Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-09-26 i Pretoria News

South Africa, often referred to as the Rainbow Nation, is a vibrant mosaic of cultures, traditions, and histories. This diverse nation is not only known for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its rich cultural heritage that tells the stories of its people. Every year, Heritage Month, celebrated in September, invites locals and visitors alike to acknowledge and appreciate the country’s cultural wealth, including its traditions, languages, foods, and customs. As you explore South Africa, you will encounter a unique blend of indigenous African traditions and influences from European and Asian settlers, creating a cultural landscape that is unlike any other. From early human settlements to stories of kings whose history lives long after, each corner of the country has a tale to tell. Here are some of the most…

Major General Petronella Van Rooyen told the Madlanga Commission that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu did not have the powers to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) – a decision, she said, “fell outside his mandate”. Testifying at the commission yesterday, Rooyen stated unequivocally that the Mchunu did not have the legal authority to make operational decisions such as dissolving a crime investigation unit. According to her, the minister was responsible for policy and overseeing, and the National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, is responsible for operations. Van Rooyen, who serves as the Component Head of Governance, Legislation and Policy at the Legal Services Division in the South African Police Service, with 42 years of experience, said the disbandment move was unlawful. “To manage and control the police service, that must…

If you are reading this from this wretched Earth, chances are that you have not been snatched away into the firmament in the Rapture that was predicted to occur this week, around September 23-24. Sadly, that means you have missed out on a once-off chance to go to Heaven. But, jokes aside, the troubling apocalyptic email by a young KPMG office employee that travelled around the world, warning everyone about an impending end-time and calling on them to be ready, is not something to laugh about, brush aside and move on. Mahlatse Letoka’s viral email, accompanied by a TikTok post, further flamed the raging debate about faith, inclusivity, tolerance for different views and communities, and so on. It was good of the multinational auditing firm to quickly take a stand…

AN uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party councillor, Doshie “Gaddafi” Govender, has spoken out about an alleged elaborate scheme by suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to have him arrested shortly before he was set to participate in a by-election. Govender stated that he learned of his impending arrest a few days before the by-elections in April in the KwaDukuza Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal. Reports indicate that KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, informed the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that Mchunu allegedly used the police to undermine Govender in the election. Mkhwanazi also told the commission that Mchunu interfered in police work in pursuit of his agenda against Govender. Govender told Pretoria News’s sister newspaper The Mercury, that Mchunu called a North Coast station commander, Major-General Antony Gopal, to a meeting to discuss a…

FlySafair is offering counselling services to passengers who were aboard a flight from Durban to Johannesburg when a fellow passenger who was unwell died. FlySafair’s Kirby Gordon confirmed the death of a passenger aboard FA417 on Monday. He explained that before the flight’s departure, medical staff based at King Shaka International Airport were called to assess the passenger. They cleared the person fit to travel. “While in the air, the passenger’s condition deteriorated. Our cabin crew, together with medical professionals who were among the passengers, did everything possible to assist, but tragically the passenger passed away before the flight landed,” Gordon, FlySafair’s chief marketing officer, said. Gordon said the company acknowledges that it was a distressing event for all those on board and is grateful to passengers for their patience…

The group claimed that Gwarube is also protecting illegal foreigners. “We are only calling for the South African child to be put first in South African schools; they are calling the police, who are employed by the people to use state resources to fight for illegal foreigners, while your children are sitting at home watching illegal foreign children going to school.” Responding to the accusations, Gwarube acknowledged public frustration but emphasised that schools should remain safe learning environments. “I’m acutely aware of how frustrated South Africans are with their government in dealing with the provision of basic services, jobs, and social welfare. I’m also mindful of the conversation and action that must be taken in dealing with illegal immigration. But I will never condone or accept the victimisation of children…

Mamelodi Sundowns have always set themselves apart with an unforgiving culture. This is not a club that rewards comfort — in recent times even success has rarely been enough to guarantee job security. Rulani Mokwena found that out in July 2024. His record included back-to-back Premiership titles and the historic African Football League. But that counted for little when the hierarchy decided his time was up. Manqoba Mngqithi’s story is equally telling. He was part of the most successful period in Sundowns’ modern history, working alongside Pitso Mosimane and later with Mokwena. That brains trust delivered not only league dominance but also numerous other trophies, cementing the club’s reputation as South Africa’s silverware machine. Yet when Mngqithi finally got the reins on his own in July 2024, he lasted just…

