Latest news with #Mhlanga
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
New learning hub for local youngsters opens at Eastgate
New learning hub for local youngsters opens at Eastgate The Eastgate Shopping Centre has become home to a new innovative learning hub called Learnergy. Having opened its doors in April, Learnergy provides academic support, skills development and technological and psycho-social resources to learners of all ages. A fusion of 'learning' and 'energy,' Learnergy embodies a dynamic approach to education. ALSO READ: CoE embarks on skills training for Early Childhood Development centres Ntsako Mhlanga, a social entrepreneur and education advocate whose work has significantly influenced the education sector, spearheads the centre. Mhlanga, a former learner at nearby Jeppe High School for Girls, has dedicated her career to improving educational opportunities for young South Africans. Her initiatives have seen mobile classrooms in Limpopo, the development of school libraries and the production of educational documentaries to improve academic performance. Located on the rooftop of the Office Tower next to Virgin Active, Learnergy offers learners access to tutors, teachers, textbooks and reading materials to support their studies. ALSO READ: Parents urged to be supportive in helping teens to improve their driving skills The centre also has extracurricular programmes, ranging from entrepreneurship and robotics to social media and job-seeking skills. Learners can schedule private sessions for personalised support, ensuring tailored assistance that meets their needs. Besides academic support, Learnergy offers access to digital learning tools, free Wi-Fi and educational software in partnership with Vodacom e-School. Each learner will receive a device to access online educational content, bridging the digital divide and enhancing their learning experience. The centre also features a mobile iPad lab aligned with the SA school curriculum. With its comprehensive approach to education, Learnergy will be a valuable resource for learners, parents and teachers. On top of its academic offerings, Learnergy provides wellbeing support services, with educational psychologists available for consultations and assessments to help identify learning challenges. ALSO READ: Local bowlers show skills at tournaments Teachers will benefit from the professional development opportunities through the South African Council for Educators-endorsed training modules, ensuring ongoing mentorship and support to sustain high-quality teaching standards. Saadiyah Kahn, the shopping centre's general manager, was enthusiastic about Learnergy's future. 'Education is a vital foundation to setting up youth for a promising future, and Eastgate is proud to play a role in supporting young learners. Learnergy will provide a safe space where learners can access the tools, guidance and support they need to thrive. 'Eastgate continues to evolve as a hub for retail and community-driven initiatives, and this initiative aligns with our commitment to making a meaningful impact in our community.' Learnergy will be open six days a week: Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 19:00 and Saturday from 08:00 to 13:00. Prices start from R350 per hour for homework support. ALSO READ: Paddlers showcase their skills at Vaal River marathon Walk-ins by the public and parents are welcome and will accommodate learners from grades one to 12. As one of the largest shopping centres in Johannesburg, Eastgate has over 200 retailers, including local and international brands, numerous dining options, a multiplex cinema, a go-kart track and other lifestyle attractions. For more details on stores, events, competitions and activities, visit or follow Eastgate on social media for updates: @eastgateshoppingcentre At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
The impact of wealth on leadership dynamics within the ANC
Patrice Motsepe's quiet bid for the African National Congress presidency amid financial influence Image: Kelly Ayoundi Political analysts have cautioned that financial power, rather than political credentials, is increasingly shaping leadership positions within the top echelons of the African National Congress (ANC). Their comments arise during ongoing provincial elective conferences that will significantly influence the party's direction in the lead-up to the 56th national elective congress, scheduled for December 2027. Independent political analyst Joe Mhlanga argued that this party's reliance on wealth undermines its integrity and ability to genuinely serve the people. 'Voters are becoming more aware of how money influences internal party processes,' he said. 'In the ANC, it's no longer about qualities of leadership or service records — it's about who can mobilise the most resources.' Mhlanga pointed to the controversial CR17 campaign that propelled Cyril Ramaphosa to the ANC leadership and South Africa's presidency. The campaign reportedly raised over R2 billion, which was used to garner internal support within the party and outside backing for Ramaphosa. 'To win a conference, history reminds us that one needs to raise at least R2 billion,' Mhlanga added. 