Pastor who commanded congregation to eat their underwear was beaten

The Prophet and owner of End Times Disciples Ministries has been badly assaulted by congregants and members of the community. It is alleged that the pastor has commanded his congregation to eat their underwear. Unfortunately, the youth in the church didn't buy his story as he tried other tricks before. The youth pounced on him, tied him and demolished his church.

The church which was attended under the tent was also torched by the agry congregation. They accused him of being a fake pastor and likened him with pastors who directed people to drink the urine, eat snakes and sprayed people doom.

The community says such pastors have no place in their community. The said pastor is currently recovering in hospital.

SERIAL RAPIST SENTENCED TO ELEVEN LIFE IMPRISONMENT PLUS 15 YEARS

The High court of South Africa, Limpopo Division sitting in Thohoyandou, has convicted and sentenced a 39- year- old man, Given Maceke, from Nyavani village, under Collins Chabane Municipality, to 11 life imprisonment for eleven counts of rape and eight counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances. The incidents occurred between 10 July 2013, and 25 June 2016. The accused and another male person were armed with knives threatening the complainants before raping them. The accused would terrorise complainants at Green farm, Nghezimani, Xigalo, Tshikonelo, Roodhuis and Nyavani villages. In some instances, the accused and another person would break in and enter the homestead of the victims, armed with dangerous objects, and attack the victims on their way to neighbouring villages. The victims could not identify their assailants. During the trial, the accused pleaded guilty to all 19 counts, because the evidence of the state was overwhelming. The accused was, however, linked to the crime scenes through DNA in all 10 case dockets. , During the sentencing stage, Adv. Nekhambele Nnyambeni Robert argued that the accused had a previous conviction of rape, victims were raped by more than one person, and some victims were under the age of 16 years, at the time of the commission of the offences. He further submitted that the accused was not remorseful and should be permanently removed from society. Deputy Judge President Masaro Semenya stated that the attack on victims was well-calculated and pre-planned. She further indicated that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances justifying the imposition of lesser sentences than the prescribed sentence. Consequently, the accused was sentenced to eleven life imprisonment terms and 15 years imprisonment on each of the eight counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances. Sentences were ordered to run concurrently. The NPA welcomes the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv. Ivy Thenga said that “the violence against women and children cannot be tolerated and perpetrators of these crimes should be removed from our society”, she concluded. Ends Enquiries: Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi NPA Regional Spokesperson Limpopo Division mmalabi@npa.gov.za 074 823 3603/015 045 0286

MAN SLAPPED WITH 15 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER OF PREGNANT WOMAN

POLOKWANE - The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed a 15 years imprisonment handed down by the Limpopo Division of the High Court in Polokwane against Gabriel Tailor Malepe. 21-year-old from Ribacross Mandela section, was on Friday 28 October 2022 sentenced after he was convicted of murdering a 17-year-old pregnant woman. The court heard that on 13 February 2021, the accused took the victim to his residence and during the night she was severely assaulted after being accused of cheating by the accused. The next day, the victim went home as she was not staying far from her boyfriend's place. On 17 February 2021, the victim's mother noticed the injuries on her head and bruises to her neck and abdomen. She immediately took her to the hospital where she, unfortunately, succumbed to her injuries. The case was investigated by Sergeant Lerato Rosemary Lefala who opposed bail from the day she made the arrest until Friday, the 28th of October 2022 when the High court sentenced the accused to 15 years imprisonment. The accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

THE FOURTH ACCUSED IN THE MURDER CASE OF COLLINS CHABANE MAYOR WAS DENIED BAIL

The fourth accused, Wiseman Baloyi (37) was denied bail in Malamulele Magistrates' Court, for the murder of the Collins Chabane Municipality Mayor, Councilor Moses Maluleka (56). He is charged with conspiracy to commit murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder, attempted murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. During the bail hearing Baloyi failed to show that there are exceptional circumstances in his case, consequently the court denied him bail. The accused testified that he needs to look after his three children and his wife, he further testified that he is a sole breadwinner. The state, represented by Advocate Ronald Sithada, strongly opposed his released on bail, stating that he has failed to show exceptional circumstances, witnesses are not safe and there is a strong case against him which attracts a life sentence should he be convicted. The court remarked that there is no exceptional circumstances that exists to warrant Baloyi’s release on bail. Therefore, the interest of justice does not permit his release. Baloyi was charged with other four accused, Shumani Nemadodzi, Avhatakali Mulaudzi, Isaac Mudau and Tshianeo Munyai, who during the course of their appearances abandoned bail. This follows an incident which took place in Xikundu Village, on 21 July 2022, where the accused allegedly shot and killed Maluleke, at his homestead, while he was with his 18-year-old son. The matter is transferred to Polokwane High Court for trial on 29 May 2023.

