Daily Talk

FINDINGS OF 1970 INQUEST INTO DEATH OF IMAM HARON SET ASIDE

2023-10-09T06:59:00.001-07:00

CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape High Court has overturned the findings of a 1970s inquest into the death of anti-apartheid activist, Imam Abdullah Haron.

Judge Daniel Thulare said that it was evident that Haron’s injuries were as a result of repeated torture at the hands of the apartheid-era security branch and police.

Thulare said that all the officers who gave evidence in that inquest patently lied about Haron’s treatment while in custody for four months in 1969.

Judge Thulare said the injuries of Imam Haron spoke for themselves.

He said that they were inconsistent with a fall down the stairs and a subsequent heart attack.

Thulare said that Haron’s injuries pointed to torture.

"Being repeatedly punched with fists and kicked by booted feet and this relates primarily to the injuries on the chest cage."

Thulare has now ruled on a new cause of death.

"The cause of death of Imam Abdullah Haron is attributable to the accumulative effect of injuries under torture, in particular under severe systematic physiological stresses."

Thulare has rebuked the doctors who gave evidence in the 1970 inquest and said that their names would now be referred to the South African Medical and Dental Council.

JOBURGERS RALLY TO DONATE EGGS TO BAKER DURING EGG SHORTAGE

2023-10-09T06:48:00.003-07:00

The Johannesburg community rallied to support Davy Tsopo, a small-scale baker, amid South Africa’s egg shortage.

The talented baker recently shared that he has received dozens of egg donations, which has allowed him to keep his small business going.

Tsopo, who lost his job during the pandemic, started a small baking business after watching baking videos on YouTube, Good Things Guy reports.

He grew a passion for baking and has baked some sweet and gorgeous creations for many parties and special occasions.

Due to the recent outbreak of avian flu, which led to an egg shortage throughout the country, he was forced to turn customers away.

Well, not anymore! The power of community and kindness has allowed Tsopo to resume baking once again.

“I just want to thank everyone for your amazing support. There's shortage of eggs in the country and I'm getting them from different people. Thank you South Africa thank you,” he shared on social media.

Dlamini and Cele exchange insults at SONA debate over alleged assassination plot

2023-02-14T11:03:00.002-08:00

EFF secretary-general Marshall Dlamini lashed out at Police Minister Bheki Cele, calling him a "coward" in a heated exchange of words on day one of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate.

On Tuesday, Cele began his speech by denying the EFF's claims that he had told the party about an attempt to assassinate Dlamini.

According to Cele, Dlamini organised a meeting with him in Cape Town before the SONA.

"[On] Wednesday before the SONA, I had a long meeting with the secretary-general of the EFF in my house. A very long meeting with him. He was there to urge me and beg me to confirm [that I had said that the] IFP will kill him, and when I refused, he promised me that life would be difficult for me," said Cele.

Cele said he told EFF leader Julius Malema that the allegations were false.

"So, president of EFF, you were lied to. You must be angry, but not with me. It's not me who lied to you. Who [told] you to come onto national TV to tell the world the wrong thing? It wasn't me. You go and correct it with the SG [secretary-general]. I spent 47 minutes with him, and then I refused," Cele said.

Dlamini, however, objected, saying that the police minister was a "coward" who initiated the interaction.

"He proposed to let us meet in Cape Town. So, if he is scared of the IFP, he must not use my name; he is a coward," said Dlamini.

Dlamini insisted that Cele had called him about the alleged plot to assassinate him.

"Let me address this coward of the ANC. The question he should be responding to is: did he not call me on Saturday? He called me, not the other way around, and his call was very clear," said Dlamini.

The EFF stated that Cele informed them of the alleged plot by the IFP to assassinate Dlamini.

News24 previously reported that IFP spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa denied these claims and described them as “sensationalist, unsubstantiated and fabricated,” and called on Cele to clarify them.

Watch 'Justice Served': Netflix unveils new South African series

2022-07-17T09:13:00.006-07:00

South Africans are called on to decide the fate of a white man, Allan Harve, (Morné Visser) accused of killing a young black man. The public has a few hours to vote for his execution or exoneration in Netflix’s latest thriller Justice Served, set to premiere on 29 July 2022.

The 6-episode series follows the high-stakes drama unfolding in a hijacked South African courtroom, while tension and conflict simmer on the streets and threaten to divide the country, families and friends.

Delivering an electrifying performance, Hlomla Dandala plays freedom fighter and military veteran Azania Maqoma who styles himself as an arbiter of justice while driving secret agendas to settle scores with old foes. The cast includes renowned actors Motshabi Tyelele, Jack Devnarain, Lerato Mvelase and Pallance Dladla.

Created by Meraki Studios, the show explores the tenets of the Constitution that promises an accused a fair trial and presumption of innocence in the backdrop of a deeply unjust society, corrupt government and a disillusioned nation.

