insight Jozi News

Zimbabwe Rising: How Gold Is Turning the Economy Into a Continental Powerhouse By Noko Maleka | Insight Jozi News Zimbabwe is entering a new era—one defined not by crisis headlines, but by confidence, discipline, and the extraordinary strength of gold. What once symbolized the country’s past has now become the engine of its future, positioning Zimbabwe as one of Africa’s most exciting economic comeback stories. In recent months, the surge in global gold prices and Zimbabwe’s assertive strategy to build its foreign-exchange reserves have given unprecedented support to the nation’s gold-backed currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) . The currency has strengthened against the U.S. dollar, markets are responding positively, and a renewed sense of economic optimism is spreading through the country. This is more than a financial development—it’s a turning point. Gold: Zimbabwe’s Power Lever to the Future Gold is no longer just a commodity for Zimbabwe; it is the backbone of a nation...

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...