TENDER FRAUDSTER SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR DEFRAUDING ROADS AGENCY LIMPOPO

LIMPOPO - Phasoe Jabu Matlala was on 28 September 2022 found guilty and sentenced by the Mankweng Regional Court for defrauding Road Agency Limpopo over a road construction tender. In 2017, Matlala approached a company director and told him there was a tender to construct the road in Tzaneen area advertised by Roads Agency Limpopo. He further requested to use the company's particulars to bid for a tender as his company did not meet the minimum requirements. The tender worth R1 42 386-68 (one million forty thousand three hundred and eighty six and 68 cents). After they had an agreement to use the director's company particulars to bid for a tender, Matlala came back at a later stage and told the victim that he did not get the tender, therefore he will not share any money with him. In a period of two years, the victim was surprised to receive information from SARS that he was owing money from the tender that he was awarded by Road Agency Limpopo which he was told it was not awarded. The matter was reported to the Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for further probe. While investigating the case, it was established that the victim's company was actually awarded a tender but Matlala changed the original banking details of the company and put his. On 10 October 2019, Matlala was warned for court and attended his trial until he was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment half of which is suspended for a period of five years.

BREAKING NEWS: JULIUS MALEMA AND MBUYISENI NDLOZI WERE FOUND NOT GUILTY BY COURT

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema and member of Parliament Mbuyiseni Ndlozi were found not guilty of common assault case, by the Randburg Magistrates Court. The duo were caught on video in an altercation with Lieutenant-Colonel Johannes Venter in April 2018 at the Fourways Cemetery during the funeral of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. They both pleaded not guilty during the trial. During the trial proceedings, Venter alleged that Malema and Ndlozi pushed him so hard that he lost balance. CCTV footage of the incident was widely circulated in the media and online. It was also used as an evidence in court.

LIMPOPO COMEDIAN SENTENCED TO TEN YEARS IMPRISONMENT

Ntambudzeni Rasendedza (40), of Lwamomondo village, was sentenced to 10 years of direct imprisonment, by Sibasa Regional Court. The accused is a well-known comedian of Tshovhilingana, and the community knows him as “Bundu”. He was convicted on a count of attempted murder, kidnapping, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The first incident happened in August 2019, when "Bundu" assaulted his girlfriend with a wooden stick and electric cable, he further dripped the burning plastic all over her body and locked her inside his house for two weeks. He also gave her a bucket which she used when she wants to release herself.

The second incident happened when they were coming from a party, the accused hit the victim with a big stone and broke her leg, and further tore up her clothes and left her naked. Bundu pleaded not guilty, and denied that he burnt the victim, he told the court that the victim burned herself and further fell and broke her leg. In aggravating the sentence, the Regional Prosecutor argued that the offence was serious and prevalent in the court‘s area of jurisdiction. The prosecutor further told the court that the accused should be sentenced to direct imprisonment, to send out a clear message to would-be offenders.

The National Prosecuting Authority remains steadfast in vigorously prosecuting Gender Based Violence(GBV) cases.

SIX SUSPECTS SOUGHT FOR ALLEGEDLY GANG-RAPING FIVE WOMEN AT LEPOROGONG IN GA-MATHABATHA DURING BUSINESS ROBBERY AT A FUNERAL PARLOUR THAT LEFT SEVEN MEN SERIOUSLY INJURED

The Police in Malipsdrift have launched an urgent probe into an incident in which five women were allegedly gang raped, one man shot and injured and six others brutally assaulted by a group six gun wielding suspects who stormed into two Funeral Parlours that are situated next to Leporong along the R37 road in the early hours of this morning, Sunday 04 September 2022. According to reports, two female friends were on their way to visit a boyfriend working at Wisani Burial Society (Funeral Parlour), walking along the R37 road when they were accosted by six men who grabbed them and took them to the first mortuary were they shot and injured one employee. They then proceeded to the next mortuary and on arrival, they found three female and six male employees. All six males were severely assaulted by the suspects, allegedly using the buds of their firearms until they became unconscious. All five females were then gang-raped and robbed of their cellphones and other belongings. The suspects thereafter took an undisclosed amount of money from the safe and fled the scene. The victims were discovered by another employee who was to report on duty and the police were then alerted. On arrival at the scene, they found the badly injured victims lying on the ground and others on chairs. Some of the female victims were also assaulted. The victims were transported to hospital for medical treatment. The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has already activated a team of investigators to hunt down the suspects. “The team will spend sleepless nights, hunting down these heartless criminals and bringing them to book. I urge community members to come forward with information to assist the police in cracking these cases as speedily as possible,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe. Cases of five (05) counts of rape, three counts of kidnapping, attempted murder and business robbery have been opened and police investigations are unfolding. Anyone with information that lead to the arrest of the suspects may contact Lieutenant Colonel Lehlagane Mamadisa on 079 894 5482 or the Crime Stop number 0860010111 or the nearest police station or May send the report via MySAPS App. Callers may opt to remain anonymous and any information received will be treated with strict confidentiality.

