KASI BC AFRICA

Working Visit to the Russian Federation @KASIBCNEWS  Minister Lamola has concluded a two-day working visit to the Russian Federation. During his visit to Moscow, Minister Lamola co-chaired the 18th session of the Joint Inter-Governmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) alongside Mr. Alexander Kozlov, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation.  ITEC is a structured bilateral mechanism aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation between South Africa and the Russian Federation. The 18th ITEC session facilitated a comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including:   - Trade and Investment: Strengthening economic partnerships and exploring opportunities for mutual growth.   - Agriculture:Enhancing collaboration in sustainable agricultural practices and food security.   - Education:Expanding academic exchanges and skills development initiatives.   - Digi...

PASSING OF TWO EDUCATORS @KASIBCNEWS The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of two male educators (aged 26 and 28) from Ennerdale Secondary School in Johannesburg, who had been reported missing over the weekend. Their deaths have now been linked to a fatal motor vehicle accident that took place on Saturday, 12 April 2025. According to information at our disposal, the motor vehicle accident occurred on Saturday morning on the R28 near the Lenasia turnoff in Jachtfontein. One of the two vehicles that were involved in the incident reportedly had three occupants. Tragically, two of the three occupants - the two educators - were declared deceased on the scene. The circumstances surrounding this incident are currently under investigation by police. “We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, as well as to the learners, colleagues, and the broader Ennerdale school community. This is an immense loss to the education...

Taxi Rank @KASIBCNEWS  The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Moqhaka will be writing to the municipal manager and portfolio director to address the growing crisis of illegal taxi ranks, which are compromising public safety, obstructing main roads, and undermining confidence in the formal transport system. This intervention follows increasing pressure from the Public Safety Portfolio Committee, which has demanded that the issue be urgently addressed by Provincial and Local Traffic Departments, law enforcement authorities, and taxi associations. Station Street is currently the only legal taxi rank in the area. However, unregulated and illegal taxi operations have been observed along Oranje, Brand, and Reitz Streets in Kroonstad. These illegal ranks are being occupied by taxis operating without permits, rendering roads impassable for legitimate users. These areas have also become hotspots for crime. To restore order, the DA will: Call on city authorities and the police to intensify action a...

Free Screenings, Edutainment, and Impactful Awareness @KASIBCNEWS  The  AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) South Africa  is proud to announce its proposed participation at  The Rand Show 2025  as part of the exhibition’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives. AHF seeks to offer visitors a range of free, high-impact health services and educational engagement - bringing health to the heart of the community at one of the country’s most iconic events.   Operating in 47 countries and present in South Africa since 2002, the AHF is the world’s largest non-profit HIV and AIDS healthcare provider, funded primarily through private donors, global partnerships, and a self-sustaining social enterprise model. With a presence in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, the Eastern Cape, and Gauteng, AHF partners with provincial Departments of Health to reach underserved populations and expand access to care. At The Rand Show 2025, AHF proposes an engaging, family-friendly health ...

GAUTENG GOVERNMENT FIGHT AGAINST CRIME @KASIBCNEWS The Gauteng Provincial Government, in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS), municipal law enforcement agencies, and local municipalities across the province, has today signed a landmark Safety and Security Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at intensifying the province’s fight against crime, violence and lawlessness.  The agreement was formally signed by political and law enforcement leadership at a public event held in Johannesburg, accompanied by a symbolic joint parade showcasing the unity of Gauteng’s security forces. The MoU represents a strategic step forward in embedding a whole-ofgovernment and whole-of-society approach to building safer, more secure communities across Gauteng.  The MoU outlines a comprehensive five-year framework for intergovernmental cooperation, bringing together SAPS, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), the Gauteng Department of Communi...

