Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-05-16 i Pretoria News

Africa, a continent renowned for its wildlife and safaris, is often celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. However, beyond its iconic savannahs and majestic animals lies another treasure waiting to be discovered: its stunning coastal destinations. With a staggering 30 500km of coastline, Africa is home to a diverse array of beaches that cater to sun-seekers and adventure-lovers alike. Discover the distinct allure of East Africa’s islands: Zanzibar’s soft, white beaches contrast with the Seychelles’ lively seascapes, both providing stunning natural beauty, rich cultures, and a wealth of memorable activities. As you explore Africa’s coastlines, you’ll find that each destination tells its own story, shaped by the local culture and the natural environment. The beaches are not just places to relax; they are gateways to adventure, exploration,…

DEPUTY President Paul Mashatile pleaded with farmers at the NAMPO Harvest Day 2025 not to leave South Africa for the United States, promising to address their concerns, including safety and crime. “Well, the farmers that we met here today are saying that they are happy to stay in South Africa and all they need is for us to work with them to address the challenges they face,” Mashatile said. He made the remarks on Thursday while speaking with the media on the sidelines of the NAMPO Harvest Day. The event was held at NAMPO Park in the Free State, which began on May 13 and was set to conclude on Friday. Mashatile told journalists that the farmers at the event said they have no intention to leave South Africa for…

India reopened 32 airports on Monday following a weekend ceasefire that ended the worst fighting with neighbouring Pakistan since 1999. The Airport Authority of India said the 32 airports from Srinagar in Indian-administered Kashmir to Bhuj in the western state of Gujarat were now available for civil operations “with immediate effect”. They were closed last week after fierce fighting erupted between India and Pakistan for four days, setting off a global alarm that it could spiral into full-blown war. Leading Indian airline IndiGo said it would “progressively commence operations on the previously closed routes”. The truce was announced on Saturday, but both sides immediately accused the other of breaking it. However, both India and Pakistan said the border areas were calm on Monday.…

The Gauteng Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) department is collaborating with the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure and Development (GDID) and the City of Tshwane to address the growing sinkhole crisis in Centurion by seeking national assistance to rehabilitate affected areas. Cogta MEC Jacob Mamabolo announced after visiting a newly formed sinkhole in Lyttelton Manor, Centurion, that the three parties are compiling a detailed report on the situation. He said the work of the technical and professional teams from GDID is crucial in assessing the full extent of sinkhole damage in the area. “Over the past few years, 63 sinkholes have formed in this area alone, posing serious risks to infrastructure, safety, and development. Accurate assessments are the first step toward meaningful intervention,” he said. Tshwane MMC for…

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has condemned what it called the unconstitutional conduct and abuse of power by chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education Tebogo Letsie, after its MP Sihle Lonzi was forcibly removed after asking about the alleged appointment of Gwede Mantashe’s son to a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board. EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo condemned Lonzi’s removal as a “violent suppression of accountability” and an abuse of authority. “Instead of allowing the DG to respond to this legitimate inquiry, Chairperson Tebogo Letsie, backed by ANC-aligned committee members, shut down the question, disrupted proceedings, and proceeded to call in parliamentary security personnel to forcibly remove Commissar Lonzi from the meeting,” Thambo said. “Let it be known that Commissar Lonzi’s only ‘crime’ was demanding accountability. “His question…

President Cyril Ramaphosa, through his office, has confirmed having received a memorandum of demands made by a group of artists who marched to the Union Buildings and the offices of the Department of Sports Arts and Culture in Tshwane on Wednesday seeking the president’s intervention over the collapse of institutions that fund the arts. Scores of artists, musicians and representatives of arts organisations took to the streets highlighting their complaints against the department and accusing the ministry of systematically failing them. At the centre of the cries by these practitioners is the alleged collapse of various funding institutions meant to benefit the country’s art, crafts, music, film and related industries. The artists marched under the banner of the Cultural and Creative Industries Campaign, which has accused the state, and particularly…

