insight Jozi News

PP Soup Grill: Hillbrow’s New Home of Flavor, Family & Freshness By Noko Maleka Hillbrow has a brand-new culinary gem, and it’s already turning heads, filling stomachs, and winning hearts. PP Soup Grill, located at 16 Pretoria Street, Metro Building, has officially opened its doors — and if early reviews are anything to go by, this is set to become one of Johannesburg’s most loved family restaurants. A Clean, Warm, Family-Friendly Space Walking into PP Soup Grill feels like stepping into a space designed with pure care. The restaurant is spotless, beautifully arranged, and radiates a sense of warmth that immediately makes you feel at home. Families, students, workers, and neighbours all gather here because the atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming, and refreshing — a rare find in the ever-busy heart of Hillbrow. Food That Speaks for Itself If there’s one thing PP Soup Grill prides itself on, it is taste — and they deliver it generously. The menu is packed with mouthwatering dishes prepa...

Students Forced onto the Streets After NSFAS Payment Error Leaves Them Homeless By Noko Maleka Dozens of TVET students were evicted from student accommodation near Gandhi Square after accommodation payments intended for providers were deposited into students' bank accounts. Some have been left sleeping in streets and under bridges. Dozens of students from Central Johannesburg TVET College and Ekurhuleni TVET College have been left stranded and homeless after a sudden eviction from Urban Einstein Student Accommodation in Marshalltown, near Gandhi Square. According to the affected students, they were given just seven days’ notice to vacate the premises after the accommodation provider claimed that the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) had failed to pay their rent. The students say they had followed all procedures required by NSFAS and their institutions. “They told us to leave within seven days becaus...

POPCRU Members Under Attack at Baviaanspoort Correctional Centre By Noko Maleka | Insight Jozi News | Pretoria, South Africa — October 29, 2025 A tense standoff has unfolded at the Baviaanspoort Correctional Centre in Pretoria, where members of the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) are protesting what they describe as a campaign of intimidation and repression by senior officials within the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) . The demonstration, taking place along Cullinan Road, follows weeks of rising discontent among correctional officers. POPCRU members say they have endured unlawful suspensions, harassment of shop stewards , and the unilateral imposition of a controversial shift system — a matter that remains before the labour dispute council. According to POPCRU, instead of engaging with workers to resolve their concerns, Area Commissioner Khoza — who oversees ...

Freedom Is Indivisible — Mandela Foundation Fires Back for Palestine Freedom Is Indivisible — Mandela Foundation Fires Back for Palestine By Noko Maleka | Insight Jozi News Johannesburg — 26 October 2025 | Event: Sandton Convention Centre (25 October 2025) The 23rd Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture at the Sandton Convention Centre became more than a ceremony — it became a confrontation with power. Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine, delivered a bold call for justice that linked the Palestinian struggle to South Africa’s own fight against apartheid. “Justice is indivisible,” Albanese declared. “Solidarity in struggles for justice is the political expression of love.” Her words struck deep — naming the global financial and political forces that fuel oppression from Gaza to the Congo. But as the Nelson Mandela Foundation prepared for post-event engagements, the message was disrupted: members of Ch...

 Jacob Zuma Ordered to Repay R28.9 Million — A Harsh Yet Better Outcome Than Losing His Pension By Noko Maleka | Insight Jozi News The Gauteng High Court has ordered former president Jacob Zuma to repay R28.9 million in legal fees that were unlawfully funded by the state during his corruption battles. Should he fail to pay within 60 days, the State Attorney may attach his assets — and, if necessary, even his presidential pension. The judgment has sparked mixed reactions. On one hand, it’s seen as a necessary step toward accountability after years of taxpayer-funded litigation. On the other, it feels ridiculous in its ambition — punishing a man for benefiting from a system the state itself authorised. It’s difficult not to question the timing and tone of the ruling. For years, government departments freely approved Zuma’s legal bills, only to now demand the money back when politically convenient. Still, as unfair as the decision may seem, it’s far better than the Presidency’s earlie...

