TrendySA Online

FREE STATE -  A group of dedicated members of the SAPS took on an extraordinary challenge, participating in the Swasap Ultra Marathon, a grueling 52-kilometer race organized by the Bloemfontein Achilles Running Club on Saturday, 15 March The event, known for its tough course and fierce competition, saw participants tackling a route through some of the city’s most iconic streets, including Zola Budd Street, Kings Way, and Att Horak Street, where the race kicked off. For these members, the marathon wasn’t just a physical challenge but also a symbol of their commitment to health, community, and perseverance. Running side by side with experienced athletes, they pushed through fatigue and discomfort, embodying the same resilience they demonstrate in their day-to-day duties. The ultra marathon offered them a unique opportunity to connect with the community in a different way, showing that police officers are not just protectors of the law but also active participants in promo...

DURBAN – The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has authorised Section 106 forensic investigations into the Msunduzi, KwaDukuza, and Nongoma Municipalities. This action is mandated by Section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act, which stipulates that the MEC is obliged to conduct an investigation upon receipt of allegations pertaining to maladministration, fraud, and corruption within a municipality. The investigations will specifically address allegations concerning: Abuse of municipal assets; Elevated levels of political instability; * Political interference in procurement processes; * Deficiencies in consequence management; * Contraventions of Supply Chain Management (SCM) regulations; * Irregularities in recruitment procedures; * Instances of maladministration, fraud, and corruption. In the pursuit of transparency and accountability, the municipal councils are expected to extend full cooperation t...

SOWETO - The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Chief of Police, Chief Patrick Jaca has commended the successful intervention by the Tactical Response Unit (TRU) in preventing a planned ATM bombing and apprehension of multiple suspects involved in the crime. On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, the JMPD TRU received information from South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence regarding a planned ATM bombing at an Engen garage in Protea, Soweto. At approximately 02h30 on Thursday, March 13, 2025, gunshots were heard coming from the Engen garage. Upon immediate response, officers observed a group of males fleeing the scene. The suspects opened fire on the responding officers, who returned fire. The suspects then fled into a nearby bush. A thorough search of the Engen garage revealed a security guard who had sustained a gunshot wound to the right upper arm. Explosives were also discovered attached to an FNB ATM, which had failed to detonate. Further informa...

The Presidency has noted the regrettable expulsion of South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Mr. Ebrahim Rasool . This after the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that South Africa's Ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in their "great" country. The Presidency has urged all relevant and impacted stakeholders to maintain the established diplomatic decorum in their engagement with the matter.  "South Africa remains committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States of America," the Office of the Presidency said.

JOHANNESBURG - Another creative has shocked the entertainment industry following her passing. Eastern Cape-born musician Yolanda Nyembezi , affectionately known as Yallunder, passed away today following a short illness. Her family notified the public about her passing today. She was only 31. “It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we share the heart-breaking news of the  passing of our beloved daughter, sister and friend Yolanda Nyembezi, known as Yallunder. “A soul so rare and a voice so rich, Yolanda graced this earth with a spirit that was as warm as it was powerful,” said the statement. The Ndinovalo hitmaker had a promising future in the music industry as her rich soulful voice sparked interests from popular producers. The Bizana-born singer, had recently collaborated with South African music icon Oskido on a hit called Ntwana Yam . "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Yallunder, a young and incredibly talented vocalist I had the honor of working wit...

NELSPRUIT - South African comedian and actor Ebenhaezer Dibakwane has been laid to rest today in Mbombela, Mpumalanga. The multiple-winning comedian passed away on 7 March by suicide at the age of 31. His family revealed he struggled with depression for several years. His funeral was attended by fellow comedians, friends and family who paid their last respects to the beloved funny actor.

DURBAN – The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has initiated comprehensive mop-up operations across the province, particularly within the eThekwini Metro, following the severe weather conditions experienced yesterday. Tragically, the torrential rainfall resulted in the loss of life, with a woman succumbing after her vehicle was swept off a bridge in Pinetown. MEC for Cogta, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has extended his condolences to the bereaved family. Search and Rescue teams successfully recovered both the vehicle and the deceased’s body in the early hours of this morning. The intense downpour wreaked havoc across coastal regions, leading to widespread flooding, uprooted trees, and significant disruptions to electricity supply in numerous communities. Technical teams are working diligently to restore power to affected areas. The Provincial Disaster Management Centre is actively coordinating with all municipalities to ass...

EASTERN CAPE - Police are seeking the assistance of the public in finding a missing 38-year-old man, Thulani Ngqongqo , who was reported missing on 03 March 2025. Ngqongqo was last seen leaving his home in Tshalumna (Open Shaw) on Sunday, 2 March 2025 around 20:00. On the day of his disappearance, he was driving a white Toyota Corolla with registration number JVT 791 EC. A preliminary investigation was conducted with no success. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the missing man or who can shed some light on his disappearance is kindly requested to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Ndevu at Mdantsane SAPS on 082 441 9628, Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the nearest police station.