'Money has become the real currency of power in the ANC.' Patrice Motsepe's Quiet Campaign Amid this backdrop, whispers are growing that Patrice Motsepe, the billionaire businessman and president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is quietly mobilising support for a possible bid for the ANC presidency. Although he has not publicly declared his intentions, sources suggest that support is building behind the scenes. When approached by IOL, Motsepe declined to comment. A close associate involved in what is being dubbed the 'M27' campaign told IOL that Motsepe 'will only engage publicly after the ANC's Bilateral General Meeting (BGM) has taken place.' The source added, 'For now, he's observing quietly and waiting for the right moment to speak.' Party Leaders Call for Silence Meanwhile, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has issued a firm directive, urging party leaders not to engage in public succession debates. 'We want to avoid factions and division,' Mbalula said recently at Luthuli House. 'Let's focus on uniting the party and preparing for the conference without unnecessary public speculation.' Despite this, speculation about potential candidates continues to swirl, with names like Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Mbalula himself, and Police Minister Bheki Cele mentioned as possible contenders. Implications for the ANC Mhlanga warns that the party risks further voter erosion and declining credibility unless it confronts its dependence on money and internal corruption. 'The ANC must return to traditional politics, honest debate, policy focus, and service delivery,' he urged. 'Otherwise, the cycle of money-driven leadership will persist, and the party's relevance will continue to decline.' Earlier this year, Mbalula restructured the Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provincial structures to regain ground. He immediately reshuffled subcommittees and provincial deployees, citing the need to reinforce party committees and implement the principle of rotation. Analysts' View on New Provincial Task Teams Political analysts have weighed in on these developments. They note that the newly appointed Provincial Task Teams (PTTs) in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal will face significant challenges in restoring support unless they address internal governance issues and factional conflicts. Dr Metji Makgoba, a senior lecturer at the University of Limpopo, commented on the ANC's efforts in these provinces. 'The decline of the ANC in Gauteng and KZN stems from internal leadership conflicts, the rise of opposition parties, and shifting voter priorities,' he said. In Gauteng, Makgoba noted, the focus has shifted from party loyalty to effective governance and service delivery. 'Voters now demand stability and tangible results, but successive governments have struggled to maintain governance continuity, which weakens public trust.' In KwaZulu-Natal, the situation is further complicated by the influence of former President Jacob Zuma and the emergence of new political formations like uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party. 'Zuma's charisma, cultural resonance, and deep ties to traditional structures have made it difficult for the ANC to reclaim lost ground,' Makgoba explained. He also highlighted ongoing tensions within the party, particularly between traditional councils and provincial leaders, which continue to undermine stability and progress. [email protected] IOL Politics
Daily Maverick
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
When bail becomes a ‘victory' – Zimbabwe's dangerous war on journalism continues
Zimbabwe's government, under Emmerson Mnangagwa, has steadily intensified its crackdown on dissent. Far from the reformist image he attempted to project after long-serving former president Robert Mugabe's unceremonious 2017 ouster, Mnangagwa has led a regime characterised by the weaponisation of law, suppression of opposition, and an unrelenting assault on press freedom. Coming as it did, just three days after the World Press Freedom Day commemorations, the recent granting of bail to Zimbabwean investigative journalist Blessed Mhlanga should not be mistaken for a shift towards a more tolerant regime that is beginning to embrace democratic norms of a free press, justice or judicial independence. Rather, it is likely a begrudging concession to local and international pressure by a regime bent on cowing journalists, and crushing any form of dissent and freedom of expression. It could even be an act sanctioned by an administration that believes that Mhlanga's long and unjustified incarceration has served its purpose of sufficiently intimidating other journalists and showing them the fate that awaits them should they ever diligently exercise their duties of covering and giving a platform to dissenting voices. Mhlanga was arrested on 24 February 2025 and detained for a staggering 72 days. His supposed crime? Broadcasting his interview with ruling Zanu-PF party Central Committee member and war veteran Blessed Geza, who excoriated President Emmerson Mnangagwa for alleged corruption and gross violation