Ekurhuleni News

17/02/2025

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Jabulani Khumalo says that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla’s bad behavior is instructed by Jacob Zuma to deal with SG Floyd Shivambu, as he feels he can’t control him.

17/02/2025

Good Morning - it looks like this week is starting off with rainy 🌧 weather. Do take care on the roads, keep a safe 🚗 🚕 🚙 🚐 following distance and put the headlights on.

15/02/2025

Late EMPD Officer’s Wife Arrested for His Murder

By Sbongile Sokela

The wife of the late Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officer, Banele Sikhosana, was taken into custody on Friday afternoon while preparing amid his funeral arrangements.

Officer Sikhosana was fatally shot last week while opening his tuck shop in Kwa-Thema’s Rest in Peace section.

Authorities had previously arrested a hitman who confessed to carrying out the killing in collaboration with the officer’s wife.

Investigators further revealed that this was not the first attempt on Sikhosana’s life. His wife had allegedly tried to poison him before, but he survived.

Acting EMPD Chief of Police, Julius Mkhwanazi, stated that the hitman admitted to being paid by Sikhosana’s wife, with the final payment made shortly after the murder.

One more suspect remains at large, but police report that an arrest is imminent.

The arrested suspects are scheduled to appear in the Springs Magistrate’s Court on Monday, February 17.

15/02/2025

CITY REASSURES RESIDENTS OF NO DISRUPTION OF BULK ELECTRICITY SUPPLY*

The City of Ekurhuleni wishes to address recent media reports regarding a possible interruption or disconnection of electricity supply to bulk points. We confirm that our electricity supply will not be disconnected.

It is important to note that the City has not received any formal communication from Eskom in relation to the notice published in the media. Although we have established effective communication channels with Eskom, these were not utilised in this instance. The City will initiate contact with Eskom to resolve this matter and ensure that residents continue to receive uninterrupted essential services.

As part of our ongoing engagement and dispute resolution efforts, the City met with Eskom earlier this year. We are actively servicing the current electricity bill while working expeditiously to address the current disputed portion. Our ongoing dialogue with Eskom demonstrates our focus on protecting the interests of our residents and ensuring a sustainable energy supply for the city.

The City values transparency and will provide updates as discussions progress. Residents are urged to visit the city’s social media channels for regular service delivery related updates.

Issued by the City of Ekurhuleni

15/02/2025

Galitos katlehong and katlehong crossing hosts community for Valentines month

13/02/2025

Bacha Ba Dichaba’s Mission to Empower Learners

By Sibongile Sokela

Bacha Ba Dichaba is back at it again, making a difference where it truly counts. This time, the team is on a mission to cover books for learners and donate school shoes to those in need because every child deserves the right tools to succeed.

The book-covering drive is in full swing at Zanokhanyo Primary School, Goerge Mbilase Primary School, and Thopodi Primary School. With a target of 300 learners, Bacha Ba Dichaba is aiming to cover 6,000 books, ensuring that each Grade 7 learner, who receives 17 books, has them protected for the school year.

“We are covering books because we know how important it is for learners to have well-kept materials,” says the team. “It’s a small but powerful way to help learners focus on what truly matters—their education.”

This February, in collaboration with 100% Foundation, Bacha Ba Dichaba is also stepping up by donating school shoes. The impact of a new pair of shoes goes beyond just comfort, it gives a child dignity and confidence.

- 100 pairs to Rholihlahla Primary School
- 50 pairs to Zanokhanyo Primary School
- 50 pairs to George Mbilase Primary School

“We started with our first school, Zanokhanyo Primary, they share. “We are grateful to 100% Foundation for providing plastic covers for books and school shoes. It’s because of them that we can reach more children.” Lichaba explained.

Every year, the organization carefully selects schools to support, ensuring that more learners benefit from their outreach efforts.

Beyond these initiatives, Bacha Ba Dichaba is also preparing for the Botswana Spelling Bee, an opportunity to showcase young talent and promote literacy. However, they need support to cover accommodation and catering costs for participants.

“We are requesting donations, especially to help with accommodation and catering,". “Every bit of support counts, and we appreciate everyone who stands with us in making education accessible and exciting for learners.” Lichaba added.

A big shoutout to the Bacha Ba Dichaba team, volunteers, staff, and supporters, the real champions behind this movement. With dedication and community support, they continue to change lives, one learner at a time.

12/02/2025

12/02/2025

Royal AM Facing PSL Expulsion Over SARS Debt Battle

By Ncamiso Dlamini

The future of Royal AM in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) hangs by a thread as the league considers expelling the club from the 2024/25 season. The club, owned by businesswoman, Shauwn Mkhize, is in financial trouble after the South African Revenue Service (SARS) took control of its affairs due to unpaid taxes amounting to R40 million.

