ACO RADIO

16/06/2024

Happy Father's Day 💙

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15/05/2024

Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 launches with a buzz


Durban: The 2024 instalment of the continent’s premier travel trade show, Africa’s Travel Indaba, kicked off on a high note at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre today, with the Trade Floor opening that was attended by delegates ready to do business.



The opening ceremony marks the official opening of the trade floor of the pan-African trade showpiece. Africa’s Travel Indaba serves as a platform for tourism professionals from across the African continent and around the world to network, showcase their products and services, and discuss industry trends. The event promotes Africa as an attractive and appealing destination, fostering business partnerships and drives sustainable tourism development.



This year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba, themed “Unlimited Africa” features more bolstered engagement sessions, and networking opportunities. Tourism Minister, Honourable Patricia De Lille said the theme was apt because it spoke to the unlimited potential of the continent, which boasted diverse landscapes, cultures and experiences that offered limitless possibilities for growth and exploration.



“Africa’s Travel Indaba emphasizes the importance of networking, collaboration and building bridges across borders. It is one of the powerful platforms that we must continue to use to drive and advance a positive and powerful African tourism story,” said De Lille.



During the Trade Show, buyers have the opportunity to engage directly with exhibitors, exploring new business opportunities and foster connections for future business. In total, about 1 261 exhibitors and 25 African countries represented and over 1 000 buyers from 55 countries. Of the African countries, there are two news countries Guinea and Eritrea.



De Lille highlighted that a lot has been achieved since last year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba, which includes cabinet approving the Tourism Sector Master plan, that includes a recovery plan for the sector post COVID-19.



“We also relaunched the R1.2 billion Tourism Equity Fund to support the growth of emerging tourism enterprises,” said De Lille.

Minister De Lille also used the platform to give delegates a teaser of the South African Tourism Global Brand campaign.



“A Global Brand Campaign for South African Tourism plays a pivotal role in enhancing our global reputation and fostering positive relationships with visitors from around the world,” said De Lille.



KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Nomusa Dube-Ncube said Africa’s Travel Indaba took place at a time when the province was positioning itself to benefit from the recovery created by a future tourism industry.



“We also meet here when the tourism industry previously battered by the COVID-19 storm, was at 90% pre-pandemic recovery levels by the end of 2023, supported by strong pent-up demand. This recovery is evidenced by the fact that according to the World Tourism Organisation, an estimated 1.2 billion international tourists were recorded worldwide in 2023, an increase of 34% over 2022, or 325 million tourists,” said Dube-Ncube.



She added that it is estimated that Africa’s Travel Indaba’s contribution to the province’s GDP was between R22 million and R260 million per year between 2004 and 2022, equating to a R3 billion impact.



Minister De Lille also went on a walkabout, engaging delegates and exhibitors throughout the ICC precinct and at the Durban Exhibition Centre.

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13/05/2024

African businesses encouraged to redefine themselves on the global stage

Durban - The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Fish Mahlalela, says it is up to the African continent to be bold about what it can offer the world.

Mahlalela was the keynote speaker at the Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) of Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 (ATI), which sets the scene for the ATI that will start today until Thursday at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban.

“It is up to us as Africans to open the world’s eyes to what we have to offer as a continent and take charge of the narrative because only when we are proactive, will we control our destiny,” he said.

ATI showcases a wide variety of Africa’s best tourism products, and attracts African exhibitors, international and local buyers and media from across the world.

He said: “There is no opportune time to do that than at Africa’s Travel Indaba, which takes place during May, which significantly, is also Africa Month. Today, we gather not merely as representatives of businesses, but as catalysts of change, and architects of a future defined by co-operation and collective success.”

Mahlalela added that transformation is important, especially in the South African economy for tourism to thrive. “Transformation becomes a necessity in South Africa because there is inequality and poverty,” says Mahlalela.

Mahlalela added that although there are challenges, there is some headway being made as small businesses are being developed and tourists encouraged to visit the township businesses.

Deputy Minister Mahlalela’s address was followed by a panel discussion of leading entrepreneurs. South Africa remains the gateway to the continent.

The CEO of Motsamayi Tourism Group, Jerry Mabena, said the Motsamayi Tourism Group prides itself in building iconic destinations such as the Kruger Shalati - The train on the Bridge and the Nelson Mandela house, where he stayed from 1992 to 1998 in Gauteng, which has been converted into a hotel.

“We’ve just a finished a camp in Dinokeng, outside of Johannesburg, which is a pop-up hotel. We put it up for four nights and after that we pull it down,” he said.

