Daily Archives: September 29, 2025

‘Business ties with the United States are strong and expanding’

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Picture: The RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By AGISANANG SCUFF

29 September 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said last week, he addressed a Trade and Investment Dialogue between South African and US businesses on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Ramaphosa said this was one of a number of engagements they had with US companies, while in the city.

He further said some of these companies already have business operations in South Africa, while others are interested in investing. Ramaphosa added that all of the companies commended the reforms being undertaken by the government and the prospects for growth in the economy.

“As part of strengthening ties with the United States, we also used the opportunity to meet with members of the US Congress and Senate. Some of our ministers and officials also held meetings with representatives of the US administration.

“The Trade and Investment Dialogue was convened by the US Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business advocacy organisation with representation in more than 120 countries, including South Africa. A number of government officials and representatives from business and industry from both countries were present,” he said.

Ramaphosa said the optimistic, future-focused tone of this important engagement underscored how, beyond the headlines and debates around trade policy and political frictions, US and South African businesses are forging ahead. 

Addressing the dialogue, the President of the US-Africa Business Center of the US Chamber of Commerce Kendra Gaither said that there was “no economic relationship more foundational than the ties that the US and South Africa have”. She said it was a vital relationship that merits dedicated attention. 

Ramaphosa said as further testimony to the strength of this relationship, later this year, the US Chamber of Commerce will be sending a high-powered delegation, led by its CEO, to the B20 Summit, the official dialogue forum of the G20 for the global business community. He said commercial ties between South Africa and the US have proven to be both durable and resilient.

“There are more than 600 US companies in South Africa. Our country is the second-largest African destination for US exports. Both South African and US businesses can see the clear opportunities and commercial gains of investing in the other’s respective markets. 

“South Africa is positioning itself as an investment destination for critical minerals, with the digital transition and the global move towards net zero driving global demand. We also had the opportunity to engage with US industry around investment opportunities in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, technology and other key sectors,” said Ramaphosa.

He said they announced the establishment of the South Africa-United States Trade and Investment Forum, which will be inaugurated at next year’s South Africa Investment Conference as a vital bridge between the two countries. Ramaphosa said these engagements with business take place alongside discussions with the US administration around a reciprocal trade agreement.

“Our Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has been meeting with the US Trade Representative to finalise an agreement that benefits both our countries. We are also encouraged that the US Chamber of Commerce supports the reauthorisation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), describing it as “the cornerstone of US-Africa commerce”.

“Predictable, preferential access to the US market isn’t just vital to South Africa’s own exports, but also to US companies that depend on reliable imports. We are also prioritising the African Continental Free Trade Area as a vital tool for strengthening US-South Africa trade and investment,” he said.

Ramaphosa said as a country, they will continue to advocate for the principle of reciprocity in investment and trade relations with the US. He said as the presence of US companies on South African soil continues to grow, they want to expand the number of South African companies operating in the US market, thereby creating more jobs for Americans. 

“As the official talks around trade tariffs continue, we take to heart the words of the US Chamber of Commerce representative at the recent dialogue, that expanding commercial partnerships “happens one deal, one investment at time”. 

“Our engagements in the US show that South African and US businesses remain deeply connected and are committed to mutually beneficial partnerships well into the future,” said Ramaphosa. 

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Amajita up against France in 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup game tonight

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Picture: Amajita players

By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 September 2025 – South African Under-20 men’s national team coach, Raymond Mdaka, has named the squad that will represent the country at the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile this month. The biennial international youth football tournament will be held in Chile from 27 September to 19 October 2025.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi was not considered as part of an agreement between Mdaka and his Bafana Bafana counterpart Hugo Broos. The defender will be part of the Bafana Bafana squad that will play two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda next month. Belgium-based Shandre Campbell is another notable absentee after he was denied permission to join the Chile-bound South African U20 squad by his club Club Brugge.

Bafana Bafana coach Broos stepped in and tried to negotiate with the Belgians, but the club still refused to accept the call-up letter.

“The South African Under 20 Men’s National Team has once again resumed its programs in preparation for the U20 FIFA World Cup. Having started with a recent camp during the September FIFA calendar, which was from the 1st of September to the 9th, where we were supposed to finalize the team of about 21 players that will be representing the country.

“Yes, it was a very good camp, honestly. A lot of headaches where we had all these players, about 30 players, and then trying to come up with 21. Very, very difficult. But the fact that we’ve been with the players for so long, that’s one thing that helped us to be able to come up with the final list,” said Mdaka.

He further said the final list, if you look at it, consists of about 80% of the players who have been through the programs since they started in their preparation, through COSAFA and the U20 AFCON. Mdaka added that they are happy because these players have even graduated here.

“They are first team players, most of them. And not only have graduated to the first team, but at the same time, most of them are getting minutes in their first teams, which helps because, you know, with the national team, you only have them sometimes, maybe for a week or so.

