Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week!
This week in South Africa, a tragic bus accident on the N1 in Louis Trichardt, Limpopo, resulted in the deaths of ten people, with several others injured. The bus was traveling from Zimbabwe to Johannesburg when it overturned.
Meanwhile, SARS announced that anyone planning to withdraw from the Two-Pot Retirement System from 1 September 2024 must be registered for tax.
In other news, KwaZulu-Natal police arrested over 120 undocumented foreign nationals in Durban during a coordinated operation. South Africa is also bracing for potato price hikes due to severe frost in Limpopo. Cape Town continues to face severe weather, with strong winds causing significant damage across the city.
In Sports, the Springboks are ready to face New Zealand this Saturday at Ellis Park Stadium in Joburg. South Africa’s Bayanda Walaza secured the gold medal in the men’s 100m at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru, while Udeme Okon won 400m final.
Here are the top stories of the week:
TRAGIC BUS ACCIDENT CLAIMS TEN LIVES ON THE N1 IN LIMPOPO
Ten people have tragically lost their lives, and several others were injured when a bus overturned on the N1 in Louis Trichardt, Limpopo.
The bus, traveling from Zimbabwe to Johannesburg, crashed just before midnight after driving over a roundabout at high speed. The driver, reportedly new to the job, may not have been familiar with the area.
Among the deceased are five men and five women. The injured passengers have been transported to various hospitals in the Makhado municipality. Limpopo Transport spokesperson Phuti Lekganyane expressed condolences to the families and urged motorists to exercise caution.
FUNDS WITHDRAWN FROM TWO-POT RETIREMENT SYSTEM WILL BE TAXED FROM SEPTEMBER
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) announced that individuals intending to withdraw from the savings pot of the Two-Pot Retirement System starting from 1 September 2024 must be registered for tax.
Withdrawals will be taxed, and members need to be aware that the sum withdrawn will be added to their employment income. Although retirement fund contributions remain untaxed, SARS emphasizes that these withdrawals will be subject to tax, impacting individuals’ taxable income depending on their total earnings.
MORE THAN 100 UNDOCUMENTED FOREIGN NATIONALS ARRESTED IN DURBAN RAID
In a major crackdown on illegal activities, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police have arrested over 120 undocumented foreign nationals during a coordinated operation in Durban. The early morning raid, which involved the South African Police Service (SAPS), Metro Police, Correctional Services, Home Affairs, and other law enforcement agencies, aimed to address escalating crime rates in the region.
The operation also resulted in the recovery of counterfeit US dollars worth R4.1 million in Durban’s Point area, underscoring the serious nature of the illegal activities uncovered. The arrests and seizures are part of a broader effort to combat criminal networks and enforce immigration laws in KZN.
FOUR DEAD, THREE INJURED IN JOBURG CBD BUILDING FIRE
A devastating fire in an abandoned Johannesburg inner-city building claimed the lives of at least four people and injured three others in the early hours of Sunday morning.
City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi, confirmed that emergency services found the building “well alight” upon arrival. While evacuating residents, three injured individuals were rescued, one in critical condition. Tragically, four bodies were recovered on-site.
TSHWANE METRO POLICE SEIZE R1.5 MILLION WORTH OF DAGGA IN CENTURION
A major drug bust took place on Wednesday when Tshwane Metro Police intercepted a consignment of dagga valued at R1.5 million in Samrand, Centurion.
The illegal cargo, hidden in a trailer disguised as a fuel tank, was en route to Johannesburg when it was stopped on the N1.
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
GAUTENG POLICE UNCOVER R80 MILLION DRUG LAB IN DOUGLASDALE
Gauteng police have busted a major drug lab in Douglasdale, Johannesburg, seizing drugs and processing machinery valued at approximately R80 million.
The discovery was made by the Organised Crime Unit and Police Emergency Service (PES) Flexi Team after monitoring suspicious activities at the plot.
During the raid, officers found two unlicensed firearms, high-caliber ammunition, pellet guns, and replica firearms. Two illegal immigrants present at the site were arrested.
The police executed a search warrant early Thursday morning, uncovering chemicals, machinery, and finished drug products. The operation marks a significant blow to drug manufacturing in the region.
POTATO SHORTAGE AND PRICE HIKES EXPECTED IN COMING MONTHS
The severe frost, the worst in 20 years, has significantly reduced potato supplies, leading to anticipated price hikes for potatoes and frozen chips starting in September. M&R Marketing, a major distributor, warns that the shortage is expected to worsen, impacting both consumers and the food industry. This situation underscores the vulnerability of agricultural production to extreme weather conditions.
JRA EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR LILLIAN NGOYI STREET REHABILITATION PROJECT TO JUNE 2025
The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has extended the deadline for the completion of the first phase of the Lillian Ngoyi Street rehabilitation project, formerly known as Bree Street, by six months.
Initially set for completion by December 2024, the new deadline is now June 30, 2025, due to persistent delays.
The delay stems from the firing of the initial contractor, Step Up Engineering, over alleged poor performance. JRA is yet to appoint a new contractor to continue the R200 million reconstruction project. The remaining work for Phase 1 is expected to take nine months, with the new contractor also responsible for the second phase, including road surface upgrades and sidewalk adjustments along a 1.8 km stretch of the street.
CAPE TOWN HIT BY SEVERE BAD WEATHER AGAIN
Cape Town has been hit by severe weather once again, with strong winds causing significant damage across the city.
