Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-09-05 i Pretoria News

Spring is here. This season of renewal and growth is the perfect time for families to explore new destinations and enjoy quality time together. As the days grow longer and the weather warms, families can plan trips that blend fun, learning and connection. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, there are endless ways to create lasting memories this season. One of the most popular spring activities for families is visiting national parks. National parks offer a mix of hiking, wildlife viewing and educational programmes that appeal to both children and adults. Many parks feature trails suited for all ages, allowing families to enjoy nature together at a pace that suits everyone. Spring is also a prime time to see wildflowers in bloom, observe birds and watch baby animals as they…

A new Ipsos study, “What Worries the World,” has revealed a dramatic return to pre-election pessimism about the country’s direction, marking a sharp decline from the initial surge of optimism that followed the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) formation in mid-2024. With a staggering 80% of South Africans believing the nation is on the “wrong track”, opposition parties have seized upon the “chilling revelations” to voice their outrage and condemn the GNU, highlighting its perceived failures and the ongoing infighting between its main partners, the ANC and the DA. The data, which tracks online South African sentiment over 20 months, shows how public mood, initially lifted by the prospect of a united government, has now plummeted to levels mirroring the uncertainty before the May 2024 national elections. Service Line Manager…

Activist and grandson of Nelson Mandela, Mandla Mandela, has expressed pride in being part of the largest civilian flotilla to date on a mission to break Israel’s siege on Gaza, along with nine other South Africans. The first boats in the Global Sumud Flotilla officially set sail on Sunday and were expected to bring together more than 50 vessels from at least 44 nations in the Mediterranean by yesterday. From there, the flotilla, which includes activist Greta Thunberg will be bound for Gaza to break the siege and deliver much-needed aid to Palestinians. “Comrades, we are proud to say that we have over 40 boats that we have been able to mobilise with 44 countries that have come together. Ours (mission) is to end the blockade and break the siege…

The Tourism Portfolio Committee has announced its intentions to seek legal advice regarding the so-called meeting used by Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille as the basis to disband the South African Tourism board. Committee Chairperson Ronalda Nalumango observed that the meeting that triggered the board’s disbandment on August 1 was contested between De Lille and the board. “This is a meeting that forms the basis of dissolving the board. The committee needs to get a legal opinion from the legal services of Parliament on the interpretation of the law,” she said. Nalumango made the statement when the committee concluded its meeting on Tuesday evening after it received presentations from De Lille, members of the disbanded board, former board chairperson Makhosazana Khanyile, and deputy Lizelle Haskins. De Lille said the…

ON September 3, Beijing hosted a solemn ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote address and inspected the armed forces. 80 years ago, the peace-loving people from all over the world stood in solidarity against our common enemy. We fought bravely and achieved a great victory in the anti-fascist war. This war was an unprecedented catastrophe in human history. It affected around 2 billion people in over 80 countries and regions in Asia, Europe, Africa, and Oceania, and caused over 100 million casualties among military personnel and civilians. The ultimate downfall of fascism is proof that justice always triumphs over evil, light always prevails over darkness, and progressive…

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi on Thursday called for a high-level parliamentary delegation intervention to look at the challenges facing the province’s eleven municipalities, including the sudden surge of undocumented foreigner nationals. Lesufi told the joint oversight meeting by Parliament’s portfolio committee on cooperative governance, standing committees on public accounts and the Auditor-General as well as the provincial legislature that he was not being negative in raising the issue of undocumented foreigners. “We are not raising it not in a manner that is negative but to either manage it so that it does not affect the finances of our municipalities and services that we are rendering in our province,” he said at the meeting held at the Ferndale Recreation Centre in Randburg, Johannesburg. Lesufi added: “The sudden surge of undocumented foreign…