“The team assembled in Johannesburg on 19 September 2025, and departed for Chile on 24 September 2025. We are drawn in Group E and we will face France on 29 September, New Caledonia on October 2 and the United States of America on October 5,” he said.

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ANC mourns the death of Andile Lungisa’s mother

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 September 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) has learned with deep pain and sadness of the passing of uMama Nonezile Lungisa, the beloved mother of their National Executive Committee (NEC) member, Andile Lungisa. The party said on behalf of the National Officials, the NEC, and the entire membership of the ANC, it extends its heartfelt condolences to Andile, the Lungisa family, relatives and friends.

The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said the passing of a mother is an immeasurable loss and they share in their grief during this difficult time. Bhengu said they hold the Lungisa family in their thoughts and prayers and they call upon society to wrap them in love, comfort, and support.

“Details regarding the funeral arrangements will be communicated once the family has finalised the preparations,” she said.

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Didiza calls for stronger youth participation

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Picture: The Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza

By REGINALD KANYANE

29 September 2025 – The Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, today called for stronger youth participation in parliaments and global decision-making platforms. Didiza addressed the P20 Young Parliamentarians Forum held under the theme: “Young Parliamentarians as Drivers of Global Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.”

She further said the meeting is taking place ahead of the 11th Parliamentary Speakers Summit (P20) scheduled for 1 to 3 October 2025. Didiza added that young people remain a vital force for shaping inclusive, sustainable and peaceful societies.

“We need to underline the importance of harnessing the energy, innovation and perspectives of young leaders. Young people are a powerhouse in exploring solutions to the problems of the modern world. Their perspectives, energy and inventive ideas are critical in helping us find original solutions needed for today’s challenges.

“Although progress has been made, young people continue to be under-represented in many legislatures worldwide. According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), only 2.8% of the world’s parliamentarians are under the age of 30, and 73% of Upper Houses have no members under the age of 30,” she said.

Didiza informed delegates that South Africa encourages youth participation in Parliament through political party processes and youth activism, which has ensured that the voices of young people are included in both Houses. She also highlighted several pressing issues confronting young people worldwide.

“These include persistently high levels of unemployment and poverty; the effects of conflict, instability and migration, which disproportionately affect youth; the severe consequences of climate change, also burdening younger generations; and limited access to education, skills development and digital opportunities.

“We urge parliaments to use their oversight powers to advance policies that promote youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, decent work, and access to technology, while also ensuring the responsible regulation of artificial intelligence,” said Didiza.

She said as they promote societies founded on democracy and respect for human rights, they must be conscious that young people are often the most affected by the decisions they make today. Didiza said it is no longer acceptable to take decisions without their voices.

She also emphasised the need for solidarity and international cooperation to build inclusive economies and address global challenges such as inequality, climate change and geopolitical tensions. Didiza said the actions and decisions they take today must ensure that young people, particularly in the Global South, gain meaningful access to economic opportunities and play a central role in shaping a just and sustainable future.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa will officially open the 11th Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) on 1 October 2025. The outcomes of this Summit will inform parliamentary deliberations on issues such as unemployment, education, healthcare, and sustainable development in South Africa, the African continent and the rest of the world,”she said.

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FIFA sanctions Bafana Bafana for fielding ineligible player

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Picture: Bafana Bafana player, Teboho Mokoena

By OBAKENG MAJE

29 September 2025 – The South African Football Association (SAFA) said it acknowledges a ruling by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, which sanctioned the association for erroneously fielding midfielder Teboho Mokoena during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Lesotho played on 21 March 2025. SAFA said in terms of the decision, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee declared the match to have been forfeited by Bafana Bafana by the score of 3-0.

SAFA president, Danny Jordaan said the association has also further been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10,000, while Mokoena has been issued with a warning. Jordaan said as SAFA, they are deeply disappointed with this unprecedented outcome noting that it was delivered by a single-member panel without reasons and without affording the association an opportunity to present legal arguments.

“The association confirms that we have requested written reasons for the judgment and intend to lodge a formal appeal with the FIFA Appeals Committee within the prescribed 10-day period under FIFA’s disciplinary rules.

“Despite the outcome, the association emphasises its continued commitment to supporting Bafana Bafana in their qualification campaign. The players and the technical team have worked extremely hard to reach this stage, and we remain focused on ensuring they secure maximum points in the matches ahead,” he said.

Jordaan further said they apologise to the nation for this administrative oversight and will reflect on the steps to take at the conclusion of their qualifying campaign. He added that, finally, they call on all South Africans to rally behind the team during this final and crucial stage of the qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana will next face Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 10 October 2025, followed by a clash against Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on 14 October 2025. Both matches will kick off at 6pm.

