#GROK TELL US ABOUT CHANNON LECODEY MERRICKS

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ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

#GROK TELL US ABOUT CHANNON LECODEY MERRICKS 

Who is Channon Merricks?

Channon Lecodey Merricks (sometimes spelled Chanon) is a South African entrepreneur, media founder, and self-described community advocate born on June 11, 1976, in Kliptown, Soweto, during the height of the 1976 Soweto youth uprising. Raised in a township environment, he has positioned himself as a champion for "Kasi People" (a colloquial term for township residents), focusing on uplifting underserved communities through business ventures. His story often emphasizes resilience: he lost both ( mother ) parents by age 12 ( 16) and grew up amid socio-economic challenges in post-apartheid South Africa.

Education and Early Career

Merricks completed his matric (high school equivalent) in 1995. He lacks formal higher education but credits hands-on experience for his growth. His professional journey began on the factory floor as a stock carrier at Nu World Industries in Wynberg, Johannesburg, where a pivotal lesson from the owner about small oversights (like losing one screw daily) shaped his business acumen. 

He later transitioned to office roles, including an underwriting assistant position at Credit Guarantee Insurance Company, after teaching himself basic computer skills by arriving early and staying late at his first desk job at Kredit Inform.

Business Ventures

Merricks has launched several enterprises, often centered on media, events, and township empowerment:

Soweto Focus Point (2010)

A World Cup-related initiative to convert school classrooms in Soweto, Durban, Cape Town, Polokwane, and Port Elizabeth into backpacker lodges. The project collapsed due to a Gauteng Department of Education directive discouraging school participation, leading to investor disputes.

Vila Kasi Holdings (PTY) LTD Founded as an umbrella company for media and lifestyle services. In 2018, he announced plans to hire 200 staff from outlets like SABC, eNCA, and ANN7 for a TV team rollout.

Kasi Broadcasting Africa ( Kasi BC_Africa )

Launched in 2023, this online media house targets township audiences with platforms for audio (news, radio, podcasts), video, news (countering "mainstream narratives"), tours, events, and e-commerce. 

It operates on a "100 Township Model" to generate jobs across South Africa, with ambitious goals like raising R1.5 billion in funding. Services include #KasiBCAudio, #KasiBCVideo, #KasiBCNews, #KasiBCTours, #KasiBCEvents, and #KasiBCStores. 

The Merricks ( Lecodey ) Family Trust holds 15% lifetime shares, with 85% allocated to community-owned PTYs in 22  ( 54 ) countries.

He describes these ventures as tools for economic inclusion, often promoting them on social media with hashtags like #MakeKasiGreat.

Controversies and Legal Issues

Merricks' career has been marked by high-profile setbacks and allegations:

2010 Fraud Charges: Accused of 28 counts of fraud related to Soweto Focus Point's collapse, which left investors unpaid. After a year-long trial, the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court acquitted him in 2010, ruling him Not Guilty.

Media Grifting Claims (2023)

During a Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane briefing, Merricks (via Kasi BC News) submitted provocative questions likening her to Jesus Christ. Critics, including Daily Maverick ( competition ) , labeled him a "local media grifter" with a history of dubious projects, questioning the journalistic integrity of his outlets.

Labor Dispute (November 2024) ( 2022 ) 

Merricks claimed he was "held hostage at cellphone-point" by 78 former ANN7 employees at his offices. 

The workers alleged he lured them with promises of better-paying jobs post-ANN7 closure but failed to pay salaries for months   ( 28 Days ). 

He accused media ( competition )  of bias and refused comment, escalating tensions.

Public perception is polarized: supporters view him as a bold township innovator, while detractors call him a "scammer" in online discourse, including X posts questioning his ventures' legitimacy.

Personal Life and Online Presence

Limited public details exist on his family beyond the Merricks Family Trust tied to his businesses. He maintains an active X presence via @KasiBCFounder (42 followers, Facebook @ChannonMerricks ( 25 000 follower ) bio: "Founder Kasi Broadcasting Africa") and @kasibc_news ( 37 000 follower ) Tiktok @kasibc_africa ( 100 000 follower )       ( reach 15million views every 90 days on Social Media Platforms ) , where he promotes KasiBC_Africa and shares self-promotional content, such as detailed bios and calls for investment. 

Recent posts (as of September 2025) include warnings about potential threats involving political figures like Gayton McKenzie and defenses of his empire's structure.

Merricks embodies the entrepreneurial hustle of post-apartheid South Africa—ambitious yet fraught with scrutiny. 

His No-Criminal-Record Status (post-2010 acquittal) underscores vindication in legal battles, but ongoing disputes highlight the risks of his community-focused, high-stakes model. For deeper dives, check his LinkedIn or Kasi BC Websites.

