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

driver’s license card machine

Chikunga assures timely procurement of new driver’s license card machine

  • Technical Challenges and Backlogs: The article highlights persistent technical issues with the current driver’s license card printers, causing intermittent breakdowns and backlogs in card issuance.
  • Assurances from Transport Minister: Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga assures the public of progress in procuring a new printing machine, promising the rollout of new driving license cards by the end of the month.
  • Concerns and Calls for Transparency: There are concerns raised by stakeholders, including OUTA, regarding the lack of transparency from the Department of Transport in handling the driver’s license card issue, emphasizing the need for clear communication and accountability.

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Students to Receive Counseling

Students to Receive Counseling After Drownings in Pretoria

  • Two students tragically drowned during a school excursion organized by the Rising Star Generation NGO, highlighting the importance of safety measures during such activities.
  • The incident occurred during a disciplinary camp held in Pretoria, where students were meant to undergo character-building exercises and personal development.
  • The Gauteng Education Department is responding by providing counseling and support services to the affected school community while emphasizing the need for a thorough review of safety protocols for future excursions.

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Power Crisis

Power Crisis: Eskom Battles Major Outage in Pretoria

  • Significant Power Outage in Pretoria: Eskom faces a major challenge with a power outage affecting over 90,000 customers in various areas of Pretoria, disrupting daily life for residents and businesses.
  • Eskom’s Response and Efforts: Despite lacking an estimated restoration time, Eskom’s spokesperson assures that efforts are underway to restore power promptly. The utility emphasizes transparency, apologizing for the inconvenience and appreciating customers’ patience while highlighting their commitment to resolving the issue swiftly.
  • Broader Implications and Long-term Solutions: The outage underscores broader issues within South Africa’s energy infrastructure, highlighting the need for long-term solutions to address challenges such as aging power plants and maintenance backlogs. Eskom’s focus extends beyond short-term fixes, encompassing investments in renewable energy, grid modernization, and collaborative efforts to ensure a resilient and sustainable energy future.

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Trail of Destruction

KwaZulu-Natal Devastated: Heavy Rains Leave Trail of Destruction

  • Heavy rainfall in KwaZulu-Natal has caused extensive damage to road infrastructure and properties.
  • At least five fatalities have been confirmed, and several individuals are missing following recent floods.
  • Efforts for national government intervention are underway to address the crisis, including rescue operations and infrastructure repair.

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Drowning Incident

Tragic Drowning Incident Claims Lives of School Students

  • Tragic Incident: The article recounts a tragic incident where two students from the Daveyton Skills School drowned during a school excursion in the Hennops River near Centurion, Gauteng.
  • Investigation and Response: Education authorities and emergency services swiftly responded to the incident, with investigations underway by the South African Police Services to determine the circumstances leading to the drowning. The response highlights the need for transparency, accountability, and improved safety protocols during school outings.
  • Community Impact and Call to Action: The tragedy has deeply affected the community, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures, comprehensive water safety education, and increased collaboration between schools, local authorities, and emergency services. It underscores the importance of proactive measures to prevent similar incidents and support affected families.

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New Leadership Emerges

NSFAS Overhaul: Promises, Pitfalls, and New Leadership Emerges

  • Minister Nzimande dissolved the NSFAS board due to failure in fulfilling basic responsibilities, leading to inefficiencies and undue pressure on students and families.
  • Freeman Nomvalo, former CEO of SAICA, was appointed as the new administrator to address these shortcomings and improve NSFAS’s effectiveness.
  • While some advocate for broader leadership changes within the education sector, others express confidence in Nomvalo’s appointment to enhance NSFAS’s operations and support students in need.

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nature's wrath

Rising from Ruin: Margate’s Battle Against Nature’s Wrath

 

    • Devastating Floods in Margate: The article highlights the aftermath of destructive floods in Margate on the South Coast, detailing the loss of life, damage to infrastructure, and the heroic rescue efforts undertaken in the wake of the disaster.
    • Continued Regional Challenges: MEC Bongi Sithole-Moloi emphasizes the recurring nature of such disasters, drawing parallels to a previous flood in Ladysmith. Despite ongoing efforts to rebuild and recover, communities in the region face persistent challenges from extreme weather events.
    • Call for Resilience and Solidarity: The article underscores the importance of collective action and resilience in the face of adversity. It calls for long-term strategies to enhance climate resilience, as well as immediate support and solidarity from government agencies, organizations, and community members to aid those affected and rebuild stronger communities.

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Murder of Kaizer Chiefs Star Seek Bail

Justice for Luke Fleurs: South Africa Unites Against Crime

 

    • Luke Fleurs, a talented Kaizer Chiefs defender, was tragically killed in a hijacking incident in Roodepoort, South Africa, sparking nationwide grief and calls for action against crime.
    • Six suspects have been arrested in connection with Fleurs’ murder and are set to appear in court, offering a glimmer of hope for justice amidst the tragedy.
    • Fleurs’ death serves as a somber reminder of the urgent need for collective efforts to address South Africa’s escalating crime crisis and ensure the safety of its citizens, while also uniting communities in mourning and determination for change.

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Mmamatlakala Bridge in Limpopo Image Credits : By JMK - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

Tragic Bus Crash Sparks Urgent Calls for Road Upgrades

  • The residents of Mmamatlakala village in Limpopo demand government action to widen the road after a devastating bus crash claims 45 lives, sparking widespread trauma and highlighting the need for emergency services.
  • President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Mokgweetsi Masisi visit the crash site, emphasizing the seriousness of the incident and the importance of collaborative efforts between countries to address safety concerns.
  • Government officials pledge to prioritize road safety initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and emergency response capabilities, while community-based programs aim to raise awareness and empower residents to prevent future tragedies.

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outstanding documents

Road Accident Fund Seeks Claim Documentation

  • Backlog of Claims: The Road Accident Fund is currently facing a significant backlog of 321,000 claims that need to be resolved.
  • Call for Documentation: Claimants who submitted their claims before April 2022 are urged to provide any outstanding documentation to the Compensation Fund to expedite the processing of their claims.
  • Submission Options: Claimants have various options for submitting their documents, including through the Fund’s website, regional offices, or by contacting the Fund’s helpline.

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