6 May 2025 – A National Council of Provinces (NCOP) KwaZulu-Natal delegation, led by Provincial Whip, Mzamo Billy, held a constructive engagement yesterday, with the executive of the eThekwini Local Municipality, including the mayor Cyril Xaba and senior city management. The meeting was a direct follow-up to the September 2024 NCOP Provincial Week oversight programme to assess progress on key public infrastructure projects.
Billy said following in-depth deliberations, the meeting welcomed a resolution that all stakeholders involved in the go. He said the Durban project, including taxi operators, be formally invited to appear before the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure.
“The delegation will accordingly write to the Committee Chairperson, Frederik Badenhorst to consider the decision. This initiative seeks to break the current impasse over equity disputes and ensure inclusive participation in shaping the future of public transport in eThekwini.
“The delegation reaffirmed that delays in the project undermine access and mobility for thousands of commuters and urged swift, transparent resolution of the issues. The delegation also noted progress in other critical service delivery initiatives,” said Billy.
He further said the R270 million Hammarsdale Wastewater Treatment Plant has recorded R52 million in current expenditure and 35% completion, with officials committing to addressing earlier delays relating to design, procurement and funding cycles. Billy added that, at the Kennedy Road Housing Project, the NCOP delegation welcomed the report that 61 housing units have been built to date.
“In a move to strengthen public trust and fair access, the NCOP recommended the implementation of a transparent and accessible housing beneficiary list, a recommendation the City has accepted.
“To ensure continuity, the NCOP delegation has requested quarterly progress reports on both the Hammarsdale and Kennedy Road projects. This reporting will allow parliament to track expenditure, monitor challenges and push for timely delivery to the communities that need it most,” he said.
Billy said through the effort of the NCOP, these crucial projects have seen great progress. He stressed that as the NCOP, they are resolute in our duty to ensure that public infrastructure investments deliver real, measurable benefits to the people.
“We welcome the city’s cooperation, but will continue to hold them accountable until every commitment is honoured. The NCOP will now escalate today’s resolutions to relevant parliamentary structures and monitor implementation closely in upcoming sittings and oversight visits,” said Billy.
Picture: Two security guards shooting against each other at Ditsobotla Local Municipality/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
6 May 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West SAID IT condemns the alleged ANC factional violence that took place under the ‘cover of darkness’ at the Ditsobotla Local Municipality offices in Lichtenburg in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The DA said it is alleged that shots were fired, injuring one individual in a standoff at around 4am on Sunday morning between the legitimately appointed municipal security company, Eagle Springbok Security and the private security, Lifeways Security of the ‘illegitimate’ Municipal Manager pretender, Olaotswe Bojosinyane.
The DA North West spokesperson on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Christiaan Jacobus Steyl alleged this is the second shoot-out following an incident in March 2025, where two individuals were shot and injured as Bojosinyane attempted to take control of the municipal building in scenes reminiscent of a coup d’état.
“In March, the DA wrote the both the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng and the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General, Patrick Asaneng, requesting the permanent employment of the public order police unit to the Ditsobotla Local Municipality to restore and maintain order.
“Regrettably, our letter went unanswered and, sadly, public order policing has not been deployed. Today, the DA has written to the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, expressing our displeasure with the unprofessional way Asaneng, has engaged with our request and that he immediately mobilise SAPS Public Order Policing Units from outside the North West province to secure the Ditsobotla municipal building,” he said.
Steyl further said the deployment of police to secure the Ditsobotla municipal offices, a critical local state asset, is now immediately necessary, since the continued standoff between the two ANC factions, to which these two security companies appear to have aligned with, is set to deteriorate into further violence that may end in the loss of life.
He added that, despite the North West High Court order rejecting the legitimacy of the ANC/EFF faction led by Molefe Morutse (ANC), Manana Bogatsu (EFF) and Olaotswe Bojosinyane and a Supreme Court of Appeal rejection to overturn the order of the High Court, it appears that these pretenders will stop at nothing to take control of the ailing municipality. Steyl said it is regrettable that private security companies have now allegedly aligned themselves with warring ANC factions in Ditsobotla, perhaps in a bid to secure and maintain long-standing and lucrative contracts.
“Much like municipal officials have aligned themselves with warring ANC factions, all while residents continue to endure life without water and electricity supply.