WHEN Cricket South Africa announced the return of wicket-keeper/batter Quinton de Kock to the international white ball space on Monday, the whole country was sent into a frenzy, as fans were engulfed by the excitement of watching the left-hander in the green and gold once again. De Kock had announced that he would retire from One-Day cricket following the conclusion of the 2023 ICC Men’s World Cup, and went on to score four centuries in that tournament. With the 2027 ICC Men’s World Cup less than two years away, the 32-year-old’s availability has certainly strengthened South Africa’s chances of achieving something special, winning the elusive trophy for the first time, on home soil. De Kock will step straight into international cricket when the Proteas play Namibia in the T20I match…

From lush forests to pristine beaches, Africa is a continent that truly has it all. Known for its unparalleled wildlife and safari opportunities, including the Big Five and rare primates, Africa boasts stunning and diverse natural landscapes, rich cultures steeped in thousands of years of history, and a plethora of adventure activities. As the world looks forward to Tourism Day (September 27), it is crucial to highlight the importance of exploring and travelling across the continent. So, if you’re wondering where to go for dreamy, out-of-this-world experiences, here are some must-see destinations across Africa. Bazaruto Archipelago – Mozambique The Bazaruto Archipelago is a dreamy destination known for its pristine, unspoiled white-sand beaches, vibrant turquoise waters, and rich marine life, including Africa’s last viable population of dugongs. This protected marine wonderland…

The City of Tshwane has vowed to tackle air pollution, which is a growing concern that affects the health and well-being of its residents. Vehicle emissions, stack emissions, and fuel-burning appliances are some of the main culprits contributing to poor air quality. Spray-painting activities, often overlooked, have also been named as contributors to the city’s air pollution. Obakeng Ramabodu, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Environment & Agriculture Management in Tshwane, said the implementation of the city’s newly amended Air Quality Management By-law, will safeguard residents’ health by regulating various activities that negatively impact air quality. He said the updated by-law introduces enhanced measures to curb air pollution and protect the health of residents. He said one key highlight of the by-law is the “duty of care” principle, which emphasises…

The proceedings at the Madlanga Commission, which are investigating the de-establishment of the political killings task team in KwaZulu-Natal, are both exciting and intriguing, yet also disappointing. They are exciting because they bring closer to home what has long fascinated me in Colombia. I often enjoy watching crime documentaries, and a few case studies are as compelling as the operations of notorious figures like Pablo Escobar and Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. This habit of observation is not detached from my own reality; it is sharpened by my personal encounters growing up in the crime-infested Red Location of Port Elizabeth. I lived among criminals, dagga smokers, and home burglars. They carefully selected their targets in the White suburbs, most notably Summerstrand and Newton Park. Their justification was that by raiding these…

Thousands of South Africans gathered at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria to celebrate Heritage Day and witness the country’s attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest braai. The event brought together 2 500 braai enthusiasts who simultaneously grilled half a ton of meat across 420 custom-built braai stands. Each participant received a portion of boerewors, a fresh roll, a branded apron, and tongs. The record-breaking attempt was part of a larger celebration featuring live music performances, beer gardens, and food trucks. The current record holder is Ishigaki City in Japan, with 2 220 people achieving the record in November 2023. To break the record, the South African team needed to surpass this number, and with 2 500 participants, they aimed to set a new record. However, the…

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature has introduced a motion to rename several prominent landmarks in the province, including the internationally renowned Kruger National Park. The motion was reportedly voted for, and adopted in the legislature, but discussions are still ongoing before the renaming can take place. The proposal also targets the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and a stadium in eMalahleni. The initiative, tabled by EFF Member of the Provincial Legislature Rhulani Qhibi during a Heritage Month session, aims to replace names associated with colonial and apartheid-era figures with those honoring individuals who played a significant role in South Africa’s liberation and post-apartheid development. Supporters say that the move is part of a broader effort to decolonise public spaces and ensure that public landmarks reflect the…

