Latest news with #Ndlovu
The Citizen
a day ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Nsikazi residents demand service delivery from Mpumalanga premier
The Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu, was challenged to prioritise service delivery to communities of the City of Mbombela during his Executive Council (Exco) Outreach Programme (imbizo) last Friday. The KaBokweni Stadium was filled with frustrated residents of the Nsikazi region, most of whom said they feel neglected and failed by the local, and especially the provincial government. This while Ndlovu's office is situated less than 30km away from there. They had the chance to speak to Ndlovu directly. While he and members of his Exco noted the concerns raised, they could not account for some of the challenges. The plague of criminal activity, particularly sexual violence at schools and hijackings in the region, was a cause for concern. The residents said they are left to fend for themselves, as most police stations don't have enough vehicles to respond to crime scenes. This has resulted in the public losing faith in the police and the justice system in general. Ndlovu said the fight against crime requires communities to co-operate with the police and that the provincial government would support the crime-prevention systems put in place. The people also voiced complaints on the overcrowded primary schools in the area, such as Vutselani, Malekutu and Tsembaletfu. Thami Shabangu from Malekutu Trust said the schools are dilapidated and don't have enough classrooms to accommodate the number of pupils enrolled. ALSO READ: Hazyview Twin College teachers claim unfair dismissal by school's owner We asked the premier and his council to demolish and rebuild these schools, so that teachers and pupils have a conducive learning environment. We hope they heard our concerns and react quickly,' he said. In his list of concerns, Shabangu also highlighted the safety of public transport commuters, suggesting that load reduction should be scheduled during the day rather than in the evening when criminal activities are more likely to take place. The City of Mbombela has put in place a compulsory load reduction schedule of two hours daily – either from 05:00 to 07:00 or 19:00 to 21:00 – for all areas of Nsikazi. The dilapidated Mjejane Road between Malekutu and Mdlangoma was a recurring topic, brought up by many residents at the gathering. The MEC for public works, roads and transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, promised residents that it would be attended to, along with other public infrastructure issues such as the neglected Elijah Mango College of Higher Education. The deputy chairperson of the Ehlanzeni community policing forum (CPF), Jacob Sibhoza, brought up the issue of financial support for CPFs. He highlighted security and safety concerns caused by neglected and overgrown bushes at various hospitals, referring to the recent case of a missing patient whose body was found in the bushes near Tonga Hospital. ALSO READ: Mpumalanga High Court orders DoE to pay costs after failed postponement hearing Other issues that were raised were unemployment, alleged incompetence of ward councillors, and a lack of internet access at public facilities. Residents like Florence Mathebula from Bhuga attended the imbizo to plead with Ndlovu to build her a house, as she struggles to make ends meet living with a disability. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘Muvhango' axed by SABC 2 less than a year after relaunch
The final broadcast of Muvhango will be on 8 August, just three days after it was relaunched a year ago. Described as a rebirth of sorts, the new version of the longstanding soapie Muvhango has fallen flat and will be replaced just nine months after its launch. 'It has been a privilege and an honour to create moments on Television where the marginalised languages were at the centre of them all,' said creator and executive producer of the show, Duma Ndlovu in a statement on Wednesday. Muvhango made its debut in 1997 and remains one of South Africa's iconic shows. 'Muvhango gave an opportunity to an ignored language that has become one of the most celebrated languages in South Africa now,' said Ndlovu. The show was South Africa's first Tshivenda-language soapie and quickly became a cultural cornerstone of local television. The final broadcast of Muvhango will be on 8 August, just three days after it was relaunched a year ago. ALSO READ: 'Fancier, fashionable and bold': New season of 'Muvhango' premieres this Monday Muvhango's failed attempt Speaking at the relaunch of the soapie in June last year, Ndlovu said he and his team had listened to what the viewers wanted for the new version of the TV show. 'The growth and development of Muvhango have always been us responding to what the viewers were saying,' Ndlovu said at the time. 'What you're going to be seeing this season is probably the most dramatic change and growth that you've ever seen. Our viewers demanded we go fancier, younger, more fashionista, and bolder. 'They wanted us to continue telling stories. They didn't want us to lose the DNA of the show, but they wanted us to jazz things up. So, we have a new logo, we have a new title sequence, and we think you're going to love it,' he said. Contrary to Ndlovu's prediction, the viewers didn't gravitate toward the 'jazzed-up' Muvhango. By the end of 2024, the soapie had attracted just more than 900 000 viewers —a massive drop from the millions of onlookers it had attracted in its prime. ALSO READ: Presley Chweneyagae: 'He was every mother's son, every girl's funny lover, and everyone's best friend' SABC hires Bakwena Productions The SABC's CEO, Nomsa Chabeli, confirmed that a replacement for Muvhango is underway. 'Come August, we are launching a new telenovela called Pimville on SABC2, and based on that, we will be really driving that audience share back to SABC2,' said Chabeli, speaking to TV With Thinus. 'We're working hard to ensure that the script is relevant for the audiences and that the storyline is going to be effectively doing what we need it to do,' Nomsa Chabeli says. The move to hire Bakwena Productions was questioned by the South African Background Actors Guild (SABAG). In an open letter in April, SABAG Chairperson Louis Setabole criticised the move. 'In 2024, Bakwena Productions produced Pound 4 Pound but failed to make timely payments. Payments were only processed three months after the project concluded, and even then, some individuals received partial payment,' read the open letter shared on social media. Bakwena Productions is behind productions such as the film Ingoma – The Song, available on Netflix, and the Losing Lerato films, among others. 'This matter has been publicly addressed, and it is deeply concerning that the SABC would choose to commission work from a company with such a track record of unprofessionalism and financial neglect.' 'Given these circumstances, SABAG demands answers and guarantees from the SABC regarding its collaboration with Bakwena,' noted the open letter. NOW READ: Wiseman Mncube on portraying King Zwide kaLanga in season 2 of Shaka iLembe
The Citizen
6 days ago
- 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!
