Cautions Scholar Transport Operators #KASIBCNEWS  

MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has cautioned unregistered scholar transport operators to comply with operating licensing regulations or face the full might of the law.  This comes after the expected start of the academic year on Wednesday, 15 January 2025. 

The Department has issued a notice to all scholar transport operators, through their various associations, to ensure they operate legally and that vehicles are roadworthy.   MEC further warned that operators who do not possess valid operating licenses will not be allowed to transport learners and may have their vehicles fined or impounded.  "Our priority is to save lives in the learner transport system. 

Those scholar transport operators without operating licenses will not be allowed to ferry learners and those who do can expect to face the harshest consequences”, said MEC Diale-Tlabela  Traffic law enforcement officials will be conducting routine checks and those found not to be compliant will face the full might of the law" warned the MEC.  

GONE TO SOON WINNIE KHUMALO @KASIBCNEWS

It is with profound sadness to learn of the passing of the legendary Winnie Khumalo, who tragically left us on 7 January 2025 at the age of 51. Her untimely death marks a great loss for South Africa and the music industry.

Born on 20 July 1973 in Soweto, Winnie Khumalo was raised by her grandmother in a time of vibrant cultural life.

Her early education began at Vuyo Lower Primary and continued at Esiyalwini Higher Primary, ultimately culminating in her matriculation at Mncube Senior Secondary School.

At the tender age of 15, Winnie released her debut album, Hey Laitie, Tshina Tshina, produced by the renowned Sello Chicco Twala. She followed this with another album, Dlamini, setting the stage for a prolific music career that spanned decades.

Her musical journey was nothing short of remarkable. In the 1990s, she recorded the gospel album Izono Zami, produced by Pastor Langa Dube, and collaborated with iconic artists and groups such as the late Brenda Fassie, Brothers of Peace, Bongo Maffin, DJ Cleo, and Zonke Dikana. She was not only a talented lead vocalist but a formidable backing vocalist, enriching the work of those she collaborated with.

After a seven-year hiatus, she returned with the electrifying album Live My Life, which became an instant classic. The title track, I Just Wanna Live My Life, dominated music charts, earning gold certification with over 25,000 copies sold and 50,000 mobile downloads. The song’s success saw her nominated for prestigious awards such as the Channel O Music Awards and the South African Music Awards, cementing her place as a trailblazer in the industry.

She collaborated with Sello Chicco Twala on Mina Ngiyohlala Nginje, and starred as Brenda Fassie in The Brenda Fassie Musical under the direction of Jerry Mofokeng.

Her later albums, including Woman (2013), Higher and Higher (2013), Ncgocgo Lo Mfazi (2015), and The Storm: Isivunguvungu (2022), reflected her personal growth and resilience. Tracks like Woman and Impilo showcased her ability to channel life’s challenges into powerful and relatable music.

On behalf of the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to her children, family, friends and the countless fans whose lives she touched. South Africa has lost a legend, but her music and contributions to our cultural tapestry will live on forever.

Rest in power, Winnie Khumalo.

RESIGNATION OF DR. MBUYISENI NDLOZI @KASIBCNEWS 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has received the voluntary resignations of Fighter Yazini Tetyana and Fighter Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi as representatives of the EFF in the Parliament of South Africa. 

The voluntary requests to be released from deployment, which were sent to the Secretary General of the EFF consecutively and within days of each other, expressed gratitude to the EFF for the opportunity to serve the organization and the people of South Africa. 

The EFF has accepted the respective voluntary requests to be released from deployment of the two Fighters, who have diligently served the organization in their respective deployments since the EFF has had representation in the legislative sphere.

 Fighter Tetyana has served in the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature and subsequently the Parliament of South Africa, while Fighter 

Dr. Ndlozi has served in the National Assembly since 2014. They have both been exemplary in their deployments and acted as commendable Public Representatives. The EFF wishes the Fighters well in their future endeavors. 

Grounding of City Power Fleet @KASIBCNEWS 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg is deeply concerned by the worsening service delivery crisis caused by the grounding of City Power's Test Branch Fleet. With over 500 outages per depot still unresolved, the grounding of essential vehicles has critically hampered the ability to restore power to residents across the City.

