Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-05-23 i Pretoria News

SOUTH Africa’s diplomatic outing to the White House on Wednesday has been widely criticised as a humiliating chapter in the country’s international relations, exposing a lack of preparation, coordination, and strategic messaging. The visit, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, was meant to defend South Africa’s reputation amid unfounded allegations of genocide and to counter growing US criticism. Instead, it has become a symbol of diplomatic disarray. On Wednesday, Ramaphosa met with US President Donald Trump in the White House, a session marred by awkward moments and uncoordinated responses. The meeting followed Trump’s provocative claims linking South Africa to “genocide” and his controversial decision to offer refugee status to minority white farmers, claiming they faced persecution. Ramaphosa’s delegation included a curious mix of officials and personalities. It included Minister of International…

A Mabopane, north of Pretoria, granny has been hailed as a heroine for being the first black woman to pave the way for others who were in the past denied the right to own land to now rightfully claim what is theirs. In recognising the rights of all women to own land, the Constitutional Court in 2018 declared that a piece of legislation created during the racist and sexist apartheid era could not pass constitutional muster. In a unanimous judgment at the time, the apex court declared a section of the Upgrading of Land Tenure Rights Act unconstitutional, due to Mary Rahube and Louise du Plessis of Lawyers for Human Rights, who had been at her side from the onset. Rahube initially approached the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, which in…

Police in Limpopo have intercepted another Toyota Corolla Cross sport utility vehicle which was apparently being driven towards the Beitbridge port of entry. Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the grey SUV was reportedly stolen earlier this month, around Pretoria central. “On Friday, 16 May 2025, members of provincial Flying Squad were busy conducting routine patrol duties when they received intelligence information about a grey Toyota Corolla Cross SUV vehicle that was reported stolen this month,” said Mashaba. “The vehicle was allegedly travelling at high speed along the N1 South public road and was destined to be smuggled to Zimbabwe.” The police immediately commenced an intensive search for the stolen vehicle until it was positively spotted driving outside Polokwane. Police officers attempted to stop the speeding vehicle, but the…

Opposition parties had mixed reactions to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s Budget 3.0 speech, with most welcoming the maintenance of social grants but warning the budget lacks the bold reforms needed to lift South Africa out of economic stagnation. The DA's Dr Mark Burke said the minister “missed a critical opportunity to deliver a budget that drives reform, cuts waste, and boosts growth". While the DA welcomed the scrapping of the VAT increase and the absence of personal tax hikes, Burke said this offered little comfort amid rising food and transport costs. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) was equally critical and raised concerns about debt levels, stating there was no clear plan to rescue the economy or reform public institutions. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) spokesperson Sinawo Thambo also tore into…

It cannot be business as usual. Especially not in South Africa, the most unequal country in the world. If steered on the helm of transformation, fairness and transparency, South Africa’s financial services sector could be a vital vessel of democracy helping to navigate the nation away from the deep-set patterns of economic marginalisation and financial inequality. On the horizon is the Conduct of Financial Institutions (COFI) Bill. With its sharp developmental thrust and strong accountability propellers, COFI provides a glimmer of hope for a fairer and more equitable financial services landscape. The Bill sets out a streamlined path to transformation as well as greater regulatory cohesion and accountability. It brings better alignment between the BBEE Act and the Financial Sector Code while enhancing the powers of the Financial Sector…

In the unyielding world of African football, few stories resonate as deeply as that of Mamelodi Sundowns, who are on the cusp of securing their second CAF Champions League title. Since their historic triumph in 2016 when they won their only title, Sundowns have weighed in with incessant effort, honed their skills, altered strategies and built a squad brimming with talent and potential. This, seemingly, has laid the foundation for another successful bid for continental supremacy. The final is a two-legged affair, with the Brazilians hosting Egyptian upstarts Pyramids FC in the first leg tomorrow (3pm kick-off) at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. The next stop will be the crucial return leg on June 1 in Cairo. We track the features of Sundowns’ Champions League journey ahead of the two pulse-pounding…

