Latest news with #Lesufi
The Citizen
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
From Tembisa to the world: Pantsula dance group to feature in Coldplay music video
Coldplay invited the Tembisa Red Devils to appear in the rock band's latest music video. The Tembisa Red devils pose for a photo before flying out to the US. Picture: @pantsulamsola/X South African dance group The Tembisa Red Devils have travelled to the US to appear in a Coldplay music video. The group's manager confirmed to The Citizen that they will be shooting the video in the coming days. 'We have been invited for a Coldplay and Chris Martin music video in Las Vegas, Nevada,' Tembisa Red Devils member Solly Phahlamohlaka wrote on X, replying to a post by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, wishing them well on their trip to the US. Thank you so much🙏🙏✍️✍️My Premier🙏🙏we are going to make Gauteng and South Africa 🇿🇦 proud 🙏🙏🙏We have been Invited for Coldplay and Chris Martin Music Video In Las Vegas Nevada 🙏🙏🙏🙏🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 @Lesufi — Pantsula KingPin Msola (@pantsulamsola) June 1, 2025 The dance crew were established in 2000 with eight members, but four pulled out. The remaining members registered the group and became what is today known as the Tembisa Red Devils. In 2021, they participated in France's Got Talent, where they reached the finals. In 2018, the Tembisa Red Devils won a significant title for their Pantsula dance in the Arnold Classic Africa Multisport Festival. ALSO READ: Tembisa Red Devils celebrate 20 years in entertainment Tembisa Red devils in the US Members of the dance crew jetted out of the country on Friday, wearing South African colours. After landing, the group members posted footage of themselves enjoying their time in the US. Live In USA 🇺🇸 All The Way From South Africa 🇿🇦 🇿🇦🇿🇦✍️✍️History In The Making Tembisa Red Devils Pantsula Entertainment⚡️⚡️⚡️🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🙏🙏🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻✍️✍️✍️✍️ Amapantsula Ajabulile 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦Globilazing Pantsula Culture @CyrilRamaphosa @Lesufi @matomekopano @Julius_S_Malema @ProudlySA June 2, 2025 From Winnie Mandela Tembisa 1632 To USA 🇺🇸 Las Vegas Nevada To Dance Isipantsula Representing our country South Africa 🇿🇦 Thank You God🙏🙏🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦Amen🙏🙏 @CyrilRamaphosa @Julius_S_Malema @Lesufi @matomekopano @GaytonMcK — Pantsula KingPin Msola (@pantsulamsola) May 31, 2025 In one video, the members are seen at a Tesla charging station and also in an eatery enjoying some of the US' fast food. ALSO READ: In praise of pantsula In touch with the community In 2023, the group celebrated two decades in the entertainment industry with an event in their community, in Ivory Park, Gauteng. 'We would not be here without the love and encouragement of our community,' Phahlamohlaka told Kempton Express. 'This celebration is a testament to the power of unity and the belief that anything is possible when you pursue your dreams passionately.' NOW READ: Pantsula for life
The Citizen
a day ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Is the ANC to blame for a negative perception of its officials?
ANCYL SG claims deployees are often stigmatised because of their political affiliation. The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) has defended the deployment of ANC-aligned professionals into critical public service positions, but claims they are often victimised. The organisation's secretary-general, Mntwoxolo Ngudle, said deployees are often judged because of their political affiliation. 'The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) notes with concern the growing trend of public discourse that seeks to stigmatise and delegitimise the deployment of highly qualified ANC-aligned professionals to public institutions. 'It is disheartening that individuals who possess the highest forms of academic and professional qualifications, some holding doctorates and years of industry experience, are dismissed solely because of their affiliation with the ANC,' he said. He said casting aspersions on ANC-aligned professionals is a blow to the country's transformation agenda and the need for equality. 'We reject the narrow narrative that presumes any ANC member appointed to a position of responsibility is there by virtue of patronage rather than merit. 'This weaponisation of public opinion against ANC deployees is a calculated political attack designed to weaken the ANC's influence in key institutions of development,' he claimed. ALSO READ: 'Political gaslighting': Will Lesufi really fire corrupt officials? The analyst explains why there is a negative perception However, political analyst Ntsikelelo Breakfast told The Citizen that the ANC is to blame for the negative perception that the public has about the party. 'The ANC has displayed a culture of not caring for its people, let's be honest. 'Most municipalities are failing to comply with the Municipal Finance Management Act. Public officials are doing business with the municipalities that they work for, that is an 'I don't care attitude,'' he said. Breakfast said there is evidence that the ANC has used jobs in the public sector to reward certain individuals close to the executive. 'The problem is the ANC has been using the public service as a terrain of accumulation, but also as a terrain to dish out favours to some of their henchmen. 'When a president is elected, or even in regional politics, whoever ascends the state machinery will be used to dish out favours to those people who assisted,' he said. Appointments in the DA-run municipalities DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp said the party has always ensured that professionals in the administration of the municipalities they run are appointed on merit. 'We do not apply cadre deployment at all, we believe that the most competent person must be appointed to a position. 'The fact that you are a member of a political party should not play a role in your appointment whatsoever,' he said. However, the party said the law does allow it to appoint its members to political office. 'Political office is exactly what it says that is political office. With a political appointment, it is connected to the term of that elected person, and when that person is removed, the other positions attached to this also end,' he said. NOW READ: Mbalula: It is very painful to see your own comrades being arrested
