Johannesburg - The South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) on Sunday rejected the resignation of a St John’s College teacher found guilty at a disciplinary hearing of making racist comments, saying he should have been fired instead.

“Gauteng MEC for education Panyaza Lesufi must urgently review his decision to accept St John's College’s decision to assent to the teacher’s resignation as it technically shields the perpetrator and lets him off the hook," Sanco national spokesman Jabu Mahlangu said.

"The distinction between a dismissal and a resignation is crucial, as the latter suggests that the school has abdicated its responsibility to uphold the Constitution and South African Council of Educators (SACE) teachers' code of conduct," he said.

Mahlangu called on the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the SACE to investigate the sanction and "arrive at a determination whether the teacher was not given the right of passage that leaves the option for him to join another education institution as an unrepentant racist teacher because his wrongdoing is covered by the resignation".  
 
“If this is deemed to be the case, then authorities must withdraw subsidies to the school for condoning racism.”
 
Private schools were increasingly perceived as "bastions of racism for their demonstrated failure to deal decisively with it every time it rears its ugly head", Mahlangu said.
 
“The register of racist offenders we had proposed earlier would ensure that no one employs him as a teacher and that there is no ambiguity regarding how his transgression is viewed,” he said.
 
Non-racialism was not choice but a constitutional value that should be upheld by all institutions that purported to support the vision of a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic society underpinned by reconciliation, nation-building, and social cohesion.
 
“The resurgence of racism must be stamped out and perpetrators know that tolerance to their practices undermine the cornerstone of our freedom and democracy,” Mahlangu said.

African News Agency

UKZN and Technology Innovation Agency signed an agreement for the establishment of the KwaZulu-Natal Research and Innovation Sequencing Platform (Krisp) led by Professor Tulio de Oliveira, who is an expert on HIV genetic data and bioinforma- tics software development.

De Oliveira said the vision of Krisp was to produce and analyse omics (genomics, proteomics or metabolomics) data at the same speed and quality as the top centres in the world.

The facility would produce cutting-edge research, support industrial development and capacitate the next generation of scientists, he said.

The laboratory has about 35 scientists working in it. In terms of the agreement, Technology Innovation Agency is providing R5 million a year for the facility.

The centre will assist in overcoming a backlog in DNA testing for pathogens, such as HIV and TB, and diseases, such as cancer and Alzheimer’s.

De Oliveira said a critical function of Krisp would be to enable and facilitate access to genomics, epigenetics and bioinformatics technology to a broader community of users who might not otherwise pursue these technologies or use alternative international resources.

Local funding was the way to drive a scientific agenda that benefited the country, he said, adding that foreign countries had their own scientific agendas which might not be suitable for South Africa.

“It was important for the country to build this cutting-edge scientific structure because now we can find scientific solutions that would have biggest impact on our economy, health and well-being of people.”

Krisp was also looking for opportunities to collaborate with key stakeholders and funders to identify new flagship programmes that could generate similar scientific and capacity building output, he said.

“We want to create a professionally run and accredited service component that is available for academic, commercial and industrial clients.

“We are passionate about training and capacity building. For example, in the past three years, we have organised 16 workshops during which 1150 individuals were trained. As part of Krisp, we will continue and expand our training programme. I am glad to see this has happened and we will work hard to become a success story.”

Among those who were part of Krisp was postgraduate student Zandile Sibisi, 29, from KwaMashu. Sibisi is studying towards her PhD in virology after completing several qualifications in health sciences.

“When I completed matric my parents had no money to support my studies. I had to pay my way through working at the retail shops where I was paid on commission,” she said.

Pursuing her postgraduate studies at UKZN was unique and afforded her an exclusive opportunity compared to other institutions, she said.

She was inspired by working with experts such as De Oliviera. “With Krisp facilities, we have enough space to do research because you can’t do it in a vacuum lab. We have advanced resources here. I have mastered all the specia- lities, I can do the DNA test from blood extraction to analysis of result.”