The grounding of the almost 200 vehicles, particularly the Test Branch vehicles, has left depots unable to attend to faults swiftly. This has resulted in outages escalating and delays in resolving them stretching to several days, leaving residents in distress.

Despite assurances from Mayor Dada Morero following a News24 report on 21 December 2024 that only Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) vehicles were grounded and that resolutions would be sought, it has now emerged that more vehicles across various entities are being grounded.

The DA calls on Mayor Morero to urgently intervene in this crisis by directing the relevant Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs) for Executive Business and Environment & Infrastructure Services (EIS) to resolve this matter immediately.

We seek clarity from the City on the following:

1. What is the status of the Afrirent debt and the payment plan to address it?
2. What actions is the City taking to ensure uninterrupted service delivery in City Power during this period?
3. What measures will be implemented to prevent such a crisis from recurring in the future?

We will continue to hold the Executive accountable and ensure that service delivery to residents remains at the forefront of the City’s priorities.

NELSON MANDELA HOUSE A CRIME SCENE @KASIBCNEWS 

 

Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit for their swift and decisive action in apprehending five suspects involved in the possession of a hijacked vehicle and an unlicensed firearm in Houghton, Johannesburg. Thanks to vital information from a vehicle tracking company, the JMPD quickly located a hijacked Toyota Corolla and proceeded to a residence in Houghton, where they recovered the vehicle and arrested the suspects. One unlicensed firearm was also seized. 

The female suspect renting the property is believed to be connected to the male suspects, one of whom is reportedly a grandchild of President Nelson Mandela. 

The suspects are in custody at Norwood SAPS, and the victim of the hijacking is unharmed. 

This operation highlights the JMPD’s commitment to keeping our communities safe and sending a clear message that crime will not be tolerated in Johannesburg. 

The Public Safety Department fully supports the JMPD’s continued efforts to protect residents and ensure the security of the city. 

THE PASSING OF WINNIE KHUMALO @KASIBCNEWS 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) extends its condolences to the family, friends, and fans of the legendary South African musician and actress, Winnie Khumalo, who has passed away at the age of 51. Khumalo died today following a short illness, leaving a void in the hearts of those who were inspired by her immense talent and contribution to South African music and arts. 

Born in Soweto, Winnie Khumalo began her journey in music at a tender age, releasing her first album, “Hey Laitie, Tshina Tshina”, at just 15 years old. This album marked the beginning of a prolific career that would see her become an integral part of South Africa’s cultural tapestry. She followed this success with her album “Dlamini” in the 1980s and later ventured into gospel with “Izono Zami” in the 1990s, showcasing her versatility as an artist. 

One of the highlights of her early career was working as a backing vocalist for the iconic Brenda Fassie, a role that connected her with the pulse of South African music during its golden era. 

Over the years, Winnie collaborated with industry giants such as Pure Magic, Sipho Mbele, Brothers of Peace (B.O.P.), Bongo Maffin, Zonke Dikana, and DJ Cleo, among others. Her return to music in 2008, with the album “I Just Wanna Live My Life”, produced by Kalawa Jazmee’s Oscar “Oskido” Mdlongwa, reflected her maturity and enduring passion for the craft. 

Winnie Khumalo was not only a musician but also a storyteller and actress who brought life to roles in “Muvhango”, “Mponeng”, and the stage play “The Journey”. Her artistic brilliance extended beyond the microphone, solidifying her place as a multitalented contributor to the arts in South Africa. 

The EFF salutes Winnie Khumalo for her role in shaping the soundscape of a democratic South Africa and for representing the resilience and vibrancy of Black South African women in the arts. She was a trailblazer who inspired generations with her voice, her talent, and her ability to reinvent herself in an evolving industry. 

As we mourn her untimely departure, we celebrate the legacy she leaves behind—a legacy that will continue to resonate with us for years to come. Lala ngoxolo, Winnie Khumalo 

 

Remember Joe Slovo @KASIBCNEWS 

#MAKEKASIGREAT