Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week!
This week, South Africa mourns the loss of former Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan, who passed away at the age of 75 after being hospitalized earlier this week. His family confirmed that he passed away peacefully on Friday morning.
In legislative news, President Cyril Ramaphosa is preparing to sign the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law, aiming to enhance governance in the education sector by updating key acts from the 1990s.
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) reported processing over R4.1 billion in tax directive applications within the first 10 days of the new two-pot retirement system, with the majority being for savings withdrawals.
Additionally, Prophet Paseka ‘Mboro’ Motsoeneng was granted bail after being arrested on intimidation charges related to a school incident in Katlehong. His security guard was released on a warning.
Here are the top stories of the week:
FORMER MINISTER PRAVIN GORDHAN DIES AT 75
Former Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan has passed away at age 75.
Gordhan was admitted to the hospital earlier this week. On Friday morning it was confirmed by the family statement, that Gordhan passed away peacefully in hospital.
He has served as Minister of Finance, and SARS commissioner for 10 years.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA TO SIGN BASIC EDUCATION LAWS AMENDMENT (BELA) BILL INTO LAW
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to sign the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law on Friday, during a ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The BELA Bill aims to improve governance in South Africa’s education sector by amending the South African Schools Act of 1996 and the Employment of Educators Act of 1998.
Key changes include making Grade R the new compulsory school entry age, enforcing penalties for parents who fail to ensure school attendance, and reinforcing the ban on corporal punishment in schools.
SARS SEES R4.1 BILLION IN TWO-POT SYSTEM WITHDRAWAL REQUESTS
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has processed tax directive applications totaling R4.1 billion in the first 10 days of the new two-pot retirement system. Out of the 161,607 applications submitted, 98.9% were for savings withdrawals. On average, SARS received 17,964 applications per day. SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter noted that withdrawals from the savings portion of retirement funds will be taxed at an individual’s marginal tax rate, unlike retirement contributions, which are taxed at a reduced rate during retirement.
The new system allows South Africans to access a portion of their pension funds before retirement. This came into effect at the beginning of September this year.
GOVERNMENT WANTS TO ENFORCE STRICTER REGULATIONS ON VAPING
South Africa is introducing new legislation that will impose stringent penalties on vapers, equating them with cigarette smokers. The law aims to regulate vaping due to rising public health concerns.
Violators will face the same penalties as cigarette smokers, including fines and potential jail time. This move highlights concerns about vaping’s health risks, particularly among younger users. Public awareness campaigns will also be launched to educate citizens about these risks.
This marks a significant step towards aligning vaping regulations with those governing traditional tobacco products.
PASTOR MBORO OUT ON BAIL AFTER INTIMIDATION CHARGES
Prophet Paseka ‘Mboro’ Motsoeneng has been granted bail of R3,000 by the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court. The 56-year-old pastor, along with his security guard, was arrested on charges of intimidation related to an incident at a Katlehong school last month. The security guard was released on a warning.
The charges stem from Motsoeneng and his associates arriving at the school to “fetch” his grandchildren, prompting legal action.
MAGISTRATE DISMISSES RECUSAL REQUEST IN PASTOR MBORO CASE
The presiding magistrate, Katlego Mokoena, in the case of controversial Pastor Mboro, has dismissed the state’s request for her recusal. Mokoena stated she wasn’t given a chance to present her side regarding the bias claims raised by the state.
Pastor Mboro, facing charges of kidnapping, illegal firearm possession, discharging a firearm, and assault, will have his legal team reapply for bail based on new evidence.
The case continues to draw attention due to Mboro’s notoriety and the severity of the charges.
LIMPOPO PIG FARM MURDER CASE POSTPONED TO OCTOBER
The Limpopo pig farm murder case has been postponed to October 2, 2024. The accused—Zachariah Johannes Olivier, Rudolph de Wet, and William Musora—remain in custody. They face charges including two counts of murder, attempted murder, three counts of defeating the ends of justice, possession of firearms and ammunition, and violations of the Illegal Immigration Act.
The state has requested a stated case for appeal under section 310(1) of Act 51 of 1977. This request follows a magistrate’s order mandating the state to provide Olivier with a copy of his police statement. The state received the reasons for judgment on September 2, 2024, but they did not address the legal questions. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has instructed that the bail application hearing be conducted in the Polokwane Regional Court.
11 TRAFFIC OFFICERS ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED BRIBERY ON N1 HIGHWAY
The Road Traffic Management Corporation’s (RTMC) Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU) and SAPS arrested 11 traffic officers in Polokwane on Friday for allegedly accepting bribes from bus operators, taxi drivers, and motorists on the N1 highway between Polokwane and Musina.
RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane stated that the arrests follow a lengthy investigation, dating back to March 2022, as part of the undercover operation “Coconut.” The officers were allegedly taking bribes instead of issuing fines, contributing to high accident rates on the highway.
POLICE SEIZES ABALONE WORTH MORE THAN R2M ON N1 NEAR WORCESTER
SAPS members arrested two abalone peddlers in separate incidents on the N1 near Worcester on Tuesday, 10 September 2024. Acting on intelligence, law enforcement officers intercepted trucks transporting the highly valued shellfish from Cape Town.
