Mapepeza Vol.11 Issue 4 (March 15-22)

Shooting in Ratanda Leaves Two Dead and Community in Shock

The South African Police Service in Ratanda has officially confirmed that a fatal shooting incident that took place on Friday evening (March 1) at Mtshali Street in Ratanda.

According to the police reports, two African males, both adults, were shot by unidentified assailants who fled the scene during loadshedding, a period of scheduled power outages in the area.

Sadly, both victims succumbed to their injuries on the scene, despite efforts by paramedics to save them. One of the deceased has been identified as Mr. Happy Nyawuza, the Chairperson of the Ratanda Spaza Shops Business Forum. The second victim’s identity has not yet been released by the authorities.

Nyawuza is known as an active community leader who has been instrumental in advocating for residents in Ratanda and surrounding areas in service delivery issues. He will be remembered as a strong political figure and local activist in the Lesedi Local region.

Nyawuza is the third victim from the forum to be tragically assasinated by unknown perpetrators. A few weeks earlier, Moeketsi Mollo and Mandla Mqoqo, both local business owners, were also gunned down.

“Upon investigating the crime

scene, the police recovered several cartridges, but the exact number of suspects involved remains unclear at this point. As of now, the motive behind the shooting is unknown,” confirmed the Ratanda SAPS spokesperson Constable Moss Maluleke.

Police have provided contact numbers for anyone with information to reach out to them:

• Ratanda CSC: 016 343 7014

•Det. Commander: 0766924853

Anyone can also report anonymously on the MySAPS app.

The Executive Mayor of the Lesedi Local Municipality, Cllr Mluleki Nkosi, has issued a strong condemnation of the recent killings in Ratanda. He expressed his concern over the growing number of merciless killings happening in the community at the hands of faceless assailants.

In a statement, Mayor Nkosi said, “Our law enforcement agencies are hard at work to ensure that those responsible are brought to book. On behalf of Lesedi local Municipality, I wish to pass our deepest condolences to the families that have been victims of these merciless killings.”

He urged anyone with information to approach law enforcement offices and help shed light on these attacks.

The community of Ratanda is in shock following this tragic event. The state of crime in the area has dramatically increased in recent times, following the removal of foreign Spaza shop owners.

Residents are calling for an end to the violence and for the authorities to take swift action in bringing those responsible to justice.

Mapepeza wishes to share its sincerest condolences to the families of the deceased. More updates will be shared as time progresses.

The

late Happy Nyawuza recently led the introduction of a group that is made to reclaim the retail economy of Ratanda called Mazibuye Kasi Spaza Shops.

R350 SRD grant increases

The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant – popularly known as the R350 grant – is expected to be raised to R370 from April this year.

This was announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, pictured, in the National Assembly on Wednesday, 13 March 2024.

“His Excellency, the President, in his State of the Nation Address, said that the [SRD grant] is going to continue, and the R350 will be improved. My colleague, the Minister of Social Development, is going to publish for comments a comprehensive social security

programme and that… will define a better platform and a future for the social security net in South Africa.

“I am pleased to say that we have found consensus that in between, subject to the finalisation of the comprehensive social security [programme], we’ll increase the R350 to R370 by the 1st of April this year. That is part of the progressive realisation of the basic rights of our people,” he said.

In the Budget Speech delivered in February, Godongwana had announced that social grants across the board are set to increase over the course of 2024.

IEC employee who leaked party candidates lists fired

The Electoral Commission has terminated the employment of an employee after the employee was found to have leaked party candidate lists.

“Following a preliminary investigation into the allegations, the Electoral Commission can confirm that the involved employee's contract of employment has been terminated,” the Commission said in a statement on Tuesday, March 12.

This comes after the commission on earlier announced that it had set up an inquiry to establish the circumstances of the unauthorised circulation of party candidate lists and the person or persons responsible.

The Commission reported that it had become aware of lists of candidates that were being circulated on social media platforms. At a briefing recently, the commission said the investigation narrowed the source of the disclosure to a workstation that had been used to generate and store reports.

Later, the said reports were deleted from the workstation. Earlier, the workstation was secured and imaged in the presence of the staff

member whose credentials were used to generate the reports. A forensic analysis of the computer was also done.

“The official had rights to access the system and reports but was not authorised to distribute or circulate the information. The official is from one of the local offices of the Commission,” the commission said.