South African Tourism CEO, Nombulelo Guliwe, said tourism is a catalyst for job creation and it is important for everyone in the ecosystem to be aware of the role they play.

She was one of the panellists in a discussion titled Stimulating Local Economies Through The Tourism Value Chain.

“Platforms like Africa’s Travel Indaba and other South African Tourism-owned trade shows as well as those we participate in are important for creating an enabling environment for people in the sector to have access to information,” said Guliwe.

Panelist Zinhle Mqadi, the CEO of Max’s Lifestyle, the uMlazi township shisanyama-turned upmarket eatery, said they now work with other service providers in the township and the city to curate a full experience of township tourism beyond visiting a shisanyama.

South African property developers have some note to share with their continental counterparts. Brian Mpono, the CEO of Oceans Mhlanga Development, says other African countries have approached them to assist in building infrastructure similar to the Oceans Mall in uMhlanga.

At the Future of Travel Through the Eyes of the Youth, three young travellers shared how they have converted their hobby of travelling into thriving businesses while also visiting the lengths and breadths of the continent.

Acacia Denison and Michael Monk, of Yeti the Van, have been to more than 100 campsites throughout South Africa travelling in their self-converted van, which also doubles up as their home.
Monk said they generate income through brand placement. “We offer brands diversity because we are at a new location all the time. We also cover establishments. They pay for us to travel. We put ideas into their heads when we pitch because they might not be thinking about their brands that way,” he said.

Denison and Monk, who are also a couple, have been travelling off-road for the past three years.
Katchie Nzama, a solo traveller, has been to 35 African countries. Her adventure began when she felt stifled by the corporate industry. She packed up to start a Cape to Cairo journey. Ten years later, she has not looked back.

“The travelling community is huge and people are always excited to meet someone from South Africa. When I arrive in a country, I go to the South African embassy and get emergency contact details and let them know that I am travelling solo. I am a digital content creator and a travel writer,” said Nzama.

In a discussion titled Airlift Advancements in Africa, Hamish Erskine, the CEO of Dube TradePort, reflected on their 14-year journey since inception in 2006.

He stressed the importance of prioritising cargo transport to sustain operational growth. “Cargo remains the lifeblood of our operations, driving our focus and innovations,” he said.

Mpumi Mpofu, the CEO of Airports Company South Africa, echoed Erskine's sentiments, underlining the significance of intra-African tourism. “Without robust travel networks within the continent, the potential for growth remains stunted,” she remarked.

She provided insights into the company’s resilience post-2019, citing impressive figures of 54 million passengers traversing their global airport network.
She lauded the role of airports such OR Tambo International and King Shaka International in facilitating this growth.

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12/05/2024

We wish you an awesome !!!

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18/06/2023

We wish all the responsible dads a Happy Father's Day. Continue to be a blessing.


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24/05/2023

VACANCIES!!!

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15/03/2023

A boy was allegedly shot with live ammunition and wounded in an unrest at , eMalahleni earlier today. The protest is said to have Initially started as a service delivery march, however, the twist started when an eviction court order started circulating suggesting that the residents of the area are "Unlawful occupiers of Uthingo Park." Police are monitoring the situation while gunshots continues to be heard.

02/12/2022

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20/09/2022

MEDIA ADVISORY

BROADCASTING DIGITAL MIGRATION PUBLIC AWARENESS PROGRAMME IN LIMPOPO AND GAUTENG PROVINCES

The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni will be in Limpopo and Gauteng Provinces to join the teams doing public awareness on the Broadcast Digital Migration Programme.

Following the gazetting of the 30th of September 2022 as the final date for eligible indigent households to register for government-subsidized decoders and installation, the Department has intensified the awareness campaign on the programme on various platforms including door-to-door campaigns.

Details of the Public Awareness Campaign to which members of the media are invited are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 21 September 2022
Time: 10:00 – 15:00
Venue: Aboo Tayob Hall, Mokopane, Mogalakwena Municipality, Waterberg District Municipality, Limpopo Province

Date: Thursday, 22 September 2022
Time: 12:00 – 16:00
Venue: Full Gospel Church, Ndhambi Village in Dzumeri, Greater Giyani Municipality, Mopani District, Limpopo Province

Date: Friday, 23 September 2022
Time: 10:00 – 15:00
Venue: Olievenhoutbosch Ward 48, 77 & 106, City of Tshwane, Gauteng Province

Enquiries: Tlangelani Manganyi 060 886-4670 ([email protected])
Facebook : Department of Communications & Digital Technologies
Twitter :

Issued by GCIS on behalf of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies
20 September 2022

19/09/2022

we had a chat with and this is what he had to say:

Visuals:

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14/09/2022

Princess Auto Mechanic

Queen Elizabeth II was the last surviving head of state who had served during the Second World War, and also the first female member of the royal family to serve in the British Armed Forces. When she was 18 she joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service, the women’s branch of the British Army, where she trained as a mechanic – earning her the nickname “Princess Auto Mechanic”.

