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DURBAN - While fashion statements were being made under the theme "Marvels of Mzansi" by fashion enthusiasts at the Hollywoodbets Durban July, a much more bold statement stole the spotlight in a bid to expose some unspoken secrets behind horse racing. Activist Nirvana Nokwe didn’t just wear dress, she wore the truth, according to the NSPCA. Nirvana donned a garment which aimed to expose the cruel side of the sport.  "Because while the fashion dazzles and the crowds roar, cruelty is staining every corner of this industry. "Whips, tongue-ties. frugs, broken bodies, forced to perform - all hidden beneath a veneer of glamour. While the crowds cheer, racehorses suffer in silence," the NSPCA cautioned, making reference to Nirvana's choice of attire. In a bid to overturn this concern, the NSPCA is demanding that the racing industry adopt a strict Code of Conduct for Equine Welfare, to put an end to abuse, neglect, and silence. "Behind the glamour ...

GREYVILLE - MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Rev. Musa Zondi, graced the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July in high spirits, embracing this year’s bold theme: “Marvels of Mzansi.”  The event, held today, Saturday, 5 July, at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse in Durban, celebrates South Africa’s rich horseracing heritage and cultural diversity. Amid the glamour and excitement of KZN’s biggest social event, the MEC will also engage in strategic meetings with key industry players throughout the day, using the platform to drive conversations around tourism growth, investment opportunities and economic development in the province. The Hollywoodbets Durban July continues to be more than just fashion and racing — it’s a catalyst for economic momentum, and MEC Zondi is here to make it count. 

PINETOWN - The MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, has expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims of a horrific accident along the N3, just after the Mariannhill Toll Plaza. Yesterday, Friday, 4 July, an accident involving a taxi claimed a number of casualties, including a law enforcement officer. At 23h00, MEC Duma received a final report from a highly dedicated team from Road Traffic Inspectorate confirming the recovery of five bodies, including one female police officer who was in full uniform.   Duma remarked: "We are saddened by the death of five people in this accident caused by a Polo driver, just after the Mariannhill Toll Gate." "The minibus taxi veered off the road and plunged 50 metres down the embankment. The recovery of bodies has been completed. We lost four women and one male. Of the four women, one was a member of the South African Police Service in full uniform." "We express our deepest con...

PRETORIA - SuperSport International has confirmed the sale of its Premier Soccer League (PSL) club, SuperSport United, to Siwelele Football Club (Pty) Ltd. Following a closed bidding process, Siwelele F.C was awarded the rights to purchase the three-time Premiership winners, pending approval by the PSL Executive Committee. “The sale of the club comes as SuperSport makes strategic shifts to allow us to remain the biggest broadcaster in Africa and a leading global competitor. Shifts in the market, as well as the need to innovate in accordance with our core business, have necessitated focused direction to allow SuperSport to remain the best sports content provider on the continent and a leader in broadcast innovation,” said SuperSport CEO, Rendani Ramovha. Siwelele F.C chairman Calvin Le John said: "As Siwelele F.C, we are privileged to have been given the responsibility of continuing with a rich winning tradition in the PSL. SuperSport and the MultiChoice Group laid an i...

PRETORIA - The Secretary General of the African National Congress (ANC) Fikile Mbalula has confirmed the unexpected passing of former Deputy President David Mabuza. Mbalula tweeted as follows on X: It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we learn of the passing of former Deputy President of the Republic and stalwart of our movement, Comrade David Dabede Mabuza. Comrade Mabuza dedicated his life to the service of the people of South Africa. From his days in the struggle against apartheid to his leadership as Premier of Mpumalanga and later as Deputy President, he was a committed cadre who carried the values of unity, discipline, and transformation. On behalf of the African National Congress, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, comrades, and the people of South Africa. We have lost a patriot, a freedom fighter, and a leader who served with humility and conviction. May his soul rest in peace, and may we honour his legacy by continuing the work of ...

UMHLANGA ROCKS - Gateway’s Hollywoodbets Durban July Preview Fashion Show lit up the retail destination with an explosion of creative talent, treating shoppers, VIP guests, designers and models to an incredible experience of style, music and flair. Gateway Theatre of Shopping pulled out all the stops and, by opening up the event to the public, who lined the balconies to watch from elevated vantage points as the event unfolded beneath, brought the Hollywoodbets Durban July fashion up close and personal. Adding to the spectacle, there were dance performances from Leventus Events, a live musical performance by Veranda Panda and East Coast Radio (ECR) presenter Stacey Norman introduced the show. The fashion spectacular pulled together three pillars of Hollywoodbets Durban July fashion by showcasing the creations of nine Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars designers, the creations from the top 10 finalists of the Young Designers Award and the stylish interpretations from the six to...

