Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week!
This week in South Africa, key developments include the arrest and court appearance of 95 Libyan nationals in Gauteng for allegedly undergoing military training under the guise of studying to be security guards.
In Sports, Team South Africa is making waves at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Tatjana Smith has been a standout, clinching a gold medal in the Women’s 100m breaststroke and a silver in the 200m breaststroke.
The SAPS anti-kidnapping task team arrested eight suspects, including three Tanzanian nationals, and seized crystal meth valued at R300 million, highlighting efforts to combat transnational crime.
Pretoria High School for Girls’ principal, Philippa Erasmus, is under investigation and on suspension for allegedly failing to address racism within the school, with another student also suspended for making racial remarks.
The trial of convicted killer and rapist Thabo Bester, along with eight co-accused, is set to begin in 2025, following a pre-trial hearing this week.
Here are the top stories of the week:
SOUTH AFRICA SHINES AT PARIS 2024 WITH FOUR MEDALS
Team South Africa is making waves at the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking the country’s 21st appearance at the Games. With nearly 150 athletes representing the nation, South Africa has secured a total of four medals so far. Tatjana Smith has been a standout, clinching a gold medal in the Women’s 100m breaststroke and a silver in the 200m breaststroke.
Mountain biker Alan Hatherly added to the tally with a bronze in the Men’s Cross-Country Cycling race, while the Olympics Springbok team earned a bronze medal. The nation’s athletes continue to fly the flag high as the competition progresses.
95 LIBYAN NATIONALS IN COURT AFTER RAID ON SUSPECTED SECRET MILITARY CAMP
Ninety-five Libyan nationals, arrested in a raid on a suspected secret military training camp in Gauteng, South Africa, appeared in court on Monday. The police stated on the social media platform X that the individuals had entered the country on study visas, purportedly to train as security guards. However, investigations suggest they were receiving military training.
The South African National Prosecuting Authority charged the group with misrepresenting their visa applications. The Libyans, arrested near White River, will remain in custody as the case is postponed to 5 August for the provision of an Arabic interpreter. Authorities are investigating potential additional illegal bases in the country.
POLICE SEIZE R300 MILLION WORTH OF DRUGS IN FOURWAYS AND RESCUE KIDNAPPED BUSINESSMAN
A businessman kidnapped on 05 July at a Helderkruin mosque has been rescued in Lenasia.
Eight suspects, including three Tanzanian nationals, were arrested by the SAPS anti-kidnapping task team. The team made initial arrests last week, and subsequent intelligence led them to a hotel in East Gate and two apartments in Fourways, where six more suspects were apprehended. During the operation, police seized crystal meth valued at R300 million.
National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola commended the efforts, emphasizing the commitment to dismantling transnational crime syndicates. “Our dedicated officers and partners in crime prevention are making commendable progress,” Masemola stated.
CONTROVERSY OVER CHIDIMMA’S MISS SA FINALIST SPOT
An online petition has emerged calling for the removal of Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina from the Miss South Africa beauty pageant. The controversy stems from her heritage, with some users noting that she was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a South African mother with Mozambican roots. Following the announcement of the finalists, questions arose about Chidimma’s eligibility.
However, the Miss SA Organisation clarified that she meets the qualifications as a contestant, being a South African citizen with a valid ID. Despite this clarification, social media users have expressed that she should be removed alleging that she is not South African.
SOUTH AFRICA’S POPULATION NOW STANDS AT 63 MILLION
According to the mid-year population estimates by Stats SA, South Africa’s population has grown by 835,513 within a year and now has a total of 63 million.
The country’s total population now stands at 63,015,904, reflecting an increase of approximately 835,513 individuals, or a 1.33% growth rate, from July 2023 to July 2024.
The demographic composition of the population is diverse, with the Black African population group making up the largest proportion at 81.7%, followed by the Coloured population at 8.5%, the White population at 7.2%, and the Indian/Asian population at 2.6%. Notably, females constitute slightly more than half of the population, totaling 32,129,704, compared to 30,886,200 males.
Gauteng continues to be the most populous province in the country, with 15,931,824 residents, comprising a significant portion of the national population. KwaZulu-Natal follows as the second most populous province, housing 12,312,712 people. Together, these two provinces account for approximately 45% of South Africa’s total population.
PRETORIA HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS PRINCIPAL SUSPENDED AMID RACISM ALLEGATIONS, ANOTHER LEARNER SUSPENDED
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane announced that Pretoria High School for Girls’ principal, Philippa Erasmus, is under investigation for allegedly knowing about and failing to address racism within the school.
Erasmus has been placed on a three-month precautionary suspension. She’s accused of being aware of a whites-only WhatsApp group where pupils reportedly shared racist comments.
Additionally, another Grade 12 student was suspended on Wednesday after a video, allegedly recorded in February, surfaced showing her making racial remarks. The Gauteng Department of Education stated that the school governing body (SGB) will initiate a formal disciplinary process.
POWER RESTORED & FLIGHTS RESUME FOLLOWING OUTAGE AT CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
Power has been restored at Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) after a Sunday evening outage on 28 July 2024, disrupted operations, grounding aircraft and diverting flights.
