TRAGEDY ON R39: Ten Lives Lost in Devastating Head-On Collision Near Standerton

TRAGEDY ON R39: Ten Lives Lost in Devastating Head-On Collision Near Standerton

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA

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STANDERTON — A horrific head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a bus has claimed the lives of ten people on the R39 Road between Standerton and Morgenzon. The catastrophic crash occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, 21 May 2026, at approximately 05:15 AM.

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Details of the Fatal Crash

According to official reports, all ten of the deceased were occupants of the minibus taxi, which included the driver. The impact of the crash was devastating: eight individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, one person tragically passed away while being transported to the hospital, and a tenth victim succumbed to their injuries while receiving emergency treatment at a hospital in Standerton.

At the time of the collision, the minibus taxi was traveling from Morgenzon toward Standerton, while the bus was reportedly heading in the opposite direction. The driver of the bus sustained minor injuries from the impact, while one bus passenger managed to escape completely unharmed.

Adverse Weather and Investigations Underway

Preliminary reports indicate that weather conditions may have played a significant role in the tragedy, as the road was heavily blanketed in thick mist at the time of the crash, severely reducing visibility for drivers.

While the exact cause of the accident remains under official investigation, authorities have noted that reckless and negligent driving cannot be ruled out at this early stage.

MEC Jackie Macie Extends Condolences

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr. Jackie Macie, expressed deep sadness over the tragic loss of life. The MEC extended his heartfelt condolences to the devastated families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to those affected by the trauma of the incident.

Road traffic authorities continue to urge motorists to exercise extreme caution, reduce speed, and turn on their fog lights when driving under misty and low-visibility conditions to prevent further loss of life on the province's roads.

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GAUTENG WATER CRISIS: Municipalities Summoned by SAHRC to Account for Interventions

GAUTENG WATER CRISIS: Municipalities Summoned by SAHRC to Account for Interventions

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA

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JOHANNESBURG — In a major move toward public accountability, the Gauteng Provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has confirmed that municipalities across the province will appear before the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).

The scheduled appearance mandates local government authorities to provide transparent progress reports on interventions aimed at tackling the persistent water supply challenges plaguing Gauteng communities.

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A Constitutional Fight for Basic Rights

The upcoming engagement before the SAHRC highlights a deepening urgency surrounding water security in South Africa's economic hub. According to COGTA, the hearings are part of a concerted effort to enforce accountability, improve intergovernmental coordination, and safeguard residents' constitutional right to reliable and sustainable water services.

Ongoing water supply interruptions have placed an immense, undeniable strain on township households, local businesses, healthcare facilities, and schools.

What Municipalities Must Answer For

Gauteng municipalities are expected to present concrete, actionable metrics during the hearings. The SAHRC will demand detailed outlines on:

Infrastructure Maintenance: Current steps being taken to upgrade aging water systems.

Water Loss Reduction: Strategies to curb massive water losses caused by systemic leaks.

Crisis Response Times: How local governments plan to accelerate response times to sudden supply disruptions.

Reservoir Management: System updates to stabilize reservoir levels and prevent widespread dry-outs.

The presentations will also highlight the collaborative efforts currently underway between municipal bodies, the Gauteng Provincial Government, and national entities to stabilize the province's fragile water network.

The Intergovernmental Strategy

In response to the ongoing crisis, the provincial government has highlighted its weekly Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) platform on water security. This initiative brings together municipalities and key stakeholders within the water value chain to actively monitor system performance and deploy rapid interventions to high-risk areas.

This forum was established alongside the Local Government Turnaround Strategy, aimed at structurally reforming municipal governance, oversight, and service delivery priorities.

COGTA has welcomed the SAHRC's involvement, viewing the platform as an essential mechanism to measure progress, identify systemic roadblocks, and reinforce government commitments to restoring human dignity through uninterrupted service delivery. The outcomes and recommendations from the commission are expected to fast-track municipal relief efforts across the hardest-hit communities.

STAY INFORMED: How is the water crisis affecting your neighborhood? Keep up with local government updates and community voices. 

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Government Launches Multi-Million Rand E-Waste Recycling Pilot Project in the Eastern Cape

Government Launches Multi-Million Rand E-Waste Recycling Pilot Project in the Eastern Cape

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA

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MTHATHA — Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, has officially launched a groundbreaking E-Waste Collection and Recycling Pilot Project in the King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality.

The launch, held on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, marks the expansion of a national environmental drive into the O.R. Tambo District. The project aims to tackle South Africa’s fastest-growing waste stream, clear localized infrastructure backlogs, and breathe economic life into small townships through cash-for-waste incentives.

The Looming E-Waste Threat

Electronic waste (e-waste), which encompasses discarded electrical devices like old cellphones, computers, and appliances, presents a severe hazard. South Africa generates more than 360,000 tonnes of e-waste annually, but only a tiny fraction is formally recycled. Because many of these devices contain hazardous chemical substances, disposing of them incorrectly poses severe risks to human health and local ecosystems.

Deputy Minister Swarts highlighted that the project acts as a direct response to a strict legislative shift in South Africa, which now completely prohibits sending e-waste to traditional landfills. Under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, electronics producers are legally forced to fund and manage the safe recycling, reuse, and recovery of their products.

Rural Cash-for-Waste Strategy Yields Massive Results

While major cities often possess adequate recycling hubs, peri-urban and rural areas like KSD Local Municipality have historically lacked the necessary infrastructure, leaving residents with low awareness of recycling pathways.

