TimesLIVE - In The News

‘We’re not afraid of state power’: Malema determined to take it to the streets

“No one is going to intimidate us. South Africa will come to a standstill.” EFF leader Julius Malema is resolute that President Cyril Ramaphosa must resign as the red berets gear up for the “mother of all shutdowns”. Malema said South Africa will come to a standstill on March 20…

30 Jan 2023 7AM 4 min

‘Stabilisation of city’s finances to be prioritised’ – New Joburg mayor  

 Newly elected executive mayor of the City of Johannesburg Thapelo Amad from the Al-Jamah party was sworn in at the Johannesburg Council on Monday.Amad said his administration would seek to address the city’s finances, water security issues, the electricity crisis and service delivery

30 Jan 2023 5AM 4 min

EFF is ready to govern, says Julius Malema

EFF leader Julius Malema said it is time for his party to politically educate society about the principles of a socialist government. Malema said the EFF is gearing up to govern from next year. South Africa will hold general elections in 2024, and analysts and polls suggest the governing party’s…

30 Jan 2023 5AM 3 min

Thapelo Amad elected Johannesburg mayor to replace Mpho Phalatse

The Johannesburg city council elected Thapelo Amad as mayor on Friday after the ousting of Mpho Phalatse. Phalatse was removed from office on Thursday in a motion of no confidence.

27 Jan 2023 9AM 2 min

Court hears voicenotes in 'body in fridge' trial

The murder trial of Flavio Hlabangwane, who put body parts of his girlfriend in a fridge, might be shortened as he intends to make further admissions after a confession. The trial resumed on Thursday in the high court sitting in the Palm Ridge magistrate's court. He pleaded guilty to murder,…

27 Jan 2023 5AM 2 min

Johannesburg mayor Mpho Phalatse ousted

Joburg mayor Mpho Phalatse was on Thursday ousted from her position.

26 Jan 2023 9AM 1 min

Careers that will get you employed, according to the president

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the economy is hungry for people skilled in certain disciplines, and “if we are able to address unemployment, these skills should be promoted”. The youth unemployment rate stands at 59.6%, but the president encouraged citizens to attain skills that maximise chances of employment and endorse creativity…

26 Jan 2023 7AM 4 min

Interest rates hike expected on Thursday, fuel prices likely to rise next week

South Africans will have to endure a little longer. Economists predict an increase in interest rates while the Central Energy Fund expects fuel prices, except diesel, to rise. Senior economist at Investec Annabel Bishop predicts a 50 basis points interest rate increase on Thursday because of high inflation. Inflation was…

25 Jan 2023 9AM 2 min

Eskom matters should be directed to the power utility: ANCYL on DA march  

DA chief whip Siviwe Gwarube said the party would not be deterred from its march to ANC headquarters Luthuli House due to the ongoing energy crisis, among other issues. This despite ANC Youth League (ANCYL) members saying they would defend their headquarters at all costs. National organiser of the ANCYL…

25 Jan 2023 5AM 3 min

Mkhwebane impeachment inquiry to subpoena Thuli Madonsela

The inquiry into suspended public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s fitness to hold office will summon former public protector Thuli Madonsela before parliament. The section 194 committee met on Tuesday for “housekeeping” before it resumes critical witness testimonies on Monday. Mkhwebane is expected to bring her own witnesses. She had asked for…

24 Jan 2023 10AM 2 min

Limpopo health MEC defends scolding health official in viral video

Limpopo health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba has defended her actions after being recorded scolding a manager at a clinic in Polokwane. The MEC said she could not pretend to be satisfied if she arrived to witness a chaotic situation at a clinic. Ramathuba said she won't be put off from making…

23 Jan 2023 8AM 3 min

We’re working on it: Ramaphosa on load-shedding

Load-shedding should never have reached the level it has, says President Cyril Ramaphosa. Eskom has been implementing rolling power cuts for more than 10 years, but these have reached a peak since late last year, with the power utility reportedly considering permanent stage 2 and 3 load-shedding. As he closed…

23 Jan 2023 8AM 5 min

Change laws around owning big cats, says Sheba’s owner

The owner of Sheba, the eight-year-old Bengal tiger that escaped from a 11.5ha farm where she had been hand-reared, has urged the government to reconsider the laws governing ownership of exotic animals in South Africa.  Rassie Erasmus told the Sunday Times of the emotional stress and trauma he had to…

21 Jan 2023 8AM 6 min

I have not stolen a cent from government: Ace Magashule

Former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule appeared briefly in the Free State High Court on Friday on charges related to a R225m asbestos tender, before the case was postponed again. The charges stem from when he was Free State premier. The case has been marred by postponements and Magashule told media…

20 Jan 2023 5AM 2 min

Owner of Sheba the tiger opens up about escape

Rassie Erasmus, the owner of eight-year-old Sheba, a Siberian tigress which escaped from his 20 acre plot in the Walkers Fruit Farm area of Midvaal, south of Johannesburg, has opened up about the events leading up to the predator’s escape last weekend.  Erasmus spoke to TimesLIVE on Friday about raising…

20 Jan 2023 5AM 7 min

'Grooming youth to be employees is not going to help'

Young people should be groomed to improve production in the country to free it from the crisis it is in, says the founder of the South African Council for Graduates. Thamsanqa Maqubela, who believes the youth can build the economy, vouches for “careers of the future”, adding that his organisation assists…

19 Jan 2023 4AM 4 min

2022/23 festive season road fatalities decrease by 13.9%

Festive season road fatalities statistics for 2022/23 revealed a 13.9% decrease. Transport minister Fikile Mbalula attributed the numbers to increased police visibility and mass public awareness campaigns. Mbalula said the decline was a good start, but more had to be done.

17 Jan 2023 8AM 4 min

Johannesburg Water systems affected by Stage 6 load shedding

Johannesburg Water is faced with increased water demands due to high temperatures and rolling stage 6 blackouts. Spokesperson Puleng Mopeli says although they have backup systems, these are taking strain. Residents are urged to use water sparingly and to adhere to water restrictions.

16 Jan 2023 8AM 1 min

‘Our courts are captured, but Ramaphosa remains charged,’ says Carl Niehaus

Reacting to judgment in the President Cyril Ramaphosa and former president Jacob Zuma court case, former ANC member Carl Niehaus said the judiciary will lead the country to collapse. Ramaphosa had applied to the Johannesburg high court to set aside his prosecution as unconstitutional and unlawful. He asked the court…

16 Jan 2023 7AM 5 min

Go after invigilators too, not just pupils - Umalusi on exam cheats

Education quality assurance body Umalusi is calling for action to be taken against education officials involved in helping pupils to cheat, among other irregularities, during the National Senior Certificate examinations. Addressing the media on the release of the 2022 matric results, the education body said it was concerning that officials were…

16 Jan 2023 7AM 7 min