insert_link South Africa SA Minister Nzimande maintains his innocence amidst kickback allegations raised by OUTA SA's Higher Education, Science and Innovation minister Blade Nzimande has refuted claims of misuse of National Student Financial Aid Scheme funds for the South African Communist Party and personal gain. He dismissed the damning report and recordings by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse, revealing allegations of fund mismanagement and corruption within NSFAS as malicious and baseless. Briefing the media, Nzimande maintained his innocence and called leaked recordings part of a […] todayJanuary 9, 2024 1
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s Justice minister Ronald Lamola has revealed that the National Prosecuting Authority’s Aspirant Prosecutor Programme is at risk South Africa's Justice minister Ronald Lamola has revealed that the National Prosecuting Authority’s Aspirant Prosecutor Programme is at risk due to budget constraints. Lamola informed Parliament that around 300 law graduates produced by the programme annually may not be employed by the NPA this year. The initiative provides a 12-month training for graduates to become state prosecutors in lower courts. Lamola warns that prolonged budget cuts could severely impact the […] todayJanuary 9, 2024 8
insert_link South Africa Resignation calls for Nzimande and Khosa intensify over kickback allegations Demands for the resignation of South Africa's Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande and National Students Financial Aid Scheme board chair Ernest Khosa have intensified amidst allegations of receiving millions of rand in kickbacks from service providers. Nzimande's spokesperson, Ishmael Mnisi told Newzroom Africa that it’s a witch hunt. Meanwhile, Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen says the party's shadow ministers and student organisation will mass mobilize campaigns for South African President […] todayJanuary 8, 2024 40
insert_link South Africa Competition Commission of South Africa says it will continue to act against schools that not following school uniform guidelines The Competition Commission of South Africa says it will continue to act against schools that not following school uniform guidelines in the country. In 2021, the commission reached an agreement that schools abandon exclusivity deals with suppliers. But many schools across the country have not implemented this, and the commission has already received over 220 complaints. The commission’s spokesperson, Karabo Motaung, has told ENCA that the commission is still taking […] todayJanuary 8, 2024 21
insert_link South Africa ActionSA demands the immediate resignation of minister Blade Nzimande and Ernest Khosa of NSFAS ActionSA is demanding the immediate resignation of the minister o Higher Education, Science and Technology, Blade Nzimande, as well as the Chairperson of National Student Financial Aid Scheme board, Ernest Khosa. This follows explosive reporting by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse, revealing the pair allegedly received kickbacks related to the fraudulent Direct Payment of Allowances scheme. ActionSA’s Hluphi Gafane says Outa’s revelations exposed a web of corruption. todayJanuary 8, 2024 5
insert_link South Africa Justice and Correctional Services minister says South Africa has taken an important action against Israel to the International Court of Justice SA's Justice and Correctional Services minister Ronald Lamola says the country has taken an important action against Israel to the International Court of Justice, to stop the genocide that is currently happening in Gaza. Lamola was speaking during a church service in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, as part of the ANC buildup programme to the January 8 Statement, which will be held at the Mbombela Stadium this Saturday. He says it is […] todayJanuary 8, 2024 16
insert_link Health / Medical Taxes on e-cigarettes: South Africa must strike a balance between economic arguments and health concerns By Marius van Oordt, University of Pretoria The 21st century has seen a massive expansion in the ways that people can consume tobacco and nicotine. Innovative new products include electronic nicotine delivery systems (“ENDS” or e-cigarettes) and heat-not-burn (HnB) products. One of the challenges this has thrown up is the tax rates on these products. Combustible tobacco products like cigarettes and loose tobacco are generally taxed at similar rates since […] todayJanuary 8, 2024 22
insert_link South Africa Gauteng Traffic Police intensified law enforcement operations across the province The Gauteng Traffic Police says it will intensified law enforcement operations across the province to ensure that holidaymakers return safely from the festive season. Major routes in the province are expected to be busy as holidaymakers return to the province. The Traffic spokesperson, Sello Maremane says to date, a total of 290 people have lost their lives due to road fatalities in the province since the beginning of the festive […] todayJanuary 8, 2024 4
insert_link South Africa Department of Tourism in South Africa says the decrease in the fuel price will facilitate ease of access to tourist attractions The Department of Tourism in South Africa says the decrease in the fuel price will facilitate ease of access to tourist attractions, and contribute to growing tourism communities in South Africa. The department’s Spokesperson, Tasneem Carrim says the country has a wealth of diverse tourism and cultural offerings nestled in their small dorpies, townships, and villages. She says this part of the domestic market is the backbone of the tourism […] todayJanuary 8, 2024 5