“Under no circumstances can Ditsobotla residents continue to live under a general state of lawlessness. Law, order and service delivery must be restored,” he said.
Steyl said the DA once again wrote to the Minister of COGTA, Velenkosini Hlabisa, bringing recent developments to his attention and urging him that Ditsobotla must be placed under Section 139(7) national government administration sooner, rather than later. He said they reiterate their call to Ditsobotla residents to sign their petition to secure the national government’s intervention so that they can rescue the municipality from complete ruin. Sign the petition here: https://petitions.da.org.za/p/put-ditsobotla-under-administration
6 May 2025- On Wednesday, the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs led by Kgalalelo Makgokgowa, will hold public hearings across the province on the Independent Municipal Demarcation Authority Bill (B 14B – 2023) at the Legislature Auditorium in Mahikeng, Ngaka Modiri Molema District, Sarafina Community Hall in Potchefstroom in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, Kismet Community Hall in Kismet, Vryburg in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District and Rustenburg Old Town Hall in Bojanala District.
Makgokgowa said all hearings will commence at 10h00.
She further said the bill aims to provide for the establishment, functions and powers of the Independent Municipal Demarcation Authority to provide for the criteria and procedures for the determination and redetermination of municipal boundaries. Makgokgowa added that it also set to provide for the delimitation of wards, to provide for the establishment of the Demarcation Appeals Authority, to provide for municipal capacity assessments and to provide for matters incidental thereto.
“The relevant stakeholders have been invited to attend the public hearing. The public hearings will be streamed live on the North West Provincial Legislature Facebook page,” she said.
Picture: Fifteen people died in a minibus taxi crash in Eastern Cape
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
6 May 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport, Donald Selamolela, has sent heartfelt condolences to the families of those who perished in the Eastern Cape minibus taxi crash on Sunday. Selamolela said it was with sadness that so many people perished in this manner.
He further said, according to media reports, 15 people died in a head-on collision on the R63 outside Fort Beaufort, en route to Adelaide. Selamolela added that the accident occurred after midnight on Sunday, when a minibus taxi collided with a van.
“We had begun to see results in our road safety plans this past Easter weekend and then sadly this happened. It is with great sadness that we have to bow in loss of these innocent lives who did not deserve to pass like this.
“South Africans deserve better and we will not tire in making the calls for all road users to always be vigilant and always ensure the safety of others at all times on the road,” he said.
Selamolela reiterated that road safety is everyone’s business.
6 May 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it will continue to put pressure on the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to restore court services to the Galeshewe community. This comes after the due date for the re-operationalisation of the Galeshewe Magistrate’s Court building in Kimberley has shifted again.
The DA Member of the Select Committee on Security and Justice and Member of Parliament (MP), Ofentse Mokae, said they have written to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mamoloko Kubayi, who indicated that, the root cause of the structural integrity-related issues has yet to be determined and that a contractor is not likely to be appointed before January 2026. Mokae said there is thus neither a scheduled practical completion date for the structural defects project, nor a scheduled inspection date from the Department of Labour for subsequent lifting of the prohibition notice.
“This is contrary to previous assurances that the court building would be re-opened in the current financial year. We are tired of empty promises and a lack of transparency in relation to the true state of the court building.
“The court building was shut down by the Department of Labour in July 2023, due to structural defects posing a safety risk to staff and the public. Court services were temporarily provided at Galeshewe Police Station before being moved to the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court in January 2024,” he said.
Mokae further said the situation places financial strain on Galeshewe residents, who must travel into the city to access court services. He added that the additional load has also put the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court under pressure, aggravating court backlogs.
“I will continue raising this matter in Parliament and in the select committee of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), seeking answers and accountability.
“I will also insist that the department provides the committee with a mitigation strategy to address the growing court bottleneck that has developed as a result of the Galeshewe Court’s closure,” said Mokae.
He said while the fate of the current Galeshewe court building hangs in the balance, justice for the Galeshewe community cannot.
Meanwhile, Kubayi said: “Various investigations were conducted by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI). The building shows several structural issues, including plaster detachment from reinforced concrete surfaces, cracking and movement in both the brickwork and concrete, particularly around the expansion joints, and noticeable movement within the expansion joints themselves.
