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See Top Things to Do in South Africa News

Sure, here are some of the top things to do in South Africa, according to recent news:

  • Visit the Addo Elephant National Park: This park is home to over 600 elephants, making it one of the best places in the world to see these majestic creatures. You can go on game drives, bush walks, or even go elephant back safaris. 
  • Go whale watching in Hermanus: Hermanus is known as the “whale watching capital of South Africa” and is a great place to see these amazing creatures from June to December. You can go on a boat trip or simply watch them from the shore.
  • Visit Robben Island: Robben Island is a former prison that was used to incarcerate Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners during apartheid. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination. You can take a ferry to the island and tour the prison.
  • Go on a wine tour in Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch is a wine region in South Africa known for its beautiful scenery and delicious wines. There are many wineries to visit in Stellenbosch, and you can even go on a wine tour. 
  • Visit the Cradle of Humankind: The Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to some of the most important archaeological sites in the world. You can visit Sterkfontein Cave, where the remains of “Mrs. Ples” were found, or visit the Maropeng Visitor Centre to learn more about the history of human evolution. 

In addition to these popular activities, there are also a number of new and exciting things to do in South Africa. For example, you can now go on a skydive over Cape Town, explore the abandoned diamond mines of Kimberley, or go on a hot air balloon safari over the Kruger National Park.

No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to do in South Africa. So start planning your trip today!

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See Top Things to Do in South Africa

South Africa is a beautiful country with a lot to offer visitors. Here are some of the top things to do in South Africa:

  • Visit the Kruger National Park. The Kruger National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa. It is home to an abundance of wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes. You can go on game drives, bush walks, or even go white-water rafting in the park. 
  • Go on a safari. A safari is a great way to see the wildlife of South Africa. You can go on a traditional game drive, or you can go on a more adventurous safari, such as a walking safari or a hot air balloon safari. 
  • Visit Cape Town. Cape Town is a beautiful city with stunning views of Table Mountain. There are many things to see and do in Cape Town, including visiting Robben Island, hiking up Table Mountain, and exploring the city’s vibrant food scene. 
  • Go wine tasting in Stellenbosch. Stellenbosch is a wine region in South Africa known for its beautiful scenery and delicious wines. There are many wineries to visit in Stellenbosch, and you can even go on a wine tour. 
  • Visit Zululand. Zululand is a region in South Africa known for its rich cultural heritage. You can visit Zululand to learn about the Zulu people, see traditional Zulu dances, and visit the KwaZulu-Natal National Museum. 
  • Go dolphin watching in Hermanus. Hermanus is a town on the South African coast known for its dolphin watching. You can go on a boat trip to see the dolphins, or you can simply watch them from the shore. 

Here is a suggested 2-week itinerary for a trip to South Africa:

Day 1: Arrive in Johannesburg Day 2: Explore Johannesburg Day 3: Drive to Kruger National Park Day 4: Game drive in Kruger National Park Day 5: Game drive in Kruger National Park Day 6: Drive to Cape Town Day 7: Explore Cape Town Day 8: Hike up Table Mountain Day 9: Visit Robben Island Day 10: Go wine tasting in Stellenbosch Day 11: Drive to Zululand Day 12: Learn about Zulu culture Day 13: Go dolphin watching in Hermanus Day 14: Depart from Cape Town

This is just a suggested itinerary, and you can customize it to fit your interests and budget. South Africa is a big country, so you will need to decide how much time you want to spend in each place.

The cost of a trip to South Africa will vary depending on the time of year you travel, the length of your stay, and your budget. However, you can expect to spend around R18,000.00 per person for a 2-week trip.

Here are some tips for planning your trip to South Africa:

  • Book your flights and accommodation in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
  • Get a South African visa if you need one.
  • Pack for all types of weather, as the climate in South Africa can vary greatly.
  • Be aware of the crime rate in South Africa and take precautions to stay safe.
  • Learn some basic Afrikaans or Zulu, as this will help you communicate with locals.
  • Have fun and enjoy your trip in South Africa!
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ZA News Report: Rumors of a stowaway passenger survives in the nose wheel during South Africa flight to Netherlands

South Africa military police say a man was taken to the hospital and that his age and nationality have not yet been determined. Search more information on flight wheel stowaway passenger.