The City of Tshwane’s administration has come under serious scrutiny after a municipal council report revealed a staggering R336 million in irregular expenditure in the fourth quarter of the 2024/25 financial year. The report showed that the irregular expenditure stemmed from extension of tenders in several departments, including group property management, roads and transport, water and sanitation, group legal services, and the Tshwane Metro Police Department. Councillors from different political parties have blasted the city’s administration officials for failing to adhere to proper tender-awarding procedures as stipulated in the Municipal Financial Management Act (MFMA). They believed the report on irregular expenditure raises questions about the city’s financial management and accountability. EFF councillor Trevor Moloisane said it was unacceptable that a whopping R336m in irregular expenditure was incurred in just three…

Playing in leagues like The Hundred in the UK is not only valuable experience but also vital for understanding the minds of the world’s best cricketers, Proteas Women all-rounder Chloe Tryon believes. Tryon returned this week from England alongside Marizanne Kapp and Laura Wolvaardt, who also featured in the short-format competition. She and Wolvaardt represented Southern Brave and reached the final, only to fall short. “It was a bit disappointing not to win the final, but I cherished the experience nonetheless,” Tryon said in an exclusive interview with Independent Media. The Durban-born all-rounder has a few days’ rest before she and the rest of the squad head to Pakistan for a three-match ODI series, which will also double-up as warm-up matches for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. Playing in…

For 22 long years, Bafana Bafana have struggled to clear a hurdle that has seemed just out of reach. Now, they stand perfectly placed to finally secure qualification for the world’s biggest stage, with the 2026 Fifa World Cup set to be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This would mark their first qualification earned on the pitch since 2002, as in 2010 they qualified courtesy of being hosts when South Africa made history as the first African nation to host the tournament. While near-misses have defined their past campaigns, this one feels different. Under Hugo Broos’ guidance, the national team has shown remarkable progress, giving South Africans genuine belief. Two decisive fixtures now await. First up is Lesotho on Friday evening at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium…

Antarctica, known for its vast icy landscapes, adorable penguins and polar bears and mysterious icebergs, may be under threat from overtourism, bringing with it a host of environmental issues. New research predicts that the number of visitors could skyrocket from about 125 000 in 2023-24 to 452 000 by the year 2034. Over the last few decades, Antarctica’s appeal has been growing, transforming it into a bucket list destination for many adventurous travellers; however, scientists are concerned about the environmental impact tourism will have on the continent. According to a team of scientists from the Queensland University of Technology, the influx of tourists is already leading to increased pollution in the region. They found that areas where people have visited, like the coastal fringe of the Antarctic Peninsula, show up…

The African National Congress (ANC) in Limpopo has been dealt a significant leadership blow following the decision by Provincial Chairperson Stanley Mathabatha to step aside from his position with immediate effect. In a letter to ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, dated 1 September 2025, Mathabatha said the move was necessary to safeguard his reputation and integrity amid what he described as troubling misconduct and a departure from ANC values within the provincial structures. “I cannot stand aloof to such unethical and un-ANC tendencies occurring under my leadership,” Mathabatha wrote. He cited irregularities and questionable conduct during the Vhembe and Waterberg regional conferences as central to his decision. While distancing himself from these developments, Mathabatha emphasised that he remains committed to engaging the party at national level. The ANC’s national leadership had…

Spring has officially sprung in beautiful Mzansi, but we are going to have to wait a bit for some of the cool things that come with this lovely season of blooming jacarandas, and busy bees and birds. Whoever was responsible for the supply of chlorine for the Tshwane municipal pools has – unfortunately but not surprisingly – let us down. The armies of children who had been chomping at the bit, looking forward to a splashing time in the pools on Spring Day will have to wait. The swimming costumes will have to stay in the drawers for a little longer. The pools could not be opened on time due to the chlorine delays, said the City Council. Underperforming, procrastinating, failing to deliver on time and to quality standards, dereliction…

The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) has raised its concerns as it believes the government is ‘soft-peddling’ when it comes to live exports of animals. On July 11, the Department of Agriculture invited public comments on the proposed Regulations for the Exportation of Live Animals by Sea, made under section 10 of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. These regulations are intended to replace the existing Guidelines for the Exportation of Live Animals by Sea issued in March 2023. According to the NSPCA, it lodged a detailed submission in outright opposition to the draft regulations. The organisation said it has consistently rejected live animal export by sea as inherently cruel and unenforceable. It said the current draft not only fails to…