 Rand Show 2025 @KASIBCNEWS Johannesburg, South Africa: 15 April 2025 - Get ready to dive into an enchanting world of marine wonder as The Rand Show, South Africa's most iconic consumer show, unveils its Ocean Wanders experience in Hall 8. This brand-new attraction was unveiled yesterday among much excitement.  The experience is included in the price of the entry ticket and promises an exciting journey beneath the waves, bringing the beauty and mystery of the ocean to life for visitors of all ages. From 17–21 April at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, Ocean Wanders will transport families into a underwater digital world with interactive exhibits, educational experiences, and marine-themed displays designed to inspire curiosity, while being a lot of fun. A deep dive into adventure Ocean Wanders offers a fusion of entertainment and education, making it a must-visit destination within The Rand Show. Visitors can look forward to: Immersive ocean displays: Walk through mesmeris...

R65BILLION ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE @KASIBCNEWS Motorists and passengers across the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) face daily dangers when travelling along the city roads, having to dodge potholes and navigate the disintegrating roads. Despite these challenges, the City has only allocated R449 million to fix roads for the entire metro in the 2024/25 budget. While it will cost R65 Billion to repair the worst 1619km of roads across Ekurhuleni. This represents 7% of what is needed to repair the worst roads. This information was revealed in a reply to the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) written questions tabled to the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo, in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL). The last assessment of the condition of all roads in the CoE was conducted in 2019, referred to as the “Pavement Management System”. According to the reply, 8,245.53km of roads were assessed for their structural condition and were categorised as follows: • Very Good 19.54% • G...

Ekurhuleni’s Crime Crisis @KASIBCNEWS Today, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng East officially launched a petition to urge parliamentary intervention into Ekurhuleni’s crime crisis. The petition was made public outside the Primrose Police station, which has the highest murder rate in the metro with a horrific 127 murders per 100 000 residents. Primrose itself holds an average murder rate three times the average murder rate in Ekurhuleni. With a population of 87 743 residents, this community is serviced by a mere 94 Police Officers and 10 support staff. This station is woefully under resourced. It should come as no surprise that 1638 murders were committed in the City last year. To put it into perspective, that is one police officer for every 933 residents. Former Police Minister, Bheki Cele, stated that the United Nations recommends a police-to-population ratio of one officer for every 220 people. He noted that South Africa's ratio was approximately one officer for every 383 ...

Soweto  Integrated Development Plan ( IDP )  @KASIBCNEWS Residents of Soweto gathered at a packed Orlando East Communal Hall on Saturday, 12 April 2025, to share their views on the City’s draft Integrated Development Plan (IDP). The session formed part of the City’s ongoing public participation efforts to engage communities directly in shaping local development priorities. The day began with visits to stalls hosted by various City entities. These stalls offered residents insights into service delivery initiatives and provided a platform for face-to-face engagements with City officials. Service-related queries were addressed by experts from relevant departments and municipal entities. The Speaker of Council, Cllr Nobuhle Mthembu, in her opening remarks stressed the importance of public participation in refining the draft IDP, Budget, and proposed tariffs, emphasising that the process empowers communities to influence decisions that affect their lives. Acting Executive Mayor Cll...

RAND SHOW 2025  @KASIBCNEWS   The Rand Show 2025 is proud to announce the return of one of its most impactful and empowering offerings — the Public Sector Hall, which will once again take centre stage in Hall 5 of the Johannesburg Expo Centre from 17 to 21 April 2025. This dedicated space will host a wide range of government departments, public sector institutions, and oversight bodies, offering direct access to essential services, expert advice, and community support – all at no cost to visitors. Whether you're seeking assistance with pensions, voter registration, water services, health screenings, or access to social support systems, the Public Sector Hall is designed to help you connect face-to-face with the people and departments that serve South Africa every day. Government and Public Sector Departments Participating in 2025: Gauteng Department of Health South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) Rand Water Joha...

