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The Citizen
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Banyana still have a lot to play for at WAFCON, says Ellis
'It's not just the medal but like I said we're going to try and do this for Gabriela," said Ellis. Despite their failure to defend their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Banyana Banyana still have something to play for and they will fight with everything left in them to return home with a medal. This is according to Banyana coach Desiree Ellis. ALSO READ: Banyana star Salgado on the mend after successful surgery Speaking ahead of the third-place playoff match against Ghana at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Friday night (kick-off is at 9pm SA time), Ellis said that it was important for Banyana to end their WAFCON campaign on a high note. 'Most definitely, there's disappointment with not getting to the final of course but there's still something to play for and that is important,' said Ellis. Ellis added that they also want to win their encounter against the Black Queens for Gabriela Salgado, who will miss it because of an injury. Salgado suffered a serious injury during Banyana Banyana's 2-1 loss to Nigeria in a semifinal clash played against Nigeria at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium last Tuesday. 'It's not just the medal but like I said we're going to try and do this for Gabriela. She is going home with an injury, we will make sure that she gets a medal because it's important that we still fight for the third place, so there's still something to play for, it's not just a playoff match that doesn't mean anything. It's a playoff match that gets you a medal and I think it's going to be important how we lift ourselves up after this and then get ready for that match,' said Ellis. Meanwhile, Salgado underwent a successful operation at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca, Morocco, on Wednesday. Banyana team doctor, Dr Lindi Mokoena, says following the operation, Salgado will be out of action for the rest of the year. 'Gabi sustained a fracture of the mid-shaft of her left leg during the fixture against Nigeria and underwent a successful surgery at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca. She will be out of action for the rest of the year, but we are pleased that she received exceptional care from the medical team of Banyana Banyana, CAF and the hospital,' said Dr Mokoena. ALSO READ: Ellis blames Salgado injury for Banyana's WAFCON loss 'We were fully confident and comfortable with the procedure that was performed in Morocco and would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to CAF and the dedicated staff at the Mohamed VI University Hospital for their professionalism and outstanding support during this time.'
The Citizen
5 hours ago
- The Citizen
Gqeberha pastor denied bail in murdered 12-year-old sister-in-law case
Pastor Sonwabo Nqayi remains behind bars after being charged with the premeditated murder of a 12-year-old schoolgirl in Motherwell. The Motherwell Magistrate's Court has denied bail to a Gqeberha pastor accused of kidnapping and murdering his 12-year-old sister-in-law. The prosecution successfully opposed the bail application of 39-year-old Sonwabo Nqayi, the pastor and founder of the Holy Burning Fire Ministries of God, on Thursday. Nqayi made his first appearance in court on 30 June, facing premeditated murder, kidnapping, and defeating or obstructing the course of justice charges. Pastor in court in connection with sister-in-law's death He was arrested in connection with the tragic death of his 12-year-old sister-in-law, Lithaliyanda Ntini. The Grade 6 pupil went missing after she left her home on Luzipho Street, NU10, Motherwell, on 24 June 2025 at approximately 4.45pm to visit a shop. ALSO READ: 'There is no white genocide happening here,' says Trump's top pastor after SA visit Lithaliyanda never returned to her home and was last seen wearing grey tracksuit pants with a purple jersey. A few days later, the girl's charred remains were discovered in bushes near Khabonqaba Street, NU6, Motherwell, in the early hours of 27 June 2025 at approximately 2.10am. It is alleged that on 24 June, the accused kidnapped the minor and took her to nearby bushes, where he allegedly murdered her and set her body alight. Girl allegedly murdered and set alight 'While we commend the swift arrest in this case, the brutal nature of this child's murder has deeply shocked our officers and the community,' said acting Eastern Cape provincial commissioner, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso, when Lithaliyanda's body was found. 'We have full confidence in our investigative team and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to ensure justice for Lithaliyanda and her family.' Bail denied NPA regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the state opposed bail because the matter was premeditated, and there was a likelihood that he would evade trial and use his influence to threaten witnesses. ALSO READ: Omotoso 'not a fugitive from justice', NPA says as Nigerian pastor leaves SA The Motherwell Magistrate's Court ruled in favour of the prosecution. The matter has been remanded to 28 August 2025 for further investigation. 'The NPA remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring that justice is served for victims of violent crime, especially those who are most vulnerable in our society,' Tyali said.
