Latest news with #KwaZulu-Natal-based
IOL News
a day ago
- General
- IOL News
Blind SA welcomes court ruling for independent inquiry into school mistreatment
The Pietermaritzburg High Court has ordered that an independent investigation should be instituted to probe allegations of mistreatment and sexual violence of pupils at Arthur Blaxall School for the Blind. Image: Supplied The Pietermaritzburg High Court has ordered that an independent investigation should be instituted to probe allegations of mistreatment, including the alleged sexual violence of learners at a KwaZulu-Natal-based school for the blind and visually impaired. This was after the court ruled that a curator ad litem should be appointed to investigate the allegations at Arthur Blaxall School for the Blind. The case was brought by Blind SA last year, following allegations that were made in 2018. Blind SA, in its application claimed the original investigation into the allegations against the school was inadequate. No one was criminally charged and prosecuted after the school and the provincial education department concluded their initial investigation. The Department of Education attempted to oppose the application on the basis that the issues raised had been addressed, saying a new investigation would disrupt the school's operation. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ However, the court this week ordered that a curator should be appointed to conduct an independent investigation. The curator is expected to compile a detailed report and submit recommendations to the court by September 30. It will also investigate allegations of poor quality of food and living conditions, as well as the school programmes. KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson for education, Muzi Mahlambi and his colleague, Mlu Mtshali, did not respond to messages and calls. Elijah Mhlanga, the spokesperson for the Department of Education, requested a copy of the court papers but did not respond to queries. Blind SA, which was represented by the Equal Education Law Centre (EELC), said the situation at the school reflects a broader, systemic failure in the provision of safe and dignified hostel conditions for learners with disabilities across South Africa. 'We welcome the High Court's order as an important step toward accountability and systemic reform for learners with disabilities at school hostels. Through the appointment of an independent curator, we hope that meaningful, evidence-based recommendations will emerge to drive urgent improvements at Arthur Blaxall and beyond. Learners with disabilities deserve to access education in environments that respect and uphold their dignity and rights,' Blind SA said in a statement. Blind SA chief executive officer, Jace Nair, added this will enable the curator to engage with stakeholders, including learners, staff, education officials and the community to probe the concerns and "propose effective lasting recommendations that will address the systemic changes required to prevent abuse and negligence and promote a human rights-based approach for equitable and quality education for blind and partially sighted learners". The court added that the person who would be nominated should have at least 10 years of relevant experience.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Pietermaritzburg High Court greenlights abuse probe at school for the blind
The Pietermaritzburg High Court has ordered that an independent investigation should be instituted to probe allegations of mistreatment and sexual violence of pupils at Arthur Blaxall School for the Blind. Image: File The Pietermaritzburg High Court ordered that an independent investigation should be instituted to probe allegations of mistreatment, including the alleged sexual violence of pupils at a KwaZulu-Natal-based school for the blind and visually impaired. This was after the court ruled that a curator ad litem should be appointed to investigate the allegations at Arthur Blaxall School for the Blind. The case was brought by Blind SA last year, following allegations that were made in 2018. Blind SA, in its application claimed the original investigation into the allegations against the school was inadequate. No one was criminally charged and prosecuted after the school and the provincial education department concluded their initial investigation. The Department of Education attempted to oppose the application on the basis that the issues raised had been addressed, saying a new investigation would disrupt the school's operation. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ However, the court this week ordered that a curator should be appointed to conduct an independent investigation. The curator is expected to compile a detailed report and submit recommendations to the court by September 30, 2025. It will also investigate allegations of poor quality of food and living conditions, as well as the school programmes. KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson for education, Muzi Mahlambi and his colleague, Mlu Mtshali, did not respond to messages and calls. Elijah Mhlanga, the spokesperson for the Department of Education, requested a copy of the court papers but did not respond. Blind SA, which was represented by the Equal Education Law Centre (EELC), said the situation at the school reflects a broader, systemic failure in the provision of safe and dignified hostel conditions for learners with disabilities across South Africa. 'We welcome the High Court's order as an important step toward accountability and systemic reform for learners with disabilities at school hostels. Through the appointment of an independent curator, we hope that meaningful, evidence-based recommendations will emerge to drive urgent improvements at Arthur Blaxall and beyond. Learners with disabilities deserve to access education in environments that respect and uphold their dignity and rights,' Blind SA said in a statement. Blind SA chief executive officer, Jace Nair, added that this will enable the curator to engage with stakeholders, including learners, staff, education officials and the community to probe the concerns and 'propose effective lasting recommendations that will address the systemic changes required to prevent abuse and negligence and promote a human rights-based approach for equitable and quality education for blind and partially sighted learners'. The court added that the person who would be nominated should have at least 10 years of relevant experience.