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Pastor accused of raping a minor granted bail

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

29 September 2025- The Heidelberg Magistrate’s Court has granted a pastor (57) from Ratanda aR2000 bail, with strict conditions that he must report at Nigel police station every Sunday between 8am and 4pm, refrain from contacting the complainant and not to return to Ratanda. He is facing three counts of rape of a 17-year-old girl who is a member of his congregation.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that on 14 September 2025, in the afternoon, the complainant received a call from the accused requesting her to come for a cleansing ceremony at the church situated at his place of residence in Ratanda. Mahanjana said when she arrived, the accused instructed her to go to the main house and enter the bedroom.

“Thereafter, the accused followed her to the bedroom, requested her to undress, but when the complainant refused, the accused forcefully removed her clothes, pushed her onto the bed, and began to apply oil on her body. The accused then proceeded to rape the complainant by penetrating her vagina with his penis twice and inserting a vibrator inside her.

“After the accused was done, the complainant managed to escape, ran home, and informed her mother about what had happened. On the same day, a case was opened against the accused, and he was arrested at his place of residence,” she said.

Mahanjana further said, in court during bail proceedings, the accused through his legal representative, asked to be released on bail because he has no previous convictions and he has a fixed address. She added that the accused said if he is not released on bail, he will suffer financially as he is a breadwinner, and that he suffers from a chronic illness.

“However, the state prosecutor, Kutelani Nndanganeni, opposed his release on bail, arguing that the accused is charged with a serious offense and that he could evade trial, as such an offense carries a hefty sentence.

“Furthermore, he said that the accused was in a position of trust which he took advantage of, that he is well known to the complainant as they stay in the same area, and that the accused can receive medical treatment in prison,” said Mahanjana.

During bail judgement, the Magistrate, Gerhard Strydom said that the accused has no previous convictions of rape, does not seem to be a flight risk and that he suffers from a chronic illness. Strydom said that such matters take long before trial commences and therefore it is in the interest of justice to release him on bail.

Mahanjana said the NPA commends the mother’s vigilance, whose swift action led to the accused’s arrest. She said the NPA urges families and communities to remain vigilant, report suspected abuse promptly and support survivors through Thuthuzela Care Centers (TCC’s), which offer medical, psychological, and legal assistance.

“This case highlights the critical role of parents in recognising signs of abuse and acting decisively. The NPA calls on South Africans to unite against GBV, fostering safe environments where children’s constitutional rights to dignity and safety are upheld, and perpetrators face the full might of the law.

“The case was postponed to 4 November 2025, for further investigations,” she said.

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Counterfeit goods worth R260m confiscated

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Picture: The police confiscate counterfeit goods/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 September 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) together with its crime-fighting partners said, they continue to record commendable progress in dismantling the illegal trade in counterfeit and illicit goods across the country. Within a week, police seized counterfeit goods valued at more than R260 million during multiple takedown operations in North West.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said more than 100 shops in and around Coligny, Klerksdorp, Lichtenburg, Mahikeng, Potchefstroom, Rustenburg, Ventersdorp and Zeerust, were identified and targeted between 15 and 24 September 2025.  Van Wyk said from these operations, police confiscated over 86 000 counterfeit items that include designer branded clothing, sports apparel, footwear, bags, caps, toys, and consumables.

“The police also confiscated counterfeit medicines valued at more than R45 000, along with illicit cigarettes and liquor. The integrated operations were led by the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, supported by Public Order Policing and Crime Prevention Units in North West as well as major role players such as the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs Division and brand protectors,” she said.

Van Wyk further said acting under the authority of the Counterfeit Goods Act, 1997, custom officials and brand protectors play a crucial role in identifying, verifying, and detaining counterfeit items. She added that the Act protects intellectual property rights by prohibiting and preventing the trade in and manufacturing of counterfeit goods.

“These recent operations form part of ongoing national efforts to disrupt organised criminal networks, protect legitimate businesses, and safeguard the public from potentially harmful products,” said van Wyk.

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Lesotho national sentenced to two life terms imprisonment for rape

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 September 2025 – A man (40) was sentenced to two life terms imprisonment by the Potchefstroom Regional Court for rape. The convict was sentenced for raping his girlfriend in January 2023, at Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said consequent to registration of the case that was investigated by the Potchefstroom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit, the accused, Elias Tsetla, was arrested three days later. Mokgwabone said after failing to prove his legal status in the country, Tsetla, who is from Lesotho, was further charged with contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002.

“Evidence was led in court that the girlfriend, then aged 28, arrived home and found the boyfriend who accused her of having affairs with other men. Following the exchange regarding the accusations, the convict assaulted and twice raped her.   

“Although he pleaded not guilty, the accused, who has been in custody since his arrest, was found guilty and sentenced to two life terms imprisonment for two counts of rape, sentenced to three months imprisonment or to pay a fine of R3000 for violation of Immigration Act,” he said.