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News24.com | OPINION | Perhaps it’s time to find out how much your colleagues are paid

It could help close the gender pay gap, writes Therese Raphael.

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First witness in Bishop Zondo’s rape trial to be cross-examined

The first witness in the rape trial of the Rivers of Living Waters Church leader, Bishop Stephen Zondo, is expected to be cross-examined in the High Court in Pretoria on Wednesday.

The 46-year-old woman, alleges to have been repeatedly sexually assaulted by the pastor when she was seven-years-old.

She opened an assault case against him in May 2020.

Fifty five-year-old Zondo is facing eight charges of rape, one of indecent assault and one of defeating the ends of justice.

On Tuesday, the court heard how he allegedly offered to buy the silence of the witness.

Zondo is said to have offered her livestock and R25 000 in exchange for dropping the charges –  which she says she declined.

Stephen Zondo rape trial continues:

A meeting between her and Zondo, and their respective families followed.

She says during that meeting, the pastor denied the allegations and claimed he did not recall anything.

Despite this, he is said to have apologised to the alleged victim’s family, but not to her.

The witness also claims the bishop pleaded for forgiveness and asked her to name her price to keep the matter a secret.

2020 video, Bishop Zondo maintains innocence amid sexual abuse claims:

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News24.com | Private school’s deputy head told to ‘step aside’ amid allegations of sexual assault

The deputy headmaster of a private school in Johannesburg has been asked to step aside and remain at home after an independent investigation revealed he had allegedly sexually assaulted pupils at his previous school.

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Businessinsider.co.za | TAKE A LOOK | Iconic Pearl Mountain Estate in Paarl is going on auction next month

It has vineyards and olive groves spread across 19 hectares of land; the entire estate is 35 hectares large.

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News24.com | OPINION | George Claassen: Our brothers’ keepers – Should media be guardians against misinformation?

As Covid-19 spread its devastation worldwide, a serious debate in media, scientific and legal circles developed because credible media sources have rightly started to refuse giving a platform to conspiracy theorists and anti-vaccination pundits, writes George Claassen.

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Climate and security to dominate US Secretary of State’s maiden Africa tour

Climate change and security in Ethiopia, Sudan and the Sahel are set to top the agenda as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in Nairobi on Wednesday to visit three of the continent’s major players: Kenya, Nigeria and Senegal.

Blinken’s first Africa trip follows the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow, where poorer nations called on wealthy governments to do more to help them combat climate change.

His visit will likely seek to underscore the difference between President Joe Biden’s administration and his predecessor Donald Trump.

Trump dismissed some African nations as”s**tholes”, left key diplomatic posts to Africa empty and scoffed at climate change science.

Blinken’s first stop will be Kenya, where President Uhuru Kenyatta will want to discuss security following last month’s coup in Sudan and a widening war in Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous nation and the headquarters of the African Union.

Blinken said last week that Ethiopia could “implode”, a prospect that would widen famine there and send millions of refugees around an already unstable region.

Kenya also contributes troops to an African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia, where Al Qaeda-linked insurgents are battling the government.

The mandate of the AU force is up for renewal next month and the United States is a key donor.

Blinken will also meet civil society representatives, considered an important bulwark of Kenyan democracy ahead of next year’s national election.

Polls can sometimes turn violent and Kenya, East Africa’s wealthiest and most stable nation, is headquarters to many multinationals.

VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA

On Thursday, Blinken will visit Nigeria – Africa’s largest oil exporter – to meet President Muhammadu Buhari, whose government is battling an Islamist insurgency in the northeast and mass kidnappings by armed gangs in the north and northwest.

The two are expected to discuss possible security assistance from the United States, a source in the Nigerian presidency told Reuters.

In July, Nigeria received its first six A-29 Super Tucano planes, four years after the United States agreed to sell the light attack aircraft to fight insurgents.

But analysts say Buhari has made little progress tackling corruption that has eroded the nation’s infrastructure – half of its citizens lack access to electricity – or abuses by the security services.

A judicial panel report this week accused the army and police of firing on protesters in Lagos last year in what it called a “massacre.”

Blinken’s final leg is Senegal, considered one of Africa’s most stable democracies, where the focus will be on leaders and female entrepreneurs.