AMID a stream of scandals and shocking crime stories that plague our media landscape, the African National Congress has taken action by releasing a crucial base document to equip its members for the upcoming National General Council, set for 8-12 December. Titled ‘ANC Renewal to Advance the Freedom Charter’, this document decisively outlines the necessary steps to address the party’s current strengths and weaknesses while confronting both domestic and international threats and opportunities. The NGC is a fundamental gathering in the processes of the ANC. Intended as a mid-term review between conferences, it is meant to provide sober reflection on policies, programmes, and strategy, and to ensure that the ANC continues to serve as the agent of social, economic, and political transformation. Yet, over the past few years, this essential…

Springbok lock Ruan Nortje says it has not fully sunk in that he is about to achieve his childhood dream of playing for the Springboks against the All Blacks in New Zealand. The 27-year-old featured in the Boks’ two home victories over the All Blacks in last year’s Rugby Championship, but he has not faced the old foe on their own soil – let alone at Eden Park, the New Zealand fortress where the All Blacks have won their last 50 matches, stretching back to 1994. In fact, of the match 23 selected for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash in Auckland, only veterans Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi have played at Eden Park before. “It is an unbelievable privilege for me to play against New Zealand in New Zealand,” Nortje said.…

Wandile Duba always wears his heart on his sleeve whenever he takes the field for Kaizer Chiefs – something that has made him both a hero and a villain at the same time. Duba burst onto the professional scene at the Glamour Boys two seasons ago, scoring a peach of a goal on debut against Golden Arrows in the league. The 21-year-old showed his bravery in the post-match press conference, warning rivals Orlando Pirates that he was coming for them in the next game. Alas, he didn’t start the game. But it was clear that Duba was fearless despite his tender age. Last season, he was back at it. He scored the equaliser in the 2-1 win over Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-final and walked away with the…

Lewis Hamilton is in the midst of a crisis of confidence and results that the Formula One icon has never known in his storied career, as Ferrari’s fans hope for a sharp turnaround at the Italian Grand Prix. Seven-time F1 champion Hamilton’s arrival at Maranello made Ferrari’s vociferous support dream of an end to an 18-year wait for a world title to be won by a driver in red. Instead, the 40-year-old trails championship leader Oscar Piastri by 200 points after a disastrous campaign with Ferrari which has not brought him any GP wins , nor even a single podium finish. Last weekend’s Dutch GP was the lowest point of the year for the Scuderia, with both Hamilton and Charles Leclerc crashing out of a race which had been preceded…

Trust is a rare commodity in South African football. When you have been in the game long enough, you know that back-stabbing is par for the course. And it happens all round, often within the same club. Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos appears to have discovered this for the first time this week. At his arrival press conference ahead of the Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria, the Belgian resembled a man who had just seen a ghost when he spoke about the lack of information from the clubs. Having worked hard to develop a relationship with them, the silver-haired coach was stunned by the response he received from one club when he enquired about the condition of a player he was interested in. “Their reaction was, ‘we…

From the picturesque family road trip snapshots gracing our social media feeds, one would be forgiven for believing that family travel is all sunshine and smiles. However, a recent survey has shed light on the candid and often chaotic reality that unfolds behind the camera lens. The findings by Talker Research on behalf of Yoto, makers of screen-free children’s audio players, have left many parents nodding in recognition, confirming that travelling with children is no child’s play. According to the survey of 2 000 parents with children under 12, it takes an average of 2.4 days for parents to fully rebound from the stress of a family trip. The survey further revealed that one in three parents experiences disruptions within just an hour of hitting the road or boarding a…

A number of organisations are gearing up as they advocate for the decriminalisation of sex work in South Africa which will highlight the human rights violations suffered by sex workers. The main application at the Western Cape High Court is brought by S.H and Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT), against the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services and others. The applicants challenge the constitutionality of provisions under the Sexual Offences Act 23 of 1957, the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007 (SORMA), and the City of Cape Town By-Law on Streets, Public Places, and the Prevention of Noise Nuisances (the By-Laws), insofar as they criminalise the provision and solicitation of sex work. On Monday and Tuesday, the groups made oral submissions in…