It further added that the motive for the unauthorised circulation will be pursued as part of the ongoing investigation.

"While this incident is regrettable, our actions demonstrate our commitment to transparency and accountability. The Electoral Commission maintains the highest level of integrity, ethics, and professionalism. Any behaviour that violates our code of conduct or undermines the credibility of the organisation cannot be tolerated," said Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo.

The chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, Mosa Chabane, has welcomed the swift action by the IEC in investigating the leaking of candidate lists.

Perpetrator Sentenced to 15 Years for Robbery

Tebogo Mthembu was handed down a 15-year prison sentence on Thursday, February 22 for a robbery with aggravating circumstances, all thanks to the investigative work by Ratanda SAPS.

The conviction stems from a 2019 incident in Ratanda, where a resident was robbed of their belongings.

The Ratanda police station has been commended for its efforts in bringing Mthembu to justice.

“Ratanda station commander

Lieutenant Colonel Moleleki Isaac Ramotshabi applauds the hard work of Detective Constable Bongane Israel Lunga for working

tirelessly to bring the perpetrator to book,” said police spokesperson Constable Moss Maluleke.

The case highlights the importance of community cooperation in combating crime.

“Ratanda SAPS wants to thank the community for working together with the police,” Maluleke added.

As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the recent murders involving local Spaza shop owners (see page ), the Ratanda police station said remains committed to maintaining law and order, working hand in hand with the community to create a safer environment.

Apartheid victims demand reparations

By MZwanDILe Kheswa

Members of the Khulumani Galela Campaign have intensified their calls for the government to provide reparations to all veterans, survivors, and victims of apartheid-era human rights violations. As the country approaches its 30th year since the first democratic elections, they emphasize that many are still grappling with the enduring wounds of apartheid. The group held a demonstration outside the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg recently. In a stern statement, the campaign declared that they will not support any party or leader in the upcoming elections unless they commit to addressing the injustices of apartheid. They highlighted their previous efforts, including sleeping outside the Constitutional Court in 2022, to demand accountability from government leaders.The Khulumani Galela Campaign's message is clear: it's time for the government to fulfill its obligations and provide long overdue reparations to those who suffered under apartheid.

Task team to clear alien plants in Vaal River

The Vaal River in the Sedibeng District, south of Gauteng, is facing a crisis that threatens the ecosystem and tourism industry in the area.

An alien invasive plants in the river has now grown to significant levels, prompting government to intervene.

In response, the Ministers of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, and Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, have established a Technical Task Team to identify interventions to manage the clearing of the alient plants.

Recently, growing public concerns relating to the use of the chemical, glyphosate, to clear alien invasive plants from the Vaal River by Rand Water.

A documentary was also aired on the popular news show, Carte Blanche, regarding the initiatives being done to clear the vegetation.

In a joint statement, the departments said the task team, led by the Directors-General of the two departments and Chief Executive Officer of Rand Water, have identified immediate short- and longterm interventions with clear outcomes to manage the situation. The immediate short-term interventions identified by the task team include the revision of the integrated control approach, which will assess the use of an herbicide

that is registered with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.

In the medium-term, compliance and enforcement interventions will be intensified against the sources of pollution that are driving this situation, while the long-term interventions include the review of the Vaal River Catchment Strategy relating to invasive alien aquatic species, in order to implement a strategy that will holistically address the situation.

“Lastly, the refurbishment of the Rietspruit, Sebokeng and Leeukuil Wastewater Treatment Works will be fast-tracked to reduce pollution that is also contributing to the high eutrophication of the Vaal River System.

The spraying of glyphosate over water hyacinth choking up the Vaal River has been stopped due to safety concerns.

Unsuccessful NSFAS applicants urged to lodge an appeal

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has encouraged students whose application for financial aid has been rejected or withdrawn, to lodge an appeal with the scheme.

Rejected students must submit an appeal within 30 days of receiving their application results.

The scheme noted there are a number of reasons why an application is rejected, and this includes a household income of more than R350 000 per annum, failing to meet academic eligibility, and an incomplete application, among others. “To strengthen your appeal, gather all relevant documentation that supports your case. This may include academic records, financial statements, affidavits, or any other documents that demonstrate your need for financial assistance,” NSFAS said.