The centre has attracted scientists from other provinces and academics who had left Durban but returned to the city. One is Dr Veron Ramsuran, an expert in genetics, who was at the National Institutes of Health and Harvard in the US. He said the centre was world-class.

“We have similar facilities and equipment; basically the stuff we did there can be done here. We have an added advantage, we have access to samples more easily than in the US,” Ramsuran said.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE

A rescue group swooped into action at the weekend when the team noticed a seagull in distress.

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), while preparing for routine exercises, found a seagull with a broken wing at their Table Bay sea rescue station on Saturday.

Station commander Quentin Botha said the bird was captured and transported by their crew to SANCCOB (the SA Foundation for the Conservation of Costal Birds).

“The seagull is expected to make a full recovery.”

Also in the Table Bay area, the yacht C-Gull requested their assistance reporting motor failure with five crew onboard (four males and a female) just off-shore of the Port of Table Bay and requiring a tow to the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC).

“Our sea rescue craft Spirit of Day rendezvoused with the yacht. 

A tow-line was rigged and we towed them to the emergency moorings at RCYC without incident and once safely moored no further assistance was required.”

It was disbanded by the provincial executive committee (PEC) led by secretary-general Faiez Jacobs last month. That move came shortly before the party’s national policy conference in Johannesburg, which sparked fresh divisions between the regions and the provincial leadership.

The PEC insisted its decision to dissolve the Cape metro region was due to its dismal showing in the 2016 local government elections.

Five of the province’s six regions, in turn, called for the PEC to be disbanded for causing divisions.

A task team headed by ANC MP Leonard Ramatlakane was appointed to oversee the region while the national working committee (NWC) attempted to resolve the issue.

After two visits by the NWC delegation, led by President Jacob Zuma, secretary-general Gwede Mantashe said a resolution had been found.

Spokesperson Khusela Sangoni said the national executive committee (NEC) had been briefed but the announcement would be made by Mantashe today following the party’s two-day lekgotla in Gauteng.

Sources within the party said after talks with the NEC, it was agreed the disbanded leadership would be reinstated.

“There was a bit of resistance from other members but in the end a decision was taken to reinstate the Dullah Omar region,” said a source who wished to remain anonymous.

“This is not sitting well with the PEC but they have no choice but to accept the NEC’s decisions. They themselves have been allocated caretakers to assist them and that means that they now won’t be able to make haphazard decisions without consulting those NEC members first.”

Chairperson of the Dullah Omar region, Xolani Sotashe, told the Weekend Argus he had been made aware of the talks around the NEC’s decision but stated they would wait for official word from Mantashe.

At the heart of the struggles plaguing the ANC in the province are divisions over which candidate to back in the upcoming elective conference in December. A large number in the PEC is said to be supporting Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa while the Dullah Omar region supports former AU chief, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.

Weekend Argus

The 71-year-old owner of Zhauns Business Opportunity Machines, was kidnapped in Woodstock on Tuesday at 5.30pm by three men who threatened him with a firearm.

It is alleged that while Ahmed and his driver were packing items into his case, he was forced into a double cab bakkie that pulled up behind them.

The bakkie then drove towards Victoria Road, where it was found abandoned.

Ahmed, who started Zhauns, has been selling machines that manufacture toilet rolls, ice cream and popcorn and other items for the past 40 years.

Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said circumstances surrounding Ahmed's disappearance are still unknown and there are no further developments in the case.

She could not confirm that there was a ransom demand, but said the investigation is continuing.

However, family spokesperson Hanif Loonat said a call from Ahmed was received on Friday afternoon saying the kidnappers were demanding a ransom.

Loonat did not want to disclose the amount demanded, but said Ahmed was distressed and under strain.

“The family is currently assessing how they are going to respond,” he said.

He said the situation was “very distressing” for the family.

Added to the family’s concerns are speculations and conclusions that have been made on social media, said Loonat.

