Water and Sanitation urges Water Conservation as Dam Levels continue to Decline in Mpumalanga

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR

KASiBC_AFRiCA ©®™ M@KE K@Si GRE@T ©®™

Water and Sanitation urges Water Conservation as Dam Levels continue to Decline in Mpumalanga

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) calls on the public to strengthen water conservation efforts in the face of a strong El Niño, as water levels continue to drop in the listed dams and water management areas in Mpumalanga Province.

According to the latest DWS weekly State of Reservoirs report released this week, the average dam levels in Mpumalanga Province continue to drop, with a further decline from last week’s 98.3% to 97.6%. Water levels also continue to drop in the Water Management Areas (WMAs), with the Limpopo-Olifants WMA dropping from 99.1% to 98.2%, and the Inkomati-Usuthu WMA dropping from 97.5% to 96.9%.

The three districts of the province also continue to record declines in water levels, with Ehlanzeni dropping from 99.6% to 98.9%, Gert Sibande from 97.2% to 96.7%, and Nkangala from 99.0% to 98.0%.

The report further shows that all the listed dams in Mpumalanga Province recorded decreases in water levels. In the Lowveld and Ehlanzeni District, Kwena Dam dropped from 99.2% to 98.0%, Witklip Dam from 100.3% to 99.2%, Driekoppies Dam from 100.2% to 99.7%, Inyaka Dam from 99.7% to 99.4%, Da Gama Dam from 99.3% to 98.4%, Primkop Dam from 101.7% to 100.6%, Longmere Dam from 101.6% to 97.1%, Klipkopjes Dam from 100.4% to 99.6%, Blyderivierpoort Dam from 100.1% to 100.0%, Buffelskloof Dam from 100.2% to 97.8%, and Ohrigstad Dam from 87.5% to 84.7%.

In Gert Sibande District, Grootdraai Dam dropped from 100.4% to 100.0%, Nooitgedacht Dam from 98.6% to 97.6%, Vygeboom Dam from 100.3% to 100.2%, Jericho Dam from 90.8% to 88.8%, Westoe Dam from 51.9% to 51.7%, Morgenstond Dam from 99.9% to 98.8%, and Heyshope Dam from 100.3% to 100.0%.

In Nkangala District, Witbank Dam dropped from 98.4% to 97.9%, Middelburg Dam from 94.2% to 93.6%, Loskop Dam from 99.5% to 98.2%, and Rhenosterkop/Mkhombo Dam from 99.5% to 98.8%.

The Department of Water and Sanitation urges communities and all other water users to use the available water sparingly and avoid wastage, as every drop counts.

Water has no substitute. Residents are therefore urged to use water responsibly, fix leaking taps and pipes, and help prevent infrastructure vandalism to ensure a sustainable water supply for current and future generations.

KASiBCAFRiCA©®™ NEWS • AUDIO • VIDEO • SPORTS • EVENTS • TOURS • STORES

KASiBCAFRiCA©®™

3,500 ONLINE BROADCASTERS

54 COUNTRIES IN AFRICA

KASiBC_AFRiCA is recruiting 3,500 Online Broadcasters across 54 African countries. Complete the official online application form and submit your required information and documents.

APPLY NOW

CLICK APPLY NOW TO COMPLETE THE OFFICIAL ONLINE APPLICATION FORM.

The application form will open in a new browser tab.

KASiBCAFRiCA©®™

NEWS • AUDIO • VIDEO • SPORTS • EVENTS • TOURS • STORES

WWW.KASIBC.BLOGSPOT.COM

© 2026 KASiBCAFRiCA©®™. All Rights Reserved.

NSFAS records over 1 Million Applications for the 2027 Funding Cycle as the Board joins final push Outreach Programme

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR

KASiBC_AFRiCA ©®™ M@KE K@Si GRE@T ©®™

NSFAS records over 1 Million Applications for the 2027 Funding Cycle as the Board joins final push Outreach Programme

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has recorded over a million applications on its system for the 2027 funding cycle, reflecting the continued interest of prospective students seeking financial assistance to pursue their studies at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.

The application period closes on 31 October 2026, and there will be NO extensions. Prospective applicants are urged to submit their applications before the closing date to avoid last-minute challenges and ensure that their applications are received within the stipulated period.