 FIFA Investigates South Africa: Bafana Bafana Face Possible Two-Year Suspension Over Dudula Allegations By Noko Maleka | Insight Jozi News Johannesburg — South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, could face a devastating two-year suspension from international football following shocking allegations involving the controversial Dudula Movement and its leader, Zandile Dabula. According to reports, FIFA has launched an investigation after allegations surfaced that members of the Dudula Operation planned to demand identity documents from fans attending the upcoming South Africa vs Zimbabwe World Cup qualifier match. The alleged intention was to verify the nationality of supporters entering the stadium — a move that FIFA has condemned as discriminatory and politically motivated. FIFA maintains a strict policy that prohibits political interference in football. The world football governing body’s code is clear: no political, racial, or national discrimination shall be tolerat...

Sizok’thola Host Xolani Khumalo Announced as ActionSA’s Mayoral Candidate for Ekurhuleni By Noko Maleka | Insight Jozi News insightjozinews.blogspot.com In a move that has stunned both political circles and television audiences, Sizok’thola presenter Xolani Khumalo has officially been announced as ActionSA’s candidate for Mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni. The announcement was made earlier today by the party’s president, Herman Mashaba, signaling what could be one of the most intriguing political shake-ups in recent local government history. Khumalo, best known for his fearless work on the Moja Love reality show Sizok’thola, where he exposes drug dealers and confronts crime in communities, has built a strong public image as a man of action — unafraid to tackle corruption and social decay head-on. His transition from television to politics seems to align naturally with his passion for community justice and accountability. In his new political role, Khumalo is expected to bring the same di...

 Julius Malema Found Guilty: A Question of Law or Selective Justice? Noko Maleka|insight jozi news  The East London Magistrate Court yesterday delivered a striking verdict against EFF leader Julius Malema, finding him guilty on all charges related to firing a firearm into the sky at a political rally in 2018. But this judgment raises serious questions: Is shooting a firearm into the air inherently criminal in South Africa, or is it a matter of selective enforcement? We have all witnessed occasions, especially at funerals of military personnel, police officers, or prominent figures, where ceremonial gun salutes are performed. This involves discharging firearms into the sky as a mark of respect. Similarly, in rural areas and even urban townships, people fire warning shots into the air to disperse crowds or protect their families. Are all these acts to be considered unlawful too, or does the law apply differently depending on who pulls the trigger? The case against Malema seems t...

 This Is Not the First Mysterious Death of an ANC Member in France By Noko Maleka|insight jozi news History has a way of repeating itself, often in the most chilling of fashions. South Africans woke up yesterday to the shocking news that Nathi Mthethwa, former cabinet minister and now South Africa’s ambassador to France, was found dead—his body plummeted from the 22nd floor of a Paris building. While French police have not yet ruled out suicide, to many observers, the incident bears the eerie marks of something far more sinister: an assassination masked as self-inflicted death. But this is not the first time an ANC member has met a mysterious end on French soil. In March 1988, anti-apartheid activist Dulcie September, the ANC’s Chief Representative in France, Belgium, and Luxembourg, was gunned down in broad daylight outside the ANC office in Paris. Five bullets ended her life. At the time, many fingers pointed to the apartheid government, whose long arm of terror reached far beyon...

By Noko Maleka – Insight Jozi News When the Phala Phala scandal first broke, it was painted simply as a burglary gone wrong — millions of dollars allegedly stuffed in furniture, stolen, and then covered up. But as South Africans, have we asked ourselves whether the bigger crime may have been overlooked? The more one examines the details, the more troubling questions emerge. Take, for example, the so-called “buffalo buyer,” Hazim Mustafa, who told the world he arrived with large sums of US dollars to purchase game from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm. Even the most seasoned businesspeople will tell you: withdrawing such vast amounts of cash, in hard foreign currency, in one go, is nearly impossible under normal banking rules. Banks monitor large transactions, regulators flag suspicious withdrawals, and even billionaires move money electronically. So how then did one individual walk around with bags of dollars — unless those dollars were manufactured elsewhere? SARS itself confirmed in ...

