Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-10-17 i Pretoria News

As Christmas decorations begin to appear, it’s a reminder that the festive season is fast approaching. For many, the idea of a “White Christmas” – one marked by snow, twinkling lights, and the warmth of indoor gatherings – remains the ultimate holiday dream. Whether it’s the nostalgia of festive films or the allure of snow-dusted landscapes, a white Christmas captures the magic and tradition of the season. If you’re planning to travel this December, here are some of the best destinations around the world to experience a truly wintry Christmas. Lapland, Finland Few places embody the spirit of Christmas like Lapland, Finland. Located above the Arctic Circle, Lapland offers a genuine winter wonderland experience with guaranteed snow, reindeer sleigh rides, and the chance to meet Santa Claus in his official…

The office of Gauteng Provincial Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, has accused the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the province of being reckless in their demands for the Premier to “prematurely and publicly” name and shame officials involved in the Tembisa Hospital corruption allegations. This comes as the party has confirmed that it has formally laid seven criminal charges against former Tembisa Hospital CFO Lerato Madyo over her alleged role in the corruption and possible collusion with those involved in the death of whistleblower Babita Deokaran in August 2021. Yesterday, DA provincial chairperson Solly Msimanga accused Lesufi of acting against now-suspended Gauteng Department of Health HOD Lesiba Arnold Malotana only because of mounting pressure following the recent Special Investigative Unit (SIU) investigation. This, after the investigation uncovered the extent of the R2 billion…

City of Tshwane Finance MMC Eugene Modise has assured municipal workers that the city will honour the outstanding 3.5% salary increase agreed upon with labour unions for the 2021/2022 financial year. This follows recent threats by the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) in Tshwane to disrupt the G20 summit in Johannesburg in November over non-payment. Modise said the multiparty government, which took office last year, paid employee bonuses in a single payment, unlike the previous administration which did so in a staggered manner. “Our current preoccupation is to ensure that we get a 3.5% increase for our employees. That’s our preoccupation and not political gimmicks,” he said. Modise, who is also deputy executive mayor, told workers during a Samwu-led march to Tshwane in July that the city proposed a…

The Public Servants Association of South Africa (PSA) has called for urgent and comprehensive investigations into corruption across all public hospitals and government institutions. This follows comments by Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia that Tembisa Hospital may not be the only institution with immense corruption allegations. PSA spokesperson Madimetja Mautla said the union shares Cachalia’s concerns that the rot may be far more widespread than initially believed. “The problem is not only isolated to Tembisa Hospital. Books and supply chains of these hospitals should be checked so that we can eliminate this corruption.” Speaking at a Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation event on Sunday, Cachalia said: “We are all rightly outraged by the brazen shamelessness and cruelty of the grand larceny at the Tembisa hospital. And I’m sure it’s not the only…

Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Jacob Mamabolo, has defended the Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens and their impact on crime prevention measures taken by the province to protect its citizens. Yesterday, Mamabolo briefed the media on the implementation of the provincial government’s key priorities at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. He said there should be more appreciation for the work that this unit is doing as a vital force multiplier in the ongoing fight against crime and efforts to enhance public safety across the province. KZN provincial police commissioner Lieutenant Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi recently criticised the crime wardens. Despite acknowledging Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi's good intentions in establishing the unit, Mkhwanazi maintained that the provincial force is unconstitutional. Mkhwanazi told the Ad Hoc Committee, which is currently investigating corruption in the police service,…

Samukelo Kabini is on cloud nine, realising his dreams earlier than expected. But despite the euphoria, he knows he can’t afford to rest on his laurels. Kabini was part of the squad that secured Bafana Bafana’s automatic qualification for the 2026 Fifa World Cup in North America, after finishing top of Group C in the qualifiers. His contribution in terms of game time was minimal – making only one appearance, against Nigeria – but his impact has been significant as part of a united squad determined to restore national pride. His professional career only took off two years ago, after moving from Orlando Pirates’ reserve team to TS Galaxy’s senior side. TS Galaxy later sold him to his current club, Norway-based Molde FK. Kabini never imagined he’d already be playing…

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has confidently asserted that his team has definitively silenced their critics, both locally and internationally, following their triumphant qualification for the 2026 Fifa World Cup. South Africa secured their coveted ticket to the global showpiece – which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico – after a commanding 3-0 victory over Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening. The win propelled them to the top of Group C, finishing one point ahead of rivals Nigeria. “I think I remember my first year here, no one believed in us,” Broos recalled. “It was as if those guys were also hearing things that were said, so it was very difficult. “Secondly, we didn’t have a team. We were looking for the right players…

