

Parliament said that in terms of the NCOP procedure, each delegation is entitled to one vote instead of individual member votes.

Spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo, said the House will elect the Deputy Chairpersons and House Chairpersons of the NCOP at a later date.

‘’In terms of the Constitution, the NCOP must elect a Chairperson and two Deputy Chairpersons from among the delegates. The Chairperson and one of the Deputy Chairpersons are elected from among the permanent delegates to serve for five years unless their terms as delegates expire earlier. The other Deputy Chairperson is elected for a term of one year and must be succeeded by a delegate from another province, so that every province is represented in turn.’’

Mothapo says with the conclusion of the first sitting of the Council and that of the National Assembly, which occurred over the past two days, the seventh term of the democratic Parliament is now established.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Mpox cases in SA rises to 7

Another case of Mpox has been confirmed in the country.

PICTURE: NICD

The Department of Health on Friday confirmed that the latest patient is a 39-year-old man from Northcliff in Johannesburg. He was admitted to a health facility in Cape Town last month and tested positive for Mpox on Thursday.

The latest case brings the total of confirmed cases to seven, with two deaths in KwaZulu-Natal.

Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) presents with an acute illness characterised by fever and general flu-like symptoms, followed by the eruption of a blister-like rash on the skin.

Here’s everything you need to know if you've contracted the #mpox virus ⬇️#ViralFactsAfrica @viralfacts pic.twitter.com/Th4o3LBxpE

— WHO African Region (@WHOAFRO) June 15, 2024

The department said it has already started with contact tracing.

"The patient presented with extensive lesions, and he is RVD positive with unknown CD4. The department has noted that all cases/patients are living with chronic illness such as HIV, which suggests a high probability of immunocompromised unless adherent to prescribed treatment,’’ said Foster Mohale, Health Departmental Spokesperson.

"Treatment adherence can prevent new or worsening health problems, and failure to adhere to your prescriptions can negatively impact the quality of your life,’’ he added.

 

Done By: Sihle Jezile

More charges likely to be added to pair accused of Khayelitsha mass murder

More charges are likely to be added by the list already faced by the two men linked to the mass murder in Site C, Khayelitsha, last Saturday.

Thirty-two-year-old Sithisa Masiko and 30-year-old AthuleMtsha were arrested on Monday and made their first appearance at the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

Three children aged 5, 11 and 12 and an adult aged 30 were killed, when unknown gunmen entered a barber shop in Gqrwarha Street and opened fire at the occupants of the premises.

Police Minister Bheki Cele and Western Cape Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile attended court proceedings.

COUIRTESY:  X - @SAPoliceService

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in the Western Cape, Eric Ntabazalila, said so far, the pair are facing four counts of murder, eleven counts of attempted murder and two counts of possession of illegal firearms.

The case has been postponed to next Wednesday.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Young people splurging could be detrimental to your credit score, warns NCR

Young people are often known to splurge, ‘to spoil themselves’, but the National Credit Regulator (NCR) has highlighted the importance of responsible credit management.

PICTURE: Pixabay

According to statistics from NCR, out of South Africa’s 27.46 million credit-active consumers, a significant portion includes youth with multiple credit agreements. Alarmingly, it says, the total value of new credit granted surged from R142.26 billion to R148.10 billion in the last quarter of 2023, indicating a rising dependence on credit.

‘’Youth spending patterns reveal a concerning trend towards high dependency on retail and clothing store credit. Many students, leveraging stipends or allowances from parents and financial aid, obtain credit facilities but often misuse them, leading to difficulties in meeting monthly payments. This irresponsible credit behavior can result in negative listings on their credit profiles, which not only hampers their ability to access future credit but also impacts their employability, particularly in the financial services sector,’’ said Simphiwe Mthembu, Manager of Education and Communication at the NCR.

“Good credit is a privilege that must be earned. Building a good credit history takes time and discipline, but it is essential for long-term financial health,’’ he added.

Mthembu urged the youth to avoid reckless and unnecessary credit use.

