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Eastern Newz, Bushbuckridge, Bushbuckridge (2025)

03/06/2025

🚨 BREAKING | Floyd Shivambu REMOVED as MK Party Secretary-General 🚨
Easten News | 3 June 2025

Floyd Shivambu has been recalled from his leadership position in the MK Party after an unsanctioned visit to Shepherd Bushiri’s church in Malawi. 🇲🇼

🔹 Party cites violation of internal rules
🔹 Trip seen as damaging to party image
🔹 Shivambu to be redeployed to Parliament
🔹 Internal tensions grow within MK ranks

MK Party President Jacob Zuma & NEC made the call following urgent discussions. Is this the end of Shivambu's influence in MK?

📢 Full story on EastenNews.co.za

27/05/2025

Celebrating my 6th year on Facebook. Thank you for your continuing support. I could never have made it without you. 🙏🤗🎉

27/05/2025

Eastern News

South Africa Mourns the Loss of Acclaimed Actor Presley Chweneyagae

Johannesburg, 27 May 2025 — South Africa is in mourning following the untimely death of Presley Chweneyagae, the celebrated actor best known for his roles in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi and the popular television series The River. Chweneyagae passed away early Tuesday morning at the age of 40, as confirmed by his manager, Nina Morris Lee.

Born on October 19, 1984, in Mahikeng, North West province, Chweneyagae's passion for the performing arts was evident from a young age. He began his artistic journey at the age of 10, participating in drama classes at the North West Arts Council, now known as the Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation.

Chweneyagae rose to international prominence with his lead role in the 2005 film Tsotsi, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. His portrayal of the titular character earned him the inaugural Golden Horn Award for Best Actor at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) in 2006.

In recent years, he captivated local audiences with his performance as Thuso "Cobra" Mokoena in the television drama The River, a role that further solidified his status as one of South Africa's most talented actors.

News of Chweneyagae's passing has elicited an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans, colleagues, and public figures. ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula expressed his condolences, stating, "Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Presley Chweneyagae. A true giant of South African film and theatre, his legacy in Tsotsi, The River, and beyond will live on."

As the nation reflects on Chweneyagae's remarkable contributions to the arts, details regarding memorial and funeral services are expected to be announced in the coming days.

*Eastern News extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and fans of Presley Chweneyagae during this difficult time.*

22/05/2025

EASTEN NEWS
Thursday, May 22, 2025

Ramaphosa's U.S. Visit Erupts in Oval Office Showdown Over "White Genocide" Claims

WASHINGTON, D.C. — What began as a diplomatic mission to mend fractured ties between South Africa and the United States took a dramatic turn on Wednesday when President Cyril Ramaphosa was confronted by U.S. President Donald Trump with inflammatory claims of a so-called “white genocide” in South Africa.

During a high-stakes Oval Office meeting, President Trump dimmed the lights and presented a video depicting graphic scenes of violence against white South African farmers, including footage of chants like “Kill the Boer” and rows of white crosses. The footage, widely circulated by right-wing groups, was described by Trump as evidence of state-sanctioned persecution.

President Ramaphosa, visibly taken aback, firmly rejected the claims, stating that the video did not reflect the realities of South Africa, where crime affects all citizens regardless of race. He emphasized that the South African government does not endorse or tolerate such acts of violence.

The meeting, intended to address concerns over the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and restore diplomatic relations, was further strained by President Trump's recent executive order cutting U.S. aid to South Africa and offering refugee status to white South Africans, citing alleged racial discrimination.

In an attempt to ease tensions, President Ramaphosa had included renowned South African golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen in his delegation, hoping to connect with President Trump over their shared interest in golf. However, the gesture was overshadowed by the unexpected confrontation.

The South African government has expressed concern over the mischaracterization of its land reform policies and the potential impact on bilateral trade relations. President Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa's commitment to engaging with the U.S. to clarify misconceptions and strengthen economic ties.

