Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week!
This week, President Cyril Ramaphosa held a meeting with South African-born billionaire Elon Musk in New York. The meeting took place after the President’s efforts to attract U.S. investors to South Africa and as part of his participation at the 79th UN General Assembly.
In other news, a fire broke out at Broadwalk Urban Village in Midrand, resulting in the tragic death of a woman and the destruction of over 130 housing units. Meanwhile, a Namibian woman was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after being caught with over 60 bullets of suspected cocaine in her stomach.
On the sports front, the Springboks are gearing up for a rematch against Los Pumas on 28 September at Mbombela Stadium, aiming to recover from their narrow 28-29 loss last weekend.
Here are the top stories of the week:
INVESTIGATION IS UNDERWAY AFTER FIRE AT MIDRAND COMPLEX CLAIMS ONE LIFE, LEAVES MANY HOMELESS
A fire erupted at the Broadwalk Urban Village in Midrand, north of Johannesburg, on Tuesday night, claiming the life of one woman whose body was found under the collapsed roof by the EMS Search and Rescue team. Over 130 units were destroyed, leaving many residents homeless, while others were safely evacuated.
Some have lost all their belongings in the blaze. Johannesburg Emergency Services spokesperson Xolile Khumalo confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.
COLD WEATHER AND POSSIBLE SNOWFALL EXPECTED TO HIT SEVERAL PROVINCES
A significant cold front is set to hit multiple provinces this weekend, bringing light snow and icy temperatures to areas across the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, The South African Weather Service (Saws) revealed. Following the severe snowstorm from 19 to 22 September, another cold system is expected, starting Sunday, 29 September, in the Western Cape, and spreading eastward into the week.
Temperatures are predicted to drop below 10℃ in high-lying areas, with snowfall expected over mountainous regions, including the Drakensberg. Cold conditions will persist until Tuesday, 1 October, affecting various parts of the country.
RAMAPHOSA MEETS ELON MUSK DURING US TRIP
President Cyril Ramaphosa held a long-anticipated meeting with South African-born entrepreneur Elon Musk in New York. The closed-door discussion came after Ramaphosa’s engagements with US investors aimed at boosting South Africa’s economy.
While details of the conversation with Musk remain private, Ramaphosa described the meeting as positive, hinting at future collaboration. The meeting coincided with Ramaphosa’s participation in a round table on critical mineral value chains, highlighting South Africa’s potential to drive inclusive economic growth through its rich mineral resources. The President, who arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport, led the South African delegation at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
NAMIBIAN DRUG MULE BUSTED WITH COCAINE HIDDEN IN STOMACH AT OR TAMBO AIRPORT
A 30-year-old Namibian woman was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after being caught with over 60 bullets of suspected cocaine in her stomach. The alleged drug mule had arrived from São Paulo and was intercepted by authorities as she passed through immigration.
A medical x-ray confirmed the presence of foreign objects in her stomach, leading to her immediate arrest. The process of retrieving the drugs is ongoing, and she remains under police guard. The total value of the cocaine is yet to be determined.
WOMAN DIES AFTER BEING TRAPPED IN SNOW ON N3
A 39-year-old woman tragically lost her life on Saturday after becoming trapped in a blizzard on the N3 highway between Van Reenen’s Pass, which connects KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State. Paramedic services, including Midlands EMS, confirmed the incident in a statement.
The woman had been traveling in a taxi from Johannesburg to KZN, which had stopped for refreshments. After being exposed to the severe cold overnight, she collapsed at the Merrivale shopping center. Despite urgent medical care, her condition worsened during transport to the hospital, and she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
THREE SUSPECTED EXTORTIONISTS SHOT AND KILLED DURING SHOOTOUT WITH POLICE IN CAPE TOWN
Three suspected extortionists were killed, and four others apprehended following a deadly shootout with police on Bosmansdam Road in Bothasig, Cape Town, on Wednesday.
Members of the Provincial Operational Command Centre’s Combat Team responded to reports of a mini-bus with seven individuals extorting money from shop owners in Du Noon. During the confrontation, three suspects were fatally shot, while four others were wounded and are now under police guard in the hospital. An assault rifle, a 9mm pistol, cash, and the mini-bus were confiscated.
In a separate incident in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, two 35-year-old suspects were killed following two consecutive days of shootouts with local police.
SEVEN PROVINCES WON’T AFFORD EDUCATION BUDGETS BY 2027/28 DUE TO CUTS, BASIC EDUCATION MINISTER WARNS
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has warned that seven provinces may struggle to meet their budgets by the 2027/28 financial year due to severe budget cuts. During a media briefing, Gwarube highlighted the department’s mounting budget pressures, estimated at R79 billion, potentially rising to over R118 billion. She stressed the urgent need for a larger share of the national budget to maintain sufficient teaching staff, quality infrastructure, and essential resources. Despite a recent increase of nearly 300,000 pupils in schools, the department faces significant challenges in filling teaching positions, exacerbated by financial constraints.
