Latest news with #Pretoria
News24
6 hours ago
- News24
‘Who is next?' Murdered Pretoria pupil's aunt urges action against school bullying
Supplied/GDE The aunt of a Grade 11 pupil, who was killed outside Lesedi Secondary School in Pretoria, has called for greater vigilance against bullying. Lethabo Mokonyane, 19, was stabbed on Tuesday, allegedly by two fellow pupils who had skipped school. Shelly Mokonyane urged pupils, parents, and the government to act decisively to ensure schools are safe. Shelly Mokonyane - whose nephew, Lethabo Mokonyane, 19, was killed allegedly by fellow pupils outside Lesedi Secondary School in Pretoria on Tuesday - has called on pupils to report bullying rather than remain silent. Speaking to the media outside the school on Friday, Mokonyane said: It is because of bullying that Lethabo is gone. Who is next? 'I am calling on our government to strengthen its stance against bullying because sending a child to school has now become a parent's worst fear. Schools are no longer safe. When a child leaves for school, they might not come back.' While the circumstances surrounding Lethabo's death are unclear, a report by the Department of Education stated that two pupils skipped school on the day and only returned after the school day ended. According to the department, they were wearing balaclavas when they allegedly attacked Lethabo. Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said two 19-year-old pupils had been arrested and were expected to appear in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate's Court soon. Mokonyane added that violence had no place in school. 'Schools should not be a place of hate. Children who cannot resolve their problems should take the matter to teachers so it can be resolved with love. 'When you send a child to school, you expect them to come home, not to receive a phone call telling you that they have been stabbed.' She encouraged parents to be involved in their children's well-being and collaborate with teachers. 'Parents should visit schools regularly to inquire about their children's wellbeing, especially when they notice a change in their behaviour. This can help parents and teachers work together to identify things that bother our children. 'These are our kids. We love them.' Mokonyane described Lethabo as a handsome, reserved teenager who loved technology and was a loner. Education MEC Matome Chiloane, who visited the school and the victim's family, said the department had requested police assistance at 75 hotspot schools to curb violence occurring outside school premises. Supplied/GDE Supplied/GDE Lesedi Secondary was one of those schools. Chiloane said the agreement was for the police to dispatch a vehicle to schools in the mornings and afternoons. He said: I do believe that if a police vehicle was present, as agreed, the incident might have been prevented. Things would have turned out differently. He urged bullied pupils to speak up.
News24
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News24
Barcadi waves run high in new tracks by DJ Doowap and Officixl RSA
This week is a good one for the barcadi streets. Not only is DJ Doowap dropping a Barcadi-infused single titled Seroba Ke Seh but Officixl RSA finally drops a much anticipated eight-track EP. The latter is titled An Elementary Episode II and it boldly mixes the smooth grooves of Amapiano with the punchy rhythms of Bacardi. This new release marks a major step forward in Officixl RSA's musical evolution, bringing fans a sound that's both familiar and daringly different. As for Khetsiwe Morgan, fondly known as DJ Doowap, the big release follows the massive success of Shay'sthombe, a track that solidified Doowap's growing legacy as South Africa's 'Bacardi Babe'. Read more | 'I've found my purpose through dance' – Hope Ramafalo jetsets to international stages Produced by legendary barcadi pioneer Enny Man Da Guitar and featuring Pretoria lyricist Seroba Ke Seh is an explosive celebration of Bacardi's roots grounded in Pitori energy yet designed for a global dancefloor. 'With this new release, I'm continuing to solidify my place as South Africa's 'Bacardi Babe,' championing a sound that's energetic, infectious, and undeniably made for the dance floor. Working with a legend like Enny Man Da Guitar was a dream come true, this song is a tribute to where Bacardi comes from and a bold step toward where it's going,' says Dj Doowap Seroba Ke She is a phrase rooted in Pretoria slang meaning Here is this banger. whose lyrical fire brings the track to life said, 'From the moment you hear those electrifying Bacardi sonics and lyrics, you want to dance. It's a happy song. It's about real fun, not the filtered, posed kind but dancing like no one's watching. We made this for the world, but it started in Pitori'. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Doowap 🇸🇿🇿🇦🇬🇧 (@djdoowap) DJ Doowap is currently on her European tour, taking the Bacardi sound to international audiences. She has already lit up stages in Paris and Berlin and is gearing up for an electrifying performance at the upcoming Paris Fashion Week bringing South African street culture and sound to one of the world's biggest style stages. 'Right now, the world is watching Africa for inspiration in music, fashion and is the next wave, and this track is our invitation to the world to dance with us,' she adds. In addition to her musical influence, DJ Doowap continues to break boundaries in fashion and beauty as an official ambassador for both Maybelline and Adidas, reinforcing her position at the cutting edge of youth culture and global cool. Read more | Vusi Nova on turning pain into art in new single, Phendula - 'The hurt was raw' Officixl RSA, on the other hand, is known for tracks like What Time Is It, An Elementary Episode (Vuka, uGeze, Ubangene), and the fan-favourite Madonoro featuring Bob Mabena. In this latest EP, he collaborates with Bob Mabena, MID9T, Benzo, Jeep Jack ZA, and more - each artist adding their own flavour to the mix of two powerful genres that have shaped South African dance floors, Amapiano and Bacardi. Officixl RSA's journey began in Mpumalanga and grew stronger in Pretoria's vibrant music scene. His story is one of dedication, creativity, and constant growth. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bob Mabena (@bobmabena_sa) 'It's like mixing two worlds that speak the same language. The bounce, the vibe, the emotion—it all comes together in a way that feels right. This EP is a reflection of where I am now, and where I'm headed,' he says. One of the standout tracks, Madonoro, started as a beat but found its voice through Bob Mabena. 'We've made magic before, and this time was no different. Bob Mabena always brings the right energy. We just click musically,' he shares.