NORTH WEST - Following devastating floods  that hit Gelukspan in the North West Province this week, Gift of the Givers has intervened. The Gift of the Givers teams have been on the ground assisting the affected and distributed food parcels, detergent packs, bags of butternut and cabbages (donated by #OneFarm), mattresses, blankets and candies.  A number of residents were displaced when heavy rains flooded parts of the North West. "Gift of the Givers teams are committed to providing support to those affected by the floods and we are grateful for the generosity  of our donors and partners, including #OneFarm," the NGO said. To contribute towards our interventions, visit:   http://www.giftofthegivers.org/make-a-difference 📞 : 0800 786 911  

DURBAN - The public has been urged to take note of a weather warning issued by the South African Weather Services (SAWS) .  The forecast model indicates a level 2 disruptive rain with widespread showers and thundershowers across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng between Thursday, 13 March from 12am until Friday, 14 March around 12am.  This warning includes the eThekwini region.   These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by disruptive rain leading to localised flooding.  Models are indicating high likelihood for heavy rains over the eastern parts where significant impacts can be expected.  This warning may result in the flooding of roads and settlements, poor driving conditions, damage to infrastructure, and the destruction of mud-based houses.  Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution and maintain a safe following distance while driving on wet roads.    The Municipality’s Disaster Management and emergency services are on...

STANGER - MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma has provided an update regarding the total number of church members who died in a bus accident between Mandeni and Stanger. After verification and identification processes by the department, family members who were supported by the church, only eight members of the church are confirmed to have died. "Today we decided to dedicate our time and energy to consoling families of the deceased and ensuring that the families bury their loved ones with dignity," said MEC Duma. Victims and funeral details are as follows:- 1. Thabani Mchunu 31 (Male) – Funeral to take place in Richards Bay - Sokhulu 2. Sibusiso Mangala (Male) 3. Nominyaka Mvela 49 (Female) – Funeral to take place in the Eastern Cape 4. Sindisiwe Mhlongo 31 (Female) 5. Sihle Malwane –Gumede 6 (Female) – Funeral to take place in Jozini - Umkhanyakude  District  Municipality  6. Lungile Gumede (Female) 7. Jabulile Mlambo (Female) Funeral to be...

PRETORIA - The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola has commended the SAPS Border Policing High Density Team for arresting a convicted prisoner who escaped from the Maputo Maximum prison at a time when the country experienced unrest in December 2024. Nelson Simiao Massango escaped along with more than a thousand other prisoners. According to reports, he was convicted for murder in 2015 and sentenced to at least 20 years. The SAPS Border Policing High Density Team has been hard at work in ensuring they track and trace those that may have made their way into South Africa. The suspected fugitive of justice was arrested at a car hire dealership in Sandton. Upon further investigation, he is being investigated and may be linked to several cases of theft of motor vehicle in Gauteng where he would rent 4x4 bakkies, smuggle them over into Mozambique and have them sold in that country. INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau (NCB) Preto...

CAPE TOWN - Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered his much-anticipated 2025 Budget Speech in Parliament on today, Wednesday, 12 March. Godongwana said for 2025/26, social grants will be allocated some R284.7 billion . One of the highlights was that a number of social grant beneficiaries – excluding those receiving the SRD grant – is expected to rise to some 19 million in 2025/26 and 19.3 million in 2027/28 due to a growing population of older persons. The grant increases this year include: Old age grant will increase from R2185 to R2315 War veterans grant will increase from R2205 to R2335 Disability grant will go up from R2185 to R2315 Foster care grant rises from R1180 to R1250 Care dependency grant will increase from R2185 to R2315 Child support grant will go up from R530 to R560 The grant-in-aid will increase from R530 to R560

JOHANNESURG - The family of late South African comedian, actor, and writer Ebenhaezer Dibakwane has confirmed that he died by suicide. The multiple-winning comedian passed away on 7 March at the age of 31. In a statement, the family revealed that Dibakwane struggled with depression for a number of years. "Poignantly, Ebby was well-known for the talent of making people laugh, but yet suffered from depression for a number of years," the family said in a statement. Comedy Central Africa also conveyed its heart-felt condolences. "Our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues in comedy of Ebenhaezer Dibakwane. Whether on a stage doing stand-up, in front of a camera crafting sketches or in our sound booth nailing voice-overs, it was always a joy and honour to work with Ebenhaezer. Rest In Peace." Dibakwane will be laid to rest in Mbombela this Friday, 14 March.