The Lions’ sledgehammer prop, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, believes the Joburg-based team will snap their three-match losing streak in the United Championship when they host the Scarlets at Ellis Park tomorrow. It is a match the Lions should expect to win, given the Welsh team has issues at home as they negotiate restructuring issues, with Wales Rugby in a state of flux. “It is good to be back at home after three weeks away,” the Ntlabakanye said. “Both teams are under pressure this weekend – the Scarlets just got beaten by the Stormers, and Benetton beat us. “We’ll need to rectify that at home, and the prep has been good this week. Obviously, confidence is not something you can talk about; it is something that you go out there and show.” Ntlabakanye…

Travel is an enriching pursuit that speaks to our desire for exploration, adventure and connection. Whether you’re looking to satisfy your taste buds, indulge in luxurious experiences without breaking the bank, or seek thrilling outdoor adventures amidst stunning vistas, the world is filled with destinations that cater to every travel whim. Here are some captivating options to consider for your next trip, whether you are a foodie, an adventure seeker, or simply in search of scenic beauty. Savour the flavours of Peru If culinary delights are your calling, Peru stands out as a thriving gastronomic hub. With its acclaimed culinary scene, Peru captivates food lovers by offering an extensive range of dishes that marry indigenous ingredients with diverse cultural influences. The country boasts over 4 000 varieties of potatoes, fresh…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has insisted that the US-backed agreement to end the war in Gaza will not affect South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). “We welcome the peace deal that has been struck, but it will have no bearing on the case that is before the International Court of Justice,” he said. Under the terms of the agreement, a ceasefire came into effect on October 10. Nevertheless, Ramaphosa emphasised that Pretoria’s legal action will press on. “The case is proceeding, and it now has to go to the stage where Israel has to respond to our pleadings that have been filed in the court, and they have to do so by January of next year,” said Ramaphosa. South Africa launched the case in…

DA mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink has criticised Mayor Nasiphi Moya's multiparty coalition government, saying residents in the City of Tshwane have little to celebrate since it took office in October last year. Brink's remarks came after the coalition's event at Lucas van den Berg Sports Ground, where Moya and her committee members reported on their performance. He expressed concern over the Hammanskraal water project, claiming it has stalled but saying the DA believes it can still be completed. He questioned the city's progress in blacklisting companies linked to businessman Edwin Sodi and hold some municipal officials accountable for their roles in the irregularly awarded contract for the Rooiwal wastewater treatment plant refurbishment. The contract, awarded to a joint venture between CMS, NJR & Blackhead, was terminated in 2022 due to…

Last week, we witnessed the burning of the University of Fort Hare by protesting students. The most disturbing image was not the smouldering buildings, but the contemptuous attitude displayed towards the Vice Chancellor, Professor Sakhela Buhlungu. The purpose of this reflection is neither to defend the Principal nor to condemn the arsonists, but to probe a deeper national crisis, how far we have drifted as a people, and how our children and grandchildren have come to misunderstand the role and soul of the university. Universities are not theatres of chaos. They are sacred spaces for the cultivation of intellect, for the refinement of human reason, and for the continuous interrogation of the social order. The generation of students today must understand that some of us were there before them; we…

The Hawks have arrested a 48-year-old man, Bovic Tshibangu, who is believed to be part of a criminal syndicate involved in a series of high-value coltan scams across Gauteng. Coltan, short for columbite-tantalite, is a dull black metallic ore primarily found in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This mineral is a vital source of tantalum, which is used in the production of electronic devices, including mobile phones and cameras. Tshibangu made a brief appearance in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, where he faces a fraud charge following his arrest on 5 October at a club in Yeoville, Johannesburg. According to Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela, Tshibangu posed as a mining executive to defraud a woman of more than R1 million in a fake coltan deal.…

There is much work that still needs to be done to address the infrastructural woes plaguing the Tshwane Fresh Produce Market despite the 2022 court order compelling the municipality to repair and maintain the facility. This observation was made by members of the Section 79 Committee for Economic Development and Spatial Planning during their recent oversight visit to the facility. The visit follows a Gauteng High Court case, where the Institute of Market Agents of South Africa (IMASA) sought a contempt order against the city for non-compliance with a 2022 ruling which ordered the city to invest R18 million in the market's maintenance and provide essential services. The recent court ruling threatened to imprison Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya and city manager Johann Mettler if they fail to provide essential services…