The South African
29-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
OFFICIAL: Kaizer Chiefs release long-serving local lad
Kaizer Chiefs have released 25-year-old midfielder Sabelo Radebe. The club has released a statement regarding the release of Sabelo Radebe. He got his first taste of senior football at the club in 2017-2028. He only had two Betway Premiership outings this season. He's only notched a total of 18 appearances for Chiefs. 'Radebe, now 25, joined Amakhosi as a teenager. He progressed through the junior ranks in the Kaizer Chiefs Youth Development Academy before moving up to the reserve team in the 2017-18 season,' the statement read. 'He signed after earning a spot in the senior team in the 2020/21 season, following an impressive performance in the DStv Diski Challenge. 'Last season, he had a one-year loan spell at KwaZulu-Natal-based Richards Bay FC.' According to FARPost, Chiefs' PSL rivals Stellenbosch won't be pursuing Asanele Velebayi as they already have a winger of a similar profile in the shape of Langelihle Phili. Velebayi's Cape Town Spurs side have been relegated to South Africa's third tier following a 15th-place finish in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Click for the story THREE key areas for Chiefs to improve Kaizer Chiefs release Radebe. Image: FARPost Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
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The Citizen
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Thousands march against Nsfas in Durban after months of non-payment [VIDEO]
One company said it is owed more than R17.5 million by Nsfas. Students in KwaZulu-Natal-based staged a protest on Friday demanding that the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) pay the money owed to landlords. Some of the students have not received funds from Nsfas for up to five months, meaning they are at risk of losing their accommodation, they can't afford food and their studies have not been paid for. Students and landlords march against Nsfas About 2 000 angry protesters gathered at King Dinuzulu Park and proceeded to Durban City Hall to hand over a memorandum of grievances. Some of the landlords also joined the protest. Philani Mncwabe, the executive director of MSR Consultants, a company that deals with student accommodation in KwaZulu-Natal, said several landlords decided to participate in the march because Nsfas owes them money. Watch: Students and landlords protest against Nsfas Mncwabe said his company alone is owed more than R17.5 million. 'We would like to express our deep concern regarding the ongoing non-payment of accommodation allowances by the Nsfas, which continues to affect over 700 Thekwini TVET College students residing in our properties. As of today, students have not received their housing allowances for more than five months, resulting in an accumulated debt exceeding R17.5 million owed to MSR Consultants alone. 'We are demanding urgent intervention from Nsfas and the Department of Higher Education and Training. This action is not only a reflection of the escalating crisis but a desperate call for accountability and a sustainable solution.' Reasons for Nsfas non-payment Mncwabe said that at the core of the non-payment issue is the systemic failure of technical and vocational education and training [TVET] institutions to submit timely and complete registration data, ongoing defunding of students without adequate explanation and Nsfas' internal inefficiencies in processing payments. He said, as a result of Nsfas' failure, hundreds of students are being left without stable accommodation and basic necessities and landlords are being forced to carry financial burdens that threaten the sustainability of private student housing. ALSO READ: Higher education minister apologises for late Nsfas payments, addresses appeals He said he had not yet evicted any students, as that would compromise their right to education and dignity. 'Instead, we are exhausting all democratic avenues — including this march — to raise our concerns and demand collective action. 