GAUTENG LOCAL GOVERNMENT TURNAROUND SUMMIT DECLARES COMMITMENT TO BUILDING SMART AND RESILIENT MUNICIPALITIES @KASIBCNEWS  The Gauteng Local Government Turnaround Summit, held at Misty Hills Hotel and Conference Centre in Mogale City, West Rand Region, on the 23rd and 24th of October 2024, opened and closed by Premier Panyaza Lesufi, concluded with a firm commitment from participants to drive transformative change in local municipalities. Themed “Building Smart and Resilient Municipalities of the Future,” the summit brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from eleven (11) municipalities, Provincial Government Departments, National Government Departments, State-Owned Entities, and experts in local government.  The summit was facilitated by former Statistician-General, Dr Pali Lehohla and received reports from various institutions including the Gauteng City Region Observatory (GCRO), AGSA, Stats SA, South African Cities Network. Attended by the two Royal Hou...

Senior Citizens enjoy relaxed and fun picnic at Johannesburg ZOO #KASIBCNEWS  Dozens of senior citizens gathered at the Johannesburg Zoo this week for a special “picnic in the park” event organised by the City of Johannesburg’s Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM Region F) in collaboration with the Social Development and Sport & Recreation Departments. Elderly residents from Wards 54 and 125 in Region F2 attended the event accompanied by their ward councillors, Cllr Matsobane Sekhu of Ward 125 and Cllr Stuart Marais of Ward 54. This was the second picnic for the elderly this month after a successful event on the International Day of Older Persons, 1 October, where hundreds of seniors from various wards took part. The picnic provided a refreshing break from daily routines, offering a chance for seniors to enjoy nature, socialise, participate in fun games, and engage in activities that promote emotional and psychological well-being. October, designated by the United N...

RISE OF KIDNAPPINGS AND THEIR LINK TO EXTORTION IN SOUTH AFRICA @KASIBCNEWS  The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) strongly condemns the alarming rise in kidnappings across South Africa, which has seen a staggering increase of over 260% in the last decade. With more than 17,000 kidnappings recorded in the past year alone, recent reports show that this surge is directly connected to the growing extortion crisis that continues to terrorise communities, businesses, and individuals throughout the country. Kidnapping has become a central feature of the extortion rackets that have taken root in South Africa, with criminal groups exploiting the vulnerability of citizens and using violence and coercion to extract ransom payments.  This trend mirrors global patterns of organised crime, where extortion and kidnapping are intertwined, creating a toxic cycle of violence and fear. These criminals, armed and highly organised, have turned communities into hunting grounds for their illicit acti...

  President Cyril Ramaphosa BRICS Summit Russia 2024 @KASIBCNEWS Your Excellency, President Vladimir Putin, Your Excellencies, Leaders of BRICS nations, Your Excellencies, Leaders of Global and Regional Institutions,  Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations Honourable Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Allow me to begin by congratulating the Russian Federation and President Putin on chairing a successful BRICS Summit, as well as leading us all on adopting an excellent declaration. The BRICS Outreach and BRICS Plus engagements are important platforms for developing strong ties among countries from the greater Global South and emerging markets. We should use these platforms to foster meaningful engagement. We should use the BRICS platform to contribute to social, economic and cultural development of our peoples. We welcome the Russian initiatives that are aimed at strengthening a number of BRICS countries through the various networks aimed at improv...

INCREASED VISITATION AND TOURISM REVENUE IN GAUTENG @KASIBCNEWS The Spring to Summer period in Gauteng continue to be a favourable period for high impact quality glocal signature events hosting. These events not only do they contribute immensely to our destination competitiveness but plays a critical role in driving increased visitation, high tourism revenue, spend and more bed nights as visitors explore and fall in love with the golden province more. September, which is celebrated as Tourism and Heritage month had set the tone for what visitors and locals can do, expect, and enjoy more from the destination offerings ranging from global sporting, lifestyle, entertainment and creative arts circuit events, personal and business shopping, visiting friends and relatives and most importantly taking holiday trips and power weekend breaks in the golden province.  Amongst others, the Dstv Delicious International Food & Music and the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festivals attracted over 50...