The unfolding work of the Madlanga Commission and the parallel parliamentary inquiry into the allegations of Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi are positioning him as one of the most prominent figures in South Africa’s current struggle for institutional integrity. Mkhwanazi has placed fundamental issues of justice and governance, especially the intersection of politics, policing, business, and organised crime, on the national agenda. Yet, from the very start of this dramatic process, a careful observer is left with a lingering sense of unease, a quiet suspicion that the man who points so forcefully at the shadows may himself be standing in a penumbra of his own making. Mkhwanazi’s testimony before the Parliamentary ad hoc committee last week was detailed and serious. He portrayed senior officials within the police and state apparatus as actively…

As Mamelodi Sundowns prepare for Sunday’s CAF Champions League fixture, a challenging statistic casts a shadow: they have yet to claim a win on Nigerian soil. Sundowns will face Nigerian Premier League champions Remo Stars in a second-round preliminary, first-leg clash on Sunday at the 10 000-seater MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta. The hosts have announced free entry, ensuring a packed crowd will greet the South Africans. In their previous outings, Sundowns have faced Nigerian opposition three times in the CAF Champions League, each time returning home without a win. Since the return of South African teams to continental competition in 1993, history has largely favoured the home sides when South African and Nigerian clubs have met. A telling statistic shows that out of eight such ties, South African teams…

“BUNCH OF LOSERS!” These were the headlines that greeted Bafana Bafana, with the comments coming from none other than the then Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula, after the team’s 3-1 defeat to Nigeria in the 2014 African Nations Championship. Mbalula also claimed Bafana were “useless”, made reference to their “mediocrity”, and stated that “we indeed have a crisis of monumental proportions”. Contrast this with the jubilant celebration scenes, led by current Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie screaming into the cameras “Siyaya e-America” on Tuesday evening at Nelspruit’s Mbombela Stadium after Bafana qualified for next year’s Fifa World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. For Bafana to have come this far is staggering. It’s pinch me, wake up, everybody’s dreaming territory. Qualification for a first Fifa World Cup since 2002 was achieved…

A herniated disc in his lower back – on two levels – kept young Bulls captain Reinhardt Ludwig out of rugby for almost half a year. After making his return as a replacement in last weekend’s defeat to Ulster, the 23-year-old will now be thrust straight back into the spotlight, carrying the pressure of leading the side against Connacht tonight (kick-off 8.45pm) in a must-win United Rugby Championship (URC) clash. It will be the Bulls’ second away match following their 28-7 loss in Belfast, and Ludwig will share the responsibility with the senior players to help the team bounce back and salvage their tour. This isn’t the first time Ludwig has captained the Bulls in the URC – he previously led the team against the Sharks and Lions last season…

Cape Verde and Ghana turned from zeros to heroes among supporters by qualifying this week for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Both Cape Verde, a tiny archipelago of about 550 000 inhabitants with no football titles to boast of, and four-time continental champions Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. But the disappointment at missing the premier African football tournament has been forgotten as Cape Verdeans and Ghanaians celebrate that they will be part of the expanded 48-team World Cup next year. Here, we look at four talking points after Cape Verde and Ghana were joined by Algeria, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia as the nine automatic African qualifiers. Cameroon, Gabon, Democratic Republic of Congo, and…

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) interim report into allegations of maladministration, which resulted in Tembisa Hospital being looted for over R2 billion, has exposed several ethical failures and a lack of tender due diligence by the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), which led to widespread corruption. Under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), the CEO of a public hospital, as the Accounting Officer or as a delegate of the relevant Accounting Authority, bears a statutory and fiduciary duty to ensure that all financial and operational decisions are taken with due diligence, transparency, and accountability. In summary, the hospital CEO must ensure that every potential partnership or transaction undergoes comprehensive due diligence, guided by sound financial management principles and consistent with the hospital’s mission and the broader objectives of the public sector…

US President Donald Trump - of all people - became the “sine qua non” for the ceasefire that all of us peace loving people around the world had been praying for during the last two years of the ugly Gaza conflict. I’m not a fan of Trump and his politics, but I couldn’t disagree with this assertion. Indeed, without Trump – and with war-crimes-accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left to his own devices – the death, destruction, deprivation and absolute horror we have been witnessing from Gaza would still be raging on. Therefore, let’s allow Trump to enjoy his moment in the sun, his biggest foreign policy achievement since he stormed into the White House. But while he’s prancing around like the peacock he is – when he’s not…

