Latest news with #SedibengSter
The Citizen
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
SACR spends R159m celebrating commemorative days
SEDIBENG.- The Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR) has wasted over R159m celebrating commemorative days in the past eight years while the province struggles with a persistent unemployment crisis. This was revealed to Sedibeng Ster by the DA's Kingsol Chabalala, who added that lavish spending amid rising joblessness raises serious concerns about the provincial government's commitment to addressing pressing economic challenges faced by the people of Gauteng. In response to questions asked by the DA in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL), Gauteng MEC for SACR, Matome Chiloane, revealed that the money was spent entertaining citizens at events held to celebrate Human Rights Day, Freedom Day, Youth Day, Women's Day, Heritage Day and the Day of Reconciliation. 'Instead of spending copious amounts of money on food and busing people to events, it would have been more prudent to invest that money in creating sustainable jobs to benefit our residents both in the short and long term. There are numerous projects that this funding could support, which would improve the lives of our citizens and help reduce the current unemployment rate of 34.4%,' Chabalala said. Moreover, Chabalala said that these funds could have been better utilised to enhance sports facilities in schools and communities. 'This could include building multi-purpose courts for various sports and swimming pools in township areas. Additionally, investing in support for Gauteng athletes and individuals pursuing careers in the creative arts would be a more effective use of money than spending it on celebration. The DA has been advocating cost-effective ways of celebrating commemorative days in the Gauteng Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Portfolio Committee for the department. We will keep pushing for this through the committee to ensure the department stops wasting millions on these events while our people starve and our sports infrastructure crumbles.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
02-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Itireleng Parks Team's receives long-waited award
BOIPATONG.- Itireleng Parks Team finally got rewarded for their hard work. The team, under the leadership of Parks Mofokeng, received R50 000 for taking second place. This was during the Green Economy Branding Marketing Services Summit held at Sedibeng College in Vanderbijlpark on Thursday and Friday. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, the jubilant Mofokeng said they came in second position following their impressive presentation of Itireleng Parks Team's contribution in the community. His organisation was established during the nationwide lockdown (Covid-19) in 2020 when they volunteered to clean the Boipatong township. Back at the summit, Mofokeng said there were nine of them, and finishing in second place was the greatest achievement for the Itireleng Parks Team. When Itirelang Parks Team's name was called, there were celebrations and tears of joy from the team members. Despite the challenges and work as volunteers, the team never got discouraged. Mofokeng said it wasn't easy, as some of the group members got discouraged along the way, but most of them continued with their mission to clean the townships. For example, the team cleaned the streets, schools, clinics, and turned the dumping place next to Lebohang Secondary School into a community park. Mofokeng told Sedibeng Ster that this reward came at the right time when they needed motivation. 'I must say this without being biased, Sedibeng Ster played a huge role in our success, and we will always be grateful for the platform it gave us. We were an unknown group when we started, and thanks to the newspaper for giving us this platform to promote ourselves, for the work that we do within the community. We also want to thank Cape Gate for believing in us, donating tools to the Itireleng Parks Team. Not forgetting those individuals who also contributed to the success of the Itireleng Parks Team,' said Mofokeng. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
02-06-2025
- The Citizen
Sangoma shocks Vanderbijlpark court with guilty plea in toddler's kidnapping and murder
What was meant to be a brief appearance for the second suspect in the kidnapping case of toddler Kutlwano Shalaba quickly turned into drama when the sangoma arrested in connection with the case revealed significant information. Sedibeng Ster reports that Sebokoane Khanyane (50) stunned the packed Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court this morning when he told the magistrate, 'I'm guilty', during his appearance alongside the toddler's accused mother, Keneilwe Shalaba. The traditional healer, facing charges of human trafficking and premeditated murder, was arrested last Thursday, following an ongoing investigation by Boipatong SAPS detectives. His arrest led to a gruesome discovery of a lifeless body buried in a shallow grave at Waterpan Road in Bekkersdal. The toddler was initially reported missing by his mother in November last year. Investigations, however, revealed that the mother was involved in the disappearance of her child. She was arrested on charges of human trafficking, making a false statement to the police, and conspiracy to commit robbery. In court, when asked about his legal representation, Khanyane casually told the magistrate he was guilty, before quickly changing his mind and requesting a state attorney. Addressing the media following the appearance, National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said: 'A charge of premeditated murder was also added to the mother. 'Investigations at the time suggested that the mother might have sold the child to the sangoma, but as it stands, the investigators are suggesting other things rather than selling. More charges might be added against both the accused.' In court, the sangoma's rights were explained to him. He told the court he was pleading guilty, however, the court quickly told him that it was not the right platform to plead yet. Shalaba and Khoanyana are expected back in court on Thursday. 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!
The Citizen
30-05-2025
- The Citizen
Sangoma arrested after remains of Boipatong toddler reportedly found
Almost six months since the disappearance of Kutlwano Shalaba, the toddler's remains have been discovered. Sedibeng Ster reports that, according to sources close to the investigation, the gruesome discovery was made last night in Poortjie, just outside Sebokeng. While police have not issued a formal response, sources say details of how the body was located remain tightly under wraps. Kutlwano went missing in November last year when he was allegedly snatched from his mother's back by a group of men reported to be travelling in a grey VW Polo. Kutlwano's ordeal sparked public outcry in Boipatong and countless social media pleas to help locate the missing baby. While many sympathised with the mother following the news, hope turned into horror when she was arrested and charged with human trafficking, conspiracy to commit robbery, and making a false statement to the police. The scandal deepened when investigators uncovered damning evidence showing that R75 000 was deposited into the mother's bank account on the day her son vanished. The money was believed to be linked to the illegal sale of the toddler. Now, in a shocking twist, a sangoma has been arrested in connection with the case. Sources claim the sangoma may have played a sinister role in the child's disappearance, though authorities are still piecing together the puzzle. Keneilwe Shalaba, the mother, remains behind bars after her bail application was denied in April. 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!
The Citizen
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
A celebration of ‘Izintombi'
SEBOKENG.- It was singing, dancing, and ululation when UBuhle Besizwe celebrated maidens, 'Amatshitshi/Izintombi' in Zone 13, Sebokeng on Saturday. This traditional ceremony saw more than 50 young girls gathered together to celebrate their virginity. This traditional ceremony aims to encourage young girls to embrace their worth and wait for the right moment before engaging in sexual activities. The ceremony was attended by the well-respected men and women in the community to embrace these brave young girls. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Zandile Radebe, who is the founder of this group from Bophelong, hailed this traditional ceremony as a great success. Radebe said it is important for this kind of traditional ceremony, now and then, to engage these young girls. Tshiamo Nnnete (16) was one of the young girls who were part of this proud traditional ceremony which was held at her home. Radebe told Sedibeng Ster that this ceremony is about embracing young girls' worth and self-respect. 'We don't force them to do this, they do it willingly. We encourage other young girls out there to be proud of their maiden 'amatshitshi/Izintombi' virginity,' she concluded. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