ESKOM TENDER RENEWABLE ENERGY  @KASIBCNEWS  The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, welcomes Eskom’s recent issuance of a tender to establish a separate renewable energy business unit.  This significant step reflects Eskom’s dedication to accelerating renewable energy deployment and supporting South Africa’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, consistent with the nation’s Just Energy Transition (JET) objectives and commitments under the Paris Agreement. On 31 March 2025, the Minister granted conditional emissions exemptions to Eskom’s coal-fired power stations, underscoring the urgent need for prioritisation of renewable energy integration. The establishment of this independent subsidiary, structured to operate with agility and encourage public-private partnerships, directly addresses those conditions.  It positions Eskom to capitalise on South Africa’s abundant solar and wind resources, enhance competitiveness, a...

STARTUP20 FOR SOUTH AFRICA’S G20 PRESIDENCY @KASIBCNEWS  The Minister of Small Business Development, Ms. Stella Tembisa Ndabeni, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Vuyani Jarana as Chairperson and 22 On Sloane as Secretariat of the Startup20 Engagement Group for South Africa’s G20 Presidency in 2025. A meeting was convened on the 07th of March 2025 consisting of more than 75 of South Africa’s leading start-up eco-system role-players where the Chairperson and secretariat were introduced. Mr. Jarana brings a wealth of experience to this crucial role, with more than 25 years of leadership in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. A seasoned business transformation leader, Mr. Jarana previously served as Group Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer of Vodacom Business within the Vodacom Group. He also held the role of Chief Executive Officer of South African Airways, where he spearheaded critical restructuring efforts. Currently, Mr. Jarana ...

Mcebisi Jonas Special Envoy to USA @KASIBCNEWS  The African National Congress (ANC) welcomes the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa of the appointment of Mr Mcebisi Jonas as his Special Envoy to the United States of America.  This appointment is a reaffirmation of South Africa’s strategic intent to deepen bilateral and multilateral relations anchored in mutual respect, shared interests, and inclusive development.  Mr Jonas credentials reflect an unwavering commitment to South Africa’s constitutional democracy, economic renewal, and global cooperation. His prior service as Deputy Minister of Finance and as one of President Ramaphosa’s Investment Envoys has demonstrated his capacity to advance South Africa’s developmental agenda and inspire investor confidence.  The ANC is confident that Mr Jonas will, in his new role, promote South Africa’s priorities including trade, investment, technology exchange, and youth development, while ensuring that our voice remains ...

SUSPECTS FOUND WITH STOLEN FOOD @KASIBCNEWS Gauteng Education MEC, Mr Matome Chiloane, wishes to commend police for arresting two suspects who were found with stolen school nutrition food from Minerva Secondary School in Alexandra, Johannesburg on Saturday, 12 April 2025. According to information at our disposal, the two suspects – a 60-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman – were found next to the school with boxes of food supplies which belonged to the school. The stolen food included bulk packs of tinned fish, fresh cream milk and other perishable goods. The suspects were arrested and charged with possession of suspected stolen property. They are expected to appear before the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 14 April 2025. The food that was stolen forms part of supplies that are provided to the school through the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). This programme provides nutritious meals to learners in primary and secondary schools, aiming to improve learning by addre...

SPECIAL ENVOY TO USA @KASIBCNEWS I ( CYRIL RAMAPHOSA  ) hereby announce the appointment of Mr Mcebisi Jonas as my Special Envoy to the United States of America, serving as the official representative of the President and the government of the Republic of South Africa.  In this capacity, Mr Jonas is entrusted with the responsibility to advance South Africa's diplomatic, trade and bilateral priorities. He will lead negotiations, foster strategic partnerships and engage with U.S. government officials and private-sector leaders to promote our nation’s interests.  An eminent South African leader, Mr Jonas served as one of four   Presidential Investment Envoys that I appointed in 2018 to facilitate investment into South Africa.   As a former Deputy Finance Minister of South Africa, Mr Jonas brings extensive governmental experience to his new diplomatic role. Concurrently, he holds the position of Independent Non-Executive Chairman of the MTN Group, a role he...