JMPD CLARIFIES: NO NEED TO PAY TRAFFIC FINES AT ROADBLOCKS
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has clarified that motorists do not have to pay traffic fines at roadblocks. In an interview with Anele and the Club on 947, JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla stated that while drivers may receive a list of their fines, payment is not mandatory on the spot, and refusal to pay will not result in immediate action.
“We use the AARTO system, so you are not forced to pay traffic fines immediately at the roadblock and you won’t be arrested for any outstanding traffic fines,” said Fihla.
SANDF EMPLOYEE SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR INFECTING PARTNER WITH HIV
A former SANDF employee, Leon Santos Conga (48), has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court for the rape of his girlfriend. In addition, he received a 10-year prison term for attempted murder for knowingly infecting her with HIV. The sentences will run concurrently.
Conga and the victim were in a relationship from December 2016 to April 2017. Prior to their relationship, the victim tested negative for HIV. Despite her inquiries about his status, Conga misled her into believing he was HIV negative.
During their relationship, Conga removed a condom during intercourse without her consent. After the victim tested positive for HIV, she confronted Conga, who denied responsibility.
Following her report to the police in May 2017, the case faced several delays but was re-enrolled in court in 2021 with sufficient evidence. An HIV expert testified against Conga, helping prove the charges against him.
PROFESSOR REVEALS FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS PRESSURED FOR SEXUAL FAVORS IN EXCHANGE FOR GOVT CONTRACTS
A Stellenbosch University professor, Sope Williams, has exposed alarming instances of sexual corruption in South Africa, particularly impacting women business owners, as per EWN.
According to her research, commissioned by a US-based NGO, many female entrepreneurs are coerced into providing sexual favors to secure government contracts. Williams revealed that her investigation unveiled broader issues, noting that women encounter sexual corruption in various sectors, including health services, refugee permit applications, and educational settings where young women are pressured for sex to achieve higher grades.
She urged the government to strengthen legal frameworks to combat this pervasive issue.
MATRICS GEAR UP FOR NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMS
With less than a month until the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, matriculants nationwide are gearing up for their final assessments from 21 October to 27 November 2024. In the Western Cape, students will participate in Spring School during the holiday for revision, with MEC David Maynier highlighting opportunities for walk-in classes at schools and hubs.
Additionally, residential camps are planned for learners in the Eden and Central Karoo, and West Coast districts. The department urges public support for Grade 12s during this stressful countdown and encourages students to seek help if overwhelmed, emphasizing the dedication of teachers in guiding learners through this critical period.
BOKS TO FACE ARGENTINA THIS WEEKEND FOR ROUND TWO IN MPUMALANGA
Springboks will look to bounce back after their defeat by Argentina’s Los Pumas in the Rugby Championship following their close loss (28-29) last Saturday.
Springboks (South Africa) will play Los Pumas (Argentina) on Saturday 28 September 2024 at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named a squad of 23 players for the match.
Kick-off is at 5:00pm (local time), and the game will be live on SuperSport (211).
Springbok team to face Argentina:
15 – Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 8 caps, 20 points (4t)
14 – Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath) – 37 caps, 96 points (15t, 3c, 5p)
13 – Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 76 caps, 85 points (17t)
12 – Damian de Allende (Wild Knights) – 84 caps, 55 points (11t)
11 – Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls) – 21 caps, 85 points (17t)
10 – Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers) – 17 caps, 94 pts (1t, 28c, 11p)
9 – Jaden Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 17 caps, 12 pts (2t, 1c)
8 – Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks) – 30 caps, 5 points (1t)
7 – Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) – 83 caps, 45 points (9t)
6 – Siya Kolisi (captain, Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 88 caps, 60 points (12t)
5 – Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls) – 5 caps, 0 points
4 – Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 127 caps, 30 points (6t)
3 – Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers) – 75 caps, 5 points (1t)
2 – Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 74 caps, 75 points (15t)
1 – Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 36 caps, 0 points
Replacements:
16 – Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 72 caps, 100 points (20t)
17 – Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls) – 7 caps, 0 points
18 – Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 57 caps, 0 points
19 – Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls) – 9 caps, 0 points
20 – Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs) – 48 caps, 45 points (9t)
21 – Cobus Reinach (Montpellier) – 36 caps, 70 pts (14t)
22 – Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers) – 76 caps, 749 points (7t, 102c, 165p, 5dg)
23 – Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 39 caps, 35 pts (7t)
Stats and facts:
Springbok record against Argentina:
Played 37; Won 32; Lost 4; Drawn 1; Points for: 1 267, Points against: 720; Tries scored 148, Tries conceded 69; Highest score 73-13; Biggest winning margin 60 points. Win % 86.4%.
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The post Top Stories in South Africa this week: Midrand fire, KZN snow, Ramaphosa, Namibian drug mule & more appeared first on YOMZANSI. Documenting THE CULTURE.
