Mzwandile Mhlongo | 01 April 2025

The government has announced that petrol and diesel prices will go down from Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

This is because the price of oil in the world has dropped. One of the reasons for this drop is the decisions made by U.S. President Donald Trump in his trade fights with other countries. These decisions also made the South African Rand stronger.

Even though some taxes increased, the price of petrol will still go down by 58 to 72 cents per liter. Diesel will also be cheaper by 84 to 86 cents per liter.

This is good news for many people because it means they will spend less money when filling up their cars and taxis.

Mzwandile Mhlongo | 01 April 2025

The government has warned municipalities that they must use the money given for flood damage repairs correctly, or they will not receive more funding in the future.

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) announced that it will closely monitor how municipalities spend the R1.4 billion allocated for fixing flood damage.

Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, speaking in Pretoria, said most of the affected municipalities are in KwaZulu-Natal. He assured the public that strict rules will be followed to ensure the money is used properly.

Strict Rules for Municipalities

Municipalities must submit monthly reports explaining how they are spending the money. They must also provide bank statements to prove that any unspent funds are still available. If a municipality misuses the money, the government will deduct that amount from their future funding.

Hlabisa pointed out three common problems with disaster funds:

1. Some municipalities hire contractors who deliver poor-quality work.

2. Others misuse the money for things not related to flood repairs.

3. Some fail to spend the money on time, causing delays in repairs.

"We have seen cases where municipalities promise to build a 3km road but only build a shorter one. Some even use the money to pay salaries instead of repairing flood damage," Hlabisa said.

Deadline to Use the Funds

Municipalities have until August to spend the funds. If they fail to use the money by then, they will be forced to return it.

KwaZulu-Natal municipalities have received R200 million from the fund, but Hlabisa said a total of R11 billion is needed to repair flood damage across KZN, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, Free State, and Limpopo.

More funds are expected in May once National Treasury approves additional budget allocations.

3 September 2024-The Shange and Motsoeneng families have been struck by tragedy with the untimely passing of Monde Jr Shange, the son of the well-known traditional healer, Gogo Skhotheni. Monde Jr passed away on Monday, September 2nd, 2024, at the age of 28. He died at Busamed Modderfontein Private Hospital in Johannesburg at 3:00 PM.

Monde Jr was a vibrant young man known for his close connection to his mother, Gogo Skhotheni, who has garnered attention for her spiritual work and presence in the community. His passing has left the family and those who knew him in deep shock and sorrow.

The family has not yet disclosed the cause of death but has expressed their profound grief and the need for privacy during this difficult time. Friends, family members, and the public are being asked to respect their wishes for solitude as they mourn.

Gogo Skhotheni, who is highly respected in the traditional healing community, has touched many lives with her work, and the loss of her son is likely to resonate with many who have been influenced by her teachings and practices.

As the family prepares for the funeral, more information will be provided to the public in due course. The outpouring of support from the community is expected to be strong as people come together to offer their condolences.

Monde Jr’s passing marks a significant loss for the Shange and Motsoeneng families and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Durban, 3 September 2024 – Six suspects wanted for a series of murders and extortion cases were fatally shot in a late-night shootout with police in South Beach, Durban.

The dramatic confrontation occurred just before midnight on Monday, 2 September 2024, when police tracked the suspects to a rented holiday apartment on South Beach Avenue. The suspects were connected to a gruesome murder that took place on Sunday night in Tshelimnyama, Mariannhill, where five men were ambushed and shot, execution-style, by a group of assailants. Four of the victims died at the scene after being ordered to lie face down before being shot in the back of the head.

After receiving a tip-off, police initially traced the suspects to Newlands East. Upon further investigation, they discovered the suspects were hiding at the South Beach apartment. When officers announced their presence at the apartment, the suspects responded with gunfire, resulting in a deadly shootout. All six suspects were killed in the exchange, while no police officers were injured.

The deceased suspects were also linked to other serious crimes, including a triple murder on Friday afternoon near a tuckshop in Mpumalanga township, Hammersdale, and a robbery that took place on Friday evening at a shop located on the ground floor of the same apartment building.

During the search of the apartment, police recovered three firearms from the suspects. These weapons will undergo ballistic testing to determine if they were used in other criminal activities. Investigations are ongoing, with police now seeking the individual who rented the apartment for the suspects.

Police believe the suspects may have been involved in the illicit drug trade, further adding to their long list of criminal activities.

Mzwandile Mhlongo | 14 July 2023

The Alfred Duma Local Municipality, under the leadership of Mayor Cllr Zama Sibisi, recently conducted a significant initiative to support local small businesses and co-operatives. Over a two-day period, the municipality handed over various essential tools and equipment to community members and small businesses across multiple wards.

The program, which took place on July 11 and 12, 2024, saw the Mayor, Deputy Mayor Cllr Sizwe Simelane, and Speaker Cllr Bhekinkosi Sithole visiting wards 35, 34, 32, 37, 29, 28, 30, 23, 16, 14, 15, 17, 7, 27, and 24. The tools distributed included fencing wires and poles, agricultural sprayers, weedkillers, grass-cutting machines, rakes, spades, sewing machines, poultry equipment, fertilizers, water tankers, gazebos, seeds, and catering equipment like stoves and pot sets.

Mayor Sibisi emphasized the importance of these tools in helping the beneficiaries improve their livelihoods, particularly given the scarcity of job opportunities in the municipality. He urged the recipients to use the tools profitably and maintain them well to maximize their potential benefits.

The initiative, part of the municipality's Local Economic Development (LED) program, aims to encourage community members to leverage available resources to create sustainable income sources. "The little we have, we can make the most of it," said Mayor Sibisi, highlighting the continuous nature of the program, which will be supported by relevant departments such as Agriculture and EDTEA.

Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude, with many noting that this was the first time they had received such substantial support from the municipality. The community was also advised to remain patient and continue submitting their requests, as future budgets would allow the program to expand.

The Alfred Duma Local Municipality remains committed to uplifting and empowering local SMMEs through ongoing community-building initiatives and support from its LED section.

The End

Mzwandile Mhlongo | 09 July 2024

Cape Town, South Africa - In a recent development, Judges Matter has voiced strong disapproval over the National Assembly's decision to appoint individuals with past misconduct to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the Magistrates Commission. The organization specifically highlighted concerns regarding the inclusion of Dr. John Hlophe and Ms. Faith Muthambi, both of whom have been previously found guilty of ethical breaches or misconduct.

Judges Matter, an advocacy group dedicated to the integrity of the judiciary, issued a statement expressing disappointment with Parliament's decision. They argue that the appointments undermine the credibility of the commissions and threaten the integrity of the judiciary.

"This decision is contrary to the spirit, purport, and objects of the Constitution," the statement reads. "It is plainly irrational in relation to the injunction by section 165(4) of the Constitution, which requires that Parliament takes measures to protect the independence and dignity of the courts."

Mbekezeli Benjamin, a researcher at Judges Matter, emphasized the irony of the situation, stating, "It is a cruel irony that aspirant judicial officers will be assessed on their ethics, integrity, and fitness for judicial office by commissioners who themselves have been found guilty of misconduct."

Judges Matter has reiterated its call for a written Code of Conduct for all commissioners, along with a mechanism to recall those who fail to adhere to the code. The organization believes that such measures are essential to ensure the integrity and credibility of the judicial appointment process.

As the National Assembly's decision continues to stir debate, the call for greater accountability and ethical standards within the commissions is gaining momentum. Judges Matter's statement serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining judicial independence and integrity in South Africa.

Mzwandile Mhlongo | 09 July 2024

A night out with friends took a troubling turn when 28-year-old Thabsile Mhlaba disappeared from a tavern in Grove End, KZN. The incident occurred late Sunday night, sparking concern among her friends and family.

Mhlaba, a resident of Amaoti, KZN, was last seen enjoying the evening with two friends. Witnesses reported that during the early hours of Monday morning, Mhlaba was seen speaking to an unknown man in a silver Volvo parked outside the tavern. Shortly after, she left with the man.

Around 03:00 on Monday, Mhlaba's friends managed to contact her by phone. Mhlaba indicated that she was with the man from the Volvo and expressed fear for her safety, but she could not provide her location. Later that day, she was reportedly seen in the same vehicle in Brookdale, KZN, but the observer was unaware of her disappearance.

Her friends fear that she might be in danger, possibly being held against her will and drugged, though these concerns remain unconfirmed.

Authorities are urging anyone with information on Thabsile Mhlaba's whereabouts to come forward. If you have any details that could assist in locating her, please contact the nearest police station immediately.

Mzwandile Mhlongo | 09 July 2024

RISE Mzansi proudly announces the appointment of Vuyiswa Ramokgopa as the new Gauteng Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Agriculture, Rural Development, and Agrarian Reform. Ramokgopa officially took her oath of office this morning in a ceremony presided over by Judge President Dunstan Mlambo. 

In her oath, Ramokgopa committed to upholding the Constitution and serving the 16 million people of Gauteng with dedication and integrity. She emphasized her commitment to addressing hunger, ensuring food security, and reforming the food systems in the province. 

Ramokgopa's vision includes reducing food waste, promoting sustainable local food production, and supporting the growth of small-scale farmers and urban farming. She aims to collaborate with the Premier, other MECs, and various levels of government to achieve these goals.

Over the next few days, MEC Ramokgopa will outline her detailed plans and engage with sectoral stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach to agricultural development in Gauteng. Her commitment to accessibility, accountability, and cooperation aligns with the principles of the People's Contract.

RISE Mzansi believes that with Ramokgopa's leadership, the province is well-positioned to tackle hunger and build a prosperous, equal, and united Gauteng. 

On behalf of RISE Mzansi, we extend our best wishes to Vuyiswa Ramokgopa as she embarks on this critical journey to end hunger in Gauteng.

Mzwandile Mhlongo | 09 July 2024

In a decisive effort to promote transparency and fairness, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie has committed to addressing financial imbalances within the department. The minister recently took to social media to express his concerns about the unequal distribution of financial benefits, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of the department’s financial allocations.

McKenzie has requested a detailed list of all artists, creatives, and sportspeople who have received financial support from the department, including the amounts and reasons for these allocations. This move aims to uncover potential disparities and ensure that the department’s resources are distributed more equitably.

"This review is essential to guarantee that our resources are benefiting a wider range of talented individuals across the country," McKenzie stated. "We must uphold transparency and hold ourselves accountable to the public we serve."

Eugene Mthethwa, a performing artist and EFF Member of Parliament, praised McKenzie's initiative. "This is precisely what has been missing in the department," Mthethwa remarked. "For too long, a few individuals have reaped the benefits while many deserving talents have been overlooked. Minister McKenzie's commitment to transparency and fairness is a welcome change."

The announcement has ignited discussions within the creative and sporting communities, with many expressing optimism that this will lead to more equitable opportunities and support for emerging talents. The forthcoming list is expected to provide insights into the department’s financial practices and offer a clearer picture of how funds have been allocated.

As McKenzie continues to advocate for transparency and accountability, the public and stakeholders are watching closely, hopeful that this marks the beginning of a more inclusive and fair distribution of resources within the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.

By taking this bold step, Minister McKenzie is setting a new standard for transparency in government, ensuring that the benefits of the department's resources are felt by a broader and more deserving segment of South Africa’s creative and sporting communities.