Two Tshwane metro police officers were assaulted by allegedly intoxicated individuals during a night patrol in Pretoria West on Sunday, prompting strong condemnation from local officials and a call for respect between the public and law enforcement. The officers were conducting visible policing when they stopped a vehicle with four occupants at the intersection of WF Nkomo Street and Elandsfontein Road. TMPD spokesperson Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said: “They stopped the vehicle to investigate the situation, but the passengers, who were under the influence of alcohol, refused to cooperate and quickly became aggressive, attacking our members. Two officers were injured during the altercation, prompting a call for backup,” he said. When backup arrived, the suspects tried to flee the scene by driving off, hitting one of the officers and damaging…

Ambitious peacekeeping effort falters, exposing domestic governance failures In mid-2023, the President of Kenya, William Ruto, was rather bullish and bragging as he declared Kenya’s entry into the realm of multinational peacekeeping. The President announced that Kenya would be spearheading a vital initiative to restore peace and stability in Haiti, a nation caught in the crippling grip of bloodthirsty gang violence. Ruto presented this venture not only as a noble humanitarian mission but as a key historical moment for Kenya. The President depicted Kenya as a valiant nation that was willing to help in a treacherous danger zone at a time when most other countries feared such an intervention. Behind the oratory, the Haiti gambit was self-serving, steered by Ruto’s egocentric craving for global stature. The exercise was more about…

Disgraced former attorney Peet Viljoen, who was struck from the court roll in South Africa in 2011 and barred from practising law, has resurfaced in the United States of America where he is offering legal expertise to South Africans. Viljoen, who went to the country earlier this year with his wife, Melany Viljoen, is reportedly marketing his services online despite his disbarment. In a video posted on social media by his wife, he shared how he gives legal advice at just R5 000 a month. “I’m coming out of my second consultation this morning, saving people millions,” he said. “There are a lot of stupid attorneys out there. “Two judges recently found that I am the best attorney, the most honest attorney, and I think the strongest attorney ever to…

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa’s about-turn admission that he knew one of the alleged Tembisa Hospital looting syndicates members, Hangwani Maumela, has ignited calls for him to be investigated. Ramaphosa, answering questions from Members of Parliament at the National Council of Provinces, acknowledged acquaintance with Maumela, explaining that their connection stemmed from a past marriage to Maumela's aunt, which ended 43 years ago. He initially denied knowing Maumela in 2022, a claim he now attributes to not having "encountered him and I had never seen him and that was gospel truth". He again denied knowing him on Sunday, saying the video showing him next to Maumela’s mansion was coincidental. However, he detailed encounters, including seeing Maumela during his morning walks in his Sandton neighbourhood in 2023 and 2024. He stated that he…

Proteas women’s opening batter Tazmin Brits reiterated that the team continues their search for a near-perfect performance in the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India. South Africa has had a successful campaign thus far, winning three out of four games. However, the team has a number of areas that need serious attention, including batting collapses in the top-order, miscommunication between batters and the lack of ruthlessness in the bowling and fielding departments. Brits revealed coach Mandla Mashimbyi’s favourite phrase, “if you lose, as long as you learn”, as one of the driving forces within the side as they continue their search for the perfect game. The top-order batter revealed that there have been discussions within the team about their shortcomings as they look to put on a polished…

Bafana Bafana have made remarkable strides over the past few years, gradually reclaiming their place among Africa’s footballing giants. With their qualification for next year’s FIFA World Cup now secured, part of their long-term mission has been successfully accomplished. Of course, the focus now turns to preparation for the global spectacle. Though the tournament spans just a month, the build-up and planning demand months of meticulous work to ensure readiness and competitiveness, as the best nations in world football prepare to converge across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. As has become something of a recurring theme for South Africa, their route to qualification was anything but smooth. Both on and off the field, they managed to keep the nation on edge, ensuring that their path to the global stage…

An era surrounded by scrutiny and uncertainty is set to begin as Kaizer Chiefs embark on their final quest to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage in Lubumbashi tomorrow afternoon. Chiefs will face AS Simba of the DRC in the first leg of the second-round preliminary qualifiers at Stade TP Mazembe at 3pm. This follows the club’s announcement of their decision to officially part ways with coach Nasreddine Nabi, replacing him with his former assistants Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef for the remainder of the season. Initially, it seemed that Chiefs, Kaze, and Ben Youssef were a match made in heaven. They had led the team on a five-game unbeaten run in the Betway Premiership – winning four and drawing one – during Nabi’s compassionate leave earlier…