“These signs suggest potential underlying problems with structural integrity and settling. A thorough inspection is recommended to identify the root cause and assess the overall condition of the structure, particularly in the areas of plaster, cracking, and expansion joint movement.”
Kubayi said a project has been registered with DPWI to address the identified defects leading to the visible cracks in the building. She said the DPWI is in the process of appointing Structural, Mechanical Engineers and an Occupation Health and Safety Agent, the appointment process is anticipated to be concluded by September 2025.
“A service provider to execute the project will be appointed after the completion of the sketch plan, designs and Bills of Quantities. The appointment of Structural, Mechanical Engineers and an Occupation Health and Safety Agent will determine the extent of damage to the facility and will also provide the estimated figures to rectify the structural damages to the court.
“The exact figure will only be known once the service provider is appointed to undertake the remedial work. It is anticipated that the project will be completed after a period of 6 months (pending thorough assessments by professional service providers) depending on the contractor’s appointment date, after all SCM processes have been finalized,” said Kubayi.
She said the contractor is anticipated to be appointed in January 2026. According to Kubayi, court will be officially opened when all the defects have been addressed, contract completion date and practical completion of the project taken, with an inspection from the Department of Labour for confirmation and lifting of the notice.
6 Motsheganong 2025- Sepodisi sa Taung go begwa fa se tlile go tsweletsa ditlhomamiso ka mokgwa wa parade mo letsatsing la gompieno mo kgetsing ya polao e diragetseng kwa motseng wa Magogong, gaufi le Taung, fa kgwedi ya Moranang ene e tlhola matsatsi a le 20.
Se se tla morago ga gore monna wa dingwaga di le 36, Tembile Duncan Motlhanke, a bolawe kwa ntlung e rekisang nnotagi.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh, Motlhanke o ile a ngatiwa ka tshipi ya sejanaga (wheel spanner) mo tlhogong le go tlhabiwa mo thamong. Myburgh are moswi o ile a wela kwa ntlung e rekisang nnotagi.
“Go begwa fa rragwe moswi, a ile a mo tabogisetsa kwa bookelo jwa sedika jwa Taung ka masa a letsatsi la Tshipi go ka bona thuso ya potlako. Fela moswi o ile a tlhokafala moragonyana.
“Go fitlha ga jaana, ga gona ope o tshwerweng mabapi le polao e, mme ga se nnete gore sepodisi se goga dinao go ka tshwarwa babelaelwa. Go fitlha ga jaana, sepodisi se botsoloditse bangwe ba ba boneng ka matlho, fela ga ba kgone go ka toba badiri ba dilo tse,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.
Myburgh are mongwe le mongwe o a ka tswang a na le tshedimosetso mabapi le polao e, a ka letsetsa mmatlisisi mo kgetsing e, eleng Sarasanta Setlholeng Frank Morweng mo dinomorng tsa 082 469 0293.
Kgabagare, go ile ga nna le magatwe a gore babelaelwa ba tiro e, ba romeletse mongwe wa batho ba ba boneng ka matlho molaetsa wa matshosetsi, mme ba mo itsise fa bone ba dula kwa motseng wa Dikhuting, ebile ba thuntsa go utlwala. Fela, Myburgh o ganeditse ditatofatso tse, mme o tlhalositse fa sepodisi se sa amogela dingongorego dipe go tswa go mongwe wa ba ba boneng ka matlho mabapi le se.
Setshwantsho: Bangwe ba balatofadiwq mo kgetsing ya polao
OBAKENG MAJE
6 Motsheganong 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le bane ba kwa motseng wa Manthe, gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung go fitlha di 19 Motsheganong 2025. Se se tla morago ga gore mongwe wa balatofadiwa mo kgetsing, Thabang Lenyai (25), a itsise lekgotlha fa a batla mmueledi o mongwe.
Lenyai o tlhaloseditse lekgotlha fa a sa tlhole a batla go buelelwa ke advocate Mokhutsane yo a emetseng bone bo.
Mmeteledi, Bakang Katong (32), yo o atlholetsweng dingwaga di le robedi kwa kgolegelong mo kgetsing ya petelelo, ene o itsisitse lekgotlha fa a ipona molato mo ditatofatsong tsotlhe kgatlhanong le ene mo kgetsing e. Balatofadiwa nae, Thabang Lenyai, Katlego Mosimege (33) le Phenyo Katong (36), bone ba tlhalositse fa ba sa ipone molato.