As the AGOA agreement approaches its expiration in September, the future of U.S.-South Africa trade relations remains uncertain. Analysts suggest that the recent events may complicate negotiations and further strain diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Reporting by EASTEN NEWS

20/05/2025

DNA Blow in Meyiwa Murder Trial: Forensic Results Fail to Link Accused

By Easten News Reporter
Pretoria – May 20, 2025

In a development that could significantly shift the trajectory of the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, DNA evidence presented in court has failed to place any of the five accused at the scene of the crime. The revelation has sparked renewed debate over the strength of the prosecution’s case, nearly a decade after the beloved soccer star’s tragic death.

Senzo Meyiwa, former captain of Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates, was gunned down in Vosloorus on October 26, 2014, in what was initially described as a botched robbery. The case has since drawn national attention, with growing calls for justice and transparency.

Testifying in the Pretoria High Court, forensic expert Captain Mmampshedi Masetla stated under oath that DNA collected from crucial exhibits—including a scotch hat allegedly left by one of the intruders—did not match the profiles of any of the five accused men. The suspects—Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, and Fisokuhle Ntuli—have all pleaded not guilty.

Masetla further explained that DNA swabs lifted from various surfaces within the house also excluded the accused. “None of the DNA profiles from the crime scene were linked to the individuals currently standing trial,” he said.

Defense attorneys quickly seized upon the findings, questioning how a violent altercation in a confined space could have left no genetic trace of the alleged perpetrators. Legal analysts say the forensic gaps raise serious concerns about the integrity of the initial investigation and how suspects were identified.

The prosecution, however, maintains that its case is not solely reliant on DNA and that eyewitness accounts and other forms of evidence will corroborate the state's version of events.

As proceedings continue, public confidence remains divided—some viewing the DNA exclusion as a turning point, others urging patience until all evidence is presented. For the Meyiwa family and South Africans who have followed the case with hope and heartbreak, the truth remains elusive.

The trial resumes this week as expert witnesses continue to testify.

19/05/2025

SIU Probes Alleged Corruption at SITA and Bushbuckridge Municipality

By Easten News Staff Reporter

President Cyril Ramaphosa Authorises Two New SIU Investigations via Proclamations 258 and 259 of 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed two significant proclamations authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe allegations of corruption and maladministration at the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) and Bushbuckridge Local Municipality in Mpumalanga.

Proc 258 of 2025: Spotlight on SITA Procurement Practices
Proclamation 258 authorises the SIU to investigate SITA's procurement of a Turnkey Software Asset Management Solution and Integrated Logistics Support Services. The probe will determine whether the procurement process followed National Treasury guidelines or was marred by irregularities, lack of transparency, or wasteful expenditure.

The investigation spans from 13 July 2017 to 16 May 2025 and includes any relevant activities before or after this period. It will also scrutinise the conduct of SITA employees, suppliers, and any entities linked to the contracts.

Proc 259 of 2025: Bushbuckridge Municipality Under Scrutiny
Proclamation 259 targets alleged maladministration within the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, particularly relating to the Lillydale Phase 1 project—Contract No. BLM R119, MIG/MP/1710/RST/18/19. This project concerns the paving of internal streets, and the SIU is mandated to investigate whether the procurement process adhered to legal and policy requirements of fairness, competitiveness, equity, transparency, and cost-effectiveness.

The inquiry will cover the period from 1 January 2018 to 16 May 2025 and examine instances of unauthorised, irregular, fruitless or wasteful expenditure. It will further investigate any improper conduct by officials, employees, contractors, or service providers that may have led to financial loss.

Accountability and Legal Action
The SIU, under the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, is empowered to refer any evidence of criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). It may also institute civil proceedings in the High Court or Special Tribunal to recover losses resulting from corruption, fraud, or maladministration.

These investigations reflect a continued commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability in public entities.

— End —
For more updates, follow Easten News.

18/05/2025

Omotoso Deported and Barred from South Africa for Five Years

By Eastern News Staff Reporter

JOHANNESBURG – Controversial Nigerian televangelist and founder of Jesus Dominion International, Timothy Omotoso, has officially been deported from South Africa and slapped with a five-year ban from re-entering the country.

