Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week.
ARRESTS MADE IN CASE OF MISSING SIX-YEAR-OLD, JOSLIN SMITH WHO WAS ALLEGEDLY SOLD FOR R20,000
via The Citizen
Four individuals, including Joslin Smith’s mother, Kelly Smith, have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of the six-year-old. Joslin went missing 15 days ago, and police arrested suspects, believing the child was sold for approximately R20,000. The four, which also include Jacquen Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn, and alleged sangoma Phumza Sigaqa, appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court.
Initially, Kelly Smith reported Joslin missing, stating that upon returning home, she couldn’t find her daughter, and her boyfriend, Jacquin Appollis, couldn’t account for the child’s whereabouts.
TAXI OPERATIONS RESUME IN EKURHULENI AFTER STRIKE
Following a strike that left thousands of commuters stranded, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has confirmed the resumption of taxi operations in Ekurhuleni. The Germiston taxi rank had come to a standstill due to operators launching a stayaway.
The strike was triggered by a contract awarded to a bus company to operate in the area, with taxi owners demanding 30% of the company’s earnings from that route. The National Taxi Association (NTA) highlighted that the routes were developed by taxi operators over the years.
While the bus company agreed to pay 30% of its earnings, operators felt frustrated as the promise was not honored, leading to the disruption.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA SUSPENDS DEPUTY MINISTER DIPUO PETERS
President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Dipuo Peters, following a parliamentary sanction. The Joint Committee on Ethics and Members Interests found Peters in breach of the Code of Ethical Conduct during her tenure as Minister of Transport. The suspension, effective from February 28 to March 28, 2024, is without pay.
Parliament’s decision came after activist Zackie Achmat’s complaint, citing Peters’ alleged negligence in appointing a PRASA Group CEO and misuse of PRASA buses for ANC events. The Western Cape High Court dismissed Peters’ application to halt her parliamentary suspension.
LIMPOPO HEALTH AUTHORITIES TO PAY R4.4 MILLION IN HOT-WATER BOTTLE BURNS CASE
Limpopo health authorities are set to pay over R4.4 million in damages after a woman, identified as Miss M, suffered severe burns from a hot-water bottle placed on her chest during childbirth. Miss M filed a lawsuit, claiming millions in damages, citing negligence by nursing staff. The incident left her unable to perform strenuous work, causing depression and self-consciousness.
Initially denying liability, the Limpopo MEC for Health later accepted 100% liability for the injuries. The woman’s ordeal began in May 2017 at Maphutha L Malatji Hospital in Phalaborwa during the birth of her second child.
NEW HIV PREVENTION INJECTION LAUNCHED IN SA
A new HIV prevention injection is now being introduced in South Africa through pilot projects. Unlike traditional preventive medication, this injection offers a significant advantage by providing two months of protection with a single shot. The development is a promising step in the ongoing efforts to combat HIV in the country.
SA’S BIRTH RATE IS SLOWING DOWN
(Photo by LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI/AFP via Getty Images)
South Africa is witnessing a shift in birth rate trends, deviating from the global decline, eNCA reports. While the current fertility rate stands at 2.1 births, South African women, on average, are giving birth to 2.3 children. Factors such as improved healthcare, access to contraceptives, delayed marriages, and the financial implications of child-rearing contribute to this shift.
Notably, 40% of babies are born into households earning less than R5,000 per month. Experts anticipate significant impacts on the labor market and healthcare as these trends continue.
AIRPORTS COMPANY OF SOUTH AFRICA INVESTS R21.7 BILLION IN INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Airports Company of South Africa Limited (ACSA) has allocated R21.7 billion for airport infrastructure development. The investment focuses on refurbishments, efficiency improvements, and statutory compliance measures to enhance asset availability, airport safety, and passenger experiences. The largest capital investment program by ACSA since the 2010 World Cup aims to elevate South Africa’s airports to global standards.
Key projects include capacity expansion at Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport and George Airport, a new cargo terminal at O.R Tambo International Airport, and improvements at Cape Town International Airport, King Shaka International Airport, and King Phalo Airport.
MURDER ACCUSED IN AKA AND TIBZ CASE FACE ADDITIONAL CHARGES OF MONEY LAUNDERING
Sphamandla Dlamini/Eyewitness News
The five men accused of the February 2023 murders of Kiernan Jarryd “AKA” Forbes and Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane are now facing additional charges of money laundering. Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court, where the new charges were added.
The accused already face charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and attempted murder. Forbes and Motsoane were shot dead outside a restaurant in Durban.
PLANS TO SELL 20% STAKE IN THE SPRINGBOKS TO AMERICAN-BASED COMPANY
SA Rugby is considering a private equity deal that would involve selling a 20% stake in the Springboks to a Seattle-based firm, Ackerley Sports Group, as per BusinessTech report.
The proposed transaction, aimed at generating capital for the national federation, values the Springboks’ commercial rights at $375 million (R7.1 billion). SA Rugby Managing Director Rian Oberholzer stated that the move is part of a trend among rugby teams seeking private equity investment. The proposal will be presented for approval at a general council meeting on May 30.
CASE OF THE MAN WHO CONFESSED TO SETTING USINDISO BUILDING ALIGHT POSTPONED
Sthembiso Mdlalose, who confessed to starting the deadly Usindiso building fire in Johannesburg, had his case postponed to March 22. Appearing at the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court, Mdlalose faces charges of arson, murder, and attempted murder related to the blaze last year that killed over 70 people and injured many. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Gauteng indicates that investigators are still collecting additional evidence in the case.
GRADE 12 TEACHER FROM HYDE PARK SECONDARY SCHOOL FOUND HANGING
The Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed the tragic death of a Grade 12 teacher at Hyde Park Secondary School in Johannesburg. Discovered hanging at the school’s sports ground on Wednesday morning, the teacher was declared dead upon arrival. The Gauteng Department of Education’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona, has stated that the police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident.
MOODY’S DOWNGRADES EKURHULENI MUNICIPALITY TO JUNK STATUS
Moody’s Investors Service has downgraded the credit ratings of the City of Ekurhuleni to ‘junk’ status due to the municipality’s deteriorating financial position. The city’s ratings and BCA are under further review for potential downgrade. Moody’s also placed the City of Tshwane’s ratings on review for a downgrade.
These actions were prompted by Ekurhuleni’s failure to submit audited financial statements to the JSE by February 29th, seven months after the financial year ended in June 2023.
JEPPE HIGH SCHOOL FOR BOYS PUPIL DIES AFTER RUGBY MATCH
A grade 11 pupil from Jeppe High School for Boys in Johannesburg has tragically died after collapsing following a rugby match. The learner reported feeling unwell after the match, and despite the assistance of paramedics and an ambulance, he passed away.
The Gauteng Department of Education has dispatched its psychosocial support unit to provide trauma counseling and support to the affected school communities. The department expressed deep condolences to the families and the school communities impacted by this tragic incident.
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