Mo tshimologong, go ile ga nna le menyenyetsi ya gore Lenyai ga mmogo le Katong, ba tlile go ipona molato mabapi le ditatofatso kgatlhanong le bone, fela seemo se fetogile go fitlha ga jaana. Go ya ka menyenyetsi, Katong o ile a tshepisa Lenyai madi a kanang ka R300 000 gore ba rwale kgetsi e ya polao mmogo, fa mogoloe, Phenyo le Mosimege ba ka se ipone molato gore ban ne le tsholo ya go tsweletsa dikgwebo kwa ntle.
Fela go ya ka ditatofatso tse di sa tlhomamang, Katong ga a ka a neela Lenyai madi ao, ke ka moo a fetolang lewa.
Balatofadiwa ba ile ba tshwarwa dingwaga di le tharo tse di fetileng morago ga go latofadiwa ka go bolaya Thabiso Mothibedi (35), setlhogo.
Go begwa fa ba ile ba mo teketa le go mo golegelela mo generateng. Seno se tla morago ga gore ba mo latofatse ka go ba utswetsa madi a seatleng a lekang ka R20 000 le motsoko wa R600.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, mokaptein Sam Tselanyane, o ile a tlhalosetsa ba lekwalo-dikgang la The Guardian Newspaper gore dipatlisiso di shupa fa tiragalo e, ele ya di 29 Moranang 2022. Tselanyane are go ile ga begwa fa moswi a ile a siela kwa motseng wa Longaneng.
“Fela, go begwa fa balatofadiwa ba ile ba tswa letsholo le go mo latela. Go begwa fa go gorogeng ga bone kwa motseng wa Manthe, ba ile ba mo gokelela mo generateng, mme ba mo teketa go fitlhelela a tlhokafala.
“Go begwa fa balatofadiwa ba ile ba tabogisetsa moswi kwa kliniking ya selegae fa ba bona a neela mowa. Baoki ba ne ba tlhalosa fa go se sepe se ba ka se dirang go boloka moswi, gonne one a setse a balelelwa le badimo,” Tselanyane wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, ka di 1 Motsheganong 2022, baagi ba ile ba bolotsa mogwanto kgatlhanong le balatofadiwa, mme ba ile ba fisa matlo a bone a le mararo mo tiragalong e. Gape, baagi ba ile thuba le go senya ntlo-maitiso ya balatofadiwa, mme ba itseela le nnotagi.
Go begwa fa Katong le Lenyai ba boleletse lekgotlha ka mokgwa wa tiriso ya lekwalo gore, ba ipona molato mo ditatofatso tsotlhe kgatlhanong le bone, mme ba tlhalositse fa Mosimege le Phenyo, ba ne ba sena seabe mo tiragalong e.
Mo letlhakuring le lengwe, bosekisi le bone bo tlhalositse fa boitekanetse go ka tswelela ka tsheko, mme bo shupa fa bona le kgetsi e kwenneng kgatlhanong le banna ba, ba le bane.
6 May 2025- The government said it has joined the international community in commemorating World Press Freedom Day (3 May 2025), a day that reaffirms the importance of a free and independent media in strengthening democracy. The government said the World Press Freedom Day serves as an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, assess the state of press freedom around the world, defend the media from attacks on its independence, and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives or faced threats in the line of duty.
The government acting spokesperson, Terry Vandayar said South Africa remains committed to upholding media freedom as guaranteed in Section 16 of the Constitution. Vandayar said their democracy has been enriched by a vibrant and diverse media landscape that plays a vital role in promoting transparency, advancing public discourse, and holding those in power to account.
“As the world marks this important day, the government also recognises the challenges faced by journalists globally, including censorship, harassment and violence. Government condemns all forms of intimidation and attacks against the media and calls for greater protection of journalists everywhere.
“On this World Press Freedom Day, the government emphasises that press freedom is not solely a media concern, but a vital democratic principle that serves and benefits all members of society,” he said.
Vandayar further said they should all work together to create an environment, where journalists can work freely and safely, and where ethical, fact-based journalism continues to thrive.
Meanwhile, the South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) chairperson, Makhudu Sefara said they have joined their global peers in examining artificial intelligence’s (AI) impact on journalism, media sustainability and press freedom as the industry commemorates World Press Freedom Day on 3 May.
