Latest news with #SowetoUprising
The South African
6 days ago
- Politics
- The South African
Firoz Cachalia: From Benoni to Wits, to Acting Police Minister
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia as Acting Minister of Police on Sunday, 13 July. Cachalia is a professor of law at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). However, he is expected to retire from the position at the end of July. He also chairs the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC). Ramaphosa's announcement of Cachalia's appointment surprised citizens, with many questioning the reasons behind it and whether he is the most suitable person for the job. He was born on 22 July 1958 in Benoni, and his political journey began at a young age. While at university, Cachalia, along with his brother, Azhar, were arrested for distributing pamphlets to commemorate the Soweto Uprising. Both were severely assaulted and tortured during the arrest. Just three years later, the brothers were again arrested for political activities and detained for several weeks. They were banned under the Internal Security Act and prohibited from participating in any organisations. Despite this, Cachalia remained steadfast in the fight against apartheid. According to South African History Online , he held various leadership positions in anti-apartheid organisations. He played a leading role in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa negotiations. Cachalia also worked with the committee that drafted the first versions of the country's constitution. In addition, he held leadership positions in the United Democratic Front (UDF), African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP) and private sectors. In 2022, Ramaphosa appointed a nine-member council led by Cachalia. The Presidency described the NACAC as a multi-sectoral partnership to fight against corruption, fraud and other criminality. Last year, the NACAC chairperson released some of the council's proposals for Ramaphosa. These included the ability to investigate criminal corruption when it is discovered. While the road ahead seems bumpy, the NACAC chairperson has garnered some support. Chairperson of the National Assembly's Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, described Cachalia's appointment as a commendable move. He said it was a step forward in restoring public trust, adding that Cachalia is competent, credible, and serious about good governance. Cachalia will serve as Acting Police Minister from 1 August. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
IOL News
11-07-2025
- General
- IOL News
The evolution of community radio in South Africa: a journey from apartheid to empowerment
Given its history and the need to promote democracy and development, the value of community radio in South Africa cannot be downplayed, says the writer. Image: Yaqubov IT'S NO SECRET that South Africa endured decades of division, discrimination and detention at the hands of an errant elite that was hellbent on perpetuating the evils of the horrid system of apartheid. 1976 was a seminal year as the "Soweto Uprising" shook the state to the rafters. The 1980s was marked by widespread turbulence as civil society became increasingly disgruntled with the direction of the country. In the latter part of the decade, the Campaign for Open Media became a lobbying force, and the Campaign for Independent Broadcasting commenced advocating for opening up of the airwaves. I happened to be part of these trailblazing initiatives – at times, they were exciting and elevating, but at other moments eerie and excruciating. To borrow from Charles Dickens, 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times . . .' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ A watershed conference titled Jabulani! Freedom of the Airwaves was held in August 1991 in Doorn, Netherlands. It was pronounced that a three-tier system of broadcasting needs to be established in South Africa, and the terrain must be regulated by an independent authority. Apart from the public service viz the SABC, community and commercial radio stations must contribute to diversity on the dial. The gathering in the Netherlands added that national community broadcasting should be participatory; it should be owned and controlled by the community itself, and the broadcasting content of the station should be determined by the needs of the community as perceived by that community. Radio Maritzburg became the first licensed community service in November 1994 in the country. Since then, approximately 200 stations have been granted licences by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa). Community radio represents a bottom-up approach whereby the listener in the broadcasting footprint ought to decide who should be on the board of the station as well as the content to be aired. Engagement with the community is crucial as it is the owner of the station and the assets. The element of localism is a key ingredient for broadcasters, irrespective of their category, around the globe. If anything, community radio is best positioned to use its connectivity with local citizens and organisations to its best advantage. A debilitating factor is the governance of stations around the country. Self-appointed members of boards with vested interests and who occupy positions far beyond the stipulated period laid down in the station's Constitution stymies growth and progress. Boards are essentially in place to come up with policies that would ensure the smooth operation of the station. However, there is a tendency for board members to involve themselves in operational matters which inevitably lead to challenges such as nepotism and cronyism. Servant leadership is a conveniently forgotten concept. This tier of broadcasting, in the main, relies on the goodwill of volunteers to keep the station on-air. Management needs to develop novel ways in engendering a spirit of volunteerism. It behoves the volunteer on community radio to provide the similar level of quality service as someone on public or commercial radio. The individual's task is not