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13/09/2022

PHOLA FATHER ARRESTED AFTER DAUGHTER AGED 24, BEATEN TO DEATH

Nelspruit | 13 September 2022, Fannie Mtshali (58) has appeared before the Ogies Magistrate’s Court on 12 September 2022 for slapping his daughter to death in Phola near Witbank, on 10 September 2022.

It is alleged that on that fateful day at around 23h00, an argument broke out between the two, leading to a physical confrontation. The suspect, Mtshali, allegedly assaulted his daughter who then lost consciousness resulting into her death.

The Police at Phola and the Emergency Medical Services were called to the scene. Upon their arrival she was unfortunately certified dead. The suspect was immediately arrested and charged for murder. He appeared yesterday, Monday 12 September 2022, facing the murder charge.

He was remanded in custody and his case postponed to 19 September 2022 for formal bail application.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela was saddened by the girl's death and disappointed in the manner in which the incident unfolded. "Though children should be brought up to be disciplined however parents should avoid using violence. Parents are the ones that must protect their children as well as their families. Gender-Based-Violence remains classified as a pandemic and we cannot turn a blind eye on this dreadful scourge" added the General.

Media Enquiries :

Brigadier Selvy Mohlala

0713536955

Compiled by: Serg. Thabang Petros Ntuli Phola Corporate Communications Official

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05/09/2022

A 16-year-old boy and girl was killed in a motor vehicle accident at N12 near Emalahleni West off ramp in the Phola policing precinct

PHOLA | On 2022-09-04 at about 01:50a.m, Const. Mashego Mahlaba and Const. Naithan Maseko were officially on duty patrolling at N12 and came across a motor vehicle accident near Emalahleni West off ramp whereby a Red Polo Vivo overturned.

Allegedly, as the officers approached the scene of accident and upon further investigation, they discovered that there were three occupants in the vehicle including the driver.

According to the police, a 16-year-old boy who survived the accident alleged that, he was a passenger in the car sitting at the back seat sleeping and they were traveling from Phola to Witbank with his two friends who were occupying the front seats. Furthermore, he alleged that he didn't know what transpired but only woke up to see that the car rolled and his two 16-year-old friends (boy and girl) died on the spot because of the accident.

Apparently, all relevant role players were summoned to the scene of accident and a case docket of Culpable Homicide was registered at Phola police station. As a result, the family of the deceased children and the survivor were able to be found and notified about the accident.

Compiled by: Serg. Thabang Petros Ntuli Phola Corporate Communications Official

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25/08/2022

Nkangala District Municipality Speaker Cllr LS Ndinisa hosts a in Hlalanikahle

17/08/2022

Awareness conducted at Mabande C. High School concerning learners who carry dangerous weapons and who possess/use dagga within school premises

PHOLA- Today, 17 August 2022 at 16:00, Serg. Petros Ntuli (communications/social crime prevention official) attended a parents meeting at Mabande Comprehensive High as the adopted cop, to conscientize parents about learners who carry dangerous weapons and who uses or found in possession of dagga within the school premises.

The meeting was conducted by the safety committee and the School Governing Body (SGB) of the school. The attendance was very high hence a majority of parents came with their children in attendance.

Equally important, teachers also participated in the event and as a result, parents sworn to unite and commit to work hand in glove with teachers, SGB and the police to restore peace and order at the school.

In conclusion, the event was a success.

Compiled by: Serg. Thabang Petros Ntuli Phola Corporate Communications Official

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17/08/2022

Prostest Aftermath

After a 2day community protest in Lynnville, eMalahleni ward 17 Cllr Sizwe Mathebula initiates a clean up campaign to remove objects that were used to barricade some of the main streets in the area. This forms part of the Mayor's that champions a clean city.

12/08/2022

R22m Nokaneng Fire Station officially opens

Executive Mayor of Nkangala District Municipality (NDM) Leah Mabuza on Friday,12 August 2022 officially opened the Nokaneng satellite Fire Station.

The emergency facility is located Nokaneng village in DR. J.S Moroka local Municipality under the NDM.

Attended Barolong ba Lefifi Traditional Council Chief Mamakhudu Gloria Lefifi, various local government officials, dignitaries from other provinces, local schools, residents.