Cast & Crew

Production company: Produced by Meraki Studios in association with Ochre Media

Creator: Meraki Studios/ Tshepo ‘Ty’ Skosana

Executive producers: Tshepo ’Ty' Skosana, Stan Joseph, Robbie Thorpe

Producer: Lodi Matsetela

Director: Jozua Malherbe, Zwelethu Radebe, Rolie Nikiwe

Key Cast:

Hlomla Dandala

Pallance Dladla

Lerato Mvelase

Anton Jeftha

Motshabi Tyelele

Jack Devnarain

Tiisetso Thoka

Morné Visser

Bokang Phelane

Alex McGregor

Dineo Rasedile

Panch Gasela

Siya Xaba

Synopsis

An enigmatic freedom fighter and his followers who have a secret agenda, hijack a courthouse to let the public decide if the murder accused should be executed, setting the world on fire and throwing the lives of everyday people into chaos.a

RAMAPHOSA A ‘LIAR AND SWINDLER’ OVER ESKOM'S WOES - MALEMA

2022-07-14T09:07:00.001-07:00

JOHANNESBURG - Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of deliberately misleading South Africans regarding the power crisis at Eskom.

Malema held a media briefing at the party's headquarters in Marshalltown on Thursday.

He lamented what he called the devasting economic and social conditions that South Africans were living under.

The red beret leader said systems that were put in place to guarantee the dignity of South Africans were crumbling including the basic right to electricity.

Malema added that the president had effectively told lies about the state of Eskom and its ability to deliver the only service it's meant to provide.

“On several occasions, Ramaphosa has deliberately misled the people of South Africa. He has effectively told lies about the state of Eskom and its ability to provide electricity. The president is a liar, a swindler who makes empty promises and does not get held accountable.”

This comes as South African businesses and households have had to brave bouts of load shedding for three consecutive weeks.

Moreover, the power cuts alternated between the various stages.

Power utility Eskom has since cited a lack of generation capacity at its power stations.

SOWETO TAVERN DEATHS: 14 SHOT DEAD, 9 WOUNDED

2022-07-10T01:21:00.001-07:00

SOWETO - Fourteen people have been shot dead at a tavern in Soweto.

It’s understood nine others have been wounded in the mass shooting which took place in the early hours of Sunday morning near the Nomzamo informal settlement.

Confirming the incident - Gauteng Police Commissioner, Elias Mawela says the unknown gunmen randomly opened fire at the patrons.

"It happened around 12:30 this morning, unfortunately, 12 died on the scene and another one died on arrival at Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital and the 14th one also died after admission," said Mawela.

The shooting comes exactly two weeks after the tragic deaths of 22 people at a tavern in East London.

MBALULA MEETS WITH NEW SANTACO LEADERSHIP TO ADDRESS RISING FUEL PRICES

2022-07-07T09:59:00.003-07:00

JOHANNESBURG - Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula on Thursday afternoon met with the newly elected Santaco, leadership where the rising price of fuel and other pressures facing the industry were top of the agenda.

There have been calls for government to intervene with many South Africans feeling the squeeze of the soaring fuel prices and the increasing cost of goods and services.

Since the beginning of this month, taxi commuters have been forced to fork out anything between R2 to R5 more for their trips.

Operators say they were not immune to the rising cost of living and had to implement the fare hikes to sustain their businesses.

Thamsanqa Tomose is a student in Mabopane near Pretoria where fare hikes are set to kick in on Friday.

He said: “In a week on transport, I spend almost R250 on transport alone. We are facing too many challenges in the community, there are too many expenses.”

Meanwhile, amid pockets of blockades in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal by truckers participating in the so-called national shutdown, Santaco resisted calls to join the demonstrations in June.

It said it was open to dialogue with government and other industry players.

GORDHAN EXPECTS OPERATIONS AT ESKOM TO RESUME AFTER NEW WAGE OFFER TABLE

2022-06-29T01:19:00.002-07:00

JOHANNESBURG - Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan on Tuesday said that he expected operations to return to normal at Eskom from Wednesday morning.

This comes after labour representatives and the power utility appear to have found middle ground amid the costly ongoing labour dispute.

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) have urged members who have been on an unprotected strike to return to work on Wednesday pending the presentation of the new offer to the central bargaining council on Friday.

Unprotected industrial action at Eskom has resulted in the country experiencing stage 6 power cuts for the first time since 2019.

It is hoped that the situation will improve after NUM and Numsa called on their workers to return to work on Wednesday while they consider Eskom’s new offer.

In a joint statement issued Tuesday, the unions said that they would use the next two days to consult their members on the new offer before it was presented to the central bargaining council on Friday.

Gordhan said that he was optimistic that maintenance operations would resume on Wednesday and more units would come online.

However, he has been criticised by NUM and Numsa for saying that they reached an agreement with Eskom, whereas they merely secured a new offer.