‘’While the National Credit Act (NCA) does not restrict youth from accessing credit, provided all regulatory steps like affordability assessments and credit checks are followed. The high cost of living and unemployment pressures drive many young individuals towards credit dependency to sustain their lifestyles. Peer pressure further exacerbates this issue, pushing youths into ill-advised financial activities such as online trading, gambling, and excessive credit card usage.’’

He says such behaviors can lead to poor credit records, which could be detrimental in future.

‘’ [This] will jeopardize their future employment prospects, particularly in sectors requiring sound financial standing. Negative credit listings not only reduce employment opportunities but also limit future credit access. For instance, securing a job that requires vehicle ownership becomes impossible with a bad credit score.”

To assist young people in managing their credit responsibly, the NCR provides the following tips:

1.      ASSESS THE NECESSITY OF DEBT: Before taking on debt, consider if it’s truly needed and explore legal alternatives.

2.      EVALUATE AFFORDABILITY: Only take credit you can comfortably repay.

3.      CHOOSE REGISTERED CREDIT PROVIDERS: Select reputable providers who offer credit suitable to your financial situation and explain the terms clearly.

4.      COMMIT TO PAYMENT SCHEDULES: Ensure timely monthly payments and avoid missing installments.

5.      COMMUNICATE IN FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS: Engage with your credit provider proactively if financial difficulties arise.

6.      EMBRACE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Don’t evade debt obligations; face them responsibly to avoid future financial distress.

7.      AVOID UNNECESSARY STUDENT DEBT: Don’t burden your career start with debts incurred during studies.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Underage drinking leads to severe health and social risks - AWARE.org

The Association for Alcohol Responsibility and Education (Aware.org) has raised concern over the number of underage drinkers, especially with Youth Day long weekend.

PICTURE: Pixabay

According to the organisation, research indicates that about 19.9% had their first drink by the age of 13, highlighting that underage drinking is alarmingly prevalent in South Africa, also adding that nearly 50% of high school learners have consumed alcohol.

‘’These figures underscore the urgency of tackling this issue through awareness, education and community engagement,’’ said Mokebe Thulo, Head of Brand for AWARE.org.

The Organisation aims to combat underage drinking by educating the youth about the severe health and social risks of underage drinking, through its "No to Under 18" flagship programme.

‘’As health experts warn, negative consequences can include impaired brain development, a higher risk of addiction to alcohol and other substances, and increased susceptibility to other risky and harmful behaviours.’’

In April 2024, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) found that inadequate law enforcement to prevent the sale of alcohol to minors and to regulate liquor outlets, are the leading cause of underage drinking. It was referring to the the deaths of 21 partygoers at a “pens down” event at the Enyobeni tavern in East London in 2022

Thulo says it takes a whole of society approach to put an end to this scourge.

‘’It is important to recognise that the attitudes and behaviours around underage drinking are not isolated to individual choices but are influenced by societal norms and pressures. Therefore, addressing this issue requires a collective effort from the entire community, including parents, educators, and policymakers. By depicting these trials and tribulations, this initiative aims to spark meaningful conversations among peers and families about the importance of avoiding alcohol consumption before the age of 18, as well as to change risky attitudes and behaviours.’’

‘’AWARE.org urges parents, educators, and community leaders to engage with young people about the dangers of alcohol consumption. By fostering open dialogues and providing accurate information, we can collectively work towards reducing the prevalence of underage drinking.’’

 “Youth Day is not only a time to reflect on past struggles but also to address present-day issues affecting our young people, and underage drinking is a critical one. If we act as the whole of society when it comes to underage drinking, the solution to this challenge to young people’s lives and futures is within our grasp. As we honour the spirit of Youth Day, let us also commit to safeguarding the health and futures of our young people, and giving them the opportunity to become makers of tomorrow,” concluded Mokebe Thulo, Head of Brand for AWARE.org.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Road Accident Fund urges road users to help reduce the number of devastating road crashes this youth month

The average number of road fatalities when Youth Day falls on a weekend is 74. Statistics also revealed that youth in South Africa mainly die from road crashes.