'We also wish to highlight that the crisis extends beyond TVETs. We currently accommodate over 300 students across the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and Durban University of Technology (DUT), many of whom have not received payment or have recently been defunded. Some students from the previous academic period remain unpaid, adding to the growing debt owed to us.' He added that the problem not only impacts landlords and students — it affects institutions themselves. The protesters' demands included: Parliament and the executive to urgently allocate an additional budget to Nsfas; The minister of higher education to engage the TVET sector with the same urgency she has shown toward universities; and Nsfas to establish a national student accommodation forum made up of representatives from landlords, institutions, student bodies, South African Local Government Association (Salga), Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and a national task team to oversee crisis response and long-term sector planning. Mncwabe said they were instructed to hand over the memorandum to the City Hall management, as Nsfas and the DHET representatives were not available to receive it. By the time of publication, Nsfas and the DHET had not responded to questions from The Citizen. NOW READ: Nsfas recovers over R850 million following SIU probe
TimesLIVE
21-05-2025
- TimesLIVE
Urgent call for police action as NGOs are hit by hijackers in Eastern Cape
Nonprofit organisations (NGOs) serving last-mile communities in the Eastern Cape are demanding urgent police intervention after the hijacking of field workers this month. One to One Africa community field workers were held at gunpoint and threatened in Ngqeleni before they were abandoned deep in a forest. One to One Africa executive head Gqibelo Dandala said, despite clear evidence that NGOs were being targeted, law enforcement had shown little urgency or interest in tackling the 'growing crisis'. 'One to One Africa urges national and local leaders to intervene, ensuring that the police actively investigate these crimes, dismantle syndicates, and protect humanitarian organisations.' 'Now more than ever, we need to work together to send a strong message to those who seek to destroy the work that's happening. It is unlikely that the perpetrators are from these communities, and they do not fully understand the harm they are causing. They are robbing innocent women and children of vital services. 'We need urgent action to stop this before more lives are put at risk. Our work is integral to these communities, and we will not be silenced by fear. We need answers. We need action. We need protection,' she said. Dandala said at least three other NGOs operating in the region had suffered similar losses, leaving community field workers fearful and forcing organisations to divert donor funding to costly security services. 'For years, One to One Africa has provided critical healthcare and support to vulnerable communities through its Mentor Mothers Programme and Mobile Clinic services, ensuring free basic medical care reaches those unable to access local clinics. In rural villages where poverty and isolation create severe health risks, the organisation's 4x4 vehicles have become lifelines bridging the gap between desperate need and essential services. 'However, these life-saving operations are under attack. Criminal syndicates are targeting nonprofit organisations, hijacking their vehicles with crucial supplies,' said Dandala. The stolen vehicle and the essential supplies have not yet been located. 'Operations in the community have been temporarily suspended to give staff a chance to recover from the trauma and decide how best to mitigate risk,' said Dandala. Shamla Naidoo, who supplied sanitary towels to two Eastern Cape communities with support from her KwaZulu-Natal-based church, said she ceased operations in the province in November. 'Two vehicles were hijacked last year and our volunteers were held at knifepoint and robbed of their belongings several times. Regrettably, we cannot help the communities that desperately need sanitary towels because we cannot put our lives at risk,' she said. Eastern Cape police spokesperson Captain Welile Matyolo confirmed that a case of carjacking was at Ngqeleni Police Station on May 7. 'On that particular day about 10am at Buthongweni locality — Ngqeleni, the victim was hijacked by five unknown men and they dumped him with his colleagues next to a forest and vanished with the vehicle. The case was transferred to the Mthatha vehicle theft unit, which is busy conducting the investigation. No-one has been arrested yet and the vehicle has not yet been recovered.' When asked if police had stepped up patrols and crime intelligence operations due to NGOs being targeted Matyolo said: 'Patrols are our daily duties and roadblocks are being conducted with the assistance of the traffic officers to ensure safety for all. The SA Police Service's mandate is to create and ensure a safe environment for all people in South Africa.'
