Latest news with #Chiloane
The Citizen
25-06-2025
- The Citizen
WATCH: Illegal gambling machines destroyed in Mpumalanga
Ninety outdated slot machines from the Emnotweni Casino were officially removed and demolished on Tuesday, June 24. The Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER), in partnership with the casino, ordered the destruction of the machines at Nieuwco Mpumalanga in Rocky Drift. This formed part of MER's efforts to eliminate the possibility of illegal use, tampering, or resale of gambling equipment that no longer meets industry standards. According to MER spokesperson Cedric Chiloane, the destruction of the outdated slot machines serves as a reminder to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious gambling activities. Illegal gambling extends beyond slot machines and includes street card games, dice games played for money, betting on fahfee (umshayina), and online gambling through unlicensed platforms. WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: ALSO READ: Water pollution angers residents in Marite and Hazyview 'Last year, we destroyed about 119 machines, and we have since continued to search for illegal machines, including Chinese roulette gambling machines found at spaza shops,' he said. Chiloane added that licensed establishments are required to produce valid gambling certificates and encouraged the public to verify the legitimacy of gambling operations before participating. The MER is tasked with upholding standards of compliance, safety and fair play in the gaming industry. The protection of minors is also a key focus of the organisation. Chiloane urged business owners not to place gambling machines in public spaces, as they are intended strictly for adult entertainment. 'By conducting these raids and confiscations in the illegal market, we are sending a clear message – even spaza shops must understand that they are not allowed to have these machines,' he said. ALSO READ: Planned road closure for rock blasting on the N4 between Matsulu and KaNyamazane The destruction of the obsolete machines was carried out under strict regulatory oversight to ensure the equipment was rendered completely unusable. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
25-06-2025
- The Citizen
Officials suspended over stalled repairs at Noordgesig Secondary
Officials accused of failing to complete post-fire upgrades as department launches investigation. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has suspended two Infrastructure Unit inspectors over alleged failures to complete urgent repair work at Noordgesig Secondary School in Soweto. The department took swift action on Wednesday, suspending the officials tasked with overseeing reconstruction efforts after a fire severely damaged the school on June 27, 2024. Repairs not completed 'The department had allocated funds for urgent repairs and reconstruction work,' the GDE said in a statement. 'However, it is suspected that repairs might have not been completed, and some of the committed upgrades are suspected to have been partially done or not carried out at all.' According to the department, the suspended inspectors were responsible for monitoring and managing the project. Their suspension follows concerns raised about the state of the school infrastructure nearly a year after the fire. ALSO READ: School closes Friday for three-week break: Educational activities to keep kids busy Internal probe launched The GDE confirmed it has launched an internal investigation to uncover the full facts surrounding the failed repairs. 'We will announce the outcome of said investigation once it has been completed,' the department stated. Last year, the fire disrupted learning and raised urgent safety concerns among the school community. In response, the department committed to a series of upgrades to restore functionality and ensure a safe learning environment. The GDE said it remains committed to ensuring accountability and restoring the school infrastructure. 'Subsequently, we will announce the outcome of said investigation once it has been completed,' it concluded. ALSO READ: Here's how many Gauteng schools damaged by fire have been repaired Fire-damaged schools still need repairs Furthermore, Education MEC Matome Chiloane, in a written response posed in the legislature, confirmed that 29 schools had been damaged by fire since the 2021-22 financial year. Of these 29 schools, six have been repaired by the GDE at a cost of R9.3 million, roughly one per year at an average cost of R15 million per project. However, an additional 10 schools were fixed using funds made available by insurance companies, School Governing Body donations or private sponsors. 13 schools still need repairs and have been handed over to another government department. 'It must be noted that damages were of such a nature that it required extensive work to be done in the affected schools,' stated Chiloane's response. 'In this regard, the work was referred to the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development for implementation,' it explained. NOW READ: Schools or war zones? Ministers unveil 'Safe Schools Protocol' to end violence
The Citizen
23-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Here's how many Gauteng schools damaged by fire have been repaired
The GDE stated almost 30 schools had been damaged by fire in the last five years but only 16 had been repaired. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has elaborated on the progress of repairing fire-damaged schools. Several schools have gone up in flames in recent years, most notably the 11 classrooms gutted at Riverlea High School in April. In a written response to questions posed in the provincial legislature, Education MEC Matome Chiloane signed off on details relating to repair efforts and precautions taken by schools. Only half of schools repaired The GDE confirmed recently that 29 schools had been damaged by fire since the 2021-22 financial year. Six of these 29 schools have been repaired by the GDE at a cost R9.3 million — roughly one per year at an average cost of R15 million per project. However, an additional 10 schools were fixed using funds made available by insurance companies, School Governing Body donations or private sponsors. Repairs at 13 schools are still outstanding, and the projects have since been handed over to another government department. 'It must be noted that damages were of such a nature that it required extensive work to be done in the affected schools,' stated Chiloane's response. 