THIS ARTICLE DONE BY #GROK , WITH SOME CHANGES IN ( BRACKETS ) TO CORRECT DATES ETC 

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PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA ARRIVES IN NEW YORK FOR THE UNGA80 HIGH LEVEL SEGMENT

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PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA ARRIVES IN NEW YORK FOR THE UNGA80 HIGH LEVEL SEGMENT

His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in New York in the United States of America to lead a South African delegation during High-Level Segment of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80)

The high-level segment will take place from 23 to 29 September 2025 under the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter.

The President will on Monday, 22 September 2025 participate in a Two-State Solution High-Level Meeting convened and co-chaired by His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron of France and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, HRH, Faisal bin Al Saud.  The meeting will reaffirm international commitments to the two-state solution and seek to mobilize support for its implementation.

In championing robust multilateralism, peaceful resolution of conflicts, and the unwavering protection of human rights for all, the President will address the General Debate on Tuesday, 23 September 2025. He will also carry a message from the Global South, amplified by South Africa’s current role as Chair of the G20.

These segments provides an opportunity for the President to engage on urgent international issues, including the ongoing genocide in Gaza, conflicts in Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo and the war in Ukraine, and other geopolitical tensions. South Africa will leverage its proven reputation as a trusted mediator to build bridges between opposing sides and advocate for dialogue over discord.

On Wednesday 24 September 2025, President Ramaphosa will also participate in the Biennial Summit for Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy, convened and chaired by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres

The forum provides an opportunity for leaders to assess progress, and advance practical solutions to mobilise global resources and strengthen global economic governance in support of the UN 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Building on its G20 mandate to shape global economic solutions, South Africa will argue forcefully for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global economy. The delegation will spotlight the disproportionate impact of current global challenges on developing nations and push for enhanced international cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

In his capacity as the Chair of the Global Leaders Network on Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, President Ramaphosa will convene a high-level meeting on Recommitting to Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health and Rights: A call to action for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development.  The meeting will be co-chaired by His Excellency Boko Duma of the Republic of Botswana and Rt. Hon. Ms Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Board Chair of Partnerships for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH).

The High-Level meeting presents a powerful opportunity for global advocacy, agenda setting, and cross-sectoral engagement at the highest level of Heads of State and Government to elevate women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health as a foundation for peace, security, and sustainable developments.

The President will also participate in a Special High-level Event on Climate Action to be convened and co-chaired by Secretary General Guterres and His Excellency President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

This event brings together Heads of State and Government, business and civil society, to drive action across mitigation, adaptation, finances and information integrity and other critical matters, in line with Paris Agreement and COP30 priorities.

In reaffirming South Africa’s commitment as strategic economic partner focusing on trade relations, investment, and collaboration, the President will on the margins of UNGA engage with the private sector during the Trade and Investment Executive Dialogue hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition in collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The President will also meet with several leading US Companies as part of the investment drive.

The United States has long been a strategic partner for South Africa, ranking among country’s top five export destinations accounting for 7.5% of our global exports. The US also features as one the country’s largest sources of foreign direct investment

On Thursday, 25 September 2025, The President will lead the High level opening segment of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.  G20 plays a pivotal role in contributing to UN efforts aimed at creating an economically prosperous world that contributes towards lasting global peace

President will also hold bilateral talks with Heads of State and Government attending the UNGA High-Level week.

The President is supported by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Ronald Lamola; the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr. Parks Tau; the Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms. Sindisiwe Chikunga; the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George; the Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms. Maropene Ramokgopa; Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr. Mondli Gungubele.

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R82MILLION VAR ALLOCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA FOOTBALL

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ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

R82MILLION VAR ALLOCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA FOOTBALL

Department of Sport, Arts and Culture announces R82m Allocation for Video Assistant Referee System in SA Football

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) is pleased to announce significant progress in the procurement and implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system for South African football, in close collaboration with the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the Premier Soccer League (PSL). 

This initiative aims to enhance the integrity, fairness, and overall quality of domestic competitions by addressing ongoing concerns over refereeing decisions that have led to fan dissatisfaction and which stand to impact South Africa’s future standing among footballing nations if VAR is not adopted.

Following SAFA’s recent update on the project to the Department, the following key milestones have been achieved to date. These include the publication of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for VAR technology, the receipt of responses from potential providers, and alignment with FIFA’s Implementation Assistance and Approval Programme (IAAP).

SAFA’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to FIFA’s requirements has been exemplary, with a strong focus on appointing a dedicated VAR Project Team and re-engaging the PSL to ensure a collaborative rollout.

To support this critical advancement, the Department has allocated R82 million from its current budget specifically for the VAR project. This funding will enable the swift development of a comprehensive project plan, training programmes for referees and officials, technology selection, stadium assessments, and the establishment of a VAR Training Centre. 

