Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week!
This week in South Africa, police uncovered a drug lab worth an estimated R2 billion on a farm in Groblersdal, Limpopo. The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Hawks raided the property following tips about suspicious activity, finding large quantities of chemicals used to produce illicit drugs like acetone and crystal meth.
In a related effort to combat crime, Correctional Services officials conducted a raid at Johannesburg Prison (Sun City) in the medium B section, seizing contraband items including a PlayStation console, cellphones, TVs, drugs, dagga, and knives.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya as Chief Justice of South Africa. In political news, Zizi Kodwa, a former ANC spokesperson, resigned from his role as a member of parliament following allegations of corruption.
Additionally, Pretoria High School for Girls faced a racism controversy, resulting in the suspension of twelve learners. The suspensions came after plans for a protest against racially motivated complaints about black learners surfaced in a WhatsApp group comprising white learners.
Here are the top stories of the week:
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA APPOINTS JUSTICE MANDISA MAYA AS CHIEF JUSTICE
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya as Chief Justice of South Africa, effective 1 September 2024.
This decision follows consultations with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and political party leaders in the National Assembly.
She becomes the first woman to hold the position of Chief Justice in South Africa.
In a letter to Chief Justice Raymond Zondo on 22 February 2024, President Ramaphosa expressed his intention to appoint Justice Maya upon the expiry of Zondo’s term on 31 August 2024. The JSC interviewed Justice Maya on 21 May 2024, affirming her suitability based on her qualifications, judicial record, leadership qualities, and experience.
R2 BILLION DRUG LAB DISCOVERED ON LIMPOPO FARM : FIVE ARRESTED INCLUDING THREE MEXICANS
South African Police uncovered a drug lab worth an estimated R2 billion on a farm in Groblersdal, Limpopo. SAPS and the Hawks raided the property following tips of suspicious activity.
During the operation, they discovered large quantities of chemicals used for producing illicit drugs, including acetone and crystal meth, with an estimated street value of R2 billion. Five suspects, including three Mexican nationals, have been arrested. The detainees include the farm owner and two Mexicans. Further arrests may follow as investigations continue.
ZIZI KODWA RESIGNS FROM PARLIAMENT
Zizi Kodwa has resigned from his role as a member of parliament, with his resignation submitted on Wednesday. The former ANC spokesperson stepped down following allegations of corruption. Kodwa resigned as minister back in June position, following charges involving R1.7 million in alleged corruption case.
BETWAY ANNOUNCED AS NEW PSL SPONSOR, REPLACING DSTV
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has named Betway as the new sponsor of the Premiership, replacing DStv despite their contract having a year remaining.
DStv has been facing financial challenges, leading to Betway stepping in with a substantial offer of R900 million for a three-year sponsorship, with an option to extend. PSL Chairman Irvin Khoza made the announcement on Wednesday.
DStv originally took over from ABSA, who sponsored the league for 13 years, with a five-year deal starting in 2020. This marks a significant shift in PSL sponsorship as DStv’s role as the official broadcaster comes to an end. The league is set to kick off on August 3, with fixtures to be announced later this week.
TVs, PLAYSTATION, WEED, SMARTPHONES SEIZED DURING RAID AT JOBURG’S SUN CITY PRISON
Correctional Services officials have confiscated a range of contraband items at Johannesburg Prison (Sun City).
Following intelligence on criminal networks, a raid was conducted in the medium B section of the prison. Seized items included PlayStation console, cellphones, TVs, drugs, dagga, and knives. Authorities also dismantled illegal electricity connections used for gaming devices and cellphones.
The raid, carried out on Wednesday night by prison wardens and South African Police Services, aimed to address smuggling and illegal activities within the facility.
PRETORIA HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS SUSPENDS 12 LEARNERS OVER RACISM ALLEGATIONS
Twelve learners from Pretoria High School for Girls have been suspended following allegations of racism.
The suspensions occurred after plans for a protest against racially-motivated complaints about black learners in a WhatsApp group comprising white learners.
Gauteng Education Department spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed that the School Governing Body (SGB) suspended the implicated learners, with disciplinary hearings scheduled for July 30 and 31, 2024. An urgent meeting was held last Friday with the protesting learners, and the District has launched its own investigation.
PRASA REINSTATES ZOLANI MATTHEWS AS CEO
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) board has reinstated Zolani Kgosietsile Matthews as Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) following a Labour Court judgement.
On 1 July 2024, the court ruled that Matthews’s contract, terminated in December 2021, remained valid. This termination was based on an investigation into his failure to disclose dual citizenship.
Months later, retired judge Robert Nugent ordered Matthews’s reinstatement with back pay. PRASA initially sought a review of this ruling but is now engaging with Matthews to discuss the judgement’s implications, requesting time and space for this process.