How to submit an Appeal

• Visit the myNSFAS portal https://my.nsfas.org.za

• Log into your myNSFAS account

• Select the ‘Track Funding Progress’ option

• Check the application progress tabs

“If your application status shows that you are unsuccessful, you

may submit an appeal by clicking on the ‘Submit Appeal Tab.’ Once you are on the ‘Application Appeal’ page, you can look for the reason for your unsuccessful application status.

“You will then be able to choose the appeal reason. Upload certified supporting documents to support your reason [and] Click ‘Submit Appeal,” NSFAS explained.

When submitting an appeal letter, NSFAS advised applicants to compose a compelling appeal letter addressing the reasons for their application’s rejection.

“Be concise yet detailed, explaining any extenuating circumstances that may have affected your application. Personalise your letter to highlight your unique situation and commitment to your education. Ensure you adhere to NSFAS’s guidelines for submitting appeals. Pay attention to deadlines and submission methods to avoid any delays or complications in the process.

“Once you have submitted your appeal, patiently await NSFAS’s review process. This may take some time, so remain proactive and responsive to any requests for additional information,” NSFAS said.

Applications for funding officially closed on 15 February 2024.

Gauteng’s R500 billion budget in a NUTSHELL

MEC of Finance Jacob Mamabolo announced that the Gauteng Provincial Government will spend more than R500 billion over the next three years to boost economic activity in townships, fight crime, expand basic services to the public and address the energy crisis.

The MEC was presenting the provincial budget for 2024/25 financial year to the legislature, the last one of the sixth administration.

He said: “the provincial budget for 2024/25 amounts to R165.8 Billion. It will grow to R171 5 billion in 2025/26 and R176.8 Billion in 2026/27”.

“This budget strikes a balance between the fiscal constraints that continue to be a drag on resource allocation, and the protection of the social wage, while at the same time striving towards the gauteng of our dreams,” he said.

The social cluster accounted for the largest share of the budget, with the gauteng department of education receiving R65.8 Billion in 2024/25 and a total of R205.9 Billion over the 2024 mtef.

The funds will be used to expand access, quality education, and skills development opportunities to empower individuals, enhance workforce readiness, and drive socio-economic progress.

MEC Mamabolo said a total of R64.8 Billion in 2024/25 and R202.7 Billion over the 2024 mtef is allocated to gauteng department of health to implement health and wellness interventions particularly in townships, informal settlements, and hostels.

“This budget includes a total of R14.2 Billion allocated in the 2024/25 financial year and R43.4 Billion over the 2024 MTEF towards, amongst others, broadening access to quality public healthcare, primary health care reengineering, extension of 24-hour services at community health centres and reduction of radiation oncology backlog in facilities,” he said.

To strengthen the fight against crime, vandalism and lawlessness, the budget of gauteng department of community safety has increased to R2.3 Billion in 2024/25 and R7.2 billion over the 2024 MTEF.

“These resources will be used bolster law enforcement capabilities such as the Crime Prevention Wardens, helicopters and drones to take crime fighting into the skies, Provincial Integrated Command Centre, community policing initiatives, fighting Gender-Based Violence and crimes against children through the GBV Response Plan, as well as crime prevention programmes aimed at fostering safer communities,” MEC Mamabolo said.

The MEC also provided R50 million in 2024/25 and R111.4 million over the 2024 MTEF to the Gauteng Department of e-Government for the installation CCTV cameras to monitor crime hotspots within the TISH areas.

An additional allocation of R10 million has been made available to rollout the e-Panic buttons in line with Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s commitments,” MEC Mamabolo.

Township entrepreneurial activity is key to fast-track the growth of the provincial economy. That is why the MEC said: “In the 2024/25 financial year, we are giving R1.7 billion to the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, and R5.3 billion over the 2024 MTEF”. These resources will be specifically used

Gauteng Gambling Board as part of a strategy to infuse transformation in the industry by introducing new players from previously disadvantaged groups and secondly as a form of revenue enhancement strategy.

• E-Commerce/Cashless Rollout allows liquor traders to view their bills electronically and make payments online through a mobile payment application.

Empowerment of Township Businesses

On the issue of economic transformation, the MEC said the provincial government continues to leverage procurement to drive the empowerment of township enterprises.

“Over the past four years, we registered thousands of township businesses on the Central Supplier Database (CSD). This move has tremendously increased the number of township-based companies registered on the CSD. We then spent more than R12.7 billion of provincial resources procuring goods and services from these township enterprises,” he said.