He will also visit Dakar’s Institute Pasteur, which signed an agreement – alongside Rwanda – with BioNtech in October to build the first mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility in Africa starting in mid-2022.

Biden’s government has said it was working with manufacturers to help African countries boost vaccine production.

 

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Over 1 000 people, mostly Tigrayans, detained in Ethiopia in week – UN

At least 1 000 people, mostly ethnic Tigrayans, have been detained in cities across Ethiopia in the past week, the United Nations said on Tuesday.

Ethiopia declared a state of emergency on November 2, a year after a conflict erupted between the federal government and forces aligned with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the political party controlling the northern region of Tigray.

The declaration, which is valid for six months, allows suspects to be detained without trial for as long as the state of emergency lasts and allows house-to-house searches without a warrant.

“At least 1 000 individuals are believed to have been detained over the past week or so with some reports putting the figure much higher,” the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said in a statement.

“These developments are all the more disturbing given that most of those detained are reported to be people of Tigrayan origin.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed “his concern over reports of arbitrary arrests and detentions, which serve to widen divisions and resentment between groups,” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

Ethiopian government spokesperson Legesse Tulu did not respond to a request for comment.

Police have previously said the arrests are not ethnically motivated but are aimed at detaining supporters of the TPLF.

The conditions in detention centres were poor and overcrowded and many were not told the reasons for their detention, the United Nations said.

Ten UN workers also were still being held, after the arrest of 16 last week, the organization said.

And 34 contractors remain in detention out of 72 who were arrested last week.

Any Ethiopians working for the United Nations would be held accountable for lawbreaking, the government said Ethiopian staff working for the United Nations or African Union do not live “in space” and will be punished for any lawbreaking, the government said on Thursday, after the arrest of several UN employees for unspecified offences.

Guterres called for the immediate release of detained UN staff members, the UN statement said.

It said UN staff were held without charge and there was no specific information provided for the arrests.

The TPLF, which used to dominate Ethiopian politics, accuses the federal government of centralising power.

The government accuses the TPLF of trying to return to its previous dominance.

Both are accused of violations that may amount to war crimes,the United Nations has said.

 

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Climate and security to dominate US Secretary of State’s maiden Africa tour

Climate change and security in Ethiopia, Sudan and the Sahel are set to top the agenda as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in Nairobi on Wednesday to visit three of the continent’s major players: Kenya, Nigeria and Senegal.

Blinken’s first Africa trip follows the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow, where poorer nations called on wealthy governments to do more to help them combat climate change.

His visit will likely seek to underscore the difference between President Joe Biden’s administration and his predecessor Donald Trump.

Trump dismissed some African nations as”s**tholes”, left key diplomatic posts to Africa empty and scoffed at climate change science.

Blinken’s first stop will be Kenya, where President Uhuru Kenyatta will want to discuss security following last month’s coup in Sudan and a widening war in Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous nation and the headquarters of the African Union.

Blinken said last week that Ethiopia could “implode”, a prospect that would widen famine there and send millions of refugees around an already unstable region.

Kenya also contributes troops to an African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia, where Al Qaeda-linked insurgents are battling the government.

The mandate of the AU force is up for renewal next month and the United States is a key donor.

Blinken will also meet civil society representatives, considered an important bulwark of Kenyan democracy ahead of next year’s national election.

Polls can sometimes turn violent and Kenya, East Africa’s wealthiest and most stable nation, is headquarters to many multinationals.

VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA

On Thursday, Blinken will visit Nigeria – Africa’s largest oil exporter – to meet President Muhammadu Buhari, whose government is battling an Islamist insurgency in the northeast and mass kidnappings by armed gangs in the north and northwest.

The two are expected to discuss possible security assistance from the United States, a source in the Nigerian presidency told Reuters.

In July, Nigeria received its first six A-29 Super Tucano planes, four years after the United States agreed to sell the light attack aircraft to fight insurgents.

But analysts say Buhari has made little progress tackling corruption that has eroded the nation’s infrastructure – half of its citizens lack access to electricity – or abuses by the security services.

A judicial panel report this week accused the army and police of firing on protesters in Lagos last year in what it called a “massacre.”

Blinken’s final leg is Senegal, considered one of Africa’s most stable democracies, where the focus will be on leaders and female entrepreneurs.

