Zuma Pledges Support to Unemployed Graduates

Sipho Zungu
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Zuma Pledges Support to Unemployed Graduates

Unemployed graduates with Bachelor of Education (BEd) degrees recently presented a set of demands to the Provincial Department of Education at the Durban old ABSA building.

The group, representing the struggles of unemployed educators, not only prepared a memorandum outlining their concerns but also extended an invitation to Mkhonto Wesizwe and former President Zuma to assist in submitting the document.

Former President Zuma expressed solidarity with the group’s cause and pledged to submit their demands collectively.

He promised that, if elected, his administration would prioritize addressing youth unemployment.

Zuma urged everyone to register to vote and participate in large numbers.

Zuma hinted at a broader political agenda, indicating a desire to secure a two-thirds majority in parliament.

Read | Man Arrested After Missing Durban Teacher Found Murdered in her Home

He explained, would enable the government to pursue constitutional changes in favor of the Black and African communities. The contentious Land Question took center stage as the priority, accompanied by a commitment to Radical Economic Transformation.

Zuma proposed a plan to halt the export of mineral resources with no returns and instead build domestic factories for processing minerals into usable products such as gold and diamonds.

This strategic move, he argued, would contribute to economic self-sufficiency and development.

Calling for organizational discipline, Zuma encouraged the group to coordinate themselves into branches, despite the absence of established structures in branches and regions. He announced plans to collaborate with provincial and national coordinators to facilitate this process. Zuma also mentioned the possibility of providing video support to convey the group’s message and goals further.

As the unemployed graduates rally for political backing, their collaboration with prominent figures and commitment to influencing policy changes seem to mark a significant step in the ongoing dialogue surrounding youth unemployment and broader socio-economic issues.

San Antonio Father and Son Duo Face Murder Charges: Dark Motives Unveiled in Investigation

Sipho Zungu
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San Antonio Father and Son Duo Face Murder Charges: Dark Motives Unveiled in Investigation

San Antonio – In a twist of events, Christopher, a 19-year-old son, and his 53-year-old father, Ramon Preciado, are facing charges of Capital Murder and Abuse of a Corpse.

The San Antonio Police Department conducted a press conference on Wednesday night, shedding light on the investigation that led to the arrest of the father-son duo.

Detectives gathered evidence, including Savanah’s cellphone, which underwent analysis by the police’s tech team with assistance from the U.S.

Secret Service. Surveillance footage ultimately led investigators to the suspects’ vehicle, leading to the apprehension of Christopher and Ramon at their residence.

Ramon cooperated with authorities upon their arrival at the house. Interrogations of both father and son provided enough grounds for a warrant, with additional charges pending.

Sergeant Washington Moscoso revealed that Ramon played a role in concealing the bodies, hinting at a darker motive behind the crime, possibly connected to a narcotics deal.

Read | Pretoria Man Sentenced to Weekends Only in Jail for Maintenance Arrears

The murders are believed to have occurred on December 21, just before midnight, at a different location. The victims were then transported to an apartment complex where their bodies were discovered.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities committed to uncovering the full extent of the crimes committed by this father-son duo, leaving the community in shock and mourning.

Nearly two weeks since Savannah was reported missing, the grim discovery was made on December 26.

Savanah Soto, 18, and her boyfriend, Matthew Guerra, 22, were found dead inside a gray Kia Optima in the parking lot of the Colinas at Medical Apartments on the Northwest Side.

The Bexar County Medical Examiner confirmed that both victims died from a gunshot wound to the head, and their deaths were ruled as a homicide.

Singing in the Rain: South Africa’s New Year’s Eve Music Extravaganza Defied Weather

Sipho Zungu
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Singing in the Rain: South Africa’s New Year’s Eve Music Extravaganza Defied Weather

South Africa bid farewell to 2023 and welcomed 2024 with a musical bang on New Year’s Eve, as music lovers defied the rain to fill up venues across the country.

Notable among the celebrations was the Fact Durban Rocks event, hosted by DJ Tira, which attracted a vibrant crowd eager to dance the night away.

Despite the rain, the love for music proved unstoppable as people embraced the joyous atmosphere at various events.

The Gumba festival in Richards Bay also added to the musical frenzy, creating unforgettable moment’s music lovers.

One of the night’s highlights was the anticipated announcement of the Song of the Year. However, this moment wasn’t without its fair share of controversies.