The launch comes after several requests from the residents during Integrated Development Planning imbizos that were previously held. Residents among other services urged the district Municipality to prioritize the emergency management services (EMS) and be brought closer to their residential area so that they can receive and access quick emergency response when necessary.

During the handover, Mabuza outlined that the facility will in its nature also address triple threats that the community is prone to; that includes inequality, unemployment and poverty.

Having kick started on August 28,2019 the multi year project was successfully completed on March 18, 2021 to the tune of R22m. In her expenditure declaration the Mayor made mention of every single cent that was spent towards completing facility.

Nine (9) local subcontractors are said to have benefited out of which, women and youth equally benefited from the project. She also made reference to a family in eMalahleni local whose house was engulfed by blaze in the previous month. According to Witbank News, "A 31-year-old mother, her four-year-old boy and her five-year-old daughter died when their house in Klarinet Extension 3 caught fire."

Mabuza is grateful that non fatalities were experienced in the following the incident. She reassured the attendees that the emergency team needs to get proper training. In this the Mayor revealed that the district municipality envisions to have a fire academy that will play a major role in ensuring quality training in the sector.

Adhering to the national objectives of 7 minutes response to fire calls is what she's certain that the facility is well equipped to provide. The Mayor also put emphasis on what she refers to as the broader mission, in which she outlined that they are customed to see their firefighters when responding to fire through all the challenges ,however, their resilience is inevitable.

Educating communities on fire and water safety, prevention are also coupled with other future plans the Municipality envisions to have accomplished in the near future. Schools and Early Childhood Development centers are also targeted to be equipped through awareness programs on disaster management knowledge and training.

Mabuza urged the community to be patient in instances where there's minor delays of EMS response. She however said that the knowledge from the awareness programs would come handy while they await necessary assistance.

The Mayor also emphasized the issue of awareness programs saying it shouldn't be taken for granted. Among those who are said to be at risk she revealed global stats that suggests families, business properties, livestock.

A motor grader to the value of, a tipper truck, compactor truck that amounts to the value of R8m. The fleet is part of the efforts to make the local Municipality illegal dumping free which she she said is part of contributing factors to harm the environment and source of veld fires.

Constant consultation engagements with the traditional authority is what the Mayor concluded by saying assists them during proper plenary processes.

17/06/2022

Sports against crime soccer and netball tournament.

PHOLA | On Friday, 2022-06-17, Phola SAPS and Ogies SAPS through the Community Policing Forum (CPF) in conjunction with Phola Women's network, Phola Men for Change, community in Blue, Foundation for Victims of Crime (FOVOC) and Phola Youth Desk conducted a Top 4 Soccer and Netball tournament as an awareness under the theme of _*"sports against crime"*_. Apparently, the tournament started at 10 o'clock in the morning and ended at 5 o'clock in the afternoon.

The Department of Safety and Security and Liaison donated with a soccer kit and a netball kit for both winners of the finals.

In recognition, the event was made possible by both Phola SAPS and Ogies SAPS CPO's and communications officials, Sergeant Petros Ntuli and Constable Bhekuyise Ziqubu, the Phola Women's Network Chairperson, Captain Khosi Maphanga, Vispol Commander, Captain Jannie Kamfer, Men for Change Chairperson, Warrant Officer Thokozani Masuku, CPF Chairperson, Mr Mlungisi Nkonde, Community in Blue Chairperson, Miss Mary Sibanyoni, Youth Desk Chairperson, Mr Xolani Mashiloane and Miss Tshepiso Ramphamudi from FOVOC.

The event was a huge success hence community members came in their numbers to support these local teams including the Phola and Ogies SAPS team.


Compiled by: Serg. Thabang Petros Ntuli.

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06/06/2022

Driving License Breakdowns

According to media reports, when renewing their driver’s licenses, South Africans may have to wait as long as 6 months to receive their license card. South Africa has a backlog of 2m cards after the country’s only license card printing machine broke down.

Audio streaming : http://acoradio.airtime.pro/

Agree Culture Online (ACO) Radio is a self-motivated news and advertising agency that provides digital media communication, a South African web based radio station that seeks to inform, educate and entertain. We are in support of education from basic to higher level, youth skills development, youth....

04/06/2022

Help us find Miss Phindile Deborah Lusenga, she's Missing.

PHOLA | Apparently, it is over a month now since miss Phindile Deborah Lusenga left her home in Phola to meet her new Facebook boyfriend that she haven't met before.

On the 28th of April 2022, miss Nondumiso Fortunate Mtshali, who is the complainant in this matter, alleged that on Thursday, 2022-04-20 at about 11:20 in the morning, she was with her 28-year-old sister miss Phindile Deborah Lusenga at their residential place at Phola in Ogies and she told her that she is going to visit her boyfriend that she met on Facebook at Middleburg.

