Latest news with #OR Tambo
The Herald
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald
Bavuma's World champ Proteas bring Test Mace back to OR Tambo
The world champion Proteas brought the Test Mace back on their arrival, greeted by enthusiastic supporters, at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday morning. Coach Shukri Conrad's South Africa lifted their first major trophy winning the World Test Championship final, which ended on Saturday, by five wickets over Australia at Lord's. Temba Bavuma led the team out first, carrying the Test Mace.
News24
2 days ago
- Sport
- News24
Celebrations as world champions Proteas return home to hero's welcome
Hundreds of sports fans gathered at OR Tambo International Airport to welcome the World Test Champions, the Proteas. They travelled from all parts of the province to get a glimpse of the winning team. Super fans and ordinary South Africans alike transformed the airport into a festival of celebration with vuvuzelas, brass bands and spontaneous singing. For Johan Mulder, the younger brother of Wiaan Mulder, who won the World Test Championship, watching his brother's success fulfilled both their childhood dreams. 'Since we were very young, we'd play cricket in the garden and talk about moments like this, playing for the Proteas, so just watching it happen has been an absolute dream come true,' he said. With the ground floor of OR Tambo International Airport bathed in green and gold, travellers stopped to witness the arrival of the South African team that bested Australia in a nail-biting final, all while being taught how to blow vuvuzelas in tune with a high school brass and drum band. Johan reflected on how, while watching his brother play, the most he could do was be a support system throughout the rollercoaster tournament. 'All you can do is speak to them and tell them just to back themselves because they get so much criticism from everywhere, and they've got the best coaching staff to help them, so you have to give them emotional support because you can't give them anything else can you?' he told News24 on Wednesday. Wiaan's father, Pieter Mulder, visited England to watch his son play. 'We wish the whole country could have been there to see how everyone supports everyone,' he said. The Mulders were not the only family in attendance at the airport. Dozens of attendees flooded the arrivals terminal, waiting for the flash of white T-shirts that signified the team's arrival. The win against Australia ended the Proteas' 27-year trophy drought. Young and old alike stood at the barriers, trying to get a glimpse of the team. The air was so electric that a single sound would set off a chorus of chants, cheers, and singing. One family, the Bekkers, was dressed head to toe in South African tracksuits, down to the two young children. Seven-year-old Stehan and four-year-old Ryan, dressed in green tracksuits, eagerly awaited their heroes. Their parents permitted them to speak to News24. 'We love cricket,' said Stehan, whose favourite player is Marco Jansen, while Ryan named Temba Bavuma his. 'They're just really cool,' Stehan added. 'We can't get them in the house,' their mother, Charlene Bekker, said about her children's cricket obsession. She added: It's hard enough to get them to sit still and eat something. When the players walked in, Stefan Bekker lifted his eldest son onto his shoulders to get a better look at his favourite player. Lost in the sea of faces and flashing cellphones, the smile that beamed across his face was a small moment that could only be shared between father and son. The Bekkers lived in Australia for eight years and moved back to South Africa less than a year ago. Travelling from Pretoria East, they made it their mission to find their way to the airport for the team's arrival. 'It was the best decision of our lives to come back, to be here now and celebrate this. We won two rugby World Cups while we were in Australia. I always looked for fellow South Africans to celebrate with; now, we get to celebrate with the nation at the airport. It would've been crickets in Australia, excuse the pun,' Stefan said. Super fans Peggy Magadani and Anthony Machoga were among the most passionate supporters, leading the singing that could be heard around the airport. Both are frequent flyers when it comes to welcoming national heroes. They were at the airport when Bafana Bafana returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, and the Springboks returned from their World Cup victory. 'I'm so excited I don't even know what to say,' Magadani said. Added Machoga: It won't be the last time we'll be here. Whatever is happening outside of South Africa, when they come back, the journey continues. Nine-year-old Daniel Winks, known as 'Daniel the cricketer' to his fans, has been playing cricket since he was three or four, to the point where his parents opened an Instagram account to share his experiences. 'Cricket is his life and has been since he was three or four. If he's not watching cricket, he's playing cricket. This is passion. So, we couldn't miss it,' his father, Ben, said. 'There was cricket on TV at home, and he grew up with it.' When asked why he loves cricket, Daniel replied: 'It's so fun. There's lots of things to do. You never get bored. I like batting. It's fun,' noting that his high score was 74. Daniel named Bavuma as his favourite player. 'When there's so much pressure, he takes it so calmly,' he said, excited after some of the Proteas signed his championship poster.