He will also visit Dakar’s Institute Pasteur, which signed an agreement – alongside Rwanda – with BioNtech in October to build the first mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility in Africa starting in mid-2022.

Biden’s government has said it was working with manufacturers to help African countries boost vaccine production.

 

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Over 1 000 people, mostly Tigrayans, detained in Ethiopia in week – UN

At least 1 000 people, mostly ethnic Tigrayans, have been detained in cities across Ethiopia in the past week, the United Nations said on Tuesday.

Ethiopia declared a state of emergency on November 2, a year after a conflict erupted between the federal government and forces aligned with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the political party controlling the northern region of Tigray.

The declaration, which is valid for six months, allows suspects to be detained without trial for as long as the state of emergency lasts and allows house-to-house searches without a warrant.

“At least 1 000 individuals are believed to have been detained over the past week or so with some reports putting the figure much higher,” the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said in a statement.

“These developments are all the more disturbing given that most of those detained are reported to be people of Tigrayan origin.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed “his concern over reports of arbitrary arrests and detentions, which serve to widen divisions and resentment between groups,” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

Ethiopian government spokesperson Legesse Tulu did not respond to a request for comment.

Police have previously said the arrests are not ethnically motivated but are aimed at detaining supporters of the TPLF.

The conditions in detention centres were poor and overcrowded and many were not told the reasons for their detention, the United Nations said.

Ten UN workers also were still being held, after the arrest of 16 last week, the organization said.

And 34 contractors remain in detention out of 72 who were arrested last week.

Any Ethiopians working for the United Nations would be held accountable for lawbreaking, the government said Ethiopian staff working for the United Nations or African Union do not live “in space” and will be punished for any lawbreaking, the government said on Thursday, after the arrest of several UN employees for unspecified offences.

Guterres called for the immediate release of detained UN staff members, the UN statement said.

It said UN staff were held without charge and there was no specific information provided for the arrests.

The TPLF, which used to dominate Ethiopian politics, accuses the federal government of centralising power.

The government accuses the TPLF of trying to return to its previous dominance.

Both are accused of violations that may amount to war crimes,the United Nations has said.

 

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News24.com | One Daily Lotto player wins R407K jackpot!

One Daily Lotto won the jackpot on Tuesday.

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Modimong village residents form own security structures following brutal murder of community member

The community of Modimong village near Taung in the North West has formed their own security structures that patrol the village every night. This follows the brutal murder of a 32-year-old resident.

Tshepang Seelo was killed by two suspects known to the community and his body was found in a river three days later.

Modimong is a quiet village located 10 kilometres from the main village of Taung.

Residents had their normally peaceful life disrupted by the brutal death of one of their own. Seelo and the woman he was out with that evening, Tsholanang Khokonyane were allegedly attacked by two suspects while they were on their way home.

“Two boys came and started fighting us. One grabbed me and the other grabbed Tshepang. The other was busy fighting him, while the other kicked me and told me to leave. They continued to fight him. So, I ran and went to one of the attacker’s parental home. I heard a voice, but no one opened. I went to the nearest tavern to seek help. I explained the incident to the residents. We checked everywhere but he was nowhere to be found,” says Khokonyane.

His mother Neo Seelo says his death is a tremendous loss to the family.

“As the mother of Tshepang, I am very hurt about what happened to my son. And he was a breadwinner. Now, I am asking myself when I am going back to work, who will look after my mother. As for those who were arrested, I want life sentence,” says Neo Seelo.

Community members went on the rampage soon after the incident, torching houses believed to be those of the suspects. They say the police failed them.

Gaobusetse Kanyane, a community member in Modimong village, says, “The police failed to assist us. As the community, we took a decision to assist the Seelo family to find their family member. From this point forward, we will not be seeing this kind of horrific acts happening because the body of the deceased was mutilated and dumped in a stream.”

Spokesperson for the Police, Colonel Amanda Funani says two suspects, who handed themselves over to the police soon after the incident, are expected to apply for bail in the Taung Magistrate’s Court.

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News24.com | Kiwi website picks Eben Etzebeth as the REAL World Rugby Player of the Year

A popular New Zealand website has picked Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth as their World Rugby Player of the Year.

