Latest news with #Sampear
News24
4 days ago
- News24
Newsreader now minister's spokesman after road rage drama
Video footage from 17 April shows Sampear shouting at student Laricia Augusto (20) after their vehicles collided in Randburg. In April 2020, Sampear admitted on Power FM that he had assaulted two previous girlfriends and claimed his mother 'provoked' his stepfather leading to her being abused, drawing criticism for promoting a victim-blaming culture around gender-based violence. Patricia de Lille says Sampear passed the vetting process with 'no adverse findings' and wasn't charged over the road rage incident, arguing he was sharing his childhood trauma to warn about cycles of violence rather than justifying it. A well-known television presenter has been appointed to a senior government position after he was previously involved in a road rage incident with a young female student. A video of the incident on 17 April between Aldrin Sampear, former newsreader for Newzroom Afrika, and Laricia Augusto (20) in Randburg spread like wildfire on social media. In the video, Sampear shouts at Augusto that she showed him the middle finger while she repeatedly screams: 'Why are you hitting me?' In the recording, it appears that a black Mitsubishi Pajero SUV and a white Toyota Aygo hatchback collided with each other. Augusto laid a charge of assault with the police against Sampear, and Newzroom Afrika took him off air for about a month Upon his return to work in May, after his suspension, Sampear said on air: 'I want to take full responsibility for my actions, although I did not assault the other driver, I believe I should have been more composed and found a way to de-escalate the situation.' He apologised, expressed his regret and said his actions did not meet his own high standards. Sampear was also in the news in April 2020. This after he admitted as a presenter on Power FM that he had assaulted two of his previous girlfriends. This was part of a conversation about gender-based violence in which he said his stepfather had abused his mother and that she had 'provoked' him, News24 reported. Sampear also said he had outgrown such violent behaviour because he had seen how his father always knew 'how to hold back'. Critics said at the time that Sampear had promoted a culture with that conversation, where victims of domestic violence get blamed for the situation. Meanwhile, Sampear announced on air on 31 July that his career at Newzroom Afrika was coming to an end and that he would be joining the department of tourism. He has been appointed as spokesperson for Patricia de Lille. De Lille said on Saturday that all proposed appointments go through a vetting process. There were no adverse findings against Mr Sampear. Patricia de Lille Regarding the allegations against Sampear around the road rage incident, De Lille said: 'Mr Sampear was not charged.' About his revelations on Power FM, De Lille said Sampear had shared his experiences as a child of violence. 'He and his mother were victims of physical abuse. He was not defending or condoning violence, but was instead warning the public through his personal reflections of how the vicious cycle of gender-based violence reinvents itself. It's through (the) children.' De Lille said she trusts that Sampear's talents will strengthen the department to create jobs, among other things.
The Citizen
05-08-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Aldrin Sampear dumps journalism for government job after leaving news channel
Sampear has bagged a cushy government job quicker than most unemployed South Africans get responses to job applications After recently confirming his departure from Newzroom Afrika and announcing that he is taking a break from broadcasting, journalist Aldrin Sampear has dumped his media duties for a government job. 'I have joined the Department of Tourism under the leadership of Minister Patricia De Lille,' said Sampear in a statement on Tuesday morning. Since his road rage episode in April, which saw a leaked video of Sampear arguing with another driver in Randburg, things have been tense for the broadcaster, with some calling for his removal from Newzroom Afrika. Sampear was placed on an indefinite leave of absence by Newzroom Afrika after the incident. A month and a few days later, Sampear apologised to the news channel and his colleagues, but in his apology, there was a glaring omission of the woman with whom he had a verbal altercation. 'It was really disappointed that he did not even recognise his role in the incident beyond acknowledging that it happened,' said the alleged victim in the road rage, Laricia Augusto. ALSO READ: 'Where's my apology?': Road rage victim still waiting for Aldrin Sampear to say sorry to her Sampear joins government Last Thursday, Sampear confirmed his exit from Newzroom Afrika on air. 'Unfortunately, or fortunately, this is the end of my journey with Channel 405, Newzroom Afrika, and it is also a pause in my broadcasting career, which has been incredibly, incredibly illustrious,' he said a week ago. However, less than a week after the announcement, Sampear has bagged a cushy government job quicker than most unemployed South Africans get responses to job applications. He said he resigned from Newzroom Afrika because 'my skill has been sought for different challenges.' ALSO READ: WATCH: Aldrin Sampear bows out of Newzroom Afrika Sampear's epiphany In a post on X, Sampear said his decision to accept the offer to join the government was inspired by Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya's PHD dissertation, The Negotiated Nation: Evaluating Nation Building in the Post-Apartheid South Africa. 'Reflections on Eskom board chairperson Mteto Nyati's decision to answer the call to Public Service, have convinced me that there must more that this darkie can do for his country,' shared Sampear. Speaking in a tone that would make late US president John F. Kennedy and his new boss, De Lille, happy, Sampear said he wanted to serve the country. 'This beautiful nation has done so much for me. I'm indebted,' he said. 'State policies, like social grants and free primary healthcare, helped pull me out of poverty, and journalism was the vehicle. Kasie FM, my first broadcasting home, was itself supported by a state agency, the MDDA.' NOW READ: WATCH: TV news anchor Aldrin Sampear apologises for road rage incident
