Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-11-28 i Pretoria News

Townships are often seen as places fraught with challenges, yet they represent a vibrant part of South Africa’s cultural and historical tapestry. With approximately 532 townships scattered across the country, these areas are home to nearly half the nation’s population, contributing significantly to its economic landscape. For anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of South African life, nothing beats the authenticity of a township tour. These guided experiences offer a unique window into the past, present, and future of communities that endured the oppressive legacy of apartheid but have emerged resilient and dynamic. Gauteng, with its largest township population, and the Western Cape are prime locations for these tours. Township tours serve as an economic lifeline, providing essential income to local guides and supporting community development projects. Responsible tourism…

The Trumpster Dumpster has done it again. While we were just starting to enjoy the recently cleaned up and fixed up Joburg and surrounds after successfully hosting the G20, US President Donald Trump has gone out of his way again to dump dirt on South Africa. While other similarly spineless demagogues will use fake news, disinformation, exaggerations and so on, the unstable individual occupying the once-glorious White House for the next 1 000 or so days has become known for using pure lies – or blue lies, as we say here in beautiful Mzansi. There is no diplomatic way to describe Trump’s lies. And what’s more, he not only blurts out these lies while travelling around or playing golf, he puts it down in black and white and publishes it.…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has formally laid criminal charges against uMkhonto we Sizwe Party MP, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, for her alleged central role in recruiting and trafficking young South African men to fight on behalf of Russia in Ukraine. In a statement, Chris Hattingh, DA spokesperson on Defence and Military Veterans, said the charges were laid in terms of the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998. 17 South Africans, mostly from KwaZulu-Natal, are said to be trapped in that conflict and are desperate to return home. A mother of one of the men has pleaded for help from the government. Former president Jacob Zuma’s eldest daughter, Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma Mncube, opened a case against her sister, Zuma Sambudla, Siphokazi Xuma, and Blessing Khoza over the incident. In response,…

AU, EU summit makes little headway to eliminate key impediments Too often, global summits are celebrated as moments that catalyse and create fundamental transformation and structural reconfiguration. By now, Africa should have wised up to the reality that spectacular summits tend to yield short-term visibility rather than sustainable economic viability. The recent Group of Twenty (G20) Summit in Johannesburg was widely praised. This week’s African Union (AU)-European Union (EU) Summit in Luanda has likewise been described as highly successful. However, these gatherings are unlikely to enhance the Continent’s influence in the global matrix of economic power, influence, and decision-making. African sovereignty is not the business of international summits. It is the sole enterprise of Africa. Global superpowers have no interest in boosting African self-sufficiency. They seek stability. The recent G20…

Tshwane bylaw enforcements have led to the shutdown of Ipi Ntombi, an establishment in the Pretoria CBD alleged to be operating unlawfully as both a bar and a brothel. The operation was led by various teams under the oversight of Executive Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya, who revealed that the authorities made a number of disturbing discoveries. Moya shared images and videos from the scene on social media, claiming that cash was found hidden under beds and that the venue was running without proper compliance. “We have a serious lawlessness issue in this country,” Moya said. “There are 41 rooms here, each with keys, and we confiscated everything during the raid. These are Chinese nationals who profit from the Ipi Ntombi brothel. They charge young women R1 000 per week to…

The long-running R60 billion class action bid against South Africa’s major banks reached a critical stage yesterday as the Gauteng High Court was scheduled to hear an interlocutory application that could determine how much evidence will ultimately be allowed before the court. This came as major banks prepare to defend themselves in court next year over claims that they repossessed hundreds, if not thousands, of people’s homes and sold them far below market value, cheating them of the earned interest on those properties over years. The evidentiary battle comes ahead of the main certification hearing scheduled for the last week of February 2026, where the court will decide whether the matter can proceed as a national class action on behalf of affected homeowners, nearly a decade after it was launched…

Despite missing key players due to Springboks duty, the Bulls will field a strong side for their United Rugby Championship (URC) Juksei derby with the Lions. The presence of Bok hardman Elrigh Louw on the replacement bench will add to their impetus as he makes his long-awaited return at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon (2pm kick-off) following a serious knee injury. Springbok centurion Willie le Roux, hooker Akker van der Merwe, scrumhalf Embrose Papier, centre Jan Serfontein and replacement utility forward Cobus Wiese are the other experienced players set to drive the Bulls' game. However, there is no sign of Handré Pollard for this clash with the Bok pivot returning home from the November tour, but according to head coach Johan Ackermann, he picked up a calf injury in Europe.…

Grovel. A term that has for long carried negative connotations within cricket due to former England captain Tony Greig’s comments almost 50 years ago ahead of the series against the all-black West Indies team. It was a different world back then. South Africa was still deep in the throes of Apartheid, and Greig, a South African-born white man, made his statements only a few weeks before the 1976 Soweto Uprising, when police opened fire on schoolchildren protesting to be taught in their mother tongue. So when Proteas coach Shukri Conrad, who was himself denied the opportunity to represent his country due to the colour of his skin, loosely tossed up the grenade on the eve of arguably one of the finest days in the Proteas’ Test history, the Indian media…