KEMPTON PARK - President Cyril Ramaphosa has conveyed his deeppest condolences following the reported deaths of 16 persons in a bus crash on the R21 near OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, 11 March. The President offers his sympathy to the bereaved families and wishes survivors of the incident a speedy and full recovery. President Ramaphosa’s thoughts are also with the families of at least nine bus passengers who lost their lives in an incident in KwaZulu-Natal this past weekend, in which 39 people were injured as well. The President said: “While the causes of these recent incidents are still under investigation, we are reminded that tragedies such as these leave more than physical scars, as they cause trauma that affects family relationships and the lives of survivors. Incidents such as these impact on people’s ability to earn a living; they impact in our health and emergency services; they drive up insurance and result in expensive vehicle repairs, and they aff...

CAPE TOWN - Eskom has announced that on Sunday, 9 March, at 18:17, Koeberg Unit 2 was successfully brought back to service.  The unit has been incrementally ramped up to 646MW and will continue to increase its output until it reaches its full capacity of 930MW, in accordance with established operational protocols. This follows an unplanned outage due to a steam leak on the reheat system. The issue was resolved using Eskom’s robust nuclear safety protocols, ensuring the unit’s return to operation without compromising safety standards. For more than four decades, Koeberg Nuclear Power Station has upheld an outstanding safety record, adhering to global best practices and stringent regulatory requirements. Eskom remains fully committed to nuclear safety, with all operational procedures designed to maintain the highest standards of excellence. “Koeberg is a key contributor as part of Eskom’s energy generation mix and stabilising electricity supply in South Africa by provid...

KEMPTON PARK - The City of Ekurhuleni has conveyed its condolences to the families of those who passed on in a bus accident near the OR Tambo International Airport this morning,  Tuesday, 11 March. The accident which claimed 12 lives and left another 45 people injured occurred around 06h45. The injured were taken to the OR Tambo, Thembisa and Edenvale hospitals. "We are lost for words. This is a disaster. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, and our prayers for a speedy recovery to those who have been taken to various hospitals around the area," said a visibly devastated MMC for Roads and Transport Planning in Ekurhuleni Councillor Andile Mngwev from the scene of the accident this morning. "To see so many bodies lying around is quite saddening, and the city really feels for the families who would have expected to see their loved ones return home later today. Our hearts are extremely heavy right now." The MMC has vowed that the city...

 EKURHULENI - Gauteng MEC for Education,  Matome Chiloane , is saddened to confirm the tragic loss of four learners from Tom Newby Primary School, Rynfield Primary School and an ECD centre following a fatal car accident that took place on Monday, 10 March 2025, on the N12 in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni. It is alleged that the accident involved a collision between multiple vehicles on the N12 westbound near the Putfontein Road off-ramp in Daveyton, resulting in the tragic loss of life of four learners. One of the vehicles happened to be a private scholar transport, which was transporting the learners to school. Law enforcement agencies are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident to establish the exact cause. The deceased include two boy learners in Grade 1 and Grade 3, who were siblings from Tom Newby Primary School in Benoni; a Grade 1 boy learner from Rynfield Primary School also in Benoni, and a Grade R boy learner from an ECD centre that is s...

GAUTENG - More than 51 000 residents of Gauteng have used the province’s e-Panic Button to call for help in emergency situations since the inception of the crime-fighting technology. According to the province’s e-Government Department , since its launch in April 2024, the Gauteng e-Panic Button has been downloaded more than 100 000 times by residents. “The most common incidents where people have been assisted include motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian vehicle accidents, assaults, shooting and sexual offences. “The leading Gauteng regions with the most recorded incidents are Johannesburg with over 21 000 callouts, Ekurhuleni with over 11 000 callouts and Tshwane with over 10 000 callouts. Furthermore, the department has started noticing calls from residents pertaining to missing persons, which refers to cases of kidnapping in Gauteng,” the department said. Gauteng e-Government MEC Bonginkosi Dhlamini hailed the e-Panic Button as an important tool for helping to fight crime...

STANGER - Three German tourists , including a doctor, delayed their journey to assist injured patients when a bus carrying congregants lost control and rolled over yesterday, Sunday, 9 March. This tragic accident happened on the N2 , between Tugela River and Mandeni toll - leaving eight dead, including a toddler. According to IPSS Medical Rescue - first on the scene - at least 80 patients were transported to various hospitals. The German doctor not only stopped to assist but travelled on board an ambulance with a patient. According to IPSS Medical Rescue, the first IPSS Medical ambulance arrived to the horror of finding a mangled, 82 seater bus lying down a steep embankment, carrying church goers, amongst the injured, were young children. Additional resources were immediately dispatched from various agencies and the N2 was closed in both directions. While Paramedics worked to triage patients and stabilising the most critically injured, behind the scenes, teams began identif...