of the constitution, and demanded his resignation. For simply giving a platform to dissenting views — a cornerstone of journalistic duty — Mhlanga was charged under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for allegedly 'inciting violence'. His case was investigated not just by the regular police, but by the Counter-Terrorism Unit — a worrisome escalation that reveals the paranoid Zimbabwean government's dangerous conflation of journalism with terrorism. Why this is important The context of his arrest is essential. Zimbabwe's government, under Mnangagwa, has steadily intensified its crackdown on dissent. Far from the reformist image he attempted to project after long-serving former president Robert Mugabe's unceremonious 2017 ouster, Mnangagwa has led a regime characterised by the weaponisation of law, suppression of opposition, and an unrelenting assault on press freedom. Mhlanga is just the latest in a long line of journalists subjected to arbitrary arrest, surveillance, physical attacks, and harassment. There is no reason to believe he will be the last. It took three separate court appearances before Mhlanga was finally granted bail on 6 May 2025 by High Court Judge Gibson Mandaza. In arriving at his decision, Justice Mandaza cited 'changed circumstances', including the completion of the docket against Mhlanga and the passage of time. Yet these factors existed or were foreseeable from the beginning. Why, then, was bail denied repeatedly beforehand? Why did the courts parrot state claims that his release would 'undermine peace and security' or lead to 'witness interference'? The judiciary's role in Zimbabwe is increasingly controversial and suspect. Courts are supposed to be independent of other arms of the state. They ought to be bastions of justice and constitutional order. Yet many Zimbabweans now believe that they appear instead to operate as extensions of the executive. The opacity surrounding their decisions — especially in politically charged cases — erodes public trust. In Mhlanga's case, the lack of substantive reasoning behind both the initial bail denials and the eventual approval fuels suspicions of political interference. The timing of the bail, just three days after World Press Freedom Day commemorations, also suggests the regime and the courts may have bowed to rising international condemnation and local civil society pressure. Abnormality of Zimbabwe's political environment That Zimbabweans and press freedom advocates around the world must breathe a collective sigh of relief over bail being granted is a testament to the debasement and abnormality of Zimbabwe's legal and political environment. In any functioning democracy, bail is not a privilege to be celebrated — rather, it is a constitutional right. But under Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe has been reduced to a country where even basic liberties are luxuries dispensed by the state in dribs and drabs, very much like the state and its cronies distribute educational opportunities, farming inputs, healthcare and other essential services to a few chosen bootlickers. Mhlanga is out on bail, but we remain very far from a resolution. This is because the unwarranted charges against him remain in place. The sword still dangles, and the chilling message to other journalists remains the same — do your job at your peril. The broader climate of fear, persecution and repression of journalists, human rights activists and ordinary citizens persists. The government is not showing any signs of repenting from its nefarious agenda to frame independent journalism as a national security threat. By deploying the Counter-Terrorism Unit in Mhlanga's case, the state sent a loud signal that it no longer distinguishes between terrorism and journalism. This dangerous narrative undermines press freedom and the public's right to information and democratic participation. Mhlanga's ordeal fits into a broader pattern. Laws such as the Patriotic Act, the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, and various provisions of the Criminal Law Act are frequently deployed not to maintain order, but to sanitise the persecution of real and imagined dissenters. Unsurprisingly, Zimbabwe has become a nation wherein fear suppresses truth, and repression is enforced through a veneer of legality. Palpable irony In all the regime's machinations, there remains a palpable irony that cannot be ignored. Not too long ago, Mnangagwa immensely benefited from a courageous press. When he fell out of favour with Mugabe in 2017, it was the independent media — including Mhlanga — that provided him with a platform to air his views and remain politically relevant. Today, having entrenched himself in power, he has turned against the very institutions that once stood by him. This self-inflicted amnesia shows a leader and a government that is unwilling to tolerate accountability. Mhlanga may be out of jail for now, but ordinary Zimbabweans, civil society, and media watchdogs must not allow themselves to be placated by this 'victory'. Bail is not freedom. The charges against Mhlanga remain, and they should not. There is no legitimate case to answer. Journalism is not a crime. Conducting interviews is not terrorism. Asking difficult questions or broadcasting dissenting views is not a sedition. To allow these charges to stand is to endorse the regime's dangerous narrative that independent journalism is a threat to national security. We must remain vigilant because it is Not Yet Uhuru. We must continue the fight for justice. True justice will only be served when the charges against Mhlanga are dropped unconditionally. True justice will only be served when journalists can operate without fear of persecution, and when the legal system upholds its duty to protect, rather than punish, those who seek to inform the public. DM
