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The Citizen
a day ago
- Business
- The Citizen
2025 competition to reward SA's top social entrepreneurs
Social entrepreneurs in Gauteng have an exciting opportunity to gain recognition and support for the positive impact they are making in their communities. The Iwisa No.1 Community Champions Competition is back for its third year, celebrating township, rural, and peri-urban small businesses that are tackling some of South Africa's biggest challenges. The 2025 edition of the competition launched online on June 15 during Youth Month, which is fitting, as many inspiring entrants in previous years have been young people leading change in their communities. ALSO READ: Locals invited to enter potjiekos competition fundraiser on March 29 Sibongile Mooko, premier executive, said that addressing issues such as youth unemployment, education inequality, or environmental sustainability, these community heroes are being given a chance to be recognised and rewarded. 'The belief that each of us can do good and bring about change inspired the competition, and that this becomes more powerful when we do it together,' said Mooko. The competition is open to social enterprises operating for more than two years in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Western Cape, and Gauteng. Eligible businesses must address a clear social or environmental need and be financially active. Ten finalists will be selected from each region to attend expert-led pitch workshops before competing in regional finals. Winners could receive funding prizes of R30 000 (first place), R20 000 (second place), and R10 000 (third place) per region. ALSO READ: Applications open for the 2025 Samsung Solve for tomorrow STEM competition Beyond cash prizes, finalists will also benefit from a business bootcamp and three months of dedicated mentorship to help them grow and scale their impact. This year's competition aligns with national development goals and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It targets SMMEs working in sectors including • Food security and nutrition • Education and skills development • Health and well-being • Clean and affordable energy • Circular economy and recycling • Digital and tech innovation. 'Our theme this year is about building stronger communities by enabling those who serve them. We want to spotlight entrepreneurs working in these critical areas and help them grow,' said Mooko. ALSO READ: Local swimmers need support for competition in Italy Applications close on July 31. They must be submitted online via the Iwisa No.1 website When on the page, click the arrow on the right to find the Community Champions competition details. In a world often filled with challenges, this competition brings a wave of hope as it celebrates the unsung champions of our communities – the entrepreneurs, problem-solvers, and doers. If you or someone you know is making a difference, now is the time to be seen, supported, and celebrated. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Suspect denies charges in Kempton Park human trafficking case
A man accused in connection with a suspected human trafficking case in Birchleigh North appeared in the Kempton Park Regional Court this afternoon, July 18, for a formal bail application. The case relates to the rescue of a number of Ethiopian men who were allegedly held captive in a house on July 4. The victims were reportedly lured to South Africa under false pretences, assaulted, and held while their captors demanded large sums of money from their families for their release. The accused, Fekada Eshetu Dinago, faces charges of human trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion. The Kempton Express' request for court photography was denied by Dinago's legal representative and upheld by the court. Also read: Birchleigh North house raid uncovers 19 human trafficking victims During the court proceedings, Dinago, in an affidavit read by his lawyer, claimed he was contacted by the police on the day of his arrest after his cousin, identified as Ashenavhe Marcus, provided officers with his contact number. He said he met with the police and was surprised when they allegedly demanded R10 000 for the release of his relative. 'I told the police what they were doing was wrong and that I would report them. All hell broke loose as soon as I said that. I was placed in handcuffs, told I was forward, and that I would be taught a lesson,' Dinago stated. Dinago alleged he witnessed money being exchanged for the release of the victims and claimed he was arrested because he refused to pay a bribe. He added that on arriving at the police station, he was informed he was being charged with human trafficking. 'I am said to be charged with human trafficking, but I am informed that the children I allegedly trafficked are appearing in another court for illegal immigration,' Dinago stated, challenging the State to subject him to an identity parade. Also read: Man bust for attempted human trafficking at OR Tambo Airport He argued that there were gaps in the State's case, which he said should be considered as exceptional circumstances for bail. However, Regional Court Prosecutor Sibongile Nxumalo presented evidence from investigating officer Sergeant Suzan Ngwanatsamago Maloka of the Hawks. Maloka testified that on July 4, officers received information about a group of Ethiopian nationals being held at a property on Julia Street in Norkem Park without their consent. On arrival, nine Ethiopian men without valid documentation were found locked inside the house. Some were found naked and locked inside bedrooms with reinforced steel doors, while three had sustained injuries, with blood visible on the floors. The injured victims were taken to hospital. Maloka alleged that while police were detaining the suspects at Norkem Park SAPS, Dinago arrived and allegedly offered officers R200 000 for the release of the detained men. She further claimed Dinago attempted to force his way into the holding cells, blocking the cell gate. The detained men reportedly moved away from him and gestured to officers that they were afraid of him. Also read: Gauteng is human trafficking hot spot Maloka testified that when officers visited Dinago's stated address in Swazi-Inn, Thembisa, as part of the court's verification process, a woman at the property denied knowing Dinago. A second address linked to Dinago also proved unreliable, raising concerns about his ties to the community. 