These statistics comes as South Africans commemorates Youth Day on Sunday, and the Road Accident Fund (RAF) is urging road users to help reduce the number of devastating road crashes this youth month.

PICTURE: Pixabay

‘’During winter, we do find that there are many factors that contribute to anumber of accident – children are home, playing in the street; it gets darker quicker, so people do not wear bright clothing so pedestrian accident increase; This year youth day falls over the weekend, so abuse of alcohol, and other festivities, contributes to an increase in road accident,’’ said Siphamandla Gumbi, RAF Senior Manager: Road Safety, who spoke to Bush Radio’s Morning Cruise programme.

According to Gumbi, from 2020 to 2022, the estimated number of young people who died on South African roads was 13 963 out of 34 946 fatalities. This translates to an annual average of 4 654 fatalities in the age group 15 to 34 compared to the total average of 11 649. In the same period, most young road users that died were pedestrians at 38%, followed by passengers at 35%.

‘’South Africa is largely made up of a youth population; staying safe on the road is one of the ways of preserving the country’s future. Some deaths are avoidable by simply adhering to the rules of the road and the use of restraints such as seat belts and car seats. The deaths of young people on the road makes about 40% of the total road crash deaths in South Africa. This is concerning as these are young people who are the future of the country, families put a lot of investment in starting their career.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Western Cape's new cabinet for seventh administration

The first sitting of the 7th Parliament of the Western Cape took place on Thursday, 13 June.

Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde has been re-elected after the Democratic Alliance has majority of the provincial vote in the general elections. Premier Winde has served in his current position since 2019.

“It is a profound honour and privilege that I have been given. In my first term of office, we achieved so much in our efforts to address the wicked problems facing this province, but I know that many of those still remain. As I crisscrossed this province I saw how many of our residents are struggling and the responsibility that we as government have to step in and provide that critical social safety net for each of them. I owe it to you our residents to work even harder as I lead this government once more,’’ said Winde.

 “We are still faced with massive challenges but with help of my Cabinet, the WCG team and the residents of this great province, we can fulfil the pledges we have made to keep growing our economy, enabling more jobs, making our province energy secure and a dignified place where all residents have the opportunities  and support that they need to thrive,’’ he added.

Premier Alan Winde announced that four MEC’s will retain their positions, and these include Infrastructure MEC, Tertuis Simmers, Anton Bredell as Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning, - David Maynier will continue to be the head of education in the province, and Dr Ivan Meyer retains his position as agriculture and economic development MEC.

A few shuffles were made as Anroux Marais is no longer the sports and arts and culture MEC. This position has been filled by former Mobility MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie, Marais is now the new police and oversight MEC. This as Reagen Allen was appointed deputy speaker at the Western Cape provincial parliament

Mirelle Wenger is the new Health MEC, previously headed by Nomafrench Mbombo. Wenger previously served as Finance and Economic opportunity MEC, but that post has been given to Deidre Baartman. Baartman previously served on the Western Cape’s Standing Committee on Budget Committee, as well as Education.

Two other new members joins Winde’s cabinet - Jaco Londt being the new Social Development MEC. Londt previously served as a member of the National Council of Provinces for the past decade 2014 in various select committees. This post was previously served by Sharna Fernandez.

Furthermore, Isaac Sileku has been appointed as Mobility MEC. Sileku has been a member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament since 2022. He served as deputy mayor of Theewaterskloof Municipality from 2016 – 2019.

SCREENSHOT: Facebook - Premier Alan Winde (WC MEC's for seventh administration)

Winde thanked members of his previous Cabinet who were not returning for their service and dedication to the provincial government and people of the Western Cape. He wished them well in their future endeavours.

“We must be honest with ourselves: the next 5 years will come with formidable challenges, but I firmly believe that we are ready to weather whatever crisis comes our way. As we forge ahead, I hold the values of our government close: we must be responsive, accountable and innovative in everything we do for our residents. We must move forward with renewed vigour. We have achieved so much, but much more still needs to be done.”

 

Done by: Mitchum George