Latest news with #Centurion
The Citizen
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Centurion teen's heartfelt songs reach thousands
The journey from hosting home concerts to having thousands of plays on a music streaming platform has been remarkable according to Centurion singer, Jade Nova. In a recent interview with Rekord, the 18-year-old artist from Doringkloof revealed that music has always been more than just a passion; it is her purpose. She recalled choreographing performances with her brother as a child, staging mini-concerts for their parents, in exchange for Pokémon or Lego time with him. 'We'd rehearse all week, I'd dress him up, and we'd put on shows in the living room. My parents always cheered us on as if we were on the biggest stage,' she said. Nova said that she was raised in a music-loving home by her two moms, with her earliest memories being filled with car sing-alongs and dance parties to 2010s pop icons such as Katy Perry, Pitbull, Shakira, and Taylor Swift. 'I've wanted to be a singer for as long as I can remember. It has always been my one dream.' At the age of 11, Nova began formal vocal training with her coach, Angie Bouwer, at Little Bird Vocal Academy. There, Bouwer helped her build stage confidence by encouraging her to participate in annual Eisteddfod performances. 'Angie was the sweetest and most supportive person. She helped me find my voice and believe in myself at a young age.' However, it was not until Nova was 16 that she took her first real step into the music industry by writing her debut single, 'Roses', a raw pop ballad inspired by her first heartbreak. 'I wrote the lyrics, and a boy in my school helped me bring it to life on the piano. I organised a fundraiser at school to pay for the production,' she added. Nova noted that her music is deeply influenced by various pop artists, including Lana Del Rey. She shared that while writing 'Roses', she spent hours listening to albums by Lana and Olivia Rodrigo, that helped her process her emotions. 'One of the biggest milestones that has helped me in my music career was being invited to the Afri-Indie and Aitsa Awards show, where I won Best Single of the Year for under 18s,' said Nova. 'I did not expect to win because it was not the style I wanted to pursue long-term, but it opened doors and gave me confidence.' The award, achieved in 2024, helped her connect with industry professionals and encouraged her to keep chasing her dreams. Her latest single, 'Rocketman', marks a new chapter in her music career. The song is an energetic and sweet track with lyrics about heartbreak and jealousy. 'I thought I had moved on from someone, but then I saw him with someone new. Writing 'Rocketman' helped me understand and express those feelings honestly.' Rather than suppressing difficult emotions like jealousy, sadness, and pettiness, Nova embraces them in her music. 'These feelings are real, and I wanted to write a song where people could feel them freely and know they are not alone,' she said. Nova believes the final line of the song is the most important part. 'It means that even if someone treats you like you do not matter, you were already a star before them, and you still are. They do not define your value.' 'Rocketman' debuted on June 4 with over 4 500 streams and was featured on five Spotify editorial playlists on its release day. This was a significant step up from the 150 streams Nova's debut single received. 'It showed me that persistence pays off. I always tell other young artists to keep going, even if their first releases do not get a lot of attention. Consistency is key,' she said. 'Post your TikToks, be yourself, and do not be afraid to be a little cringy. It all helps you grow.' Although she has not yet made a full music video, Nova created professional-looking video clips for TikTok to promote her single. 'We used what we had to make something that looks like a music video, and it has worked well. I love storytelling and visuals, so maybe I will do a full video in the future.' Balancing school and music is not easy for Nova, who is completing her matric year. 'I keep myself organised with a calendar and plan everything. My friends and family keep me grounded and help me stay focused,' she said. Nova hopes to begin performing live more often and is currently looking for a guitarist to join her band. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Government rejects Tshwane's disaster declaration request for Centurion sinkholes
The metro's request for national government intervention regarding Centurion's worsening sinkhole crisis has been rejected. MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, Kholofelo Morodi, recently told Rekord the metro had formally submitted a request to the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) on January 14 for the Clifton Avenue sinkhole to be declared a disaster. 'The submission came from the city's emergency services department, followed by an urgent intervention letter sent on March 25 to several officials.' She said the officials included the ministers of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), and of Electricity and Energy, the Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure and CoGTA, and the CEO of Rand Water. According to Morodi, the NDMC responded on January 30. She said after evaluating the city's report, it concluded that while the sinkhole is severe, it does not meet the legal definition of a disaster under the Disaster Management Act and thus would not be classified as a national disaster. 'The city was advised to reprioritise its internal budget over a multi-year period to address the rehabilitation costs.' Despite this rejection, Morodi confirmed that the city remains committed to securing the help it needs. 'We're continuing to seek multi-stakeholder assistance to manage this crisis,' she added. She mentioned that the provincial CoGTA is currently working with the national department to compile a report for the MEC, which could lead to the sinkholes being classified as a provincial disaster. Morodi said that the metro has not received any funding or support from national government for sinkhole-related repairs. 