and can never be viewed as less important. The listener is in need of just as good a broadcast experience. In fact, there is a greater onus by the presenter on community radio to go beyond the call of duty because the listener in all probability depends on the output of the station to improve her or his livelihood. The listener tunes into community radio to hear something that is directly pertinent. Bill Siemering, who wrote the mission statement for National Public Radio (NPR) in the United States and a member of the Radio Hall of Fame in that country, says that community radio serves as a clinic to heal. The programme manager has to ensure that presenters have done the required research and are adequately prepared for their show. In order to provide top-drawer service, airchecks for on-air staff cannot be sufficiently underscored. Training is vital for new people at the station. By the same token, ongoing refresher training should not be ignored. Financial resources are one of the biggest bugbears with community radio stations. The ability to continually generate revenue for the station should be a permanent item on the agenda for meetings even well before going on-air. The absence of a steady flow of funds is a recipe for disaster especially if creditors cannot be paid. A sustainability model should be the benchmark. The coffers can be replenished through advertisements, sponsorships, grants, donations and membership fees. A strong, well-trained marketing and advertising team is bound to make sure the station is not only afloat but is thriving. It may be a non-profit entity, but has to be run on sound business principles. Count and account for every rand. Proper record-keeping will make the task of the accountant easier. A cautionary note is that all monies received belong to the station, and can never be shared with a third person. Many community radio stations in the country flounder due to the reluctance or the inability to comply with rules and regulations by a range of stakeholders. The need to get familiar with requirements is non-negotiable. The licence conditions/'promise of performance' that Icasa issues to the station at the onset cannot be breached. Keep the taxman in your good books failing which a tax compliance certificate is merely a pipedream. This certificate is your passport for prosperity. Given its history and the need to promote democracy and development, the value of community radio in South Africa cannot be downplayed. It affords the community the golden opportunity to cater for all its needs no matter how small they are. Moreover, it allows for creativity and flexibility to flourish with real, relevant and authentic content. As Denise Gray-Felder succinctly puts it, 'Community radios provide profound new opportunities for more inclusive sustainable development.' Advocate Robin Sewlal Image: File Advocate Robin Sewlal is the Chairperson of Radiocracy which published the legacy book 'My Radio Memory: Listening to the Listener'. You can obtain a copy by emailing MyRadioMemory@ It costs R390.00 which includes delivery to your door by Internet Express. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media. THE POST
IOL News
02-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
The Legacy lives on: Why today's climate fight needs youth at the centre
Deputy President Paul Mashatile emphasised the imperative of empowering youth to lead economic and social transformation. Image: SIGCINIWE Speaking at the G20 High Level Intergeneration Dialogue in Sandton last Friday, Deputy President Paul Mashatile emphasised the imperative of empowering youth to lead economic and social transformation and to be at the core of the global engagement on the future of the society they will inherit – It was warming. We have observed the month-long sacrament called youth month in South Africa by bemoaning our challenges and celebrating our youth heroes and trailblazers. Now that the elders have once again temporarily remembered the youth of 76 we must not cast our eyes off the existential global crisis - the climate crisis. South Africa's energy transition is both a national imperative and a strategic opportunity for youth empowerment. The convergence of youth unemployment, skills shortages, and infrastructure challenges makes it critical to invest in human capital development for sustainable energy systems. Demonstrated since the Soweto Uprising of 1976, to today's climate action litigation in the highest courts, South Africa's youth have always been at the forefront of transformational change. Today, as we confront climate change, a defining challenge of our time, it is once again young people who must step up with courage, clarity, and conviction. Many young people are demanding action to address climate change. They recognise that current policies and targets fall short of what is needed to secure their future. These young activists use traditional and innovative methods to build momentum and advocate for change. Litigation is one method they use to hold polluting industries and governments accountable. In December 2024, the power of the youth was exhibited not through protest, but through litigation. In a landmark judgment, in favour of the #CancelCoal campaign, the country's first youth-led constitutional climate case. The campaign, led by African Climate Alliance, Vukani Environmental Justice Movement, and groundWork, challenged the inclusion of 1 500MW of new coal-fired power in the 2019 Integrated Resource Plan. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The court agreed that the plan violated several constitutional rights, including the right to an environment that is not harmful to health or wellbeing, especially for children. Moments like this highlight that youth participation is not symbolic. It is dynamic. It's deliberate. And it is critical for achieving an inclusive just transition. A just transition must put youth as co-creators of the sustainable future. Our energy transition is both a national imperative and a strategic opportunity for youth empowerment. The convergence of youth unemployment, skills shortages, and infrastructure challenges makes it critical to invest in human capital development for sustainable energy systems. According to the Statistics South Africa 2024 Mid-year Population Estimates, 21 million young people account for 33.1% of the country's population, underscoring their significant role in shaping the nation's social and economic landscape. It is the youth who will inherit the long-term consequences of today's climate decisions. That is why it is essential that young people are present in decision-making spaces and equipped with the tools, information, and platforms necessary to meaningfully participate in building a resilient and just South Africa. Although there has been progress in including the youth in climate action discussions, their inclusion does not mean parity. The youth are often under-equipped when entering the webinars, the negotiations rooms, and the public dialogues where the language is technical and unfamiliar, yet it is about their future. Many ask: 'Do I know enough to speak here?' That is why we must start from the ground up- from school syllabuses to multidisciplinary curricula in law, public health, built environment and many other disciplines. Deliberate steps must be taken to dismantle the barriers that prevent young people from meaningfully engaging in climate action. This means investing in funding youth participation, access to information, peer-learning, international exchange to sharpen their prowess in decision-making Youth are both disproportionately affected by the negative impacts of the climate crisis and uniquely positioned to drive transformative solutions. However, limited access to technical education, practical experience, and entrepreneurial pathways hinders meaningful participation It is a welcome development that the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) has established the Youth Leaders Caucus, rallying a diversity of young who offer perspectives across sectors on climate action and the just transition. While we appreciate the PCC's gesture and goodwill, we still need to be present in frontiers of climate action and the shaping of a new development paradigm in a future net-zero economy and society. If we are serious about climate action, all of society must move beyond superficial consultation, and embrace the procedural values underpinning our country's Just Transition Framework (JTF) through co-creation of climate action with and for the youth. Next year when we mark half a century of the 1976 generation, we must gather not to protest, but to celebrate increased youth participation in South Africa's just energy transition - otherwise like we did in 1974 against Afrikaans, we will lead the charge against the exclusive language of 'climate action' Ayakha Melithafa, Commissioner of the Presidential Youth Commission and Founder of Ayakha Melithafa Foundation Image: Supplied Ayakha Melithafa, Commissioner of the Presidential Youth Commission and Founder of Ayakha Melithafa Foundation *** The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Independent Media or IOL. BUSINESS REPORT
IOL News
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Rapsody set to honour Nelson Mandela's legacy with special Soweto performance this July
Rapsody is set to hit the streets of Soweto in honour of Nelson Mandela's legacy. Image: Instagram/@rapsody 9th Wonder's first lady, Rapsody, will be coming to South Africa, Soweto, on July 18 for 'UPRISING: A Night Walk Through Memory, Music, and Resistance'. The rapper will be alongside Nomsa Mazwai, with whom she built a long-term friendship and sisterhood. According to the joint post by Mazwai and Rapsody, the night tour will honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela as well as the June 16 Soweto Uprising. The night will include an intimate community dinner and a conversation between Seth Mazibuko, a former student leader and historian who was part of the 1976 march and the youngest student to be imprisoned. Also part of the conversation will be the Grammy-award-winning rapper, with Mazwai moderating the event. 'I remember how much Soweto inspired my 'The Idea of Beautiful' album. You gave me so much inspiration, fueled verses and sonics well beyond that album. 'I'm looking forward to walking the streets of Soweto on July 18 with you and drinking from the fountain of wisdom that is Bra Seth!,' said Rapsody. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The rapper's relationship with South Africa goes way back, in her own words, the country had a lot of influence on her critically acclaimed 2012 album 'The Idea of Beautiful', which featured Mazwai, Childish Gambino and Ab-Soul, to mention a few. Talking to 'Daily Sun' about her relationship with Rapsody, Mazwai revealed the depth of their sisterhood. 'Rapsody and 9th Wonder sampled three of my songs from my debut SAMAs-winning album, 'Nomisupasta'. We've been friends and sisters ever since,' she said. Additionally, she emphasised Rapsody's involvement with South African history and rich heritage. 'She's been invested in the community of Soweto since her debut album 15 years ago. Now that she has a Grammy, we want to see her and congratulate her,' Mazwai told 'Daily Sun'. The 'Forget Me Not' hitmaker was also involved in another South African inspired album, Kendrick Lamar's 'To Pimp a Butterfly', which was released in 2015. She appeared on a song titled 'Complexion (A Zulu Love). At the time, Kendrick Lamar's visit to Nelson Mandela's prison cell on Robben Island had a huge impact on his album, which inspired themes of racial injustice, self-reflection and cultural history. Given Rapsody's history with South Africa, her involvement in the album, particularly the track, was a no-brainer, as she is known for her introspective and personal lyrics, as well as her soulful, jazzy delivery. Her own music often incorporates elements of hip-hop, R&B and spoken word, showcasing her versatility and lyrical skill. Through her work, Rapsody has established herself as a respected lyricist in the American hip-hop scene and on a global scale.