LESUFI: SACP CAN’T PLAY BLAME GAME IF IT WAS PART OF GAUTENG ANC CONFERENCE

2022-06-29T01:15:00.001-07:00

JOHANNESBURG - Newly elected African National Congress (ANC) Gauteng chairperson, Panyaza Lesufi, said that the South African Communist Party (SACP) could not play the blame game while it was a participant in their 14th elective conference.

Lesufi has responded to the SACP statement raising concerns about the role of money during the weekend’s internal contest.

The communist party in a statement said that it observed what it termed the factional funding of slates to influence the race to lead the province.

Lesufi beat out Lebogang Maile to lead an ANC on the verge of losing support at the polls.

The SACP in Gauteng described the slate market as a high demand and supply for slate services with a value chain that starts with the nomination of candidates all the way to the deployment to positions of influence, mostly in government.

It’s observed this phenomenon at play this weekend as two major lobby groups tried to influence delegates to support their preferred candidates.

Lesufi, who emerged as the provincial chair from the hotly contested provincial conference, said that these views were critical and the ANC should also pronounce itself on them.

But he’s hit out at the SACP for its statement, saying it was not as if the communist party was not part of their conference.

"If you are part of a process, you can’t step out of that process and point fingers at the same process that you contributed to," Lesufi said.

In a strange turn of events, this conference continues, following numerous delays last weekend, and Panayza said that this issue must find expression then.

Victoria Beckham’s eating habits slammed as odd by top Spanish chef

2022-06-29T01:13:00.002-07:00

Victoria Beckham’s eating habits are being slammed as odd by one of Spain’s top chefs.

Triple Michelin star cook Dani Garcia, 46, says the former Spice Girl refused to eat anything except vegetables when he catered for her at a celebrity wedding.

He also slammed her “complicated” dinner demands for forcing him to change the entire menu while he was working to deliver a feast for Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos Garcia, 36, and his model and his TV presenter wife Pilar Rubio, 44, in Spain in 2019.

Málaga’s first chef to have three Michelin stars told Spanish show “El Hormiguero” on Monday night: “It was very strange. Victoria Beckham changed the whole menu.

“It was very sad because when you make such an effort, not just me and my team but the bride and groom and everyone else to create a unique menu.

“Hers was totally different and just based around vegetables. And then there were some odd things that I’ve never seen in my life.

“She had coconut water, all the time, a bowl of mints and then on the other side hydroalcoholic gel which is very famous now but back then wasn’t because the Covid pandemic hadn't started.

“It was complicated giving Victoria her menu that night.”

It comes after mom-of-four Beckham’s husband David Beckham, 47, said she has eaten the same meal every day for 25 years.

The ex-footballer added the singer-turned-fashion designer only ever has grilled fish and steamed vegetables – admitting the one time she did try something else was “one of his favourite evenings”.

He told the “River Café Table 4” podcast: “I get quite emotional about food and wine, when I’m eating something great I want everyone to try it.

“Unfortunately I’m married to someone that has eaten the same thing for the last 25 years.

“Since I met her she only eats grilled fish, steamed vegetables – she will very rarely deviate from that.

“The only time she’s probably ever shared something that’s been on my plate was actually when she was pregnant with Harper and it was the most amazing thing.

“It was one of my favourite evenings. I can’t remember what it was but I know she’s not eaten it since.”

WWE boss Vince McMahon’s affairs nightmare continues as another accuser steps forward

2022-06-29T01:06:00.001-07:00

Durban - WWE billionaire Vince McMahon has been forced to face his demons

Earlier this month the Wall Street Journal reported that McMahon allegedly had an affair with an employee — then agreed to pay her $3 million (about R47.629m) hush money when she signed a non-disclosure agreement in January. This led to his resignation as CEO and chairman of WWE.

An investigation has reportedly uncovered several older agreements related to misconduct claims that other female WWE employees brought against the 76-year-old McMahon and John Laurinaitis, WWE’s head of talent relations.

Now McMahon’s nightmare continues as WWE’s first female referee, Rita Chatterton, has claimed she was raped by McMahon in the 1980s.

The fresh claims led to Chatterton finding the courage to come forward four decades later.

A report in the New York Post on Monday published quotes from Chatterton.

“He promised me half-a-million dollars a year,” referring to the contract offer McMahon extended over the phone following her television debut with the then-WWF in January 1985.

McMahon called Chatterton to tell her he was “impressed” with her work and wanted her to go “full-time” but had a warning for her: “Keep yourself clean,” he said, according to Chatterton.

“I don’t wanna see you messing around with any of the wrestlers. You keep it professional.”

McMahon also told Chatterton she’d be on the cover of glossies like Women’s Day, Better Homes and Gardens and Time, so she quit her job as a delivery driver with Frito-Lay and began to pursue wrestling full-time.

But the relationship soured when the young ref tried to follow up – and McMahon allegedly raped her in July 1986.