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- The Citizen
Gang violence grips Johannesburg South: Communities mourn amid rising killings
There have been several shootings and killings in the South, especially in South Hills, Moffat View, Chrisville and Bellavista. Young and old have been victims of these killings, and the community has expressed concerns about their safety. Brigadier Brenda Muridili commented on this matter regarding the counts of murder. She said as per the SAPS crime statistics that have been released for Moffat View Police Station ( ALSO READ: 26 cartridges spent in South Hills double murder 'Quarter 3 October to December 2024 – 18 counts of murder were reported. In comparison with the same period the previous year (October – December 2023 had 13 counts of murder), there was, therefore, an increase of five counts of murder. Unfortunately, quarter 4 (January – March 2025) crime statistics have not yet been released. Thus, we cannot mention the number of murders, but we can confirm that the police station recorded a decrease in reported cases of murder. 'Unfortunately, we cannot give a breakdown per suburb as that needs a deeper analysis of all murder dockets, but I can say that seven of the 18 murders were committed in South Hills. We can confirm that the police have arrested nine suspects for murder during the period October 2024 to March 2025; their cases are ongoing before the court.' ALSO READ: Barbershop owner dies weeks after South Hills shooting Johannesburg South under siege Sergio Isa Dos Santos MPL confirmed that Johannesburg south is under siege as gang violence prevails. 'Since 2024, Johannesburg south has seen a distressing rise in gang violence, with around 74 murders and 10 attempted murders, many related to gang wars. South Hills (Ward 57) and Chrisville (Ward 55) have been hit hard by turf wars between rival gangs, resulting in tragic incidents, including the death of a 13-year-old child and a scholar transport driver killed outside a school. This is despite countless promises by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to curb gangsterism. 'The DA condemns these senseless killings in the strongest terms. We reiterate our demand for Lesufi to intervene urgently and direct SAPS to deploy specialised units to investigate and dismantle the criminal networks holding communities hostage. Furthermore, he must allocate necessary resources to police stations such as Booysens and Moffat View so they can deal with the scourge,' he said. Recently, Lesufi signed a Memorandum of Understanding with law enforcement agencies, asserting that it would lead to a cohesive strategy for combating crime. ALSO READ: One dead, another injured in South Hills 'He confidently declared that 'the real forces are coming back to clean our homes.' However, in the areas most affected by crime, there is a noticeable absence of visible policing, and the so-called 'Amapanyaza' crime wardens are nowhere in sight. 'A DA-led Gauteng provincial government would prioritise real safety by deploying SAPS' specialised unit, increasing operations to eradicate illegal firearms, and introducing community outreach programmes to steer young people away from gangsterism by offering educational resources, skills training, and job opportunities,' explained Dos Santos. Lesufi, mayors, police commissioner sign Gauteng Safety Agreement Last month, Lesufi, with executive mayors and mayors or their representatives from Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Midvaal, Lesedi and Mogale, publicly signed an agreement of understanding and committed to a seamless mission to fight crime in Gauteng through their respective law enforcement agencies. The SAPS were also signatories to the agreement. ALSO READ: Families name South Hills shooting victims, deny gang links 'Today, the signing of this agreement does away with red tape and administrative bureaucracy and is replaced by a borderless Gauteng that allows us to jointly use our resources to tackle crime, wherever a drug dealer is, a murderer, thief, rapist, hijacker or GBV perpetrator, we will track and find them because municipal borders do not hinder us,' said Lesufi. He added, 'We are doing this for one reason: We are taking back Gauteng from criminals because if we can't get crime right, we can't get the country right. ALSO READ: 3 killed in South Hills 'gang-related' shootings 'We will not get investment, peace, or a safe city for our citizens.' He said 450 criminals had already been identified, and action had been taken. As of April 15, 138 had been arrested and 17 killed while resisting arrest or killed in self-defence by police during operations. The Office of the Premier was contacted for comment; they are aware of this matter. However, the Southern Courier is still waiting for their response. ALSO READ: Teen killed in horrific Turffontein home invasion At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- The Citizen
