Latest news with #Sithole
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Turf wars loom in KwaMbonambi
Infighting among high school pupils in KwaMbonambi has the potential to escalate into turf wars if not promptly addressed by the relevant authorities. This warning was issued by Ward 16 Councillor Bhekumuzi Sithole, who said this longstanding infighting has recently intensified, with learners resorting to carrying dangerous weapons, including knives and broken bottles. ALSO READ: Deadly after school fight in eShowe According to Sithole, an underlying sinister influence of drugs appears to be involved in the situation. 'People are using these learners. We have held numerous meetings with parents and there are no tangible reasons for what it is that is being fought over,' said Sithole. He further added that there was a pressing need to involve social workers in addressing the violent acts among the learners. Among the schools involved in these conflicts are Ntongande High School in Ward 16, Mkhayideni Technical High School in Ward 14 of uMfolozi, and Siphumelele High School in Ward 1 of the City of uMhlathuze. 'We need an urgent meeting between traditional leaders and the municipality; police do assist at some point, however, there are also reports that these learners have a traditional healer whom they are consulting, which contributes to their violent behaviour towards one another,' added Sithole. Read the full story in this week's ZO Weekender. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
IFP urges full police probe after deputy chief whip shot dead
The IFP has called on police to leave no stone unturned in their search for the killers of its Deputy Chief Whip Khethamabala Sithole. The Witness reports that Sithole was killed by unknown assailants on Saturday evening in Katlehong, Gauteng. Provincial Secretary Alco Ngobese was also injured in the shooting and is receiving treatment. IFP national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa said details around Sithole's death 'are still sketchy at the moment', but the party urged police to find those responsible for the murder. 'It is the IFP's expectation that the law enforcement agencies will spare no effort to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.' He described the IFP's National Council member as 'a hard-working servant leader of the people and our country'. 'We have lost a trusted patriot and a diligent leader of the IFP. 'The IFP is poorer today with his passing, and South Africa has lost a good man who served his country par excellence.' The EFF in Gauteng said the death may have been politically motivated and slammed political intolerance. 'Political killings are unacceptable and undermine our democracy. We therefore condemn all acts of political violence and urge all parties to show maximum tolerance and respect for opposing views. Democracy must be built on peace, not violence.' The Good Party also shared its condolences. 'Violence has no place in our democracy. May his soul rest in peace,' it added. The ANC also paid tribute to Sithole on Sunday. 'The ANC is deeply saddened by the tragic assassination of Honourable Khethamabala Petros 'KP' Sithole, a member of Parliament and deputy chief whip of the IFP. 'We condemn this brutal act and call for urgent intervention by law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to justice,' said the ANC. The ANC said that Sithole will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to peace, reconciliation and the transformation of apartheid-era hostels. 'He was a man of dignity and dialogue, and consistently worked to strengthen ANC-IFP relations, often reaching across political divides in pursuit of the greater good. His calm leadership, humility and vision for a just and united South Africa will be sorely missed. 'The ANC extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, the IFP, and all South Africans mourning this profound loss,' said the ANC. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: IFP deputy chief whip's ‘assassination'
Here's your daily news update for Sunday, 01 June 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. In today's news update, friends, family and community members gathered at the Bloemfontein City Hall in the Free State to pay their final respects to Olorato Mongale. The 30-year-old was killed, and her body dumped, after she went on a date last Sunday in Johannesburg. This comes as the IFP calls on police to leave no stone unturned in their search for the killers of its Deputy Chief Whip, Khethamabala Sithole. Sithole was killed by unknown assailants on Saturday evening in Katlehong, Gauteng. Provincial Secretary Alco Ngobese was also injured in the shooting and is currently receiving treatment. Weather tomorrow: 02 June 2025 The South African Weather Service (Saws) has issued a yellow level 2 warning for damaging waves between Cape Point and Plettenberg Bay on Monday. 'Heavy westerly to south-westerly swells, with wave heights of 4 to 4.5 meters, are expected between Saldanha Bay and Plettenberg Bay on Sunday, but between Cape Point and Plettenberg Bay on Monday,' warned the weather service. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. IFP want answers after deputy chief whip's 'assassination' IFP national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa said details around Sithole's death 'are still sketchy at the moment', but the party urged police to find those responsible for the murder. Picture: The Witness 'It is the IFP's expectation that the law enforcement agencies will spare no effort to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.' CONTINUE READING: IFP want answers after deputy chief whip's 'assassination' WATCH: Olorato Mongale remembered as 'light extinguished too soon', police vow action The Mongale family have questioned how a 'broken' justice system had allowed the men accused of kidnapping to be set free into society. Olorato Mongale. Picture: X At the service, Mongale was described as an adventurous young woman who shone brightly in all she did. 