The Citizen
7 hours ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
MPs meet to address language exclusion in schools, but end up clashing over language use themselves
The committee chair reminded MPs that fighting over language use contradicted the work of the committee. Picture for illustration purposes only. Members of Parliament (MPs) at the Good Hope Chamber on 9 March 2023. Picture: Gallo Images/Die Burger/Jaco Marais On Thursday, the portfolio committee on basic education met to address allegations of language exclusion and racial profiling during admission processes in Western Cape schools, among other issues. However, they ended up fighting among themselves due to language use. EFF MP Lencel Komane had just started making his submissions in Sesotho when the newly appointed MK party MP, Siphetho Mkhize, raised a point of order. He said that although he understood it was Komane's right to speak his language, he also wanted the portfolio chair to know he could not understand a word of what Komane was saying. 'I want to put it on record that I cannot understand what he's saying,' said Mkhize. 'Undermining' This did not sit well with EFF MP Mandla Shikwambana, who called out Mkhize for his point of order. 'What point of order? He [Komane] has the right to speak his own language, and he [Mkhize] is undermining. He [Mkhize] can't raise a point of order because he can't understand, but must check if there is an interpretation. This is an official language,' said Shikwambana. ALSO READ: 80% of Grade 3 pupils cannot read for meaning in any language: Ramaphosa notes SA education's grim reality Things descended into chaos just before committee chair Sedukanelo Tshepo David Louw intervened. He said: 'Honourable Mkhize, you were wrong to just enter without raising your hand. We are allowed to speak, and we have an interpreter who is going to assist in terms of translating all languages. You are new to the committee, but we've been dealing with this situation; it's our culture, even parliamentary meetings, we do have interpreters, and when we do not have them, we find a means to explain. 'There is nothing wrong if anyone wants to communicate in their language. We're here dealing with Bela [Basic Education Laws Amendment] and language, we're speaking of indigenous languages that we must include as well, so let's not contradict our stance as the committee, because we want to explore and be exemplary.' 'All languages are equal' However, this did not defuse the situation, as Komane still came in with a few words of advice to Mkhize. 'It's something we need to learn. If you go to China, you must give yourself time to learn what the Chinese do. You must not go to China and hope the Chinese will change the rules of China. It is highly impossible,' said Komane. Shikwambana still did not understand why it was a black MP who was complaining about another black MP using their language while white MPs were quiet. ALSO READ: 'Every SA language should be protected' – Marc Lottering on Afrikaans' 100th anniversary 'What interpretation are we waiting for? Half of Komane's presentation was done in English. I feel very bad when this is done by Africans. He spoke English here, so what is it that this guy did not hear? Even these English people here are quiet; these Africans are the ones saying, 'I did not hear.' What is it that he did not hear because Komane spoke in English? We can't be treated like this by Africans as well. There is no language that is superior to another here. They're all equal,' he said. 'Racial profiling' in schools In the same meeting, MEC for education in the Western Cape, David Maynier, addressed MK party MP Pinky Mngadi's allegations that some schools in the province were racially profiling pupils in their admissions processes. ALSO READ: Gauteng schools face scrutiny over language and admissions policies 'How is the Department of Education addressing allegations of racial profiling in school admissions, and what action has been taken against schools that violate children's constitutional rights through language exclusion?' she asked. She said her party would write a letter calling for his removal 'to end this island they have created and the apartheid they are exercising'. Maynier dismissed the allegations, calling on parents or anyone with evidence of such incidents to come forward so that the department could launch an investigation into the matter. 'We do not tolerate racism in our schools and department. I want to be very clear about that. I would encourage, if any parent or MP has any evidence of a case, to please ensure that you lodge a complaint. If any parent has witnessed any case of discrimination, they should come forward, provide evidence of the allegation so that we can investigate the matter,' said Maynier. READ NEXT: Language or legacy: Afrikaans at a crossroads after 100 years
The Star
7 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
Saru's Rian Oberholzer: Springbok rugby's future in good hands after U20 success
The Junior Springboks' victory in the World Rugby Under-20 Championship shows that the game is thriving at every level in the country, according to SA Rugby Union (Saru) chief Rian Oberholzer. As the Springboks have won the last two Rugby World Cup titles, the fact that the junior side is following in their footsteps means the long-term future of the game is in good hands. It was also the first time in 13 years that an SA side has triumphed in the Under-20 showpiece event. Oberholzer said a lot of work went on behind the scenes which has led to the strong position of SA rugby. 'The restructuring helped a lot. We focused solely on the structures at the juniors [u18 and u20s] and women's rugby. Bringing in the right people, like Johan Ackerman and Kevin Foote, made a huge difference,' Oberholzer told 'We looked at what the DNA of South African rugby is, and it starts at U18 level. You can't have one system at U20s and something entirely different at the senior level. Dave Wessels and the high-performance team worked hard to ensure the U20s play like the Springboks.' 'We're working quietly but seriously on launching a six-team professional women's league. We've done the same with coaching structures as we did with the juniors [appointment of Swys de Bruin], and now we're looking to give more women a platform to compete at a high level.' Riley Norton skippered the SA Under-20 rugby team to the title over the weekend. It was not the first taste of international success for the young lock, as he was also part of the SA Under-19 Cricket World Cup last year, which made it to the semi-finals of the tournament. Luckily for Saru, Norton has already chosen to pursue rugby instead of cricket. @Michael_Sherman IOL Sport