WHILE most of the Proteas Test players are still in India, most of the Australian players are fully focused on the World Test Championship final that is about three weeks away. For a host of different reasons, the Proteas players cannot simply withdraw from the Indian Premier League as easily as the Australian players have, including fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who did not return to join the Delhi Capitals last week. And one would imagine that the Australians are covering vital ground in terms of preparations for the final, while key South African players are still in T20 mode in India. With the glaring differences in preparation between the two sides, the concern is more on the Proteas batting unit, compared to what is an experienced bowling attack led by…

As wanderlust continues to inspire, an increasing number of explorers are embarking on solo journeys across the diverse landscapes of Africa. While the thought of travelling alone may initially provoke uncertainty, the rewards of doing so can be profound. From wildlife-rich national parks to serene coastlines, Africa is brimming with safe and intoxicating destinations ideal for solo sojourners. Solo travel is a powerful catalyst for personal growth. Whether it’s building confidence, fostering self-reliance, or embracing independence, the benefits are numerous. Striking out alone allows you to tailor your adventure, crafting an itinerary that suits your interests and pace, while still allowing for spontaneity. While the thrill of navigating unfamiliar territories can be daunting, overcoming such challenges empowers solo explorers and enhances problem-solving skills. Additionally, a thoughtful approach to planning, such…

About a decade ago we had a peculiar term introduced into our lexicon – “state capture”. It dominated the headlines for many years with many fingers pointing at former president Jacob Zuma and the Gupta brothers, who are allegedly being sought to come back to face the music. Since the beginning of this year, the term has sprung up with many warnings for American citizens about President Donald Trump and his controversial side-kick billionaire Elon Musk allegedly unleashing their own grander version of state capture. According to Wikipedia, state capture is “a type of systemic political corruption in which private interests significantly influence a state’s decision-making processes to their own advantage”. And, by the look and the smell of what they’ve been up to in the last couple of months,…

President Cyril Ramaphosa concluded a three-day trip to the United States, which included engagements with President Trump. Despite ongoing disagreements about the issues facing Afrikaners in South Africa, this visit helped to improve the political and economic ties between the two countries. However, some people remain doubtful as to whether the outcomes of the meeting truly serve the interests of the majority of South Africans. South Africa needs to be careful when dealing with a powerful yet unpredictable figure like Donald Trump. It is important for the country to stand by its core values of independence, equality and dignity. However, it is also wise to avoid upsetting a leader of a strong country without a good reason. Effective diplomacy means engaging strategically without giving up on your principles. Unfortunately, the…

We know that when women in business unite for a common purpose, something powerful happens! Businesswomen in Pretoria and surrounding areas are invited to connect, network, grow their businesses, and support one another at the upcoming CWIB EXPO in Gauteng. Confident Women in Business (CWIB) is a faith-driven community of businesswomen passionate about inspiring, encouraging, and supporting one another in business and life. CWIB Founder Cerita Nagy believes that the EXPO is more than a marketplace – it’s a gathering of purpose. Women from all walks of business life come together to connect, collaborate, and grow in their faith and careers. Whether just starting out or well established, Christian businesswomen can showcase their products and services, minister to one another, and build lasting, heartfelt relationships. The CWIB EXPO will be…

The City of Tshwane's recent crackdown on non-compliant spaza shops and businesses has yielded disturbing results, with some establishments continuing to sell contaminated food and illicit products. This was revealed during an inspection conducted by Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya, accompanied by municipal inspectors and metro police in Mamelodi township this week. The inspection followed closely after a similar discovery in Pretoria North, where a business was found selling illicit cigarettes. The operation, led by MMC for Spatial Planning and Economic Development Sarah Mabotsa, resulted in the seizure of illicit goods. During the operation in Mamelodi, Moya and metro police raided an Ethiopian-run "cash and carry" store, which had reopened two weeks prior despite being shut down for operating an illegal structure on a servitude. The owners were found to have…