He further said the court ordered that the accused’s name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Dintletse Molefe, welcomed the sentences. Molefe and the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Rachel Makhari extolled Warrant Officer Jaco Jonker, the state prosecutor, advocate Annecke Du Toit and everyone who played a critical role to ensure that the conviction is secured as part of the entities’ commitment to deal firmly with violence against women and children.

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‘Sleeping with learners is wholly inappropriate and despicable’

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Picture: A pregnant learner/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

29 September 2025 – The Select Committee on Education, Science and the Creative Industries has expressed alarm about allegations that educators impregnated learners and paid them for termination. The committee said it was concerning that so many alleged incidents of sexual violations of learners are being discussed in retrospect on social media platforms.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Makhi Feni, condemned these alleged incidents and called on professional bodies to follow up and act accordingly. Feni said learners who have been violated in this manner must come forward and report these incidents to the police.

“South Africa’s legislative framework criminalises this act, and so does the Code of Conduct for Educators. We are shocked by the revelations on social media, and so many women are attesting to such statements. That calls for a proper investigation and appropriate sanction, even if it is retrospective. Educators cannot feast on our children when we’ve entrusted them with custodianship.

“Allegations had surfaced pointing to what appears to be a pervasive silent culture in Eastern Cape schools. Several women came out in support and even alleged that it has become “normal practice” for educators to pay learners to terminate pregnancies,” he said.

Feni further calls on the South African Council for Educators to follow up on the alleged incidents, where schools and suspected educators had been named. He added that they call on learners and parents to come forward and report these alleged incidents, even if they were approached as relationships.

“Sleeping with learners is wholly inappropriate and despicable. We, therefore, frown upon such acts. All educators have a parental responsibility when children are in their care,” said Feni.

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SA beauty pageant, Gofaone Keretetse ready for the bigger stage  

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Picture: Model and beauty pageant, Gofaone Keretetse  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

29 September 2025- To be a successful model, one needs to have a fierce character, professional attitude and work ethics beyond glittering gowns and radiant smiles. Fortunately, a South African model and beauty pageant, Gofaone Kitso Keretetse (20), possesses all that. Keretetse, who was born and bred in Khibitswane village, near Taung, is taking the entertainment industry by storm after finding her niche. 

A model and a beauty pageant in her own right, Keretetse is the finalist of Face Of Devotion competition that will take place at Johannesburg City Hall on 13 December 2025. She is currently a student at the Central University of Technology (CUT) in the Free State, pursuing her career in Education. 

“I am a compassionate, empathetic and inspirational young woman. Dignity and respect are what I value most. I firmly believe in a core principle of Ubuntu that says, “Motho Ke Motho Ka Batho Ba Bangwe”, which is loosely translated as, a person is a person through others, as it was correctly articulated by the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu. 

“My modelling journey started at the age of 10 after I attended one of my sister’s pageant competitions. I later participated in other pageants like Miss St Paul’s, Miss Heritage North West, Miss Ba Ga Maidi and Face Of Devotion South Africa,” said Keretetse. 

She was also crowned as Pinagare High School’s prom queen. Keretetse is currently the Face of Devotion Free State 2025 ambassador, which geared her to the national stage to represent the Free State province. 

“Being a model is more than walking on a stage and showing your beauty. Being a model means having good leadership skills and willing to lose self in the service of others. There are no requirements needed for one to be a model. 

“All you need is your confidence, communication and leadership skills and being persistent. As a student at the CUT, I believe that education is the key to success. I believe that education opens doors to new opportunities, improves socio-economic prospects and empowers the youth to become active citizens,” she said. 

Keretetse further said education plays a significant role in shaping the world, fostering creativity and promoting personal growth. She added that she sees herself as a qualified pedagogical practitioner after five years. 

“I also see myself embarking on community related projects and grooming aspiring models and beauty pageants. I believe that, in the world that we live in, women are given enough opportunities within society. Even though women are empowered, that seems to create despondency to certain individuals.

“However, I believe that women are not celebrated enough as they are supposed to. Women are the future leaders of the world. Remember, when you empower a woman, you empower the whole community. It is disheartening to see women living in fear due to the abuse they are subjected to,” said Keretetse. 

She said despite the living conditions that women are finding themselves living in, they should stand firm and fight against injustices. Keretetse said those who would like to vote for her, there are voting packages, for R50 which is equal to 10 votes, R100 to 20 votes, R200 to 50 votes, R300 to 80 votes, R500 to 150 votes and R1000 to 400 votes. 

“They can transfer their votes to: FNB Business 

Account Number: 63164524936

Branch Code: 250655

Reference: FDSA22. 

“It is requested that you send your proof of payment to 0632186945 after voting,” she said. 

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