COURIER CAR DRIVER AND DRUG TRAFFICKER REMANDED IN CUSTODY

PUMALANGA – Nkosinathi Themba Zungu (40) appeared before the Barberton Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 2 September 2022 after he was arrested for transporting and dealing in dagga at Hill Top, Barberton Road. It was reported that on Thursday, 1 September 2022, members of the National Intervention Unit deployed in the Barberton Mine followed a suspicious courier company vehicle seen on surveillance cameras loading a large number of bags at the back of the vehicle. 

The vehicle was followed on the gravel road towards Hill Top. When the vehicle was stopped and searched, 26 bags of compressed dagga with the estimated value of R700 000.00 were seized. The Hawks' Nelspruit based Serious Organised Crime Investigation were alerted and they took over the investigation.

The case against Zungu was remanded to 9 September 2022 for formal bail application.

THE MURDER CASE FOR COLLINS CHABANE MAYOR ADJOURNED FOR FURTHER BAIL HEARING

The accused Avhatakali Isaac Mudau (36) and Wisani Baloyi(36), appeared in Malamulele Magistrates' Court, for bail application of the murder for the Mayor of Collins Chabane Municipality, Councilor Moses Maluleka (56). They are charged with robbery with aggravating circumstances, conspiracy to commit murder, murder, attempted murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The proceedings were remanded for a further bail hearing for the legal representative of Mudau to rectify the defective affidavit. Initially, only two suspects were arrested and appeared in court, they abandoned their bail applications. Their matter is postponed to 19 September 2022, for further investigations. The incident took place in Xikundu Village, on 21 July 2022. It is alleged that the accused gained access to the premises of the deceased, in the evening and shot him, the incident happened while the deceased was with his 18-year-old son. The matter is rolled over to 26 August 2022, and both accused will remain in custody.

WIFE SLAPPED WITH 27 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR ORCHESTRATING HUSBAND'S MURDER

POLOKWANE- The Limpopo Division of the High Court had today sentenced the accused, Mapula Florah Manaka (40) to 27 years imprisonment for orchestrating the murder of her husband Archie Manaka aged 43 during an incident that occurred in April 2020. The High court in Polokwane heard that the deceased's wife and her boyfriend plotted a murder against her husband who was an IT Specialist in Polokwane. On 08 April 2020, the deceased was attacked and stabbed several times at his home in Moletjie, Ga-Makweya, in the Seshego policing area outside the City of Polokwane during what was believed to be a house robbery. When the police arrived at the scene, the deceased's wife reported that three unknown suspects forcefully entered the house, attacked her husband and took an undiclosed amount of money, laptop and fled the scene Cases of murder and robbery were opened.The Police investigations and manhunt for the suspects involved ensued. A Special Task Team comprising the Provincial Tracking Team, Provincial Investigation Unit and Provincial Crime Intelligence Unit was established and spearheaded the investigation. The deceased's wife, her boyfriend Agrinate Makhubela aged 27 and his accomplice aged 30, were arrested a after few months after the incident. The investigating officer Detective Sergeant Noko Mashitisho attached to the Provincial Investigation Unit successfully opposed bail and the accused were kept in custody until the finalisation of trial. The third accused has since turned into a state witness. Meanwhile, the case against the accused's boyfriend Agrinate Makhubela, is yet to be finalised in court. The accused was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for murder and 07 years for conspiracy to commit murder. The sentences will run concurrently, meaning the accused will serve an effective 20 years imprisonment. The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe is impressed by the exceptional investigations conducted by Sergeant Mashitisho, assisted by the Team, that led to the ultimate arrest and subsequent incarceration of the accused for a long time.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is accused of alleged Sexual Assault

The ANC Women’s League says it'concerned about allegations of sexual assault and sexual harassment against finance minister and ANC NEC member Enoch Godongwana. The governing party’s Women'wing has also called onlaw enforcement agencies to deal with these allegations swiftly. Godongwana has become embroiled in an alleged sex scandal, following reports that a masseuse at a five-star hotel in the Kruger National Park is said to have opened an alleged sexual assault case with the police.

