Latest news with #SouthAfricanMorning
eNCA
5 days ago
- eNCA
From desperation to tragedy: What drives mothers to sell their children?
JOHANNESBURG – Just a week after Kelly Smith was sentenced to life in prison for selling her daughter, another mother is on trial for allegedly selling her child to a sangoma. These back-to-back cases have sparked outrage and deep reflection, with many asking: What kind of society are we becoming? In the South African Morning question on Thursday, eNCA asked: 'What do these and other similar cases say about us as a society, where mothers become so desperate that they sell their children?' The responses reflected the mix of shock, sorrow and frustration. Viewer @Gabojust wrote: 'A multifaceted approach is needed, including strong legal sentences, increased awareness and education, and support for families facing financial hardship. Again, more needs to be done to address the root causes and prevent such situations.' Another, @Tsolobentonga, said: 'Totally barbarity, inhumane for a mother to do this to her child. we can't be blaming Poverty and Unemployment on this, people grow up just fine and become great in poverty-stricken circumstances. Government must also take these Sangomas to task …' Others expressed anger at what seems to be a growing pattern. "This is so frustrating and terribly shocking, even though it's hard to control someone's mindset from making such a horrible decision. I rather think both the seller and buyer should be arrested then be dealt with harshly or be given the worst available sentence, especially if the victim is already killed." @Walto Muharukua 'South Africa is a lawless society with an ineffective judiciary as well so the criminals are aware that they will seldom be held accountable so commit crimes unhindered,' commented @Marilyn Forster-Towne. One viewer summed it up plainly: 'It is a direct sign of failure of government. Due to poor policies, the economy has shrunk, more people are jobless. Cost of living rising. They made people survive on grants that can not cover the basic cost of living. For example, the child grant is not enough to feed a child for a week. People are left in despair.' @Werner van der Merwe The question still lingers: What drives mothers to sell their children?
eNCA
19-05-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
But is justice served?
JOHANNESBURG - JOHANNESBURG - Controversial Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso has been deported from South Africa following his acquittal on rape and human trafficking charges. Home Affairs confirmed he will not be allowed to return for five years. Despite the ruling, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has filed an appeal. It says the legal process will continue, and should the appeal succeed, an application will be made for Omotoso's extradition. The decision to deport Omotoso while the appeal is still pending has sparked strong public reaction. On South African Morning, viewers were asked what they think of government's decision to let Omotoso leave the country amid the NPA's decision to appeal his acquittal. They shared mixed reactions to the government's move. @Mazed51424786 supports his departure, citing frustration with the justice system's failure to protect women and children. "Let him go home, at least we don't have to hear about him every day and we all know nothing will happen to him. Justice system is failing women and children in this country. What happened to Cwecwe's case?," the viewer wrote. @FikileMlisana called the decision bizarre. "Considering the fact that NPA said they will appeal. Also, why has government rushed to extradite him? Is government forsaking people again here, as they did when TB Joshua [building] collapsed and many of our people died there and there has never been justice." @jaybo_1 expressed mixed feelings. "Glad he's out of our country, the NPA is the most useless we've ever had, shame on Batohi." @PekeurJuanita13 insists Omotoso should not return and should serve time in Nigeria. Vuyani Mgijima speculates that some officials may be complicit in Omotoso's crimes. "Maybe some of them are directly involved in his crimes... just like they released Bhashir because he was gonna speak, so they released him so that he could run away!" Mark Fourie: Notes that double jeopardy prevents retrying Omotoso after acquittal, blaming the NPA for failing to secure a conviction. "He was found not guilty, you can't charge him again it's double jeopardy, should have found him guilty. The NPA did not do their job !!!!"
eNCA
14-05-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
From pulpit to courtroom: Should SA vet pastors?