The Citizen
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
WATCH: Aldrin Sampear bows out of Newzroom Afrika
Said he will also be taking a break from his broadcasting career. Broadcast journalist Aldrin Sampear has officially parted ways with Newzroom Afrika. He announced his departure live on air during AM Report on Thursday morning. 'The time has come for me to announce that today is my last broadcast of AM Report on Newzroom Afrika, Channel 405,' he said. Sampear reflected on his journey, thanking the team and viewers for their support. 'It's been an incredible journey. I truly appreciate the people I've worked with — creative, dedicated individuals who've built this flagship programme. 'To our viewers, thank you for welcoming me into your homes, your offices and onto your phones,' he said. ALSO READ: 'End of an era': Shalate Sekhabi exits House of Zwide Taking a break from broadcasting Aldrin also said he would be taking a break from broadcasting. 'Unfortunately, or fortunately, this is the end of my journey with Channel 405, Newzroom Afrika, and it is also a pause in my broadcasting career, which has been incredibly, incredibly illustrious,' he said. Sampear's exit comes months after he was placed on indefinite leave in May. This followed an alleged road rage incident in Randburg in April involving a 20-year-old woman. READ MORE: TV news anchor Aldrin Sampear placed on 'indefinite leave' after road rage incident [VIDEO] In a public statement, Sampear admitted to being involved in a 'traffic incident' but did not confirm the assault or bullying allegations. 'I was involved in a traffic incident which resulted in a confrontation between myself and another driver. 'Having had time to reflect on these events, I want to take full responsibility for my actions,' he said. Sampear returned to the screen nearly a month later. NOW READ: Wedding bells for Maskandi star Khuzani Mpungose
The Citizen
23-04-2025
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: Aldrin Sampear on indefinite leave
Here's your daily news update: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. News today includes Newzroom Afrika anchor Aldrin Sampear taking an indefinite leave of absence with immediate effect following a recent road rage incident in Johannesburg last week. Meanwhile, The Special Investigations Unit says it saved government coffers a combined R262.6 million while recovering R58 million from State Information and Technology Agency and the South African Broadcast Corporation. Furthermore, A fresh fire threat has been confirmed at the already devasted Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital. Weather tomorrow: 24 April 2025 The weather service warns of severe thunderstorms resulting in heavy downpours and possible flooding in parts of the Free State, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal. Meanwhile very cold weather and possible snow are forecast over the south-western high grounds of KwaZulu-Natal. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. TV news anchor Aldrin Sampear placed on 'indefinite leave' after road rage incident [VIDEO] Newzroom Afrika has confirmed that news anchor Aldrin Sampear will be taking an indefinite leave of absence with immediate effect following a recent road rage incident in Johannesburg. The news broadcaster announced the decision on Tuesday as it conducted an internal review of the incident. Newzroom Afrika news anchor Aldrin Sampear. Picture: @aldrinsampear/Instagram 'Newzroom Afrika is aware of an incident involving anchor Aldrin Sampear last week. Sampear will take a break from his broadcast duties with immediate effect, pending an internal review of the matter,' the broadcaster said. This follows allegations that he physically assaulted a woman driver during a reported road rage incident in Johannesburg last week. CONTINUE READING: TV news anchor Aldrin Sampear placed on 'indefinite leave' after road rage incident [VIDEO] SIU recovers R58 million from SABC and Sita irregular contracts The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has detailed a range of successes relating to state-owned communications. The Standing Committee of Public Accounts (Scopa) were on Wednesday briefed by SIU officials on matters at the State Information and Technology Agency (Sita) and the South African Broadcast Corporation (SABC). Picture: Special Investigating Unit The SIU's presentation listed successes stemming from contracts signed as far back as 2012. From both entities, the SIU stated that they had saved government coffers a combined R262.6 million while recovering R58 million. CONTINUE READING: SIU recovers R58 million from SABC and Sita irregular contracts Another fire hits Tembisa hospital, emergency responders on scene A fresh