Provincial Spending

to address, amongst others, job creation initiatives as well as revitalising the landscape of our township economy including industrial parks, and transform Gauteng into a single, multi-tiered mega special economic zones to attract investment and tourism.

MEC Mamabolo also said the successful Nasi iSpani Mass Recruitment Programme will continue to facilitate access to job openings for the youth within departments and their entities and enhance service delivery.

“In the 2024/25 financial year, this will be done through initiatives such as the Green Army, Sawubona Mhlali and Civic Ambassadors, which have been funded by internal reprioritisation in respective departments,” he said.

“This shows that through the township SMME support, liquidity and cash inflows into Township Enterprises and households, especially among the most vulnerable individuals, such as the youth, women and people living with disabilities, we are eradicating poverty, inequality, and unemployment,” MEC Mamabolo added.

Payment of suppliers

MEC Mamabolo says, payment of suppliers on time is not only a requirement in terms of the Public Finance Management Act; this also assists businesses to improve cash flow that is important for their sustainability and expansion.

“In 2019, the EXCO Lekgotla took a resolution that the Electronic Invoice Submission (EIS) system must be utilised as a platform to submit invoices to provincial departments. Since issuing this directive, we can report that as at the end of January, the province had received more than 1 million invoices through the system”, he said.

Gauteng Government celebrates its five-year miltones

REFLECTION ON THE LAST FIVE YEARS

MEC Mamabolo reflected on how funds were used in the last five years “Honourable Members, the total combined budget of the provincial government over the past five years amounted to R744 billion. This translates into an average of R149 billion per year in the last five years, inclusive of the current financial year.

The largest share of these resources went to the social cluster, which accounted for 81 per cent of the total budget. We also significantly invested in supporting the township economy, provision of decent housing for communities, youth development and women empowerment initiatives”, he said.

Over the years, we allocated these resources as follows:

• In the 2020 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) budget, our theme was “Doing more with less” and we responded decisively to the COVID-19 pandemic by funding large-scale health interventions, economic relief measures and protected the most vulnerable people in difficult times.

• The 2021 MTEF was tabled under the theme “Renewing the economy and restoring the public finances”. Our focus in that budget was to support a rapid return to economic growth, provide additional resources to the health sector to address the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine rollout and provincial own revenue enhancement.

• The theme of the 2022 MTEF budget was “Supporting

the recovery and building for the future” with a focus on consolidation and delivery of the GGT2030 initiatives, special economic zones and increased infrastructure expenditure.

• The 2023 MTEF budget was tabled under the theme “Improving socio-economic conditions and enhancing revenue collection” and prioritised 82 per cent of our resources for the Social Cluster, tackling youth unemployment and gender-based violence amongst other things.

• The total budget allocated for infrastructure since 2019 amounts to R58.6 billion. This budget was used to maintain the existing stock of infrastructure assets and provide additional capacity in response to the growing need for service delivery.

The following are some of the key infrastructure projects completed during the Sixth Administration.

• Health completed the Sebokeng Zone 17 Clinic, Finetown Clinic, Philip Moyo Clinic, and the Greenspark Clinic.

• In Social Development, the Hammanskraal Social Integrated Facility was completed during this period as well as the Mabopane Social Integrated Facility and the Devon Early Childhood Day Care.

• Education built new schools including the Golden Gardens Primary School, Noordgesig Primary School,

Tsakane Ext.22 Primary School, Tshepiso Primary School, Abram Hlophe Primary School, Setlabotjha Primary School and the Mapenane Secondary School.

• Human Settlements completed a total of 41 981 housing units and provided 42 685 stands/sites to enable people to build houses for themselves.

• Roads and Transport completed many key projects including the upgrading of K73 between Woodmead Drive and Allandale Road, rehabilitation of road P175/1 from Vanderbijlpark to Potchefstroom Phase 2, rehabilitation of road P158/2 (N14) from Diepsloot to Brakfontein and the rehabilitation of road P39/1 from Diepsloot to Muldersdrift.

• Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment completed the fencing of Abe Bailey Nature Reserve and the installation of the Diepkloof Farm Museum fence.

• Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, the Boipatong Library, Rust Ter Vaal Community Library, Akasia Library and Impumelelo Library were completed.

Over the next three years, the Gauteng Provincial Government will spend R37.2 billion on the delivery of public infrastructure. This entails building of new public infrastructure such as clinics, schools, roads and shelters or maintaining the existing assets.

