Uber Eats and Gauteng Government Celebrate R1bn+ Township Economy Partnership

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CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS 

ONLINE_EDITOR 

Uber Eats and Gauteng Government Celebrate R1bn+ Township Economy Partnership

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Uber Eats and the Gauteng Department of Economic Development have joined township entrepreneurs, delivery partners, and senior public and private sector leaders to celebrate a partnership that has exceeded its ambitions and delivered meaningful economic impact across Gauteng’s township economies. 

The Township Celebration marked the progress on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in May 2023 to support the implementation of the Gauteng Township Economic Development Act through the digitisation of township-based enterprises. From Local Businesses to Citywide Demand In 2023, Uber Eats signed a three-year partnership with the Gauteng Department of Economic Development to support the implementation of the Gauteng Township Economic Development Act by bringing township businesses into the digital economy. The agreement focused on digitising township restaurants and food businesses, creating earning opportunities for delivery partners, and expanding access to customers beyond traditional walk-in trade. Through the partnership, more than 2,000 township merchants have been onboarded onto the Uber Eats platform and supported with training, tools, and visibility to help them grow. At the same time, over 7500 delivery partners have been onboarded and trained, enabling reliable delivery networks within township areas. So far, this partnership has generated over R1 billion in revenue for township merchants and more than R150 million in earnings for delivery partners, driven by exposure to millions of new eaters across Gauteng. 

These outcomes demonstrate how digitisation and partnership can translate policy intent into measurable economic participation within township economies. 

Partnership That Turns Policy into Progress Speaking at the event, Saskia de Jongh, General Manager for Uber Eats EMEA, reflected on the significance of this milestone.

“Township economies have always been rich in entrepreneurial talent,” she said. “What this partnership reflects is what happens when access, demand, and delivery infrastructure come together in the right way. For us as Uber, this is not about technology for its own sake, it is about creating real, sustainable pathways for businesses and earners to participate in the economy and grow on their own terms.” 

This progress has been supported by over R250 million in investment from Uber Eats, focused on enabling participation and long-term success. The investment has included merchant onboarding, hardware and in-app marketing tools to help township businesses increase visibility and build demand, as well as providing new delivery bikes and hands-on training to support delivery partners. A Model Rooted in Community and Built for the Future The Honourable Lebogang Maile, MEC for Economic Development in Gauteng, emphasised the broader significance of the results. “This partnership demonstrates what is possible when government policy is matched with delivery capability and trusted technology partners like Uber Eats,” he said. “Township economies are central to Gauteng’s growth, and through Uber Eats’ digital platform we have been able to expand access to markets and create real earning opportunities. 

The impact we are celebrating today reflects the entrepreneurs, delivery partners, and institutions who are building a stronger, more inclusive economy from the ground up. We are proud of this partnership and look forward to deepening its impact in 2026 and beyond.” Celebrating Progress and Looking Ahead The Township Celebration also honoured outstanding township merchants and delivery partners whose efforts have driven the success of the initiative, alongside a plaque unveiling recognising the partnership between Uber Eats and the Gauteng Provincial Government. While the event marked a moment of pride and reflection, both partners were clear that the mandate continues. “The outcomes achieved to date demonstrate a model that has proven sustainable, scalable, and grounded in real economic participation, offering valuable lessons for how inclusive growth can be supported through collaboration and digitisation.”, said Ntsoki Nsibanyoni, General Manager for Uber Eats Sub-Saharan Africa. 

As Gauteng continues to invest in township economies, the partnership stands as proof that when ambition is matched with execution, long-standing barriers can give way to opportunity, resilience, and shared prosperity. 

About Uber  Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 1 billion trips later across Africa, we're building products to get people closer to where they want to be. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities. 

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Community Member discovers body of missing boy (6) under bed – Father arrested

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CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS 

ONLINE_EDITOR 

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Community Member discovers body of missing boy (6) under bed – Father arrested

FOURIESBURG - The Fouriesburg police have arrested a 28-year-old man from Mashaeng near Fouriesburg following the tragic discovery of the body of his six-year-old biological son, which was found hidden under a bed.

The child was last seen by his grandmother on Thursday, 29 January 2026.

It is alleged that on that day, the father assaulted the child with a wooden stick in the presence of the grandmother. She reportedly questioned him about his actions, and he responded that he could do as he pleased with his child. This was the last time the grandmother saw the boy.

On Sunday, 1 February 2026, at about 10:40, a community member entered the suspect’s residence and noticed unusual darkness and disorder in one of the bedrooms. Clothes were scattered around the room, which raised suspicion. Upon shining a cellphone light under the bed, the community member made the shocking discovery of the child’s body.

Police and Emergency Medical Services were immediately summoned to the scene, where the child was declared dead. Visible bruises were noted on the body.

A case of murder is being investigated.

The suspect has been arrested and is expected to appear before the Fouriesburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, facing a charge of murder.