fire threat has been confirmed at the already devasted Tembisa Hospital. The fire comes four days after several sections of the Tembisa Hospital were gutted by fire, severely affecting medical services at the facility. The Tembisa Hospital emergency unit on 20 April. Picture: Gauteng Department of Health. The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) confirmed on Wednesday morning that emergency responders were on scene dealing with a new blaze. CONTINUE READING: Another fire hits Tembisa hospital, emergency responders on scene 'Domestic abuse is not entertainment' — Law enforcement agency slams 'Isencane Lengane' South Africa's Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS), along with advocacy groups and concerned viewers, has criticised Moja Love's reality show Isencane Lengane for allegedly showcasing domestic abuse. The backlash follows a recent episode, on 20 April, of Isencane Lengane that sparked public outrage, leading to growing calls for the show's cancellation. 'Isencane Lengane' stars Siyacela Dlamuka and Thando Msomi. Pictures: Screenshot/Showmax In the episode of the show that follows a young couple that got married when they were teens, Thando Msomi and Siyacela Dlamuka, Siyacela threatened to beat Thando with a sjambok during a heated argument. JCPS condemned the channel, saying airing content that portrays domestic abuse under the guise of entertainment is dangerous. CONTINUE READING: 'Domestic abuse is not entertainment' — Law enforcement agency slams 'Isencane Lengane' Principal removed from Madisong High School following corporal punishment allegations The principal of Madisong High School in Hammanskraal has been temporarily reassigned pending an investigation into allegations of physical assault against students. This was confirmed by the Gauteng education department on Wednesday. A teacher has been suspended for using corporal punishment. (Photo by Gallo Images / Daily Dispatch / Mark Andrews) According to the MEC's spokesperson, Xolani Mkhwemte, several students came forward with accounts of physical discipline administered by the principal. One student reported being physically assaulted in February, while another complained of hand pain allegedly resulting from punishment after missing a scheduled holiday catch-up programme. CONTINUE READING: Principal removed from Madisong High School following corporal punishment allegations Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: Lawyers stealing from trust funds | EFF proposes 'apartheid tax' | Netball SA raked over coals
The Citizen
23-04-2025
- The Citizen
Newzroom Afrika confirms Aldrin Sampear on 'indefinite leave'
This follows serious allegations that he physically assaulted a woman driver during a reported road rage incident in Johannesburg last week. Newzroom Afrika has confirmed that news anchor Aldrin Sampear will be taking an indefinite leave of absence with immediate effect following a road rage incident in Johannesburg. The news broadcaster announced the decision on Tuesday as it conducted an internal review of the incident. 'Newzroom Afrika is aware of an incident involving anchor Aldrin Sampear last week. Sampear will take a break from his broadcast duties with immediate effect, pending an internal review of the matter. 'Newzroom Afrika takes the allegations very seriously and we will work swiftly to address the concerns raised,' the broadcaster said. Road rage This follows serious allegations that he physically assaulted a woman driver during a reported road rage incident in Johannesburg last week. The incident sparked widespread outrage after a video recorded by a 20-year-old woman identified as Laricia Augusto went viral on social media. Augusto told The Citizen that she was travelling to university on Jan Smuts Avenue at the time of the incident. She has laid charges against Sampear. WATCH the video here: Charges of assault have been laid against Newsroom Afrika anchor Aldrin Sampear following a road range incident in Randburg earlier on Thursday @TheCitizen_News — Hein Kaiser (@heinkaiser) April 17, 2025 ALSO READ: TV news anchor Aldrin Sampear claims road rage video was edited, denies assault Assault In the video, a distressed Augusto can be heard accusing Sampear of physical aggression. 'He grabbed my arm. I immediately started recording him. That's when I realised this wasn't just a fender bender and that this was something else.' In the video, Sampear accused Augusto of flipping a middle finger at him, which she admitted to. 'You can see him pointing in my face, shouting nonstop. He pushed me, grabbed me again, and hit me,' she said. 'I was terrified and genuinely afraid he might seriously hurt me, but I tried not to show it. I kept as calm as I could.' Video edited Sampear denied assaulting Augusto during a phone call with The Citizen a few hours after the incident, but admitted that there was 'some truth' to other aspects of the encounter. However, Sampear alleged that the video she made of the incident was edited. 'I'm horrified to see an edited version of the video because I actually went to my car to go fetch my phone and license to share with the driver,' he responded to The Citizen in a text message on WhatsApp. 'At no point did I assault the driver. We have exchanged details. I have reported the matter to the police, and my legal team will deal with this factually and honestly,' Sampear added. Five years ago, the broadcaster admitted that he had assaulted women before. Additional reporting by Hein Kaiser ALSO READ: TV news anchor Aldrin Sampear charged with assault