Sefara said UNESCO’s 2025 theme is: “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.” He said Sanef concurs with UNESCO that they need to focus on the “profound influence of AI on journalism and media,” given that it serves both as an advantage and a disadvantage to the sector.
“AI is transforming journalism, providing tools that enhance investigative reporting, content creation, and fact-checking. It allows for greater efficiency, multilingual accessibility, and improved data analysis.
“However, these tech advancements also have risks: AI-generated misinformation and disinformation, deepfake technology, biased content moderation, and surveillance threats to journalists. Additionally, AI’s role in the media business model raises concerns about fair remuneration for journalistic content and media viability,” said UNESCO.
Sefara said Sanef continually addresses the threats and opportunities posed by technology, social media, and artificial intelligence, particularly in the context of the dwindling resources in newsrooms. He said this year, they will amplify their voice on the global platform by participating in the UNESCO World Press Freedom event in Brussels, represented by Secretary-General Prof Glenda Daniels, who will address the gendered, cultural, racial, language and class bias that’s inherent in the present Ai tools which generate content, as well as speak to the Social Media for Peace Campaign that will become a global effort.
“Sanef also wishes to emphasise the importance of journalist safety in light of disinformation and cyberbullying, which not only undermine public trust but also threaten the well-being of news staff; thus, Sanef conducts safety and wellness workshops to ensure the protection of journalists.
“This year marks 32 years since the UN General Assembly proclaimed World Press Freedom Day. In South Africa, the significance of this day is more pronounced as it comes five days after the national Freedom Day that is celebrated on 27 April, marking the day the country ushered in a democratic dispensation,” he said.
Sefara added that one of the best things about South Africa is that media freedom is not just something that is the lifeblood of democracy, but also it is one of the constitutional rights and pillars that underpin the democratic order. He said in this regard, because of history, press freedom is a right that they all fought for and which they all hold dear as one of the foundations and the bedrock of democracy.
“This is one thing that as a country we can be proud of, despite all our challenges. Over the past 31 years since the dawn of democracy, there is a consensus across the whole political spectrum that for democracy to thrive, journalists have a big role to play in disseminating information so that we can have an informed citizenry.
“Although there could have been some incidents over the past 31 years that might have caused jitters and tested our commitment to press freedom,” said Sefara.
He said, however, by and large, they can say that they are better off than many countries, and as they have seen recently, even the so-called old democracies. Sefara said, however, this means that they should always be vigilant and defend this much-cherished freedom of the media because it’s the oxygen that makes democracy thrive.
6 May 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said they need to protect the rights of workers to build an inclusive economy. Ramaphosa said they have just observed Workers’ Day, which is commemorated across the world in honour of the struggles of workers for fair labour standards and conditions of work.
He further said since the advent of democracy in 1994, they have observed Workers’ Day also to acknowledge the historical role of workers and the labour movement in their broader struggle for freedom. Ramaphosa added that over the past 31 years, they have made considerable progress in improving their labour laws and protecting the rights of workers.
“We emerged from a past where black workers were deliberately denied their rights. For many years, black workers could not be organised into unions, through job reservation they were denied access to certain occupations and they often worked in unsafe and unhealthy conditions.
“Today, the rights of workers in South Africa are protected and enforced. The Constitution enshrines the rights of workers as it does the rights of every person who lives in South Africa. Since 1994, we have passed progressive laws to give effect to the rights of workers,” he said.
Ramaphosa said following extensive consultation with business, labour and civil society, in 2019, they introduced a National Minimum Wage, setting a wage below which no worker may be paid. He said studies have found that since its introduction the National Minimum Wage has led to a significant increase in hourly wages for workers, and has also played a role in reducing the gap between the highest and lowest paid workers.
“We have sought to break from our apartheid past where workers laboured under oppressive conditions to swell the profits of companies without receiving even the most basic benefits.
“This includes measures to advance worker ownership in companies. An increasing number of workers are part of worker share ownership programmes,” said Ramaphosa.
He said they have been deliberate in their efforts to protect the rights of women workers. Ramaphosa said the Employment Equity Act prohibits unfair discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, pregnancy and marital status.
“Female workers are guaranteed specific entitlements such as maternity and family responsibility leave, and we have laws that safeguard against sexual harassment and gender-based violence in the workplace.