Applications can be submitted through the official NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.zaor via the NSFAS mobile application. Applicants who are required to provide supporting documentation must ensure that the relevant documents are uploaded through the official NSFAS application platform.

Applicants must carefully review the requirements applicable to their circumstances and ensure that all necessary documents are submitted as prescribed. Missing documentation, incomplete information or incorrect details may affect the verification and processing of an application.

As part of its commitment to ensuring that eligible students have access to financial assistance, the NSFAS Board will participate in the final push outreach programme in support of the 2027 application period.

The outreach programme will intensify efforts to reach prospective students, particularly those in rural communities, townships and areas where access to information and application assistance may be limited.

The NSFAS Board calls on learners, parents, guardians, educators, community organisations and other stakeholders to assist in disseminating accurate information and encouraging prospective students to take advantage of the remaining application period.

KASiBCAFRiCA©®™ NEWS • AUDIO • VIDEO • SPORTS • EVENTS • TOURS • STORES

KASiBCAFRiCA©®™

3,500 ONLINE BROADCASTERS

54 COUNTRIES IN AFRICA

KASiBC_AFRiCA is recruiting 3,500 Online Broadcasters across 54 African countries. Complete the official online application form and submit your required information and documents.

APPLY NOW

CLICK APPLY NOW TO COMPLETE THE OFFICIAL ONLINE APPLICATION FORM.

The application form will open in a new browser tab.

KASiBCAFRiCA©®™

NEWS • AUDIO • VIDEO • SPORTS • EVENTS • TOURS • STORES

WWW.KASIBC.BLOGSPOT.COM

© 2026 KASiBCAFRiCA©®™. All Rights Reserved.

GAUTENG HEALTH URGES PUBLIC TO ACT FAST WHEN STROKE STRIKES

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR

KASiBC_AFRiCA ©®™ M@KE K@Si GRE@T ©®™

GAUTENG HEALTH URGES PUBLIC TO ACT FAST WHEN STROKE STRIKES 

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) urges the public to recognise the warning signs of a stroke and seek emergency medical care immediately, as delays in treatment can result in death, permanent disability and loss of independence. 

The Department joins the global community in commemorating World Stroke Day today, 29 October under the theme “Every Minute Counts”, highlighting the importance of recognising stroke symptoms and acting without delay. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted because a blood vessel is blocked or ruptures. Without adequate blood and oxygen, brain cells begin to sustain damage. 

The World Stroke Organization estimates that approximately 1.9 million brain cells can be lost every minute during a stroke, making early recognition and urgent medical attention critical. 

The impact of stroke is reflected in the demand for rehabilitation services across the province. Data from Provincial Rehabilitation Services unit shows that between the 2019/20 and 2024/25 financial years, the unit recorded 32 444 new cerebrovascular accident (CVA), commonly known as stroke, cases and 105 441 follow-up cases. In the 2024/25 financial year alone, 6 855 new cases and 22 771 follow-up cases were recorded. Stroke can affect movement, balance, speech, swallowing, memory and the ability to perform everyday activities, leaving survivors requiring ongoing rehabilitation and support. 

The Department urges the public to remember the FAST-warning signs of stroke: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty and Time to seek emergency medical assistance. They should ask the person to smile and check whether one side of the face droops, ask them to raise both arms to see whether one arm is weak or drifts downwards, and ask them to repeat a simple sentence to check for slurred or confused speech. 

Other warning signs include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, confusion, difficulty seeing, walking or maintaining balance, a severe unexplained headache or reduced consciousness 

If any of these signs occur, people must seek emergency medical assistance immediately. Even if the symptoms improve or disappear, urgent medical assessment is still necessary. They should not wait for symptoms to worsen, attempt home remedies or wait for a routine clinic appointment. Emergency Medical Services can be contacted on 112 from a cellphone or 10177. 

High blood pressure is one of the most important risk factors for stroke and often has no obvious symptoms. Other risk factors include diabetes, high cholesterol, tobacco use, harmful alcohol use, obesity, physical inactivity, diets high in salt and unhealthy fats, certain heart conditions, increasing age and family history. 

The GDoH encourages residents to check their blood pressure regularly, take prescribed medication consistently, attend follow-up appointments, maintain a balanced diet, remain physically active, reduce salt intake and seek medical care to manage diabetes, high cholesterol and other cardiovascular conditions. 

