Latest news with #Johannesburg-based
IOL News
9 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Activists protest outside Parliament, demand justice for murdered child, 11
Jayden-Lee Meek was murdered outside his home after failing to come home on 12 May 2025. Image: Supplied At their own expense, a Johannesburg-based women's rights organisation has travelled to Cape Town to picket outside Parliament in a desperate bid to force the police to take decisive action in the brutal murder case of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek. The Women Empowerment Platform (WEP), led by founder Natalie Solomons, joined local activists and community leaders in calling for justice after Jayden-Lee's body was found just metres from his home in Fleurhof, Roodepoort. The organisation is urging Parliament and the Portfolio Committee on Police to prioritise the case and ensure that an arrest is made. 'We got involved in the Jayden case because it's a child who was murdered in the very community we serve,' said Solomons. 'I still can't get the picture of how he was found that morning out of my head. It was a very evil sight to see – I don't know how somebody can do that to a little boy. I'm a mother. There's no way I could turn away from this. That's why we travelled from Johannesburg to Parliament. We want action. Someone needs to be held accountable.' Jayden-Lee went missing on Tuesday, 12 May 2025. He was last seen being dropped off by school transport at around 3.30 pm at the Swazi Court complex, where he lived. According to his mother, who works from home, Jayden never made it inside the flat. His body was discovered the following day, just two metres from their doorstep. He was rushed to Discovery Hospital, where he was declared dead. Anti-gender based activists picketing outside parliament demanding justice for slain Jayden-Lee Meek Image: Supplied According to witnesses, his body was still warm when found, indicating he may have died shortly before being discovered. What followed has sparked outrage. Community members say police and forensic teams only arrived after residents had already begun searching for Jayden's school clothes and bag. According to community members, the crime scene was neither secured nor barricaded, and no arrests have been made more than two weeks after his death. Community activist Althea Cluff, among the first to raise the alarm, said she fears the case will simply fade away. 'We are afraid this case will be buried like so many others — that it will become another cold case.' Solomons and Cluff were livestreaming from the scene on TikTok the day Jayden's body was found, demanding urgent action from authorities. The Women Empowerment Platform, established in 2020, runs a children's home called Legacy Children's Home and a gender-based violence (GBV) facility in Northcliff, Johannesburg. The organisation currently houses over 10 children rescued from abusive environments. 'We see these horrors daily,' said Solomons. 'One of the girls we're housing now is 11, the same age as Jayden, and she was raped (and sodomised). But Jayden's case hit differently. That picture of his body lying there... As a mother, I just couldn't turn away.' Following pressure from activists, a meeting was held on 27 May at Parliament with MP Dereleen James. The delegation submitted a formal request for a sitting with the Portfolio Committee on Police and was granted permission to hold a peaceful picket. The case has since drawn national attention, with South Africans from multiple provinces donating to support the efforts of the self-funded group. But what the activists want most, is justice. 'We are not going anywhere until there is justice,' said Cluff. 'Jayden deserves that. All our children do.' The community continues to call on SAPS, the Ministry of Police, and Parliament to ensure that the investigation proceeds swiftly, transparently, and with the urgency it deserves. Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, confirmed that the committee had unanimously supported the call for a dedicated meeting to address Jayden-Lee's death and the broader policing challenges it exposes. 'This follows a formal request sent to me yesterday by committee member Dereleen James MP,' said Cameron. 'We will ensure that the necessary accountability mechanisms are activated without delay. South Africa's children deserve better, and we will act accordingly.' [email protected]
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Valterra Platinum begins trading on Johannesburg bourse after separating from Anglo American