Omotoso was escorted through O.R. Tambo International Airport, as captured in footage aired by SABC News, bringing a dramatic end to his years-long legal saga. His departure follows a tumultuous legal battle that began with his high-profile 2017 arrest on more than 90 charges, including r**e, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

The Eastern Cape High Court delivered a shock ruling on April 2, 2025, when Judge Irma Schoeman acquitted Omotoso on 32 charges. In her judgment, she condemned the prosecution’s handling of the case, stating that despite inconsistencies in Omotoso’s version of events and troubling allegations from multiple women—many of whom were minors and former members of his gospel group—the state failed to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

However, the televangelist’s legal troubles did not end there. On May 10, just weeks after his acquittal, Omotoso was rearrested by immigration officials for overstaying his permit and violating immigration laws. The Department of Home Affairs subsequently ordered his deportation and imposed a five-year ban on his return to South Africa.

His forced exit has reignited public outrage, with many South Africans expressing disappointment in the justice system and questioning whether the voices of survivors were ever truly heard.

This is a developing story. Follow Eastern News for updates.

17/05/2025

South Africa's Unemployment Rate Climbs to 32.9%

The latest figures from Stats SA paint a troubling picture: unemployment has risen by 1.0% from Q4 2024 to Q1 2025, pushing the national rate to 32.9%.

Provincial Unemployment Breakdown:

• North West: 56.0%
• Mpumalanga: 49.3%
• Eastern Cape: 49.0%
• Limpopo: 48.6%
• KwaZulu-Natal: 46.9%
• Free State: 44.8%
• Northern Cape: 43.0%
• Gauteng: 40.0%
• Western Cape: 24.7%

The figures underscore the urgent need for economic reform. Small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) are the backbone of job creation. Rather than pouring billions into temporary relief like the R370 grant, government should prioritize investments that empower entrepreneurs and create sustainable employment.

Red tape continues to choke business growth. It's time to cut the bureaucratic barriers and foster an environment where starting and running a business is simpler, faster, and more rewarding.

14/05/2025

Barberton Mines to Retrench Nearly 300 Workers

Barberton Mines, one of the largest employers in Mpumalanga’s mining sector, has begun a retrenchment process that will see around 300 employees lose their jobs.

The company initially proposed laying off approximately 900 workers. However, following negotiations with union representatives, the number has been significantly reduced to just under 300.

Reasons cited for the retrenchments include:

• Escalating operational costs
• Ageing and constrained infrastructure
• Production shortfalls and other challenges

Management states that it has implemented various measures to avoid job losses, but these efforts have not produced the desired outcomes.

Some employees have voiced dissatisfaction with how the process has been handled, claiming that due process was not followed. The retrenchments are expected to have a devastating impact on many families, as breadwinners are left without income.

Among those affected are former workers from Lily Mine, who previously lost their jobs after the mine collapse.

03/05/2025

Bushbuckridge Municipality Faces Backlash Over Questionable Hires

The Bushbuckridge Local Municipality is under fire following a Public Protector investigation that exposed irregularities in its hiring practices, shaking public confidence in the institution’s leadership.

According to the report, two individuals were appointed to key positions without meeting the minimum qualification requirements. One was hired as a Human Resources Administration Clerk despite not having a matric certificate, while the other took up a position as an Occupational Health and Safety Clerk without the necessary academic or professional background.

Allegations of political interference have emerged, suggesting that the appointments were influenced by connections rather than credentials. This has triggered widespread concern over the credibility of the recruitment process and the potential impact on service delivery.

Executive Mayor Lydia Moroane has been ordered to present the report to council and investigate the legality of the appointments, with the possibility of reversing them if found to be unlawful.

The municipality has yet to comment, but community members and civic groups are demanding action and accountability. Many view the incident as a symptom of deeper governance issues within the municipality.

This unfolding controversy adds to the growing pressure on local government entities to uphold ethical hiring practices and ensure that positions are filled by suitably qualified candidates.

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