“I’m sure others will come forward. Because we’re not the only two. There’s not a doubt in my mind about that,” Chatterton said.

“As far as wrestling goes, I guess I’m the first in a lot of things … As far as I know, I’m the first to come out with the whole issue of what a scumbag he is,” she said.

Her allegations were corroborated by former pro wrestler Leonard Inzitari.

During her interview with New York Magazine, Chatterton refused to go into specifics but Inzitari, a friend from the business, confirmed her story for the first time since the allegations were made.

“I remember it like it was yesterday,” said Inzitari.

“She was a wreck. She was shaking. She was crying. I’ll tell you why I’m hopping on the bandwagon now,” he said. “There’s worse stuff than that.”

A week ago McMahon appeared on WWE SmackDown, and didn’t address the Wall Street Journal report that he allegedly had an affair with an employee.

McMahon’s theme music – “No chance in hell!” – hit at the beginning of the show, and he strutted down to the ring to a mix of cheers and boos.

“It is a privilege as always to stand here tonight with the WWE universe, especially in Minnesota,” McMahon told the audience.

He referenced the four words in the opening montage from the show – Then, Now, Forever and, most importantly, he said, Together.

“Welcome to Smackdown!” said McMahon and exited the ring.

His daughter Stephanie and her husband Triple H are currently running the WWE company.

This weekend fans of the WWE Universe will put all allegations against their fallen God aside and focus on another top event – the Money in the Bank premium live event at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, to be broadcast on Sunday 2am SA time on DStv.

Eight men and eight women will take part in Money in the Bank ladder matches at the event.

The matches end when one participant climbs a ladder and grabs the Money in the Bank briefcase, which contains a contract that grants the winner a title shot at any time of their choosing within the next year.

There are also multiple title matches set for the event, including Ronda Rousey defending the SmackDown women’s championship against Natalya in a match of two of the best submission experts in the women’s division.

Paramedics have once again come under siege

2022-06-29T01:01:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, a paramedic’s vehicle was hijacked in Table View from an accident scene.

While on patrol in Steenberg, officers from the LEAP Reaction Unit saw a vehicle matching its description and driving at high speed.

They gave chase, and the driver was arrested for being in possession of stolen property, drunk driving, reckless and negligent driving and resisting arrest. The suspect is being held at the Milnerton police station.

The Western Cape Health Department’s Byron La Hoe indicated that most attacks occur in areas that have been identified as red zones.

"We are appealing to members of the public to help protect our EMS officials and report these acts of criminality to the SAPS,” he said.

In 2020, 70 ems personnel were assaulted, 78 in 2021, and this year, nine to date.

Last week, two ER24 medics were also robbed at gunpoint on the R510 between Mogwase and Rustenburg, in the North West province, while trying to resuscitate a patient.

ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring said the medics were transferring a critically ill patient along to his home from a hospital in Rustenburg when the patient’s vital signs began to diminish rapidly.

“The crew pulled the ambulance off to the side of the road and immediately initiated CPR in an effort to revive the patient.

“While treating the patient, three armed men approached the ambulance, pulled open the door and robbed the medics of their personal belongings, as well as the patient’s belongings,” he said.

Meiring said an ER24 advanced life support paramedic, who had been called earlier to render assistance to the resuscitation, stopped on the scene and noticed the ongoing robbery. He said the three armed men fled after seeing the arriving medic.

“ER24 condemns all attacks on emergency workers and asks that all incidents are reported to the local authorities. Trauma counselling has been offered to our ER24 staff for their well-being,” added Meiring.

Enyobeni Tavern tragedy: aunt shares her grief at losing teen - Developing Story

2022-06-29T00:57:00.003-07:00

Cape Town - The last time Ntombizonke Mgangala saw her niece, Sinothando, was when she was begging the teenager not to go out because it was already so late.

Hours later she was among the East London residents anxiously waiting to hear if their children were among the 21 killed mysteriously at the Enyobeni tavern in Scenery Park.

Police said they received a report of the discovery of bodies of teenagers, the youngest aged 13, at 4am on Sunday.

Mgangala told the Cape Times on Tuesday how she tried to stop Sinothando from going to the tavern party, but she went anywhere.

“On the day of the event I tried to stop her from going as it was already late, but that was in vain. She promised me she would not be going anywhere, and even gave me a look that was convincing. Yet she went. She even demanded the money she was saving in the past month. She said she will need it and she will use it on the 25th.

“We are heartbroken. It is still early stages and we are just trying to cope with the matter, but it is not easy at all. This is a child we were hoping will take the family high, as she was the first from her father’s side who was about to do Grade 12. She was in Grade 11,” Mgangala said.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana said the investigation into the incident were still ongoing, with no new information available.

Authorities said 20 bodies have been identified and taken by their families, while one body is yet to be identified.

A call has been made to parents or relatives in the community who may have not seen their children since the weekend to make enquiries at the mortuary.