Predictions were rife as to whether “iParis” by Mthandeni ft Lwa Ndlunkulu or “iPlan” by Dlala Thukzin would clinch the coveted title, given their popularity.

Some voices raised questions about the integrity of the selection process. Allegations of a rigged system and concerns that popularity doesn’t always translate to votes surfaced within the music community. Despite the controversies, artists found solace in the unwavering support of their fan base.

“Andile Msomi, stated, ‘South Africa is a country that is united by music, and we celebrate our musicians.’ Nomusa Mkhize, however, expressed skepticism about the voting process, ‘Next year, I am not voting because it’s no use. I think they are making money through us.'”

One artist stood victorious. Khuzani, with his song “uMjolo Lowo,” emerged as the Song of the Year winner on uKhozi fm. Grateful for the support he received, Khuzani expressed his appreciation to his followers, highlighting the crucial role they play in his success.

ANC Acknowledges MK: Battle for Loyalty Unfolds!

Sipho Zungu
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ANC Acknowledges MK: Battle for Loyalty Unfolds!

The ANC in eThekwini has acknowledged the rising influence of the Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party within its branches, a development it had initially denied.

Last week, in response to the surge of support for the MK party, which is backed by former President Jacob Zuma, the ANC in eThekwini instructed its branches to compile reports detailing the impact of the new party on its members.

The party now concedes that the preliminary reports from branches indicate minimal impact, with only a few members leaving the ANC for MK.

Mlondi Mkhize, the ANC regional spokesperson, revealed that while branches were given until Wednesday to submit assessment reports, the preliminary findings show no significant shift, except for a small number of members who have joined the MK party.

Mkhize expressed concern over the few members who left but emphasized satisfaction that the majority of their branches remained intact, with no executive members defecting to the new party.

“We are pleased that the new party has not significantly affected our membership, although we are concerned about those who have joined. We believe that many individuals seen on social platforms associated with the party are either from other political affiliations or are not linked to any party,” said Mkhize.

He acknowledged the potential impact on voters who might have previously supported the ANC and emphasized the need to engage with these members to prevent further defections.

In response to the MK party’s activities, the ANC directed its branches to submit reports on members joining or mobilizing for MK. The template issued by eThekwini regional secretary Musa Nciki also requested monitoring of alliance partners, particularly the SA National Civil Organization (Sanco).

The ANC sought information on influential figures within its branches supporting the MK party, expressing concerns about members associating with MK while remaining ANC cardholders.

Critics, however, argue that the ANC unfairly targets Sanco members with this directive, given the party’s reluctance to take action against Zuma for leaving the ANC while maintaining his leadership position in Sanco.

Read | Drama Unfolds as uMkhonto weSizwe’s Motorcade Reaches Locked Townhouse in Pietermaritzburg

Despite Zuma’s endorsement of the MK party and its recent activities in Umlazi and KwaMashu, no senior ANC members have officially joined the new party. Zuma is expected to leverage his position as KwaZulu-Natal Sanco chairperson to rally support for MK.

While the MK party claims to have recruited over three million members, it has yet to unveil its leadership structures. A Sanco member in eThekwini acknowledged dissatisfaction among ANC members in her branch, who had crossed to MK due to grievances similar to those of Zuma.

Despite this, she affirmed Sanco’s commitment to campaign for the ANC, in line with their last conference where Zuma was elected as the chairperson of Sanco in KwaZulu-Natal.

Sanco KwaZulu-Natal deputy chairperson Lawrence Dube reassured that Sanco in the province remains fully supportive of the ANC.

Newcastle MK Party Event Rescheduled Due Jacob Zuma’s Fatigue

Sipho Zungu
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Newcastle MK Party Event Rescheduled Due Jacob Zuma’s Fatigue

The MK party has had to reschedule its event in Newcastle, originally set to honour valiant MK comrades, due to the wellbeing of their leader, Jacob Zuma.

This gathering, initially planned for January 6, 2024, in Majuba, encountered scheduling issues when Msholozi, the esteemed leader, confirmed his attendance.

A primary factor in this decision is the consideration of Jacob Zuma’s health and stamina.

Given his advanced age, there are valid concerns about his capacity to maintain a rigorous schedule, particularly affecting the forthcoming campaigns.

His age is becoming an increasingly significant factor in planning his engagements.

A circulating audio clip from an MK comrade suggests that Msholozi might be too tired for the event if held on the original date.