As the festive season approaches, many South Africans will flock to major cities like Cape Town and Durban, drawn by the allure of sun-soaked beaches and vibrant celebrations. While these bustling cities offer a myriad of attractions, they also present a challenge: the crowds. For the introverted traveller or those simply seeking a low-key escape, South Africa’s charming small towns offer an alternative that combines festive cheer with tranquillity. Visiting these dorpies (small towns) during summer not only provides a break from the hustle and bustle but also an opportunity to immerse oneself in rich local traditions, vibrant community celebrations and stunning natural surroundings. Consider these small towns for a peaceful summer holiday; each offers a unique combination of charm and activities. A floral paradise: Darling Nestled in the Western…

The South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternals and Federations (SACOFF) has joined a growing list of leaders and organisations heaping praise on President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Cabinet for their “steadfast leadership” and successful hosting and diplomatic manoeuvring as South Africa hosted the G20 Summit over the weekend. SACOFF extended congratulations not only to Ramaphosa but his Cabinet and the team of organisers and praised their “critical diplomatic engagements during a highly pressured global moment”. The Pretoria-based organisation representing a number of churches and faith-based organisations from across the country, criticised “local and international voices” that attempted to sow divisions, undermine South Africa’s G20 presidency and discredit or derail the “national progress”. The G20 Leaders’ Summit – the first to be held on African soil – was nearly marred by…

Two officials, a Tembisa Hospital employee and a Hawks sergeant, appeared briefly in the Pretoria Magistrate’s’Court on Monday, facing corruption charges linked to an alleged R100 000 bribe. The duo were identified as Zacharia Chisele, 53, a hospital official, and Sergeant Papi Tsie, 41, from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI). According to the South African Police Service, the arrests followed a covert operation linked to an ongoing corruption investigation at the hospital. SAPS stated, “On Sunday, November 23, 2025, the Hawks member and the Tembisa Hospital official met with the complainant, the investigator in the case, and handed over R100 000 cash as gratification. An operation authorised by the Director of Public Prosecutions was subsequently executed by the DPCI’s Serious Corruption Investigation unit, leading to the arrest of…

A Gauteng couple has been ordered to pay their landlord about R440 000 after they continued to live at a Malanshof property in Randburg without paying rent. The ruling was recently made by the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg after the landlord sought relief against the occupants, Albertina Tshisikule and Tshipuliso Barnabas Tshisikule. The duo started living at the property in July 2009 and the lease agreement was renewed in writing on several occasions, the final renewal ended in July 2016. After the lease expired, the couple remained in occupation with the landlord’s tacit consent, continuing to make rental payments. The landlord argued that despite the non-renewal of lease agreement, he was covered by Section 5(5) of the Rental Housing Act which states that if on the expiration of…

The vast majority of South Africans beamed with pride when they witnessed the outstanding management of the G20 Summit held in Johannesburg on November 22 and 23. It was once again a formidable confirmation that when South Africans stand together, we can achieve what many might regard as impossible. The success of the summit was rooted directly in the unity and cooperation across every sector of society. The smooth coordination, welcoming spirit, and intellectual leadership displayed throughout the summit reminded the world that South Africa’s strength lies in its people. The achievement was far more than logistical excellence. It symbolised the capacity of a united country to assert itself on the world stage. South Africans, from government, civil society, academia, and the private sector, collaborated with remarkable cohesion to deliver…

Yesterday morning, at precisely 9.05am South African time, the Proteas demolished an empire. An empire that, at its zenith, seemed like it would last forever. Previous generations had endured the hurt and trauma for 25 years, but India’s walls finally came tumbling down in spectacular fashion in Guwahati. The Proteas won the second Test by a mammoth 408 runs and completed a clean sweep of the series 2-0. The Freedom Cup was theirs to display alongside the golden ICC World Test Championship mace. “Coming to India is always a tough prospect,” Proteas captain Temba Bavuma said. “I think what makes it sweeter is the fact that we are winning because we’ve been on the other side of the result from past tours. We know how dark it can be. “So,…

Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen has stressed the importance of securing all three points this weekend when they host Zamalek in their CAF Confederation Cup group-stage encounter at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, with kick-off at 3pm on Saturday. Chiefs opened their group campaign in disappointing fashion, falling to Egyptian outfit Al Masry 2-1, and they will be hoping that this weekend’s fixture provides the boost they need to get their continental push back on course. Amakhosi now face another representative of the Pharaohs, but one with greater pedigree—a club renowned for its reputation and vast experience in this competition, which it has won twice. Beyond that, Zamalek’s five CAF Champions League titles have cemented their status as one of the continent’s true heavyweights, something that co-coaches Cedric Kaze and…