MALOME VECTOR DIES IN TRAGIC ACCIDENT
Former Ambitiouz Entertainment artist Malome Vector, born Bokang Moleli, tragically died in a car accident on Wednesday, 24 July 2024, while traveling to Lesotho.
The accident, which occurred on the N1 near the Koppies off-ramp, also claimed the lives of two other artists. According to EMS spokesperson Sipho Towa, a light motor vehicle collided with a heavy motor vehicle. Two passengers were hospitalized in critical but stable condition, while three men, including Malome Vector, were declared dead at the scene. The vehicle was heading from Gauteng towards Bloemfontein.
COUNTERFEIT GOODS WORTH R8 MILLION SEIZED IN FORDSBURG RAID
This week, the National Counterfeit Goods Unit, along with their crime-fighting partners, conducted a major operation at a shopping complex on Pine Avenue in Fordsburg.
They seized counterfeit goods worth over R8 million and arrested 18 suspects.
The raid uncovered 10,000 counterfeit items, including labels and packaging that imitated well-known brands. Police also found large quantities of fake branded cellphone accessories like covers, batteries, chargers, and earphones hidden in purpose-built storage spaces.
Adding to that, 18 illegal foreigners of various nationalities were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act, with one suspect facing extra charges under the Cyber Crimes Act. This operation highlights the ongoing efforts to combat counterfeit goods and ensure compliance with the law.
SARS LOSES R3.5 BILLION TO SHEIN AND TEMU’S ONLINE SALES
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is closely monitoring Chinese online retailers Shein and Temu after discovering they have exploited tax loopholes to undercut local competitors.
These retailers are accused of evading value-added tax by declaring clothing parcels under R500, thus only paying a 20% import duty.
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter told the SABC that this tax evasion has resulted in losses of approximately R3.5 billion.
TRANSNET GETS R18.85 BILLION LOAN
The African Development Bank Group has approved a R18.85 billion ($1 billion) loan to Transnet to support its recovery and growth plans.
Facing operational challenges from underinvestment, theft, and external shocks, Transnet will use the funds to stabilize and enhance its rail and port infrastructure. Group Chief Executive Michelle Phillips emphasized the loan’s significance for Transnet’s capital investment plan. Approved on July 12, 2024, the 25-year loan, fully guaranteed by the South African government, marks the first phase of Transnet’s R152.8 billion five-year plan to improve capacity ahead of expansion.
FLYSAFAIR IS EXPANDING ITS FLEET
Low-cost airline FlySafair will expand its fleet for the summer season with two additional Boeing 737-800 NGs, increasing its daily flight schedule by 12 to 14 flights.
The new aircraft are being added to meet increased summer demand, likely serving top destinations such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. The first new aircraft is set to arrive at the end of July and will join the roster by September, while the second will arrive in October and begin operations in November. Each plane will add 189 seats per flight, bringing FlySafair’s total fleet to 36 aircraft.
SABC AND SUPERSPORT TO BROADCAST PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES
The 2024 Summer Olympics, taking place from 26 July to 11 August, will be hosted in Paris, France, with events spread across 16 other cities in Metropolitan France and one subsite in Tahiti.
Team South Africa will send nearly 150 athletes, marking the country’s ninth Olympic appearance since its readmission in 1991. Viewers can watch the games on SABC and SuperSport.
SHEIN DEBUTS IN SOUTH AFRICA WITH FIRST POP-UP STORE
From 02 to 11 August 2024, fashion enthusiasts can visit the pop-up at Mall of Africa in Johannesburg. The store will showcase wide range of products, including women’s clothing, men’s fashion, kids’ wear, accessories, and SHEIN’s exclusive makeup line.
While shoppers won’t be able to buy the products physically at the store, they will have an immersive in-store experience where they can order online.
As per statement “This pop-up store is an exhibition space that we create for all of you, it showcases the latest fashion and lifestyle products.
Please note that the product cannot be purchased at the pop-up but everyone can try it on and order online with a discount there and then. We are waiting for you to explore it.”
LIMPOPO EDUCATION DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATES AFTER GRADE 10 LEARNER GIVES BIRTH IN SCHOOL TOILET
The Limpopo Education Department has launched an investigation after a 16-year-old Grade 10 learner gave birth in the toilet at Molautsi Secondary School in Bloodriver, outside Polokwane, SABC reports.
The learner, who was seven months pregnant, delivered without assistance. The girl’s mother confirmed her pregnancy.
Reports indicate a high rate of pregnant learners at the school. Suzan Xithlelani from the Limpopo Department of Education stated that the investigation will determine if the school was aware of the pregnancy. Normally, schools must log such information in the School Administration Management System (SAMS). The department is checking if any educators were aware of the situation.
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