South Africa’s history of anti-apartheid resistance commanded worldwide admiration. This admiration is being increasingly eroded. The Madlanga Commission hearings are revealing the troubling proximity of political figures to the darker sides of the criminal underworld. It may be easier to understand how service providers and corrupt officials came to intersect. But it is difficult to grasp how highly organised criminal syndicates have ingratiated themselves into the very core of the country’s political authorities. The revelations arising from the Madlanga Commission, though still to be tested, are appalling and profoundly dispiriting. Yet history cautions that intimate ties between politics and criminality are neither novel nor uniquely South African. The practice is transnational and entrenched. It rests on the perilous exchange of patronage and protection, facilitated by the permeability of political systems…

Wilco Louw has a reputation as the Springbok with the fiercest handshake. Rumour has it people would rather greet him with a kiss on the lips than risk having their hands crushed. Being on the receiving end of a Louw handshake is probably what opposition loosehead props feel when they pack down against the big tighthead in a scrum while he wears the green and gold. Louw has been a destructive force when coming off the bench for the Boks in the Rugby Championship this season. In both Tests against the All Blacks, he had their pack on skates. Nicknamed “The Fridge” when he first came through the ranks at the Stormers, the powerfully built Louw has relished his cameos off the bench as part of the Boks’ famous “bomb…

South Africa’s rugby franchises heading into another United Rugby Championship season with their coaches under as much scrutiny as their players. The spotlight is particularly fierce this year, with each of the four local franchises carrying their own burdens of expectation after a few years of frustration and unfinished business. For the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers, the real challenge is whether their coaches can take the next step: turning promise into trophies, near-misses into triumphs, and inconsistency into a sustained title challenge. From Johan Ackermann’s hunger to finally break his silverware duck, to Ivan van Rooyen’s fight for survival, John Plumtree’s push for higher standards, and John Dobson’s quest for stability, this season feels pivotal. Here’s a look at what each man must deliver in 2025/26. Johan Ackermann (Bulls)…

New Zealand captain Sophie Devine has identified co-hosts India and Sri Lanka, as well as defending champions Australia, as formidable opponents to face off against in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, starting on September 30. New Zealand, who won the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, are aiming to win the 50-over silverware after emerging victorious in the 2000 edition of the competition. Sophie had earlier announced that she would step away from the format after the end of the upcoming World Cup. “Every team will possess a different challenge, but we know the defending champions Australia are going to be pretty tough to beat. Playing them first up will be a great start to the tournament. “India at home are also a huge threat, in terms of the support…

The Bulls have received a major boost ahead of their United Rugby Championship opener against the Ospreys in Pretoria on Saturday, with Springbok prop Gerhard Steenekamp making a timely return to action. Steenekamp is one of seven Boks included in Johan Ackermann’s matchday squad for the Loftus Versfeld clash (2pm kick-off). The powerful loosehead has endured a frustrating layoff, having undergone knee surgery after the Boks’ November tour last year. Complications kept him sidelined for months, with his last appearance coming in the final Test of 2024 against Wales. Now fit again after a strong pre-season, Steenekamp says he is eager to make up for lost time and anchor the Bulls scrum against the Welsh visitors. Ackermann, in his first official outing as Bulls head coach after replacing Jake White,…

THE ANC was reportedly in “urgent talks” over the future of the Joburg coalition and that of the so-called Government of National Unity (GNU) following Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie’s threats to pull out. McKenzie threatened to pull his party out of the GNU and the Joburg coalition citing “mistreatment” and disrespect from the ANC and other coalition partners and the sidelining of his deputy, Kenny Kunene. McKenzie, who serves as the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture in the GNU, said his party is tired of being treated as though its role in government does not matter, despite the mandate it received from voters in the 2024 general elections. The PA surprised many when it secured nine seats in Parliament, making it a key player in the formation…