Mamelodi Sundowns man Tashreeq Matthews believes the risk of giving up European football for a homecoming in South Africa could soon yield the ultimate reward – continental glory. The Brazilians winger was a marquee signing when he joined the reigning Premiership champions in January last year. A hefty R30 million fee was enough to pry him away from Swedish side IK Sirius, and while there was interest from other European clubs, Matthews chose Chloorkop over staying abroad. Now, 18 months later, he stands on the brink of becoming a CAF Champions League winner. “Yeah, I mean coming back was a difficult decision. But at the end of the day, coming back to the best team in South Africa and winning trophies, and just now that we are in the CAF…

There is no doubt that the United Rugby Championship (URC) is thriving, but four seasons in, the tournament continues to be hamstrung by structural issues that prevent it from reaching its full potential. From an overstretched season and player availability problems to financial imbalances and regional underperformance, the URC faces hurdles that require urgent attention. Here, we look at what’s holding the competition back – and what needs to change for it to truly be ‘URC = Best League’. Stop the breaks Perhaps the most glaring problem with the tournament – and by far the most difficult one to address – is its length. This season will require over 40 weeks to complete 21 matchdays, including the play-offs. That’s as long as the English Premier League – which consists of…

Kaizer Chiefs’ turbulent 2024/25 Premiership campaign will conclude when they take on Polokwane City at FNB Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off). It’s been a season filled with setbacks for the Soweto giants, but despite their struggles, a place in the top eight is still within reach going into the weekend’s decisive clash. Chiefs’ MTN8 and league triumphs in the 2014/15 season ironically marked the beginning of their decline, opening the floodgates to what has become one of the club’s most challenging eras. Last season, they missed out on a top-eight finish, and failed to qualify for the MTN8 – and they’ll be desperate to avoid a repeat this time around. The league has been just as difficult this season. The last time Amakhosi lifted the PSL title was under Stuart…

The Presidency issued a statement on the absence of the Special Envoy to the United States Mcebisi Jonas from the meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump, saying that Jonas had volunteered not to attend. This despite reports indicating that Jonas had not been granted a visa by the US and was in London when the crucial meeting took place. President’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya on Thursday confirmed that Jonas holds a valid visa for travel to the United States but had decided not to attend after being part of the preparatory process prior to the meeting. “Initial interpretations of procedural matters, communicated in good faith, have been amended following confirmation that Mr. Jonas holds a valid visa for travel to the United States of America,” Magwenya said.…

In early February, Sharon Cromer, US ambassador to Gambia, went to visit one of the country’s Cabinet ministers at his agency’s headquarters, above a partially abandoned strip mall off a dirt road. It had been two weeks since President Donald Trump took office, and Cromer had pressing business to discuss. She needed the minister to fall in line to help Elon Musk. Starlink, Musk’s satellite internet company, had spent months trying to secure regulatory approval in the impoverished West African country. As head of Gambia’s communications ministry, Lamin Jabbi oversees the government’s review of Starlink’s licence application. Jabbi had been slow to sign off and the company had grown impatient. Now the top US government official in Gambia was in Jabbi’s office to intervene. Musk’s Department of Government…

The two municipal workers' unions in Tshwane are expected to restart CCMA-led wage negotiations with the City this week for a proposed 3.5% increase for the 2021/2022 financial year. Both the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu) will participate in the fresh negotiations following the recent Labour Court's May 9 ruling, which sent the matter back to the South African Local Government Bargaining Council for a new determination. The court, however, exempted the City from implementing the 5.4% salary increase for the 2023/2024 financial year that was agreed upon in collective negotiations. The City went to court two years ago after its application for exemption from a wage agreement with the unions was rejected by the bargaining council. The unions…

Peace, economic freedom a dream deferred for millions in Africa THIs year marks 61 years since the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), a historic convergence of visionaries and revolutionaries on May 25, 1963, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This day has since become no ordinary one. It is a ritual of remembrance, a collective drumbeat for the dream of African unity, a dream rooted not in geographical proximity, but in spiritual and political solidarity. In 2001, the OAU shed its skin and emerged as the African Union (AU), not as a betrayal of its founding ideals, but as an adaptation to a new global order. The torch passed, but the fire remained. In its early reconstitution, the AU sought to move from rhetoric to resolution, symbolism to structure.…