A team of psychologists and social workers has also been dispatched to the community to render psycho-social support to the surviving victims and affected families.

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has appointed an inter-ministerial committee (IMC) to coordinate government support to the affected families.

“We are pleased and appreciate the outpouring of love, prayers and messages of support from general members of civil society to the grieving families and the Scenery Park community at large. We believe this will help all affected to deal with the pain and suffering that comes with this tragedy,” he said.

While the cause of death is yet to be determined, survivors of the incident claimed there was a strong smell of some type of gas or pepper spray in the air, hours before the bodies were discovered.

The Eastern Cape liquor board has since shut down the tavern, adding that they will lodge a criminal complaint against the owner for selling alcohol to persons under the age of 18.

Western Cape civil society organisation Cape Forum expressed its sadness over the incident.

The organisation's head, Heindrich Wyngaard said: “The government and communities should use this opportunity to jointly instil a sense of responsibility among our youth and point out the positive alternatives to taverns and pubs that exist in every community. This is not to blame the victims for what occurred. We pray that this tragedy will never repeat itself, especially at the end of Youth Month celebrations."

CONNIE FERGUSON WINS BIG AT THE VIEWERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

2022-06-28T01:10:00.001-07:00

It was a night of glitz and glamour as one of South Africa’s finest actresses, Connie Ferguson scooped a major accolade at the Mzansi Awards this past weekend.

The Queen executive producer and actress was awarded the DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards (DMVCA) on Saturday night at Times Square, Sun Arena in Menlyn, Pretoria.

After bagging the accolade, Ferguson took to the podium and shared a heart-warming message to her fans, best friends, family, and supporters.

“I would like to dedicate this award to my best friend. Someone who meant the world to me and continued to mean the world to me. Someone who believed in me more than I believed in myself. Someone who thought I was the best thing since sliced bread. Who continued to motivate and validate me. Mr. Sho, I love you forever,” said Ferguson.

“Thank you, DStv, for the award and the platform to create and to do what we love and to bring these beautiful viewers entertainment that they can enjoy.”

Apart from the former Generations actress, there were many entertainment personalities celebrated for their contribution to the industry. Including those in the music industry.

Voted for by the South African public, the DMVCA honoured top achievers over the past two years in television, radio, music, sports, and comedy.

The glittering event was also attended by popular personalities such as Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa, Tbo Touch, Pitso Mosimane and Ntando Duma who graced the blue carpet to celebrate all the achievers.

Speaking on behalf of MultiChoice, Nyiko Shuburi said he was amazed by the turnout and that they are proud to bring South Africans together.

“The turnout was amazing. Pulling this event together has been an exciting experience, and it was all for a good cause: bringing South Africa together to celebrate and honour our entertainment greats,” said Nyiko Shiburi, CEO of MultiChoice South Africa.

SEE THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS HERE:

Song of the Year

Makhadzi ft. Prince Benza – Ganama

Favourite Actress

Sannah Mcunu

Favourite Actor

Abdul Khoza

Favourite Radio Personality

Selbeyonce Mkhize

Favourite DJ

Shimza

Favourite Comedian

Skhumba Hlophe

Favourite Rising Star

Kwenzo Ngcobo

Favourite Sports Personality

Rassie Erasmus

Favourite TV Presenter

Lawrence Maleka

Favourite Personality

Connie Ferguson

Favourite Music Artist or Group

Makhadzi

Ultimate Viewers’ Choice

Lawrence Maleka

BREAKING NEWS: AT LEAST 17 CHILDREN DEAD AT EASTERN CAPE TAVERN, POLICE INVESTIGATING CAUSE

2022-06-26T00:21:00.004-07:00

Eastern Cape police have confirmed that at least 17 children have died at a nightclub in East London.

The incident happened in the early hours of Sunday morning at Enyobeni tavern in Scenery Park but the

cause of death is unknown at this stage.

There is speculation that patrons were either exposed to some form of poison or an incident that resulted in a large number being injured and killed in a stampede. It's understood bodies are lying strewn across tables, chairs and on the floor at the club - with no obvious signs of injury.

BREAKING NEWS: 22 PEOPLE FOUND DEAD IN A NIGHT CLUB IN EASTERN CAPE

2022-06-26T00:00:00.002-07:00

The horrific scenery unfolded at the Enyobeni Tavern in Scenery Park earlier this morning. Messages were received requesting police, metro and ambulance assistance at the tavern. The cause of the deaths is unknown at this time but there has been speculation that the patrons were either exposed to some form of poison or an incident resulted in a large number being injured and killed in a stampede.

At the tavern, bodies are lying strewn across tables, chairs and on the floor; with no obvious signs of injury. Outside, desperate parents and family members are begging to enter the premises while calling out the names of their missing loved ones. No one is answering them while a large number of police vehicles and ambulances are now on the scene.