Daily Maverick
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
When bail becomes a ‘victory': Zimbabwe's dangerous war on journalism continues
Coming as it did, just three days after the World Press Freedom Day commemorations, the recent granting of bail to Zimbabwean investigative journalist Blessed Mhlanga should not be mistaken for a shift towards a more tolerant regime that is beginning to embrace democratic norms of a free press, justice or judicial independence. Rather, it is likely a begrudging concession to local and international pressure by a regime bent on cowing journalists, and crushing any form of dissent and freedom of expression. It could even be an act sanctioned by an administration that believes that Mhlanga's long and unjustified incarceration has served its purpose of sufficiently intimidating other journalists and showing them the fate that awaits them should they ever diligently exercise their duties of covering and giving a platform to dissenting voices. Mhlanga was arrested on 24 February 2025 and detained for a staggering 72 days. His supposed crime? Broadcasting his interview with ruling Zanu-PF party Central Committee member and war veteran Blessed Geza, who excoriated President Emmerson Mnangagwa for alleged corruption and gross violation of the constitution, and demanded his resignation. For simply giving a platform to dissenting views — a cornerstone of journalistic duty — Mhlanga was charged under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for allegedly 'inciting violence'. His case was investigated not just by the regular police, but by the Counter-Terrorism Unit — a worrisome escalation that reveals the paranoid Zimbabwean government's dangerous conflation of journalism with terrorism. Why this is important The context of his arrest is essential. Zimbabwe's government, under Mnangagwa, has steadily intensified its crackdown on dissent. Far from the reformist image he attempted to project after long-serving former president Robert Mugabe's unceremonious 2017 ouster, Mnangagwa has led a regime characterised by the weaponisation of law, suppression of opposition, and an unrelenting assault on press freedom. Mhlanga is just the latest in a long line of journalists subjected to arbitrary arrest, surveillance, physical attacks, and harassment. There is no reason to believe he will be the last. It took three separate court appearances before Mhlanga was finally granted bail on Tuesday, 6 May 2025 by High Court Judge Gibson Mandaza. In arriving at his decision, Justice Mandaza cited 'changed circumstances', including the completion of the docket against Mhlanga and the passage of time. Yet these factors existed or were foreseeable from the beginning. Why, then, was bail denied repeatedly beforehand? Why did the courts parrot state claims that his release would 'undermine peace and security' or lead to 'witness interference'? The judiciary's role in Zimbabwe is increasingly controversial and suspect. Courts are supposed to be independent of other arms of the state. They ought to be bastions of justice and constitutional order. Yet many Zimbabweans now believe that they appear instead to operate as extensions of the executive. The opacity surrounding their decisions — especially in politically charged cases — erodes public trust. In Mhlanga's case, the lack of substantive reasoning behind both the initial bail denials and the eventual approval fuels suspicions of political interference. The timing of the bail, just three days after World Press Freedom Day commemorations, also suggests the regime and the courts may have bowed to rising international condemnation and local civil society pressure. Abnormality of Zimbabwe's political environment That Zimbabweans and press freedom advocates around the world must breathe a collective sigh of relief over bail being granted is a testament to the debasement and abnormality of Zimbabwe's legal and political environment. In any functioning democracy, bail is not a privilege to be celebrated — rather, it is a constitutional right. But under Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe has been reduced to a country where even basic liberties are luxuries dispensed by the state in dribs and drabs, very much like the state and its cronies distribute educational opportunities, farming inputs, healthcare and other essential services to a few chosen bootlickers. Mhlanga is out on bail, but we remain very far from a resolution. This is because the unwarranted charges against him remain in