ON a vessel en route to Gaza, the late Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla, marked Heritage Day by following in his grandfather’s footsteps, travelling to the same place the former president visited in 1995. During that 1995 visit, Mandela voiced solidarity with the Palestinian cause, saying “our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinian people”. “This is where I celebrated Heritage Day this year,” Mandla said. “And the struggle for freedom is my heritage.” Speaking from the Global Sumud Flotilla, Mandla told IOL it was an honour to carry the baton passed down by his grandfather. The Global Sumud Flotilla is a coalition of civilian vessels seeking to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. “My grandfather was never overwhelmed, regardless of the enormity of the…

Fraudsters paid South Africans as little as R200 to hand over their personal details – including ID photos – which were then used to open bank accounts later linked to fake investment schemes. Now, the Pretoria High Court has granted a R4.4 million forfeiture order to the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) after uncovering the scam. The accounts, held across 24 different banks, were used to funnel money for so-called “multiplication” investment schemes with names such as Trouva, Centamin, Hot Farm and Benchmark Woodworking. According to NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, the bank accounts were opened in the names of unsuspecting South Africans who were duped into providing their personal information to fraudsters. “Investigations revealed that a group of Chinese nationals paid individuals R200 to hand over personal…

Peter Mutharika regains power amid worsening institutional, economic crises Malawi’s general election took place on 16 September 2025, amid significant economic distress. For a nation where over 70% of citizens live in poverty and inflation stands at 28.2% as of August 2025, the ballot carried enormous weight. It needs to be treated with due responsibility by hopeful political candidates. Malawi’s recent electoral contest has left the country unsatisfied, and the risk of civil unrest is high. Peter Mutharika, the 85-year-old former president, swept back into power with 56.8 percent of votes in last week’s elections. Accusations of voting irregularities, premature declarations of victory, and vote tampering will nonetheless taint his victory. This latest election is sadly reminiscent of 2019, when the highest court in the land annulled the election due…

EFF member, influencer, and actress Ntando Duma must pay over R27 000 for using an agency picture for a campaign without permission. Johannesburg-based Pixel Kollective sued Duma for R200 000 in damages, alleging that their image was used without permission. Pixel Kollective told the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, it wanted R200 000 in damages on the basis that it would have been entitled to charge Duma for the photograph. The agency took photos of Duma at a function, which were for Simba as part of a commercial social media campaign. Duma embarked on a social media online campaign between May and June 2021 without Pixel’s consent. She would assist Simba to take advantage of social networking to increase its brand exposure and broaden its customer reach. One of the various…

Kaizer Chiefs are eager to improve their results in the must-win CAF Confederation Cup second-leg preliminary qualifier against Kabuscorp tomorrow afternoon, following a rough patch that has engulfed the club. Chiefs will host Kabuscorp at FNB Stadium (3pm kick-off) on the back of a 1-0 loss in the first leg of the qualifiers at Estadio 11 de Novembro in Angola last Saturday. Their winless run—which included a defeat to Betway Premiership log leaders Sekhukhune United a week ago—continued on Wednesday night as they drew 1-1 with Marumo Gallants at home. Chiefs have hit hard times in recent days, as the club and coach Nasreddine Nabi are at loggerheads over a settlement. The two parties are reportedly set to part ways due to issues of mistrust and licensing. So when Chiefs’…

Proteas women’s captain Laura Wolvaardt hopes South Africa will rally behind them as she leads a team that is determined to make the country proud in the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India. The Proteas women were the first South African senior cricket team to play in the World Cup final when they reached the final of the T20 World Cup at Newlands in Cape Town a little over two years ago. South Africa sold out the picturesque Newlands on that fateful day and fans flocked to the local pubs and shebeens to support the history-making team. Wolvaardt is calling for the same support as she leads the Proteas women’s team in the upcoming World Cup. “To the fans at home, sport has incredible power to unite people…

Golden Arrows handed Mamelodi Sundowns their first defeat of the Betway Premiership season in Umlazi, as Sede Dion’s first-half header sealed a win at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday. The victory ended a run of three consecutive losses for Arrows and lifted them back towards mid-table, though they remain on just 10 points from their opening eight matches. Against the champions, however, they showed a level of organisation and cutting edge that has often been missing. “With beating Sundowns, I don’t look at it as beating my former team,” Mngqithi said after the match. “It would feel wrong to gloat about beating Sundowns, as this team has done so much for me and my family, and I will always be grateful to this club. I never have feelings of…