RAMAPHOSA TO ADDRESS ANC'S GAUTENG 14TH PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE

2022-06-25T23:35:00.001-07:00

JOHANNESBURG - ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa will address Gauteng's 14th provincial conference as the country marks the 67th anniversary of the freedom charter.

Deputy Provincial Chair Panyaza Lesufi is going head to head with Lebogang Maile for the position of provincial chair.

Results from this contest are likely to be announced shortly before the ANC president arrives to address delegates.

ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa will headline proceedings on Sunday as he joins delegates on the final day of the conference.

The conference has been faced with several delays, pushing back the adoption of reports and the election of the province's top officials and additional members.

The delays however are not expected to interfere with Ramaphosa's address to delegates.

Saturday night ANC National Spokesperson Pule Mabe told journalists the party would halt proceedings to accommodate Ramaphosa's speech before he leaves for a business trip to Germany.

"It has always been on the program that we will use the last day of the conference to also receive the freedom charter lecture by the President. So he will come to do that then we will conclude the business, it's not for the first time that the ANC's having to extend the time to deal with the business of the conference we have been in this situation before".

Ramaphosa's speech is likely to focus on the freedom charter that paved South Africa's journey towards democracy.

STUDENTS ILLEGALLY BENEFITTING FROM NSFAS FUNDING WILL BE NAILED - NZIMANDE

2022-06-25T23:24:00.001-07:00

Higher Education and Training Minister, Blade Nzimande has warned that students who are found to have illegally benefitted from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will face criminal charges.

Nzimande gave an update on NSFAS funding for the 2022 academic year in Pretoria on Friday.

He said his department, together with the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa), will be looking for students whose applications have been approved despite not qualifying.

Government cannot allow NSFAS money to be abused, Nzimande said.

"Those who are abusing it must be nailed because they are actually stealing from the poor. Too many, I'm told."

Nzimande also cited an example of "a hugely successful senior official in government" whose children are receiving NSFAS funding. "How come!" he exclaimed.

WHO SAYS MONKEYPOX NOT CURRENTLY A GLOBAL HEALTH EMERGENCY

2022-06-25T23:21:00.001-07:00

SWITZERLAND - The World Health Organization's chief said Saturday that the monkeypox outbreak was a deeply concerning evolving threat but did not currently constitute a global health emergency.

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus convened a committee of experts on Thursday to advise him whether to sound the UN health agency's strongest alarm over the outbreak.

A surge of monkeypox cases has been detected since early May outside of the West and Central African countries where the disease has long been endemic. Most of the new cases have been in Western Europe.

More than 3,200 confirmed cases and one death have now been reported to the WHO from more than 50 countries this year.

"The emergency committee shared serious concerns about the scale and speed of the current outbreak," noting many unknowns about the spread and gaps in the data, Tedros said. "They advised me that at this moment the event does not constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), which is the highest level of alert WHO can issue, but recognised that the convening of the committee itself reflects the increasing concern about the international spread of monkeypox."

Tedros said the outbreak was "clearly an evolving health threat" that needed immediate action to stop further spread, using surveillance, contact-tracing, isolation and care of patients, and ensuring vaccines and treatments are available to at-risk populations.

'Intense response' needed

"The vast majority of cases is observed among men who have sex with men, of young age," chiefly appearing in urban areas, in "clustered social and sexual networks", according to the WHO report of the meeting.

While a few members expressed differing views, the committee resolved by consensus to advise Tedros that at this stage, the outbreak was not a PHEIC.

"However, the committee unanimously acknowledged the emergency nature of the event and that controlling the further spread of outbreak requires intense response efforts."

They are on standby to reconvene in the coming days and weeks depending on how the outbreak evolves.

The committee recommended that countries improve diagnostics and risk communication. It noted that many aspects of the outbreak were unusual, while some members suggested there was a risk of sustained transmission due to the low level of population immunity against pox virus infection.

Knowledge gaps

The committee that considered the matter is made up of 16 scientists and public health experts and is chaired by Jean-Marie Okwo-Bele, a former director of the WHO's Vaccines and Immunisation Department.

Thursday's five-hour private meeting was held in person at the WHO's Geneva headquarters and via video conference.

The committee discussed current observations of plateauing or potential downward trends in case numbers in some countries; difficulties in contact tracing due to anonymous contacts, and "potential links to international gatherings and LGBTQI+ Pride events conducive for increased opportunities for exposure through intimate sexual encounters".

They were also concerned that the potential stigmatisation of affected groups could impede response efforts.

There are knowledge gaps on transmission modes, the infectious period, as well as over access to vaccines and antivirals and their efficacy, they said.

Blistery rash

The normal initial symptoms of monkeypox include a high fever, swollen lymph nodes and a blistery chickenpox-like rash.

Initial outbreak cases had no epidemiological links to areas that have historically reported monkeypox, suggesting that undetected transmission might have been going on for some time.