To bridge this gap, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) partnered with the Eastern Cape Department of Environment, local municipalities, and Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs). The model sets up accessible community drop-off points, engages local small businesses (SMMEs), and rewards residents financially for sorting their trash.

The strategy has already proven highly lucrative in other provinces:

Mpumalanga: Successfully pioneered in Bushbuckridge and Nkomazi.

North West: Rolled out across Rustenburg and Madibeng under the Bojanala District.

Gauteng & Northern Cape: Implemented in Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and Ga-Segonyana.

To date, these localized rural e-waste programmes have collected over 86,000 kilograms (86 tons) of discarded electronics, pumping more than R267,700.00 back into community hands via green incentives.

Driving a Circular "Township Economy"

Beyond cleaning up dump sites, the project is structured to stimulate inclusive provincial growth by embedding a "circular economy" at the household level.

"E‑waste recycling has the potential to support job creation, skills development, and small enterprise participation, while contributing to the growth of a circular economy within the municipality and the Province as a whole," Deputy Minister Swarts stated during her keynote speech.

The DFFE confirmed that it will monitor the Eastern Cape pilot closely against strict indicators. Progress will be measured by total tonnage collected, the number of active community members, the level of collaboration with township SMMEs, and direct employment opportunities created. The ultimate goal is to refine this model so it can be replicated across all other municipalities in the Eastern Cape.

Swarts closed by making an impassioned call to the residents of the KSD Local Municipality and the broader O.R. Tambo District to take absolute ownership of the drop-off infrastructure. By working together, local communities can turn an environmental hazard into sustainable township livelihoods.

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Gauteng Health Department Urges SASSA Disability Applicants to Use Clinics for Free Medical Forms to Avoid Hospital Fees

Gauteng Health Department Urges SASSA Disability Applicants to Use Clinics for Free Medical Forms to Avoid Hospital Fees

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA

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JOHANNESBURG — The Gauteng Department of Health and Wellness has issued an important notice to residents applying for disability grants through the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Faith Mazibuko, is urging all applicants who need healthcare practitioners to complete their medical verification forms—commonly referred to as referral forms or functional referral forms—to visit their nearest Primary Health Care facilities instead of major hospitals.

The advisory comes after the Department noticed a growing trend of SASSA applicants flooding local hospitals to get their medical paperwork processed.

Avoid Hospital Fees: Clinics Are Free

Under the Uniform Patient Fee Schedule (UPFS), South African public hospitals are bound by regulations that may require applicants to pay a prescribed administrative fee for the completion of these verification forms. However, the Department highlighted that this exact same administrative service is provided completely free of charge at localized clinics and Community Health Centres (CHCs).

By shifting from hospitals to local clinics, applicants can bypass unnecessary travel, long hospital queues, and unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

MEC Mazibuko emphasized that local clinics are strategically placed to handle these requests efficiently while protecting vulnerable citizens from financial strain.

“We want to make it easier for disability grant applicants to access the assistance they need," MEC Mazibuko stated. "Clinics and CHCs are closer to communities and are better placed to assist with SASSA-related forms without placing an additional financial burden on applicants. We appeal to residents to only use hospitals for services that require specialised care.”

What to Bring to Your Local Clinic

To ensure a smooth process and help healthcare practitioners fill out the paperwork accurately, the Department reminds all applicants to bring the following documents to their nearest clinic or CHC:

Official SASSA medical verification/referral forms.

A Valid South African Identity Document (ID).

Any available Historical Medical Records or Health Books.

By utilizing community clinics for administrative tasks, residents not only save money but also help alleviate pressure on Gauteng’s heavily strained tertiary hospital network, keeping specialized care units open for medical emergencies.

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GAUTENG GOVERNMENT SATISFIED WITH PROGRESS ON HOSTEL REVITALISATION

GAUTENG GOVERNMENT SATISFIED WITH PROGRESS ON HOSTEL REVITALISATION

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA

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Gauteng Premier  Panyaza Lesufi has expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the revitalisation of hostels owned by the Gauteng Provincial Government.

The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements owns six hostels in the Johannesburg Inner City, which are George Goch, Jeppe, MBA, Murray and Robert and Denver.

“ The last time I was here, you could not even walk like this; there was sewage all over. There was no electricity, and security was poor. We have put CCTV cameras and high mast lights. We just have to start negotiating with hostel leadership on who must stay here, and we must also account for the people who reside in the hostels,” said Premier Lesufi.

 “Hostel residents dictated how the hostel should be. The basic non-negotiable is that it must be conducive  for people to stay here,” said Lesufi

 The site inspection was conducted by Premier Lesufi, MEC  for Human Settlements Tasneem Motara and MEC for E-government Bonginkosi Dhlamini.

MEC Motara said that the work had progressed well on five hostels, while it started late on the sixth hostel. 

“ Work in the five hostels should be completed in the next 6 months. The last one that we started late last year, we will still continue with the work,” she said.

 Motara said that the progress made would not be possible without a solid relationship between the government, hostel leadership and the residents of the hostels.

MEC Dhlamini said that the government had installed high-tech CCTV cameras and Wi-Fi in the hostels.

“As part of assisting in the hostel revitalisation, the E-government department installed  CCTV cameras that are connected to our Command Centre, where they are monitored. Even the hostel leadership can attest that the high rate of crime, more especially murder at night, has gone down because of the cameras.  The residents can connect to the WI-FI to access government services and also for personal use,” said Dhlamini.

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