This comes as some industries face a possible 30% levy on goods shipped to the US at the start of August, with South Africa’s citrus growers expected to take a hammering.
The Citrus Growers Association is calling on government to speed up efforts to identify new markets, amid some anxiety of US President Donald Trump's looming import tariffs.
This comes as some industries face a possible 30% levy on goods shipped to the US at the start of August, with South Africa’s citrus growers expected to take a hammering.
The association said talks with government had already begun on alternative markets to avoid crippling businesses and massive job losses.
CEO of the association, Boitshoko Ntshabele, said that while exact figures were not possible to predict, they fear that next season will be tough.
He said there needed to be stronger collaboration to keep the markets open.
“We want to appeal to government, especially the department of trade and industry we know that the president has employed all of us to find new markets but new markets will not come in the short term, they will come in the medium term but clearly when the new tariffs are implemented there is going to be immediate pain for our growers.”
*This article was first published by Eye Witness News
Jayden-Lee’s naked body was discovered just a few metres away from the unit he and his mother shared in Swazi Complex.
The investigating officer assigned to slain 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek’s case has raised concerns about the child’s body being found shortly after his mother left their Fleurhof apartment.
Jayden-Lee’s naked body was discovered just a few metres away from the unit he and his mother shared in Swazi Complex.
This was a day after his mother, Tiffinay Nicole Meek, had reported him missing in May.
During her bail application, Meek insisted that she is being framed for her son’s murder.
In Monday’s proceedings, the investigating officer, Ncebo Diko, had revealed some of his findings that link Meek to her son’s death.
Meek was arrested two months after Jayden-Lee’s body was discovered by some residents in the Fleurhof apartment building.
The court heard that Meek had returned to her apartment alone in the early hours of the day and Jayden-Lee’s lifeless body was found by a staircase.
“Shortly afterwards, one of the residents went to the flat. The child was lying on the floor of the first floor just after the staircase, naked, only having underwear on. The security then rushed to the place that was mentioned to him.”
Diko is expected back on the stand on Tuesday for a cross examination.
*This article was first published by Eye Witness News
By Lerato Mutlanyane
Tributes are pouring in for one of the Free State’s most beloved DJs, Thokozile "DJ Zile" Mokgang, who passed away on Monday morning.
Known for her infectious beats, magnetic energy, and unforgettable deep house sets, DJ Zile was a respected figure in South Africa's music scene for over 15 years.
The exact circumstances surrounding her passing remain unclear. However, a haunting final message posted to her Facebook status has left fans heartbroken and searching for answers.
Just two weeks ago, Journal News highlighted DJ Zile’s powerful presence and her ability to move crowds with passion and precision. Her legacy spans countless performances, where she not only played music but told stories through sound.
Among the many heartfelt tributes, one came from longtime fan Asavela Mbatha, who wrote:
“You represented females in the DJ space with so much grace and integrity. Your aura could not be ignored, and you wore your heart on your sleeve for music. Thank you for the dope sounds.”
She was widely regarded as a driving force in the deep house community—a trailblazer who transformed every set into a memorable experience. DJ Zile didn’t just play music; she created moments that defined a culture.
“With her kind and charismatic personality, DJ Zile will truly be missed,” one fan posted. “Her sets taught us the meaning of culture within the deep house pool. Her legacy shall never fade.”
May her soul rest in peace. DJ Zile, thank you for the music.
By: Mpho Sekharume
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Buti Manamela as the new Minister of Higher education after axing Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, the Presidency announced through a media statement this evening.
Manamela, who has been serving as the Deputy Minister in the same department since October 2017, takes full charge of the ministry with former KwaZulu-Natal Premier Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube coming in as his deputy.
This appointment follows Ramaphosa's decision to remove Nkabane from her Ministerial role amid accusations that she misled parliament about the appointments of chairpersons inthe Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) boards.
Nkabane also faced allegations of corruption and political interference and failed to appear before Parliament to account for the controversial appointments on previous occasions.
The Department of Health is embarking on a massive campaign to encourage members of the public to donate body organs and tissues in a bid to save lives.
Department’s spokesperson, Forster Mohale, says there are more than 2,000 patients awaiting organ and tissue donors across the country.
He says members of society can donate organs while still alive or issue instructions to have their organs donated after they’ve passed away.
The department says there’s much reluctance in donating organs due to cultural and religious stereotypes.
“Definitely, there are over 2,500 people who are on the active waiting list to receive organ or tissue in South Africa. So, this is the only list that we know. So, we’ve realized that, because of lack of knowledge and cultural or religious barriers, which we believe that, as the Department of Health, working with our partner organizations like Organ Donor Foundation and other organizations, we can be able to change people’s perceptions around the issue of tissue and organ donation and save lives,” says Mohale.
*This article was first published by SABC News
Over 200 suspects have been arrested in the Northern Cape for murder, rape, assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, illegal possession of firearms and for dealing in drugs. The suspects were apprehended during week-long Operation Shanela across all five districts in the province.
Provincial Police Spokesperson, Cherelle Ehlers, says the police conducted tracing operations in search of wanted suspects who failed to make court appearances.
A reaffirmed effort to combat prevalent crimes in the Northern Cape led to the arrest of 206 perpetrators during the execution of Operation Shanela.
Adopting a multi-disciplinary approach led by district commissioners – which entailed high visibility patrols, stop-and-search actions, roadblocks and vehicle check points – led to the arrests between Monday, July 14 until Sunday, July 20.
The teams inspected numerous liquor outlets for non-compliance to ensure perpetrators face the full might of the law.
*This article was first published by SABC News
