Emalahleni FM News

12/01/2026

TRANSALLOYS AND NUMSA TALKS NOT YIELDING FRUITFUL RESULTS OVER 600 JOB LOSSES

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa and Transalloys management, convened a meeting at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) in Emalahleni on Thursday, 08 January 2026 to discuss possible solutions to the recent retrenchment notice.

This comes after Transalloys, South Africa's last remaining manganese smelter issued a section 189A notice, which warns of potential retrenchments that may affect approximately 600 direct jobs.

An estimated 7,000 livelihoods linked to the smelter and the broader eMalahleni economy, through its supply chain and dependencies, could also be impacted if the company fails to secure relief from Eskom’s negotiated pricing agreement which became effective from 01 April 2025.

Transalloys General Manager Theo Morkel stated on the statement that the company has exhausted all other avenues for cost savings, including the use of affordable ores, rightsizing their staff complement, and suspending increases to their own staff and contractors working at Transalloys in 2025. “The end result is that our cost of production per tonne of product is considerably more than what the market price for manganese ferroalloys is and Transalloys has been making losses since the end of 2022.”

“We have had extensive discussions with Eskom officials over the years, but our electricity costs remain disproportionately high compared to other smelters in the industry. To remain competitive, we require a substantial reduction in electricity costs, aligning with our global competitors, as we are currently paying two to three times more for electricity than smelters in other countries.” Morkel said.

Morkel highlighted that the excessive electricity price increases in South Africa over the past two decades have severely impacted the smelting industry, resulting in significant job losses in smelters and supporting industries.

He cautioned that unless a sustainable solution to electricity tariffs is found, Transalloys will be forced to cease operations, ultimately relegating South Africa to a mere exporter of unrefined manganese ore.

NUMSA has not provided an update on the outcome of their meeting with Transalloys management.

11/01/2026

ANNUAL INITIATIVE TO COVER SCHOOLBOOKS FOR LESS FORTUNATE LEARNERS RETURNS FOR ITS FOURTH YEAR, EXPANDING IT'S REACH AND IMPACT IN EMALAHLENI.

The Cover My Book Foundation will host its flagship annual event on 7 February 2026 at Hlalanikahle Primary School. This will mark the fourth consecutive year of the initiative, which aims to provide covered school books and essential stationery to less fortunate primary school children.

This year, the foundation is extending its reach to support learners from five primary schools across Emalahleni. The beneficiary schools are Siyanqoba Primary School, Khonzimfundo Primary, Nkonjane Primary, Maloma Primary, and the host, Hlalanikahle Primary School.

Founded by community champion Bongane Nkosi, Cover My Book Foundation operates on a simple but powerful belief: that providing the basic tools for learning with care and respect can significantly impact a child's academic journey.

"The foundation is growing, and we are aiming to help even more schools," says Nkosi. "By covering their books and providing stationery, we are helping these less fortunate kids stay focused in class and, most importantly, boost their confidence. When a child's learning materials are neat and protected, it instills a sense of pride and ownership over their education."

The 2026 event is made possible through the generous support of key sponsors, including Mementoes Trading, Touch Your Meal, Ursula Ntuli Attorney's, M&N Reality Group, 013 Golden Circle, and Waltons. Their contributions ensure that each learner receives not only covered books but also a stationery pack to start the academic year fully equipped.

Looking beyond the book-covering drive, Nkosi highlighted the foundation's expanding vision. Building on a successful pilot, Cover My Book will undertake a second-year initiative to assist all matriculants from partner communities with online registration for tertiary institutions. The foundation, alongside its stakeholders, will also cover the associated registration fees, removing a critical financial barrier to higher education and training.

"This is about more than just books," Nkosi adds. "It's about showing our children that the community believes in their future, from their very first day in primary school to their crucial first steps after matriculation."

09/01/2026

TWO EMALAHLENI RESIDENTS CONFIRMED TO STEERING COMMITTEE FOR SOUTH AFRICA ’S NATIONAL DIALOGUE.