'She was not just talented but also a beacon of energy and promise 'Her light was extinguished far too soon. Her life was filled with dreams, laughter and love. Let us carry her memory forward. She has gone home,' family spokesperson Criselda Kananda told mourners. CONTINUE READING: WATCH: Olorato Mongale remembered as 'light extinguished too soon', police vow action Afrikaner 'refugees' continue to arrive in US on commercial flights – reports More Afrikaners reportedly continue to leave South Africa for the United States as part of the Afrikaner resettlement programme offered by President Donald Trump. Picture for illustration. A group of Afrikaners gathered outside the American Embassy in Pretoria to deliver a memorandum to US President Donald Trump. Picture: Nigel Sibanda /The Citizen Relations between South Africa and the US have been on shaky ground amid false claims of a white genocide from the Trump administration and the signing of the Expropriation Bill. CONTINUE READING: Afrikaner 'refugees' continue to arrive in US on commercial flights – reports 'Looting using matric papers': Why did NW printing job price jump by around R100m? There are concerns of possible 'looting' and corruption within the North West education department after it signed a new matric paper printing job that costs four times what it did last year. Anxious student sitting for examination in a school hall. Picture: Stock The department has disputed the amount, but revealed the actual amount is over R100 million. It justified the cost by saying it included not only printing but also other logistics like storage and distribution. CONTINUE READING: 'Looting using matric papers': Why did NW printing job price jump by around R100m? You can still play Lotto today, after last-minute announcement There will be no disruptions to lottery operations as Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has appointed a temporary licensee. Picture: Stock Tau announced on Saturday that he has concluded successful negotiations with Ithuba Holdings and signed a temporary licence agreement for them to operate the National Lottery and Sports Pool for a period of 12 months, effective from 1 June 2025. CONTINUE READING: You can still play Lotto today, after last-minute announcement Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Suspect cleared in kidnapping case| SA mourns journalist Andrew Trench| Tshwane water warning
3 days ago
- Politics
IFP mourns the loss of senior MP fatally shot in Katlehong
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) confirmed the death of senior member Khethamabala Petros Sithole, who was fatally shot in Katlehong on the East Rand on Saturday evening. Sithole, 68, served as the deputy chief whip in the National Assembly and was a long-standing member of the party's National Council. Furthermore, the IFP has condemned the killing as an 'assassination' and called for swift justice. 'Details are still sketchy at the moment, and it is the IFP's expectation that the law enforcement agencies will spare no effort to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice,' the party said in a statement. Furthermore, Sithole dedicated his life to the IFP, joining the party in his youth and serving in numerous leadership roles. He was Gauteng provincial chairperson and an Ekurhuleni councillor and briefly represented the party in the Gauteng legislature from 2009 to 2010. Since 2010, he has served as a Member of Parliament in the National Assembly, remaining active until his death. Known for his commitment to community service and party discipline, Sithole was praised by the IFP as 'a hard-working servant leader of the people and the country.' The party added, 'The IFP is poorer today with Jobe's passing, and South Africa has lost a good man who served his country par excellence.' Additionally, the motive for the killing remains unknown. Police have launched an investigation, but no suspects have been identified. As IFP reels from this loss, one question remains: will justice be swift enough to restore public confidence and honour the life of a man devoted to public service? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
From grief to purpose: Widow builds a supportive community in Mbombela
Widows' Lives Matter (WLM) hosted a group of widows to celebrate Mother's Day in style at Ndalo Lodge on Saturday, May 17. WLM, an NGO that was founded by Sibongile Sithole (herself a widow), is instrumental in addressing challenges that widows often face after the death of their husbands. During the event, representatives of Matsilele Attorneys taught the ladies a few legal tricks that are important for any woman who lost a husband to know. 'These included information regarding legal routes when dealing with wills, estates and other important aspects relating to the rights of widows. Most often, the challenges they face are due to a lack of knowledge,' said Sithole. When Sithole lost her husband, Samuel, more than a decade ago on Valentine's Day, she never expected she have to go through an ordeal that would prevent her from even burying the man she so dearly loved. ALSO READ: Long-awaited repairs to White River Library finally begin She said that accusations were made after her husband's death, some of which came from relatives and her in-laws, which caused their relationship to sour. 'I went through a lot after the death of my husband. I did not get support from anyone, including my in-laws; only nasty, unfounded accusations that even prevented me from attending his funeral,' said Sithole. She thought deeply and conducted research that made her realise that many other widows experienced all sorts of challenges without any shoulder to lean on. This is what made her decide to start the NGO. The women who attended the Mother's Day event told this publication that they had enjoyed themselves to the fullest during the function. 'The event was well organised. I enjoyed the food as well as the sleepover. It was soothing to have such an outing where we learnt a lot regarding challenges that we face as widows,' said one of the women, Thembi Dube. Langutane Matsilele, a director at Matsilele Attorneys, said he taught the women about types of marriages and the importance of wills. 'Wills are very important because the distribution of assets is done according to the wishes that are stipulated in one's wills,' said Matsilele. Gladys Pule, also known as Make Pule to her listeners on Ligwalagwala FM, was the motivational speaker of the day. 'As widows we need to be assertive and stand our ground so that our voices can be heard,' she said. WLM was launched at Mgwenya Park in Matsulu on November 16 last year. 'Our mission as Widows' Lives Matter is to provide legal, financial and psychosocial support through the promotion of widows' programmes. We aim, through social dialogue and sharing of personal experiences, to educate society on the challenges widows face.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