'The Department of Roads and Transport is not aware of any support or funding being received,' she said. To reduce risks in the most affected areas, the MMC explained that many sinkholes are caused by leaking wet services in older suburbs like Lyttelton Manor, Valhalla, and Laudium. 'These areas are underlain by ageing infrastructure. As a mitigating measure, the city's regional and service departments can provide input to the response and repair of leaks and the upgrading of wet services to dolomite specifications.' This update comes after residents in Centurion raised alarm over their declining property values, road closures, and ongoing safety risks due to the growing number of sinkholes across the area. In Lyttelton, where some of the worst-affected sites are located, homeowners are watching the value of their properties plummet while dealing with the daily inconvenience of blocked roads and safety risks. Juan Dré, a resident of Burger Avenue, is among many who feel abandoned. 'Our property values have depreciated, so should we not pay less in property rates and taxes until the infrastructure has been repaired? 'I mean, nobody's going to buy a house if there's a sinkhole in front of it.' He noted that the sinkholes in the area also affect traffic. 'On Monument Avenue, there's a sinkhole. On Burger Avenue, there's a sinkhole. Both are blocking access.' Another resident, Stacey Smit, said the ongoing sinkhole crisis has left her feeling trapped in a home she can't sell and fearful for her family's safety. 'We invested our savings into this home, thinking it would be our forever house. But now, with a gaping sinkhole just metres from our driveway, we can't even get prospective buyers to consider it.' She said that they've lost value while the metro keeps saying they're working on it. 'We're tired of waiting.' Valhalla resident Stephen Le Roux shared a different concern. 'It's not just about money; it's the psychological toll. Every time it rains, we panic. What if the ground gives way again?' He said that there's a constant sense of uncertainty, and the city doesn't seem to grasp how this affects people over time. With residents voicing their grievances more loudly than ever, local PR councillor Wesley Jacobs has taken matters further. He spearheaded a petition to have a local state of emergency declared in Region 4, collecting about 3 500 signatures from concerned citizens. 'It was submitted on May 29,' said Jacobs. 'There was no response after submission. Eventually, they combined the petition with my motion and sent it to the mayor's office. Now, we are waiting for a comprehensive report on all petitions to be presented to the council.' Jacobs explained that the matter is now being stalled by administrative shortcomings. 'Apparently, the reason they can't even table my motion or approve it is because we don't have certain disaster management acts. We are not fully compliant,' he said. He noted that the provincial disaster management centre conducted an investigation and found Tshwane only partially compliant with the Disaster Management Act. 'Until we meet all requirements, we won't receive funding or directives from them. We were audited and found lacking,' Jacobs added. ALSO READ: Spike in vehicle theft at north shopping centres Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
South Africans show the world what's worth saving – One photo at a time
With 175 long-exposure shots, Theunissen captured the stars tracing elegant arcs over Hangklip Peak, transforming the night sky into a breathtaking celestial time-lapse. Image: Christoff Theunissen From the savannas of Kruger to the stars above Hangklip Peak, South Africans have used their lenses to tell a powerful story that our natural world is worth protecting. The WWF South Africa has announced the winners of its 'Our Country, Through Your Lens' photo competition. The organisation received over 1,430 photo entries and 1,530 public votes. This visual celebration of SA's rich natural heritage was part of WWF's Believe in Better movement, a campaign calling on all South Africans to see, feel, and fight for the beauty that surrounds them. A nation captures its soul Running from May to June 2025, the competition invited South Africans to photograph the wild wonders, iconic landscapes, and meaningful human-nature moments that make South Africa one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. The result was a sweeping mosaic of images that captured everything from golden lions and emerald insects to star-streaked skies and the healing power of love among the ashes. 'These aren't just beautiful photos, they're declarations of love for our planet," WWF South Africa CEO Dr Morné du Plessis said. "Each image captures a moment where someone paused and decided, 'This is worth saving.' That personal connection is the heart of conservation,' he explained. Their intertwined necks, poised between strength and elegance, told a quiet but urgent story about the fragile balance of nature — and why it must be protected. Image: Freda Jansen Taking top honours was Freda Jansen from Hoedspruit, whose stunning photo of two giraffe bulls locked in a silent duel at dawn in Kruger National Park left judges breathless, the WWF said. As her prize, Jansen will embark on a luxury two-night photo safari at Madwaleni River Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal's Babanango Game Reserve. The runners-ups Four other photographers earned well-deserved recognition for their striking and deeply personal submissions: Putri Martosudarmo (Johannesburg): A regal lion basks in golden sunlight, its mane stirring in the breeze — a portrait of wild majesty. Lions Image: Putri Martosudarmo Hendrik Louw (Centurion): A vivid green praying mantis rests delicately on violet petals beneath a perfect blue sky — a masterpiece of colour and contrast. Praying mantis Image: Hendrik Louw Christoff Theunissen (Western Cape): Through 175 long-exposure shots, Christoff mapped the swirling dance of stars over Hangklip Peak, turning the night sky into a cosmic time-lapse. Kristin Rockhill (Cape Town): In a moving image of hope, a burn survivor holds her daughter amid protea fields regrowing after a fire — a symbol of human and ecological resilience. Mom and daughter Image: Kristin Rockhill