The grandmother of a boy born in 2019 with cerebral palsy told the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, that the midwife under whose care her daughter was pregnant shoved a forceps into her daughter when she had difficulty in delivering the baby. The grandmother, who may only be identified as Mrs B to protect the now five-year-old child, was the second witness who accused former Pretoria East midwife Yolande Maritz Fouchee of being responsible for the fact that the babies were born with brain damage. Carien Möller (who does not mind being identified) earlier this week testified that her daughter Sophia was also born with cerebral palsy in 2019 while she was under the care of Fouchee. Fouchee is facing 14 charges, including one of culpable homicide and several charges of…

The chairpersons of standing committee on public accounts and appropriations are confident that the 2025/26 Budget will be passed by Parliament by the end of next month. This after Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana tabled a revised budget on Wednesday after he withdrew the Revenue and Appropriations Bills last month in order to propose expenditure adjustments amid a court case by the DA and the EFF, as well as negotiations between the ANC and some of the smaller parties. Speaking during a media briefing by chairpersons of finance cluster committees, Scopa chairperson Songezo Zibi said part of the consultation by Godongwana with Government of National Unity leaders was to give a detailed presentation on what was in the Budget. He warned that were they to get to a point of being…

Mamelodi Sundowns host Pyramids FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) for the first leg of the CAF Champions League final. Both clubs are determined to seize the early advantage in the race for continental glory. Obakeng Meletse highlights five crucial match-ups that could define the outcome of this decisive tie. Grant Kekana vs Fiston Mayele Mayele is an old-fashioned box poacher with a natural instinct for sniffing out goals. His sharp positioning and hunger in front of goal make him a constant threat. The Congolese striker has shown clinical finishing when opportunities arise. Kekana, by contrast, has been one of Sundowns’ most consistent defenders. Set to marshal the backline at the heart of defence, the ever-reliable centre-back will need to remain alert throughout, especially against a team…

My brother-in-law is obsessed. No more obsessed than I am with my preferred hobby: jamming Assassin’s Creed on my Xbox, or musing about the importance of sport – like which angle to pursue on Mamelodi Sundowns’ upcoming CAF Champions League final against Pyramids, or how critical to be about my local rugby team’s recent performances – but obsessed nonetheless. The other day, he whipped out a newly-acquired driver – I forget its name, but I do recall slick black lines and red trim – cradling it like a newborn. With that driver, he assured me, his game would be taken up a notch to the next level, in pursuit of the perfect round or perhaps a lower handicap. I stared blankly at the piece of, admittedly, impressive engineered equipment. I…

The Bulls have an abundance of loose-forward options, but who should start in the United Rugby Championship quarter-final against Edinburgh next Saturday? Coach Jake White has happily rotated his loose trio throughout the season with great success, with yet another new face, Nama Xaba, clinching the Player of the Match award in last week’s 55-15 romp over the hapless Dragons. But now it’s all or nothing in next Saturday’s playoff against Edinburgh at Loftus Versfeld (1.30pm). There is no rotation needed – the best openside flank, blindside flank and No 8 must run out against the Scottish club. Let’s look at all the loose-forward options available to White: Marcell Coetzee, Marco van Staden, Cameron Hanekom, Xaba, Jannes Kirsten, Mihlali Mosi, Cobus Wiese and Ruan Nortjé. It is understood that Nizaam…

Orlando Pirates return to the Moses Mabhida Stadium this weekend — a venue that still haunts them after their heartbreaking Nedbank Cup final loss at the hands of Kaizer Chiefs earlier this month. This time, AmaZulu are the hosts, and while there is no silverware at stake, there is just as much to play for. The Buccaneers have already secured a second-place finish in the Betway Premiership and sealed their return to the CAF Champions League next season. But with the sudden and permanent departure of coach José Riveiro, the clash in Durban marks the beginning of an uncertain but potentially transformative new chapter. There is another fixture still to come — Pirates host Magesi four days later — but Saturday’s showdown offers a clear opportunity for players to make…