Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-11-14 i Pretoria News

As summer approaches, South Africa’s coastline comes alive, and the announcement of the Blue Flag Beach status for the 2025/26 season brings excitement to beachgoers. Every year, the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) reveals the best beaches across the country, recognising those that excel in coastal management and sustainable tourism. This year, 70 beaches and pilot sites have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag status, highlighting their commitment to cleanliness, safety, and environmental management. Among the 70 beaches, 12 are located in KwaZulu-Natal, with eight of these situated along the picturesque South Coast. The Western Cape boasts 21 Blue Flag beaches, while the Eastern Cape is home to 17. Notably, McDougalls Bay in Port Nolloth, Northern Cape, has also received Blue Flag status as a pilot site.…

The cringeworthy slow-motion “movies” South Africans have been watching over the last couple of weeks, streamed and broadcast live from Parliament and from the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria continued to torture the ordinary citizens who are like the “extras” in these horror shows. National Public Prosecutions (NPA) head Shamila Batohi was correct in likening what’s been happening with our criminal justice system and our democracy, to a movie. As she put it this week before the ad hoc committee investigating KwaZulu-Natal Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s bombshell expose, “it seems like we are watching this movie in front of us in slow motion, and those of us in power that should be doing something about it are powerless … the criminals are taking over our country”. That movie metaphor fits…

Over the last two decades, we have entered a profoundly different period in global history, the era of a multipolar world. The emergence of the BRICS grouping, which represents around 40% of the world’s population and GDP, is significant because, for the first time, it offers people from the Global South a genuine opportunity to benefit from the world’s growing wealth. I have never seen BRICS as being opposed to the West. On the contrary, for many years, BRICS has supported globalisation. Remembering Thomas Friedman’s The World Is Flat, the sharing of information, resources, knowledge, and technology has the potential to create immense wealth for the entire world. This is the promise of BRICS and of a multipolar world. The BRICS Heads of State Summit One of the singular privileges…

A bold diplomatic stance against Trump’s unrelenting attacks on sovereignty The African Union Commission’s (AUC) recent statement supporting South Africa’s chairmanship of the Group of Twenty (G20) and its hosting of the upcoming November summit was an act of deft diplomacy and a long-awaited expression of African assertiveness and solidarity, issued in the wake of Donald Trump’s recent verbal onslaught on South Africa. It provides a necessary counter-narrative. On 7 November 2025, just over a week before the G20 Summit commences in Johannesburg, the President of the United States announced that no U.S. government officials would attend the gathering. In his usual incendiary style, Donald Trump besmirched South Africa as a “country of disgrace”–where Afrikaners are “slaughtered” and farmland is “stolen.” In Trump’s world of make-believe, South Africa is an…

As the Tshwane Tourism Association (TTA) marks 25 years of promoting and strengthening Pretoria’s tourism industry, the Tshwane Tourism Showcase 2026 promises to be the capital’s most vibrant gathering of tourism professionals, partners, and businesses yet. This annual event is where Pretoria’s tourism community comes together to connect, collaborate and celebrate – and this year’s edition will be one for the books. With more than 500 visitors expected, the Showcase offers unparalleled visibility for exhibitors representing accommodation, attractions, event venues, tour operators, suppliers and service providers. The CSIR ICC provides the perfect setting for this dynamic expo, with its spacious exhibition floor, breakout areas for networking, and easy access for visitors from across the city and beyond. Exhibitors will enjoy professional infrastructure, high visitor foot traffic, and media exposure through…

Park Village Auctions will be hosting the simulcast auction of two properties – exclusive industrial premises and a farm – in Silvertondale, Pretoria, Gauteng. The auction will take place live and online on November 20. The first property is an industrial premises at 341 Stormvoel Road, Silvertondale Ext 2. This well-maintained property would be ideally suited to logistics, light manufacturing, or distribution operations, combining functionality, security and strategic location. The 4 546m² (1 300m² under roof) property features an 800m² warehouse space, a mezzanine level, a service pit, firefighting equipment, and three-phase power. There is also a 500m² office space with reception, 11 offices, two boardrooms, seven storerooms, two kitchens, an entertainment space, and staff changing rooms and showers. External features include a paved yard, super-link truck access, electric fencing,…

As December draws nearer, South Africa is preparing to enter its customary season of jollity, with the fires of braais replacing the fires of politics. Yet, beneath this merriment, a corrosive current moves quietly, threatening the reputation and cohesion of our democracy. The country’s image is consistently being tarnished by a small clique of right-wing Afrikaner nationalists whose agenda has found unsettling resonance abroad. Within South Africa, these elements are increasingly isolated. Their nostalgia for a segregated past is no longer tolerated in the mainstream of public life. However, their calculated campaign of grievance has infiltrated conversations in foreign capitals and distorted perceptions of who we are as a nation. The damage is most visible in the opportunism of Donald Trump, who has seized upon their false claims of “white…