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News24.com | Here are the Powerball and Powerball Plus results

Here are the winning Powerball and Powerball Plus numbers from the Tuesday, 16 November, draw.

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IMF says Zimbabwe debt unsustainable, lending would require restructuring

The International Monetary Fund said on Tuesday it was unable to provide financial support to Zimbabwe due to its unsustainable debt and external arrears, and any lending arrangement would  require a clear path to a restructuring its external debt.

The IMF said its staff completed a virtual mission to Zimbabwe from October 16 to November 16, and noted “significant” efforts by authorities there to stem inflation, contain budget deficits and reserve money growth.

Zimbabwe, which has suffered from bouts of hyperinflation in the last 15 years, has not received funding from lenders like the IMF and World bank for more than two decades due to arrears.

Its external debt is more than $10 billion and most of it is in arrears.

“A Fund financial arrangement would require a clear path to comprehensive restructuring of Zimbabwe’s external debt, including the clearance of arrears and obtaining financing assurances from creditors,” the IMF said.

Creditors owed by Zimbabwe include the World Bank, African Development Bank, European Investment Bank and the Paris Club. The national treasury says it is working on a plan to clear the arrears.

The IMF reiterated that Zimbabwe’s economy would grow by 6%this year but added that uncertainty remained high due to the effects of COVID-19 and the economy’s vulnerabilities to climatic shocks like drought and cyclones.

“Decisive actions are needed to lock in economic stabilization gains and accelerate reforms,” the IMF said.

The Fund called for greater official exchange rate flexibility, removal of foreign currency market distortions and containment of fiscal deficits.

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News24.com | Pfizer moves to allow cheap versions of promising Covid-19 pill – and SA is in the loop

Pfizer reached a licensing agreement that will allow generic-drug manufacturers to produce inexpensive versions of its Covid-19 pill for 95 low- and middle-income countries, including South Africa.

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[WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT] Police confirm discovery of a human head believed to be linked to Protea Glen body parts case

Police have confirmed the discovery of a head, believed to be that of a woman whose remains were found in a fridge in Protea Glen, Soweto on Saturday.

The 26-year-old Flavio Hlabangwane is in police custody on charges of murder.

Soweto man arrested after body parts found in fridge:

He was arrested after his girlfriend, who was visiting him, found the human remains and alerted authorities.

Police Spokesperson, Brenda Muridili says, “The police have found a human skull buried in a shallow grave next to Glen Ridge, Westanoria road, R558. The skull is linked to the human limbs found on Saturday. These body parts are being connected to a 23-year-old woman from Soshanguve in Pretoria.”

Residents of Protea Glen in Soweto have been left traumatised following the discovery of human body parts.

The owner of the house said he is finding it difficult to explain to his children what transpired.

The owner says that he was telephonically alerted to the gruesome discovery by residents.

The suspect’s case was on Monday postponed to next week at the Protea Magistrate’s Court. This is to allow him time to appoint a legal representative.   

NPA Spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, says, “(Flavio) Hlabangwane was remanded in custody until 22 November 2021 for him to apply for legal representation with Legal Aid South Africa. The case relates to the discovery of various female body parts inside a fridge at a room rented by the accused person.” 

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Qunu residents lament lack of access to clean drinking water

Residents of Qunu, the birthplace of the late former president Nelson Mandela, have been without a clean water supply for months. Water is a basic need and everyone has a right to clean drinking water, but residents in the village of Qunu in Mthatha have had to find other means to get the commodity. Their taps have been dry for the past eight months.

Residents have now resorted to fetching water from unclean water sources, which they share with animals.

“We don’t have water here. We get it from the river. But the people we vote for lie and say they do everything for us. We even experience constant power outages. Sometimes we sleep on empty stomach here in Qunu. We are struggling in this village of Dalibhunga,” says a resident.

“It’s been seven months without water. When we go to other places out of Mthatha and we tell people that we are from Qunu, they think we come from rich families, while we are as poor as everyone else. The water we drink from the river is full of diapers here,” another resident says.

“Here in Qunu, we struggle to get water. We fetch it from the river so we can do our laundry, then we depend on water tanks for drinking,” a resident said.

The OR Tambo District Municipality, which is responsible for water provision, is working on fixing the challenge.