In the first incident, K9 Layla detected 4,582 dried abalone worth R2 million in a truck. Later, Worcester Anti-Gang Unit officers seized another 960 abalone worth R468,105 in a separate vehicle. Both suspects, aged 39 and 41, are set to appear in Worcester Magistrates’ Court on 12 September 2024.
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile praised the officers for their vigilance and dedication.
TYLA BECOMES FIRST SOUTH AFRICAN ARTIST TO WIN A VMA
South African sensation Tyla continues to make waves with her hit single “Water” which has since been a global hit. This time, the 22-year-old artist has won the 2024 MTV VMAs award for Best Afrobeats with the same track.
In her speech, Tyla emphasized her roots, stating, “I come from South Africa. I represent amapiano, I represent my culture.” She went on to explain that Amapiano is a unique South African genre that blends elements of house, jazz, and the ’90s sound of kwaito.
PSL AND SUPERSPORT DEAL BRINGS LOCAL MATCHES TO SHOWMAX
Great news just in for soccer fans! The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has closed a deal with SuperSport to bring the league to Showmax.
Starting with the Betway Premiership, all PSL matches will be available to stream live on Showmax for Premier League subscribers at no extra cost.
This means fans can now catch all 380 Premier League games along with every PSL match, including major cup competitions like the Carling Knockout Cup, MTN8, and Nedbank Cup, for just R69 per month.
Read more about this PSL and SuperSport new deal here.
TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR KWAITO STAR MAPAPUTSI AFTER HIS PASSING AT AGE 48
Condolences are pouring in for kwaito music legend Sandile Ngwenya, known as Mapaputsi, who passed away on Thursday, 5 September, at the age of 48 following a brief illness. Memorial services will be held at Eyethu Shopping Centre in Soweto on 12 September, with his funeral set for 14 September at Dlamini Multipurpose Centre Hall.
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie and other prominent figures have expressed their grief, acknowledging Mapaputsi’s significant contribution to the kwaito genre, fusing pantsula, pop, and hip-hop into his unique style.
MAXHOSA TO SHOWCASE AT PARIS FASHION WEEK
South African fashion and lifestyle brand MaXhosa Africa is back for round two at Paris Fashion Week, dropping its latest collection, Maxhonnaisse.
Laduma Ngxokolo’s Maxhosa made its Paris Fashion Week debut on 3rd March 2024, showcasing its Autumn/Winter ’24 collection titled “MY CONVICTION.
This year, MaXhosa Africa will be presenting its SS25 collection on Friday, 27 September.
Read more about this showcase at Paris Fashion week here.
SAA EXPANDS ROUTES AND REPORTS SIGNIFICANT GROWTH
South African Airways (SAA) plans to introduce new routes from Johannesburg to Lubumbashi and Dar es Salaam starting in November. This expansion comes as part of the airline’s broader strategy to increase its network.
Since resuming operations three years ago, SAA has seen remarkable growth. Interim CEO Professor John Lamola reported a substantial increase in fleet size from six to 16 aircraft and a rise in routes from six to 15. Passenger revenue surged by 400% between August 2022 and August 2024. The airline has also reopened 11 outstations, including destinations like Mauritius, Perth, and São Paulo. Employment has more than doubled, with staff numbers growing from 500 to around 1,200, including 140 pilots.
IPHONE 16 WILL LAUNCH IN SOUTH AFRICA ON 20 SEPTEMBER
This week Apple debuted its highly anticipated iPhone 16 lineup, featuring the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The new models come with upgraded hardware, improved cameras, fresh tweaks on the design, and a number of new features.
The much-talked about is the Camera Control button which lets users quickly access the camera and capture photos or videos with a simple tap. This design allows for instantaneous launching of the camera, taking photos, and starting video recordings.
The new models will launch in South Africa on 20 September, with pre-orders open from 13 September. iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will be available in black, white, natural, and desert titanium. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will come in black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine.
See full key feature on the iPhone 16 here.
SPRINGBOKS TO FACE ARGENTINA IN NEXT MATCHES
After their two victorious wins against the All Blacks here at home, the Springboks will be headed to Argentina to face the Los Pumas in a Castle Lager Rugby Championship clash.
Springboks (South Africa) will play Los Pumas (Argentina) on Saturday 21 September 2024 at at Estadio Unico Madre Ciudades in Santiago.
The second leg of the clash will take place here at home, in Nelspruit on Saturday, 28 September 2024.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus chose to rest seven players: Bongi Mbonambi (hooker), Frans Malherbe (prop), Pieter-Steph du Toit (loose forward), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (flyhalf), Damian de Allende (centre), Cheslin Kolbe (wing), and Willie le Roux (fullback).
However, the seven players will rejoin the team in Mpumalanga.
Springbok squad for Argentina tour:
Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls).
Hookers: Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears).
Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (Montpellier), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls).
Loose forwards: Ben-Jason Dixon (DHL Stormers), Siya Kolisi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).
Utility forward: Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls).
Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
Flyhalves: Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers).
Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).
Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
Utility back: Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls).
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