Latest news with #Dlomo
The Citizen
01-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
It's not about winning but – having fun: Norman Dlomo
SHARPEVILLE.- Norman Dlomo's Future Athletics Club also featured in the cross-country race that was held at George Thabe Stadium in Sharpeville on Saturday. Dlomo, who once made this region proud by qualifying for the Olympic Games, was one of the organisers with the Lekoa Athletics Club. Dlomo has been involved in the development of athletics since he retired from Athletics South Africa. He enjoys working with these upcoming athletes and was hands-on in giving instructions to the officials on how the athletes were going to run. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Dlomo said he has found his passion to work with young athletes. He said this is what he wanted to do when he retired from competitive running. 'It was always my desire to work with youngsters to start preparing them at a young age. Our biggest challenge is to prepare them for the future. Look, some of us never had this opportunity to start our running career at a young age. Most of us started running at an older age. I'm happy that things have changed for the better. This must be the highlight of the day to see these boys and girls competing against each other. However, I must emphasise that at their age, it is not about winning but having fun. This is the message to all the coaches involved in development at their age, it's pure about development. We shouldn't rush them to compete for winning. We must lay a solid foundation for their future,' said Dlomo. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
28-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Rising unemployment, disaster looms
Prominent businessman Rob Hersov. Image: Supplied FORMER top intelligence official Thulani Dlomo has issued a stern warning, saying that South Africa's high youth unemployment rate was a ticking time bomb, one that could lead to civil unrest, similar to the July 2021 riots which followed the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma. Dlomo, who previously headed the State Security Agency's special operations unit, made those remarks at an event hosted by the Xubera Institute of Research and Development on Thursday in Hillcrest. More than 300 people lost their lives during the 2021 riots, with many others sustaining serious injuries, during scenes of wanton violence that erupted after Zuma's incarceration for being in contempt of court. 'If 60% of young people are unemployed, that's a recipe for disaster,' Dlomo warned. 'If this issue isn't addressed, we're likely to see a repeat of the 2021 unrest.' Dlomo, a long-time ally of Zuma, was once labelled one of the instigators of the July riots, though he was later cleared of any involvement by the courts. 'If unemployment is resolved in our country, we'll prevent the risk of a revolt led by young people, a revolt that could be very dangerous,' he added. Dlomo rose to public prominence in 2012 when he joined the State Security Agency as Chief Director. He was later promoted to Deputy Director-General in 2014. In 2017, former president Zuma appointed him as South Africa's ambassador to Japan. His diplomatic tenure ended in January 2019 when President Cyril Ramaphosa recalled him after taking office. The event on Thursday was attended by individuals from various sectors, including business, politics, and civil society. Prominent businessman Rob Hersov, who also addressed attendees, and echoed Dlomo's concerns, warning that rising unemployment posed a threat to South Africa's 'young democracy.' 'We must come together as citizens of this beautiful country and save our democracy. We have the power to determine the future of our nation,' said Hersov. He emphasised the importance of accountability on the side of the government. 'As citizens, it's our duty to hold the government accountable. If we stand united, we can win this battle and make South Africa a better place to live,' said Hersov. Hersov also urged citizens to take a stand against the ANC-led Government of National Unity (GNU). Independent political analyst Prince Mashele added to the urgency to act against unemployment and said, 'Our country is burning. When your nation is in crisis, you can't sit by idly. Each person must ask themselves what role they can play. This is not the time for vague speeches—we need to face reality head-on.' Mashele presented two stark choices: 'Either pack your bags and leave, or stay and fight. I have chosen to fight.' He also suggested that the ANC was now the main obstacle to progress. 'There was a time when the enemy was the National Party. Today, that enemy is the African National Congress.'