The Guardian
a day ago
- Science
- The Guardian
Effects of marine heatwave driving ‘foreseeable' SA algal bloom could rival black summer fires, scientists warn
Scientists are warning the wildlife impacts of a marine heatwave that has driven a catastrophic algal bloom off South Australia are likely to be equivalent to those from the black summer bushfires, and demand a similar response from governments. Experts from five Australian universities say 'one of the worst marine disasters in living memory' requires rapid investigation by federal and state governments to identify any at-risk species and fund emergency interventions if necessary. In a report by the Biodiversity Council, an independent expert group founded by 11 universities, the scientists called on governments to commit to seven actions to respond to the 'foreseeable and even predicted' event and to prepare for 'an increasingly dangerous and unstable future'. As expected, the federal Senate on Wednesday nightestablished an inquiry into the disaster that has killed thousands of marine animals off SA. The Coalition senator Anne Ruston earlier accused the federal and SA governments of being too slow to act on the 'significant environmental issue', 'allowing it to massively escalate into a serious ecological disaster'. While she welcomed this week's assistance packages – with federal and state governments each announcing $14m – she said it seemed 'manifestly inadequate to deal with the impact on the affected communities'. 'It fails to recognise the magnitude of the response needed to both address the problem and deal with the clean-up,' the senator for SA said. 'At a national level this marine heatwave is likely to have an equivalent impact on wildlife as the black summer bushfires, once we consider not just this harmful algal bloom, but also the extensive coral bleaching and mortality on both east and west coasts,' said Prof Gretta Pecl, a Biodiversity Council member from the University of Tasmania's Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies. She noted that governments had previously 'mobilised significant funds' for natural disasters, 'as we saw with the $2bn National Bushfire Recovery Fund, which included over $200m for wildlife recovery measures'. Sign up: AU Breaking News email The federal MP for the SA seat of Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie, said the federal government needed to commit more. 'With respect, if this was happening at Bondi beach, for example, I'm sure we'd be seeing a much larger slice of commonwealth funding,' she said, echoing recent comments from the Greens senator for SA Sarah Hanson-Young. 'Although there's nothing we can do to stop the current bloom, we need additional investment for monitoring and research..' Actions called for by the Biodiversity Council include an immediate investment of at least $10m to start research into the impact of the algal bloom, establishment of a long-term monitoring program of southern reefs – modelled on the $40m 10-year Great Barrier Reef monitoring program – and rapid work to investigate at-risk species, including giant cuttlefish, which have a mass winter breeding event off Whyalla. The council said the government assistance package was a 'welcome start' but was likely insufficient to support and compensate affected communities and businesses and address 'immediate and longer term biodiversity needs'. Pecl said the impact of the event would 'massively exceed the actual boundaries of the physical bloom itself', with cascading consequences for other Australian regions because of the connectivity of oceans and their food webs. 'This harmful algal bloom is just one of the major consequences of the marine heatwave ringing Australia, which has also caused extensive coral bleaching on both east and west coasts with high rates of coral mortality,' she said. The report said the crisis was a 'human-mediated disaster' enabled by the extended marine heatwave and likely fed by a large pulse of nutrient-rich flood water and coastal upwelling. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion Scientists said the event had likely been exacerbated by the 'widespread loss of marine ecosystems that once provided natural water filtering and resilience against natural as well as human threats'. They called on governments to accelerate Australia's decarbonisation efforts, saying minimising ocean warming was 'the most important step in preventing harmful algal blooms' along all Australian coastlines. The report proposed further actions including more work to identify and reduce sources of nutrient and dissolved carbon pollution and restoration and protection of marine ecosystems. A federal government spokesperson said the health and resilience of Australia's oceans were a priority and the government was 'deeply concerned by the widespread marine species mortalities caused by this extreme event'. 'The Albanese Government will continue to work constructively with the South Australian Government when it comes to the devastating SA algal bloom,' they said. 'That's why we have contributed half of the $28m funding package with the South Australian government to support science and research to boost resilience and planning, industry support and clean up efforts.' The Biodiversity Council director, James Trezise, said: 'Alongside rapidly reducing emissions, Australia needs to be better prepared for environmental disasters such as this. 'We should all accept that this is likely to just be the tip of the iceberg for what our future looks like with unmitigated climate change and rapid biodiversity loss,' he said. The Senate inquiry is expected to hand down its report in late October.
