Author: Nomthandazo Ntisa

Gauteng, South Africa’s economic hub, is once again under the spotlight following the release of shocking crime statistics for the first quarter of 2025. The data, presented by Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni, paints a worrying picture, revealing a rise in several violent crimes, including murder, rape, kidnapping, carjacking, and house robbery. The statistics further highlight a number of crime hotspots where residents and commuters face heightened risks. ALSO READ: Lesufi Launches New Gauteng Number Plate System to Curb Crime Kidnappings on the Rise Between January and March 2025, Gauteng recorded a significant increase in kidnappings. Police arrested 88…

After nearly four years on the ground, Mango Airlines is preparing for a long-anticipated return to South Africa’s skies. The low-cost carrier, a subsidiary of South African Airways (SAA), entered business rescue in July 2021 and suspended operations shortly after. Now, business rescue practitioner (BRP) Sipho Sono says the airline is finalising a transaction with a selected investor, setting the stage for Mango’s comeback. ALSO READ: Gauteng’s R83.1 Million Innovation Hub Upgrade to Drive Startups and Industrial Growth Mango Airlines Eyes a Return Mango’s grounding dealt a heavy blow to South Africa’s aviation sector, especially for budget-conscious travellers. But Sono,…

In a decisive step toward modernising vehicle registration and strengthening public safety, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has launched a new number plate system set to transform how the province tracks and monitors vehicles. Unveiled at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, the new plates introduce enhanced security features and support Gauteng’s broader strategy to fight crime and improve governance. ALSO READ: Gauteng Unveils High-Tech, Tamper-Proof Number Plates Why Gauteng Needed a New Number Plate System The current vehicle registration format in Gauteng is quickly running out of combinations, prompting the urgent need for change. Lesufi explained that the province has…

South Africa continues to grapple with the scourge of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Femicide. The government is once again taking the issue to the national agenda. On Thursday, 5 June 2025, Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, will deliver a keynote address at the Black Business Summit. The event will be held at the Radisson OR Tambo Hotel and Convention Centre in Kempton Park, Gauteng. It is scheduled to begin at 18:00. This major summit, hosted by the Black Business Council (BBC), comes at a critical time. South Africa strives to…

Gauteng, South Africa’s economic engine, has taken a decisive step forward with the launch of the R83.1 million EB3 PPP Project. This is an ambitious infrastructure expansion of the Innovation Hub aimed at accelerating industrialisation, entrepreneurship, and the commercialisation of cutting-edge technologies. Marking a historic moment for the province, the Gauteng Innovation Hub officially broke ground on the expansion. The project is being delivered through a 45-year Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with Notre Damme Developments, a subsidiary of Crowie Holdings. This expansion forms part of the province’s broader plan to cement its role as a leader in Africa’s digital and knowledge…

A disturbing incident has jolted Johannesburg’s private education sector after Spark Schools discovered that coffee and milk at its Rosebank support office were deliberately contaminated with terbufos—a highly toxic pesticide. This same chemical was responsible for the deaths of 22 children in 2023. This includes six from Naledi, Soweto, who died after eating tainted snacks from a local spaza shop. Staff first became suspicious when someone noticed an unusual smell in their coffee. Toxicology tests later confirmed the presence of terbufos. This prompted Spark Schools to launch an internal investigation and open a criminal case with the South African Police…

South Africa marks Child Protection Week from 29 May to 5 June 2025. This is a powerful call to action is rising from civil society and law enforcement alike. With more than 26,000 cases of child abuse and neglect reported during the 2024–2025 financial year, the demand for tougher sentencing and stronger child protection measures has reached a critical point. The theme for this year’s Child Protection Week is, “Working together in ending violence against children,”. This calls on every South African to play a role in safeguarding children from harm. It is a reminder that the safety, dignity, and…

Tax season is just around the corner, and this year, South African taxpayers can expect a smoother and faster process thanks to the South African Revenue Service’s (SARS) new auto-assessment system. The 2025 tax season officially starts on 7 July and runs until 20 October, with many taxpayers having their income tax returns automatically assessed for the first time. This exciting development aims to simplify tax compliance and speed up refunds, allowing SARS to better serve the public while reducing the stress typically associated with filing tax returns. ALSO READ: Gauteng 2025/26 Budget Speech: Key Allocations, Priorities, and Economic Recovery…

South African motorists are in for a slight reprieve as the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) announced a fuel price decrease effective Wednesday, 4 June 2025. While the drop brings a breath of fresh air to struggling consumers, the savings are offset in part by an increase in the fuel levy — a move that continues to frustrate drivers facing mounting transport costs. ALSO READ: Gauteng Unveils High-Tech, Tamper-Proof Number Plates Petrol and Diesel Prices: What’s Changing? The DMRE confirmed that both grades of petrol — 93-octane and 95-octane — will drop by 5 cents per litre, while…

Motorists in Gauteng are on the brink of a revolutionary shift in vehicle identification technology, as the provincial government prepares to unveil a high-tech, tamper-proof number plate system. Premier Panyaza Lesufi, along with MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, will preside over the official launch of the new number plate system on Thursday, 5 June 2025, at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg. This game-changing initiative aims to bolster road safety and curb vehicle-related crimes in the province. ALSO READ: Gauteng 2025/26 Budget Speech: Key Allocations, Priorities, and Economic Recovery Plans A Page from James Bond’s Playbook The concept…