Sunday Sun 1/5/2020

INTERNATIONAL Relations and Co-operation Minister, Naledi Pandor, called for calm in the wake of a US airstrike that killed top Iranian military commander, Qasem Soleimani, in Baghdad. In a statement on Friday, her department said the South African government was alarmed by the escalating tension in Iraq, which has far-reaching ramifications for the Middle East and international peace and security. “It’s crucial for all sides to remain calm and desist from taking any further action that will exacerbate an already fragile situation,” said Pandor. “South Africa stressed its principled view that conflicts should be resolved through political dialogue rather than resorting to the use of force.” THE SABC has distanced itself from a Facebook account purporting to belong to SABC News. Spokesperson, Mmoni Seapolelo, said the account, titled Sabc News…

THE ghost of Senzo Meyiwa is back. And thanks to a recent book by Soweto Mandlakazi . . . THE RENOWNED LATE FOOTIE WILL THIS NEW YEAR AGAIN HAUNT MZANSI! Titled 666_9, the biography explores topics like cheating, black magic, the dead ants in Senzo’s cup, evil forces, suicide attempts, love potions, fighting and betrayal. In the work released by IStru Publishers, Mandisa Meyiwa spills the beans about being married to the Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper. And in one of the sections of the book, Mandisa admits to being aware of how much singer Kelly Khumalo loved her hubby. Reads one of the extracts: I know we have both lost someone we loved deeply but I believe everything happens for a reason. It is okay Kelly, it is…

THE EFF Student Command (EFFSC) has warned that its members will embark on a “harsh” programme at institutions of higher learning that don’t allow walk-ins and late registrations for deserving students. Universities are preparing for an influx of a fresh crop of students, with registration expected to start next week. In the past, the issue of acceptance and development at universities led to student protests, culminating in the #FeesMustFall student movement for free education. The EFFSC said it won’t tolerate any excuses from universities, threatening “anarchy” if walk-ins weren’t accepted. On Friday, the Student Command’s president Mandla Shikwambana briefed the media on plans to combat this challenge. He told reporters the EFF would embark on a “radical and militant” programme at all campuses. He said it would involve the scrapping…

MORE than 200 renowned artists and arts practitioners from Mzansi and around the globe will gather at the Baxter for the prestigious Rolex Arts Weekend on 8 and 9 February. The event will boast a series of public talks, readings, exhibitions and performances, including two world premieres. The celebration is a culmination of the current cycle of the programme, which pairs master artists with emerging artists in several disciplines for creative exchange during a one-to-one mentoring relationship. The weekend’s highlights include dance, architecture, literature, music, art symposia and cinema. Saturday will be dedicated to dance and architecture. Meanwhile, Sunday will focus on literature and music. Seating is limited, so early booking is strongly advised. The festival will also feature the work of the 2018/19 protégés of the Rolex Mentor and…

A SENIOR official in the office of the Eastern Cape premier was this week placed on special leave. This following gender-based violence allegations against him. Luntu Sokutu, who is a director in premier Oscar Mabuyane’s office, allegedly assaulted former Premier Soccer League general manager and referee Ace Ncobo’s daughter, Zizo Bila (19). The incident, which occurred at a fast-food outlet drive-thru in East London in the Eastern Cape, sparked outrage after the video went viral on social media this past week. In a seething statement Ace, who’s an analyst for SuperSport TV, said Zizo’s body was battered and bruised. The former PSL official has vowed to leave no stone unturned to ensure justice prevails against Luntu. In the video, viewed by the SunTeam, Luntu is seen assaulting Zizo before he…

KHATHAZA brutally killed women on SABC1’s prime time soapie Uzalo. And his portrayal of this evil character has badly affected actor Sibonile Ngubane in real life. The role, which Sibonile played with aplomb, is said to sow divisions in his church. The actor is a member of the Nazareth Baptist Church, popularly known as the Shembe Church. It’s alleged elderly church women are in fear of the actor and don’t quite understand his TV role. Concerned church members said the gogos shake in their boots when they see Sibonile. They think he’ll kill them too. Congregants are said to be struggling to differentiate between the real person and the character. Said one church member: “Some of them even swore at him and called him names for what his character does…