President Cyril Ramaphosa's office has confirmed the nominations to the Steering Committee of the National Dialogue. Among those appointed are two Emalahleni residents, Mxolisi "Press" Mahlangu and Mahlatse Martinah Mogoro, bringing local community perspectives to this critical national forum.

The confirmation, announced on 18 December 2025, gives effect to decisions made at the landmark First National Convention in August 2025. That gathering agreed that identified social sectors should nominate their own representatives to guide the Dialogue process, ensuring it remains a citizen-led initiative.

The confirmation of Mxolisi Mahlangu and Mahlatse Mogoro is a point of pride for Emalahleni and a concrete example of the Dialogue’s decentralised ethos. Mxolisi, speaking to Emalahleni FM News, expressed his honour at the nomination, stating he is eager to step onto the national stage to address the specific challenges faced by people living with disabilities.

Meanwhile, Mahlatse Mogoro, who serves as Secretary at the Melokuhle Albinism Foundation, shared her enthusiasm for the opportunity to ensure that issues affecting people with albinism are prominently aligned with the National Dialogue's goals.

In a statement, the Presidency underscored the constitutional imperative behind the effort: “In line with his responsibility in terms of Section 83 of the Constitution to promote national unity, President Cyril Ramaphosa has convened an inclusive National Dialogue to address the challenges confronting the country.”

The newly confirmed National Dialogue Steering Committee holds a weighty mandate. It is responsible for setting strategic priorities and coordinating the implementation of the Dialogue process across all provinces. Its formation is the operational backbone of a project aimed at forging a new social compact for South Africa.

The path to the Committee was designed for maximum inclusivity. Over recent months, organisations within 33 identified sectors and 6 sub-sectors held meetings to select their nominees. “Every effort has been made to ensure that no sector of our society is left behind,” the statement read.

The inauguration of the Steering Committee marks a shift from planning to action. The Committee is scheduled to convene for its inaugural meeting and induction on 17-18 January 2026. Once established, one of its immediate tasks will be to assist any sectors that have not yet finalised their nominations and to exercise its co-option option to round out its expertise.

08/01/2026

COMMUNITY GATHERS IN GRIEF AND RESOLVE FOLLOWING TRAGIC DROWNING AT MASAKHANE DAM

The community of Masakhane gathered today for a meeting centred on the heartbreaking drowning incident that claimed the lives of two young boys earlier this week. The gathering served as both a space for collective mourning and a urgent forum on community safety.

The tragedy unfolded on 7 January 2026, when Witbank SAPS were called to the Masakhane small mine dam. Community members reported that two boys, aged 11 and 13, had entered the water to swim and failed to resurface. Despite the immediate dispatch of police divers and an extensive search, both boys were recovered and declared deceased at the scene.

Addressing the community in the wake of the incident, the Acting Station Commander of Witbank SAPS, Colonel Nonhlanhla Kgosana, issued a stern and emotional warning. “Our hearts are heavy, and we extend our deepest condolences to the parents, families, and relatives of these children,” Colonel Kgosana stated. “This unbearable loss must serve as a critical warning to us all.”

She urgently appealed to parents, guardians, and children themselves to stay away from rivers, dams, and all open water sources, especially during the current rainy season. “These waters are not safe. They conceal strong currents and unpredictable depths, particularly after heavy rains. We must be vigilant,” she emphasised.

The community meeting highlighted a shared determination to prevent future tragedies. Discussions focused on proactive measures, including:

Colonel Kgosana underscored the necessity of a partnership between the police and the public. “The SAPS cannot achieve safety alone. We call on every community member to join us in this effort and discourage children from swimming in open water, educate them on the risks, and report any dangerous activities or unsafe areas.”

The memory of the two young lives lost now fuels a crucial mission: to ensure such a tragedy never repeats itself in Masakhane.