“There was a challenge of water challenge in the area because of an electricity issue between us as a district municipality and Eskom. The matter was, however, later resolved and water was restored to the community and the community had water access until recently. The recent water outage is caused by a faulty valve that we have ordered as the municipality, and once it arrives, we will fix the system,” explains Zimkhitha Macingwane.

Water supply in the OR Tambo District has been an issue for a long time. This despite government’s multi-billion rand funding, meant for infrastructural development in the district.

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Date set for the implementation of recently-approved teenage pregnancy policy

A teenage pregnancy policy that was recently approved by Cabinet will be implemented from January next year. The policy will allow learners who fell pregnant to return to school sooner. This was revealed to the National Council of Provinces by the Basic Education Acting Director General Granville Whittle.  

The department, MECs and officials have held talks with the NCOP on the dropout of learners from schools.  

Whittle had to answer some of the questions on behalf of the Basic Education Deputy Minister Reginah Mhaule.

“Cabinet fairly recently approved the policy on teenage pregnancy. We are currently working with a range of departments to develop an implementation plan and we will start implementing that policy from January 2022. One of the key tenets of that policy is that learners who do fall pregnant must be allowed to return to school as soon as possible and in the period where they are off because of the pregnancy, that they be allowed to return, but also that schools provide ongoing educational support to them during that time.” 

The NCOP has heard that about 120 000 learners fall pregnant every year with only a third returning to school after giving birth.    

It was revealed that over 200 000 learners did not return to school in 2021.  

In his opening remarks, NCOP Chairperson Amos Masondo said there are many workable solutions to drastically reduce the school dropout rate.  

Masondo highlighted some of the social factors leading to learners dropping out of school. 

“There are many reasons for school dropouts, from family commitment, illness, lack of interest and poverty, which is largely mitigated by the no fees schools. Whatever the reasons, we need to find workable solutions to drastically reduce and ultimately eradicate the phenomenon of school dropouts.” 

Mhaule told NCOP delegates that the number of learners who did not return to school this year is 200 000 and not 500 000  as she had initially indicated. 

“A nationally representative household survey pointed to a decline in school attendance between November 22 and April 2021. The number is 200 000 not 500 000. I want to put my sincere apology on that because it’s a misprint, because I had to check my records here. It’s not 500 000; it’s 200 000 learners who did not return back to school.” 

One of the questions asked by the NCOP was how teenage pregnancy contributed to learners dropping out of school.  

Whittle responded, “We have got a 120 000 (learners) a year, who fall pregnant. Only a third of actually them return to school. And so, two thirds drop out, which is an important issue. We need to confront not only as the Department of Basic Educations, but in fact, as society large because teenage pregnancy is not only a DBE problem.” 

Deputy Minister Mhaule told the NCOP that proposed changes to the Basic Education legislation will also look into the roles that should be played by some stakeholders to curb the school dropout rate. 

“As we are preparing for the amendments of the Basic Education laws, we are also looking at this matter (of school dropout), because the first person who identifies that a learner is not  coming to school is a teacher. We are not saying that the teacher must be held reliable and accountable.  The teacher (must) report. As the teacher reports to the principal then the principal must report to the School Governing body, because it is the School Governing body that is looking at the governance of the school in general. And it is the School Governing Body that has a contract with parents to make sure that parents allow their learners to go to school.” 

DISCUSSION | Shocking numbers of teenage pregnancies in Gauteng:

Reports by Basic Education on HIV infections among young girls: Elijah Mhlanga

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Court hears how Bishop Zondo allegedly offered to buy rape accuser’s silence

The high court in Pretoria has heard how Rivers of Living Waters Church leader, Bishop Steven Zondo allegedly offered to buy the silence of one of his rape accusers.

The 55-year-old faces eight charges of rape, one of indecent assault, and another of defeating the ends of justice.

He is accused of luring his victims on the pretext of praying for them.

Zondo has pleaded not guilty to all 10 charges.

The now 46-year-old woman, who is Zondo’s relative, has given a detailed account on how she was allegedly raped on three occasions by the church leader when she was just seven years old.

2020 video, Bishop Zondo maintains innocence amid sexual abuse claims:

And on all occasions, the preacher would allegedly give her R1 afterwards. She has told the court that during the third incident, the preacher was aggressive because of her screaming and crying when he entered the bedroom.

