Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week:
This week, South African Airways (SAA) has resumed normal flight operations after reaching a wage agreement with striking pilots. The industrial action, involving around 100 pilots, caused significant flight disruptions earlier this week.
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, announced a 5.8% drop in South Africa’s murder rate, alongside decreases in sexual offences (2.5%) and robbery with aggravating circumstances (8.8%). Rape cases also declined by 3.1%, while robberies at residential and non-residential premises fell by 1.3% and 21.1%, respectively.
Today, Friday (13 December) marks the final day for spaza shop owners to complete their business registration, following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive to curb food-borne illnesses.
SAFA President Danny Jordaan, CFO Gronie Hluyo, and businessman Trevor Neethling have failed in their bid to have their case dismissed, as per SABC report.
Chris Brown arrived in Johannesburg on Wednesday afternoon to kick off his much-anticipated ‘Live in Johannesburg, Breezy in South Africa’ tour.
Here are the top stories of the week:
SAA FLIGHT SCHEDULE BACK ON TRACK AFTER PILOT STRIKE RESOLUTION
South African Airways (SAA) has resumed normal flight operations after reaching a wage agreement with striking pilots. The industrial action, involving around 100 pilots, caused significant flight disruptions earlier this week.
A deal was struck, granting pilots a 9.47% salary increase. Interim SAA CEO John Lamola announced that, as part of the agreement, discussions on a broader enterprise improvement programme will continue over the next eight weeks. The airline aims to introduce work-life concessions to boost pilot productivity.
SOUTH AFRICA’S CRIME RATES DROP AS POLICE INTENSIFY CRACKDOWN ON CRIMINAL ACTIVITY
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, announced a 5.8% drop in South Africa’s murder rate, alongside decreases in sexual offences (2.5%) and robbery with aggravating circumstances (8.8%). Rape cases also declined by 3.1%, while robberies at residential and non-residential premises fell by 1.3% and 21.1%, respectively.
Cabinet welcomed the arrest of a 39-year-old Mexican national linked to a R100 million drug lab in Rietfontein, Johannesburg. Police also seized a cocaine shipment worth R86.5 million at Durban Harbour.
Additionally, five suspected ATM bombers were killed in a shootout with police in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga. Cabinet urged all sectors of society to partner with the police in combating crime.
ESKOM: 250 DAYS OF NO LOAD SHEDDING WITH R17BN IN DIESEL SAVINGS
Eskom has hit a major milestone — 254 days without load shedding — saving nearly R17 billion in diesel costs compared to last year. The success is linked to improvements in its Generation Recovery Plan, especially within its coal-fired fleet.
Unplanned outages dropped significantly, averaging 11,038MW over the past week, down from 14,475MW in the same period last year. This reflects a 3,437MW reduction in downtime. Eskom’s Energy Availability Factor (EAF) stands at 62.8% for the year, with top-performing stations like Majuba and Medupi exceeding 70%.
As industries shut down for the holidays, Eskom plans to increase maintenance activities to ensure sustained operational efficiency. An additional 2,600MW is expected to return online by Monday evening.
FRIDAY MARKS THE FINAL DAY FOR SPAZA SHOPS TO REGISTER
Today, Friday (13 December) marks the final day for spaza shop owners to complete their business registration, following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive to curb food-borne illnesses. The City of Tshwane has launched an online registration page to facilitate the process, ensuring business owners can apply without interrupting their operations.
Since registration began in November, 13,616 forms have been issued across Gauteng, with 1,916 returned. However, nearly 2,000 applications remain incomplete due to missing documents like approved building plans and certificates of acceptability. The deadline for registration ends today.
GAUTENG SPENDS R16.6M ON LOCAL SHOWS WITH INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS
The Gauteng government has spent R16.6 million supporting nine international concerts over the past five years, EWN reveals.
This was revealed by Arts and Culture MEC Matome Chiloane in response to questions from the DA in the provincial legislature. The most expensive event was Dru Hill’s all-white experience in September 2024.
DA Gauteng spokesperson on arts and culture, Kingsol Chabalala, criticized the spending, questioning its impact on the development of local artists. The DA has called for greater investment in homegrown talent rather than prioritizing costly international acts.
153 ZAMA ZAMAS ARRESTED IN MPUMALANGA MINE CRACKDOWN
Police have brought 153 alleged illegal miners to the surface during a four-day operation at the South Mine in Sabie, Mpumalanga. Three bodies were also retrieved during the operation, which saw no injuries reported among the miners or law enforcement personnel.
The multi-agency task force included members from SAPS, the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Health, SANDF, and private security firms. Those brought to the surface included South Africans, Basotho, Zimbabweans, and Mozambicans.
Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the teamwork and professionalism displayed during the operation. He assured the public that investigations into illegal mining are underway, with Operation Vala Umgodi set to continue efforts to curb mining-related crimes.
REFUELING DISRUPTION AT OR TAMBO AIRPORT CAUSES FLIGHT DELAYS
Earlier this week, Airlines at OR Tambo International Airport faced delays due to refueling challenges. The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) confirmed on Monday that aircraft cannot be refueled as normal, potentially leading to flight disruptions.
As per statement: Please be advised that due to refueling challenges at O.. Tambo International
Airport, airlines are currently unable to refuel aircraft as normal. As a result, some flights may experience delays. We understand the inconvenience this may cause, and technicians are working
to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. We will continue to keep passengers informed of any updates.
DANNY JORDAAN AND CO-ACCUSED FAIL TO HAVE CASE STRUCK OFF THE ROLL
SAFA President Danny Jordaan, CFO Gronie Hluyo, and businessman Trevor Neethling have failed in their bid to have their case dismissed, as per SABC report.
The trio faces theft and fraud charges totaling R1.3 million. Jordaan and Hluyo sought to have the case struck off, citing delays due to pending matters in the High Court. However, Magistrate Sheron Soko-Rantao rejected the application, ruling the court lacked jurisdiction. The case has been postponed to February 7, 2025.
BAIL APPLICATION POSTPONED FOR SUSPECTS IN MARK LIFMAN MURDER
The bail application of two men accused of murdering Cape Town underworld figure Mark Lifman has been postponed until next month.
The suspects, aged 37 and 53, were arrested shortly after Lifman was killed in the Garden Route Mall parking lot on November 3. One is a former policeman from Cape Town’s special task force. The hearing is now scheduled for January 16 and 27, allowing time for defence consultations. Underworld figures Jerome Booysen and Andre Naude, currently on trial for the murder of Brian Wainstein, attended the proceedings.
NSFAS FUNDING APPLICATIONS CLOSES THIS WEEK
Students have until 15 December 2024, to apply for the 2025 National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
Higher Education Minister, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, has urged eligible students to submit their applications promptly to avoid last-minute issues.
“Apply while there is still time to avoid any disappointments,” Nkabane stressed, highlighting the government’s efforts to ensure NSFAS is prepared for the 2025 academic year.
To expand access, NSFAS aims to establish a presence on all campuses at the start of the academic year. Outreach efforts are also in full swing, with Nkabane visiting Nkangala TVET College in Middleburg to encourage students to apply.
Since its launch, NSFAS has funded over 5 million students, supporting around 1.2 million students in 2024 alone — a number expected to rise next year.
KZN, GAUTENG RECORD HIGHEST NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS FOR FIRST WEEK OF DECEMBER: 193 DEAD
South Africa recorded 162 fatal crashes and 193 deaths in the first six days of December, with Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal hardest hit. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy highlighted a rise in night-time crashes involving buses and trucks.
To curb the trend, Creecy announced talks with transport operators and traffic officials. Law enforcement stopped 200,000 vehicles, arrested 512 drivers, and impounded 267 unroadworthy vehicles in Mpumalanga alone.
Creecy urged drivers to check vehicles, avoid risky overtaking, and rest on long trips. Pedestrians were advised to use crossings and wear bright clothing at night.
POLICE RECOVER STOLEN AND HIJACKED VEHICLES AT A CHOP SHOP IN TSHWANE
An intelligence-driven operation led by Gauteng Deputy Provincial Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana resulted in the recovery of seven stolen vehicles at a chop shop in Marabastad, Pretoria, on 11 December 2024. The operation, conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies, also led to the arrest of 80 illegal immigrants and the seizure of counterfeit goods worth over R700,000. Authorities uncovered an illegally occupied building where counterfeit plastic bags, including those for well-known stores, were being produced. Additional arrests were made for drug possession, illicit cigarette dealing, and illegal liquor sales.
CHRIS BROWN ARRIVES IN JOBURG AHEAD OF WEEKEND SHOWS
Chris Brown arrived in Johannesburg on Wednesday afternoon to kick off his much-anticipated ‘Live in Johannesburg, Breezy in South Africa’ tour. The chart-topping star will perform two shows this weekend at FNB Stadium on 14 and 15 December, alongside Major League DJz. Fans can look forward to an unforgettable experience as Brown takes the stage for his first-ever South African performances.
DEFENCE LAWYER THULANI MNGOMEZULU IN SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL PASSES AWAY
Advocate Thulani Mngomezulu, defence counsel for the first murder accused in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, has passed away. Mngomezulu had been absent from court for over a month due to illness and had requested time off to recover. He was representing Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, one of the five accused in the case led by Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng
Mngomezulu’s family confirmed his death in a statement on Tuesday. It is still yet to be confirmed what happens next as Sibiya will be seek new legal representation.
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