Author: The Bulrushes
Empire Partner Foundation (EPF) marks its 12th hackathon by celebrating the culture of innovation that has seen young software developers find solutions for problems with security, mental health, water supplies, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant payments, healthcare, and education. The tech non-profit organisation has hosted 12 hybrid (physical and virtual) hackathons boasting high levels of engagement and collaboration. More than 1 000 hackathon participants harnessed their creativity and found innovative solutions for tackling today’s biggest community challenges. “Ever since we hosted the Hackathon last year we have come a long way and met a lot of incredible young talented developers with…
Alleged loan shark Yolanda Precious Mabuza – the owner of Humelela Cash Loans in Hazyview, Mpumalanga – has been released on bail. The 33-year-old Mabuza was arrested in Hazyview on Thursday by the Hawks and members of the National Credit Regulator from Gauteng. Mabuza, who is facing charges of Contravening the National Credit Act, appeared in the Hazyview Magistrate’s Court on Friday. The state alleges that her Humelela Cash Loans business is not registered with the National Credit Regulator – meaning it was operating unlawfully. “When the team executed the search warrant at her premises approximately 500 bank cards, SASSA grant cards,…
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) on Thursday announced the final results of the local government elections that resulted in a record 66 hung councils, where no party had an outright majority. Announcing the results IEC Chair Glen Mashinini said the use of the new voter management system was a major milestone that eliminated any possibility of a person voting more than once. The African National Congress (ANC) on Thursday won 161 councils with majorities, the Democratic Alliance (DA) came a distant second having won 13 councils, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) took third place winning 10 councils. While…
Thieves have taken advantage of load-shedding to steal cables leaving many businesses including the Joburg market unable to operate. “The lack of electricity has a disastrous impact on the quality and safety of agricultural products,” complained Christo van der Rheede, executive director at Agri SA. The cable thefts occurred on Tuesday. On Friday morning Van der Rheede said electricity had still not been restored. “This is unacceptable for a market that provides agricultural products to 15 million people daily,” said Van der Rheede. “Agri SA appeals to the Johannesburg City mayor and council to do everything in their power to…
Claims that state officials trafficked eight of the decuplets to Europe and America made by Dr. Iqbal Survé – the owner of independent Media – have sparked an angry response from the Gauteng Provincial Government and the national health department. In trying to resurrect a long-discredited story that 37-year-old Gosiame Sithole from Tembisa gave birth to 10 babies several months ago, Dr. Survé on Wednesday called a press briefing during which he said eight babies survived and two died at birth. He claimed the mother saw them before they were trafficked with the help of hospital and home affairs officials…
Eskom is ramping up its load-shedding from stage 2 to stage 4 from Wednesday at noon. Eskom said “it regrets to announce” that stage 4 load shedding will be implemented from 12 pm today until 05:00 on Friday. “Thereafter load-shedding will continue on Stage 2 till 05:00 Saturday morning,” said the power utility in a tweet. More to follow … Eskom regrets to announce that #Stage4 #loadshedding will be implemented from 12pm today until 05:00 on Friday, thereafter loadshedding will continue on Stage 2 till 05:00 Saturday morning — Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) October 27, 2021
Eskom has strong-armed the City of Johannesburg to agree to implement load-shedding from Monday night after initially refusing to do so. At the weekend City Power – the City of Johannesburg’s power utility – refused to implement the load-shedding schedule imposed by Eskom. Johannesburg’s new Mayor Mpo Moerane boldly declared he was “prepared to go the legal route to halt Eskom’s blanket heavy-handedness”. But in an about-turn on Monday Eskom and City Power said they have agreed to work together in the national interest and to protect the national grid. “City Power will follow and implement the directive of the…
The new mayor of Johannesburg Mpho Moerane has refused to implement Eskom’s load-shedding that was supposed to kick in on Saturday night. Shortly after Eskom announced it was implementing load-shedding to beef up reserve capacity, Moerane issued a statement rejecting the schedule. Only in the job for a few weeks, Mayor Moerane has put his foot down and refused to implement Eskom’s impromptu load-shedding schedule.. The mayor said Eskom’s load-shedding move was “an unwarranted decision that can not be left unchallenged.” Eskom said it was implementing Stage 2 load-shedding from 21:00 Saturday until 05:00 on Monday in order to replenish…
Former cop Nomia Rosemary Ndlovu was on Friday found guilty of six counts of murder of her relatives and lover whom she had clandestinely insured with herself as a benefactor. Judge Ramarumo Monama pronounced his guilty ruling in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court, Johannesburg, after a lengthy judgment. He said in the last 79 years South Africa had not known such a murder streak. Judge Monama also found Ndlovu guilty of attempted murder and defrauding the insurance of about R1.4 million. All the while the 46-year-old accused made facial expressions suggesting she was in pain or struggling to stay awake.…
Mpumelelo Secondary School, Maritzburg College, Paul Roos Gimnasium, and the University of Cape Town were on Friday named as winners of various categories of the JSE Investment Challenge. These learners and students are eager to gain the financial skills that will improve their future and give them independence, judging by the calibre of entrants in this year’s JSE Investment Challenge. Every year the competition allows school learners and students from higher learning institutions to invest virtual money in the financial markets, giving them a solid understanding of financial instruments and the freedom to learn and speculate without any risk. Each…