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IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Dulcie September Primary faces overcrowding, safety hazards, and leadership issues
Rabiridge school. A school in Rabiridge that may pose a threat to learners as open tranches and broken windows and no water is a daily norm . Image: Timothy Bernard Rabie Ridge's Dulcie September Primary School is buckling under pressure, with overcrowded classrooms, hazardous construction delays, and weak leadership putting children's safety and education at risk. When The Star visited the school on July 29, the scene was chaotic and alarming. Learners played and sat idly around the school premises after the day was abruptly dismissed, without any prior notice to parents. Those living nearby were quickly collected, but many children relying on transport were left unattended, exposed to open trenches and scattered construction equipment that posed serious safety risks. Yolanda Base, a distraught grandmother, shared her anguish over her granddaughter's recent injury on school grounds. A sharp piece of construction debris cut the child's ear, a frightening incident that could have been far worse. 'They took her to the clinic, and thank God it wasn't worse, but she got hurt at school, a place where she's supposed to be safe. It breaks my heart. They don't care about us or our children. How could they let this happen?' Base said, her voice trembling with pain. Child injured by sharp construction debris at Dulcie September Primary School. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Dulcie September Primary was built to accommodate 1,500 learners but currently hosts over 2,700. Classrooms designed for 25 to 30 children are crammed with 50 to 60 pupils. This staggering overcrowding creates an unmanageable and unsafe learning environment. Community leader and mother of two, Shedean Bennered described the mobile classrooms as structurally unsound. 'Some of the mobile classrooms are broken, without windows, and the wooden floors wobble when you walk in. Imagine 60 children packed inside those. It's a disaster waiting to happen, yet our kids are expected to learn there,' she said. Construction delays have prolonged exposure to dangerous conditions, including exposed electrical wiring and open trenches across the school grounds. On top of this, parents revealed another recent safety incident: a learner was hit by a car outside the school gates, a tragedy they attribute to poor security and lack of vigilance. Parents also raised concerns about academic delays, with many learners yet to receive second-term report cards. 'Only about 20% of our kids can read properly. The rest are struggling, and nothing is being done,' one parent lamented. Frustration with the Department of Education's handling of the crisis is mounting. Many parents questioned why learners were not relocated to safer schools during construction, accusing officials of negligence that endangers children and disrupts learning. Dulcie September Primary in Rabie Ridge is facing a dire crisis, with overcrowded classrooms and unsafe conditions jeopardising student safety and education, prompting urgent community demands for action. Image: Supplied The Gauteng Department of Education says that although some wires are visible, they are not live or hazardous. Image: Supplied Dulcie September Primary in Rabie Ridge is facing a dire crisis, with overcrowded classrooms and unsafe conditions jeopardising student safety and education, prompting urgent community demands for action. Image: Supplied Further fueling anger are allegations against the school's principal, accused of weak leadership and allowing teachers to arrive late without consequences. Parents claim the principal regularly drinks at a local tavern, undermining trust in his ability to manage the school effectively. 'Our children are suffering in dangerous, overcrowded classrooms while the principal shows no leadership,' a parent said. 'He's out drinking while we're fighting to protect our kids' futures. How can we trust a system that doesn't care if our children are safe or learning?' The Rabie Ridge community is demanding immediate intervention. They want learners moved to safer facilities while construction continues, the principal removed, and stronger oversight to ensure the safety and quality of education. Speaking to The Star, Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department is aware of the issues at Dulcie September Primary and has taken steps to address them, with classes set to resume on August 4. Mabona explained that the contractor completed the relocation of mobile classrooms within the set timeline, clarifying that their responsibility was limited to moving the structures, not performing repairs or upgrades. He added that the department has appointed professionals to monitor the work and ensure it meets the necessary standards. He further stated that there are no open trenches, and visible wires are safe. Some trenches were caused by the theft of school materials. 'There are no open trenches, and while some wires are visible, they are not live or hazardous. It is important to note that trenches were at some point created by some community members who stole some materials from the school.' Mabona said. He added that The MEC's office has been actively involved throughout and continues to engage with the School Governing Body. With overcrowded classrooms, hazardous construction conditions, water shortages disrupting learning, and leadership failures deepening the crisis, Dulcie September Primary exemplifies South Africa's urgent education challenges, demanding immediate and concrete action. The Star
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
SARS introduces new enhancements for non-resident taxpayers in 2025 tax return process
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has moved to make things easier for non-resident taxpayers earning income from South African sources Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has moved to make things easier for non-resident taxpayers earning income from South African sources by introducing new enhancements to the 2025 tax return process. These changes include updates to the ITR12 tax return form to help ensure non-residents complete the correct sections and submit accurate returns. "These enhancements aim to ensure that non-residents complete the correct required fields in the return. An interim solution to activate this part of the tax return has been introduced via the SARS Online Query System (SOQS)," SARS said. "This allows non-resident taxpayers to request the non-resident section of the tax return. A more permanent solution, directly on the tax return through the tax return 'wizard', will be introduced later. To use SOQS to enable the non-resident section of the tax return: On the SARS website homepage, click on the SOQS icon , and navigate to the ' Non-Resident Tax Return Type '. Complete the personal details as prompted. Once SARS has validated the information, a One-Time Pin (OTP) will be sent to the contact details on record. Choose the 2025 tax year and answer yes or no to the questions that will follow. Depending on your answers, your tax return will now be in the correct format and can be retrieved through eFiling in the normal way. According to the revenue service, the "taxpayer's