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Gauteng Government the reassignment of Suspended Officials

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CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS 

ONLINE_EDITOR 

Gauteng Government the reassignment of Suspended Officials 

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The Gauteng Provincial Government wishes to clarify the recent decision to bring back several senior officials who were previously on precautionary suspension and their reassignment to different positions within the provincial government. 

These precautionary transfers are in line with established labour and public service guidelines, particularly the 60-day guidance established through the Senior Management Service Handbook and the Public Service Regulations. According to the guideline, if an employee is suspended as a precaution, they must be allowed back to work after 60 days, unless formal disciplinary action has already begun against them during that period.

The aim is to avoid open-ended paid suspensions and to guarantee timely resolutions. In compliance with this regulation and to avoid the untenable situation of senior managers drawing salaries without contributing to service delivery, a practice this government firmly frowns upon, we are implementing precautionary transfers. It is important to note that precautionary suspension is an administrative measure, not a punishment. 

Transferring officials to different roles minimises the risk of interference with ongoing investigations while their disciplinary processes continue independently. 

The reassigned officials include Mr Lesiba Arnold Malotana (suspended Head of Department for Health), who will be deployed on a temporary position as a senior manager in the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA). Ms Nontsikelelo Sisulu (suspended Head of Department for Community Safety) will also be deployed on a temporary position to the Office of the Premier to assist with service delivery priorities, and Mr Mduduzi Malope (suspended Chief Financial Officer for Community Safety) will be deployed to the Department of Environment to help with financial administration processes. 

They will all continue to work in their new positions while their disciplinary proceedings continue. The Gauteng government reiterates its commitment to clean governance and accountability. 

We urge all stakeholders to allow due process to unfold without any speculation and to endorse measures that are both lawful and beneficial to effective governance. 

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ANC WELCOMES THE DECLARATION OF THE ISRAELI CHARGÉ D’AFFAIRES AS PERSONA NON GRATA

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CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS 

ONLINE_EDITOR 

ANC WELCOMES THE DECLARATION OF THE ISRAELI CHARGÉ D’AFFAIRES AS PERSONA NON GRATA

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The African National Congress (ANC) applauds the Government of the Republic of South Africa, acting through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, for its firm and principled stance in declaring the Israeli Chargé d’Affaires persona non grata. This action affirms South Africa’s sovereign right to manage its international relations in line with its Constitution, national dignity, and established diplomatic norms.

The ANC notes that this decision follows repeated and unacceptable violations of diplomatic conduct that undermine South Africa’s sovereignty and disrespect its highest office. Diplomatic relations are governed by clear, globally accepted rules, including adherence to protocol, respect for host nations, and compliance with the Vienna Convention. Any deviation from these principles cannot be condoned.

The ANC further notes the expulsion of South Africa’s Ambassador to the State of Palestine and welcomes the clarification by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation that Mr Shaun Byneveldt is the duly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the State of Palestine and not to Israel. While Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations permits a receiving state to declare a diplomat persona non grata without providing reasons, this provision is intended to be exercised in good faith and in defence of diplomatic integrity, not as a tool of political obstruction or retaliation.

In this instance, Israel’s action, directed at a diplomat accredited to the State of Palestine and compelled to operate through Israel solely because of the ongoing occupation, constitutes a misuse of Article 9 and further underscores Israel’s persistent refusal to honour international law, United Nations resolutions, and the broad international consensus recognising Palestinian statehood and the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

South Africa is a sovereign democratic state, and all foreign missions accredited to the Republic are expected to conduct themselves with respect, restraint, and professionalism. The ANC reiterates that diplomatic engagement must take place through recognised and lawful channels, free from insults, interference, or conduct that compromises mutual trust.

The ANC joins the government’s call on the Government of Israel to ensure that all future diplomatic engagements fully respect South Africa’s sovereignty and the universally accepted principles of international relations. 

The ANC reaffirms its support for a principled foreign policy anchored in international law, multilateralism, and the defence of South Africa’s dignity and sovereignty.

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THE ECONOMIC BLOCKADE AGAINST CUBA

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CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS 

ONLINE_EDITOR 

THE ECONOMIC BLOCKADE AGAINST CUBA 

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The African National Congress (ANC) condemns in the strongest terms the imposition of a total blockade on fuel supplies to Cuba. This action constitutes a direct assault on the Cuban people and represents a continuation of decades of deliberate economic sabotage and strangulation imposed through an unjust and unilateral embargo. 

The blockade comes a month after the invasion of Venezuela and the kidnapping of its legitimate leader, President Nicholas Maduro and his wife, Comrade Cilia Flores. These actions follow threats against Mexico and illegal expropriation and greed for sovereign natural resources, veiled as humanitarian intervention. 

These draconian and inhumane actions violate the sovereignty of nations and undermine efforts to build a just global order founded on inclusive multilateralism, trade cooperation and partnerships for reciprocal growth and shared benefit. 