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Prison healthcare provider sues Tennessee for nixing contract award
A Pennsylvania-based prison healthcare company is suing the state over its process for bidding on contracts. (Photo by) A Pennsylvania-based prison healthcare company is suing the state claiming Tennessee officials refused to award it a contract without explanation, a move that risks 'destroying' the state's competitive bidding process. Wexford Health Sources filed the lawsuit in Davidson County Chancery Court in May, saying the state declined to give it a contract valued at roughly $100 million for health care and behavioral health services in Tennessee prisons even though it scored higher than two other companies in the bidding process. The lawsuit targets the Department of Correction, Commissioner Frank Strada, the state's Central Procurement Office and its director, Mike Perry. Wexford says in the filing the state was prepared to award it the contract for inmate health care and behavioral services until Centurion, which holds the contract, challenged the decision in February. The state then notified Wexford it would send out new requests for proposals without offering a reason, as required by law, the filing says. The state's primary defenses are that Wexford has no standing to file suit and that the court lacks jurisdiction over the subject matter. An August hearing is scheduled to consider a state request to dismiss the lawsuit. The state's filing also says the plaintiff's challenge fails because it contests 'a lawful and discretionary decision' before the contract was awarded. In contrast, Wexford's challenge says state law obligates public contracting officials to 'fairly and honestly' consider bids. Otherwise, competitive bidding 'will be undermined' and vendors will be 'discouraged' from submitting bids. It also says Tennessee law recognizes 'that rejecting all bids and canceling a solicitation 'should be the exception in government procurement rather than the rule.'' Wexford's filing further says the state 'stands on the precipice of destroying any semblance of competition in the award of the contract.' Wexford's primary argument is that it was graded higher than Centurion and YesCare (formerly Corizon) in the state's bidding process. Yet just before it was to receive the contract, Centurion protested the award and the Department of Correction called for another set of bids. The March decision marked the second time in recent years the state opted to stick with Centurion and take new bids after the other two companies were to be awarded the contracts. The first time state officials were set to award the contract to YesCare, but reneged on that in 2024, then reversed course on the Wexford contract award this March. The state's Fiscal Review Committee extended Centurion's contract in May because of the litigation. Corizon, which held Tennessee's inmate behavioral health contracts from 2012 to 2020, filed an antitrust lawsuit against the Department of Correction five years ago saying the state skewed the bidding process to help Centurion win the contract. That case was settled with prejudice in January 2022. Documents from that lawsuit led the U.S. Department of Justice to charge two men, former Tennessee Department of Correction Deputy Commissioner Wes Landers and Centurion executive Jeffrey Wells, with bid-rigging in connection with the prison system contract. Landers took a job with Centurion after the contract bidding. The company fired both men before the lawsuit settlement, and Landers was found dead in September 2024. House Speaker Cameron Sexton pushed for Centene's Rhythm Health, formerly connected with Centurion, to win a TennCare contract for managed care services after it failed to succeed in bidding in 2021. Sexton sponsored a bill that would have required TennCare to add a fourth contractor, but it failed to pass. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
India.com
28-06-2025
- Sport
- India.com
ZIM vs SA: Lhuan-Dre Pretorius Scripts History, Becomes Youngest South African Player To...
South African batter Lhuan-dre Pretorius created history after scoring a fantastic century on Day 1 of the first Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo on Saturday, June 28. Lhuan-dre, who is playing in his debut Test, showed his intent right from the start and went on to score his century in 113th ball, with the help of seven fours and two sixes in the second session of the opening day of the first Test. With this, Lhuan-dre, aged 19 years and 93 days, became the youngest South African to score a Test century. He broke the record previously held by Graeme Pollock, who was 19 years and 317 days old when he scored a century against Australia in 1964 in Sydney. Youngest South Africans To Score Test Century 1. Lhuan-dre Pretorius (19 years, 93 days) vs Zimbabwe, 2025 2. Graeme Pollock (19y, 317d) vs Australia, 1964 The 19-year-old Lhuan-dre also became the first Proteas debutant in nine years, and the youngest-ever player to score a century on Test debut. Youngest Test Centurions On Debut for South Africa 19 years 93 days - Lhuan-dre Pretorius* 21 years 355 days - Jacques Rudolph 27 years 32 days - Andrew Hudson 27 years 89 days - Stiaan van Zyl South Africa were 23/3 when Pretorius walked to bat after his team won the toss and opted to bat first in Bulawayo. Lhuan-dre stitched a crucial partnership of 95-runs off just 88 balls with Dewald Brevis to put South Africa in a better position against Zimbabwe. Brevis got out after scoring a 41-ball 51 but Pretorius continued his onslaught and went on to become the seventh South African batter to score a century on Test debut. Players To Score Century On Debut For South Africa in Tests Andrew Hudson - 163 vs WI, Bridgetown, 1992 Jacques Rudolph - 222* vs BAN, Chattogram, 2003 Alviro Petersen - 100 vs IND, Eden Gardens, 2010 Faf du Plessis - 110* vs AUS, Adelaide, 2012 Stiaan van Zyl - 101* vs WI, Centurion, 2014 Stephen Cook - 115 vs ENG, Centurion, 2016 Lhuan-dre Pretorius - 100* vs ZIM, Bulawayo, 2025* This is South Africa's first Test match after their historic World Test Championship (WTC) final win against Australia earlier this month.