The Herald
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald
Sassa to provide food, cash vouchers, blankets and essential supplies to EC families affected by floods
South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) CEO Themba Matlou has pledged to help families affected by the floods in the Eastern Cape with essential needs. The province was hit by floods this week, affecting several towns and villages, with the OR Tambo and Amathole district municipalities the hardest hit. The floods destroyed homes and claimed 78 lives. Matlou said the agency will help families whose homes were destroyed through its social relief of distress programme. 'To this end, Sassa is active on three established sites where about 229 people are served with three nutritious meals a day, reinforcing the agency's commitment to immediate food security. In addition, 229 vanity packs and five baby packs have been procured and distributed to meet essential personal and infant care needs,' he said. Sassa has developed a disengagement plan where they provide beneficiaries with a basic needs package to help restore stability. The package includes: two-ply blankets; one mattress per person; cash vouchers to address short-term financial needs; and school uniforms for affected pupils. Matlou said this is in line with the agency's mandate derived from the Social Assistance Act. 'Social relief of distress is temporary provision of assistance intended for people in such dire material need that they are unable to meet their families' most basic needs. We also offer our condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to those who are injured. 'We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders in the social cluster of the province to ensure maximum support is given to the distressed families. We extend our gratitude to stakeholders, partners and community members who continue to support this vital work.' TimesLIVE
News24
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
SA DJ duo TxC ‘overwhelmed' by hero's welcome at OR Tambo after BET win
SA DJ and production duo TxC received a hero's welcome at OR Tambo International Airport after receiving the Best New International Act honour at the 2025 BET awards. The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and BET organised the welcome celebration, which was attended by fans, the media, and dignitaries. 'Winning a BET Award is beyond our wildest dreams. We are so grateful to our fans, our team, and everyone who believed in us,' TxC said in a statement. Local DJ and production duo TxC landed back in South Africa on Thursday after receiving the Best New International Act honour at the 2025 BET awards. The duo got a hero's welcome at OR Tambo International Airport. The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and BET organised the welcome celebration, which was attended by fans, the media, and dignitaries. 'Winning a BET Award is beyond our wildest dreams. We are so grateful to our fans, our team, and everyone who believed in us,' TxC said in a statement. Supplied/BET Awards 'This award is not just for us - it's for every young African creative with a dream. We're honoured to represent South Africa and can't wait to celebrate this moment with our people at home.' Matome Chiloane, MEC of Education, Sports, Art, Culture and Recreation, said in a statement: 'TxC's victory is a proud moment for South Africa and the African continent. Their sound, energy, and authenticity have resonated globally, proving that our culture and creativity know no bounds. We salute them for flying the South African flag high and inspiring a new generation of artists.' Monde Twala, senior vice president and co-general manager of Paramount Africa and Lead BET International, said: 'TxC's win is a powerful testament to the global appeal of African music and the unstoppable rise of Amapiano. At BET, we remain committed to showcasing and celebrating African excellence. TxC's journey is just beginning, and we are proud to be part of it.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Clairise (@ The BET ceremony took place on 9 June in Los Angeles at the Peacock Theatre. The amapiano group originates from Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, and consists of producers Tarryn Reid and Clairise Hefke. They became the first DJ duo to be recognised in the Best New International Act category. Brazilian artist Ajuliacosta also won the Best New International Act honour, while South African artists Dlala Thukzin and Maglera Doe Boy were nominated. Tyla and Uncle Waffles were also nominated in the Best New International Act category, which Ayra Starr won. After winning the award, Hefke wrote on Instagram: 'Is this real? SCREAMING. CRYING. Overwhelmed with joy.' 'Thank you to everyone who's ever believed in us and stood by our side. Your support means the world, and we're feeling all the emotions right now,' Hefke continued. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BET Africa (@bet_africa) 'To our incredible team, thank you for pushing us to grow and become the best versions of ourselves. And to our label, Love Renaissance, your belief in us has never wavered. We truly couldn't have done this without you.' She also paid tribute to Reid: 'Last but not least, to my partner in everything I do, My Tcup, WE DID IT! Our dreams are coming true in real time! What God has in store for us is greater than anything we could've imagined.' 'Every step, every struggle, every breakthrough - it's all part of His divine plan. We're just getting started, and we know He's not done with us yet.'
BBC News
10-06-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
South Africa hit by snow, floods and gale force winds causing havoc
A minibus carrying schoolchildren has been swept away by heavy flooding in South Africa, a spokesperson for the Eastern Cape provincial government has told the BBC. Khuselwa Rantjie said it was unclear how many children were on the bus, but three had so far been found alive. Rescue efforts had been suspended as night had fallen and would resume on Wednesday, she added. In a separate incident, the bodies of seven people carried away by flood water have been found in the province's OR Tambo Africa has been hit by heavy snow, rains and gale force winds that have claimed the lives of a further five people in a road accident, and have left nearly 500,000 homes without electricity. The Eastern Cape - the birthplace of anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela - has been worst-affected by the icy conditions, along with KwaZulu-Natal province. The bad weather has forced the closure of some major roads in the two provinces to avoid further casualties. "This is a devastating reminder of nature's force. We urge everyone to exercise extra caution in areas prone to flooding," Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane said in a statement. Five people died when a minibus taxi overturned near the coastal city of East London, with the driver saying he had lost control as he was trying to avoid a fallen tree, Eastern Cape transport department spokesperson, Unathi Binqose, told the BBC. Two people were injured in the accident, he added. State power utility Eskom said that almost 300,000 homes had been hit by electricity cuts in 14 towns and villages in Eastern Cape.A further 196,000 homes in 24 areas in KwaZulu-Natal were also experiencing power cuts, Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena told the BBC. KwaZulu-Natal Transport Minister Siboniso Duma said that heavy snow had led to lorries being stuck on roads, causing huge machines have been stationed on worst-affected roads to clear snow before it reached more than 30cm (12in) in depth. Meteorologist Lehlohonolo Thobela also warned of strong winds and heavy waves at sea, making navigation for ships difficult. Both Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal are along the coast. South Africa regularly receives snowfall during its winter months, from June through August, with temperatures diving below 0C (32F).There is also regular flooding and scientists say that climate change is causing heavier rainfall in the region. Flash floods and overflowing rivers between 30 April and 2 May caused significant damage to about 4,500 homes, and left 18 people injured. More BBC stories on South Africa: Unpacking the South African land law that so inflames TrumpRebuked by Trump but praised at home: How Ramaphosa might gain from US showdownTears and heartbreak over tragic story of South African girl sold by her mother Go to for more news from the African us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