Johannesburg South bleeds: Murder surge sparks fear and outrage
There have been several shootings and killings in the South, especially in South Hills, Moffat View, Chrisville and Bellavista. Young and old have been victims of these killings, and the community has expressed concerns about their safety. Brigadier Brenda Muridili commented on this matter regarding the counts of murder. She said as per the SAPS crime statistics that have been released for Moffat View Police Station ( 'Quarter 3 October to December 2024 – 18 counts of murder were reported. In comparison with the same period the previous year (October – December 2023 had 13 counts of murder), there was, therefore, an increase of five counts of murder. Unfortunately, quarter 4 (January – March 2025) crime statistics have not yet been released. Thus, we cannot mention the number of murders, but we can confirm that the police station recorded a decrease in reported cases of murder. 'Unfortunately, we cannot give a breakdown per suburb as that needs a deeper analysis of all murder dockets, but I can say that seven of the 18 murders were committed in South Hills. We can confirm that the police have arrested nine suspects for murder during the period October 2024 to March 2025; their cases are ongoing before the court.' Johannesburg South under siege Sergio Isa Dos Santos MPL confirmed that Johannesburg south is under siege as gang violence prevails. 'Since 2024, Johannesburg south has seen a distressing rise in gang violence, with around 74 murders and 10 attempted murders, many related to gang wars. South Hills (Ward 57) and Chrisville (Ward 55) have been hit hard by turf wars between rival gangs, resulting in tragic incidents, including the death of a 13-year-old child and a scholar transport driver killed outside a school. This is despite countless promises by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to curb gangsterism. 'The DA condemns these senseless killings in the strongest terms. We reiterate our demand for Lesufi to intervene urgently and direct SAPS to deploy specialised units to investigate and dismantle the criminal networks holding communities hostage. Furthermore, he must allocate necessary resources to police stations such as Booysens and Moffat View so they can deal with the scourge,' he said. Recently, Lesufi signed a Memorandum of Understanding with law enforcement agencies, asserting that it would lead to a cohesive strategy for combating crime. 'He confidently declared that 'the real forces are coming back to clean our homes.' However, in the areas most affected by crime, there is a noticeable absence of visible policing, and the so-called 'Amapanyaza' crime wardens are nowhere in sight. 'A DA-led Gauteng provincial government would prioritise real safety by deploying SAPS' specialised unit, increasing operations to eradicate illegal firearms, and introducing community outreach programmes to steer young people away from gangsterism by offering educational resources, skills training, and job opportunities,' explained Dos Santos. Lesufi, mayors, police commissioner sign Gauteng Safety Agreement Last month, Lesufi, with executive mayors and mayors or their representatives from Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Midvaal, Lesedi and Mogale, publicly signed an agreement of understanding and committed to a seamless mission to fight crime in Gauteng through their respective law enforcement agencies. The SAPS were also signatories to the agreement. 'Today, the signing of this agreement does away with red tape and administrative bureaucracy and is replaced by a borderless Gauteng that allows us to jointly use our resources to tackle crime, wherever a drug dealer is, a murderer, thief, rapist, hijacker or GBV perpetrator, we will track and find them because municipal borders do not hinder us,' said Lesufi. He added, 'We are doing this for one reason: We are taking back Gauteng from criminals because if we can't get crime right, we can't get the country right. 'We will not get investment, peace, or a safe city for our citizens.' He said 450 criminals had already been identified, and action had been taken. As of April 15, 138 had been arrested and 17 killed while resisting arrest or killed in self-defence by police during operations. The Office of the Premier was contacted for comment; they are aware of this matter. However, the Southern Courier is still waiting for their response. ALSO READ: Teen killed in horrific Turffontein home invasion At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Star
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Lesufi announces relaunch of Nasi Ispani, promising 32,000 new jobs
Gauteng is set to relaunch Nasi Ispani in June, creating 32,000 jobs for Assistant Teachers, Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced on Thursday. Speaking at a media briefing in Midrand, Lesufi revealed that the programme will recruit the youth across the province, marking a major boost for youth employment and the education sector. Lesufi said he was undeterred by criticism from opposition parties on the mass recruitment programme. 'The people who are criticising us on Nasi Ispani understand the effectiveness of this programme. We're not doing it for political mileage, we're doing it to fight unemployment. 'But what they're saying now is that you have poor homes, you've got incomplete buildings, traffic lights that have gone down, roads that are not maintained, you've got grass that is not cut. 'On the other side, you've got youth in the townships who are unemployed. So you train them to do the work and pay them,' he said.