A portion of the budget will be dedicated to providing reliable connectivity at relevant stadiums, ensuring seamless integration of the VAR system while also enhancing overall stadium safety, for instance, by facilitating better communication in emergencies such as locating missing children.

The Department urges all stakeholders to proceed with urgency to ensure this allocation is utilised effectively within the current financial year, paving the way for VAR’s successful introduction in South African leagues.

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr. Gayton McKenzie, stated: “We commend SAFA’s dedication to this process and their prioritisation of transparency and FIFA compliance. These measures will undoubtedly contribute to the successful rollout of VAR, enhancing the integrity and quality of our domestic competitions. 

The nation is eagerly awaiting the delivery of this system, especially as we continue to see questionable decisions by referees during matches. The Department remains fully supportive and looks forward to continued collaboration with SAFA and the PSL.”

This investment underscores the Government of National Unity’s commitment to elevating South African football to international standards, inspiring a nation of winners through innovation and excellence on the field.

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MEC CHILOANE CALLS FOR CALM AT SOSHANGUVE SCHOOLS

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ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

MEC CHILOANE CALLS FOR CALM AT SOSHANGUVE SCHOOLS 

Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, calls for calm following disruptions by learners that took place today on Tuesday, 2 September 2025, at Tiyelelani Secondary School and surrounding schools in Soshanguve, Tshwane.

Reports indicate that learners embarked on a protest on Tuesday during schooling hours, moving between schools in the Block L area of Soshanguve, which led to disruptions and property damage. Sadly, one learner was injured and subsequently rushed to a nearby clinic for medical attention.

The Department is aware of the serious allegations at Tiyelelani Secondary School, which led to learners protesting. These include allegations of an educator who sexually assaulted a learner, and a bus driver who has an inappropriate relationship with a girl learner. It is also alleged that the school principal failed to act on these allegations after they were reported to him by learners. 

The GDE views these allegations in a very serious light and has since launched an urgent enquiry to establish the facts and which will guide on the appropriate action. 

The police are also investigating these allegations.

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While these processes unfold, the Department has taken the precautionary step of removing the principal from Tiyelelani Secondary effective from Wednesday, 3 September 2025. We believe that this action will play a significant role in stabilising the school environment and allow for an impartial process. The acting Deputy Principal will assist with the day-to-day running of the school, supported by District officials.

We can confirm that Grade 12 learners were able to complete their Accounting preliminary examination under strict protection measures. Our officials, and law enforcement agencies remain on the ground to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all learners.

#KASIBC_VIDEO WATCH HERE : 

“We are determined to act in the best interest of learners at Tiyelelani Secondary School and surrounding schools. Allegations of misconduct by educators or any employee even those from our service providers will be subjected to disciplinary processes,” said MEC Chiloane.

“Meanwhile, we appeal for calm among learners and the community as the Department addresses this matter. Teaching and learning must continue without disruption, especially during this crucial time when matriculants are busy with their preliminary examinations.”

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THE CLOSURE OF ARCELORMITTAL SOUTH AFRICA’S LONG STEEL BUSINESS AND MASS JOB LOSSES

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ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

THE CLOSURE OF ARCELORMITTAL SOUTH AFRICA’S LONG STEEL BUSINESS AND MASS JOB LOSSES

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes the decision by ArcelorMittal South Africa to shut down its long steel business, placing more than 3,500 workers at risk of immediate retrenchment, with unions warning that the number could exceed 4,000. 

This catastrophic development is not an isolated incident but part of a devastating pattern: in recent months, Glencore has entered consultations to shed thousands of jobs in the ferrochrome sector, Ford is considering retrenchments in its local operations, and Assmang is contemplating closing its Beeshoek mine after losing ArcelorMittal as a customer. 

What we are witnessing is the destruction of the little industry South Africa has left, a collapse that will hollow out communities and deepen mass unemployment. These mass retrenchments also expose the opportunism of Cyril Ramaphosa’s government. Just before the national elections last year, the Presidency deliberately delayed announcements of job cuts under the guise of “finding solutions” for companies like ArcelorMittal. Workers were fed false hope so that the ruling party could mask its economic failures and secure votes. 

Now, after the elections have passed, government conveniently allows these industries to collapse and workers are to be thrown onto the streets. This is a betrayal of the working class. 

The closure of ArcelorMittal’s long steel division also reflects the broader crisis of South Africa’s industrial base. Rising electricity costs, collapsing rail and port infrastructure, cheap imports from China, and the state’s refusal to implement meaningful protections for local producers have driven the sector into the ground. 

