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

NSFAS

NSFAS Board Dissolution: Victory for Students’ Rights

Government, Lifestyle, News /
  • The Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande has dissolved the board of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), aiming to enhance the efficiency of the student aid program.
  • The South African Students’ Congress (Sasco) sees this dissolution as a triumph for students relying on NSFAS funding, and they plan to protest against the Department of Higher Education’s continued use of service providers with invalid contracts for NSFAS allowance disbursement.
  • Sasco emphasizes the ongoing challenges in accessing NSFAS allowances, highlighting administrative inefficiencies and calling for transparency and accountability from both the Department of Higher Education and NSFAS.

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Justice Served

Justice Served: Life Sentences for Mayor’s Murderers

Government, News /
  • The High Court in Polokwane, Limpopo, has sentenced five individuals to life imprisonment for the murder of Municipal Mayor Moses Maluleke, along with additional charges including conspiracy to commit robbery and possession of illegal firearms.
  • The judge emphasized the severity of the crime, highlighting the ongoing suffering of Maluleke’s son and declaring the perpetrators unfit to possess firearms.
  • The verdict has been welcomed by the Maluleke family and the Limpopo NPA, with hopes that it will serve as a deterrent to potential offenders. However, the family continues to call for the arrest of the mastermind behind the murder.

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Tragic Dog Mauling

Tragic Dog Mauling Sparks Demand for Justice in Rustenburg

Lifestyle, News /
  • Moeletsi Sedi, a 40-year-old man in Rustenburg, was tragically mauled to death by dogs at his workplace, sparking outcry and demands for justice from his grieving family.
  • Family members allege that the dogs were intentionally released to harm Moeletsi by his employer, whom they hold responsible for his death.
  • Local citizen groups are calling for the dogs’ owner to be charged with murder, while police investigations are ongoing and the dogs have been seized by the SPCA.

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Rain on a vehicle's windscreen

Tragic Downpour Claims Life: Kroonstad’s Flood Devastation Unfolds

Government, News /
  • Tragic Loss: A 50-year-old man, Motaung Mokemane, lost his life in Maokeng, Kroonstad, due to heavy downpours and flooding, highlighting the devastating impact of the extreme weather conditions on individuals.
  • Community Impact: The torrential rains across Kroonstad and the Free State have affected numerous households, with an estimated 80 households impacted by the flooding. The community is reeling from the emotional and physical toll of the disaster, with authorities assessing the damage and preparing contingency plans for affected residents.
  • Misinformation Alert: Concerns have been raised about the spread of misleading information on social media platforms, prompting authorities to caution against inaccurate depictions of the situation. This highlights the importance of verifying information during times of crisis to ensure accurate reporting and effective response efforts.

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Remembering Chris April

Remembering Chris April: South Africa’s Beloved Actor’s Legacy

Lifestyle, News /
  • Tragic Death of Chris April: Renowned South African actor Chris April met a tragic end, succumbing to injuries sustained during a violent robbery at his home in Nyanga, Cape Flats, in February.
  • Celebrated Career and Legacy: April, known for his role in the popular TV series “Stokvel” and his ongoing work in the German TV series “Heaven Africa,” leaves behind a rich legacy of captivating performances and contributions to South African entertainment.
  • Outpouring of Tributes and Mourning: April’s passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans, and admirers, highlighting his impact on the industry and the profound loss felt by the South African entertainment community.

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Tragic Tree Accident

Tragic Tree Accident Claims Security Guard in Paarl Storm

Government, News /
  • A security guard tragically lost his life in Paarl, South Africa, when a tree fell on him while he was conducting patrols at Diemersfontein Farm.
  • The South African Weather Service issued a warning for heavy rains across the Western Cape province, prompting precautionary measures.
  • The City of Cape Town closed down the Somerset West Driving Licence Testing Centre and other landmarks due to damage caused by strong winds, prioritizing public safety amidst the impending storm.

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Collision with Former President's Car

Collision with Former President’s Car Sparks Legal Action

Government, News /
  • A collision involving Mbuyiseni Ntuli and former President Jacob Zuma’s car occurred, leading to Ntuli’s arrest on charges of drunken and reckless driving.
  • Ntuli was granted bail of R500 by the Eshowe Magistrate’s Court, with the case adjourned for further investigations until May 3.
  • The incident highlights broader concerns about road safety and responsible driving practices, prompting scrutiny and discussions regarding security measures for high-profile individuals and the need for vigilant enforcement of traffic regulations.

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RAF Frauds

RAF Frauds Threaten Accident Victims’ Rights

Government, News /
  • Rising Fraudulence: The article highlights the escalating prevalence of fraudulent activities targeting beneficiaries of the Road Accident Fund (RAF), exemplified by Neo Moreki’s case losing R2 million, which underscores a broader pattern of exploitation within the system.
  • Impacts on Victims: It underscores the profound emotional and financial consequences endured by victims like Moreki, emphasizing the urgency of combating fraud not only to protect financial resources but also to mitigate the trauma experienced by those already reeling from road accidents.
  • Call to Action: The article advocates for a multifaceted approach to combat fraud within the RAF, emphasizing the importance of enhanced oversight, regulatory frameworks, stakeholder collaboration, ethical conduct in the legal profession, public awareness campaigns, and leveraging technological innovations to uphold integrity and accountability.

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Only survivor of the horrific Limpopo bus crash,

Tragedy Strikes: Miracle Survivor Emerges from Botswana Bus Crash

Government, News /
  • Tragic Bus Crash: A devastating accident occurred on the R518 at the Mma Matlakala Bridge, resulting in the loss of 45 lives, leaving only an eight-year-old girl named Lorraine Atlang Siako as the sole survivor. The victims, all citizens of Botswana, were on their way to the Saint Engenas Zion Christian Church for Easter service when the crash took place.
  • Community Response and Support: In response to the tragedy, the government of Botswana extended condolences to the bereaved families and deployed cabinet ministers to offer support and assistance. The Saint Engenas Zion Christian Church also joined efforts to provide prayers and comfort to those affected, fostering unity and solidarity within the community.
  • Investigation and Healing: The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) initiated an investigation into the cause of the bus crash, with preliminary findings indicating the need for further examination. Meanwhile, the community embarked on a journey of healing and recovery, with counseling services and community-led initiatives aimed at preventing future tragedies and honoring the memory of the lives lost.

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