Valterra Platinum, a miner of platinum by value, marked its entry on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) as an independent entity on Wednesday, according to a Reuters report. This move finalised the spin-off from its former parent company, Anglo American. The demerger of the Johannesburg-based platinum group metals (PGM) producer, previously known as Anglo American Platinum, aligns with Anglo's strategy to concentrate on the copper and iron ore sectors. Valterra's CEO, Craig Miller, emphasised that the company will focus on value creation and maintaining the high standards set during its tenure within the Anglo group. 'Part of our DNA is upholding those high standards and exemplifying who we are as a PGM producer,' Miller was quoted as saying, post-listing. Valterra's chief financial officer, Sayurie Naidoo, confirmed the company's intention to adhere to its capital allocation framework, with plans to distribute 40% of headline earnings. Naidoo also mentioned the potential for share buybacks should metal prices increase and generate surplus cash. Additionally, Valterra is preparing for a secondary listing in London on 2 June, the report said. Meanwhile, Anglo American is in the process of divesting from its platinum mining operations as part of a broader restructuring. This comes after the company successfully fended off a $49bn (A$76.08bn) takeover bid from BHP Group a year ago. Anglo has retained a 19% stake in the South African platinum miner and is also considering the sale or listing of its loss-making De Beers diamond unit, along with disposing of other assets. Anglo's CEO, Duncan Wanblad, has expressed that focusing on copper assets should enhance the company's value. However, there is speculation among analysts and investors that if Anglo's shares do not revalue as expected, it could become a target for another takeover bid. In related news, US-based Peabody Energy is reassessing its options concerning the acquisition of Anglo American's Tier 1 Australian steelmaking coal assets, valued at $3.78bn (£2.93bn), following a fire at the Moranbah North coal mine, which is included in the transaction. "Valterra Platinum begins trading on Johannesburg bourse after separating from Anglo American" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Valterra Platinum begins trading on Johannesburg bourse after separating from Anglo American
Valterra Platinum, a miner of platinum by value, marked its entry on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) as an independent entity on Wednesday, according to a Reuters report. This move finalised the spin-off from its former parent company, Anglo American. The demerger of the Johannesburg-based platinum group metals (PGM) producer, previously known as Anglo American Platinum, aligns with Anglo's strategy to concentrate on the copper and iron ore sectors. Valterra's CEO, Craig Miller, emphasised that the company will focus on value creation and maintaining the high standards set during its tenure within the Anglo group. 'Part of our DNA is upholding those high standards and exemplifying who we are as a PGM producer,' Miller was quoted as saying, post-listing. Valterra's chief financial officer, Sayurie Naidoo, confirmed the company's intention to adhere to its capital allocation framework, with plans to distribute 40% of headline earnings. Naidoo also mentioned the potential for share buybacks should metal prices increase and generate surplus cash. Additionally, Valterra is preparing for a secondary listing in London on 2 June, the report said. Meanwhile, Anglo American is in the process of divesting from its platinum mining operations as part of a broader restructuring. This comes after the company successfully fended off a $49bn (A$76.08bn) takeover bid from BHP Group a year ago. Anglo has retained a 19% stake in the South African platinum miner and is also considering the sale or listing of its loss-making De Beers diamond unit, along with disposing of other assets. Anglo's CEO, Duncan Wanblad, has expressed that focusing on copper assets should enhance the company's value. However, there is speculation among analysts and investors that if Anglo's shares do not revalue as expected, it could become a target for another takeover bid. In related news, US-based Peabody Energy is reassessing its options concerning the acquisition of Anglo American's Tier 1 Australian steelmaking coal assets, valued at $3.78bn (£2.93bn), following a fire at the Moranbah North coal mine, which is included in the transaction. "Valterra Platinum begins trading on Johannesburg bourse after separating from Anglo American" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Lowveld murder: Accused out on strict bail conditions