07/01/2026

MALAHLENI FAMILY DEMANDS JUSTICE AFTER PIT BULL ATTACK LEAVES TEENAGER HOSPITALIZED

A Malahleni family is reeling and demanding action after their 16-year-old son was brutally attacked by a neighbor’s Pit Bull dog leaving him with serious injuries on Sunday in Phola

Tumelo Mnguni remains hospitalized at Hospital following the incident on Xaba Street. According to family member Ayanda Bheluza, Tumelo was with friends when a neighbor’s child emerged with the dog, which then attacked without warning.

“The dog bit him and dragged him away, causing him serious injuries,” Ayanda stated, describing a traumatic scene that has left the family distressed and angry.

The Phola South African Police Service (SAPS) station has confirmed that a case has been opened and that investigations are ongoing. In a significant development, the alleged owner of the dog was taken into custody for questioning and to provide a formal statement.

The Middelburg SPCA, notified of the attack, indicated that they are awaiting a court order to proceed with any action regarding the animal.

For the Mnguni family and concerned community members, the incident has sparked urgent calls for justice and preventative measures. Speaking on behalf of the family, Ayanda outlined their clear demands.

“We want justice. This dog is a danger to our community,” said Bheluza. “We are calling for either the arrest of the dog’s owners, the immediate removal of the dog from our area, or for the family to cover all my nephew’s medical expenses. Something must be done to ensure this doesn’t happen to another child.”

This is a developing story.
Updates will follow as more information from the SAPS and the court becomes available.

06/01/2026

APPROXIMATELY 600 TRANSALLOYS EMPLOYEES FACE POSSIBLE JOB LOSS DUE TO RETRENCHMENT

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa will engage in discussions with Transalloys' chief executives on Thursday, 08 January 2026, at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) in Emalahleni offices to understand the reasoning behind the recent retrenchment notice.

This meeting follows the issuance of a Section 189 notice by Transalloys, South Africa's last remaining manganese smelter, warning of possible large-scale retrenchments that could impact hundreds of workers in the coming weeks.

In an interview on Newzroom Afrika, Transalloys' Chief Executive Office, Konstantin Sadovnik, highlighted the challenges posed by high electricity costs, which have made it difficult for the company to compete globally, given that its electricity costs are more than twice those of its international competitors.

Sadovnik said that manganese smelting has been excluded from broader energy discussions between ferrochrome smelters and the government. He expressed regret over the uncertainty faced by employees and their families, but emphasised that the unclear operating environment forces for this decision.

06/01/2026

Warning ⚠️ : This image contains sensitive content which you may find disturbing.

WITBANK TERTIARY HOSPITAL FACES ALLEGATIONS OF NEGLIGENCE LEADING TO SUBSTANDARD PATIENT CARE

Witbank Tertiary Hospital is once again in the spotlight — this time facing serious allegations of medical negligence that the Emalahleni community said have turned the hospital into a place of suffering instead of healing.

Members of the Emalahleni community, joined by the Enough is Enough organisation, marched to the hospital on Monday, the 5th of January 2026, accompanying patient Ayanda Mnisi to demand urgent medical intervention following what they describe as substandard post-operative care.

Ayanda Mnisi underwent tumour surgery at Witbank Tertiary Hospital more than five months ago. Following the procedure, she was referred to Steve Biko Hospital in Pretoria for further treatment. However, she reportedly did not receive the necessary assistance due to complications allegedly caused by her initial surgery at Witbank. Instead, Mnisi has been forced to travel to Pretoria every Monday for wound dressing — at her own cost — with no financial or logistical support from the hospital.

Enough is Enough organisation member Sizwe Sibande said the Mnisi family reached out for help on the 31st of December 2025, as Ayanda’s condition continued to worsen. “The wound was deteriorating. Ayanda informed us that she was discharged despite the poor condition of the wound and the way she was treated by medical staff. She later developed a stroke in another part of her body, yet the hospital still sent her home.”

According to Sibande, one of the doctors later admitted that discharging the patient without proper monitoring or post-operative evaluation was a mistake.

