Latest news with #Baloyi
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Limpopo e-learning app secures R1m investment
LIMPOPO – What began as a dream between two childhood best friends from Gumbani village outside Malamulele has become a national success story. Marvel Shimbambu and Malungelo Mathonsi, co-founders of the e-learning app Novar, have secured a R1 million investment from Liberty to support the next phase of their growing platform. The journey started with determination and humble beginnings. With no formal training, facilities, or funding, the duo purchased a second-hand computer for R700 and taught themselves to code using YouTube tutorials. Their vision was simple but powerful: to improve access to quality education in under-resourced communities. The result was Novar, a free, interactive e-learning app that offers curriculum-aligned content, virtual learning tools, and information about bursaries. Since its launch, the app has been downloaded more than 50 000 times, empowering learners across South Africa. Their story gained widespread attention when social media content creator Austin Macaskill shared it on his platform, @coolstorybru_za, sparking national admiration and support. Global tech company IBM has taken note, enrolling the Novar founders in its prestigious Enterprise Development Class of 2025. Through this programme, Marvel and Malungelo will receive expert mentorship, technical support, and access to IBM's global innovation network to help scale their platform. In a significant show of support, Liberty's head of business efficiencies and sustainable impact, Amelia Beattie, announced a R1 million investment into Novar. This funding will help the team enhance their platform and expand their impact. Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi praised both Liberty and IBM for their support of the young innovators. 'The backing from IBM and Liberty shows the transformative power of investing in home-grown talent. It sets a standard for the private sector. By adopting a whole-of-society approach, we can bring together government, industry, and communities to turn brilliant ideas into sustainable businesses,' said Minister Malatsi. 'This aligns with our vision for South Africa's digital future, ensuring young innovators from all corners of the country have the opportunity to thrive.' Back in Gumbani, the local community is celebrating the success of its young trailblazers. Community leader and activist Bishop Baloyi praised the pair for their dedication and discipline. 'These boys are a shining example to the youth of our village,' said Baloyi. 'We urge the government to install broadband and internet infrastructure in rural areas. Our young people are full of potential, but they need the tools to grow. What these two have done is groundbreaking; they defied the odds and are now helping to build a better future.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
4 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Legal Administrative Officer in the Presidency receives a Doctorate of Laws degree
Reason Misiiwa Baloyi, the legal administrative officer in the Presidency's dream came true when he recently received a Doctorate of Laws degree. Image: Supplied The legal administrative officer in the Presidency, Reason Misiiwa Baloy, recently graduated from the University of Pretoria (UP) during its autumn graduation season with a Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree, fulfilling a lifelong dream to make a significant contribution to law and public service. His journey from a rural village in Limpopo to one of the highest offices in the country and obtaining a doctoral degree is a reminder of what's possible with commitment, courage and community support. Baloyi, who is from Mapapila village in Malamulele township, said his passion for law started in childhood. 'It was just a dream,' the 48-year-old, who was set on following a career that would see him either representing people or enforcing the law, said. He recalled that there was no career guidance, as the first-born son, no one in his family had completed matric, and no one in the community had ever studied law at a tertiary institution. Baloyi attended Mapapila Primary School and EPP Mhinga Secondary School, where he obtained matric before going on to improve his matric results at Lemana College. In 2003, he completed an LLB at the University of Limpopo and has since built a career in the public sector, working in legal units across several national departments. These include the Departments of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Home Affairs and Human Settlements. He then joined the Office of the Premier in the Western Cape, and in 2012, was appointed as the legal administrative officer in the Presidency, a role he holds today. His key responsibilities include scrutinising executive acts against the Constitution and relevant legislation and conducting legal research. He also provides legal opinions, liaising with government departments, and contributing to the drafting of legislation, policies and international agreements. Baloyi chose to pursue both his LLM and LLD at UP, citing the university's reputation and quality of academic support. His doctoral research focused on the liability of state officials in instances of irregular public procurement, a topic he believes is essential for strengthening governance and public accountability. 'I was motivated by the constant reports of fraud and corruption in public procurement. Public trust in the State depends on officials doing their work with integrity. If there are irregularities, there must be accountability whether disciplinary, civil or criminal.' His thesis examined how legal frameworks – including administrative, criminal and contract law – can be used to hold officials to account for misconduct in the procurement of goods and services. It argues that enforcing these responsibilities is vital for the protection of public resources and to combat the culture of impunity. Baloyi's academic journey was not without setbacks. He faced disruptions during the Covid-19 lockdown and when his original supervisor retired in 2022. He had to temporarily pause his studies.
