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Pienaarspoort’s Eviction Struggles Continue Amid Housing Woes.

By Mamelodi News, June 29, 2025. Pienaarspoort, east of Mamelodi, faces renewed eviction tensions after the City of Tshwane issued a notice on June 25, 2025, ordering residents to vacate illegally occupied land. The formal notice, citing the PIE Act, targets properties like Plot 44, a long-disputed site. On March 27, 2025, Mamelodi locals protested at Tshwane House, demanding relocation to Pienaarspoort Extension 15, amid bribery allegations stalling progress. “We just want homes,” said protester Itumeleng Lekwai, whose shack flooded in 2022. Since 2008, evictions have displaced families, with the Red Ants demolishing shacks in 2016, destroying possessions. Resident Mariam Seleke, evicted multiple times, said, “They come without warning.” The latest notice heightens fears, though Tshwane’s strict policy persists. As residents await promised relocations, the cycle of despair continues. Will Tshwane deliver, or will evictions deepen the crisis? Share your thoughts on X. Follow us Mamelod...

Electricity Crisis Hits Mamelodi East: A Community in Need.

Electricity Crisis Hits Mamelodi East: A Community in Need. Mamelodi East, Station 18, is facing a severe electricity crisis that is affecting the daily lives of residents, particularly matric learners. The frequent power outages have brought the community to a standstill, posing significant challenges to students, local businesses, and essential services. For matric learners like Palesa Brunella Maluleke, the lack of electricity is a major obstacle to academic success. "Studying without reliable lighting is difficult, and using candles isn't a viable solution," she says. The cold mornings without electricity make it tough for students to get ready for school, further exacerbating the challenge. - Safety and Security Risks: The power outages have increased safety and security risks in the community, making residents vulnerable to crime and other hazards. - Disruption of Essential Services: The lack of electricity is disrupting essential services, including healthcare and ...

Workplace Concerns at APC Company: Employees Raise Red Flags.

Mamelodi News has received concerning reports from employees of APC Company, located at 316 Marks Street, Watloo, Pretoria, regarding their working conditions and treatment. The allegations, if true, paint a troubling picture of the company's practices. According to sources, employees have raised several issues, including: - Introduction of new contracts with less beneficial terms, including removal of allowances and mandatory Sunday work without additional compensation - Employees being forced to sign contracts without a thorough explanation of the terms - Implementation of a new shift roster without employee consent, with threats of disciplinary action for non-compliance - Hiring of foreign nationals without proper documentation - Allegations of underpayment of employees - Claims of discrimination, racism, nepotism, and harassment in the workplace Under South African labour law, employees are protected by various statutes, including the Labour Relations Act (LRA), the Basic Condi...

The Deadly Cost of Silencing Izinkabi, Corruption and the Cycle of Violence in South Africa.

In South Africa’s volatile underworld, particularly within the taxi industry of KwaZulu-Natal, and Gauteng, hitmen known as izinkabi operate as enforcers of a brutal system fueled by greed, power, and corruption.  These hired killers, often drawn from impoverished communities, eliminate rivals for as little as R500. Yet, when izinkabi become liabilities—knowing too much about their powerful employers—they risk becoming targets themselves, either by police or the very networks they serve. This cycle of elimination, driven by systemic corruption, perpetuates violence, undermines justice, and leaves communities trapped in fear. Corruption is the lifeblood of the izinkabi system. The taxi industry, a multi-billion-rand enterprise, thrives on fierce competition over lucrative routes, with taxi bosses and even politicians allegedly hiring hitmen to eliminate rivals. A "code of secrecy and protection" shields these masterminds, often involving corrupt police officers who accept brib...

Illegal Property Conversions in Tshwane: A Risk to Residents and Landlords.

In Pretoria’s bustling suburbs of Sunnyside, Arcadia, and surrounding areas, property owners are facing a stern warning from the City of Tshwane: comply with municipal building regulations or face legal action. The issue stems from landlords illegally converting two-bedroom apartments into overcrowded five-bedroom units to maximize rental income, a practice that endangers vulnerable residents like students and young workers. Aaron Maluleka, the City’s MMC for Housing and Human Settlements, has called for immediate action to protect tenants and enforce compliance. Sunnyside and Arcadia, popular for their proximity to universities and workplaces, are hotspots for affordable rentals. To capitalize on demand, some landlords have subdivided two-bedroom units into five-bedroom spaces by adding makeshift walls, often without municipal approval. These conversions violate Tshwane’s building regulations, including the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, which require approv...

Why Does Petrol Cost More in South Africa Than in Its Neighbors?

Why Does Petrol Cost More in South Africa Than in Its Neighbors? South Africa is a major fuel supplier to its neighbors—Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, and others—yet its petrol prices are often higher than in these countries. In October 2024, South Africans paid around R21.05 per litre for 95 octane petrol, while Botswana enjoyed prices as low as R19.00, and Namibia even lower at R18.50. This disparity raises a question: why is petrol cheaper in countries that rely on South Africa for their fuel? The answer lies in taxes, economic policies, and logistics. South Africa’s petrol price is determined by a mix of global and local factors. The Basic Fuel Price (BFP), tied to international crude oil costs (around $78.54/barrel in October 2024), accounts for 35–53% of the retail price. However, taxes and levies, including the General Fuel Levy (R3.98/litre) and Road Accident Fund levy (R2.18/litre), add up to roughly R6.23/litre—about 30% of the total cost. Additional expenses like tran...

Help Locate missing Teacher: Sam Maimela

 Sam Maimela, also known as "Mr. Maimela," a teacher at Vulamehlo Senior School, has gone missing, and his family is seeking urgent help from the public. Here's what we know so far: - Last Seen: Sam was last seen in Tweefontein on Friday, June 20, 2025. - Circumstances of Disappearance: He was allegedly hijacked or kidnapped at the gate while driving a silver Haval H6 by two unknown men. - Investigation Progress:     - The first car tracker was found near B2 Cemetery.     - The vehicle was later found abandoned in Vezubuhle.     - Phone tracker data shows his phone was in Gemsbokspruit (Gem-bork-spruit). The family is heartbroken and worried, pleading for anyone with information to come forward. If you have any details, please contact them at 071 239 6253 or 071 105 7131. Sharing this message widely may help bring Sam home safely. Interestingly, there seems to be some confusion with another case involving a person with a similar name, Joy Maimela, who ...