'For the fact that the accused provided a wrong address during his arrest and as the matter falls under Schedule 6, there is a likelihood that if released, he will evade his court appearances or trial,' Maloka said. She added that there were concerns about the accused endangering public safety or committing further offences if released on bail, and highlighted that a panga was found in his possession, while three victims sustained critical injuries. Maloka also informed the court that Dinago, an Ethiopian national, holds an asylum seeker permit, which has been sent to the Department of Home Affairs for verification. The rescue operation followed after Freedom Front Plus councillor for Kempton Park, Jean Kriek, received reports of people calling for help from inside the property. Kriek went to the house to investigate and contacted the police, EMPD, and a private security company, leading to the rescue of the men, who were then taken to hospital for treatment. The matter was adjourned to July 21 for the verification of Dinago's asylum seeker permit. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
How much Orlando Pirates paid for Oswin Appollis
Orlando Pirates have made a number of signings this off-season but none bigger than the acquisition of Oswin Appollis. In fact, the Buccaneers pulled off arguably the biggest move of the window so far when they landed the Bafana Bafana star. Appollis was long linked with a move to one of the country's biggest teams, with Orlando Pirates coming up trumps in the race to sign him! READ MORE • R20 million Mamelodi Sundowns star wanted by Siwelele FC! READ MORE • Shocker: Flavio Silva's Kaizer Chiefs salary revealed! Oswin Appollis has been a star performer for both Polokwane City and Bafana Bafana over the past two years. The speedy winger's market price sits in excess of R18 million according to Transfermarkt. But just how much did Orlando Pirates pay to sign him? According to KickOff, the Buccaneers scored somewhat of a bargain! The publication claim Polokwane City originally set their asking price at around R20 million for their star man. Despite receiving offers from North Africa for R15 million, Orlando Pirates landed Appollis for a deal worth approximately just R12 million! 'Though the 23-year-old's valuation has been placed at R20 million over the past year, it has been established that he moved to Pirates for 60% of that amount. This places the transfer fee in the region of R12 million,' a KickOff report read. The publication further claimed that Kaizer Chiefs' offer of R10 million for Appollis was rejected last year. READ MORE • Orlando Pirates cut ties with fan-favourite worth R14.5 million! In the South African context R12 million may seem like a high figure for a local player. However based on the quality of Appollis, do you believe Orlando Pirates scored a massive bargain? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
R20 million Mamelodi Sundowns star wanted by Siwelele FC
A Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder is a wanted man in the Free State. Siwelele FC, the PSL newcomers who purchased SuperSport United FC's Betway Premiership status are hoping to make a big statement by signing a top quality midfielder. According to the latest developments, Siwelele FC are ready to bring one of the province's favourite footballers back home. READ MORE • Orlando Pirates set their sights on another big-name signing! Siwelele FC are eyeing up a move for Masandawana midfield maestro Neo Maema! Having made just six starts for Mamelodi Sundowns last season, Maema struggled to break into Miguel Cardoso's preferred starting eleven. And now, reports suggest the former Bloemfontein Celtic ace could return back to the Free State! 'Some of the (former SuperSport United) players won't be there for Siwelele and that's why the club is looking at bringing in new players,' an insider told Soccer Laduma . 'There are players who have been going through trials and there are players that the technical team and management are scouting and Neo Maema is one of them. They have enquired from Mamelodi Sundowns and they are waiting to hear from them. But he is one of the targeted players.' Maema, 29-years-old, has made 189 top-flight appearances in the PSL. He has 19 goals to his name while assisting 20 more! READ MORE • Orlando Pirates plotting R10 million offer for marquee signing! He undoubtedly has the quality and talent to succeed at Mamelodi Sundowns. So what do you think is going wrong for him at Chloorkop? Should he move back home to reignite his career? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Suspected drug dealer nabbed in North, narcotics seized
The Pretoria North police arrested a suspected drug dealer on July 15, following a well co-ordinated intelligence-driven operation. The suspect is expected to appear in the Pretoria North Magistrate's Court on charges related to the possession of illegal drugs. According to Pretoria North SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Tumisang Moloto, the arrest was made in a joint operation conducted by the Pretoria North Crime Prevention Unit and the Pretoria Public Order Policing Unit, acting on a tip-off from the community. He said police officials had been monitoring the suspect's movements closely for several days. The takedown operation was carried out on Broodryk Street in Wolmer, where officers intercepted and searched the suspect. During the search, law enforcement officers recovered crystal meth and heroin, with an estimated street value of R10 000. The drugs were seized and taken in as evidence. Acting station commander of Pretoria North SAPS, Lieutenant Colonel Theunis Smit, praised the collaborative efforts of the teams involved and emphasised SAPS's unwavering stance on drug-related crimes. 'We are committed to rooting out drugs in our communities, and we want to thank our members for their efforts in confronting and removing bad elements from our neighbourhoods,' said Smit. Community members have been urged to continue working with the police by reporting any suspicious activities or individuals involved in drug dealing. The local police station maintained that public co-operation remains key to dismantling drug networks and ensuring safer communities. Ward 2 councillor Quentin Meyer said drug dealers are not welcome in the community and that residents should continue giving law enforcement tip-offs. 'Together, we are building a safer, cleaner, and stronger Ward 2.' Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