She also says she only disclosed the alleged incidents to her brother much later in life.

In May last year, she finally opened a sexual assault case against Zondo, 40 years after the alleged incidents.

A meeting between her and Zondo, and their respective families followed. She says during that meeting, the pastor denied the allegations and claimed he did not recall anything.

Despite this, he’s said to have apologised to the alleged victim’s family, but not to her.

The witness also claims the bishop pleaded for forgiveness and asked her to name her price to keep the matter a secret.

He allegedly offered her livestock and R25 000 among others, in exchange for dropping the charges, which she declined.

Cross examination is expected to continue on Wednesday.

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Major General Jeremy Vearey’s dismissal upheld

The recent dismissal of top Western Cape policeman, Major General Jeremy Vearey has been upheld by the Arbitrator of the Safety and Security Sectoral Bargaining Council.

Vearey was fired earlier this year for what the police top brass said was bringing the service into disrepute with a series of Facebook posts.

Police management said the posts undermined National Police Commissioner, Khehla Sitole. He’s welcomed the ruling of the bargaining council.

“Veary referred an unfair dismissal dispute to the SSSBC. After much deliberation on the matter, the Arbitrator ruled at the end of his 24-page award to the SSSBC that the dismissal of the Applicant, Major General Jeremy Veary was substantively fair,” says National Police Spokesperson, Vish Naidoo.

VIDEO: Two Western Cape police officers fight their demotion in court

 

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Qunu residents lament lack of access to clean drinking water

Residents of Qunu, the birthplace of the late former president Nelson Mandela, have been without a clean water supply for months. Water is a basic need and everyone has a right to clean drinking water, but residents in the village of Qunu in Mthatha have had to find other means to get the commodity. Their taps have been dry for the past eight months.

Residents have now resorted to fetching water from unclean water sources, which they share with animals.

“We don’t have water here. We get it from the river. But the people we vote for lie and say they do everything for us. We even experience constant power outages. Sometimes we sleep on empty stomach here in Qunu. We are struggling in this village of Dalibhunga,” says a resident.

“It’s been seven months without water. When we go to other places out of Mthatha and we tell people that we are from Qunu, they think we come from rich families, while we are as poor as everyone else. The water we drink from the river is full of diapers here,” another resident says.

“Here in Qunu, we struggle to get water. We fetch it from the river so we can do our laundry, then we depend on water tanks for drinking,” a resident said.

The OR Tambo District Municipality, which is responsible for water provision, is working on fixing the challenge.

“There was a challenge of water challenge in the area because of an electricity issue between us as a district municipality and Eskom. The matter was, however, later resolved and water was restored to the community and the community had water access until recently. The recent water outage is caused by a faulty valve that we have ordered as the municipality, and once it arrives, we will fix the system,” explains Zimkhitha Macingwane.

Water supply in the OR Tambo District has been an issue for a long time. This despite government’s multi-billion rand funding, meant for infrastructural development in the district.

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Date set for the implementation of recently-approved teenage pregnancy policy

A teenage pregnancy policy that was recently approved by Cabinet will be implemented from January next year. The policy will allow learners who fell pregnant to return to school sooner. This was revealed to the National Council of Provinces by the Basic Education Acting Director General Granville Whittle.  

The department, MECs and officials have held talks with the NCOP on the dropout of learners from schools.  

Whittle had to answer some of the questions on behalf of the Basic Education Deputy Minister Reginah Mhaule.

“Cabinet fairly recently approved the policy on teenage pregnancy. We are currently working with a range of departments to develop an implementation plan and we will start implementing that policy from January 2022. One of the key tenets of that policy is that learners who do fall pregnant must be allowed to return to school as soon as possible and in the period where they are off because of the pregnancy, that they be allowed to return, but also that schools provide ongoing educational support to them during that time.” 

The NCOP has heard that about 120 000 learners fall pregnant every year with only a third returning to school after giving birth.    

It was revealed that over 200 000 learners did not return to school in 2021.  

In his opening remarks, NCOP Chairperson Amos Masondo said there are many workable solutions to drastically reduce the school dropout rate.  

Masondo highlighted some of the social factors leading to learners dropping out of school. 