The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court has granted bail to murder-accused Sonell Joubert, overturning the Tonga Magistrate's Court's earlier decision to deny her release. According to Lowvelder, Joubert (43) was granted bail of R15 000 with strict conditions in a judgment delivered today. She must attend all court appearances, report to the Tonga Police Station twice a week, notify authorities of any address changes, remain within the district unless permitted, and avoid contact with state witnesses. Should she fail to comply, a warrant for her arrest will be issued immediately, and her bail money will be forfeited to the state. Bail appeal reveals procedural concerns Joubert had appealed her bail refusal, initially denied on February 24. The appeal hearing, presided over by Justice J Vukeya last Thursday, revealed inconsistencies in documentation, leading the judge to request a supplementary affidavit from Joubert's legal representative, Adv Hennie van Rensburg. Judgment was reserved until today. Throughout the case, Joubert has changed attorneys multiple times, including appointing Johannesburg-based lawyer Marco Lamberti, who later withdrew due to non-payment. Details of fatal stabbing Joubert is accused of fatally stabbing Jurgens Nel at Lowhills Farm in the Nkomazi region in early February. On February 1, she approached the KaMhlushwa police, alleging Nel had violated a protection order she had instituted against him. That night, officers visited the farm but did not directly confront Nel, as Joubert and her life partner Johann Möller claimed he was armed and aggressive. According to Van Rensburg, officers remained at the premises from 22:00 to 02:00, observing Nel moving through the house, switching lights on and off. Two days later, on February 3, a group of eight officers, led by investigating officer Sergeant Bonginkosi Given Nguyuza, returned to Lowhills Farm. After retrieving the keys from Joubert and Möller, they entered the house and discovered Nel's body with six stab wounds to the upper body. When questioned, Joubert told police she had stabbed Nel during a fight, during which she sustained a minor cut below her left eye and another on her finger. She was arrested on February 4 and has been in custody since then. Questions over evidence The court raised concerns over the minor injuries Joubert sustained, as well as the missing murder weapon, casting doubt on her account. Additionally, it was revealed that Lowhills Farm had been sold at auction, leaving Joubert without a fixed residence. Joubert attempted to use her ownership of Tswale, a domesticated elephant valued at over R1m, as collateral in her bail argument. Nguyuza responded that he was unfamiliar with elephant auction prices. With strict bail conditions in place, Joubert will remain under close supervision as her case progresses. She is expected to return to court in June, when further evidence, including the post-mortem report and crime scene photo album, will be presented. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Monkey Shoulder Threads the Needle at Soweto Fashion Week with a New Streetwear Showdown
The Street Thread Battle is now open! Fashion students, rebels, visionaries - this one's for them. This May, Monkey Shoulder traded whisky barrels for wardrobe rails as the brand stepped into Soweto Fashion Week 2025 as the official pouring partner - and they didn't come to pour quietly in the corner. They came to mix things up - fitting, considering that they are the only whisky that's made for mixing. In true Monkey Shoulder style, the VIP lounge wasn't just a drinks station - it was a full-blown immersive experience. Think bold cocktails, bold people, and a bold mural, curated to reflect the Soweto Fashion Week theme by 2024 Brushstroke Battle winner, George Mars. His work brought the space to life with a creative energy that had influencers, stylists, and celebs snapping faster than one can say 'neat, or on the rocks?' But that wasn't all Monkey Shoulder had up their tailored sleeves. On opening night (Wednesday, 7 May), the ever-stylish Shamiso Mosaka joined the affair to officially launch the next frontier of Monkey Shoulder's creative movement: the Street Thread Battle - a Johannesburg-based search for the next young fashion designer who dares to disrupt the runway. The Street Thread Battle is now open! Fashion students, rebels, visionaries - this one's for them. By submitting their portfolios via the splash page [ entrants stand the chance to: Win R20,000 in prize money Collaborate with the iconic BLANK Collection Receive a personal mentorship from designer Fulu Rathumbu And here's the mic-drop moment: showcase their own collection at Soweto Fashion Week in November 2025 That's not just a win. That's a game-changer. Speaking of change-makers, this year's runway also toasted the first-ever Monkey Shoulder fashion collaboration, featuring none other than Fulu Rathumbu, the creative force behind BLANK Collection. Fulu debuted both his signature Autumn/Winter Threads and the limited-edition Monkey Shoulder capsule, where fashion met flavour in the freshest way possible. Monkey Shoulder is beyond excited to continue this journey with Fulu and the soon-to-be Street Thread champ. The future of fashion just got a playful whisky twist. Ready to thread the needle? Entries are open now at Monkey Shoulder encourages everyone to enjoy our whisky responsibly. Please drink mindfully and ensure a safe journey home. Only for individuals over the legal drinking age. The Star
