Latest news with #KwaMhlanga-based
The Citizen
25-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
KwaMhlanga entrepreneurs walk 300km to provincial government for change
A group of five passionate KwaMhlanga-based entrepreneurs embarked on a seven-day walk from eMalahleni to the Mpumalanga Provincial Government Complex in Mbombela to bring attention to the plight of unemployment and lack of opportunities in their area. Raymond Mthimunye (39), Rogger Maela (33), Karabo Modupi (25), Stanley Khoza (45) and Vincent Zimu (33) walked 300km from May 3 to May 9. These men are skilled in woodwork, business management, and marketing and design, and they aimed to the present practical solutions to the provincial government and plead for support. They also showcased one of their of woodwork products, a small coffin covered in Ndebele art designs. They carried this coffin on their journey. Maela said they sought inclusion in provincial development programmes, equipment grants and mentorship programmes, and access to funds such the Mpumalanga Premier's Youth Development Fund (MPYDF). 'Unemployment has crippled our communities. Many young people are qualified, but sitting at home, frustrated and without opportunities. There is a rise in depression and substance abuse due to youth unemployment. Our biggest concern is that most programmes don't reach us in our townships and villages. The government should decentralise opportunities and create manufacturing incubators in places like KwaMhlanga,' said Maela. Maela said the coffin they carried symbolised the death of the dream of the youth and the burial of their potential, unless the government intervenes. He said it also represents rebirth and a call to action. Maela said the walk had its challenges. 'We faced exhaustion, muscle pain and harsh weather, but we kept going through faith and unity, with support from communities along the route,' said Maela. ALSO READ: More than 5 000 snares removed across the Lowveld On arrival at the government complex, they met with the Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu, with whom they raised their concerns. 'Meeting the premier was an honour. He listened to us, welcomed our memorandum and acknowledged our efforts. It felt like the beginning of something real. We left with hope and a sense of validation,' said Maela. Ndlovu reiterated the government's commitment to assisting the youth with numerous opportunities, citing the MPYDF. ALSO READ: TS Matsulu determined to go top of Safa Ehlanzeni U20 League log 'I am incredibly impressed with their business idea, but regrettably they did not have to endure the agony of walking for days to engage with their government. We have all these programmes throughout the province, aimed at helping our people. I have linked them with the Disability, Employment and Transition Division and Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency to formalise and navigate other regulatory requirements for their businesses,' said Ndlovu. While commending them for their resilience, he expressed that the information they received at the provincial government is available at their local municipality. 'I must commend these guys for their outstanding display of good behaviour. They have showed remarkable respect by not destroying any public infrastructure to draw attention to their cause. Their action serves as a positive example to a harmonious and respectful environment for everyone,' Ndlovu said. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Daily Maverick
06-05-2025
- Daily Maverick
Alleged mastermind behind missing journalist and partner's disappearance believed to have worked for them
Authorities have detained four individuals as the search intensifies for missing journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdluli. The arrests mark a critical turning point in the case, offering potential leads to the couple's whereabouts. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested four individuals linked to the disappearance of Pretoria community journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his girlfriend, Zodwa Mdluli. The arrests were made during a multi-provincial operation on Sunday, 4 May 2025, more than two months after the mysterious disappearance of the couple. Investigations indicate that one of the suspects was the last known person to be seen in the company of the missing couple. Daily Maverick understands that the accused, who was due to appear in the Mamelodi Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 6 May, used to work for the missing couple and drove their red Hyundai Getz. His appearance was delayed on Tuesday morning due to power cuts at the court. He has been transferred to KwaMhlanga for jurisdiction purposes because the incident occurred in KwaMhlanga, according to the police, and is now expected to appear in the KwaMhlanga Magistrates' Court. The remaining three suspects are expected to appear in the same court later in the week. According to sources, the suspect allegedly orchestrated the plan to rob the couple and was the mastermind behind their disappearance. Meanwhile, three others were apprehended after authorities uncovered vehicle parts suspected to belong to Ndlovu's car, a white VW City Golf. Among those arrested was a KwaMhlanga-based mechanic. The police said they had seized two Citi Golfs from the suspects, and the case had now escalated from a missing persons inquiry to a kidnapping and car hijacking investigation. Additional charges — including house robbery and possession of stolen property — are likely to follow. Ndlovu is the founder of Pretoria's Capital Live FM, and on the day he went missing, 18 February 2025, he drove to his home in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, to meet Mdluli. Following the couple's disappearance, it was discovered that the house had been broken into. Daily Maverick understands that many of the items stolen from the house were allegedly found in the accused's possession. Some parts from Ndlovu's car, such as the doors and the gearbox, were allegedly used on some of the suspects' own cars. Other household items, such as the couple's refrigerators and television sets, were also recovered in the suspects' possession. A formidable multidisciplinary team — including crime and counterintelligence experts, cybercrime specialists, detectives from the Organised Crime and Serious Violent Crime units, SAPS Airwing, and drone pilots — have been investigating the case. Law enforcement prioritised the missing persons case and escalated it to the provincial head office. The docket was assigned to a senior investigating officer in the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit in Gauteng. 'A long, painful wait' Mdluli's friend, Bongi Mokoena, welcomed the arrests. According to the couple's phone records, which Daily Maverick has seen, Mokoena spoke to Mdluli multiple times on the day she went missing. 'It has been a long, painful wait. The news of the suspects' arrests brings hope. It seems we are finally getting somewhere and hoping to get to the bottom of everything that has been happening,' she said. 'I hope and pray that my friend Zoe and her partner Sbusiso will be found soon [and that] they can come back to us, their families, friends, and all their loved ones. 'It has been a rough and hectic 76 days for some of us. We have been sick with worry, not knowing what has happened to them — if they are safe, if they are eating, where they are, and when they will come back,' Mokoena added. 'It's just too much and unbearable… I hope that the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice,' she said. Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong welcomed the arrests of the suspects. He visited the Ndlovu family on Sunday, 4 May 2025, to offer the government's support and solidarity. 'While investigations are still under way, I want to commend the investigating team for the progress they have made thus far. We continue to hope and pray for the safe return of both Mr Ndlovu and Ms Mdluli,' said Morolong. According to the police, the hunt for the missing couple is continuing. DM