Few people have been hospitalised to date, while 10 cases have been reported among health care workers.

The WHO's current plan to contain the spread focuses on raising awareness among affected population groups and encouraging safe behaviours and protective measures.

There have been six PHEIC declarations since 2009, the last being for Covid-19 in 2020 -- though the sluggish global response to the alarm bell still rankles at the WHO HQ.

A PHEIC was declared after a third emergency committee meeting on January 30. But it was only after March 11, when Tedros described the rapidly worsening situation as a pandemic, that many countries seemed to wake up to the danger.

Zuma Foundation to report Chief Justice to Judicial Service Commission

2022-06-25T23:17:00.001-07:00

Jacob Zuma Foundation Spokesperson, Mzwanele Manyi says the Foundation’s patron, former President Jacob Zuma will report Chief Justice and State Capture Commission Chairperson, Raymond Zondo to the Judicial Service Commission.

Manyi was responding to the release of Parts Five and Six of the State Capture report on Wednesday. In the report, Zondo noted that former National Commissioner for Correctional Services, Arthur Fraser granted Zuma medical parole against the advice of the medical parole board last year. This follows Zuma’s prison sentence for contempt of court by the Constitutional Court after he refused to continue to appear before the Commission.

Manyi says the matter is set to be heard at the Supreme Court of Appeal in August and should therefore not be pronounced on.

“Following further reckless and irresponsible comments by chief justice Zondo, former President Jacob Zuma has briefed his legal team amongst other things to report chief justice Zondo to the judicial service commission within the next week or two. Specifically, the JSC will be asked to investigate the grossly unlawful comments by chief justice Zondo who took it upon himself to comment on matters pending before the courts. CJ Zondo is on record saying Mr Fraser who was the national commissioner for correctional services granted him, meaning Zuma, medical parole under questionable circumstances.”

Manyi has called the legitimacy of the State Capture Commission into question. Manyi says the establishment of the Commission was unlawful after former Chief Justice, Mogoeng Mogoeng selected then Deputy Chief Justice, Raymond Zondo to Chair the Commission.

The Commission was recommended by former Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela in 2016 after the release of her State Capture report.

The findings of the various volumes of the Commission’s report have implicated Zuma in facilitating the capture of the State by the Guptas.

Zondo officially handed over Parts Five and Six of the State Capture report to President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday.

Man, 21, pleads guilty to raping four children in Pietermaritzburg

2022-06-24T13:19:00.003-07:00

Johannesburg – A 21 year-old man from Pietermaritzburg has pleaded guilty to raping four children at his home on May 14, 2021.

The accused who had no legal representation in court took full responsibility for his actions in the Pietermaritzburg sexual offences court on Thursday. He acknowledged he knew he was guilty of a crime by committing an act of sexual penetration with a male under the age of 16 years without their consent and that all the complainants were under 16 years old at the time.

The incidents involving the children aged four, five, six and eight are said to have happened on the same day. The man was arrested days after the incident following a confrontation by the children’s parents.

The accused also told the court that he committed the crime because he was depressed after failing to get back with his ex-girlfriend after their breakup. He then called the boys, who were playing outside his home at the time, into his room one by one and raped them.

The matter was adjourned until July 20 to allow for the state to gather details about the victims and the man will be handed his sentence.

A report by the probation officer of the man is also expected heard in court and will be used to weigh in his sentencing.

US swimmer dropped from team after fainting in pool

2022-06-24T10:23:00.001-07:00

Budapest - US artistic swimmer Anita Alvarez, who was dramatically rescued from the bottom of the pool after fainting in her solo routine, was omitted from the team event on Friday at the request of governing body FINA.

"That was a decision FINA had made," said Selina Shah, US artistic swimming's team doctor, making clear she disagreed.

"In my opinion she could have competed, I am very confident," Shah said.

FINA said in a statement that it had organised a medical examination on Friday morning that included three representatives of its medical committee, its executive Director, Dr. Shah and US team offcials.

"The meeting lasted an hour," said the statement. "Following these discussions, FINA determined that Anita Alvarez should not compete today.

"The health and safety of athletes must always come first. While FINA understands why this decision will have been disappointing to the athlete, it was a decision that was made with her best interests in mind. FINA is delighted that Anita Alvarez has already made such a strong recovery and looks forward to seeing her in competition again soon."

Shah said she did not know how FINA had reached its conclusion that Alvarez should not compete.

"I'm not aware of their decision making process."

Alvarez fainted and dropped to the bottom at the end of her individual routine on Wednesday and was saved by her quick-thinking coach, Andrea Fuentes.

A great athlete

Alvarez had been entered in the team event on Friday and was on every official startlist until just before the event was scheduled to begin when she was replaced on the eight-woman team by Yujin Chang.

Standing in the warm-up area before the event, as the U.S. swimmers made their final preparations behind her, Shah said she was sure Alvarez would be cheering the team on.