Addressing the E-Toll debt

MEC Mamabolo commits to resolving the E-Toll matter “Honourable Members, let me reaffirm Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s commitments in the State of the Province that by the 31st of March 2024 we should have resolved the issue of E-Tolls once and for all.

The province has approached financial institutions to raise money required to honour its contractual obligations noting that the target date for ending the tolling of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) 1 is 31 March 2024.

With regards to the cancellation of the E-Tolls, fourteen days after the publishing

...of the deregulation gazette, Gauteng road users will no longer be charged for the use of the Gauteng freeways. Various processes will be in place leading up to the date, including turning the tag beeps off and stopping invoices to road users.

The gantry lights and cameras will remain on as they will continue to be operated for other law enforcement purposes but will no longer be used for E-Toll collection.

Road users can continue to use their eTags at all other toll plazas in the country, as long as their accounts are active. Further details on this process will be communicated to all road users in due course.

GLB launches online liquor licensing system

By Stephen Seakgwe

Applying for a liquor license is a lengthy and sometimes tiring process, from collecting the relevant documents to getting feedback after submissions.

In Gauteng, prospective alcohol traders and licensing consultants will be relieved as the new system will make things a lot easier.

On Saturday, March 9, the Gauteng Liquor Board (GLB) met with the media and stakeholders in the liquor industry to introduce the Online Liquor Licensing System for the first time in public.

Set to officially launch on April 1st, the new system enables liquor license applicants to submit their applications from the convenience of their internet-enabled devices, anywhere and anytime.

Director for Client Relations Management at the GLB, Cleo Bodibe-Lushaba emphasized that is is time that the organization modernize its systems especially in the automated, digital age that we’re living in.

“If one want to apply or renew their license, they can go online and be able to do that. That way, you’re going to be saving time, money and just the stress of driving around – we know in Gauteng that can be a tedious exercise,” she said in her opening remarks.

The GLB is an agency under the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, enacted by the Liquor Act, to regulate the liqour industry in the province, by providing licensing and enforcement for alcohol traders and distributors.

GLB Chief Director, Advocate Fati Manamela urged the local liquor traders to get excited about the new system.

“We need your support. It is for you, not us. It is a way to create convenience in the manner in which we transact with yourselves. With your support for this system, it will be a success,” he said.

Providing a detailed overview of the online liquor licensing system, Zimele Technologies’ Sam Mandebvu, said the new system was made using all aspects of the Gauteng Liquor Act (Act 2 of 2003), enabling them to create an automated online platform that follows all the specified regulations.

The service provider, Zinhle Technologies, is an experienced and SAP Gold certified solutions company that built the Online Liquor Application system.

How does the new system work?

The prospective applicant firsts registers an account on the system, then the user confirms the account via an email link. The link will reset the provided password to provide the user to create their own secure password.

Besides liquor applications, other services have been added including making changes to an existing license, tracking applications and all other services offered by the Gauteng Liquor Board.

Once the applicant is registered, they can now start a new liquor license application. They complete their personal information, including residential address.

All questions on the form are also listed on the system. Because the process is long, the user can save their progress. In the final stage, all documents can be uploaded on the system (pdf files). The system will not accept incomplete applications.

Tracking the application is possible on the system, the applicant is alerted throughout the entire process as their submission moves through each step of the process.

“Applications have a turnaround time between 90-120 days currently and the GLB aims to reduce the period,” Bodibe-Lushaba added.

Many of the invited stakeholder, made up of local traders, alcohol companies and community-based organizations that are part of local committees welcomed the new system.

During the engagements, questions of the system’s capacity and the need to include other stakeholders (like affected community members for comment) in the system were raised.

Opening of Sakhumzi Restaurant brings new life to Zoo Lake Park

By Oageng Matrase

On Thursday (14 March 2024), Johannesburg City Parks hosted the grand opening of Sakhumzi Restaurant, situated in the heart of Zoo Lake Park.

This partnership between Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) and the legendary Sakhumzi Restaurant heralds a significant transformation for the once-neglected park eatery, now reborn as a vibrant culinary destination.

Founded by Retauranteur, Sakhumzi Maqubela, the brand is known best for its unique flavors and rich history, traces its roots back to Soweto's iconic Vilakazi Street.

