Latest news with #Chiloane
The Citizen
4 days ago
- 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
4 days ago
- 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!
TimesLIVE
6 days ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Gauteng ANC leaders call for meaningful youth empowerment
Hundreds of young people gathered at the Hector Pieterson memorial in Orlando West, Soweto on Monday to honour the youth of 1976 who fought for freedom during the Soweto uprising. The event was attended by Gauteng MEC for education, sports, arts, culture and recreation Matome Chiloane, City of Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero and acting Gauteng premier Tasneem Motara. This year's Youth Day theme, "Skills for the changing world – Empowering youth for meaningful economic participation", was reflected in the stories, energy, and talent shared by the youth who participated. The day began with a ceremony at the memorial, where speakers reflected on the historic events of June 16 1976. Morero spoke about the courage shown by schoolchildren who marched with their books, hopes and dreams. "On this day 49 years ago, fearless young people stared down the barrel of apartheid guns. They didn't flinch. They marched for a future where they could learn in their own language, be treated with respect and live free," said Morero. "Some, including Hector Pieterson, never made it home." Morero encouraged today's youth to fight different battle against poverty, unemployment and substance abuse. "Your protest is the pursuit of opportunity. Your uprising is your ambition to build. Young people of today, you've got a bigger task," Morero said. He announced the City of Johannesburg's commitment to youth development through infrastructure and job creation, allocating 30% of the city's R8bn capital budget to youth owned businesses and township economy projects. Chiloane spoke about the bravery of those who fought in 1976 and the ongoing struggle faced by the today's youth. 'Urgent need for adaptable skills': Mashatile on unemployment crisis The unemployment crisis in South Africa is more than just an economic issue but a 'moral emergency', says Deputy President Paul Mashatile. Politics 12 hours ago "The youth of 1976 stood up against injustice and oppression. Their sacrifice was not in vain. Because of them, we can stand here today in our democratic country. Millions of young South Africans can dream freely and speak openly. But the freedom for which the 1976 youth fought is not yet complete," he said. Chiloane emphasised the challenges the youth is facing, including poverty, unemployment and limited access to opportunities. "The classrooms may have changed, the language of instruction may have changed, but the fight for dignity in a future worth fighting for continues," he said. He highlighted the rapid changes in the world, from automation to artificial intelligence, and said young people need more than qualifications, they need adaptability, creativity and resilience. "Many young people find themselves locked out, frustrated by a system that promises more than it delivers." The event showcased the convergence of technology, entrepreneurship and innovation. Chiloane pointed to coding workshops, entrepreneurs pitching ideas to investors, and young people connecting with companies such as Google and TikTok as signs of a hopeful future. Motara recalled the events of June 16 1976. "Today we stand not only on physical ground, but on sacred ground. This place holds echoes of gunshots, chants, courage, and grace. It is with solemn reverence that we gather here, not only to lay flowers, but to renew our responsibility to those whose lives were cut short that day," Motara said. She reflected on the bravery of pupils who marched peacefully against the apartheid regime's decision to enforce Afrikaans as a medium of instruction. "They were rejecting an education system designed to break their spirits and prepare them for lives of servitude," she said. Motara said while SA is a democratic nation, the promises of 1994 remain incomplete. "Millions of young people wake up to poverty, overcrowded schools, unemployment, substance abuse, gender-based violence and crime. Many feel unseen and unheard." She stressed remembrance must be paired with responsibility and action. "We owe the youth not silence or mere symbolism, but sustained commitment to their future. We are expanding access to education, accelerating skills development and growing opportunities through partnerships with the private sector," she said. The acting premier called on all South Africans, parents, educators, spiritual leaders, artists, athletes, business people and civil society to work together in supporting youth. "Young people must not only receive the benefits of freedom but actively shape its needs. Use your voice in your communities, demand accountability, offer solutions and protect our democracy," she urged. A representative of the June 16 1976 Foundation spoke about the importance of unity in commemorating the historic day. 'We cannot move forward unless we know where we come from. The sacrifices and stories of those who fought guide us,' he said. He called for a collective national conversation on how to properly commemorate June 16, stressing the need for unity across political lines and generations. "This important day must be marked with dignity and respect, free from division and discord." After the commemoration, the crowd marched from the memorial to Morris Isaacson High School, where young people showcased their businesses, talents and creativity. Among the stars of the day was 16-year-old entrepreneur Bokgoni Monyane, who started her business at 13 years old with R50 from her tuck shop and jewellery sales. She used her earnings to publish a book aimed at inspiring other young people. "My mom is my manager, like the Kardashians," she said adding, "the economy commands us to be business minded." Another young talent, Nxobile Zondi, spoke about her fashion business, telling TimesLIVE she makes clothes from scratch using a machine and by hand. "They cost from R150 to R250. I'm working alone, but I hope to grow and employ young people from Soweto." Jewellery designer Noxolo Mseleku, who studied in Italy after getting a scholarship from the Mining Qualifications Authority, gave a powerful message to young people about resilience and patience. "Anything is possible. Dream and follow that dream. I'm from rural KwaZulu-Natal and today I run a brand in Joburg and employ three people from my hometown." Mseleku urged government to invest in local manufacturing: "We shouldn't be exporting raw materials. We can create the finished products here. We have the skills, the ideas and the passion." Chiloane reflected on this years Youth Month theme: "This is not only a slogan, it's a mission, a call for action and a challenge to all of us as leaders, parents and society. Are we doing enough?"