President Donald Trump’s announcement that South Africa would not be invited to the G20 summit in 2026, as well as stopping payments and subsidies, is meant to prove that the US has power and dominates the global economy. These are the views of political analysts and economists who said South Africa cannot afford a “stand off” with the US, which is a major lender through the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, and an investor through the international banks and companies such as Coca Cola. Trump announced on Wednesday evening via his social media platform that South Africa would not receive an invitation to G20 2026 to be held in Miami, Florida. His remarks followed South Africa’s refusal to symbolically pass the G20 presidency to a senior US…

Gauteng police have denied registering a case involving two Brazilian pilots who found themselves having to walk to Kempton Park from Sandton after an argument with sex workers at the weekend. Reports indicate that the pilots were linked to the G20 summit, where about 42 countries and institutions were represented at the two-day conference. The delegations included countries like Brazil, France, Australia and Germany. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi briefly mentioned the incident during a media briefing. He said the police were called to intervene after they stumbled upon the two gentlemen in Sandton. “We had two pilots from Brazil, who were in an Uber with two ladies that they met at an entertainment venue. After failing to agree to a certain transaction with the ladies, the two pilots decided to…

The ANC SACP bilateral meeting of Monday, 24 November 2025, carried immense political weight, with many expecting the SACP to soften its longstanding intention to contest State Power in the 2026 National Local Government Elections. Those expectations evaporated almost immediately. The SACP’s posture is resolute, and its decision is anchored in deeper strategic and ideological debates that have shaped the Alliance for more than a decade. To understand the outcome of the bilateral, one must begin with the unresolved question of a reconfigured Tripartite Alliance. This debate predates elections, predates tactical disagreements, and has haunted the Alliance since 1994. During my time serving in the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) of the SACP in the Western Cape, this question surfaced repeatedly, yet we could never confront it with the confidence and…

Although facing corruption charges and placed on special leave pending the outcome of the corruption case against her, Gauteng High Court Judge Portia Phahlane will still have to write any of her outstanding judgments. This is according to legal expert Advocate Francois Botes, who added that the rest of the cases allocated to Judge Phahlane will now have to be allocated to other judges by the Office of Gauteng’s Acting Judge President. Judge Phahlane, meanwhile, may not enter the High Court premises until further notified. This was one of the specific terms of her bail conditions. In responding to the arrest of the judge, Chief Justice Mandisa Maya said the process of her suspension is being considered. Judge Phahlane was released on R50 000 bail on Wednesday by the Pretoria…

Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya has dismissed the DA’s claims that residents and businesses could shoulder the cost of a potential R1.6 billion back‑pay liability for municipal workers dating back to 2021. The DA raised concerns that without a clear funding source, the payout - stemming from the South African Local Government Bargaining Council ruling in October - could force service cuts or rate hikes. The bargaining council dismissed the city’s application for exemption from the 3.5% salary increases agreement for the 2021/22 financial year and ordered the payment of up to R1.6 billion in back-pay. The ruling acknowledged that the 3.5 % backdated pay hike’s financial impact is “very huge”, giving Tshwane six months to implement it. Moya said the city has been working carefully to ensure that implementation takes…

Proteas spinner Simon Harmer showed gratitude to Test captain Temba Bavuma and coach Shukri Conrad for affording him the opportunity to play Test cricket again. About seven to eight years ago, South African cricket found itself losing key talents to lucrative deals in the United Kingdom. One of those talents was Simon Harmer, who signed a Kolpak deal with Essex, essentially ruling out the idea of playing international cricket for the duration of the contract. Harmer signed the deal after being dropped from the Test squad in the 2015-16 season, as his hopes of playing Test cricket looked grim with spinners Dane Piedt and Keshav Maharaj having taken up space in the Proteas Test team at the time. Harmer wasn’t alone, as former Proteas fast bowlers Kyle Abbott and Duan…

Max Verstappen is seeking a hat-trick of wins at the Qatar Grand Prix this weekend as this year’s Formula One world championship reaches boiling point in the Arabian Gulf. But he will know, better than most, that even with luck on his side he is unlikely to overhaul the 24-point deficit separating him from McLaren's Lando Norris as the final two events of the season approach. Despite being disqualified along with McLaren teammate and title rival Oscar Piastri after finishing second at the Las Vegas Grand Prix last Sunday, Norris arrives in Qatar as favourite to lift his first title and secure McLaren's first team-and-driver double since Mika Häkkinen’s success in 1998. The 26-year-old Briton needs only to hold his nerve and outscore his rivals by two points to leave…

World Rugby’s annual failure to recognise the Springboks’ global supremacy by acknowledging Rassie Erasmus as Coach of the Year is farcical. The manner in which the blazered denizens of the World Rugby boardroom go out of their way to give the award to anyone but Erasmus would be amusing if it weren’t offensive. Indeed, South Africans are sometimes accused of having a persecution complex, but this reminds me of the old saying: “Just because I’m paranoid, that doesn’t mean they’re not out to get me.” This year, the award went to England Women’s coach John Mitchell. Mitch is a fine coach. He has my utmost respect for what he achieved with the All Blacks, the Lions, the Bulls, the Chiefs and the Western Force. But the much-travelled Kiwi has hardly…