IOL News
24-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Urgency is needed to invest in adolescent health and well-being
In investing in the health and well-being of South African adolescents, our first step should be to have nationally representative and contextually relevant data to guide policies and interventions. Image: Supplied by Shutterstock As we celebrate Youth Month, we are reminded that the choices we make today play a role in shaping the future of our nation, and this begins with investing in our adolescents. Africa is expected to be home to more than 45% of adolescents globally by the year 2100. In South Africa, it is estimated that adolescents account for 18.5% of the population, which is about 10 million young people between 10 and 19 years old. If we want to prepare our youth for the future, we need to invest in their health and well-being today. On Youth Day, we celebrated the brave young people of the 1976 Soweto Uprising and honoured the role they played in fighting to empower youth. Yet today, the health and well-being of South African adolescents, shaped by the unique challenges they face, including socio-economic pressures, continue to be overlooked. Data from recent studies paint a deeply concerning picture of the developmental period of adolescence in South Africa: those between 10 and 19 years of age are reporting higher depression and anxiety symptoms, particularly older adolescents from low-income settings; while 45% of adolescents from rural environments report having used substances in the past 12 months, with alcohol being the most prevalent, followed by tobacco and cannabis. A more recent trend has seen just over 16% of school-going adolescents engaging in vaping. The median age of sexual debut is 16 years, with reported incidence of sexually transmitted infections being higher among female adolescents. Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ Prof Eugene Lee Davids, an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Pretoria Image: Supplied In addition, female adolescents from socio-economically challenged areas have a higher prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors, which include being overweight or obese and having elevated cholesterol, when compared to male adolescents. This worrying state is expected to be exacerbated by trends such as climate change and the rapid changes associated with the digital world, as reported in the recent Lancet Commission on adolescent health and well-being. While existing studies provide some insight into the state of adolescent health in South Africa, it is worth noting that many were conducted with small samples or geographically concentrated areas, highlighting a critical need for nationally representative data. In investing in the health and well-being of South African adolescents, our first step should be to have nationally representative and contextually relevant data to guide policies and interventions. In an attempt to do just this, the Healthy Adolescent Behaviours: Investigating Trajectories in South Africa (HABITS) study by the University of Pretoria's Department of Psychology is exploring the health and well-being of adolescents and the factors that influence it. HABITS is a three-phased, mixed-methods study funded by the National Research Foundation that aims to assess the overall health and well-being of adolescents in two provinces in South Africa. It seeks to address the gap in nationally and contextually relevant data, as much of it is either out of date or has been discontinued. The study would yield data on a range of adolescent experiences, including their mental well-being, lifestyle behaviours, school experiences, relationships, safety, how climate change affects them and their decision-making abilities. The data would help us to better understand the needs and concerns of adolescents, and can be used to work with young people, schools and relevant stakeholders to plan and implement targeted interventions. Another pathway to shaping health and well-being is by encouraging decision-making that promotes healthy alternatives. This involves adolescents evaluating all the available options and choosing one that yields the best result, in this case, the happier and healthier outcome. When engaging in decision-making, adolescents should remember that rushing a decision or putting it off can lead to detrimental outcomes. Young people generally engage in one of the following types of decision-making: Evaluating all the available options and choosing the one that would lead to the best outcome; Making a rushed decision because of time constraints, which often leads to less desirable outcomes; and Putting off making a decision or shifting the responsibility of deciding to someone else is often associated with less desirable outcomes. Adolescents make up a large proportion of the South African population, and investing in their health would yield a triple dividend on investment. In celebrating Youth Day, let us start investing in the health and well-being of adolescents in South Africa and around the world to create pathways for young people to thrive. Prof Eugene Lee Davids, an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Pretoria and study lead of the Healthy Adolescent Behaviours: Investigating Trajectories in South Africa (HABITS) study
