JOZI FM NEWS

LOW APPROVAL RATES LINKED TO MANUAL SYSTEMS, SAYS DSBD DG THULISILE MANZINI

The Director-General of the Department of Small Business Development, Thulisile Manzini, says differences in approved applicant numbers across provinces are largely driven by the type of processing systems in use.

She was speaking at a media briefing where the department was updating the nation in terms of the Spaza Shop support fund worth R500 million

Manzini explained that provinces such as North West and Gauteng recorded the lowest approval figures, attributing this to continued reliance on manual application systems.

She said these systems require applications to pass through multiple officials, with each stage dependent on the previous one being completed, which slows down processing.

In contrast, provinces with higher approval rates are using electronic systems that allow for improved tracking and faster turnaround times.

She noted that the manual process also increases the likelihood of compliance-related challenges, as applications are handled by several individuals before final assessment.

Manzini further revealed that out of 4,500 applications received, only 1,316 were approved, representing about 58%.

She said the department is aware of the gaps and will intensify efforts to address them.

A targeted intervention and awareness campaign will be rolled out in June, focusing particularly on provinces with the lowest application numbers.

The aim, she said, is to better understand the challenges and improve both uptake and processing efficiency.-

GAUTENG LAUNCHES 70-YEAR COMMEMORATION OF HISTORIC 1956 WOMEN’S MARCH

Gauteng Acting Premier Faith Mazibuko says the 1956 Women’s March remains a powerful symbol of women’s strength, resilience, and contribution to South Africa’s liberation and democracy.

Mazibuko was speaking at the official launch of the 70 Years Commemoration of the 1956 Women’s March held at Freedom Park in Pretoria on Friday.

The launch marks the beginning of a national programme of activities commemorating the historic 1956 Women’s March, where more than 20,000 women united against unjust pass laws and demonstrated courage, resilience, and collective activism in the fight for freedom and equality in South Africa.

Addressing attendees, Mazibuko said the women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 handed over the baton to future generations of women, who continue to benefit from their sacrifices and determination.

She said the women of 1956 championed the liberation and emancipation of women, adding that the slogan “Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo” symbolises the strength and resilience of women.

Mazibuko explained that the word “imbokodo” refers to a grinding stone traditionally used in homes to grind maize, describing it as a symbol of strength, endurance, and the important role women play in sustaining families and communities.

This year’s commemoration takes place under the theme: “Empowered Women Empower The Nation.”

There will be national activities leading up to Women’s Month in August 2026.-

BRAAMFISCHERVILLE RESIDENTS URGED TO STAY ALERT AMID CRIME CONCERNS

Residents, particularly women visiting local taverns and shebeens at night in Braamfischerville, have been urged to remain vigilant and avoid walking alone when returning home.

The warning follows several reported incidents in which residents were allegedly robbed and, in some cases, sexually assaulted by criminals operating in the area.

Brenda Mawela, Chairperson of Safety and Security under South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in Braamfischerville, says residents are facing numerous crime-related challenges, including gangsterism, robberies and house break-ins.

Mawela also expressed concern over landlords who allegedly allow tenants to occupy backyard rooms and rental properties without conducting proper verification processes or requiring lease agreements containing their full details.

She says the lack of proper tenant screening is contributing to crime and making it difficult for communities and law enforcement agencies to trace suspects when criminal incidents occur.

Mawela has appealed to law enforcement authorities to urgently intervene and intensify policing in Braamfischerville to help curb escalating criminal activities in the area.-

Icala elibandakanya abasolwa abathathu abasolwa ngokubamba inkunzi kanye nokuthumba umshayeli wemoto esebenza ngobuchwepheshe besimanjemanje (ehailing) uDaniel Hlongwane liphinde lahlehliswa, inkantolo yamacala i-Rooderpoort .

Loludaba luhlehliselwe umhlaka -10 June 2026.

UBonolo Rammusi , uSibusiso Moloi kanye no Thabang Mohlale baboshwa nyakenye esiteshini samaphoyisa i-Doornkop ngemuva kokukhonjwa yisisulu .

UHlongwane wayesesiteshini samaphoyisa ukuyovula icala nokuhambisa amaphepha adingekayo uma wehlelwe yilesigameko , ngenkathi ezithela phezu kwabasolwa .

Abasolwa ababili okungu-Thabang kanye no-Sbusiso balokhu bengaphandle ngebheyili, kanti ibheyili yabo yengeziwe , ngenkathi abasolwa naye uBonolo Rammusi kulindeleke ukuba ashintshe ummeli wakhe njengoba efake isicelo sokuthi athole omunye , njengoba yena engaphakathi ejele .

Lelicala limayelana nesigameko esenzeka ngomhlaka- 20 August 2025 , okuyilapho oyedwa wabasolwa wafaka isicelo sokulandwa enxanxatheleni yezitolo i-Cresta elibangise e-Dobsonville Extension , okuyilapho isisulu sabanjwa khona inkunzi sase sithunjwa ngemuva kwalokho.

HOME AFFAIRS DIGITAL ID DRIVE ON TRACK

Department of Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber says government is accelerating efforts to phase out green ID books and strengthen border security through biometric technology and digital systems.

Schreiber made the remarks during a media briefing following a nearly R1 billion drug bust at the Beitbridge Border Post.

The minister said government’s digital partnership with banks is rapidly moving South Africa towards replacing the green ID book with the more secure Smart ID system.

“The green ID book is intricately linked to issues of illegal migration, smuggling, and other offences because it is the core pathway that is used to commit identity theft, and we are rapidly moving to replace those green IDs,” said Schreiber.