Enough is Enough Organisation Secretary P**e Khoza said this is not an isolated incident, but part of a troubling pattern at Witbank Tertiary Hospital. “This hospital has become a place of mourning for our community. We remember a case where a pregnant woman received inadequate care, lost her unborn baby, and was forced to carry the deceased fetus for eight hours. The question is — will this hospital change, or will more lives be lost?”

Khoza said the community is demanding accountability and urgent reforms in the hospital’s treatment protocols.

Meanwhile, Ayanda Mnisi has since been readmitted to Witbank Tertiary Hospital. The Enough is Enough organisation said it will closely monitor her treatment to ensure she receives proper care ahead of her next scheduled appointment at Steve Biko Hospital on the 28th of January 2026.

30/12/2025

EMALAHLENI FM NEWS DISTANCES ITSELF FROM “EMALAHLENI NEWS 24/7”

Emalahleni FM News wishes to clarify that it is not affiliated in any way with a page known as "Emalahleni News 24/7". The two entities are separate, and content published by that page does not originate from Emalahleni FM News.

The station has noted growing confusion in the community, with some members mistakenly attributing posts that expose or name individuals to us (Emalahleni FM News). The station confirms that it does not publish such content.

Emalahleni FM News is a community radio station guided by ethical journalism and responsible reporting. The public is urged to rely only on the station’s official platforms for verified news and information.

29/12/2025

WITBANK WOMAN ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED MURDER OF BROTHER-IN-LAW AFTER BODY FOUND NEAR DOORNPOORT

A 29-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with the murder of her 25-year-old brother-in-law, whose body was discovered in a remote area earlier this month.

Melissa Vice was arrested on Christmas Eve, 24 December 2025, following an intensive investigation by the Witbank South African Police Service (SAPS). She made her first court appearance at the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court today, 29 December, where the matter was postponed for a formal bail hearing on 14 January 2026. The court has ordered her to remain in custody until then.

The tragic sequence of events began on the afternoon of 16 December. According to the statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Jabulile Ndubane a spokesperson for Mpumalanga SAPS. Police were summoned to a scene near the Seekoeiwater plots, close to the Doornpoort Sub-Station, after a grim discovery by a passer-by.

"The passer-by was walking along a dirt road from Bankenveld towards the Seekoeiwater plots when he noticed the body of a man lying in the bushes a few metres from the road," Ndubane stated. The individual immediately alerted his employer, who then contacted the authorities.

Upon arrival, officers found the deceased, later identified as Mr Willie Visser, lying on his back with visible signs of trauma. "The deceased was found with visible bruises to the face, arms, and stomach," the statement read.

Preliminary investigations quickly pointed to foul play. Police noted the presence of vehicle tyre tracks near the body, leading them to believe Mr Visser's body had been transported and dumped at the location. The nature of his injuries suggested a violent assault with a blunt object, which was determined to be the cause of death.

The investigation, which led from the isolated scene to an arrest within eight days of Melissa Vice who is the wife of the deceased's brother, placing the alleged crime within the intimate and tragic context of family ties.

"The South African Police Service in Witbank has arrested a 29-year-old woman, Melissa Vice, in connection with the murder of her brother-in-law, Mr Willie Visser," confirmed Lieutenant Ndubane.

The case has been postponed to next month, where the court will hear arguments for and against bail. The SAPS has indicated that investigations are ongoing, and further details regarding a possible motive or circumstances leading to the alleged crime may emerge during court proceedings.

26/12/2025

UPDATE || We are relieved to share that Kamohelo Kadi has been found safe and sound. He was located at his aunt's place, where he had spent the night. He has now been brought back home.

We appreciate everyone who helped spread the word.

URGENT: THE KADI FAMILY APPEALS FOR HELP IN FINDING MISSING 10-YEAR-Old BOY FROM EMPUMELELWENI

The Kadi family from Empumelelweni (Emarikana) is in desperate search for their 10-year-old son, Kamohelo Kadi, who has been missing since Christmas Day, December 25th. The community is urged to come forward with any information that could lead to his safe return.