The Citizen
5 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Young chef transports food via wheelbarrow to quell hunger in his community
Young chef transports food via wheelbarrow to quell hunger in his community A 23-year-old passionate professional young chef is using his culinary talents to feed the homeless, underprivileged school learners and elderly people from his community this winter. Born and bred in Ekangala in the far east of Pretoria, Kamogelo Kgotso Baloyi has always understood the need for a warm meal as he was raised by his grandmother, who worked as a domestic worker. His culinary journey is rooted in his upbringing and faith. 'Growing up in the church has shaped my values, as I drew more inspiration from our church's initiative called Tau Project. Through the project, the church would reach out to communities and give back food parcels, build houses, donate school uniforms and stationery, said Baloyi. He said the initiative inspired him to show God's love through sharing. Baloyi's soup drive feeds over 100 people. The beneficiaries receive a cup of soup and two slices of bread. He said this good deed was born out of his childhood experiences and the desire to give. 'The motivation behind the soup drive is that during my childhood, we used to get food from the feeding scheme at school. 'A lot of learners were getting fed through that programme,' he said. One day, he decided he wanted to do the same for other people. Despite challenges like transportation and limited resources, Baloyi's eager vision to make a difference within his community, motivated by his belief and the support from his family, panned out to a resounding success. He said his sisters and grandmother would often help with the cooking and packaging of bread. 'At the moment, I am doing everything from my grandmother's house. I am using her stove, electricity and water, including storage for food donations.' Baloyi said they chose a neutral place where the community would be able to get to without struggling. 'We currently do not have a car, so I use a wheelbarrow to transport all the things we need. We run the initiative from our own pockets and the donations we get from individuals and businesses,' he explained. He also emphasised the support they receive from his community, as they embrace the golden idea to help end hunger. 'The community of Ekangala were actually in disbelief that there are actually such blessed people out there who still have humanity within them.' He said their positive remarks are what pushed him to continue with the initiative, as some said it was their first and probably last meal for the day. He encouraged people who aspire to become like him that no amount is too little or too much for them to bless the next person. ''Motho ke motho ka batho' (a person is a person because of other people) is a commonly used phrase that motivates me to keep doing what I'm doing unto others, and in that way, I also get blessings from God,' Baloyi said. He said that he plans to grow the initiative from what it is into something bigger, like the well-known NGO Gift of the Givers. 'I am also looking forward to having my own restaurants and employing the people in my community since the unemployment rate is extremely high.' Baloyi said they are currently seeking cooking equipment and donations to feed more people. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- The Citizen
Senzo Meyiwa murder trial postponed as defence seeks more evidence from state
The defence also intends to recall two state witnesses. State Prosecutor George Baloyi is seen at Pretoria High Court on 15 September 2022. Picture: Gallo Images/City Press/Tebogo Letsie The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial has once again been postponed, following a request by the defence for additional information from the state. The trial resumed on Tuesday in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, but was adjourned until next week. The delay comes as the defence seeks access to automatic vehicle locator (AVL) data linked to the cars used in the arrests of the accused. AVL technology shows real-time information about a vehicle's status, including whether it is switched on or off, in motion or stationary, its speed, location, and date. Earlier in the trial, the defence contended that police made multiple stops on different days during which accused one, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, and accused two, Bongani Ntanzi, were allegedly assaulted and coerced into confessing to their involvement in Meyiwa's murder. Senzo Meyiwa murder trial delayed During Tuesday's court proceedings, state prosecutor George Baloyi requested a postponement until next Monday, citing the need for more time to obtain AVL records for several vehicles. 'The challenge is in obtaining the information from the service provider,' Baloyi told Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng. He explained that accessing the AVL records would require Section 205 applications. Section 205 of the Criminal Procedure Act allows investigators the right to access information which is not in the public domain. 