The league’s national task team co-ordinator Maropene Ramokgopa said they want law enforcement to deal with this allegations with utmost effectiveness. She says the ANC shoulalso deal withe matter internally as well: “In SA gender-based violence, which encompasses any kind of violence (physical, sexual, emotional and psychological) against women and children, is widespread and of serious concern. Our country has increasingly become an unsafe place for women. It is unacceptable that everyday there are reports of gender-based violence and femicide committed against women. We encourage and support all victims of gender-based violence to speak out and take necessary legal action”

Meanwhile, the opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters is calli for the removal of Minister Enoch Gondongwana. The EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said “If the ANC government respected women, a minister accused of sexual violence would have resigned with immediate effect on his own accord. If President Cyril Ramaphosa could just pretend to uphold his oath of office he would have fired his minister of finance. But SA is governed by patriarchal and misogynistic filth that it embeds in every aspect of our society. The deadly state of gender-based violence and femicide in SA is a direct reflection of the ANC government’s contempt for women in SA. Gender-based violence and femicide must be consciously and unapologetically disrupted and it is the EFF who will do so.”

The EFF has also threatened to disrup all events and meetings which Godongwana is expected to speak. Godongwana has however, denied all the allegations levelled against him.

TWO MORE SUSPECTS APPEARED IN COURT FOR ALLEGEDLY KILLING COLLINS CHABANE MAYOR

Two more accused, Avhatakali Isaac Mudau (36) and Wiseman Baloyi(36) appeared in Malamulele Magistrates' Court, for the murder of the Mayor of Collins Chabane Municipality, Councilor Moses Maluleka (56). They are charged with robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder, attempted murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Initially, only two suspects were arrested and appeared in court, they abandoned their bail applications. The matter is postponed to 19 September 2022, for further investigations. The incident took place in Xikundu Village, on 21 July 2022. It is alleged that the accused gained access to the premises of the deceased, in the evening and shot him, the incident happened while the deceased was with his 18-year-old son. The matter is adjourned to 25 August 2022, for legal representatives of accused person Wiseman Baloyi. Both accused will remain in custody.

Soshanguve Prophet Charges Lion To Prove God’s Power, Nearly Killed and Saved By Game Rangers

A Soshanguve based prophet who was filled with the Holy Spirit recently ‘challenged’ lions to do battle in the Kruger National Park. Prophet Alec Ndiwane from Soshanguve, North of Pretor was with his fellow church members in the Kruger National Park where they were watching animals.It is believed the prophet went into a trance and started to speak in tongues. Ahead of them was a lion pride busy eating their impala. Alec must have thought he was the biblical Samson as the prophet opened the car door and went charging towards the lions. Upon seeing the man running towards them, the lions could not believed that manna was coming straight from heaven and instead ran towards the prophet. Alec must have then come to his senses as he quickly realised this was not going to end well and made an immediate turn and ran back to safety. But before he could safely reach the confines of the car, one lion had snapped its paws on him thus causing major damage to his toilet sitting tool. Also thanks to the game ranger who was near who fired some shots with his gun to scare the lion away. So severe was the lion paw injury that Alec had to be rushed to hospital for emergency surgery. The man was fearing he would lose his bum but the doctor’s assured him he would still have his left bum intact. “I do not know what came over me’, Alec confessed, ‘I thought the Lord wanted to use me to show his power over animals. we were given dominion over all creatures of the earth’, Alec added. Alec was eventually stitched up and discharged after spending the night in hospital.

Premier Mathabatha takes pride in Miss South Africa 2022, Ndavi Nokeri's victory

Limpopo Premi Chupu Stanley Mathabatha has sent a message of congratulations to the newly crowned Miss South Africa 2022, Ndavi Nokeri. He said that he takes pride in her victory, that it has shown that with determination one can ascend greater heights. "Ndavi Nokeri's win continues to put a spotlight on Limpopo Province. It has become common occurrence that we shall carry on to produce winners. Only three years ago we joined in celebrating Shudufhadzo Musiḓa as she was crowned Miss SA 2020. She has barely moved from the limelight and we now celebrate another win by Ndavi," said Premier Mathabatha. Premier Mathabatha further said: "Ndavi's win is a challenge to us as Provincial Government to create systematic ways, foundation for budding young talent; to create an environment wherein the youth will be free to explore various ways of affirming their place in society. "We have seen artists from Limpopo making it across the country and the world. We believe Nokeri's star will continue to shine bright as she reigns in this year." Nokeri is from Gavaza Village, in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality.