He added that draft regulations for the introduction of a digital ID system are currently out for public comment until 6 June 2026.

According to Schreiber, the digital ID system will biometrically secure South Africa’s population register and strengthen immigration processes.

He said the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), the phasing out of green ID books and the introduction of digital IDs are all aimed at improving border management and combating organised crime.

“All three of these biometrically powered systems, the ETA, the eradication of the green ID book, and the introduction of digital ID, is methodically cleaning up South Africa's population register and securing South Africa's immigration processes,” he said.

Schreiber also highlighted the role of intelligence operations and surveillance technology in strengthening border security.

“The message we are sending today is simple and unequivocal. Our country's borders are systematically being secured against organized criminal networks and drug smuggling syndicates,” he said.-

ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES UNDERWAY IN MOLAPO, SOWETO

The MMC for Transport in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, Kenny Kunene, together with the Johannesburg Roads Agency, are leading road maintenance and infrastructure improvement operations in Ward 34, Molapo, which is under Soweto’s Region D.

The ongoing work forms part of efforts aimed at improving road safety, service delivery and infrastructure conditions for both residents and motorists in the area.

Among the interventions currently underway are the installation of guardrails and traffic signs, as well as reinstatement work being carried out by Johannesburg Water.

Teams are also clearing blocked stormwater pipes to improve drainage while patching damaged roads to enhance driving conditions.

City officials say the maintenance programme is intended to address long-standing infrastructure challenges and improve the overall condition of roads in Molapo and surrounding areas.-

NALEDI COMMUNITY RALLIES BEHIND FAMILY AFTER EDUCATOR ARRESTED OVER ALLEGED ABUSE OF GRADE 7 LEARNER

The Naledi community has pledged full support to a family affected by gender-based violence while calling on authorities to ensure justice is served.

This follows the alleged sexual abuse of a Grade 7 learner from Karabo Primary School by an educator.

Community leader Thokozani Shoba says residents visited the school this morning following the arrest of the teacher to show moral support to the victim and her family, while also confirming reports of the arrest.

According to Shoba, the case was opened by the school principal.

Shoba further alleges that the educator had created a WhatsApp group for the grade, where he allegedly lured female learners.

The South African Police Service in Naledi has confirmed the arrest of the educator and says investigations into the matter are continuing.

The suspect remains in custody and is expected to appear in court soon.

Community members have vowed to attend court proceedings until justice is served.

Shoba says the community strongly condemns all forms of r**e and gender-based violence and has appealed to residents to stand united in supporting the affected family.-

Letona la lefapha la selehae Leon Schreiber ore mmuso o hahamelletse ho matsapa aho ntsha dibukana tsa boitsebiso tse tala ho matlafatsa bolebedi ba tegniki le digitale.

Scheriber o buile sena nakong eo aneng a fana ka puo ho latelwa ho fumanwa ha dithethefatsi tse jang boleng ba R1 billione ledibohong la Beitbridge.

Letona lere tshebedisano ya mmuso ya digitale le dibanka e ntse e tswellapele kahare ho Afrika Borwa ho kenella kaho ntshuwa ha dibukana tsa boitsebiso tse tala hoba le dikarete tsa boitsebiso.

Letona lere dibuka tse tala tsa boitsebiso di bapahanywa le diqaka tsa botjhaki boseng molaong , ho utsuwa le ditlolo tse ding tsa molao tse sebediswang ho utswa dintlha tsa baahi tsa boitsebiso.

O tlatselleditse ka h**e moralo wa melao yaho tsebiswa ha bukana ya boitsebiso tsa digitale o motjheng bakeng sa baahi ho tletleba ho fihlella kala 6 kgweding e tlang.

Baahi ba eletswa ho etsa bonnete ba polokeho ya bana ba bona haholoholo bana ba banana.

Ditlaleho tsa morao tjena di bontsha ho kwetelwa ha bana haholoho bana ba banana.

Ralebatowa wa ward 30 Mohau Molefe o ipileditse ho batswadi kapa bahlokomedi ba bana ho ela hloko haba isa bana dikolong leha bana ba kgutla dikolong.

Molefe o boletse ha dipalopalo tsa jwale tsaho kwetelwa ha bana haholo ba banana di tshosa haholo.

Molefe o ipileditse ho bahlokomedi ba bana le batswadi ho etsa bonnete ba polokeho ya bana ore ho kwetelwa ha bana ho teng ebile hoya etsahala.

IHAWU e boletse h**e lefapha la bophelo bo botle Gauteng le tswellapele ho hloleha ho lefa diStipend tsa baithuti ba manese e sia makgolokgolo a baithuti banale mathata ebile ba hloleha ho kenella thutong tsa bona ho programo ya bona ya thupello.

Baithuti ba manese ba itshetlehile haholo ho meputso ena ya bona bakeng saho phela ho kenyelleditse dipalangwang tsa bona hoya College le ditshebeletso tsa bophelo bo botle , bodulo , dijo , thepa yaho bala le tse ding.

Tshebetso ya lefapha le hlolehang ho thusa baithuti katsa ditjhelete ho kenya baithuti tlasa kgatello.

Mmuelli Lerato Mthunzi ore IHAWU e fumane ditletlebo tse sa jesenmg ditheohaleng h**e baithuti haba kgone ho tshehetsa diphaposi tsa Theory le tse ding ka lebaka laho hloka tjhelete yaho palama hoya sekolong.