 The Mysterious Death of Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa By Noko Maleka – Insight Jozi News South Africa has been plunged into shock and uncertainty after the sudden and mysterious death of Ambassador Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa, former cabinet minister and most recently South Africa’s envoy to France. Mthethwa was found dead outside the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile, having fallen from its 22nd floor, a room he had reserved just hours earlier. French investigators confirmed that the hotel window, normally secure, had been forced open. His wife had reported him missing the previous night after receiving a “worrying message”, and his phone was last traced near the Bois de Boulogne, west of Paris. Authorities in France have opened a full investigation into whether his death was suicide, accident, or foul play. The Paris judicial police’s Brigade for the Suppression of Crimes Against Persons is handling the case, with a duty magistrate already dispatched to the scene. Mthethwa’s career spanned...

The Difference Between Being in a Relationship With an Older Woman and a Younger Woman By Noko Maleka – Insight Jozi News As a man, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing both ends of the spectrum: dating older women and dating younger women. One thing about me is that I’ve never been in a relationship for convenience or just to kill time. I am, by nature, a true lover. When I give my heart, it’s genuine, and when I commit, it’s because I see something worth building. But through my journey, I’ve realized a significant polarization between relationships with older women and younger women. Both experiences come with lessons, joys, and scars, but the differences are profound. Love vs. Parenting With older women, love feels like a partnership. They need your affection, your honesty, your vulnerability, and your companionship. They don’t need you to play father figure, because they already know who they are. On the other hand, younger women often unconsciously place you in a parental...

Botswana to Take Over Majority Ownership of De Beers Mines By Noko Maleka – Insight Jozi News | 23 September 2025 Botswana is moving decisively to take control of one of the world’s most powerful diamond companies, De Beers, with plans to secure a controlling stake by next month. President Duma Boko confirmed that the government is in advanced talks with a sovereign wealth fund in Oman, alongside other potential financiers, to raise the necessary capital for the acquisition, according to Bloomberg. Currently, Botswana owns a 15% stake in De Beers, but the new deal would increase the nation’s holding to above 50%, making it the majority shareholder (Business Insider Africa). This would mark a bold shift in global mining dynamics, positioning Botswana not only as the world’s top diamond producer by value but also as a powerful decision-maker in the industry.  “ We are engaging partners who believe in our vision of national ownership and long-term sustainability for our diamond indust...

South Africans Don’t Need Jobs By Noko Maleka – Insight Jozi News | [22/09/2024] For decades, South Africans have been fed the same political promise: “We will create jobs.” Election after election, this promise resurfaces like a broken record, and yet unemployment remains one of the highest in the world. Currently, South Africa’s unemployment rate hovers above 32% , with youth unemployment surpassing 45% . These statistics prove one simple truth: South Africans do not need jobs — they need ownership. The tragedy of our democracy is how easily citizens have become gullible to politicians and the media. Whenever a president or political party announces a plan to “create jobs,” many celebrate without asking the most important question: Where will these jobs come from? The reality is this: no president, no matter how charismatic, can directly manufacture employment on a scale that will fix unemployment. Governments simply don’t have the mechanisms to employ tens of millions of peopl...

 Bricks Released from Prison After 10 Years – DJ Cleo Celebrates, Public Divided By Noko Maleka – Insight Jozi News  kwaito star Bricks, best known for his smash hit Tjovitjo, has been released from prison after serving 10 years behind bars. His longtime friend and music producer, DJ Cleo, took to social media on Thursday to share what he called “good news,” confirming Bricks’ release. But the announcement has divided public opinion. While some in the music industry welcome the return of the once-popular artist, others have questioned whether celebrating the release of a convicted rapist is appropriate. Bricks was arrested and sentenced a decade ago after being found guilty of raping his 16-year-old niece, who was a minor at the time. The case shocked the nation, and many fans abandoned the artist whose career had once been on a promising trajectory. On social media, reactions were mixed. One user asked, “Is it good news that a rapist is released from prison?” Another added, “...

