Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week:
This week, The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) announced the resignations of Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi and Yazini Tetyana from Parliament. Dr. Ndlozi, an MP since 2014, departs amid speculation over his absence from the EFF’s National People’s Congress, while Yazini Tetyana’s resignation was voluntarily accepted by the party.
Meanwhile, the National Consumer Commission (NCC) has launched a probe into FlySafair’s overbooking practices following public outcry, including cases of stranded passengers.
In Hammanskraal, the City of Tshwane declared water from the Magalies Klipdrift Water Treatment Plant safe for consumption after completing Phase 1 of its treatment project, benefiting areas like Mandela Village and Kekana Gardens.
On a somber note, South Africa mourns the loss of kwaito legend Doc Shebeleza and singer Winnie Khumalo, both aged 51, after prolonged illnesses. Lastly, the Pretoria High Court dismissed an urgent bid by the Information Regulator to block the publication of matric results in newspapers, with the results set to release on January 13.
Here are the top stories of the week:
CITY OF TSHWANE DECLARES HAMMANSKRAAL WATER SAFE TO DRINK
The City of Tshwane has declared water from the Magalies Klipdrift Water Treatment Plant safe for consumption in Hammanskraal following the completion of Phase 1 of its water treatment project. Wards 49, 73, 74, and 75, including Mandela Village, Ramotse, Kekana Gardens, and Babelegi Industrial, now have access to clean water.
Extensive testing by the Department of Water and Sanitation, the City of Tshwane, and Magalies Water confirmed compliance with health standards. Tshwane Mayor Dr. Nasiphi Moya stated the prolonged purging process ensured the system was rehabilitated and disinfected.
MBUYISENI NDLOZI RESIGNS AS EFF MP
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has announced the resignations of Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi and Yazini Tetyana as Members of Parliament.
Dr. Ndlozi, who joined Parliament in 2014, leaves amidst speculation surrounding his absence from the EFF’s National People’s Congress last month. The party has also accepted the voluntary resignation of Yazini Tetyana.
In a statement titled EFF Statement on the Voluntary Resignations of Fighter Yazini Tetyana and Fighter Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi from the Parliament of South Africa, the EFF praised the contributions of both members, acknowledging their diligent service in the legislative sphere since the party’s parliamentary debut.
NCC TO INVESTIGATE FLYSAFAIR OVERBOOKING AND OVERSALES
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has launched an investigation into FlySafair’s overbooking and ticket overselling practices, following public outcry over recent incidents.
In a statement on Wednesday, the NCC cited concerns raised in the media and on social platforms about FlySafair’s conduct, including a recent case where a passenger was left stranded due to overbooking. The investigation will assess the airline’s compliance with the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008, focusing on sections addressing fair treatment, transparent practices, and consumer rights.
The NCC has initiated communication with FlySafair and requested relevant information to proceed with the investigation.
COURT DISMISSES BID TO STOP PUBLICATION OF 2024 MATRIC RESULTS IN NEWSPAPERS
The Pretoria High Court has struck off the urgent application filed by the Information Regulator to prevent the publication of the 2024 matric results in newspapers, ruling that no evidence of prejudice was presented.
The results will be published on Monday, 13 January.
The Information Regulator argued that publishing the results would violate the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). However, Judge Ronel Tolmay ruled against the application, stating there was no proof of harm or complaints from the learners regarding the publication.
The Department of Basic Education opposed the regulator’s application, emphasizing the public interest in publishing the results, a long-standing practice in South Africa.
FIVE ARRESTED AFTER HIJACKED CAR AND UNLICENSED FIREARM FOUND AT MANDELA’S HOUGHTON HOME
The arrest followed a tip-off from a vehicle tracking company, which led Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit officers to the property. They recovered a white Toyota Corolla hijacked earlier along Louis Botha Avenue in Oaklands.
The suspects face charges of possession of a hijacked motor vehicle and an unlicensed firearm. The female occupant, who is renting the property, is said to be familiar with the three male suspects.
All suspects are in police custody at Norwood SAPS.
SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC INDUSTRY MOURNS THE PASSING OF DOC SHEBELEZA AND WINNIE KHUMALO
The South African music scene has lost two legends with the passing of kwaito legend Doc Shebeleza and singer Winnie Khumalo.
Doc Shebeleza, born Victor Bogopane, passed away at the age of 51 after a lengthy battle with illness. The celebrated kwaito artist had been hospitalized since June of the previous year and struggled with his health into the new year. He was known for his hit song “Ebumnandini.”
In a separate loss, South African actress and singer Winnie Khumalo, also aged 51, passed away after a short illness. Khumalo, who made a significant impact on the local music industry from the 1980s onwards, was best known for her iconic song “Live My Life“.
JMPD ARRESTS MORE THAN 800 PEOPLE FOR FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE & SPEEDING OVER FESTIVE SEASON
The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has arrested more than 800 motorists between 1 December 2024, and 5 January 2025, for driving under the influence (DUI) and excessive speeding. Among these, 512 were apprehended for DUI, while 364 were caught by the high-speed unit for speeding violations.