DURBAN - A suspected hit or attempted hijacking that occurred on Avoca Road in the Greenwood Park area has resulted in the death of one person this morning, Thursday, 3 July. KZNVIP Medics were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports from community members requesting urgent medical assistance. Upon arrival, it was established that while an Indian male was exiting a driveway, a white Toyota Etios pulled up next to his vehicle whilst an African male suspect allegedly exited the Etios and fired multiple shots at the driver before fleeing in an unknown direction. Paramedics from KZNVIP attempted to stabilise the patient, who was in critical condition. Sadly, after a lengthy time working together with another private ambulance service, the patient was declared deceased due to the extent of his injuries. The circumstances leading up to the shooting cannot be confirmed at this time pending SAPS investigation.

KATLEHONG -  A total of 15 residents escaped unharmed when the building they were in caught fire last night, Wednesday, 2 June. The Ekurhuleni emergency services in Zonkezizwe received a call to the incident in Katlehong just before 9pm. The swift action by the fire and rescue response team contained the blaze and prevented it from spreading to adjacent structures. Due to the intensity of the fire, reinforcements were called in from Brakpan, Germiston and Alberton fire stations. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Report fire and rescue emergencies to 011 458 0911.

SOWETO - Orlando Pirates officially welcomed the new signings in a meaningful induction tour that connected the present with the club’s rich and storied past. The day began at Rand Stadium, the club’s training ground, where the recruits got their first taste of life in the famous black and white. From there, the tour took them to 4503 Khunou Street in Orlando East — the very heart of where it all began, at the home of founding member Bethuel Mokgosinyane. The players then made an inspiring stop at the Zodwa Khoza Foundation, where they spent time with learners and were addressed by club legend and foundation ambassador Bashin Mahlangu, who shared words of wisdom about what it means to wear the Orlando Pirates badge. No Pirates induction would be complete without a visit to the Orlando Stadium — the Mecca of South African football and the place these new Buccaneers will call home for the 2025/26 season. The induction wrapped up with a warm lunch at the Protea Hotel, where cl...

GAUTENG - Fidelity SecureFire, launched in 2023 as part of the Fidelity Services Group, proudly reaffirms its dedication to delivering world-class private firefighting solutions—offering exceptional value without compromising on safety or quality. Wahl Bartmann, Group CEO of Fidelity Services Group, stated: “By becoming part of the Fidelity SecureFire family, customers gain access to highly trained, professional firefighting teams—on standby 24/7. Our personnel include qualified fire specialists and experienced responders, supported by a fleet of purpose-built emergency vehicles engineered for rapid deployment and high-impact performance.” At the heart of Fidelity SecureFire’s national capability is the Fidelity Fire National Command Centre—a groundbreaking, real-time operations hub that sets a new industry standard. Powered by AI-based risk analysis, predictive incident modelling, and live data monitoring, the centre enables intelligent deployment of resources, anticipatin...

GAUTENG - Gauteng is seeing a rise in shackfires as temperatures continue to drop Winter coldfronts have forced residents to use heating devices, in some cases unregulated and unsafe equipment. As a result, the province has witnessed an increase in fatal shackfires in informal settlements. On the East Rand, a 22-year-old male and a 2-year-old toddler died in a shack fire in Arla Park Ext 3, Nigel, while an 8-year-old child escaped with minor burn injuries on 30 June. On 2 July, a man believed to be in his 30s has died in a multiple shack fire that occurred in the early hours of this morning in the Makausi informal settlement near Primrose. According to Kasie FM News 91.7, a total of eight shacks burnt down, and in that inferno, a partially burnt body of an adult male was discovered in one of the shacks.   Due to the coldfront, Disaster Management Services accross the provincr remain on high alert for fire incicents.  City of Joburg EMS also urged residents to...

PRETORIA - The South African Police Service (SAPS) on Monday launched its much anticipated e-Recruitment drive on its official website for 5 500 aspiring police officers to join its ranks. For the first time in the history of the existence of the organisation, SAPS is utilising an Electronic Recruitment System, through which youth from all walks of life can submit their applications to be considered for entry level Police Trainee posts. The shift to a digital platform is expected to reduce paperwork, curb corruption and nepotism, and prevent lost applications. It will also enhance fairness, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and improve the integrity and speed of the recruitment process. The nationwide recruitment drive began on Monday, 30 June 2025, with online applications closing on 18 July 2025. It targets young men and women aged 18 to 35 to join as police trainees for the 2025/26 financial year. Qualifying young men and women without criminal records and/or pending crimi...

GAUTENG - A thorough investigation by Gauteng Organised Crime Unit has led to the arrest of three employees from City of Tshwane Municipality. This arrest follows an ongoing investigation which started last year November, where 11 suspects were initially arrested for stealing a transformer at Laudium substation worth approximately R7 million. The 10 suspects who were sub contractors were released after they could not be linked to the crime and one who is an employee of the municipality remained behind bars and has since made several court appearance and is currently remanded in custody until 08 August 2025. The three suspects arrested today, 01 July 2025, will be charged with theft of essential infrastructure and are expected to appear before Pretoria Magistrates' court tomorrow, 02 July 2025. More arrests are expected as investigations continue. Tshwane District Commissioner, Major General Samuel Thine has commended the team for their ongoing efforts to deal deal with ...