“Even when people mocked me, saying football was my girlfriend, I kept going because I knew what I wanted.” When you speak to Aubrey Modiba, you don’t just hear a footballer; you hear a man who understands what it means to chase a dream that, for many around him, once seemed impossible. His voice carries the calm confidence of someone who has walked through doubt, ridicule and rejection – and turned them into the rhythm of victory. From the dusty fields of Mentz, just outside Polokwane in Limpopo, to the floodlights of Loftus Versfeld and the national pride of the Bafana Bafana jersey, Modiba’s story is one of belief forged through hardship and hope. It’s a tale that stretches far beyond football – a reflection of what it means to…

Vodacom Group has partnered with Starlink, the world’s largest satellite broadband provider, to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet services to millions of businesses across Africa. However, it has not yet launched in its home country of South Africa, where Starlink is still awaiting regulatory approval. Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Group’s Chief Executive, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to collaborate with Starlink, a move that accelerates our mission to connect every African to the internet. Low Earth orbit satellite technology will help bridge the digital divide where traditional infrastructure is not feasible, and this partnership will unlock new possibilities for the unconnected.” The collaboration aligns with Vodacom’s Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to expand its customer base to 260 million and financial services customers to 120 million within the…

Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has confirmed that city officials ordered the removal of Solidarity’s 70-meter-long orange billboard on the M1 South, between Smit Street and Empire Road, for violating city by-laws. The controversial billboard, intended to greet G20 Summit delegates, labelled South Africa as the “most racially regulated country in the world”. The removal, which followed Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s instruction on Monday amid a social media dispute between provincial leaders and Solidarity members, was addressed by Morero during a media briefing on the CEO’s Clean Up Campaign and the Bomb Squad’s work. Morero criticised Solidarity, asserting that freedom of speech must be balanced with the country’s transformation agenda. He said: “Part of the transformation process is to address the imbalance of the past, where a particular section of society…

The racism storm that has hit the Pretoria High School for Girls has now turned to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, with the school’s governing body (SGB) lodging an application in a bid to force the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) to provide the report on the results of a commissioned investigation into the allegations. The department in November last year revealed some details of its mandated investigation by Mdladlamba Attorneys to probe allegations of a culture of racism at the school. However, it did not share a copy of the report with the SGB. When asked for a copy, the department directed the school to the provisions of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA). This Act affords a requester the right of access to records held by…

The City of Tshwane has vowed to crack down on cable theft and infrastructure vandalism, which has cost it nearly R10 million annually. Member of the Mayoral Committee for Utility Services, Frans Boshielo, said the city will boost security patrols and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to dismantle the syndicates responsible. He said the city will also embark on community awareness campaigns to educate residents on the social and economic impact of infrastructure crime. Boshielo expressed concern that cable theft and infrastructure vandalism are crippling our city’s service delivery, costing it between R8 million and R10 million annually. Each month, he said, the city records approximately 2 000 unplanned power outages across its seven regions, with Region 3 bearing the brunt. In August last year, the city reported that at…

Just like Rome, Bafana Bafana’s recent achievements weren’t built in a day. That’s why the team aims to maintain their momentum and continue growing in leaps and bounds. Bafana are arguably the most improved team on the continent. They’ve qualified for back-to-back AFCON tournaments under the same coach, Hugo Broos, for the first time in years, and have automatically secured their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup — their first appearance since the 2002 edition. Their participation in the AFCON finals next month in Morocco will be different — this time, they’ll be among the favourites. That status follows their impressive third-place finish in the last edition in Ivory Coast. As such, they can’t afford to falter. They need to prepare thoroughly to ensure they surpass last year’s performance…

If the Proteas are to be taken seriously as world Test champions, they will need to put in a positive showing in the series against India, starting at Eden Gardens on Friday. They will only be able to do so by starting on the front foot, according to former captain Faf du Plessis. “It’s (India) a tough place to come and play cricket. Your best chance is when you start the series well and you get a little bit of confidence that you have got runs under your belt and you put the conditions a little bit out of your head. Then the rest of the series would feel easier,” Du Plessis said in Mumbai, at the Betway SA20 India Day. Du Plessis knows very well how challenging an Indian…

The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) says it is committed to ensuring that crucial wildlife matters are handled lawfully, ethically, and with fairness. It was commenting after President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that DA MP Willie Aucamp has replaced Dion George as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). DA leader and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen requested George’s removal. A few days ago the NSPCA wrote to the president to raise its concerns about the then rumoured appointment of Aucamp in the role. In its letter, the national animal rights association said it wanted to raise its concerns with the proposed appointment due to “numerous publicly available news reports that have linked Mr Aucamp to activities and events involving the captive wildlife industry. “Of further concern, is that publicly available…