JOHANNESBURG - The release of controversial televangelist Timothy Omotoso from custody has reignited public debate around the regulation of religious leaders in South Africa. Omotoso was released after a magistrate ruled that the Department of Home Affairs failed to follow proper arrest procedures over the weekend. His detention came just weeks after he was acquitted of 32 serious charges, including rape, human trafficking, and racketeering. While the legal battle continues to cast a shadow over his name, a broader question has emerged: Should South Africa begin vetting pastors and religious leaders, especially those who lead mega-churches? This issue gained even more traction after MK Party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu was seen visiting Malawi to meet Shepherd Bushiri, a self-proclaimed prophet and fugitive wanted in South Africa on charges including rape and fraud. On the South African Morning, viewers were asked whether religious leaders like Omotoso and Bushiri should face more scrutiny before setting up churches in the country. The overwhelming response: Yes, but it's complicated. 'Opening a church should come with restrictions,' wrote Tsholofelo Sayda Nowalaza. 'Much like opening a club or tavern, you should need a licence.' Others echoed that sentiment, saying the lack of regulation allows some pastors to exploit vulnerable followers. 'They know South Africans believe in miracles,' commented Casanova NdiDarkandlovely Mate, 'and they take advantage of that.' Lucas Lehoko suggested that churches follow structured systems similar to the Roman Catholic Church, which imposes stricter internal oversight. But not everyone agreed. Some, like Ndala Mukamba Jupsy, argued that foreign pastors are unfairly targeted once they gain influence. 'Why is it always the successful ones? Suddenly there's a rape case. We know how this works,' he said. Others questioned whether the core issue lies in religion or broader state failure. 'It's not just about vetting. Corruption is the real problem,' said Landile Vika. 'The church is losing its meaning because the system is broken.' A few commenters drew even starker lines. 'Jesus Christ instituted one church - the Catholic Church,' wrote MichaelMGJ. 'Everything else is a business.' And for those who still believe in the spiritual calling of modern-day pastors, the regulation debate feels misplaced. 'You don't vote for someone to be a prophet,' wrote Major's Son Tapiwa. 'It's a calling from God, not a government job.'
eNCA
11-05-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
Is the grass really greener?
JOHANNESBURG - Their bags are packed, they said their goodbyes and now a group of South Africans are getting ready to jet off to the United States. The 49 are chasing a new life in the US, but not everyone thinks it's a smart move. Some say it's less about real danger and more about political drama. Others think these people are chasing a dream that might not live up to the hype. On the South African Morning, we asked viewers: Is the grass really greener in the United States? Moses M. warned: 'The grass is always greener on the other side. They'll look back at South Africa and realise what they've lost. But they won't return — they've sold everything.' Collins Ntele added: 'Their euphoric excitement will turn to regret. America is no land of milk and honey. It'll end in tears.' Concerns about the high cost of living and the threat of an uprising also surfaced. Eugene Marshall commented: 'There are already many Americans waiting for farmland. Now white South Africans are being prioritised? An uprising might be brewing.' Akhona Ndende Sogoni added a sobering note: 'It's expensive over there. It's not all rose and gold.' Lloyd Majoni Machacha said: "They make more money that side, I know someone who was working in the farms in US. Unemployed young Afrikaners should grasp this opportunity." Others had a different view. @Wadostydrai910 pointed out the legal risks: 'This was an Executive Order, not a law. Another president could reverse it, like what happened with DACA under Obama.' Vus Ribos believes in the American dream: 'In the US, age or qualifications don't hold you back. If you're 18+, you can train for almost any job. The grass is greener.' Reinhold Ti sees an opportunity for insight: 'This will be an interesting social experiment. Someone should track how they adapt, what helps or hinders them, and who wants to come back — and why.' Dillan Sibuyi admitted: 'I'd go too, if I had the chance.'
eNCA
10-05-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
Stay or go? South Africans weigh in on US refugee offer
JOHANNESBURG - Government says it has no intention of blocking so-called Afrikaner refugees from relocating to the United States. However, it has labelled former President Donald Trump's resettlement plan as politically motivated, calling it a thinly veiled attempt to undermine South Africa's Constitutional Democracy. The proposed resettlement of Afrikaner families to the US under refugee status has stirred strong emotions among South Africans. On the South African Morning, we asked viewers: If you were offered the chance, would you move to the US as a refugee? While some cite safety and economic prospects as reasons to leave, others view the move as politically driven and unpatriotic, with many insisting that staying and rebuilding South Africa is the braver path. 'The exploration act must be implemented as soon as possible, Afrikaners want to be loved by everyone so, if offered the choice, I would not go to US, Trump is a dictator in these days,' said Wandile Ngbeba. 'You couldn't pay me to go to Trumpistan,' said BokFanNo1. 'Regardless of our challenges, South Africa is my home — and a home I love.' Eugene Valentine encouraged South Africans to stay strong and build. 'It's the weak who run from problems. I doubt they'll find what they're looking for in the US — and Trump changes his mind quicker than a Springbok sidestep, he said. Others, like Sinovuyo Hobho, see opportunity: 'I'd take the chance to make dollars, work hard, and come back wealthy. The dollar is strong — that's the reality.' Tersia Foxcroft noted the complexity: 'Remember, those applying for refugee status had to prove they were victims of brutal attacks. It's not as simple as packing up and leaving.' Rodney Mahori added: 'Let those who want to go, go. But it's a gamble — Donald Trump has shown he can be cold-hearted.' Some expressed scepticism about American intentions. Johnson Lu Josaine said: 'Trump's plan isn't about helping people. He wants to benefit from skilled South Africans while his country faces sanctions and import issues.' And then there's concern over national identity. Emile May argued: 'If you leave and live in America, don't come back and call yourself a Springbok when things get tough. Make your choice and live with it.'