The Citizen
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
43 000 Mpumalanga residents lose jobs in first quarter of 2025
The country celebrated Workers' Day on May 1, but about 43 000 Mpumalanga residents lost their jobs in the first three months of this year. These unfortunate people are unlikely to have joined the celebrations. Stats SA released the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the first quarter of 2025 on Tuesday, May 13. The results for the first quarter of 2025 show that the total number of unemployed youth (15 to 34 years) increased by 151 000 to 4.8 million, while employed youth recorded a decrease of 153 000 to 5.7 million. As a result, the youth unemployment rate increased from 44.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024 to 46.1% in the first quarter of 2025. ALSO READ: Public warned against illegal sand mining Currently, youth unemployment in Mpumalanga is at 46.4%, one of the highest in the country. Unemployed jobseekers stand on the sides of the roads in Mbombela every day, seeking temporary job opportunities. During an interview with a jobseeker in the CBD, Carol Ndlovu (not her real name) said due to the high number of unemployed people in the area it has become difficult to find permeant employment. Ndlovu said many people prefer to clean their own homes and the increase in unemployed people has made it more difficult to find work opportunities. 'The hardest days are when I have to borrow money for the bus fee, yet I go home without any money. Some days we go home without anyone offering us work and this means I do not get to raise money for transport to go back home. I tried to apply for work, however, I struggled to find opportunities. I have a family, so I decided to wake up every morning, get onto a bus and leave my township so that I might put food on the table.' Siyabonga Maziya, another unemployed resident, said they face various challenges in their quest to make ends meet. 'We sometimes stand on the side of the road and we are unable to take money home because we could not find any opportunities. We have tried to apply for jobs but we are not getting anything.' ALSO READ: High court orders that assets be seized after alleged R5m Covid-19 PPE fraud uncovered In a statement, Grovè-Morgan said the DA is concerned that over 40 000 residents of the province have lost their jobs in the first quarter of this year. The QLFS report also revealed that the majority of the job losses were in the agriculture, mining and construction sectors. 'These job losses paint a very bleak picture of Mpumalanga's job market, where the unemployment rate increased to 35.4 % from 34.7% at the same time last year. Furthermore, the number of discouraged work seekers (expanded unemployment rate) in Mpumalanga increased to over 2.5 million (49.3%) out of a population of 5.1 million. 'The province's lost generation, the youth, contributes significantly to the expanded unemployment rate. This is a crisis that needs to be tackled by both the provincial government and the private sector.' The newspaper contacted the Office of the Premier for a comment and was referred to the Department of Economic Development and Tourism. By the time of going to press the department had not responded to the enquiry. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
20-05-2025
- IOL News
Investigation launched into alleged rape of six-year-old girl at KwaZulu-Natal school
The DA held a picket outside the Esikhaleni police station on Tuesday over what the party said was the slow response to the rape case of a six-year-old girl. Image: Supplied KwaZulu-Natal police are investigating the alleged rape of a six-year-old girl in the toilets of a primary school in Esikhaleni, outside Empangeni last month. SAPS spokesperson Captain Ntathu Ndlovu said that an investigation is underway. 'Empangeni Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit detectives are investigating a case of rape following an incident in which a six-year-old girl was allegedly raped at a school at Esikhaleni on 25 April 2025. Investigations into this matter are ongoing,' Ndlovu said. The KZN Department of Education has also acknowledged the incident. Department spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said: 'Yes, we are aware of the matter and it's being attended to.' 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 ✕ The incident comes after the public outrage around the alleged rape of a 7-year-old girl at a private school in Matatiele, Eastern Cape. The National Prosecuting Authority has recently announced that its Eastern Cape division had declined to prosecute the case. However the DA has criticised what it calls "institutional inaction" regarding the incident. DA provincial education spokesperson Sakhile Mngadi alleged that while the incident reportedly took place on April 25, the police only visited the school on Monday. Mngadi led a picket outside Esikhaleni SAPS on Tuesday, where a memorandum of demands was handed over, calling for urgent interventions. The picket was attended by civil society groups, local residents, and the victim's mother, who marched alongside DA leaders, demanding justice. 'The mother's presence today was a powerful reminder of the real human cost of government and police inaction. She should never have had to fight for something as basic as justice for her child,' said Mngadi. In its memorandum, the DA called for a transparent criminal investigation, immediate psychosocial support for the child and her family, a review of the school's safeguarding policies, and disciplinary action against anyone found culpable. The DA has also submitted a parliamentary question to KZN Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka demanding answers on whether a departmental investigation is underway and what support has been provided to the learner and her family. It has also asked for the school's history of safeguarding compliance and whether any previous disciplinary concerns were raised about staff or others linked to the school. The DA cited SAPS crime statistics for 2023/24, which revealed that more than 16,000 cases of child rape were reported nationwide, an average of 44 children raped per day, many of them under 10 years old. 'This is not just about one child, it's about a system that is failing all our children. Schools should be places of safety, not scenes of trauma,' said Mngadi, who also urged that the issue be treated as a national emergency. THE MERCURY