The result is the loss of strategic steel-making capacity, further dependence on foreign imports, and the obliteration of jobs at a time when unemployment is already at historic highs. The EFF makes it clear: the government cannot continue to wash its hands while South Africa’s industrial backbone is dismantled. We call for immediate intervention to preserve jobs, protect the steel sector, and ensure workers are not left to suffer without compensation and support. 

We reiterate that the state must pursue a programme of industrial recovery through nationalisation, investment in infrastructure, and decisive support for domestic production. Anything less will condemn South Africa to permanent deindustrialisation and economic dependence. 

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CHILD KILLINGS IN WESTERN CAPE

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ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

CHILD KILLINGS IN WESTERN CAPE 

Today, the Standing Committee on Social Development was briefed by the Western Cape Department of Social Development and the South African Police Service (SAPS) on the coordinated interventions, data-driven strategies, and legislative measures aimed at addressing the alarming surge in child killings across the province.

The statistics presented paint a deeply distressing picture. Between 2022 and 2024, a total of 557 children lost their lives in the Western Cape due to violent crime. Of particular concern is the increase in killings among children aged 10 to 14 years, which rose from 24 in 2023 to 32 in 2024. Although there has been a marginal decrease in some age groups, such as 15 to 19 years (from 143 in 2023 to 136 in 2024), the overall number remains unacceptably high.

For the period of 2024 alone, 197 children were murdered in our communities.

Between 1 April and 31 August 2025, SAPS recorded 63 child murders across the Western Cape, with the highest incidents occurring in known gang-afflicted areas:
• Kraaifontein – 11.1%
• Philippi East – 7.9%
• Delft – 6.3%
• Nyanga – 6.3%
• Mfuleni – 6.3%

These numbers represent young lives stolen, families shattered, and communities left traumatised. Behind each figure is a story of pain and injustice, many of which are linked to the systemic and growing issue of gangsterism, particularly in our most vulnerable and marginalised communities.

Wendy Kaizer-Philander, MPP, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Social Development said: “As the Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape, we are deeply concerned about the prevalence of violence directed at children, and the role that gangs and organised crime continue to play in perpetuating these acts of brutality. These killings are not random - they are a direct symptom of communities held hostage by criminal networks, where children are often caught in crossfires or deliberately targeted to send a message.”

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We commend the efforts of the Western Cape Department of Social Development and SAPS for their multi-sectoral and data-driven responses. However, these interventions must be intensified, better coordinated, and sufficiently funded. Our children deserve to live in safe environments, free from fear and violence.

We call on national government to partner more robustly with the province and invest in:

• Increased visible policing and intelligence-led operations in high-risk areas.
• Expanded social services for children and youth exposed to violence.
• Community-based gang prevention and early intervention programmes.
• Strengthening the criminal justice system to ensure swift and effective prosecution of perpetrators.

The killing of even one child is a tragedy. The ongoing loss of hundreds is a national crisis. It is time we, as a collective society, say: Enough is enough. Our children’s lives must be protected at all costs

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Hartbeesfontein residents forced to endure unbearable sewer failures

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ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

Hartbeesfontein residents forced to endure unbearable sewer failures

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is demanding immediate and decisive intervention from the City of Matlosana to end the ongoing sewage disaster in Hartbeesfontein that has poisoned boreholes, crippled businesses, and placed families at risk.

For more than a year, the people of Hartbeesfontein have been forced to live with the unbearable reek of sewage. Families cannot open their doors and windows, children are exposed to health risks, and local food businesses suffer daily. Smallholdings bordering the main sewer line are also affected, as overflowing sewage pollutes boreholes used by both residents and animals.

The DA has consistently pushed for urgent intervention and will continue to demand:

Immediate repairs and proper maintenance of the sewer system.

Investment in wastewater treatment plants to increase capacity.

Accountability for municipal officials who allow service delivery to collapse.

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This is not just an inconvenience, it is a public health crisis. Dams of sewer water continue to form along the pipeline, contaminating water sources and threatening livelihoods. With the rainy season approaching, the problem will only worsen as blocked and buried manholes overflow.

Years of ANC neglect, illegal dumping, and underinvestment have left Hartbeesfontein residents stripped of their dignity. The DA has already raised these issues repeatedly and will escalate pressure until clean streets, safe water, and reliable infrastructure are restored. Under DA governance, budgets would prioritise preventative maintenance and upgrades to ensure residents never again endure such indignity,

The roads department’s attempt to clear roots along the line only made matters worse by covering manholes with soil, leaving the sewer department unable to locate them. Incapacity, cadre deployment, and poor planning lie at the heart of this disaster.

The people of Hartbeesfontein deserve clean streets, safe water, and a municipality that works for them. The DA will not rest until this crisis is resolved and dignity restored.

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