Conspicuously, that was the last time they ever heard of her and both her cellphones abruptly went off. Sadly, no one in the family or friends who knew the alleged boyfriend.

According to information given to the police, the victim is light in complexion and she was last seen wearing a white trouser with peach sneakers and a black and white t-shirt with stripes.

The missing person file was opened at Phola SAPS and Detective Sergeant Alucia Mathebula is investigating the matter. Anyone who has information concerning the whereabouts of the alleged mission person or who can provide any information that can assist the police in finding her, can contact Phola SAPS at 013 643 8601 or 076 605 4760.

Compiled by: Serg. Thabang Petros Ntuli.

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02/06/2022

WHA re-elects Dr Tedros to second term as WHO Director-General

On 24 May 2022, WHO Member States re-elected Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to serve a second five-year term as Director-General of the World Health Organization. Dr Tedros was first elected in 2017. His re-election was confirmed during the 75th World Health Assembly in Geneva. He was the sole candidate.

Get the full broadcast on this evening in the first hour of the show.

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http://acoradio.airtime.pro/

01/06/2022

Take a girl/boy child to work program conducted at Phola SAPS yesterday.

PHOLA | On Tuesday, 2022-05-31 at About 11:00a.m, the CPO/Communications official Serg. Petros Ntuli and Capt. Khosi Maphanga who is the Support Head and Women Network Chairperson, conducted the Take a Girl/Boy Child to work program at Phola police station.

Apparently, three High Schools (Mabande, Mehlwana and Makause) were identified and two learners per school were nominated to participate in the event. Thus, they were taught how the police station operates and how the police functions in their respective offices and fields.

The campaign was successful and very informative to the learners.

Compiled by: Serg. Thabang Petros Ntuli.

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23/05/2022

Please Note: Refuse Removal

*Refuse in the following areas will no longer be collected on Friday's and will now be collected on Thursday's, from Thursday, 26 May 2022:*

•Reyno Ridge Proper via Reyno Manor
•Reyno Ridge Ext 4,5 & 6
•Ben Fleur Ext 3 & 9
•Die Heuwel Proper

*Refuse in the following areas will no longer be collected on Thursday's and will now be collected on Friday's, from Friday, 27 May 2022:*

•Blanchville
•Jackaroo Park
•Clearwater Estate
•Highveld Park
•Model Park
•Die Heuwel Ext 1-6 via Riverview

Thank you for your cooperation.

~Emalahleni Local Municipality Communications Unit

21/05/2022

Please Note: Load Shedding

*Eskom will implement Stage 2 load shedding from 08h00 until 22h00, Today, 21 May 2022 and tomorrow, 22 May 2022.*

Load shedding schedule from 08h00 until 22h00:

*21 May 2022:*

Buffer Substation will be affected from 08h00 until 09h30.

Clewer, Ogies and Phola Substation will be affected from 09h00 until 11h30.

GaNala Substation will be affected from 11h00 until 13h30.

Doornpoort, Rietspruit and KwaGuqa Substation will be affected from 17h00 until 19h30.

GaNala and KwaGuqa Substation will be affected from 19h00 until 21h30.

Grobler Substation will be affected from 21h00 until 22h00.

~Emalahleni Local Municipality Communications Unit

19/05/2022

Phola police, CPF, Women's Network, Men for Change and FOVOC conducted a Domestic Violence and Gender Based Violence (GBV) awareness Campaign at Klipfontein Farm.

PHOLA | On Wednesday 2022-05-18 at 15:00p.m, Captain Jan Kamfer (Acting station commander) lead an awareness campaign of domestic violence and gender based violence (GBV) at Klipfontein Farm yesterday afternoon.

Other role players who participated and made the event successful were Phola CPF led by Mr Jabulani Shabangu (deputy chairperson), Phola Women's Network lead by Capt. Khosi Maphanga (chairperson), Phola Men for Change lead by W/O Thokozani Masuku (chairperson) and miss Tshepiso Ramphamodi a social worker from FOVOC.

The campaign was successful and pamphlets were issued hence all the residents appreciated the visit and asked for more visits and more police visibility during the nights to prevent stock theft that they experience once after some time.

Compiled by: Serg. Thabang Petros Ntuli.

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14/05/2022

Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu on Friday, 13 May 2022 said that as soon as the amended regulations for the Social Assistance Act of 2004 have been published in the next few days, SASSA will be in a position to provide the extended child support grant of R720 per child per month to relatives who are caring for orphaned children.