The JMPD conducted citywide road safety operations to combat lawlessness and curb the alarming rate of accidents. The department emphasized the severe consequences of these offenses, including the loss of life, legal penalties, and emotional trauma for victims and their families.
TRAGIC N3 COLLISION CLAIMS 18 LIVES NEAR TUGELA PLAZA
A devastating multi-vehicle crash involving a truck, minibus, and light motor vehicle claimed 18 lives on the N3 between Van Reenen and Tugela Plaza. The tragedy resulted in the deaths of 13 adults and five children, while a baby survived with serious injuries.
The accident occurred in rainy and misty conditions, highlighting the dangers of poor weather on the roads. Emergency services, including the National Traffic Police and SAPS, worked overnight to clear the wreckage and assist affected motorists. The road was reopened after nearly 10 hours of closure.
WESTERN CAPE REPORTS 122 FESTIVE SEASON ROAD DEATHS
The Western Cape Government (WCG) has reported 122 fatalities from 106 road crashes across municipal and provincial routes during the festive season from 1 December 2024, to 3 January 2025. While lower than last year’s figures, the numbers highlight ongoing road safety challenges.
Passengers, pedestrians, and drivers were the most affected groups, with 51 pedestrian deaths, including 21 hit-and-run cases. The Western Cape Metro and the N1 route recorded the highest incident rates, particularly between 10 PM and 1 PM.
MEC for Mobility Isaac Sileku called for heightened road safety measures, stressing, “No family should endure the loss of a loved one due to a preventable road crash.” The festive period saw intensified traffic enforcement and visibility efforts aimed at reducing these tragedies.
HOME AFFAIRS WILL ONLY PHASE OUT THE GREEN ID BOOK AFTER SMART IDS ARE WIDELY ACCESSIBLE
The Department of Home Affairs is ramping up efforts in 2024 to ensure all South Africans can obtain Smart ID cards as part of its digital transformation strategy, “Home Affairs @ Home.” Minister Leon Schreiber announced plans to expand cooperation with banks, introduce home delivery services, and roll out new online channels to streamline the process.
Schreiber emphasized that the department will only phase out the green ID book after Smart IDs are universally accessible. This initiative aims to enhance convenience and modernize identity management for citizens nationwide.
ROYAL AM FACES FINANCIAL STRUGGLE AFTER TAX DEBT
Royal AM Football Club has confirmed that it has not paid its players, technical staff, and other employees for December 2024 salaries, attributing the delay to a preservation order obtained by the South African Revenue Services (SARS). The order follows claims that club president Shauwn ‘Mamkhize’ Mkhize owes nearly R40 million in unpaid taxes linked to her family trust.
As a result, SARS has appointed a curator, Jaco Venter, to oversee the club’s operations and manage its finances while the investigation continues. Mkhize expressed regret in a statement, reassuring stakeholders that the club is working to resolve the situation and release funds for salary payments as soon as possible.
OVER 1,400 NEW YEAR’S DAY BIRTHS RECORDED IN PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES
South Africa’s public health facilities welcomed 1,448 newborns on New Year’s Day 2025, marking a decline from the 1,703 births recorded on the same day last year.
The Department of Health noted a significant reduction in teenage pregnancies, with 80 cases recorded compared to 190 last year. However, the department urged families and communities to work together to combat teenage pregnancy, citing its negative impact on education and well-being.
Gauteng led with 387 births, followed by the Eastern Cape with 219 and Limpopo with 191. The department reaffirmed its commitment to supporting mothers and their babies through interdepartmental programs to ensure better outcomes.
SASFIN TO DELIST FROM JSE AMID FINANCIAL STRAIN AND STRATEGIC RESTRUCTURE
Sasfin has announced plans to delist from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) as part of a strategic restructuring, including a complete exit from banking by 2026. CEO Michael Sassoon highlighted that this move aims to streamline operations and reposition the company.
The decision follows financial difficulties, including a nearly R210 million fine issued by the Prudential Authority in August for “historic noncompliance” in its now-discontinued foreign-exchange division. This division was implicated in international money-laundering and gold-smuggling activities, with responsible staff members subsequently dismissed.
Sasfin, a family-run business since its 1987 JSE listing, also faced challenges with unprecedented tax claims from SARS, not tied to its practices but rather regulatory breaches by its clients.
PETROL PRICE INCREASES JANUARY
Motorists are facing higher fuel costs as the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) announced price adjustments effective Wednesday, 1 January.
The changes include:
Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): +19c/litre
Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP): +12c/litre
Diesel (0.05% sulphur): +7c/litre
Diesel (0.005% sulphur): +10c/litre
Illuminating paraffin (wholesale): -9c/litre
Single Maximum Retail Price for paraffin: -13c/litre
LPGas Retail Price: +13c/kg
In Gauteng, 95 ULP petrol has risen from R21.47 to R21.59 per litre. At the coast, the price increased from R20.68 to R20.80 per litre.
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