“At a time of constrained economic growth and high unemployment, we have seen calls from some people, including political parties, for our country’s labour laws to be ‘relaxed’ in response to the prevailing economic climate,” he said.
Ramaphosa said stimulating economic growth and job creation and retaining worker protections are not mutually exclusive. He said in fact, worker rights have been found to improve productivity and thereby enhance the growth of companies and the economy.
“They also help to distribute the benefits of growth more equally and improve economic stability. In addition, South Africa’s labour laws are part of our effort to overcome the structural inequality of apartheid.
“The latest report of the Employment Equity Commission shows how far we still have to go in ending the race-based disparities that exist in our economy. Despite Africans constituting the majority of the economically active population, the majority of top management positions in the private sector are still held by white males,” said Ramaphosa.
He said this trend is observed at senior management level in nearly every economic category. Ramaphosa said black South Africans are predominantly in the semi-skilled and unskilled categories.
“While there has been much improvement since the advent of employment equity legislation, it is clear that not enough has been done to change the racial composition of the ownership, control and management of our economy.
“Employment equity is not the only area where challenges remain. The International Labour Organisation has highlighted problems of compliance with labour laws in South Africa, as well as inadequate safeguards for workers in the burgeoning informal sector,” he said.
Picture: Kaizer Chiefs FC players against Orlando Pirates FC player during Betway PSL game
By REGINALD KANYANE
6 May 2025- The eThekwini Municipality urges caution when booking accommodation ahead of the Nedbank Cup Final. Thousands of South African football fans are expected to descend on Durban for the highly anticipated 2025 Nedbank Cup final. The eThekwini Local Municipality has urged visitors and tourists to remain vigilant when booking accommodation, to prevent falling victim to online scams.
The eThekwini Local Municipality mayor, Cyril Xaba said a thrilling showdown between South African football giants, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, is set to take place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Xaba said this marks the tournament’s return to Durban since it was last hosted in the city in 2019.
“The match promises to deliver a thrilling spectacle that will captivate fans across the country. The municipality welcomed the return of the event, highlighting that the economic and tourism benefits it brings.
“We encourage visitors to immerse themselves in the rich cultural offerings, stunning beaches, and diverse attractions that make our city a premier destination for both local and international travellers,” he said.
However, Xaba warned visitors and tourists to remain vigilant when booking accommodation, to prevent falling victim to online scammers. He further said visitors are also encouraged to carefully verify any packages that advertise “free tickets” and to obtain their tickets exclusively through registered outlets.
“To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, visitors are advised to follow these essential travel and accommodation safety tips. Kindly research your accommodation before booking.
“Look for customer reviews and ratings across multiple platforms. Be cautious if reviews appear overly positive or generic, as they may be fabricated. Contact the property directly by using verified contact information to reach out to the property,” said Xaba.
He added that, if you cannot find this information on trusted sites, proceed with caution. Xaba urges applicants to check for professionalism.
“Legitimate businesses typically maintain professional websites featuring clear contact information, terms and conditions, and policies regarding cancellations and refunds.
“Compare prices and if a deal seems too good to be true, ensure you compare prices with established booking sites to get a sense of reasonable rates. Verify the URL by ensuring the website has a secure connection (look for “https://” rather than just “http://”) and check for any spelling errors in the domain name,” he said.
Xaba said individuals should use trusted platforms and stick to well-known travel booking websites or apps, which usually offer customer service support to address issues. He said they should avoid wire transfers.
“Always opt for secure payment methods that offer protection, such as credit cards, over wire transfers or cash. Read the fine print, thoroughly review booking terms and conditions, especially regarding cancellation policies and any additional fees.
“Stay informed by keeping up with updates from local tourism authorities concerning safe travel practices and potential scams. Share your itinerary by informing someone of your travel plans, including accommodation details, for added safety,” said Xaba.
He said individuals should keep an eye on their belongings and always keep their bags where they can see them. Xaba said they should avoid displaying valuables like jewellery or electronics publicly.
“Report any suspicious illegal activities to the nearest police station. To further enhance the excitement around the Nedbank Cup final, the municipality will host public viewing areas in various parts of Durban to afford everyone an opportunity to watch the game.
“Details for the public viewing areas will be announced on the Municipal platforms,” he said.
The Guardian 