Hollywood Bets in Court: Punters Ordered to Return R13 Million After Technical Glitch By Noko Maleka – Insight Jozi News In a dramatic turn of events that has captured the attention of South Africa’s betting and entertainment circles, a group of Hollywood Bets punters has been ordered by the High Court to return R13 million after winning due to a technical error . The ruling underscores the importance of fair play in the betting industry and sends a stern message to punters and bookmakers alike. The Glitch That Changed Everything The controversy began when several punters placed bets on a series of high-profile games, only to receive unexpected payouts far exceeding their original stakes . Investigations revealed that a technical fault in Hollywood Bets’ system had incorrectly calculated winnings, leading to the multi-million-rand payouts. Hollywood Bets promptly reported the error and sought legal action, citing that the windfall was not the result of legitimate betting outco...

  President Cyril Ramaphosa Condemns Greedy and Xenophobic Actions of Operation Dudula By Noko Maleka for Insight Jozi News In a firm and unequivocal statement, President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the growing wave of violent xenophobic actions perpetrated by groups such as Operation Dudula. The President emphasized that such actions are not only morally wrong but also undermine the values of unity and sovereignty that South Africa strives to uphold. Ramaphosa addressed the nation, asserting that it is entirely inappropriate for any insignificant and unregulated group to take it upon themselves to chase or intimidate individuals based on their nationality or immigration status. "The responsibility for managing illegal immigration lies solely with the competent authorities," he stated, underscoring the importance of respecting the rule of law. Furthermore, the President condemned any acts of xenophobia, emphasizing that violence and discrimination have no place in a country...

SAMRO’s Controversial Press Conference Leaves Members Unfulfilled By Noko Maleka, Insight Jozi News In a recent press conference held at Cambridge, the Southern African Music Rights Organization (SAMRO) attempted to address the rising discontent among its members. The event, however, did little to quell the growing frustration among artists and rights holders. Many attendees voiced their concerns about the superficial nature of SAMRO's responses. The central issue remains the alleged exorbitant remuneration of board members, coupled with a stark neglect of artists’ royalties and entitlements. Members claim that despite purported investigations, the organization's transparency about its fiscal policies and distribution of royalties remains opaque. Adding fuel to the fire, SAMRO defended the credibility of its board selection process. However, when pressed for details on the electoral services used, representatives could not clarify, leaving members skeptical of the process’s int...

Dijong Street: Thabo Pitsi Rammutla’s Vision to Empower South African Youth Through Innovation By Noko Maleka – Insight Jozi News South Africa’s youth are brimming with ideas, creativity, and solutions tailor-made for the challenges our communities face. One shining example of this spirit of innovation is Dijong Street, a pioneering food delivery platform founded by Thabo Pitsi Rammutla, a visionary young entrepreneur determined to use technology to fight poverty and unemployment. Much like Uber Eats, Dijong Street allows users to order food quickly and conveniently. But what sets it apart is its community-driven model — a platform built not just for profit, but for empowerment. According to Rammutla, the app is designed to integrate communities by connecting local restaurants, delivery drivers, and customers in a cycle that keeps money circulating within townships and suburbs. More Than Just Deliveries Rammutla’s vision goes far beyond convenience. He believes this innovation will hel...

 DopeFlop Set to Light Up the Airwaves with His Second Single of the Year   Johannesburg – Rising star DopeFlop SuperNkanyezi is ready to shake up the music scene once again with the release of his highly anticipated second single of 2025, titled Kwenzakalan. The track, produced by Jack Love and engineered by DJ Rough, officially drops tomorrow, Friday, 12 September, and already has fans buzzing with excitement. Kwenzakalan is more than just a song—it’s a statement of resilience, hope, and elevation. The single delivers a powerful message: life can turn around in an instant, moving from struggle to triumph, from being down and out to standing tall in a better place. Built on infectious energy and layered with motivation, the track captures the spirit of possibility, healing, and growth—something South Africans will deeply resonate with. Musically, Kwenzakalan showcases DopeFlop’s remarkable versatility. Seamlessly shifting between the nostalgic rhythms of Kwaito (Kasi sound) ...

