insert_link South Africa Pietermaritzburg Regional Court sentenced Mdumiseni Khetha Zuma to an effective 12-years The Pietermaritzburg Regional Court in KwaZulu-Natal today sentenced Mdumiseni Khetha Zuma to an effective 12-years in prison for inciting public violence during the July 2021 unrest. He was convicted under the Riotous Assemblies Act for creating and distributing an inciteful video about Brookside Mall on WhatsApp. The court heard evidence from a mall manager, estimating damages at approximately 500-million-rand. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara says this marks the first […] todayNovember 30, 2023
South Africa South African Federation of Trade Unions says it is shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of life of eleven mineworkers The South African Federation of Trade Unions says it is shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of life of eleven mineworkers at Impala Platinum Mine in Rustenburg, North West. The workers died after the conveyance cage that took workers down a mine shaft and back to the surface broke. Saftu’s national spokesperson, Trevor Shaku, says by now mine health and safety should have improved to zero injuries and fatalities […] todayNovember 29, 2023 7
insert_link South Africa SA’s SECTION27 and CASAC launch the Democracy and Constitutionalism report SA's SECTION27 and the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution have launched a conference report titled Democracy and Constitutionalism: Civic Education Conference Report and Keywords. The report brings into focus the importance of civic education at a time when South Africa is preparing for elections next year, which are widely viewed as the most significant since 1994. SECTION27’s spokesperson, Pearl Nicodemus, says the current state of basic […] todayNovember 29, 2023
insert_link South Africa South African Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union says negligent mine bosses should be charged The South African Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union says negligent mine bosses should be charged with culpable homicide in cases of workers dying while on site. This comes after eleven mineworkers died at Impala Platinum Mine in Rustenburg in the North West on Monday. An elevator transporting mineworkers up and down the shaft unexpectedly dropped 200 metres. Amcu president, Joseph Mathunjwa, says this disaster could have been avoided. todayNovember 29, 2023
insert_link Health / Medical South Africa is grappling with a severe shortage of veterinarians South Africa is grappling with a severe shortage of veterinarians, affecting efforts to combat animal diseases like foot and mouth disease. The South African Veterinary Council has reported an annual exodus of around 150 veterinarians from the country. In response, deputy Higher Education minister Buti Manamela says government has launched a veterinary career guidance awareness programme aimed at schoolchildren. He says the initiative aims to raise awareness about veterinary careers […] todayNovember 29, 2023 2
insert_link Business / Economics South Africa’s Mine Union calls for more shaft inspections to avoid accidents The South African National Union of Mineworkers’ Health and Safety secretary, Masibulele Naki, has underscored the urgent need for mines to clarify and prioritise shaft inspection procedures to prevent accidents. This follows an incident at Impala Platinum in Rustenburg, North West, in which 11 mineworkers were killed and 75 seriously injured. Reports indicate that a lift fell down a one-kilometer shaft for about 200-meters as miners were being brought to […] todayNovember 29, 2023
insert_link South Africa The DA in Gauteng tabled several motions over the last six months to ensure residents have quality of life The DA in Gauteng tabled several motions over the last six months to ensure residents have quality of life and are protected from bullying and discrimination. The party also tabled a motion to debate the role of Independent Power Producers in improving access to electricity for all Gauteng residents. The DA’s Nico de Jager says the ANC, through its majority, rejected the motion in their desire to block accountability for […] todayNovember 29, 2023 1
insert_link South Africa SA investigates claim Ramaphosa’s speech written by chatbot The South African presidency is investigating whether parts of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s speech last week were written using the artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT. According to SA media, it follows claims online that a section of the speech delivered last week at an education forum by Ramaphosa did not come from the president or his speechwriters. However, presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya denied the claims, saying they do not use AI tools […] todayNovember 28, 2023 1
insert_link Business / Economics The DA in SA petitions Eskom over alleged misleading load-shedding schedules The DA in South Africa has petitioned the Eskom system operator over alleged misleading load-shedding schedules. The party questions Eskom’s adherence to the national code of practice for load-shedding, citing concerns of potential violations. They call for an investigation into whether the power utility is intentionally deviating from regulations and if such actions have an impact on consumers. The DA’s Samantha Graham-Maré says industry experts suggest some areas experienced 12 […] todayNovember 28, 2023 2
Paying it forward: Kenyan coastal doctor Bashrahil Mohammed Mafudh has made it his life’s work to care for the most vulnerable in his community, at no cost.