“There are many reasons for school dropouts, from family commitment, illness, lack of interest and poverty, which is largely mitigated by the no fees schools. Whatever the reasons, we need to find workable solutions to drastically reduce and ultimately eradicate the phenomenon of school dropouts.” 

Mhaule told NCOP delegates that the number of learners who did not return to school this year is 200 000 and not 500 000  as she had initially indicated. 

“A nationally representative household survey pointed to a decline in school attendance between November 22 and April 2021. The number is 200 000 not 500 000. I want to put my sincere apology on that because it’s a misprint, because I had to check my records here. It’s not 500 000; it’s 200 000 learners who did not return back to school.” 

One of the questions asked by the NCOP was how teenage pregnancy contributed to learners dropping out of school.  

Whittle responded, “We have got a 120 000 (learners) a year, who fall pregnant. Only a third of actually them return to school. And so, two thirds drop out, which is an important issue. We need to confront not only as the Department of Basic Educations, but in fact, as society large because teenage pregnancy is not only a DBE problem.” 

Deputy Minister Mhaule told the NCOP that proposed changes to the Basic Education legislation will also look into the roles that should be played by some stakeholders to curb the school dropout rate. 

“As we are preparing for the amendments of the Basic Education laws, we are also looking at this matter (of school dropout), because the first person who identifies that a learner is not  coming to school is a teacher. We are not saying that the teacher must be held reliable and accountable.  The teacher (must) report. As the teacher reports to the principal then the principal must report to the School Governing body, because it is the School Governing body that is looking at the governance of the school in general. And it is the School Governing Body that has a contract with parents to make sure that parents allow their learners to go to school.” 

DISCUSSION | Shocking numbers of teenage pregnancies in Gauteng:

Reports by Basic Education on HIV infections among young girls: Elijah Mhlanga

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News24.com | Nienaber and Boks shrug off World Rugby snub: ‘We don’t play for a pat on the shoulder’

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber has reaffirmed the team’s party line that they hold no grudges towards World Rugby snubbing them for its annual awards ceremony.

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News24.com | Jacob Zuma in hospital for ‘regular check-up’ – reports

Former president Jacob Zuma has been hospitalised, according to media reports.

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Businessinsider.co.za | SA emergency response marketplace scores R62 million in funding – eyes global expansion

A South African emergency response platform has received R62 million in funding just months after expanding to Kenya and the United Kingdom.

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News24.com | Convicted child rapist re-elected Kannaland’s mayor, with convicted fraudster as his deputy

The Kannaland municipal council on Tuesday re-elected a convicted rapist as its mayor, and a convicted fraudster as his deputy, with the support of the ANC.

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News24.com | Patriotic Alliance says it has been promised ‘positions’ by the ANC in Ekurhuleni and Joburg

The Patriotic Alliance seems to have struck a deal with the ANC in key municipalities with party leader Gayton McKenzie signalling certainty over key political positions for his party in Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg.

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News24.com | Ex-top cop Jeremy Vearey’s dismissal is ‘fair’, bargaining council finds

Axed Western Cape cop Major-General Jeremy Vearey’s dismissal is “substantively fair” and is the only sanction that can be imposed, given the circumstances.

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News24.com | Eskom issues load shedding warning as 5 units fail

Eskom has warned that load shedding could kick in at short notice after five of its units tripped during the day – three in the past two hours.

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News24.com | Alleged sex offender Willem Breytenbach yet to go on trial nearly 2 years after his arrest

Willem Breytenbach’s case has been postponed again, but this time he and his lawyer have the further particulars of the case against him so far.

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News24.com | JUST IN | High Court grants access to former president Jacob Zuma’s tax records

Investigative journalism outfit amaBhungane and business magazine the Financial Mail have won their court application to access the tax records of former President Jacob Zuma.

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News24.com | ‘Just a few Indians are not racist’ – witness tells SAHRC hearing on the July unrest

The second witness to testify at the SA Human Rights Commission investigation into the July unrest has labelled most Indians racist.

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News24.com | Sasria claims from July unrest hit R32 billion

Sasria, the only insurer that provides cover against risks such as civil commotion, public disorder, strikes, riots and terrorism, says it has seen a spike in inflated claims from the July unrest.

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