Community wants justice for Lerato Kale

Hundreds of residents from Kwa-Thema, Tsakane and Duduza took to the streets on Friday, August 25, to march against the brutal killing of Lerato Kale and all other women who fell victim to gender-based violence and femicide.

The 19-year-old Lerato Kale was found dead under a pile of wet clothes at her home in Tsakane, south of Ekurhuleni. Her hands and feet were tied together with a doek by her alleged abusive boyfriend. She was strangled and bled to death through her nose and ears.

This happens during the time where the country is observing Women’s Month.

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The Gauteng Department of Social Development, as part of United Nations (UN) Orange UNiTE campaign, invited the community of KwaTsaDuza, law enforcement, government departments, and civil society organisations to wage war against perpetrators of GBVF.

Brother of slain Lerato Kale, Tumelo, said it was a traumatic experience to see his sister’s lifeless body lying on the floor.

“The way she was killed was an unpleasant thing to see which I don’t want anyone else to experience. Our family is still in shock, even now, we still find it difficult to accept that she is gone,” said Tumelo.

He further applauded the community for banding together and taking a stand to raise awareness against the brutal killing of women.

“We are looking forward to the case, and we hope justice will be served.

The suspect has been arrested and will be appearing on the 14 September 2023 at Tsakane Magistrate Court,” added Tumelo.

Sergeant Lebohang Ramaise from Tsakane SAPS reiterated that gender-based violence is rampant in the area and called on communities to work together with police to curb the scourge of GBVF.

“We encourage women to come forth, report cases of abuse and stay away from abusive relationships. We will help you to obtain protection order, and peace letters from the court. We will serve it and tell the perpetrator what he should not do,” said Sergeant Ramaise.

He added, “Since July 2022, 674 cases of GBV were reported to Tsakane SAPS.

Out of those cases, we made 342 arrests, and 156 cases were withdrawn, 22 were found guilty by the court and sentenced, 264 cases were withdrawn at court and 36 suspects were given diversion programme by the court.”

“Safety starts with each and every one of us, we need to act, and change the mindset of perpetrators for a better and safer society,” he said.

Gauteng Department of Social Development, Chief Director for Research, Population Development and Stakeholder Relations, Bongani Ngomane said Tsakane is one of the hotspots for GBVF and in the last 3 months, more than 3 women were brutally killed.

“We are humbled that two of the families who are victimised are here to support the march, and as the Department we are here to advocate for women’s rights, peace and harmony,” added Ngomane.

The Department will continue to observe Orange UNiTE campaign on the 25th of every month to call upon activists, governments, and communities to mobilise and highlight issues relevant to preventing and ending violence against women and children.

Parents to get SMS confirming Grade 1,8 spots

The 2024 Online Admissions application period ran successfully from 15 June 2023 until 21 July 2023 amassing a total of 757 075 Grade 1 and Grade 8 applications.

This translates into a total of 324 756 Grade 1 applications and 432 219 Grade 8 applications;

This success can be attributed to system improvements over the years, which is necessitated by continuous stakeholder engagements and technological advancements.

“We wish to announce that the 2024 Online Admissions Placement Period for Grade 1 and 8 will begin on 4 September 2023 and will continue throughout the remainder of the year until all learners are placed,” said the Education MEC Matome Chiloane.

MEC Chiloane says From September 4, parents and guardians with complete applications will receive SMSes with placement offers to the contact numbers they used when applying

Parents/Guardians will then have to log on to www.gdeadmissions.gov.za using their credentials to accept an offer as final OR accept while awaiting other .offers within 7 days.

SMSes will be sent out on a continual basis until all learners are placed. This means that not all applicants will receive an SMS on the first day of the placement period, but must expect an SMS anytime from 4 September 2023 and throughout the course of the year.

“If parents & guardians have not received an SMS, there is need to panic as applicants are welcome to use their credentials to log on to www.gdeadmissions.gov.za to check whether a placement offer was issued or not,” Chiloane explained.

In the event an SMS states that your child has been placed in Grade 1 or Grade 8 at a certain school, this will be regarded as successful placement to the mentioned school. There will be no need for a parent/guardian to access the system to accept an offer in that regard, because the child would be placed at the mentioned school.

The Department has identified schools that received an overwhelming number of applications which exceeds the capacity of learners that they can afford to accommodate:

About 292 Primary Schools are regarded as high- pressure schools and about 277 Secondary Schools are regarded as high-pressure schools. Parents / guardians are reminded that ALL placement is subject to the priority of placement criteria and availability of space (capacity) per school.

Therefore, applicants that cannot be accommodated at schools they applied to due to the schools having reached capacity, will receive transfer offers of placement at the next closest school with available space.

September’s prices for all fuel types and gas are adjusted as follows:

• Both 95 and 93 petrol are expected to go up by R1.71.

• Diesel 0.05% sulphur will increase by R2.84 and Diesel 0.005% sulphur will go up by R2.76.

• The price of wholesale illuminating paraffin will go up by R2.78

• Single Maximum National Retail Price for illuminating paraffin is set to increase by R3.70.

• Maximum Retail Price of LPGas is expected to rise by R2.26.

The South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Operation Shanela has yielded success as 1614 suspects were arrested for serious, violent and other crimes so far.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed a High Court judgment setting aside the decision of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) to appoint a company for project management and assessment services related to the renovation of certain prisons during 2014.

The Quarterly Labour Force Survey results showed a slight decrease in the unemployment rate from 32.9% in the first quarter to 32.6% in the second quarter of 2023.

Former Joburg Mayor Mpho Phalatse resigns

The Democratic Alliance Caucus in Johannesburg Metro Council has confirmed the the resignation of former executive mayor Dr. Mpho Phalatse from her roles within the party and as a councillor.

“Throughout her tenure, Dr. Phalatse has exhibited dedication and commitment, serving diligently as City Mayor, Mayoral Committee Member for Health, and as a leader of the main opposition. Her decision to pursue private business ventures within the healthcare sector speaks to her enduring passion for public health and the welfare of our communities,” said the Caucus spokesperson Devon Steenkemp.

While Dr. Phalatse will be sorely missed in her official capacities, the Caucus expressed their gratitude for her contributions as an elected public representative.

She still remains an unwavering member of the party.

“The challenges faced by Johannesburg, notably the political fragmentation resulting from the November 2021 local government elections, have been a cause for concern.

This excessive fragmentation has seen 18 parties gaining representation in the council, with the balance of power precariously held by parties with a single seat. The ensuing instability is a direct consequence,” Steenkamp explained.

The party has called for the current Council in the City of Joburg, led by Al-Jama-ah’s Kabelo Gwamanda, to be dissolved and a new administration voted in.