The FW de Klerk Foundation has called on South Africans to unite in refuting recent claims by United States President Donald Trump and his Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, that Afrikaners are being “killed and slaughtered” and that their land and farms are being “illegally confiscated.” In a statement, the foundation’s Executive Director, Christo van der Rheede, said it was now very important for all South Africans to come together and reject such statements. “It is now very important for all South African citizens to unite and refute the statements by President Donald Trump, his Secretary of State, Marco Rubio and others, that Afrikaners are being killed and slaughtered and their land and farms are being illegally confiscated. This is simply not true!” Van der Rheede said rejecting the claims…

Who would have thought thirty-one years later South Africa would face challenges from coalition instability, organised crime, corruption, public mistrust, and weak policy execution? Notwithstanding, South Africa has major achievements globally, including being part of multilateral institutions like the United Nations, BRICS, the G20, the African Union, a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN, and other specialised groupings. South Africa also weaves support for the Palestine cause at the International Court of Justice. South Africa mirrors global issues where corruption is high at the levels of government. Criminal enterprises flourish, creating daily hardships through cash-in-transit heists, taxi industry wars, energy crisis, damage and destruction of infrastructure from water pipes, copper theft, the construction industry, and endangered flora and fauna continue into the 7th Administration. The architecture of daily crime levels prevails…

Cosatu has said proposed adjustments in the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) are not bold enough to take the economy from the 1% growth it has been stuck at for two decades nor to give hope to 12 million unemployed. In reaction to the proposals by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, Cosatu Parliamentary spokesperson Matthew Parks said the organisation was concerned that there wasn’t sufficient speed, nor allocating the substantial resources required to enable the state to provide the quality public and municipal services that the working class and economy depend upon, nor that a tepid economy needs to reach the 3% growth rate necessary to slash unemployment, poverty and inequality. “At a time when unemployment remains painfully high at 42.4%, we had hoped that the government would seize the…

The City of Tshwane has issued a warning to the public, advising against using local rivers for activities like swimming and baptism due to high bacteria levels. According to Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health, Tshegofatso Mashabela, the recent water quality monitoring has detected elevated levels of bacteria in local rivers. As a result, she said, the public is strongly advised to avoid using rivers for recreational, cultural and religious activities, such as swimming and baptismal ceremonies. Mashabela said high concentrations of bacteria in river water pose serious risks to both human health and threaten aquatic life. For humans, exposure can cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation, as well as nausea, she said. “Humans may also contract diseases resulting in health complications,” Mashabela said. She noted bacteria is toxic…

Ever thought of being a councillor or even mayor for your community, but not sure how? Unite for Change (UNITE) is calling on community leaders, citizens and professionals to apply to become councillor candidates and, where appropriate, mayoral candidates. In a briefing held on Sunday at Parliament, UNITE leaders – Dr Mmusi Maimane MP, Minister Patricia de Lille MP, Songezo Zibi MP, Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster MP, MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa MPL, and Brett Herron MPP – announced their new approach to seeking candidates ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections. Formed last month, the new political party launched their website on Sunday, “offering fresh faces and new talent a pathway to public service” as they contest all eight metros, with a mayoral candidate in each to spearhead the respective city-specific campaigns. UNITE…

KEVIN LERENA’s boxing career is still very much active and looks set to reach even greater heights, yet South Africa’s fistic darling is already making a seamless transition into the promotional space. The WBC bridgerweight champion and his Aquilla Boxing Promotions (ABP) have enjoyed a stellar rookie year, hosting four hugely successful tournaments. In a world where athletes often face uncertainty at the end of their careers, Lerena has already taken steps to ensure he will not join those statistics. Fondly referred to as “Two Guns” for his explosive punching power, Lerena is not only securing his own future but providing a platform for both established and rising fighters, increasing opportunities for competition through regular events. He has spoken openly about his ambition to raise the standard of boxing in…

For Damian Willemse, this weekend’s Test against Italy is about more than just another stop on the Springboks’ November tour. It’s an opportunity to play at one of world football’s most storied venues. The Boks face the Azzurri at the Juventus Stadium in Turin, an unusual but enticing stage for Test rugby. For Willemse, an unapologetic Arsenal fan, the novelty of the setting adds an extra spark to the build-up, especially after missing out on the chance to play at England’s iconic Wembley Stadium earlier on tour against Japan. “Yeah, I’m a big football fan. I’m an Arsenal supporter,” Willemse said with some glee. “I think it’s going to be an incredible atmosphere playing at the Juventus stadium. “I’m really looking forward to playing at the venue, but first of…