IOL News
12-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Gauteng government spends R160 million on commemorative days amid rising unemployment
Commemoration of the 40th anniversary of Youth Day at Orlando Stadium, Soweto, in 2016. Image: GCIS The Gauteng provincial government has spent nearly R160 million on annual commemorative days in eight years ahead of the 49th anniversary of the June 16, 1976, Soweto uprisings on Monday. Gauteng Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC Matome Chiloane revealed that the provincial government has spent nearly R160 million since 2016 on commemorative days such as the upcoming Youth Day, Human Rights Day, Freedom Day, Women's Day, Heritage Day, and Day of Reconciliation. Over the past eight years (2016 – 2024), almost R21m has been spent on Youth Day, which is only lower than the Day of Reconciliation, commemorated on December 16, and has cost the provincial government just over R2.6m. Heritage Day, which is commemorated on September 24, has cost the most with R41.8m during this period, while Freedom Day celebrations on April 27 have been bankrolled with R34.8m. 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 ✕ More than R33.5m and R25.6m have been spent on Women's Day (August 9) and Human Rights Day (March 21), respectively. Chiloane revealed details of the expenditure in response to DA member of the Gauteng legislature, Kingsol Chabalala. Chabalala stated that the Gauteng government has wasted millions of rand on commemorative days over the past eight years while the province struggles with a persistent unemployment crisis. 'This 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,' he said. According to Chabalala, there are numerous projects that the funding could support, which would improve the lives of the province's citizens and help reduce the current unemployment rate of 34.4%. '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,' he added. Chabalala continued: '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.' He said the funds could have been better utilised to enhance sports facilities in schools and communities, including building multi-purpose courts for various sports and swimming pools in township areas. '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 celebrations,' Chabalala suggested. On Monday, the provincial government will commemorate Youth Day with an 'Inspiring Youth Expo' at the Morris Isaacson High School in Soweto to expose young people to meaningful opportunities as well as a wreath laying at the Hector Pieterson Memorial in Orlando West.
The Citizen
30-05-2025
- The Citizen
Grade 2 learner assaulted, allegedly by staff member at Joburg school
As the country marks Child Protection Week, disturbing reports of sexual abuse involving young learners continue to surface, raising serious questions about safety in schools. Southern Courier reports that one such case has emerged at Laerskool Dalmondeor in Johannesburg South, where a Grade 2 learner was assaulted, allegedly by a staff member. Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has expressed deep concern following the incident. The incident reportedly took place last Wednesday in one of the school's cloakrooms. According to the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), the learner's mother alleged that her child was assaulted by a general assistant and opened a case at Mondeor Police Station that same day. It is understood that the school only became aware of the allegation on Tuesday when police visited the premises and arrested the implicated staff member. Police investigations into the matter are ongoing. The accused remains in custody and will be precautionarily removed from his position at the school, pending further developments. 'The GDE takes allegations of this nature extremely seriously,' said the department in a statement. 'The safety, protection, and psychological well-being of all learners remain our foremost priority.' Chiloane condemned the incident in the strongest terms and emphasised the importance of tightening safety measures at all educational institutions. 'It is heartbreaking that a child could be subjected to such trauma in a place meant to nurture and protect them,' said Chiloane. 'This incident is a painful reminder of the urgent need to strengthen protective measures in all learning environments and ensure that no child is ever subjected to harm while under our care.' The GDE has committed to offering psycho-social support to the learner and their family. Southern Courier has contacted Mondeor SAPS for further comment. 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!