News24
9 hours ago
- News24
Pretoria woman, 81, found dead at home allegedly strangled, stabbed with garden fork
Jade-Lee Natasha Smit and Lucas Mmnonwa briefly appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Friday, where their matter was postponed to next week. Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now Show Comments ()
Zawya
11 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Southeast Asia's Mr.DIY to open in South Africa
Southeast Asia's home improvement store, has announced its entry into the African market, with its first expansion into South Africa. The retailer will open its first store in the country in Pretoria at the end of June. an Malaysian retail brand, has grown from its first hardware store in 2005 to having nearly 5,000 stores across Asia and Europe. Today, it has a global footprint in Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, and Bangladesh, as well as Türkiye, Spain, and Poland. South Africa becomes the fourteenth country in global network and marks its latest continental expansion into Africa. Anchored on its promise of offering everyday essentials in convenient locations and at 'Always Low Prices', the retailer carries a broad range of more than 17,000 types of products, including hardware, household items, electrical goods, stationery, toys, and more, offering an enjoyable shopping experience for the whole family. first store in South Africa will open its doors at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, Pretoria, on 28 June 2025. Commenting on its entry into South Africa, South Africa's head of business development Jamie Williams said, 'We are thrilled to expand our global presence into South Africa, representing our first expansion into the African continent. South Africa is a dynamic and growing market, with increasing demand for affordable, high-quality household and lifestyle products. As consumers become more value-conscious, our business model, built on a broad product range, 'Always Low Prices' promise, and a convenient shopping experience, is well-positioned to meet their needs. With a strong global presence, Mr D.I.Y. is known for delivering value, operational excellence, and a commitment to customers. We look forward to bringing this same commitment to South African shoppers and contributing to the country's evolving retail landscape.' Williams also announced that aims to have a total of six stores across the country by the end of 2025. 'This expansion will provide customers with a wider range of value-driven options and generate new job opportunities, creating a lasting benefit on local economies, demonstrating our dedication to making a meaningful impact in every community we serve,' said Williams. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Russia Today
14 hours ago
- Business
- Russia Today
Putin comments on Russia–South Africa relations
Russian President Vladimir Putin has highlighted Moscow's deepening relationship with Pretoria during talks with South African Vice President Paul Mashatile, describing it as a 'comprehensive strategic partnership' built on equality and mutual respect. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on Thursday. 'Relations between Russia and South Africa are developing successfully. We are in regular contact with President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa. Last year, we held detailed discussions with him in Kazan during the BRICS Summit, outlining steps for further cooperation,' Putin said. Pretoria and Moscow have maintained diplomatic relations since 1992, with longstanding cooperation in several areas including trade and education. During an earlier meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow on Wednesday, the South African Vice President expressed Pretoria's ambition to see trade with Moscow double. He also invited Russian companies to invest in South Africa, describing it as 'the gateway to the continent of Africa,' offering access to a market of over one billion people. Mashatile told President Putin on Thursday that he had been tasked by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to transform the 'strong foundation' of strategic relations into expanded trade and economic cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two BRICS nations. 'South Africa continues to call on the support of Russia's influence within the Eurasian Economic Union to reconsider South Africa from an undeveloped to a developing country. This had a significant impact on South African products and trade to the Eurasian market,' he stated. Putin pledged to expand and diversify mutual trade and investment with South Africa, noting that bilateral trade grew by approximately 2% in 2024. 'Overall, strengthening ties with African nations remains one of our key priorities,' the President reiterated. The Russian president underscored education as a priority sector in engagement with African nations, citing Moscow's longstanding commitment to academic exchange. He noted that more than 40 Russian universities have established partnerships with South African institutions, and that around 570 South African students are currently studying at Russian universities.