information will be stored and used in the subsequent year of assessment unless the taxpayer's circumstances have changed subsequently". Currently, South Africa has a residence-based tax system, which means residents are, subject to certain exclusions, taxed on their worldwide income, irrespective of where their income is earned. By contrast, non-residents are taxed on their income from a South African source. "Since tax systems differ from country to country, there is a chance that a particular amount could be taxed twice. "This possibility of double taxation is, however, often alleviated by tax relief contained in various Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs). These DTAs are international agreements contracted between countries to deal with potential competing taxing rights against the income of the same taxpayer. Under the provisions of the DTA, the non-resident's remuneration earned in South Africa may not be subject to normal tax in South Africa where specific requirements are met". IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Tax season: Don't fall victim to scams, warns SARS
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers With the 2025 tax season in full swing, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has issued a warning to taxpayers about a new scam designed to steal personal information under the guise of a tax refund audit. SARS explained that some individuals would be auto-assessed, and they did not need to take any further action if they were satisfied with the calculations. "If the taxpayer believes that SARS has not captured all the necessary information, they are free to make changes on their tax returns and submit the missing information through eFiling by October 20." The revenue collector said taxpayers who are not automatically assessed must file their tax returns themselves. Filing opened on July 21 and closes on October 20, 2025 for non-provisional individuals. However, while the streamlined process was intended to make filing easier, scammers are now exploiting the period of increased taxpayer activity. According to SARS the latest scam involves an SMS that claims that a revenue collector is auditing a tax refund. "The latest scam is a SMS indicating that SARS is conducting an audit on a Tax refund. The link leads you to a phishing website, aimed at stealing your information. See the scam prototype here". The revenue collector also advised taxpayers to verify that any emails or SMS messages claiming to be from SARS are authentic before clicking on any links. "Always make sure the email or SMS is genuine before you click on any link.". In a separate advisory, the revenue collector reiterated that it will never ask for personal, tax, banking or eFiling details via email or SMS, nor will it send hyperlinks to external websites. [email protected] IOL Business
IOL News
20-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Transforming education: Gauteng's R3. 9 billion budget and new online registration system
Gauteng MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture, Matome Chiloane, has unveiled an ambitious online registration process for schools as part of the province's R3.9 billion education budget allocation. Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers Gauteng's MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture, Matome Chiloane, has launched an innovative online school registration system. This initiative is a component of the province's R3.9 billion education budget. During a media briefing held on Sunday, following the budget vote, Chiloane emphasised that every learner in Gauteng possesses a fundamental right to quality education, irrespective of their geographical location. Chiloane clarified that automatic placement for Grade 1 will not be granted to learners currently enrolled in Grade R at schools. These learners are still required to apply, either at their current school or any other institution. He also stated that foreign nationals seeking school placements for their children must possess legal residency in the country and be able to furnish all necessary compliance documentation. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading "This Budget Vote not only signifies our commitment to investment in education but also serves as a validation of our approach in viewing investments in township schools as strategic moves to enhance human capital," Chiloane stated emphatically. "By empowering our scholars, we are not merely performing acts of charity; we are facilitating opportunities that yield extraordinary returns for our province and nation." "The R3.9 billion budget allocation marks the largest funding commitment to transform how education is delivered across Gauteng fundamentally. We are not maintaining the status quo; we are reimagining what education can be," the MEC asserted. This philosophy extends to the launch of the Multi-Certification Skills Programme (MCSP), which is set to transcend traditional academic boundaries and cater to the evolving demands of the job market," he said. Chilonae also indicated that his department is poised to change the provincial educational landscape through the budget allocation, adding that the allocation validates the province's approach of investing in township schools not as acts of charity but as strategic investments in human capital that yield extraordinary returns for our province and nation. "Changing the Educational Landscape -- R3.9 billion. The largest allocation represents our commitment to fundamentally transforming education delivery in Gauteng. We are not maintaining the status quo; we are reimagining what education can be. "Our Multi-Certification Skills Programme (MCSP) transcends traditional academic boundaries, empowering every learner in Gauteng with comprehensive skills for an evolving world. From coding and robotics in Foundation Phase to Microsoft Digital, AI, and firefighting in FET Phase, our learners accumulate practical, accredited skills progressively, ensuring that they graduate not just with a matric certificate, but with multiple certifications that make them immediately employable or entrepreneurially ready," he said. However, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has demanded that the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) break the cycle of chaos by opening the learner online application system for the 2026 academic year urgently. DA MP Sergio D Santo said this will give parents more time to apply and allow the department to review submissions, open the late application period earlier, and prevent a situation where learners are left without school admission and miss days and months of schooling. "It's concerning that, with less than a week to go before the online admissions open, the Gauteng Education Department has still not provided basic details like the list of walk-in centres or their operating hours. On top of this, the system still doesn't allow proper school ranking—parents are forced to apply to five schools just to avoid their child being unplaced, even if some of those schools are not their real choice. There should be a ranking system in place. We are also seeing Grade R learners not being guaranteed placement at their current schools, which is something MEC Chiloane himself criticised as Chairperson of the portfolio committee before becoming MEC," he said.