Once celebrated as a stronghold of democracy and stability in Africa, Botswana is now displaying worrying signs of deterioration, as the nation grapples with economic and health challenges. Botswana’s future well-being and prosperity are under threat. The country’s over-reliance on the diamond industry has resulted in a highly fragile economy. The lack of economic diversification and development of other key sectors is placing Botswana in a precarious situation. Over-dependence on diamonds restricts the nation’s capacity to weather global fluctuations in the demand for diamonds. The export of diamonds makes up 80% of the country’s exports and one-third of government revenue. This dependency makes it highly exposed to economic fluctuation. The inadequate investment in key industries such as agriculture, technology, and manufacturing has meant that the Botswana economy is not sufficiently…

IOL can exclusively reveal that António Francisco Macamamo, better known by his alias Dollar Man or just Dollar, lived up to his nicknames in ways that terrified families across southern Africa. He was one of Mozambique’s most wanted criminals, a man whose reputation for demanding ransoms in United States dollars became the mark of a shadowy career in transnational organised crime. Macamamo was shot dead in Kempton Park, Gauteng province, on Wednesday evening during a police operation that also freed a kidnapped Indian businessman being held in Alexandra. The Mozambican’s death has shone a spotlight on one of the most elusive figures in the region’s underworld. In an interview with IOL, a high-placed source in Maputo described Macamamo as “one of the most wanted people by the criminal investigation police…

Floyd Shivambu, the leader of the burgeoning Mayibuye Movement, has officially confirmed that the nationwide consultation process for his new political party has ended, with focus now shifting to contesting the crucial 2026 local government elections. Shivambu has also announced that the new party would likely be launched this month. Shivambu made his intention to contest the elections three weeks ago, following extensive engagements across the country, signalling his firm intent to re-enter the political fray after his recent departure from the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party. Shivambu, who has been the national convenor of the Mayibuye consultation process, revealed that the movement is already in the process of registering as a political party with the Independent Electoral Commission of SA (IEC). Speaking during an address in Gauteng, he said consultations…

Bafana Bafana central defender Siyabonga Ngezana has candidly acknowledged the mounting pressure on the South African national team as it gears up for crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Nigeria. The 28-year-old Ngezana plays for Romanian SuperLiga giants FCSB. Before that, he played seven seasons for Kaizer Chiefs after featuring in Orlando Pirates' youth system. Last weekend, Ngezana, who has been flying the South African flag with distinction abroad for the past two seasons, played a full 90 minutes for FCSB in their 2-2 league draw against CFR Cluj. “It is clear we have pressure, having not qualified for the World Cup in so many years,” he remarked, underlining the historical significance of the upcoming fixtures. This sentiment echoes the frustrations of a nation that last…

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile has pledged his commitment to the club after a much-discussed move away failed to materialise, insisting he is ready to fight for his place in the team. The Brazilians endured a challenging transfer window, marked by several departures and uncertainty around key players’ futures. For coach Miguel Cardoso, having his star striker available again comes as a major boost as Sundowns chase domestic dominance and an elusive second CAF Champions League title. The club has made significant changes to the squad, letting go of some players while welcoming new faces, including former Stellenbosch FC defender Fawaaz Basadien. Shalulile was one of the most talked-about players of the window, with strong rumours linking him to a move to North Africa. At 31, and with his starting…

Coach Swys de Bruin is set to make several changes to the Springbok Women’s side to face France in their final Women’s Rugby World Cup Pool D match in Northampton, England, on Sunday. The Springbok Women emerged from their historic win over Italy last Sunday with a number of sore bodies – a result that saw them qualify for the quarter-finals of the showpiece event for the very first time. A number of bench and fringe players could be handed a run against France, allowing many of the first-choice players some more recovery time ahead of a potential quarter-final clash against New Zealand or Ireland. The winner of the Franklin’s Gardens clash between South Africa and France will face the team finishing second in Pool C. France are heavy favourites…