BREAKING NEWS: LIMPOPO POLICE HAVE ARRESTED THREE MEN IN CONNECTION WITH THE MURDER OF COLLINS CHABANE MAYOR

Shikundu - Limpopo police have arrested three men in connection with the murder of Collins Chabane Local Municipality Mayor, Moses 'Big Mos' Maluleke. 56-year-old Moses Maluleke was shot and killed on Thursday evening, two weeks ago at his home, and his 18-year-old son wounded. According to reports, three unknown suspects entered the Mayor's home in Saselamani village at 19:00 where they demanded money from the deceased mayor and his son. When the pair could not comply with the suspects' instructions, they were allegedly shot at by the trio. The mayor succumbed to his injuries on scene and his son survived. The son was was transported to a nearby hospital where he is receiving further medical care. A case of murder and attempted murder has been registered.

TWO MEN ACCUSED OF MOGALAKWENA MURDER - JAMES CHUMA AND JABU MASHAMAITE DENIED BAIL

MOKOPANE - Two businessmen, Jabulane Petros Mashamaite and James Mswazi Chuma, were denied bail after they were charged with conspiracy to commit murder, and two counts of murder by Mokopane Magistrate’s Court. Samuel Seruputlane Mokonyane and Nkholo Frans Mangadi, (accused 1 and 4) abandoned their bail application. It is alleged that the accused, killed two ANC Mogalakwena Councillors, Vaaltyn Kekana(54) and Ralph Kanyane (32), in 2019. During the time of the incident, Kekana was about to table a report to the municipal council, regarding irregular expenditure or maladministration in the Mogalakwena municipality. During the bail hearing, Mashamaite testified that he is the breadwinner, has a permanent job, businesses and a medical condition, that does not allow him to be incarcerated. He further told the court that the deceased, were his comrades and he did not kill them. He concluded his application, by asking the court to release him and will abide by the conditions until the matter is finalised. The state opposed Mashamaite's bail, stating potential interference with the state witnesses as he knows them. The state further mentioned that he will be able to get medical attention in custody, State Adv. Calvin Chauke concluded by saying, it will not be in the interest of justice to release the applicant on bail.

Chuma submitted his affidavit and indicated that he would want to take care of his children, and his businesses. He also told the court that he cannot be incarcerated, as he is innocent. Adv. Chauke, in his submission, told the court that in respect of his businesses, he did not submit any proof to the court to confirm that indeed his businesses would suffer due to his incarceration.

The state concluded by saying that Chuma's circumstances do not qualify as exceptional circumstances. The court denied them bail because the two applicants failed to establish exceptional circumstances that in the interest of justice, permit them to be admitted to bail. The matter is postponed to 19 August 2022, to serve the accused with the indictment.

BREAKING NEWS : COLLINS CHABANE MAYOR - MOSES MALULEKE SHOT DEAD

Collins Chabane Local Municipality Mayor Moses "Big-Moss" Maluleke was shot and killed on Thursday evenining. Maluleke is the second mayor of Collins Chabane Local Municipality, since it was established following the Vhuwani uprising. His son who survived the shooting with serious gun wounds had been rushed to hospital. The motive for the killing is not yet known, but it is believed to be a political assasination. Maluleke was also the Regional Deputy Chairperson in Vhembe.

He was the regional deputy chairperson of ANC in the region. This is the developing story and more details are yet to follow.

KOKETŠO MOTAU - GA-MATHABATHA'S MEDIA GENIUS

By Lerato Molea GA - MATHABATHA: Koketšo Hope Motau 's rise to stardom has been well documented of late since his appearance on the big screen as a TV journalist. But what most people don't know is that, Motau, commonly referred as "Ngwanamakwa" , has been in the media profession for the past 12 years. Known for his powerful command of the Sepedi language, Polokwane Weekly took time to know the person behind the mic on the public broadcaster. In his early life, Motau to Dikgeu Primary School in Ga - Mathabatha and moved to Diepsloot, North of Johannesburg in Gauteng to do his Grade 8 to 10 at Rabasotho Combined School but returned to Ga - Mathabatha to do his Grade 11 and 12 at Mashianyane Secondary School.