Established as a humble eatery, it quickly rose to prominence, captivating palates with its authentic South African cuisine and warm hospitality.

Over the years, Sakhumzi became a global culinary gem, drawing visitors from far and wide to experience its culinary delights.

Now, this celebrated establishment brings its legacy to Zoo Lake Park, infusing the surroundings with its distinct charm and culinary excellence. The move represents a convergence of cultures, as the flavors of Soweto find a new home amidst the scenic

beauty of Zoo Lake.

The grand opening ceremony was graced by esteemed guests, including the City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor, Advocate Kabelo Gwamanda, Roads & Transport MMC Kenny Kunene and the MMC for Community Development, Cllr. Lubabalo Magwentshu.

“This partnership transcends beyond many borders, it exemplifies the power of public and private collaboration in uplifting our communities and supporting and promoting tourism in our city,” MMC Magwentshu said.

In a media interview, MMC Magwentshu said the rehabilitation of the park space has not only addressed the issue of unemployment, also to bring new life to abandoned public parks in the City.

The occasion also included a treeplanting, marking the beginning of a promising chapter for the park and its newest culinary addition, including some entertaining acts.

As visitors flock to experience the fusion of tradition and innovation at Sakhumzi Restaurant, Zoo Lake Park emerges as not only a natural oasis but also a cultural hub where the essence of South African cuisine thrives.

What to expect from the 2024 Rand Show

By Stephen Seakgwe

The annual spectacle for the whole family, taking place on the Easter break, will sure to bring out the best in entertainment and fun.

The Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg is set to be one of the most buzzing locations in the country soon. Here’s what to expect from this year’s Rand Show:

What’s the biggest attraction at this year’s Rand Show?

Dino-lovers, rejoice! This isn't just any ordinary exhibit, it’s a rugby field sized area, featuring a heart-pounding journey into the past where - for the first time in Johannesburg - giant 7 metre, scientifically accurate animatronic dinosaurs await your family’s discovery.

From the iconic Tyrannosaurus rex (T-Rex) to the mesmerising Dilophosaurus, Monolophosaurus, Gastonia, and Stegosaurus, prepare to encounter these magnificent creatures in all their glory.

But that's not all – the Jurassic excitement

doesn't stop there!

Dive headfirst into a world of reptilian revelry with dino-themed rides featuring cars from the movie Jurassic Park, electrifying train adventures, fossil excavations, and an array of stalls bursting with dino-tastic toys and clothing. And for the little explorers among us, there's a playground that'll unleash their inner palaeontologist faster than a T-rex can roar.

Music lovers are in for a treat as South Africa's biggest consumer exhibition unveils its lineup of some of South Africa's hottest talent. From soulful melodies to energetic beats, The Rand Show promises an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages.

This year’s line-up is something worth spending the whole day on. Headline acts include: Louise Carver, Jesse Clegg, Pabi Cooper, Mellow and Sleazy (pictured), Kamo Mphela and Soweto's Finest.

Who are the official partners for the 2024 Rand Show?

The Rand Show is happy to announce that ABSA will be the official bank partner for this year’s event. ABSA’s largest role for the Show will be to help empower SMMEs to trade better through several offers and as the sole provider of Point-of-Sale (POS) devices.

ABSA will have their stand in Hall 6 and will be a significant part of the second iteration of the SMME Summit, following the immense success of the inaugural summit in 2023.

Other significant partners include: 94.7 (media partner), AfriHost (Free Wifi), SABC (broadcaster), Beacon Sweets (Easter themed Kids area), Simba (Official snacks partner with plenty to offer over the weekend), MTN, SupaBets and many more.

“We look forward to welcoming some of South Africa’s hottest brands to this year’s expo,” says

Didi Okoro, Head of Sales at the Rand Show. “We believe that we create a fantastic space for businesses to showcase their work and connect or network with others in the space. We are proud to welcome these brands to join us as we continue to help drive business at all levels.”

When is the 2024 Rand Show taking place?

The gates at the Expo Centre open from Thursday, March 28th to Monday, April 1st 2024.

What are the activities and event that one can experience at the Rand Show?

There are many reasons to attend a great consumer expo. From the entertainment to exploring new gadgets, products and services, enjoying a family-friendly environment, networking with exhibitors and other visitors and getting show specials.

The Rand Show offers all of this and more. The Rand Show is famous for its outdoor displays, carnival rides and entertainment all around. Visitors can experience helicopter rides, car drifting and advanced driving with professionals.