GAUTENG - The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) is expected to pay some R3.3 billion to service the outstanding e-tolls debt. This was announced by Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, during a media briefing on Sunday. E-tolls were scrapped last year following years of discontent from road users in an agreement between the provincial government and National Treasury. The GPG committed to paying some 30% of the historic debt. “... The Gauteng Provincial Government will honour the province’s obligation by paying the second instalment towards the e-tolls debt, as disclosed in the 2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework.  “The amount due… based on the Memorandum of Agreement, is R3.3 billion in terms of the historic debt. This is the amount that we will be paying to National Treasury as part of our 30% contribution,” Maile said. This will be the provincial government’s second instalment. “On the 30th of September 2024, the Gauteng government m...

RANDBURG - The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) officially received two state-of-the-art fire engines, marking a significant step forward in addressing the City's shortage of operational firefighting vehicles. These newly acquired vehicles form part of the City's broader strategy to strengthen emergency response capacity across Johannesburg. This delivery is the first phase of a total of sixteen fire engines that the City is in the process of procuring. The rollout of the full fleet will take place in stages, with additional units expected in the coming months. The new fire engines are equipped with modern, cutting-edge technology designed to enhance firefighting efficiency and improve safety for both EMS personnel and the communities they serve.  This investment comes at a critical time, as Johannesburg continues to experience increasing fire-related incidents, particularly during the colder months. The addition of these vehicles to the curr...

JOHANNESURG - The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has continued with its significant crackdown on driving under the influence of alcohol, with 180 motorists arrested across the City of Johannesburg between Monday, 23rd June, and Sunday, 29th June 2025. These arrests were made through targeted operations, swift responses to public complaints, and routine patrols conducted by dedicated JMPD officers. This intensified focus on drunk driving underscores the JMPD's unwavering commitment to road safety and protecting all road users within our vibrant city. Driving under the influence remains a major contributing factor to serious accidents, injuries, and fatalities on our roads. The JMPD will continue to implement a zero-tolerance approach to this dangerous and irresponsible behaviour. "The statistics from the past week are a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge posed by drunk driving," said JMPD Chief of Police Commissioner Patrick Jaca. ...

GERMISTON  - The City of Ekurhuleni calls property owners who qualify for rates exemption or rebates to apply as the current exemptions and rebates will expire with the current evaluation roll on 30 June 2025. In terms of the city’s Property Rates Policy, the exemptions and rebates lapse with the expiry of the validity period of the valuation roll. This then means even those who currently qualify will be required to re-apply. The following category of property owners qualify for exemptions, rebates or reduction of rates, and are urged to apply: Age/Pensioners: Reduction or a rebate of an amount; Indigent and deemed indigent based on property value; Disability: Grants for individuals with disabilities and medically boarded persons; Sporting bodies used for purposes of amateur sport; Welfare & Humanitarian institutions, animal welfare; and cultural institutions; Public and private schools, universities and colleges, and creches registered as educational institutions; ...

JOHANNESBURG  - Taps are expected to run dry for 48 hours following Rand Water’s Planned Maintenance scheduled for 30 June to 02 July 2025. According to Rand Water, this maintenance work is part of their commitment to ensuring a sustainable and efficient water supply. Affected municipalities include: City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Mogale, Merafong, Madibeng, Royal Bafokeng, Rustenburg, and Rand West Local Municipalities and Mines & industries. Suburbs and areas affected in Ekurhuleni include: Parts of Morehill, Crystal Park, Putfontein AH, Hillcrest, Benoni AH, Cloverdene, Chief Albert Luthuli, Daveyton, Mayfield, Etwatwa, Apex, New Modder, Rynsoord, Brentwood Park AH; Fairleads Vosloorus, and  Dawn Park.

KWAZULU-NATAL - A woman was killed in a drive-by shooting on the P100 in Ndwedwe, north of Durban on Saturday afternoon, 28 June. Residents contacted the Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) Operations Centre requesting urgent assistance after a white VW Tiguan overturned and landed on its roof in a yard next to the road. One caller confirmed that a female was trapped in the vehicle. They were unable to confirm the extent of her injuries.  Reaction Officers & RUSA Paramedics were immediately dispatched and arrived on scene at approximately 18:24. On examination, the deceased’s vehicle and body was found to be bullet riddled. She demised prior to the arrival of First Responders. Ten spent rifle cartridges were recovered near the vehicle.  The motive for the murder could not be immediately confirmed. This is a developing story.

DURBAN - Three people tragically lost their lives following a serious motor vehicle collision during the early hours of Saturday morning, 28 June 2025, at the intersection of Twilight Drive and Centenary Boulevard in Umhlanga. KZN VIP Protection Services response teams were dispatched promptly after reports of a two vehicle crash. On arrival, it was established that the incident involved a T-bone collision which resulted in several occupants being ejected from the vehicles due to the force of impact. Tragically, two individuals were declared deceased on the scene. A third victim succumbed to injuries a short while later, despite resuscitation efforts by medics. One additional occupant was stabilised on scene and transported in a critical condition to a nearby medical facility by a private ambulance service. At this time, the exact circumstances surrounding the cause of the crash remain unknown and are being investigated by the relevant authorities.