The outage affected runway lights and navigational aids due to a fault in one of the main airfield circuits, causing a cascading failure and damaging several circuits, including the uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
As a safety measure, flights were diverted to alternative airports, including OR Tambo International Airport and Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport. The restoration of power has since ensured the safe resumption of aircraft landings and departures, according to Airports Company South Africa (Acsa).
TRIAL DATE SET FOR THABO BESTER AND CO-ACCUSED IN 2025
The trial of convicted killer and rapist Thabo Bester, along with eight co-accused, is set to commence in 2025 at the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein.
The accused appeared for a pre-trial hearing on Wednesday, including Bester’s accomplice Nandipha Magudumana, her father Zolile Sekeleni, their gardener Zanda Moyo, and former G4S prison staff members Frans Makhotsa, Senohe Matsoara, Buti Masukela, Teboho Lipholo, and Joel Maketha.
The group faces a range of charges, such as fraud, corruption, violating a corpse, defeating the ends of justice, arson, and aiding a prisoner’s escape. These charges stem from Bester’s dramatic escape from prison in 2022. The pre-trial hearing was postponed, and the trial will officially begin on 10 February 2025.
LEOPARD ATTACKS TWO MEN AT KRUGER PARK ADJACENT AIR FORCE BASE
Two men were hospitalized after a leopard attacked them at a South African air force base next to Kruger National Park.
The incidents occurred separately, with one man, an air force member, being attacked while jogging, and the other, a civilian, encountering the leopard during a walk. Both sustained scratches but no severe injuries; one has already been discharged, while the other is set to leave the hospital soon.
Brigadier General Donavan Chetty stated that the leopard was captured and relocated to a sanctuary 100km away from Hoedspruit air force base. He noted that although leopard sightings are common near the park, attacks are rare. The agile predators can bypass the park’s fences, hunting a range of prey, including wildebeest and antelope. The Kruger National Park area is home to about 150 leopards.
PRASA LAUNCHES NEW MODERN TRAINS IN CAPE TOWN
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has introduced new blue and white Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) on the Central Line, expanding service from Nyanga to Mandalay station in the Western Cape.
The modern EMUs feature automated doors, CCTV cameras, and air-conditioning, enhancing safety and comfort for passengers. Additionally, a new signaling system from Langa to Mutual Line aims to improve service reliability and reduce delays. This development is expected to benefit communities in Langa, Nyanga, Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, and other areas, offering a safer and more efficient commute for 40% of Cape Town’s population.
MEDIA24 RETAINS JOURNALISTS, SHIFTS FOCUS ONLINE
In a turn of events, Media24 has decided to retain all 66 journalists from the four print newspapers it previously announced would be closing.
These journalists will be integrated into the company’s digital platforms, including Netwerk24, News24, and Daily Sun. The media giant also reversed its decision to sell the Afrikaans daily newspaper, Beeld, ensuring it remains within the company.
According to a press release, Media24 considers a journalist to be any editorial member involved in creating, processing, or packaging journalistic content, whether in words, photos, or multimedia. This move reflects a shift towards bolstering their online presence and adapting to the digital media landscape.
THE MTN8 QUARTER-FINAL MATCHES KICK OFF THIS WEEKEND
The Premier Soccer League has announced that the MTN8 quarter-finals will begin on Saturday, 03 August 2024.
The MTN8, a traditional season opener in South African football, will feature single-leg quarter-finals on August 3 and 10.
The semi-finals, played over two legs, are scheduled for August 24 and 31.
The final is set for 5 October.
Meanwhile, the Betway Premiership will kick off from September 14.
Defending champions Orlando Pirates will host SuperSport United on August 3, while Stellenbosch FC meets TS Galaxy, Sekhukhune United takes on Cape Town City, and Mamelodi Sundowns faces Polokwane City on August 11.
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CHECKERS SIXTY60 LEADS SHOPRITE’S IMPRESSIVE GROWTH
Shoprite Group’s Checkers Sixty60 delivery service continues to thrive, boasting a 58.1% growth in the 2024 financial year.
The company, South Africa’s largest supermarket chain, reported a total sales increase of 12%, reaching R240.7 billion. This growth is driven by new store openings and double-digit sales growth across most of its brands.
The group’s core business, saw a 12.3% rise in sales, contributing 81% to total sales. The premium grocery brand Checkers also grew by 12.3%, while the budget-friendly Shoprite and Usave chains recorded a 10.7% sales increase. This impressive performance highlights the group’s adaptability and strong market presence.
PEPSICO SOUTH AFRICA TO SELL ITS MARMITE & BOVRIL BUSINESS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Lallemand Inc, through its South African affiliate Rymco Pty Ltd (trading as Anchor Yeast), is set to acquire the Marmite and Bovril black spreads and Savoury Food Ingredients business unit from PepsiCo South Africa. The deal, pending approval from the Competition Commission of South Africa, is expected to finalize in Q4 2024.
This Johannesburg-based unit produces popular products like Marmite and Bovril for Southern African markets and savoury food ingredients for local and international clients. Lallemand CEO Antoine Chagnon highlighted the company’s commitment to biotechnology and noted that these iconic brands would complement Anchor Yeast’s offerings. PepsiCo’s CEO, Riaan Heyl, emphasized that the sale aligns with the company’s strategy to focus on a streamlined product portfolio.
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