Miriam Matoma

Miriam is a freelance writer, she covers economics and government news for Rateweb. You can contact her on: Email: miriam@rateweb.co.za Twitter: @MatomaMiriam

Robotics, Coding Mission

Khathola Empowers Southern African Youth with Robotics, Coding Mission

  • Thobo Khathola embarked on a mission in 2015 to uplift Southern African youth by providing them with robotics and coding education.
  • Despite starting from modest beginnings as a university tutor operating from his car’s boot, Khathola’s passion and determination have driven him to empower countless young minds.
  • Through innovative education initiatives, Khathola is bridging the digital divide, instilling essential skills, and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among Southern African youth.

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City Financial Scandal

Former Tshwane Mayor’s Death Reveals City Financial Scandal

  • Former Tshwane Mayor Murunwa Makwarela has passed away after a brief illness, as announced by his family.
  • Makwarela resigned from his mayoral position amid allegations of submitting a fake insolvency rehabilitation certificate.
  • The city of Tshwane is still in the process of recouping over R1.4 million that was paid to Makwarela while he served as Speaker, highlighting ongoing financial concerns and legal disputes.

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Western Cape Court

Underworld Figures Face High-Stakes Trials at Western Cape Court

  • High-Stakes Trials: The Western Cape High Court witnessed intense security measures as alleged underworld figures, including Nafiz Modack and his rivals Mark Lifman and Jerome Booysen, faced separate trials for a range of serious charges, including murder, attempted murder, extortion, and gang-related offenses.
  • Murder of Detective Charl Kinnear: Nafiz Modack and his 14 co-accused are on trial, with Modack denying involvement in the high-profile murder of Anti-Gang detective Charl Kinnear, whose death sent shockwaves through law enforcement and the public in 2020. Prosecutors allege Modack’s central role in a criminal network responsible for various illicit activities.
  • Exposure of Cape Town’s Underworld: The trials offer insight into the intricate web of alliances, rivalries, and criminal activities that define Cape Town’s underworld. The outcome holds significance for residents grappling with persistent gang violence, signaling a step towards accountability and justice in combating organized crime.

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Illegal Electricity Connections

Illegal Electricity Connections Claim Three Lives in Gqeberha Tragedy

  • Fatal Consequences of Illegal Electricity Connections: The article highlights the tragic deaths of three individuals in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, as a result of illegal electricity connections. Each incident serves as a stark reminder of the grave dangers posed by unauthorized attempts to tap into power sources.
  • Police Investigation and Urgent Warning: Following the series of fatalities, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched investigations into each case, opening inquest dockets to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Additionally, SAPS has issued a stern warning to residents, urging them to refrain from engaging in illegal electricity connections due to the serious risks involved.
  • Community Impact and Call to Action: Beyond the immediate loss of life, the article underscores the broader implications of illegal electricity connections, which not only jeopardize individual safety but also undermine community well-being. The incidents serve as a rallying cry for collective action to address the scourge of unauthorized power connections and safeguard the lives of residents.

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Eskom

Eskom Achieves Milestone: Rolling Blackouts Suspended Indefinitely

  • Eskom has achieved a significant milestone by suspending rolling blackouts for nearly a month, surpassing a previous record set in 2022.
  • The suspension of load shedding is attributed to sustained generation, adequate reserves, and a decrease in electricity demand.
  • Independent Energy Expert, Mohamed Madhi, emphasizes the importance of ongoing efforts to address operational challenges, enhance infrastructure, and invest in renewable energy to ensure the sustainability of the recent improvements in South Africa’s electricity supply.

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freeze on the accounts of former president Jacob Zuma

FNB Freezes Ex-President Zuma’s Accounts Ahead of Elections

  • Account Freeze: FNB, in compliance with a court order, has partially frozen the accounts of former South African President Jacob Zuma, citing a dispute over funds spent on renovations to his residence during his presidency.
  • Political Fallout: Zuma’s newly formed party, uMkhonto We Sizwe (MK), alleges political motives behind the account freeze, accusing the ruling African National Congress (ANC) of attempting to undermine Zuma’s political resurgence.
  • Election Implications: The timing of the account freeze, just two months before general elections, adds complexity to South Africa’s political landscape, as Zuma seeks to reassert his influence amidst shifting voter sentiments and challenges to the ANC’s dominance.

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Meta

Meta Unveils Smarter AI Assistant Powered by Llama 3

  • Meta’s Enhanced AI Assistant: Meta, formerly Facebook, has introduced an upgraded AI assistant powered by the latest version of its open-source Llama large language model, Llama 3.
  • Improved Intelligence and Speed: The new AI assistant boasts enhanced intelligence and speed, making it the most advanced freely accessible AI tool available, according to Meta’s co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
  • Commitment to Responsible AI Deployment: Meta emphasizes its commitment to responsible AI deployment, including proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with AI technology and incorporating community-driven improvements into future iterations of its AI assistant.

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Fatal Shoot-Out

Fatal Shoot-Out: Three Suspects Killed in Johannesburg Confrontation

  • Deadly Confrontation in Chrisville: The article highlights a fatal shoot-out in Chrisville, Johannesburg, involving law enforcement officers and suspects engaged in alleged gang-related criminal activities.
  • Hawks Confirm Operation: South Africa’s elite investigative unit, the Hawks, confirms its involvement in the operation alongside the South African Police Service. The tactical nature of the operation underscores the coordinated approach to combatting organized crime.
  • Community Reaction and Social Impact: The incident sparks a mix of reactions within the community, highlighting broader social issues such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality that contribute to the proliferation of crime. The article emphasizes the need for holistic approaches to address both the symptoms and root causes of criminal behavior.

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High Court in Pretoria

The resolution of the R10 million gratuity issue involving Mkhwebane is postponed until Thursday

  • Legal Dispute: Busisiwe Mkhwebane, former Public Protector, is embroiled in a legal battle over the non-payment of her R10 million gratuity after being impeached.
  • Constitutional Challenge: Mkhwebane alleges that the Office of the Public Protector’s refusal to pay her gratuity is unconstitutional and violates her rights to fair labor practices.
  • Upcoming Hearing: The court has adjourned the case until Thursday to allow both parties to clarify their positions, with Mkhwebane expected to argue her case based on labor laws governing post-employment compensation.

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cellphone data analyst

On Wednesday, a cellphone data analyst will testify in the Meyiwa trial

 

    • The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial has been temporarily adjourned to allow for the testimony of a cellphone data analyst, Gideon Gouws, regarding evidence extracted from a phone allegedly found in possession of one of the accused, Bongani Ntanzi.
    • Warrant Officer Lawrence Ndlovu, specializing in digital forensic investigations, testified about the secure handling and analysis of the phone’s data, which is expected to be highlighted by Gouws during his testimony.
    • The trial, marked by tense courtroom proceedings and public interest, represents a significant pursuit of justice for Meyiwa’s tragic death, with expert testimonies playing a crucial role in elucidating the truth and seeking accountability amidst broader societal issues.

On Wednesday, a cellphone data analyst will testify in the Meyiwa trial Read More »