'In this regard, the work was referred to Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development for implementation,' it explained. Assessments and reports on the outstanding repairs are still pending, so the values of the remaining projects have not been determined. Lack of firefighting resources Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education Sergio dos Santos stressed that schools were not properly equipped to deal with fires. 'We demand a comprehensive review of the current safety measures to identify weaknesses and develop solutions to protect our schools and ensure the safety of our learners,' he stated. The majority of the fires have occurred after hours, and in the case of the Riverlea fire, police are investigating a suspected case of arson. 'The intentional sabotage of our schools by setting fires is unacceptable and must be condemned,' stated Dos Santos. The GDE explained that schools were left vulnerable to fire as only basic reaction tools existed due to a lack of resources. 'Due to financial constraints, the schools have limited fire safety measures, such as fire extinguishers and fire alarms,' stated the GDE. School safety measures These gaps are filled with training and awareness programmes, as well as the work of school safety committees. The GDE stated that the existing safety protocols were 'limited' but focused on basic firefighting and first aid training for pupils and teachers. Additionally, safety committee members are mandated to promote fire safety in schools, identify potential hazards, and contribute to the school management team. The GDE states that training is continuous and equips teachers to contain emergency situations while waiting for professional responders. 'Communique are sent to the schools to promote compliance for the safety equipment and schools are directed to ensure annual maintenance for the equipment to always be functional,' the department explained. NOW READ: Bela Act guidelines issued, minister accused of 'worthless' delays
The Citizen
18-06-2025
- The Citizen
Police probe murder after learner is fatally stabbed outside Pretoria school
Boschkop police in the east of Pretoria are currently investigating the murder of a Grade 11 learner who was stabbed to death, allegedly by a Grade 12 learner outside a school in Lethabong, an informal settlement in Donkerhoek. The incident happened on Tuesday outside of the Lesedi Secondary School, according to police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk. The Gauteng Education Department confirmed the incident, saying police were investigating the tragic incident. According to Van Dyk, Boschkop police arrived at the school to find the deceased, who was still alive at that time, lying on the ground with a stab wound to his stomach. Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident happened outside the school premises at around 12:35 on Tuesday. 'It is alleged that the 19-year-old learner was on his way home with a friend when he was attacked and stabbed,' explained Van Dyk. He said, after the victim was stabbed, he managed to run back to school for help, and an ambulance was contacted by the school's staff. 'The victim was later declared dead at Ubuntu Clinic at Lethabong, east of Pretoria,' he added. He said a case of murder was opened at Boschkop police for further investigations. 'No arrests have been made so far,' Van Dyk concluded. Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane said preliminary reports suggested the Grade 12 learner had not attended school that day but allegedly arrived after the school day had ended. 'Just as learners were boarding their scholar transports, the Grade 12 learner proceeded to attack and stab the Grade 11 learner just outside the school yard.' Chiloane said he was deeply saddened by this tragic incident. 'In response, the Gauteng Department of Education has dispatched a team of psychologists and our School Safety Unit to the school to provide trauma counselling to affected learners and educators, while strengthening safety interventions at the school. No child should ever lose their life in the pursuit of education. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and the school community during this incredibly painful time,' Chiloane said. ALSO READ: Pretoria matric learner stabs Grade 11 learner to death Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
18-06-2025
- The Citizen
Grade 12 learner allegedly stabs Grade 11 to death outside Pretoria school gate
A Grade 11 learner died after being fatally stabbed outside Lesedi Secondary School in Lethabong, an informal settlement in Donkerhoek, Tshwane, yesterday. According to the education department, the perpetrator was allegedly a Grade 12 learner from the same school. Pretoria Rekord reports that the MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, says police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic stabbing. Chiloane says preliminary reports suggest that the Grade 12 learner did not attend school that day but allegedly arrived when school came out. He adds that just as learners were boarding their scholar transport, the Grade 12 learner allegedly stabbed the Grade 11 learner just outside the school yard. 'The victim was rushed to Lethabong Healthcare Clinic, where he was sadly certified dead on arrival,' Chilaone explains. He says he is deeply saddened by this tragic incident. 'In response, the Gauteng Department of Education has dispatched a team of psychologists and our School Safety Unit to the school to provide trauma counselling to affected learners and educators, while strengthening safety interventions at the school.' He says the department is heartbroken by this senseless act of violence. 'No child should ever lose their life in the pursuit of education. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and the school community during this incredibly painful time.' He says the department condemns all forms of violence in and around schools, particularly by learners. 'Our schools must remain spaces of learning, safety and hope, not breeding grounds for brutality and violence. Learners must understand that violence has life-altering consequences. Such actions will not only remove you from the classroom, but may ultimately place you behind bars,' says Chiloane. Comment from SAPS had not been received at the time of publishing. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