Read | Drama Unfolds as uMkhonto weSizwe’s Motorcade Reaches Locked Townhouse in Pietermaritzburg

Consequently, the organizers have shifted the event to January 7, 2024, a Sunday, aiming for better attendance.

The revised schedule includes a motorcade starting at Madadeni College, passing through Osizweni and Newcastle, and concluding at Trim Park.

The organizers express their gratitude for the community’s understanding and urge the public to spread the word about the new date.

Those initially informed about the event on January 6 should now adjust their plans for January 7, 2024.

Folweni’s Crisis: A New Year Shadowed by the Harsh Reality of No Water or Electricity

Sipho Zungu
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Folweni’s Crisis: A New Year Shadowed by the Harsh Reality of No Water or Electricity

Residents of Folweni and surrounding areas have been enduring a harrowing situation as they enter the new year without electricity since December 31, 2023.

Adding to their woes, the water supply has been erratic, leaving the community without a reliable source for more than five days.

Shockingly, the local municipality appears to be inactive, failing to provide assistance or send water tankers to alleviate the suffering of those affected.

The prolonged electricity outage has plunged Folweni into darkness, impacting daily life, businesses, and essential services.

Residents are left without power for lighting, cooking, and other essential activities, leading to growing frustration and concern among the community members.

The lack of communication from the municipality regarding the status of the situation has only exacerbated the residents’ anxiety.

In addition to the power outage, the water crisis has reached a critical point.

Read | Durban beaches stayed open during holidays despite unacceptable levels of sewage – report

“We have no water and electricity for five days now. Nobody seems to care about us, we are a forgotten community,” Thandeka Mdletshe, a resident told Durban Sun.

“There are no water trucks to help ease our problems leaving us with no water for drinking, cooking and sanitation,” she added.

The frustrated and desperate, community members are questioning the competence and responsiveness of the the eThekwini municipality.

Residents say that their calls for urgent action have gone unanswered, and they feel abandoned in the face of these challenging circumstances.

Some have taken to social media to voice their concerns and share the extent of their struggles, hoping to attract attention and assistance from higher authorities.

Local leaders and community activists are now demanding immediate intervention from the municipal authorities.

They are calling for transparency in communication, a clear action plan to restore electricity, and an urgent deployment of water tankers to provide relief to those without water.

As the situation continues to deteriorate, residents are left in a state of uncertainty and fear for their well-being.

The lack of essential services has raised questions about the municipality’s ability to address and manage crises effectively, leaving the community in the dark, both literally and figuratively.

Efforts are being made by concerned citizens to draw attention to the dire circumstances in Folweni and surrounding areas, with the hope that urgent action will be taken to restore normalcy and provide the necessary support to those affected by this prolonged power outage and water crisis.

Drama Unfolds as uMkhonto weSizwe’s Motorcade Reaches Locked Townhouse in Pietermaritzburg

Sipho Zungu
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Drama Unfolds as uMkhonto weSizwe’s Motorcade Reaches Locked Townhouse in Pietermaritzburg

The newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe party embarked on a motorcade campaign that journeyed from Umlazi to Pietermaritzburg this past Saturday. The political mobilization event, which drew significant attention, showcased over 100 vehicles and commenced at Mega City Mall in Umlazi at approximately 09:30 AM.

The motorcade made a thorough tour around all sections of Umlazi. This procession of vehicles, adorned with the party’s colors and banners, created a vibrant spectacle, garnering support and curiosity from onlookers.

As the motorcade proceeded to its final destination in Pietermaritzburg, expectations were high.

However, upon arrival at the townhouse, a dramatic turn of events unfolded. Participants of the motorcade were met with an unexpected obstacle – the building they intended to access was locked, effectively denying them entry.

Despite this setback, the uMkhonto weSizwe party’s motorcade campaign marks a significant moment in the party’s efforts to establish itself as a formidable force in the local political landscape.

The event’s broad reach and the public’s response to it are indicative of the growing interest in and the potential impact of this new political entity.

This event is likely to remain a topic of discussion in the political circles of Umlazi and Pietermaritzburg in the coming days.

Popular Durban Beaches Closed Due to High E. coli Levels

Bavani Govender
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Popular Durban Beaches Closed Due to High E. coli Levels

Opting for a seaside dip in Durban post-rainfall might not be the healthiest choice, as recent findings by the eThekwini Municipality and its partner organizations, Adopt-a-River and Talbot, reveal E. coli levels soaring nearly 10 times above safety thresholds.