“There have been irresponsible statements made on social media,” Loonat said.

He said it was very distressing when people made false statements on social media.

Woodstock Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson Moosa Sydow said a kidnapping of this nature was a first for the area.

“This is new for us and it is an unfortunate incident.”

But Sydow is convinced there are more people who witnessed the crime.

He is appealing for them to come forward.

He said his thoughts and prayers were with the family and the CPF would continue to support the police during their investigation.

* Anyone with information can call crime stop on 086 0010 111.

Weekend Argus

Cape Town - The City of Cape Town, via its enterprise and investment department under the directorate of the mayor, has facilitated R2.67 billion worth of investment which has resulted in 6236 direct jobs created for the people of Cape Town in the past financial year (July 2016 – June 2017), the city said on Sunday.
 
"The achievement of R2.67 billion worth of investments, 6236 direct jobs created, and 2052 people who received training comes against the City of Cape Town internal targets of R2.5 billion worth of investment, 5000 jobs, and 800 training initiatives respectively," mayor Patricia de Lille said.
 
The enterprise and investment department, through collaboration with its partners, facilitated the training of 2052 people in various skills development programs, she said.
 
The city managed to attract the investments and skills training via its partnership with the special purpose vehicles (SPVs) and the Western Cape Destination Marketing, Investment, and Trade Promotion Agency (Wesgro). 
 
SPVs were established to fulfil mandates in line with the Western Cape government and city objectives of investment facilitation, industry development, job creation, and economic growth; while Wesgro was established by the Western Cape government in collaboration with the city to develop and grow priority sectors in Cape Town. 
 
The SPVs supported by the city included business process enabling South Africa WC, GreenCape, Cape Information and Technology Initiative, The Cape Craft and Design Institute, Cape Town Fashion Council, and the Western Cape Clothing and Textile Service Centre, De Lille said. 
 
The city, for the past financial year, contributed R21.8 million in funding to the organisations to use to facilitate investment and industry development through sector-specific interventions. These sector-specific interventions were intended to enhance sustainable growth and competitiveness in identified sectors that contributed to the city’s economy. 
 
The investments were facilitated in business process out-sourcing, manufacturing, ICT, real-estate development, and infrastructure. The source countries for these investments included the United Kingdom, Australia, The Netherlands, France, and the Middle East, as well as new and expansion projects by local companies.
 
"These results have certainly made the city’s support to these organisations worthwhile and are in line with the organisational development and transformation plan’s priorities to position Cape Town as a globally competitive business destination and to enhance economic inclusion," she said.
 
"These are massive gains for Cape Town, especially in light of the various economic setbacks that South Africa has suffered in the past months, including ratings downgrades and electricity and water challenges, among others." 
 
With South Africa being downgraded by various rating agencies to sub-investment grade, the city’s economy had managed to perform well in terms of investment and job creation, De Lille said.
 
"The significant levels of investment attracted into Cape Town demonstrate the resilience of the city economy and the confidence investors have in the quality of the City of Cape Town's governance," Wesgro CEO Tim Harris said.

"By cutting red tape, making it easier to do business in the region, and ensuring clean and efficient government, the city has successfully positioned itself as a top destination for investment globally. Wesgro is proud to serve as Cape Town and the Western Cape's official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency, and together with the mayor's economic team, we will redouble our efforts to secure investment into the local economy over the next year. This year alone, we will undertake more than 75 missions around the world, sharing this excellent achievement and encouraging more businesses to make Cape Town their home," Harris said.

"The city is proud of its association with these partnerships and takes great pride in building and sustaining relationships with these organisations that support the city’s vision of an opportunity city that creates an enabling environment for economic growth and job creation, to provide assistance to those who need it most, to deliver quality services to all residents and to serve the communities of Cape Town as a well-governed and corruption-free administration," De Lille said.