The fuel blockade further aggravates the already fragile Cuban economy, deliberately weakened by an embargo that has persisted since March 1958 and which the ANC has consistently opposed, calling for its unconditional lifting. In an act of solidarity, and as an organisation committed to prosperity, thriving economies of the Global South, and the stability of Caribbean nations. 

The ANC calls for the immediate lifting of the fuel blockade and the trade embargo that not only harms Cuba but also affects the entire region. We call upon the progressive forces and countries of the world, committed to progressive internationalism, peace, and prosperity, to join the ANC in solidarity against imperialist and colonialist aggression. We call on progressive forces and countries of the world, committed to internationalism, peace and shared prosperity, to join the ANC in concrete acts of solidarity with Cuba. 

The ANC is unwavering in its support for the Cuban people and will continue to advocate for strengthened bilateral and multilateral cooperation, trade, and solidarity among Cuba, South Africa, and progressive nations worldwide.

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City of Johannesburg Infrastructure Plan

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CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS 

ONLINE_EDITOR 

City of Johannesburg Infrastructure Plan 

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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg rejects the City’s proposed Infrastructure Plan, a document that acknowledges the collapse of our infrastructure but fails to offer any meaningful or immediate solutions for residents.

Johannesburg is facing an infrastructure emergency. Water outages, electricity failures, collapsing roads, sewage spills, and unsafe bridges have become daily realities. The report admits that Joburg Water, City Power, and the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) are in deep distress, yet it provides no emergency interventions, no short-term targets, and no commitments to improve service delivery within the next 12 to 24 months.

Despite acknowledging a backlog exceeding R100 billion, the report claims there are “no immediate financial implications.”

There is no costed recovery programme, no funding strategy, and no clarity on how the City will stabilise failing entities.

The report maps spatial inequality but does not commit to minimum investment thresholds, ring-fenced budgets for townships, or a township infrastructure recovery package.

On the question of climate resilience and its impact on the City’s infrastructure, the report suggests it will be “strengthened over time.”

Unfortunately, climate shocks are not waiting for administrative plans to mature.

A plan that treats climate resilience as an afterthought simply cannot be endorsed.

The DA therefore rejects this Infrastructure Plan because it:

* Fails to address the immediate crisis

* Provides no financial roadmap

* Lacks accountability and consequence management

* Ignores urgent service delivery needs

* Does not commit to spatial justice

* Treats climate resilience as an afterthought

In this context, residents deserve a credible recovery plan and not another administrative framework.

Johannesburg deserves a plan that delivers real relief, real accountability, and real action.

The DA will continue to fight for a credible, costed, and urgent Infrastructure Stabilisation Plan that prioritises basic services, protects residents, and restores dignity to every community.

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Three male accused incarcerated for multiple offences including rape and robbery committed in Waterberg district

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CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

Three male accused incarcerated for multiple offences including rape and robbery committed in Waterberg District

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POLOKWANE - Three male accused aged between 27 and 38 were incarcerated for multiple offences that include robbery, rape and assault with grievous bodily harm (GBH) incident committed at Mahwelereng policing area on 26 October 2024 at about 20:00.

Hendrick Ledwaba (27), Elvis Tete Ramaru (34) and Given Lekalakala Makakatla (38) were each found guilty on the following counts that will run concurrently as follows:

Count 1 - Assault GBH: 3 years imprisonment.

Count 2 - Rape: Life imprisonment.

Count 3 - Rape: Life imprisonment.

Count 4 - Robbery: 5 years imprisonment.

Count 5 - Robbery: 5 years imprisonment.

The Court noted that a 66-year-old male victim together with two grand-daughters aged 19 and 24 were traveling from a wedding in Hammanskraal, Gauteng province when they arrived in Mokopane town. The trio went to a filling station to hitchhike and a grey Toyota motor vehicle with three male accused stopped and alleged to be heading to Mapela village. 

They left with the accused and drove into the bushes at Masehlaneng village and started to demand money while assaulting the victims with a wheel spanner. Two suspects took the female victims to different spots and raped them while their grandfather was watching and guarded by the third suspect inside the motor vehicle.

Following the ordeal, the duo returned to the car and released an elderly male who was injured and bleeding. He ran away and found his grandchildren being naked at the main road and they were assisted by a motorist who took them to the local police after being robbed of cellphones, money and clothes.

The policed opened a case of assault GHB, rape and robbery and it was later transferred to Mokopane Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offenses (FCS) for further investigations.

The matter was allocated to Sergeant Junior Ledwaba with the assistance of Sergeant Billy Mogale. Following meticulous investigations, the suspects were nabbed after a month on 06 December 2019 while at their residences under Mahwelereng policing precinct.

Furthermore, they were positively linked through stolen cellphones and DNA analysis. The two investigators ensured that the three suspects were never granted bail until their imminent sentencing at Mahwelereng Regional court on Thursday 20 March 2025.

"I appreciate the initiative that was displayed by Sergeant Ledwaba and Mogale for permanently removing the perpetrators from the society. The barbaric acts they committed deserve harsh punishment of this nature," said the Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe

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