The DA in Tshwane has criticised Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise’s 2025/26 “pro-poor” budget speech, claiming it prioritises the ANC’s image over serving residents. This is despite Modise’s emphasis that the budget considers poor households struggling to pay municipal rates and services. “Tshwane is home to residents who face many social ills, including unemployment, poverty and limited access to essential services. As a caring government we have ensured that we provide a safety net for our most vulnerable residents,” Modise said. For the 2025/26 financial year, he said, the indigent threshold has been revised upwards from R150 000 to R250 000 under the new general valuation roll. “This change will extend its support to approximately 180 000 households that fall within this threshold,” he said. DA spokesperson on finance, Jacqui…

EVERY year on May 25, we celebrate Africa Day. It commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, a moment born from the fires of anti-colonial struggle and lit by a bold vision of a united, free and sovereign continent. In 2002, the organisation was reconstituted as the African Union, intended to carry the dream of Pan-Africanism into a new era. But over sixty years since the OAU’s founding, the promise of liberation remains painfully unfulfilled. Africa is not yet free. Not in the way Patrice Lumumba imagined when he spoke of a Congo governed by its people. Not in the way Kwame Nkrumah envisioned when he declared that political independence was meaningless without economic emancipation. It is not yet Uhuru. Independence, in much of Africa, was…

Outgoing Orlando Pirates coach José Riveiro has tipped Mandla Ncikazi to steer the Sea Robbers into steady waters in the last four games of the season. Riveiro left Pirates this week, ending his tenure with a 3-0 win over Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership, cementing their second-place position. The Spaniard, who opted not to renew his contract at the end of the season, leaves the Pirates jersey better than he found it. With the runners-up spot secured, the club will participate in the CAF Champions League next season — marking their third successive qualification for the competition under Riveiro. Although the hard work for the remainder of the season has largely been done. The Ghost will still want to see the team win their remaining league matches. The onus…

In a delightful fusion of travel and fandom, Japan’s Oita Airport is embracing cuteness like never before and has rebranded itself as “Hello Kitty Airport”. This whimsical initiative comes as part of a broader strategy aimed at attracting a huge influx of tourists for the World Expo in Osaka, currently taking place in the country. According to reports from Kyodo News, Oita Prefecture, nestled in the picturesque island of Kyushu in the southwestern region of Japan, is strategically positioning itself to entice visitors with its unique offerings. Japan is known as a destination for anime, manga and out-of-this-world theme parks. Known for hosting a Sanrio character theme park, Harmonyland, the airport will don its new identity for a full six months, making it a focal point for those…

Government sources believe that President Cyril Ramaphosa will discuss the appointment of a new ambassador to the United States with US President Donald Trump during their upcoming meeting. Trump had previously indicated the type of ambassador he would like to see chosen by Ramaphosa, sparking debate about the potential implications. The meeting between Ramaphosa and Trump comes amid strained diplomatic relations between the two countries. The US expelled former South African ambassador Ebrahim Rasool in March, declaring him persona non grata for criticising Trump. Ramaphosa has since appointed Mcebisi Jonas as special envoy to the US, but the appointment of a new ambassador is still pending. Strained diplomatic relations between South Africa and the US have raised questions about the appointment of a new ambassador. Recently 59 South Africans immigrated…

ANC caucus spokesperson in Tshwane, Joel Masilela says he is sticking to his guns that the former DA-led administration should be held accountable for the proliferation of informal settlements during their term after the 2016 municipal elections. He was reacting to DA caucus chief whip Ofentse Madzebatela’s dismissal of his recent claims as false. According to City of Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya’s recent statement, the number of informal settlements in the municipality has risen from 220 in 2019 to over 500. Madzebatela said between 2014 and 2019, the EFF, now an ANC coalition partner in Tshwane, implemented a deliberate land invasion programme. He implied that the ANC was complicit in the EFF’s actions, as some ANC councillors actively led and encouraged the illegal land occupations to undermine the previous administration.…

Defence Deputy Minister Bantu Holomisa said the military board of inquiry into casualties sustained by SANDF in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will be undertaken once the withdrawal of the soldiers from the operation there was completed. Holomisa said the executive expected that there will be thorough briefing on the entire Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in the DRC after the Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Governments decided to withdraw troops from South Africa, Tanzania and Malawi from the DRC. “Following debriefing, the ministry together with the commander of SANDF will provide a direction on the terms of reference for the entire board of inquiry,” he said. Holomisa was responding to questions in the National Assembly on Wednesday. DA MP Chris Hattingh enquired about…