People with suspected stroke require urgent assessment at a hospital emergency unit. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the stroke, when symptoms started and the patient's clinical condition.

Early assessment is important because eligible patients may benefit from time-sensitive treatments to restore blood flow to the brain. Rehabilitation should begin as soon as the patient is medically stable and continue according to individual needs. 

This may include physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy to help patients regain function, manage complications and improve their quality of life. Patients may also require ongoing support after discharge through appropriate hospitals, clinic, outpatient or community-based rehabilitation services. 

As the province commemorates World Stroke Day, residents are urged to take stroke symptoms seriously and remember that a stroke can happen at home, at work, in a taxi, at a place of worship or in any public space. Recognising the warning signs and raising the alarm immediately can make a life-saving difference.

KASiBCAFRiCA©®™ NEWS • AUDIO • VIDEO • SPORTS • EVENTS • TOURS • STORES

KASiBCAFRiCA©®™

3,500 ONLINE BROADCASTERS

54 COUNTRIES IN AFRICA

KASiBC_AFRiCA is recruiting 3,500 Online Broadcasters across 54 African countries. Complete the official online application form and submit your required information and documents.

APPLY NOW

CLICK APPLY NOW TO COMPLETE THE OFFICIAL ONLINE APPLICATION FORM.

The application form will open in a new browser tab.

KASiBCAFRiCA©®™

NEWS • AUDIO • VIDEO • SPORTS • EVENTS • TOURS • STORES

WWW.KASIBC.BLOGSPOT.COM

© 2026 KASiBCAFRiCA©®™. All Rights Reserved.

Government is Fed-Up with Housing Beneficiaries who Sell or Rent Houses, Warns MEC Motara

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR

KASiBC_AFRiCA ©®™ M@KE K@Si GRE@T ©®™

Government is Fed-Up with Housing Beneficiaries who Sell or Rent Houses, Warns MEC Motara

The Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements has warned the 705 housing beneficiaries of RDP houses in Jabulani, Soweto that the Department will not hesitate to take  back their houses  should they attempt to sell  or rent them out.

Speaking at the last allocation of 204 RDP houses at the Jabulani Parcel K project, Motara stated that the government had warned beneficiaries since the first allocation on 12 August 2026.

The Jabulani Parcel K project is a mixed typology project that has 705 RDP houses.  

The project was delayed for four years owing to holdups in the construction of an electricity sub-station.

The handover of the last 204 RDP houses was conducted by Premier Panyaza Lesufi, MEC Motara and the City of Joburg MMC for Human Settlements Mlungisi Mabaso.

MEC Motara said that the Department would commence the registration of title deeds as soon as the residents settled into their new homes.

“When we start the process of registering title deeds, if the Department does not find the beneficiary on the system in the house, we will remove the tenants and reallocated the house,” said Motara.

The MEC said that Government is often accused of selling houses, and allocating houses to foreigners, but is it the beneficiaries themselves who are selling or renting out their houses.

“We are also tired; we are also fed-up. We have previously warned you  not to rent out your houses, and you are also not allowed to sell them.

We are going to start the process of registering title deeds. If we do not find the qualifying beneficiary when we come to register for title deed, we will take your tenant out and we will take the house and allocate it to another qualifying person on the waiting list and the system will reflect that you were allocated a house,” she said.

MEC Motara thanked Eskom for assistance in the electrification of the project.

“This is a prime area of Soweto., We must bring the other housing typologies, but we must first unlock the electricity supply because we are now at full capacity of electricity,” she said.

When completed the project will have 1410 mixed housing units that will include 564 social housing units, 141 First Home Finance houses and the completed 705 RDP walkup units.

Beneficiary Thoko Dlamini said that the house was an early birthday present for her as she would be turning 70 on the 20th of December.

“I applied in 1996 and I have been patient. I thank the government because I no longer have means to buy a house. I am happy” she said.

Dlamini said that although she was among the last housing beneficiaries at Parcel K, those still on the waiting list should remain patient as their turn would come.

KASiBCAFRiCA©®™ NEWS • AUDIO • VIDEO • SPORTS • EVENTS • TOURS • STORES

KASiBCAFRiCA©®™

3,500 ONLINE BROADCASTERS

54 COUNTRIES IN AFRICA

KASiBC_AFRiCA is recruiting 3,500 Online Broadcasters across 54 African countries. Complete the official online application form and submit your required information and documents.