From Ushaka in the south to Country Club Beach in the north, E. coli levels have surpassed acceptable bathing standards.

A total of six Durban beaches, including Ushaka, Point Beach, South Beach, North Beach, Battery Beach, and Country Club Beach, have been categorized as “poor” and “critical” based on criteria set by the municipality and Talbot.

Since the release of these alarming test results, all six beaches have been closed to the public.

The municipality attributes the elevated E. coli levels to heavy rainfall, a common occurrence causing pollution from various rivers and streams to flow into the ocean. In the northern parts of Durban, where the Umgeni River meets the sea, beaches registered particularly high E. coli levels.

Country Club Beach, situated near the Umgeni river mouth, reported E. coli levels around 500 times over the recommended limit, as indicated by both Talbot’s and the municipality’s test results. This excess is believed to result from bacterial contamination originating from faeces.

Read | Multi-award-winning musician, Zahara Dies

The surge in E. coli concentrations is linked to damaged infrastructure caused by the April 2022 floods. Subsequently, consistent testing by the municipality and independent organizations has been crucial to safeguarding the well-being of residents.

Furthermore, informal settlements lacking proper sanitation systems along riverbanks exacerbate the problem.

E. coli, a bacterium commonly found in the intestines of humans and warm-blooded animals, can induce symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting when present at high levels.

The municipality acknowledges that these results indicate elevated E. coli levels, primarily stemming from heavy rainfall washing pollutants from rivers, streams, and stormwater systems into the ocean. Consequently, beaches with compromised water quality have been temporarily closed, with ongoing re-sampling and monitoring underway.

Multi-award-winning musician, Zahara Dies

Sirisha Pillay
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Multi-award-winning musician, Zahara Dies

Bulelwa Mkutakana, popularly known with her stage name, Zahara, has died.

The multi-award-winning artist breathed her last at a private hospital in Johannesburg on Monday night.

The news was confirmed by Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture Zizi Kodwa, who expressed his deep sorrow on social media.

Zahara had been hospitalized a week prior, shortly after celebrating her birthday on November 9. The hospitalization followed the payment of lobola by her fiancé, Mpho Xaba.

A statement released by the family a week ago read, “Zahara has been admitted to the hospital following a week of complaints about physical pains. The doctors are working diligently, and we await further updates from them.”

Despite efforts to maintain confidentiality, misinformation about Zahara’s health circulated on the internet. The family emphasized that accurate updates would only be communicated through her official social media platforms.

Tributes trickle in

Tributes have started pouring in following the death of the multi-award-winning songbird.

The Loliwe hitmaker died at a Johannesburg hospital last night.

Her family is yet to release a statement.

COSATU and the African Transformation Movement (ATM) have also offered their deepest sympathies.

ATM described Zahara as an illustrious musical icon whose influence on the South African music landscape was unparalleled.

Read | Parents and Daughter in Court for Murder of Their Caregiver

Zahara released five albums including Loliwe to Nqaba Yam.

The video below is reporting more on the story

She also won many South African Music Awards during her career.

Fellow musician Yamikani Janet Banda, also known as Lady Zamar, has also expressed her condolences to the Mkutukana family.

South Africans took to social media to pass on their messages of comfort with to the family and also to share their fondest memories.

Parents and Daughter in Court for Murder of Their Caregiver

Sirisha Pillay
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Parents and Daughter in Court for Murder of Their Caregiver

Three people were recently arrested in Durban on charges of murder and have been detained at Saps Port Shepstone.

A couple in their 40s and their daughter (30) made their first appearance in the Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court recently.

The family is facing a premeditated murder charge and will remain in custody.

It is alleged the trio had taken out life cover of R750 000 on Rashree Dwarika (52) from Phoenix in May this year, just before she moved in with them to work as a caregiver.

Dwarika was found dead in a pool at a Umzumbe holiday home on June 17.

Initially it was suspected she had drowned.

Police spokesperson Captain Petros Mpinge said police responded to a scene in Station Road in Umzumbe after receiving a report of a drowning.

“A case of murder has been opened, after further investigations into an initial case of inquest revealed foul play in the death of the 52 year old woman.”

Mpinge said further investigations led police to the family being arrested.

The three made their formal bail application on October 6.

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