The lanky journalist holds a B - Tech Degree in Journalism, a National Diploma in Journalism and a National Certificate in Versatile broadcasting - all from the Tshwane University of Technology. When describing himself, Motau says he is passionate about Radio and Broadcast Journalism. Motau's exceptional talent was rewarded as far back as 2013, when he won print journalist of the year award, while at Record Noweto [ a Weekly published community newspaper ] as well as the Golden Harris Student Photojournalist of the year, also in 2013. Those awards were significant in Motau's career to as they led to his appointment to be a Television News Executive Producer at TUT in 2015 to 2016, where he was responsible for the content production and supervision of student's TV bulletin. The Ga - Mathabatha born star then joined the popular, Primedia's Eyewitness and Radio 702 as a journalist in 2016 until he left in 2018.

In April 2018, Motau returned to his birth province of Limpopo to join SABC's Thobela FM, where he presented a weekend midnight show, "Mošito wa 12 to 3." It was then where he was promoted in 2019 to host the popular Youth Show, Moswa Le Bokamoso on Weekdays from 2pm to 3pm. During his second year as a presenter of "Moswa Le Bokamoso", he managed to win a Redi Award - the first award for the show since its inception for a decade.

In 2021, Motau got the opportunity to work with one of his radio idol, Dr Moloko Mashamaite, where he produced the popular talk show, "Tabakgolo". Motau was then moved to the SABC news division as TV journalist. #PolokwaneWeekly

Vele Manenje Contract with Phalaphala FM terminated 8 days after joining the station

Multitalented TV and radio personality, Vele Manenje's contract with Phalaphala FM had been terminated 8 days after joining the station. Vele was recently a co-host for the morning drive show with Terry Mudau, from 6 am to 9 am weekdays, but this did not last. She only worked for 8 days hosting the Breakfast Show, before she parted ways with the station.

It is reported that the Phalaphala FM management received numerous complaints from its listeners who were not pleased with Vele behind the mic, and wanted the changes to be made. Twitter influencer Musa Khawula broke the news to the public by tweeting that “Vele Manenje’s contract has been terminated by Phalaphala FM." The Skeem Saam actress known for her role as Evelyn also made stint on numerous TV dramas such as DiepCity etc.

Manenje has also come out with her side of the story. She says there are a lot of projects she is currently working on and she is also a new mother. She also said that juggling everything has become a lot and she has decided to part ways with the radio station. She further stated that there is no bad blood between her and the station.

IS IT STILL RELEVANT FOR PUPILS AND STUDENTS TO LEARN AND STUDY IN ENGLISH?

Is it still relevant for learners and students to learn and study in English, when they have their own home languages?

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga announced that the government will soon be implementing language changes in South African schools. According to Angie, children are performing poorly in school because they are being taught using English – a language that is foreign to them.

This is a good step in the right direction... Lot of people out there are struggling and failing in schools because they don’t understand the language. Every year when you check the matric pass rate, the country is sitting at around 70%, but the fact of the matter is that only less than 20% of those who have passed matric, qualify to go to University.

Back in the days I used to do three languages in Primary school, until I abandoned Afrikaans because it was adding no value to my studies and the school also abolished Afrikaans at the later stage. I think this is how the home language policy could be implemented. I've been saying this for years and I believe that this will work and improve our quality of education and subsequently improve our quality of life as South Africans. 1. We group our African languages in 3 groups. Sotho, Nguni, Northern Lingos (Venda and Tsonga) 2. You study all the subjects in your mother tongue. 3. You do three languages in school, English, Mother tongue e.g Sepedi and One Nguni language. 4. You study in a language of choice from Grade R to PHD in University. 5. Change this modernised Bantu education and bring in a new effective and decolonised education from Primary to the University.

By doing this, South Africa will produce more professionals and entrepreneurs, unlike now when we produce more job seekers, when already there are no jobs. This thing of people who are saying we should study everything in English is nonsense. English should just be a language and it should be optional and not mandatory.

Other nations like Chinese, Arabs and more are flourishing both academically and economically because they are doing everything in their mother tongue. Some of them can't even say Good morning in English, yet they are far much better than English speakers. If you still have the mentality of thinking that English determines the person's intelligence, then you're still mentally colonised and you belong nowhere in the Africa we want. I conclude by Nelson Mandela's words: If you speak to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his mind but if you speak to a man in his language, that goes to his heart.