The storm toppled an overhead entrance arch at a shopping centre in Kenilworth, leading to the closure of the main entrance at Access Park. CCTV footage captured the collapse of the structure, narrowly missing a pedestrian who had been walking in the area moments before it fell.
Uprooted trees and collapsed roofs further highlighted the destruction caused by the winds.
In addition, the MTN8 Semi-final match between Cape Town City and Orlando Pirates, initially scheduled for Tuesday night, has been postponed due to the hazardous conditions. The match is now rescheduled for Wednesday night.
ESKOM AIMS FOR A LOAD SHEDDING-FREE SUMMER
Eskom’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Dan Marokane, has expressed optimism about South Africa’s summer electricity supply.
He stated that if the utility manages to keep unplanned losses at power stations below 13,000MW, the country could enjoy a “load shedding free summer.” However, should these losses rise to 15,500MW, the worst-case scenario would involve Stage 2 load shedding.
Over the past four months, unplanned losses have averaged around 12,000MW, giving Eskom confidence in maintaining stable power supply throughout the summer.
GAUTRAIN EXTENDS OPERATING HOURS THIS WEEKEND
PRASA and the Gautrain have teamed up to ensure smooth transportation for fans attending the Springboks vs. All Blacks test match on Saturday, 31 August 2024.
Gautrain will operate at 30-minute intervals, with the final departures scheduled at 22h00 from the end stations.
Rugby fans can board the Gautrain to Park Station, enjoy a meal at the revamped PRASA Park Station Mall, and then catch a train to the game.
JOBURG MAYOR DADA MORERO APOLOGIZES FOR SUGGESTION TO HIRE FOREIGN NATIONALS AS JMPD OFFICERS
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero issued an apology after facing backlash for suggesting that foreign nationals should be employed as metro police officers to address language barriers during crime prevention operations.
The controversy erupted after a video of Morero’s remarks at an ANC meeting went viral, sparking protests by Soweto youth who marched to his office, arguing that the suggestion revealed job opportunities in the city. Morero retracted his statement, expressing regret for the “anxiety it might have caused” among residents.
HAMILTON NDLOVU’S LUXURY FLEET AUCTIONED FOR OVER R8 MILLION
Hamilton Ndlovu, a controversial figure linked to unlawfully awarded PPE tenders during the COVID-19 pandemic, has seen his luxury fleet of cars auctioned for over R8 million. The auction marks the state’s third effort to recover the R157 million Ndlovu acquired through 19 illegal PPE tenders in 2020. Previously, his Bryanston mansion was sold for R7.1 million, and bank accounts associated with his companies were frozen, containing R42 million. This ongoing crackdown aims to recoup the millions Ndlovu owes, including substantial tax liabilities.
BAYANDA WALAZA CLAIMS GOLD IN MEN’S 100M AT WORLD ATHLETICS U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS
South Africa’s Bayanda Walaza won the gold medal in the men’s 100m at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru.
Walaza clocked an impressive 10.19 seconds, narrowly beating Thailand’s Puripol Boonson by three one-hundredths of a second.
Fellow South African Bradley Nkoana also made the podium, taking bronze with a time of 10.26 seconds. This victory brings Team South Africa’s medal count to three at the Championships, highlighting the country’s emerging athletic talent.
In another striking victory, SA’s Udeme Okon won the 400m final within 45.69.
EBEN ETZEBETH CLEARED TO FACE NEW ZEALAND, RETURNS TO SPRINGBOK BENCH
Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has been cleared to play in the upcoming Castle Lager Rugby Championship clash against New Zealand at Emirates Airline Park on Saturday, 31 August 2024.
After successfully completing all training sessions this week, Etzebeth has been added to the replacements bench, providing specialist lock cover for the starting duo of Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ruan Nortje.
Etzebeth was initially left out of the match-23 due to an injury concern but has now replaced Marco van Staden on the bench. In preparation for the match, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has also released four players to their Carling Currie Cup teams, ensuring they gain valuable game time this weekend.
Revised Springbok team to face New Zealand in Johannesburg:
15 – Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 6 caps, 15 points (3t)
14 – Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath) – 35 caps, 96 points (15t, 3c, 5p)
13 – Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 73 caps, 80 points (16t)
12 – Damian de Allende (Wild Knights) – 82 caps, 55 points (11t)
11 – Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls) – 19 caps, 85 points (17t)
10 – Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers) – 6 caps, 33 points (12c, 3p)
9 – Cobus Reinach (Montpellier) – 34 caps, 65 points (13t)
8 – Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks) – 27 caps, 5 points (1t)
7 – Ben-Jason Dixon (DHL Stormers) – 3 caps, 5 points (1t)
6 – Siya Kolisi (captain, Racing 92) – 86 caps, 55 points (11t)
5 – Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls) – 2 caps, 0 points
4 – Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) – 81 caps, 45 points (9t)
3 – Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers) – 73 caps, 5 points (1t)
2 – Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 72 caps, 70 points (14t)
1 – Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 33 caps, 0 points
Replacements:
16 – Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 69 caps, 95 points (19t)
17 – Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls) – 4 caps, 0 points
18 – Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 54 caps, 0 points
19 – Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 124 caps, 30 points (6t)
20 – Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls) – 6 caps, 0 points
21 – Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs) – 45 caps, 40 points (8t)
22 – Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 13 caps, 10 points (2t)
23 – Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers) – 73 caps, 734 points (7t, 99c, 162p, 5dg)
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The post Top Stories in South Africa this week: Two-pot system, Potato shortage, Cape Town weather, Bayanda Walaza & more appeared first on YOMZANSI. Documenting THE CULTURE.
