Minister of Sports Gayton McKenzie Apologizes to Athletes Ahead of Heroic Welcome: "No Parent Should Pay for Their Child to Represent South Africa OR Tambo International Airport was filled with anticipation and pride as South Africans from all walks of life gathered to welcome home the nation’s Olympic athletes. In the midst of this charged atmosphere, Minister of Sports Gayton McKenzie took the opportunity to address a crucial issue that has long plagued the country's sports community. With the arrival of the athletes just minutes away, McKenzie delivered a heartfelt apology to the athletes and their families, acknowledging the financial burdens that have often been unfairly placed upon them. "Our athletes are representing South Africa, and it is unacceptable that they or their families should bear the cost. I want to apologize to every athlete and their parents for the financial hardships they have faced. Nothing can justify the mistakes that the Department of Sport...
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A Missed Opportunity to Explain the NHI: Ramaphosa's Shortcomings in Clarifying a Transformative Health Care Bill**
By Noko Mabofa Maleka In a recent interview on 702 with Clement Manyathela, President Cyril Ramaphosa missed a crucial opportunity to thoroughly explain the benefits of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act, a transformative piece of legislation aimed at overhauling South Africa's health care system. Instead, Ramaphosa focused on the legislative process and the United Nations' mandate for universal health care, leaving many South Africans with lingering questions and suspicions. Ramaphosa emphasized that the NHI was approved by elected representatives in Parliament, stating, "The NHI was voted by the elected representatives of South Africa who are in Parliament. It is how we pass laws. We take representations into account." However, he failed to provide a comprehensive explanation of how the NHI will specifically benefit the majority of South Africans and address the current shortcomings in the health care system. Clement and Tshidi provided ample oppo...
Title: Africa Day: A Reflection on the Past and a Call for a New Direction Introduction: Africa Day, celebrated annually on May 25th, commemorates the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, a significant milestone in the continent's quest for unity, freedom, and self-determination. However, as we reflect on the legacy of Africa Day and the aspirations of its founding fathers, it becomes evident that the day may not be delivering the substantial and direct benefits envisaged for Africa and her people. Despite the noble intentions behind its inception, Africa Day has, to a large extent, fallen short of its potential to address the pressing economic, social, and political challenges facing the continent. This article seeks to critically examine the shortcomings of Africa Day and advocate for a new approach that aligns with the contemporary realities and needs of Africa and her people. The Legacy of Pan-Africanism: The foundation of Africa Day lies in the principl...
the drift
### The Drift There's an evil effect about growing up That seeks to scatter family apart, One minute, together, holding hands, Ready to die for each other’s heart. The next, preoccupied in our busy lives, Building our own families, making new ties. Friendships grow more important, valuable, While family becomes less significant, more fragile. The dragon smiles, shared once a year At a funeral of another dear. “Oh, I missed you” and “Oh, you’re looking beautiful” Sound so pretentious, so unrealistic, so pitiful. I think the little love left would be saved If everyone just kept quiet and behaved. Water flows faster, with ease, with grace, Compared to blood, which freezes in place. Memories of when we laughed and played, Fade away like springtime clouds at dawn. Hearts grow less fond, we drift away, It's hard to ...
CONSTITUTIONAl COURT DISMISSED PLEA BY LABOUR PARTY AND AFRICA CONGRESS FOR TRANSFORMATION
Noko Maleka ON 10 may 2024 the apex court has dismissed the plea put forward by Ace Magashule’s African Congress for Transformation (ACT), the Labour Party, and the Afrikan Alliance of Social Democrats, seeking an amendment to the electoral timetable. The plea aimed to allow their candidates to contest the upcoming polls. Advocate Chris Loxton, representing the parties, argued that the Electoral Commission's (IEC) assertion of the online system's efficiency was flawed, citing that 35% of parties failed to upload their information by the 8th of March deadline. Loxton emphasized that this significant percentage indicated a failure in the system's functionality. However, the judges scrutinized this argument, with Justice Steven Majiedt highlighting the need to delve deeper into the 35% figure. According to the IEC, some parties may have registered but never attempted to upload information, or they might have procrastinated until the last minute. Tladi Mokwena, spokesperson fo...