Insightjozinews.blogspot.com Noko Maleka  “Adults: Gregory Porter Is Coming to SA Again” South Africa, get ready to be serenaded once more—jazz legend Gregory Porter is bringing his Love is King Tour back to our shores this November! Why This Matters Grammy®-winning vocalist Gregory Porter—renowned for his velvety baritone, soulful storytelling, and signature cap—has captured South African hearts since his Joy of Jazz appearances in 2014 and 2015, and again during his sold-out solo tour in early 2023 . Tour Stops & Details Cape Town – GrandWest Grand Arena: 12 November 2025, doors at 19:00, show at 20:00. Ticket prices range from R800 to R1,500 . Johannesburg – DP World Wanderers Stadium: 15 November 2025, doors at 18:30, show at 20:00. Tickets go from R800 up to R2,000 . Durban – Durban International Convention Centre: 19 November 2025, doors at 19:00, show at 20:00. Pricing spans R700 to R1,500 . Ticket Info Grab your tickets before they vanish—on sale from 9 AM, Thursday, 24...

Shepherd Bushiri, Real Name Chipilaro Gama, Funding Mayibuye Africa Party? Politics in South Africa is never short of drama, and the latest whispers carry the name of one of the continent’s most controversial prophets: Shepherd Bushiri, born Chipilaro Gama. It is alleged that the self-proclaimed prophet, who fled South Africa in 2020 amid fraud charges, has resurfaced in political conversations — this time as a potential backer of the Mayibuye Africa Party. The story thickens with claims that Floyd Shivambu, former EFF deputy president, recently traveled to Malawi not just to “visit” Bushiri, but to discuss the possibility of launching a new political home — Mayibuye Africa Party — with Bushiri playing the role of financier. If true, this would mark one of the most bizarre marriages of religion, politics, and scandal in recent memory. Bushiri’s name evokes strong reactions. To some, he remains a spiritual father who offered hope and prosperity teachings; to others, he is a fugitiv...

From Operation Dudula to Tribalism: The Dangerous Road We’re Paving for Ourselves By Noko Mabofa Maleka |Insight jozi news  The fear that keeps me awake at night is that after the so-called “success” of Operation Dudula, South Africa will be forced to confront an even uglier demon—tribalism. I am often condemned for my stance against Dudula. Yet, I cannot remain silent when I see a dangerous shift in our society, where some South Africans—particularly black South Africans—are beginning to negotiate in their minds that xenophobic attacks and hate speech against fellow Africans might somehow be justified. That thought alone chills me to the bone. It baffles me that those who share the same skin tone, the same history of struggle, and the same scars of oppression could support movements rooted in hatred and division. We know—better than anyone—the conditions that have driven our brothers and sisters from across the continent to our shores. These Africans have come not to steal o...

The ANC is a Criminal Enterprise By Noko Maleka | Insight Jozi News South Africa is a country blessed with potential, yet crippled by leadership failures. This truth was laid bare once again when political analyst and author, Prince Mashele, appeared on the State of the Nation podcast with Mike Sham. His words were not coated in diplomacy, but charged with the urgency of a citizen who has had enough of watching his country drift under the weight of incompetence. Mashele’s criticism comes hot on the heels of his now-viral interview on the Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh Show, which attracted over a million views. Clearly, South Africans are listening, because he is saying what many are thinking but few dare to articulate: the ANC has lost all credibility, and President Cyril Ramaphosa is a man completely out of his depth in the highest office of the land. A Circus Called “National Dialogue” In the podcast, Mashele tore into the much-publicised “national dialogue” initiated by the ANC, dismissing it a...