The PSL's Executive Committee has been in ongoing meetings to determine the club's fate. According to rule 57.13 of the National Soccer League (NSL) Handbook, the league has the power to suspend, relegate, or even expel a club under extreme circumstances. If Royal AM is expelled, the PSL will have to continue with only 15 teams in the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season. Royal AM has not played a match since December 29, 2024, when they lost 3-0 to TS Galaxy at Harry Gwala Stadium. Since then, their fixtures have been postponed indefinitely as the PSL demanded assurances regarding the club's ability to function properly.

The club recently lost a legal battle to force the PSL and SARS to allow them to continue playing. The court dismissed their urgent application, leaving the team stuck at the bottom of the log with only 11 games played, one win, five draws, and five losses, totalling just eight points.Their Nedbank Cup round of 32 match against Milford FC was also postponed due to the ongoing uncertainty.

Sports law expert Mandla Tshabalala says the PSL is in a tough position. He explains that the league has contracts with sponsors and broadcasters that guarantee a 16-team competition with a certain number of matches. Expelling Royal AM could create legal complications, potentially breaching these agreements. "The PSL has never faced a situation like this before," Tshabalala said. "SARS, as a third party, now controls the club, which puts the league in a difficult spot. The PSL must decide carefully because if they expel Royal AM, they will have fewer teams and fewer games for broadcasters, possibly violating sponsorship contracts."

The PSL is expected to announce its final decision before the end of the week. Sponsors, fans, and other clubs are eagerly waiting to see how this situation will unfold.

If Royal AM is expelled, it will mark a historic moment in South African football, with serious consequences for both the league and the team's future.

12/02/2025

DIANA CAUSING LEBONE PRIMARY SCHOOL TO SHINE!!!

By Nobuhle L. Ngema

Lebone Primary School, a school situated in Tsakane, Ekurhuleni with plus/minus 1200 learners and 28 educators have had been having activities such as soccer, netball, cricket, music, chess, volleyball and athletes since its establishment in 1961. Mr Lentsoe Khehla, Athletic coordinator believes in kids indulging in these activities as they come to their full potential and recognizing their own strengths at a very young age.

He also believes participating in sporting activities helps children develop life skills such as sharing, team work, leadership and accountability, whereas not involving in sport makes a child emotionally stunned, unable to understand social interactions.
And today, he’s delighted to celebrate the pictured Diaba Samadulo, a top athlete who will be taking part in the Gauteng East district competition in 100m and 150 m under 12 boys in Germiston Stadium on the 18th of August 2025.

He got positions one in both events in the cluster level and greater town which qualifies him to the district competition.
"I am proud of the boy, it shows that the talent has been identified and nurtured. I wish him all the best." Says Mr Lentsoe, the coach.

Mr Lentsoe says he was not taken by surprise when Diaba came position one. He says he has been dedicated and full of potential.
“I am proud of myself and I hope that I will do my best in the upcoming event through proper training in order for me to proceed in Provincial championships. Lastly, I would like to thank Mr Lentsoe for encouraging and motivating me; it wasn’t always easy. " Diaba Samadulo, The Star, mentions.

12/02/2025

This Valentine's Day, AWARE.org urges parents to protect youth from alcohol harm

As South Africans celebrate love and connection this Valentine's Day, AWARE.org is shifting the focus beyond romance to highlight the vital role of family support in shaping young people's choices.
With growing concerns around underage drinking, peer pressure and often harsh lived realities, the organisation is calling on parents and caregivers to play an active role in fostering open, trusting relationships with their children.

"Young people today are navigating a complex world influenced by social media, peer pressure, and too easy access to alcohol," says Mokebe Thulo, CEO of AWARE.org. "While we continue to work with and empower youth to make responsible choices, we also recognise the critical role of parents and caregivers in providing guidance, support, and a safe space for open conversations."
AWARE.org's schools- and community-based engagement and interactions with young people have revealed that alcohol consumption is widely normalised in households, with many parents not restricting their own drinking around their children.

Unless it is addressed, this picture may contribute to the perception that alcohol use is generally socially acceptable, leading to worrying trends of underage drinking. Disturbingly, children as young as 11 years old are engaging in alcohol consumption, with treatment centres admitting young people aged 11 to 17, the majority being 16-year-olds.

This highlights the urgent need for increased alcohol education in schools and households to prevent early alcohol use and its associated risks. "Through our partnership with SANCA, in 2024 we enrolled 106 pupils in an intervention programme, with almost 100 under 18s successfully completing the course. We saw measurable improvements in adolescents' attitudes towards life and substance use," says Thulo. "This proves that with the right intervention, attention, and care, children can overcome some of the challenges and develop into more responsible members of society. This is why a whole-family approach is essential in addition to the whole-of-society strategy AWARE.org advocates for."