place. The sword still dangles, and the chilling message to other journalists remains the same — do your job at your peril. The broader climate of fear, persecution and repression of journalists, human rights activists and ordinary citizens persists. The government is not showing any signs of repenting from its nefarious agenda to frame independent journalism as a national security threat. By deploying the Counter-Terrorism Unit in Mhlanga's case, the state sent a loud signal that it no longer distinguishes between terrorism and journalism. This dangerous narrative undermines press freedom and the public's right to information and democratic participation. Mhlanga's ordeal fits into a broader pattern. Laws such as the Patriotic Act, the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, and various provisions of the Criminal Law Act are frequently deployed not to maintain order, but to sanitise the persecution of real and imagined dissenters. Unsurprisingly, Zimbabwe has become a nation wherein fear suppresses truth, and repression is enforced through a veneer of legality. Palpable irony In all the regime's machinations, there remains a palpable irony that cannot be ignored. Not too long ago, Mnangagwa immensely benefited from a courageous press. When he fell out of favour with Mugabe in 2017, it was the independent media — including Mhlanga — that provided him with a platform to air his views and remain politically relevant. Today, having entrenched himself in power, he has turned against the very institutions that once stood by him. This self-inflicted amnesia shows a leader and a government that is unwilling to tolerate accountability. Mhlanga may be out of jail for now, but ordinary Zimbabweans, civil society, and media watchdogs must not allow themselves to be placated by this 'victory'. Bail is not freedom. The charges against Mhlanga remain, and they should not. There is no legitimate case to answer. Journalism is not a crime. Conducting interviews is not terrorism. Asking difficult questions or broadcasting dissenting views is not a sedition. To allow these charges to stand is to endorse the regime's dangerous narrative that independent journalism is a threat to national security. We must remain vigilant because it is Not Yet Uhuru. We must continue the fight for justice. True justice will only be served when the charges against Mhlanga are dropped unconditionally. True justice will only be served when journalists can operate without fear of persecution, and when the legal system upholds its duty to protect, rather than punish, those who seek to inform the public. DM
TimesLIVE
10-05-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Durban abuzz over Nedbank Cup final showdown
Durban was abuzz this weekend as thousands of fans descended on the city for the much anticipated Nedbank Cup final between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida stadium. Security was tight as team supporters arrived early and were monitored by police after a ticket sales debacle earlier in the week that saw the over-issue of 10,000 tickets for the derby. The blunder led to threats of violence as fans travelling from afar vowed to watch the match regardless of whether their tickets were valid. After the threats, security was beefed up and several roads leading to the stadium were closed, causing heavy congestion. SAPS public order police and metro police were keeping an eye on the crowds. Fans spotted by TimesLIVE outside the stadium before the game were behaving well. Sakhile Mhlanga, a Pirates supporter from Mpumalanga, appealed for calm ahead of the game. 'It would be nice if people can behave themselves, we do not want to see ugly scenes,' said Mhlanga. He and three friends managed to buy tickets. 'We booked accommodation immediately after we heard the final would be in Durban,' he said. Another rumour that caused tension was that Durban fans were allocated fewer tickets because they were not big investors in the game. Moses Mabhida Stadium general manager Vusi Mazibuko said the claims were baseless. 'We cannot deliberately sabotage Durbanites, people must know we had no control over the sale of tickets,' said Mazibuko. The city set up fan parks featuring entertainment at South Beach and Albert Park for people who failed to get tickets. Bheki Gwala from KwaDukuza said it was not easy for people to cause havoc at the stadium because they feared provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Some people tried to incite violence chanting the war slogan Hlangana Zulu — loosely translated as Zulus must unite. Mkhwanazi is known for his no nonsense stance against lawlessness and during a media briefing this week issued a stern warning to anyone planning to misbehave. The derby was a business opportunity for locals. Car guards seemed to be making a fortune from motorists looking for parking, charging R50 for a spot with a take it or leave it attitude. Some people were selling tickets at exorbitant prices. A security guard at one stadium entrance tried to sell a ticket for R400 to a TimesLIVE journalist. 'I have already sold two at R400. I am still left with two,' he said. Some were selling tickets at R500.