Kamohelo was last seen around 1 p.m. on Thursday, he was sent to Ext 15 to collect money. He never returned home, prompting immediate and growing concern from his family and neighbours.
He was last seen wearing a blue jean, white striped t-shirt and black tekkies/sneakers.

If you have any information, please contact the family directly on the following contact details:

· 079 773 3958
· 071 585 4353

26/12/2025

URGENT: THE KADI FAMILY APPEALS FOR HELP IN FINDING MISSING 10-YEAR-Old BOY FROM EMPUMELELWENI

The Kadi family from Empumelelweni (Emarikana) is in desperate search for their 10-year-old son, Kamohelo Kadi, who has been missing since Christmas Day, December 25th. The community is urged to come forward with any information that could lead to his safe return.

Kamohelo was last seen around 1 p.m. on Thursday, he was sent to Ext 15 to collect money. He never returned home, prompting immediate and growing concern from his family and neighbours.
He was last seen wearing a blue jean, white striped t-shirt and black tekkies/sneakers.

If you have any information, please contact the family directly on the following contact details:

· 079 773 3958
· 071 585 4353

22/12/2025

INTELLIGENCE-LED OPERATION NETS EIGHT SUSPECTS, RECOVERS ARSENAL AND STOLEN VEHICLES IN KROOMDRAAI

A multi-disciplinary law enforcement team, acting on precise intelligence, successfully cornered and arrested eight (08) suspects earlier today in Kroomdraai, Emalahleni. The operation resulted in the recovery of a significant number of weapons, explosives, and three stolen vehicles.

The operation was launched following critical intelligence developed by Witbank Crime Intelligence on Friday, 19 December 2025. The information indicated that a group of heavily armed individuals, suspected of planning a major robbery, had gathered at a plot in Kroomdraai.

Swift Multi-Agency Response to counter this imminent threat, a coordinated team was rapidly mobilised, comprising of The Pienaar and Witbank Tactical Response Teams (TRT),The SAPS Tracking Team, The Nkangala District Anti-Hijacking Task Team, The Middelburg Flying Squad and the Tracker Connect (Private Security Partner).

In the early hours of today, 22 December 2025 the team located and approached the identified hideout. Upon sensing police presence, the suspects attempted to flee but were swiftly apprehended by the alert officers.

The apprehension led to the seizure of: Five (05) AK-47 assault rifles, A quantity of explosives,Associated ammunition, Three motor vehicles, all confirmed as stolen.
An Audi A4 (stolen in Sunnyside, Gauteng, November 2025), A GWM Florid with Mpumalanga plates, A Toyota Fortuner (stolen in Fish Hoek, Western Cape, June 2025).

The suspects, aged between 29 and 51, are currently in custody. They face a number of charges including the illegal possession of explosives, fi****ms, and ammunition, as well as possession of suspected stolen property. Police have indicated that further charges may be added as the investigation unfolds.

The successful operation coincided with a visit to the Nkangala Safer Festive Season Operations by the Deputy Minister of Police, Mr. Cassel Mathale. He was accompanied by senior SAPS leadership, including Lt. Gen. Tebello Mosikili and Ms. Simemosenkosi Chamane from Head Office, as well as the Acting Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi.

Acting Provincial Commissioner Mkhwanazi commended all units involved for their professionalism and swift action. "This breakthrough demonstrates our unwavering resolve to confront and dismantle criminal activities in our communities. The seamless cooperation between SAPS units and our private security partners was instrumental in this success," said Maj. Gen. Mkhwanazi.

He added, "We send a clear message to those engaging in criminal endeavours that it is only a matter of time before justice is served. We also call upon the public to continue partnering with us by reporting suspicious activity, as this case proves that community-backed intelligence is key to fostering a safer environment for all."

The suspects are expected to appear before the Witbank Magistrate's Court in the coming days.