Family engagement in prevention efforts is crucial. Insights from AWARE.org's programmes indicate that many young people express a desire for stronger parent-child relationships, yet families often struggle to initiate crucial intergenerational conversations about alcohol and risky behaviours. Research suggests that early exposure to drinking within the home can create undesirable attitudes towards alcohol and increase the likelihood of underage drinking.

According to the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA), parental involvement is one of the most effective ways to prevent substance abuse. "Creating a home environment where children feel supported and understood can significantly reduce their likelihood of engaging in harmful behaviours," says Adrie Vermeulen, National Coordinator at SANCA. "Prevention starts with open communication and positive role modelling."

While AWARE.org remains committed to education and awareness, practical family-based intervention strategies are the foundation. Beyond equipping young people with tools to resist underage drinking, parents also need resources to identify early warning signs and foster meaningful discussions at home.

This provides an enabling start for AWARE.org's whole-of-society zero-tolerance approach to under-18s consuming alcohol . By working together—parents, educators, communities, and industry stakeholders—we can create an environment where young people are enabled to make informed, responsible choices.
This Valentine's Day, AWARE.org invites parents to take the opportunity to reconnect with their children, engage in meaningful conversations, and find positive ways to spend time together.
More about AWARE.org
Contact: Tshilidzi Matidza, +27763061197, [email protected]

12/02/2025

Beyond SONA promises: Reforming Public Sector Board Appointments

By Nobuhle L Ngema

In this 2025 State of the Nation Address ( SONA), President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke about building a state with leaders who are prepared to serve people with complete dedication, and public servants who are ethical, skilled and qualified. However, according to Parmi Natasan, CEO of Institute of Directors in South Africa (IoDSA), this just remains another unfulfilled promise. She says, “This track record of empty promises makes us feel like we will just hear the same again at next year's SONA without seeing any change.”

As much as there are good intentions to restore a good governance and professionalise the public sector, the President has now promised the same thing in many successive years. "To achieve these objectives,” Ramaphosa said, “we are strengthening the role of the Public Service Commission in the appointment of the key people who direct the affairs of our state such as Directors-General, Deputy Directors-General, Chief Executive Officers of SOEs and
board members and other senior positions."

However, this approach is unlikely to bring the desired improvements in leadership and in governance, because the Ministers will still have the power to make board appointments, which historically has seemed to be according to political lines and patronage. To ensure that SOE board members are indeed "ethical, skilled and properly qualified", the IoDSA strongly recommends thorough due diligence in the appointment process, in line with the principles of King IV. "King IV advocates for a competency-based approach to board composition, ensuring that directors collectively have the knowledge, skills, experience, and personal qualities necessary for effective governance and oversight," says Natesan. "

Furthermore, the IoDSA's formal Chartered Director and Certified Director designations provide a framework for directors to acquire and demonstrate the specialist skills, experience and integrity needed to discharge their duties with mastery, in line with its Director Competency Framework." The IoDSA has, over the years, advocated for improvements to the nomination process, as well as the professionalization of board members in the public sector in general.

11/02/2025

SWEARING IN OF NEW S79 FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON

On Monday, 10 February 2025, Cllr. Clarise De Lange-Williams was officially sworn in as the new Chairperson of the Finance Oversight Committee in the City of Ekurhuleni Legislature.

Cllr. De Lange-Willams was elected for the position in the Ordinary Council meeting that took place on the 30th of January 2025.

The swearing in ceremony was done in accordance with Rule 11 (1) , (2) and (3) of the City of Ekurhuleni Standing Orders By-Law.

These rules make provision for Councillors to swear or affirm their faithfulness and obedience to the Republic, the Constitution and Council before the magistrate in a Council meeting; or at any time by arrangement before the Speaker in the Speaker’s Office.

11/02/2025

Opening Hearts and Doors: Stepping Stone Hospice’s Children’s Unit Showcases Compassionate Care

By Sibongile Sokela

Alberton, January 31 — There was a special kind of warmth in the air at 12 Glen Albyn St, Alberton, as Stepping Stone Hospice’s Children’s Unit welcomed dignitaries, stakeholders, and community members to experience firsthand the love, care, and dedication poured into supporting children with life-limiting conditions.

At the heart of the event was Tersia Burger, the passionate CEO and founder of Stepping Stone Hospice, which opened its doors on January 1, 2013. Leading a heartfelt walk through the facility, Tersia shared the story behind the hospice’s mission and the critical role it plays in the lives of young patients and their families.

“The purpose of today was to introduce our facility and showcase the care we provide to children facing life-limiting conditions,” Tersia said. “We invited stakeholders and dignitaries because they work closely with children, and it’s important for them to see where our kids are cared for, to understand how referrals work, and to see if we meet the standards they’d expect.”