IOL News
16-07-2025
- General
- IOL News
Understanding Johannesburg's water crisis: Infrastructure failures and community impact
A man collects water from a roaming tanker. Image: File/ Timothy Bernard/ Independent Newspapers Johannesburg, a sprawling metropolis that is home to over 5.5 million people, is grappling with severe water shortages that are affecting residents from all walks of life. The situation has been exacerbated by a combination of failing infrastructure, ongoing maintenance issues, and the dire realities of climate change. According to a 2025 report by Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, the city's water infrastructure is under immense pressure and fails to meet the growing demand. Frequent leaks, an ageing system, and the expansion of residential areas without corresponding upgrades in infrastructure are at the heart of the problem. Currently, Johannesburg is dealing with an estimated 2,300 burst water pipes, which only serves to intensify the crisis. These are the affected areas. Image: Rand Water Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading In a recent maintenance alert, Johannesburg Water announced that Rand Water's maintenance activities would significantly reduce water supply in various parts of the city, notably affecting areas such as Steyn City, Diepsloot, Carlswald, and Kaalfontein from 15 to 18 July 2025. This planned maintenance comes at a time when the City of Tshwane is also facing its own battles with water shortages due to reservoir maintenance, forcing residents to rely on roaming water tankers for their daily needs. Climate change further complicates South Africa's water crisis. As noted by NuWater, changing rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and increased evaporation rates significantly contribute to the nation's water scarcity. The Department of Water and Sanitation has estimated that repairing and upgrading the nation's beleaguered infrastructure will cost an astounding R90 billion annually over the next decade. The importance of water sources from the Limpopo, Inkomati, Pongola, and Orange River, as well as the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, cannot be overstated, as they currently support about 70% of South Africa's gross domestic product. Expert insights Ferrial Adam, a water specialist who spoke exclusively to IOL, expressed concern about South Africa's management of its water resources. "South Africa is a water scarce country, geographically we have half the average rainfall that is experienced in most parts of the world, but given that, but given this little water, we are still mismanaging it, we are polluting it, we are allowing it to be wasted." Adam emphasised the necessity of a shared sense of responsibility between government and citizens, alongside a compelling call for increased budget allocations to address these pressing challenges. Supporting the statement, Prof. Anja du Plessis, an Associate Professor and water management expert at Unisa, noted the alarming trends indicating an increase in water stress. "South Africa is a water scarce country, with trends showing an increase in water stress due to a multitude of factors such as increased water demands outstripping available supply, continued water pollution and increased climate variability." Du Plessis added that the unreliable water supply and the longer outages across the Gauteng metros are due to neglected municipal infrastructure. A stark illustration of this was the Vaal Dam, which may be sitting above 100% capacity, yet many areas still experience rampant water outages primarily linked to frequent pipe bursts and demand that exceeds available supply. Water springing from a burst pipe at Cnr Bertha and Stiemens Streets in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. 16 July 2025 Image: Koketso Phasha/ IOL Residents' experiences IOL spoke to South Africans to get their thoughts on the water scarcity Itumeleng Tlhabane, 27, from Pretoria said: "It is quite frustrating, because some of us live in rented rooms, we don't have large water storage capacity and the trucks often come when we are at work, leaving us with just enough water to cook, bath and do the dishes, none for laundry." Tshapang Malesela, 22, from Schoonoord in Limpopo said: I don't recall the last time I saw a running tap, the taps in our village last ran when I was very young, we have since been relying on those who have boreholes to supply us with water at various costs, and the water is often very salty because we don't have money to get the cleaning chemicals. Residents can log water related call to Johannesburg Water using fault@ IOL News