"I think she is very excited for the team to compete and she's a great athlete and she's going to be there supporting them."

The US team finished ninth out of 12 teams in an event won by China.

On Wednesday, AFP's underwater robot camera captured astonishing images as Alvarez sank and her coach, Andrea Fuentes dived to the bottom of the pool and dragging the swimmer to the surface.

"I think she was at least two minutes without breathing because her lungs were full of water," said Fuentes, a four-time Olympic artistic swimming medallist, adding that the swimmer's heart was beating.

The USA artistic team released a statement on Thursday saying Alvarez had fainted due to her effort during the routine.

"This happened to her once last year at the Olympic Qualification Tournament when competing her duet," an US spokeswoman added.

On Friday, Shah said the doctors were still searching for a definitive explanation.

"We are going to look into what happened and do some additional extensive programmes with consultants and make another determination as to an actual cause," Shah said.

KZN municipality dismisses claim it hadn’t paid workers, claims disgruntled staff are behind the allegations

2022-06-24T10:17:00.001-07:00

Durban – The Umzinyathi District Municipality has dismissed claims that it is in dire financial straits, so much so that it had failed to pay workers their June salaries.

The municipality's mayor, Petros Ngubane, says the allegations are aimed at painting his municipality in a bad light when it was, in fact, working hard to get its finances in order.

The district municipality, located in northern KwaZulu-Natal, is made up of Endumeni (Dundee), Nquthu, Umvoti (Greytown) and Umsinga local municipalities.

Ngubane’s response comes after an anonymous email was sent out by someone who claimed to be a member of staff on Friday morning.

In the email, the sender alleged that the municipality had to borrow money from local financial institutions to finance the payment of salaries.

It also had to dig from developmental grants from the provincial and national governments to cover the shortfall.

“The municipality took a loan last month to pay salaries after it discovered that the municipality had just 50k in its bank account. Today they informed middle managers that the municipality couldn’t pay June salaries, since there is nothing in the bank account and the municipality cannot account to what happened to the money (sic),” reads the email which was sent.

Firing back, Ngubane said the allegations were the work of some disgruntled employees who felt deprived of undue overtime that they had been claiming for years without anyone asking questions.

He said, as a result, the “rotten potatoes” were trying to incite workers so that the overtime pay was brought back even though the AG (auditor-general) flagged it and asked the municipality to act.

“This is the work of some employees who have been raking in money through overtime pay which was not properly worked for. They are trying to recruit others to join them after we stopped it,” Ngubane said.

He claimed that even on Friday morning, some of the workers tried to stage a protest at their offices in central Dundee just to force the overtime to be brought back.

The overtime pay was stopped after it was alleged that some municipal workers, mainly from the water and power sections, were deliberately ignoring faults during the early hours of the day.

They would, allegedly, start attending to them at around 4pm so that they could claim money for working after hours. Some of the workers, due to the dubious overtime claims, would aim as high as R50 000 (from the R23 000 normal salaries).

“Our efforts to stop overtime opportunities are informed by instructions from the Auditor-General that we (must) improve our financial standing. In the same vein, in the current budget we have stopped allowing private companies to do work for our municipality.

“(This) has helped us a lot in improving our finances following advice from the AG who went as far as making an example out of us, saying that we have improved a lot after we had followed instructions from her office,” Ngubane said.

MOURNERS BID FAREWELL TO SIX PUPILS WHO DIED IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN MTHATHA

2022-06-24T10:12:00.001-07:00

MTHATHA - Mourners gathered in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape on Friday to bid farewell to six pupils who were killed in a car accident recently.

It's believed that a truck driver lost control of his vehicle and ploughed into a vehicle carrying the teenagers.

More than a dozen others were injured. The Ndamase Secondary School pupils lost their lives after leaving school near Mthatha.

The bakkie they were travelling in was believed to be stationary before a truck collided with it.

The Eastern Cape's Head of Education Mahlubandile Qwase said there were some of challenges in organising the funerals.

"I think we have managed to have a common ground with the families because I think they did not want to be converged in this fashion with the remains of their kids but we finally agreed that we would start with the burials. All families will then converge in this fashion."

The teenagers who died are between the ages of 14 and 18.

NZIMANDE: NSFAS MONEY NEEDS TO GO TO ITEMS RELATED TO STUDIES ONLY

2022-06-24T10:09:00.002-07:00

JOHANNESBURG - Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande on Friday said government understood that the majority of students in various universities came from disadvantaged backgrounds, which could contribute to them using their allowances to support family.

Nzimande has, however, indicated that it is not allowed for students to make use of the money being provided by government for items not related to their studies.

He said government would now be fully involved in the distribution of funds to control where and how students used them.

"NSFAS assures me that service providers who will help us with facilitating disbursement of allowances have been appointed because that has been one of our problems."

Nzimande said government would look into what was convenient for both students and the department regarding the distribution of allowances and funds.