As guests toured the bright, welcoming spaces, they met the dedicated staff who provide not just medical care but also emotional support, creating a safe, comforting environment for both children and their families. Representatives from Discovery Health, Stats SA, Cupcakes of Hope, Naleli Foundation, Pumprite, Ekurhuleni Health officials, APCC, Netcare Alberton Hospital, Waco Modular, and Biomab were present, all eager to learn how they could support the hospice’s work.

Dr. Heatherins from Discovery Health captured the spirit of the day perfectly: “This event is about creating connections between the community, palliative care providers, and local government. Working together through public-private partnerships is key to providing the best possible care for children. Facilities like this are rare, and children often don’t get the attention they deserve in palliative care environments.”

But while the day was filled with hope and inspiration, Tersia didn’t shy away from the challenges the hospice faces. “We receive no government funding to run this facility. We rely on income from our charity shop and fundraising events. The biggest challenge we face is money,” she shared candidly.

Despite these hurdles, the event highlighted the incredible potential for community involvement. “We need much broader awareness—not just among healthcare providers but among anyone who works with or supports children,” Dr. Heatherins added. “This could be a wonderful community service project for companies, big or small. Whether it’s a local business here in Alberton or a large corporation like Discovery, everyone can play a role. Sometimes, just showing up and asking, ‘How can we help?’ is enough.”

The event ended on a sweet note, thanks to Lianne Wende from Biomab, who provided delicious treats for all the guests, a small gesture that perfectly reflected the spirit of care and generosity that defines Stepping Stone Hospice.

If you would like to support Stepping Stone Hospice’s Children’s Unit or learn more about their work, call 010 442 5059.

Because every child deserves to be surrounded by love, dignity, and hope, even in the most challenging times.

11/02/2025

Family Left Devastated After a House Fire, Seeks Support

By Sibongile Sokela

A family in Daveyton, eTwatwa, Mandela Extension 24, is facing unimaginable hardship after a house fire destroyed everything they owned in the early hours of the morning. The fire, which broke out around 3 a.m., left the family with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Vital documents, clothing, furniture—everything was reduced to ashes.

While the family is grateful that no lives were lost, the emotional and financial toll is overwhelming, especially for the children who are struggling to cope with the aftermath.

"We were very shocked when we realized the house was on fire," said Ntombi Vilakazi, a family member. "The support we've received so far has come from our neighbors, but we urgently need more assistance."

The family is in desperate need of shelter, food, clothing, and essential items, particularly school uniforms for their children. Community members who wish to help can contact Ntombi Vilakazi at 066 393 0014 or Thandi Nkosi at 067 266 2225.

Bacha Ba Dichaba Steps In

Touched by the tragedy, the non-profit organization Bacha Ba Dichaba quickly mobilized support. The organization’s CEO emphasized their commitment to assisting those in need, saying, "Helping where we can has become our passion. What happened to the Nkosi family really touched us as an organization. After being tagged on Facebook, we saw the urgent need to react quickly."

The organization extended its gratitude to its donors, whose generosity made it possible to provide relief to the family.

"I still say, I cannot help everyone, but everyone can help someone," the CEO added.

One of their strongest supporters, 100% Foundation, has played a crucial role in their ongoing efforts. Bacha Ba Dichaba encourages the community to continue extending a helping hand, not only to the Nkosi family but to all those in need.

This heartbreaking incident has shown the power of community and the importance of unity in times of crisis. The family is relying on the kindness of others to rebuild their lives, and any form of assistance, big or small, will make a meaningful difference.

11/02/2025

https://youtu.be/OOGUpBHF-MA

11/02/2025

He’s staying in South Africa and not going to the US because they don’t have Drink•O•Pop there.

11/02/2025

Breaking

The MK Party's Dudu Zuma-Sambudla has been instructed to issue a public apology to the party's Secretary-General, Floyd Shivambu, following a string of insults directed at him last night.

In addition to apologizing to the party structures, she will also undergo internal disciplinary hearings.

This comes after she told Shivambu, "F*ck you," and labeled him the "worst thing to happen to the MK Party."
Breaking

The MK Party's Dudu Zuma-Sambudla has been instructed to issue a public apology to the party's Secretary-General, Floyd Shivambu, following a string of insults directed at him last night.

In addition to apologizing to the party structures, she will also undergo internal disciplinary hearings.

This comes after she told Shivambu, "F*ck you," and labeled him the "worst thing to happen to the MK Party."
Breaking

The MK Party's Dudu Zuma-Sambudla has been instructed to issue a public apology to the party's Secretary-General, Floyd Shivambu, following a string of insults directed at him last night.

In addition to apologizing to the party structures, she will also undergo internal disciplinary hearings.

This comes after she told Shivambu, "F*ck you," and labeled him the "worst thing to happen to the MK Party."