For the Kids: The little ones will love the dedicated Kids Zone, Kids Con, magic shows,Easter Wonderland with the Beacon Bunny, the inflatables village, animal farm, kids marching band, balloon giveaways, go-karting, Hamley’s trains and so much more.

For the Young adults: Look forward to free music concerts around the show at no extra cost. There’s also a variety of amusement rides that will thrill everyone who try them - only for the brave (just kidding).

Adults and the rest of the Family will enjoy the Classic Car Show, wrestling, the Dog Show, Cake Boss, Motorbike display and toy run and the various marching bands performing throughout the show.

Tickets are sold at TicketPro and at the gate. Kids under the age of 12 enter for free, while pensioners pay R70. Each person (13-60) pays R110 and the family package for four costs R320.

Who’ll be on the Rand Show Main Stage?

Sports Sports

Bafana Bafana ready for FIFA Series

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has named his final 23-member squad for the FIFA Series international friendlies pilot project in Algeria later this month.

The FIFA event will run from 18 to 26 March 2024 and Broos said it is a great opportunity to call some new players to the South African senior men’s team.

“Certainly, I am also looking to the future. I said it already, there are a few players in our group who will be 35, 34, 36 when the FIFA World Cup is jointly hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States of America in 2026,” he said.

“So yes, we have to look for replacements also. Firstly, we have to see those games as an opportunity to give new players, younger players, to show if they are at Bafana Bafana level. Secondly, we are playing against two different styles of opponents.

On one side you have Andorra and you can compare them to Namibia. So, a tough team, a team who will wait and try to be dangerous in transition.

“On the other side you have Algeria, ranked fifth in the CAF rankings.

So that means you have two different styles, and it is good for the South African senior men’s team, certainly also to play against Andorra, but certainly to play against such a good team like Algeria.

“They have a new coach, they will have new players also in their selection. So, it will be a good test for those new players who are with us to prove themselves. Therefore, those friendly games are important, and you have to get the results if you want to keep your 10th place or maybe progress even further in the CAF ranking.”

Coach Broos’ charges play the first match against Andorra at the 19 May 1956 Stadium in Annaba, Algeria, on Thursday, 21 March 2024.

They then face the hosts at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers on Tuesday, March 26 before returning home on the following day.

Team SA Gears Up for 13th African Games in Ghana SPORTS Notices

A strong squad of 214 athletes and 45 officials from South Africa is gearing up to represent the nation at the 13th African Games, set to take place in Accra, Ghana, from March 8 to March 23. This marks the eighth appearance of Team SA at the African Games, starting from their return in 1995 in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The team will compete in 17 different sports, including Arm Wrestling and Cricket, which will feature for the first time. Notably, eight of these sports also serve as qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Olympics. South Africa performed admirably in the previous African Games, clinching a total of 86 medals (36 Gold, 26 Silver, and 24 Bronze), securing the 4th spot overall in the medals table.

The majority of athletes in the team come from Athletics, Hockey, Cricket, Swimming, and Cycling. However, due to conflicting schedules with other competitions, some experienced athletes won’t be participating, providing younger athletes with an opportunity to showcase their talent on the continental stage.

Among the team are Olympians from Tokyo 2020 such as Michaela Whitebooi in Judo, and Jo-Ane van Dyk and Antonio Alkana in athletics. Alkana, who has represented South Africa twice at the Olympics, is expected to bring his wealth of experience to the team.

Whitebooi, who proudly carried the South African flag in the last African Games, is determined to repeat her success. Additionally, high jumper Mpho Links is back to defend his gold medal. Other medalists from the last Games are also making a return.

Barry Hendricks, President of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), emphasized the significance of the African Games for athletes, stating, “These Games are vitally important to Team SA and we are fully committed to sending the best available team to Ghana.”

Nozipho Jafta, CEO of SASCOC, expressed optimism about the Games and how they help athletes prepare for bigger events like the Paris 2024 and LA 2028 Olympics.

Originally planned for 2023, the Games in Ghana were postponed to 2024 due to unforeseen circumstances.

However, there has been a setback as South Africa had to withdraw its men’s and women’s hockey teams from the ongoing Games in Ghana due to the venue not being adequately prepared for the competition.

Despite this setback, South Africa stands united in support of its athletes, hoping for success and further glory in Ghana.