Tshwane police thwarted an attempted hijacking and arrested three suspects found in possession of an unlicensed firearm. Captain Johan Van Dyk, spokesperson for the Tshwane District Police, reported a dramatic turn of events on May 12, when a motorist narrowly escaped an attempted hijacking on the M10 road in the Cullinan policing area. At approximately 3pm, armed suspects emerged and confronted an unsuspecting driver, sparking a swift police response that led to multiple arrests. Major-General Samuel Thine, District Commissioner of Tshwane, commended the officers for their quick action and dedication to protecting the community.…

Miguel Cardoso’s presence may seem understated on the touchline, but his philosophy roars through every performance his side delivers. Having led Mamelodi Sundowns to a record-extending eighth successive South African league title, the Portuguese coach was not focused on the silverware he and his team will receive at the weekend. Instead, his eyes lit up when he spoke about the intangibles — the heartbeat of a team that has, once again, proven itself the benchmark of South African football. “The values that we develop in the locker room; the way we pass through the worst moments, really developed among us a good sense of love, of brotherhood,” he said following the 3-0 defeat of Chippa United at East London’s Buffalo City Stadium on Wednesday night. “The spirit that made us…

Back in 2017 the late Cornal Hendricks taught me two important life lessons when I invited him for supper one night at the Boardwalk in Gqeberha. I was in town to cover the Springboks’ Rugby Championship match against Argentina. But he wasn’t part of the squad after being diagnosed with a rare heart condition in 2015. He was basically told he will never play rugby again, and after being rejected by Toulon and the Stormers, he was trying to get a contract with the Southern Kings and had been training with them for about a week. I got wind that Hendricks was in town and organised a get-together to chat about his health and the prospect of returning to professional rugby after keeping fit for his beloved Roses Rugby Club…

SuperSport United interim coach Andre Arendse could lead his team closer to safety if they beat Stellenbosch FC in the Premiership on Saturday. SuperSport are languishing in the bottom half of the standings with 26 points, three ahead of Cape Town City, who hold the playoffs spot. Matsantsantsa a Pitori have four games to play before the end of the season, something that could yield 12 points and safety if everything goes their way. They have to put their money where their mouths are, though, by ensuring that they grind results in their next games, building on their recent 2-0 win over Chippa United. Arendse, after being put in charge of the team following the sacking of Gavin Hunt in March due to a string of poor results, expressed belief…

Tourism across Africa is experiencing a steady upswing as more people from around the world seek out the continent’s mix of nature, history, and culture. Whether it’s exploring the pyramids of Egypt, shopping in Moroccan souks, or going on safari in Kenya, Africa is firmly back on the global travel map. The latest figures for 2024 show notable growth in international arrivals, with several countries reporting sharp increases compared to the previous year. This growth points to a positive shift for the continent, supported by better infrastructure, stronger digital connections, and targeted efforts to promote local destinations. A rising interest in authentic travel experiences, whether cultural, ecological, or adventurous, is also helping to drive numbers up. North Africa continues to lead the pack, with countries like Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia…

US President Donald Trump may have got some basic facts and figures wrong about the India-Pakistan conflict that has raised the spectre of a nuclear war in the past couple of weeks, but his view that the “great tension” has “always been the same” and should be left up to the leaders of the two nations to sort out, is correct. And the world has to thank the very same source of fears of a terrifyingly destructive war – the nuclear arsenals both the neighbouring nations possess – for the fact that the recent flareup did not escalate to a full India-Pakistan war and, instead, a ceasefire was quickly agreed to and seems to be holding. This is how British journalist, author and part-time BBC presenter Owen…

The City of Tshwane has denied claims that more than 80 workers at a Region 3 waste management depot are idle daily due to insufficient resources and vehicles. The claims emerged during an oversight visit by Member of Mayoral Committee for Agriculture and Environment Management, Obakeng Ramabodu, who found workers playing games at the facility last week. In their interaction with Ramabodu, workers claimed that they played games to pass the time because they had no actual work to do. Initially, Ramabodu estimated in a social video clip that over 80 city workers were idle at the depot, but one of the workers’ leaders told him there were more than 50 workers. Ramabodu described the situation of workers coming to the depot without tasks as “shocking”. The workers informed him…

Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald said his hands are tied in revoking the parole of Janusz Walus, the man who killed former SACP general secretary and Umkhonto weSizwe chief of staff Chris Hani. This emerged when Groenewald made a presentation on the process leading to the revocation of parole for parolees to the Correctional Services on Tuesday. EFF MP Carl Niehaus said the release of Walus meant that he was not placed under permanent control of the Correctional Services system. Niehaus noted that he was allowed to be deported to his home country in Poland within two years after his release. “If he breaks the parole condition, as any other lifer would have done and is returned to prison, that would not happen.” Niehaus also said Walus had, in an…

Exodus underpinned by false political narratives subverting democracy IN the daybreak of shattered dreams and fallen hope, South Africans are desperately searching for a promised land at the end of the Rainbow Nation. For Afrikaners, Trump’s America is their newfound nirvana. Some Afrikaners are lining up for a whiter and brighter future in their new homeland of America, choosing the fate of being refugees in a foreign land rather than submitting to a transforming South Africa. Oscar-winning performances in victimhood by the right-wing public protector of Afrikaner interests, AfriForum, and Afrikaners themselves have touched the sensibilities of the US President, Donald Trump. In a dramatic cinematic climax, persecuted Afrikaners from South Africa’s demonic democracy are fleeing to America. It is a folk tale, written not on the ink of prejudice…

Experts believe that the issuance of fraudulent notices of motion to undocumented foreign nationals is a widespread issue. Hannes Breytenbach, a senior immigration consultant and founder of Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants (BIC) Ltd, said his firm encountered clients who presented official-looking documents that had no legal standing over the years. He said in some cases, these documents delayed deportation proceedings, creating confusion and false hope for the individuals involved. Breytenbach made these remarks after the Hawks yesterday raided the Pretoria High Court over allegations that an employee has been issuing fraudulent notices of motion to undocumented foreign nationals to prevent their deportation to their countries of origin. Breytenbach said it was particularly troubling when these documents were issued from within formal court systems, adding that this lends a false sense of…

There will be no complacency from the Bulls as they head into the final round-robin match of the United Rugby Championship (URC) against the Dragons on Saturday in Pretoria. That was the vow of hooker Johan Grobbelaar, who has been a pillar for the second-placed Pretoria side this season. The clash at Loftus Versfeld (3pm start) will give the Bulls the opportunity to finish second on the official URC log, and they only need a single point from the duel to secure the spot. It will put them in a position to play a home semi-final should they make it past the quarters, but they’ll only know at the end of the final round who they’ll be facing in the first knockout clash. According to Grobbelaar, there will be no…

Like Manchester United under Alex Ferguson, Tiger Woods in the early 2000s, Michael Schumacher in F1, total domination in sport makes it boring for the neutral fans. Looking back, there’s always a sense of nostalgia, like when we see Woods hobble his way around a golf course now and the broadcaster shows a flashback of his heyday. With Manchester United currently experiencing one of the worst periods in their history, it seems a lifetime ago that they were almost untouchable under Alex Ferguson. The Red Devils won an incredible 13 league titles between 1992 and 2013 under Ferguson. More recently, Manchester City became the dominant force in the English Premier League under coach Pep Guardiola with six titles between 2017 and 2024. As impressive as these achievements are, they are…

South African legend AB de Villiers has called on the Proteas to “fight fire with fire” when they face defending champions Australia in the upcoming World Test Championship final at Lord’s. The two arch-rivals go head-to-head in the five-day showpiece in London, starting on June 11. De Villiers was famed during his illustrious career for taking down the Aussies, most notably scoring a sublime 106 not out to help the Proteas chase a record 414 in the first Test in Perth in 2008. It played a significant role in the Proteas securing their first-ever Test series win Down Under. The former skipper also played a defiant role in salvaging an inspirational draw four years later when spent 246 minutes (just over four hours) and faced 220 balls at the crease…