ARREST OF THE ALLEGED SUSPECT OF THE RAPE AND MURDER OF 6-YEAR-OLD AMANTLE SEMANE @KASIBCNEWS MMC for Public Safety in the City of Johannesburg Cllr Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku has lauded the speedy arrest of the alleged rape and murder suspect of Amantle Semane by the law enforcement agencies including JMPD, TRU, and SAPS yesterday.  The alleged incident happened in Orlando East, Soweto. Amantle was allegedly killed by a Mozambican national and was discovered in a shack in Soweto after she disappeared while playing with friends. “We emphasize that we will continue to protect the vulnerable members of society, particularly children. Such heinous crimes will not be tolerated, accepted, or condoned in our city”, said Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku. We have zero tolerance for crime, child abuse, and murder.  We encourage community vigilance and reporting of suspicious activities. Together we can create a safer environment for all our citizens including children.

  In-Depth Assessment of Oncology Services in Gauteng Province @KASIBCNEWS The Health and Wellness Portfolio Committee comprised of multi-party members of the Provincial Legislature recently conducted a focused intervention study to evaluate the pressure points and operational efficiency of oncology services across Gauteng Province. The visits, carried out from 22 October to 23 October 2024, included key central hospitals: Dr. George Mukhari Academic, Steve Biko Academic, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic, and Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospitals. This initiative provided the Committee with a deeper understanding of the complex challenges involved in delivering cancer treatment and care within the public healthcare sector. Contrary to perceptions, oncology services require sophisticated coordination, far beyond what is often assumed. Key Findings and Challenges:  Treatments Expanding Beyond Gauteng and South Africa Oncology services at these central hospitals extend not on...

  Boards Applications ( NYDA ) National Youth Development Agency @KASIBCNEWS Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga urges young South Africans to apply for the NYDA Board The Ministry of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) encourages young South Africans to apply for positions on the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Board, as applications are now open. The NYDA Board plays a crucial role in driving policies and initiatives    that promote youth development and empowerment across the country. Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has called on eligible youth leaders between the ages of 18 and 35 to apply, stressing the significance of youth representation in the NYDA’s efforts to uplift and create opportunities for young people. “We are looking for passionate and capable young leaders who are committed to advancing the development of South Africa's youth. This is an opportunity to shape policies and lead initiatives that will have a lasting impact on your generation and...

Gogo Matlape Born 4th December 1918 @KASIBCNEWS  Gauteng Social Development MEC, Faith Mazibuko, urged young people to take a leaf from the book of a centenarian, Gogo Makhopokoane Jermina Matlepe, who was born on the 4th of December 1918 in Steenros, Free State. Gogo Matlape was celebrated by the community at her home in Kokosi. She was blessed with 11 children (5 girls and 6 boys). Mazibuko joined 93 older persons between 80 and 100 at Gogo home to celebrate her life and share his secret to longevity (reaching 105 years).  "To have an old person living for so many years is priceless. We opted to come join this celebration of Mama and thank her family for having taken care of her for so many years. We joined this celebration too precisely because we wanted to dig deeper into her well of wisdom and know her secret to long life," she said. Mazibuko said young people should follow Gogo Matlape footsteps and learn how to be responsible. citizens in the county. Mazibuko handed ov...

MMC GWAMANDA PLACED ON SPECIAL LEAVE @KASIBCNEWS  This morning, Executive Mayor Cllr Dada Morero met with MMC for Community Development, Cllr Kabelo Gwamanda, to address the reported allegations of fraud that have surfaced in the public domain. "The severity of these allegations demands a proactive response to protect the integrity of the Office of the Executive Mayor," said Mayor Morero. "In line with the City's commitment to integrity, good governance, and accountability, I have decided to place MMC Gwamanda on special leave, effective immediately, and relieve him of all his executive duties."  The residents of Johannesburg are hereby informed that the allegations will be referred to the Speaker of Council, who will handle the matter according to the legislated processes and rules of the council.  The Executive Mayor believes that both administrative and political leadership must uphold their oath of office, guided by the code of conduct and ethics, in serving...