'The date of Monday was arranged, keeping in mind that there are these processes that must be followed. 'It's not just a question of calling the service provider to request the AVL. They only release them on the strength of a subpoena, which must be issued by a magistrate,' Baloyi clarified. ALSO READ: Senzo Meyiwa trial: Cop says NPA did not refuse to issue arrest warrant for Kelly Khumalo Constable Yul Craig Liesering informed the court that two of the four vehicles, including a Nissan van, in question had been written off. Brigadier Bongani Gininda, the lead investigator in the Meyiwa murder case, confirmed that the supporting documents verifying this will be provided.' 'We will make it available to the defence to confirm that these vehicles got involved in an accident, who was the driver who then unfortunately passed away and it will be accompanied by a photo album,' he said in reference to the Nissan driven by the late Sergeant Steven Mabena. Gininda also stated that the red Volkswagen (VW) Golf used during Sibiya's arrest was parked outside the court, but was not equipped with an AVL tracker. The AVL records of the Toyota Fortuner that transported Ntanzi to North West have already been presented to the defence and submitted in court. Defence plans to recall witnesses Baloyi also informed the court that defence lawyer, Charles Mnisi, intends to recall two witnesses – police officer Sizwe Zungu and Ntanzi's acquaintance, Msizi Jack Buthelezi. The state is opposing this move. 'He must still expatiate on the reason for requesting the recall of those witnesses, but the information that he is going to receive will enable him to make a call as to whether or not he is still going to persist with that application,' Baloyi said. Zungu had previously testified that he 'partied' with all five accused at a Vosloorus hostel just hours before Meyiwa's death on 26 October 2014. READ MORE: 'That is the law': Judge intervenes as lawyers squabble in Senzo Meyiwa murder trial His testimony forms part of the state's attempt to establish the whereabouts of the accused on the night the former Bafana Bafana captain and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper was shot dead. The incident occurred at the home of Meyiwa's then-girlfriend, singer Kelly Khumalo's mother. The defence has requested the AVL records of the car Zungu used on the day in question. The trial is scheduled to resume on Monday. Five men charged in Senzo Meyiwa murder trial Five men — Sibiya, Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Ntuli — are on trial for Meyiwa's murder. The accused have been charged with murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of ammunition. All five men have pleaded not guilty. NOW READ: Senzo Meyiwa murder trial won't be affected, says police after investigator escapes armed robbery
IOL News
23-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Former Standard Bank employee debarred after targeting clients and borrowing over R28,000
A former Standard Bank employee has been debarred from working in the financial sector after he sent a client to loan him R1,000. A former Standard Bank employee has been debarred from working in the financial sector after it was discovered that he used clients' information to borrow over R28,000. Thapelo Jan Baloyi was appointed by the bank as an independent contractor in October 2022. He worked as a financial planner at the Secunda branch in Mpumalanga. Baloyi's problems began in July 2024 when a client, identified as TG, lodged a complaint with the bank's forensic department. TG reported that Baloyi had contacted her via phone and WhatsApp, requesting to loan R1,000. Subsequently, he provided his personal bank account details for the transfer. TG, sensing the impropriety, refrained from making the deposit but was immediately concerned about Baloyi's potential access to her Stanlib Investment account held at Standard Bank. An investigation was conducted, and the forensic department established that Baloyi contacted TG in July 2024 asking to borrow R1,000 and when TG told him she will report the matter to the police, he deleted the messages. In his defence, Baloyi said he had sent the messages to the wrong person. Forensic auditors discovered further troubling incidents. Between April and June 2024, Baloyi asked for R2,500 and R1,000 from two other clients. He also faced allegations of receiving R25,000 from another client in December 2023, which he promised to repay with R5,000 interest within six months—a commitment he failed to honour. During the hearing, Baloyi confirmed that the R25,000 was paid into his account, and he hasn't repaid it. In July 2024, Baloyi's activities escalated when he allegedly solicited at least R17,000 from a client with the promise that he will help her daughter to get a job at the bank. Although attempts were made by Baloyi to have the daughter employed, the client's daughter remained unemployed, and the money has not been refunded. It was also found that he was conducting a consulting business with some of the bank's clients and also failed to return the bank's laptop, effectively committing theft. The culmination of these events led Standard Bank to terminate Baloyi's contract in August 2024.