APPLY NOW

CLICK APPLY NOW TO COMPLETE THE OFFICIAL ONLINE APPLICATION FORM.

The application form will open in a new browser tab.

KASiBCAFRiCA©®™

NEWS • AUDIO • VIDEO • SPORTS • EVENTS • TOURS • STORES

WWW.KASIBC.BLOGSPOT.COM

© 2026 KASiBCAFRiCA©®™. All Rights Reserved.

TEN SERIAL BUSINESS ROBBERS HANDED COMBINED EFFECTIVE 245 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR

KASiBC_AFRiCA ©®™ M@KE K@Si GRE@T ©®™

TEN SERIAL BUSINESS ROBBERS HANDED COMBINED EFFECTIVE 245 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT

The Durban Regional Court has sentenced 10 men to a combined effective 245 years’ imprisonment for a spate of business robberies committed between 2017 and 2019 in various areas around Durban. The convicted men are Thabiso Mdletshe (30), Philani Magongo (32), Wonder Brilliant Mcwabe (31), Michael Nxumalo (34), Khanyisani Thusi (35), Lindani Ndlovu (38), Thokozani Mdlalose (28), Sandile Ngcobo (32), Sabelo Shandu (34) and Andile Mchunu (31).

During the commission of the offences, the men would enter businesses pretending to be customers before producing firearms and threatening security guards and employees. They would then flee with cash, cellphones, clothing, and other items. Following the registration of several robbery cases, the investigating team traced and arrested the men in 2019. 

Most of them were already in custody in connection with other matters.

During the trial, Prosecutor Surekha Marimuthu led the evidence of 27 witnesses, including fingerprint and facial recognition experts whose evidence linked the accused to the offences. In aggravation of sentence, Marimuthu told the court that the offences were well orchestrated and serious. She argued that the armed robberies were committed during the day, exposing members of the public, employees and security personnel to threats of violence and potential harm.

Marimuthu also led the evidence of an employee from The Foschini Group (TFG) Limited, to which most of the affected businesses belong. The witness testified that the businesses suffered losses amounting to several million rand as a result of the robberies. Additional expenditure was also incurred to strengthen security measures, while employees were severely traumatised by the incidents.

The effective sentences imposed are as follows:

Thabiso Mdletshe was sentenced to an effective 41 years’ imprisonment. 

Philani Magongo will serve 10 years direct imprisonment. 

Wonder Brilliant Mcwabe will serve 31 years’ direct imprisonment. 

Michael Nxumalo will serve an effective 24 years’ imprisonment. 

Khanyisani Thusi will serve an effective 18 years’ imprisonment. 

Lindani Ndlovu will serve 18 years’ direct imprisonment. 

Thokozani Mdlalose will serve an effective 30 years’ imprisonment. 

Sandile Ngcobo will serve an effective 21 years’ imprisonment. 

Sabelo Shandu will serve an effective 25 years’ imprisonment. 

Andile Mchunu will serve an effective 27 years’ imprisonment.

The effective sentences imposed on the 10 men amount to a combined 245 years’ imprisonment.

The NPA welcomes the sentences. Business robberies not only endanger employees, customers and security personnel, but also inflict significant financial losses on businesses and negatively affect the economy. 

The NPA remains committed to vigorously prosecuting perpetrators of serious and violent crime without fear, favour or prejudice.

KASiBCAFRiCA©®™ NEWS • AUDIO • VIDEO • SPORTS • EVENTS • TOURS • STORES

KASiBCAFRiCA©®™

3,500 ONLINE BROADCASTERS

54 COUNTRIES IN AFRICA

KASiBC_AFRiCA is recruiting 3,500 Online Broadcasters across 54 African countries. Complete the official online application form and submit your required information and documents.

APPLY NOW

CLICK APPLY NOW TO COMPLETE THE OFFICIAL ONLINE APPLICATION FORM.

The application form will open in a new browser tab.

KASiBCAFRiCA©®™

NEWS • AUDIO • VIDEO • SPORTS • EVENTS • TOURS • STORES

WWW.KASIBC.BLOGSPOT.COM

© 2026 KASiBCAFRiCA©®™. All Rights Reserved.