"We will be getting on with pushing the boundaries even more and letting the world know that Cape Town is open for business so that we can alleviate poverty through creating the much-needed jobs for the people of Cape Town," she said.

African News Agency

DURBAN: DO YOU want to know where to tuck into the best paneer in India, secure a stunning pair of designer shoes in London or find other information while travelling?
A Pietermaritzburg businesswoman may have the answers to such questions, delivered to the palm of your hand.

Nafeesa Joosab has launched her own app called Shop Eat Sleep worldwide, inspired by her travel frustrations.

Tired of sharing shopping tips with friends and family, she decided to make her know-how available to the world.

She conceptualised Shop Eat Sleep and launched the app at the Haute Events fashion show in uMhlanga this week.

The app is meant to help travellers and is available free on Android and iPhone devices.

“I was at a molecular gastronomy restaurant in Dubai after New Year, having dinner with a close friend from Delhi. We were discussing my concept, which was initially a guide book, when he suggested the app, which was how the idea was born.

"I looked up app companies in Durban and came across Kagiso Interactive, based in uMhlanga. They produced my app within three months,” said Joosab.

She is recruiting people around the world to get involved with her venture.

“I am inviting other fashionistas and travellers to upload information. There will be knowledgeable local people in each country who can update information on the app. I’ve already secured London, Australia, India, Doha and South Africa,” said Joosab.

She said her plan was to grow the app’s worldwide footprint.

nabeelah.shaikh@inl.co.za

SUNDAY TRIBUNE

Speaking during his 69th birthday celebration at his Royal Palace in KwaNongoma yesterday, Zwelithini said he was annoyed that this was happening under a black-led government. He has called on the Zulus to protect their dignity and said the constitution had failed to recognise the rights of the Zulus, who played a vital political role in shaping our country.

He invited all political parties to discuss this issue with him. Traditional song and dance were the order of the day. The celebration also marked 46 years of his reign as the King of the Zulu nation. His Majesty was showered with presents which included cows and horses.

The day began with celebrations as izintombi, a dance performed by Zulu maidens, followed with a song bellowed by traditional warriors.

Spectators and locals came from all over the country and watched in amazement as the SAPS and SANDF paraded.

A gala dinner then saw guests feast on the kings favourite meals.

King Zwelithini is the longest reigning king in Africa and the second in the world after Queen Elizabeth II of England. Zulu Royal spokesperson Prince Thulani Zulu, the king’s brother, said they were happy to have a king that has ruled for so many years as kings did not live long in the past. King Shaka ruled for only 12 years.

“This is the first time we have had a king that has reigned for such a long time and we feel humbled,” he said.

The prince said they were also happy with achievements, such as playing a role in the fight against HIV/Aids by reviving the culture of circumcision. He said the king is currently leading the fight against social ills that has been a cancer in commu- nities.

“The king is vocal against crime and killings that have gripped the country, he is also against the scourge of women and child abuse,” he said.

Prominent businessmen Ishwar Ramlutchman and Vivian Reddy also graced the ceremony.

Ramlutchman described the king as a peacemaker and the unifier of the Zulus and other races.

Ramlutchman has attended the king’s birthday celebrations for the past 25 years.

“We wish the Zulu nation to prosper under his leadership and guidance,” he said.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE

DURBAN: UP TO 30 families face being evicted from their cottages at the Friends of the Sick Association (Fosa) TB hospital in Newlands.
They received notice their rents would more than double.

A letter put under their doors on July 17 stated the monthly rental would go up from R1320 to R2820 from next month.

Many of those affected rely on social grants or family generosity to survive.

The KZN Department of Health, which ran the TB hospital for 10 years, terminated the lease agreement with Fosa in 2015.

At the time the department was footing the bill for water and lights for the entire settlement, which was linked to a single meter.

The department said the lease would not be renewed because the infrastructure was inadequate.

The hospital, which served TB patients, was closed. But the surrounding cottages were leased to applicants who paid Fosa rent.

Fosa chairman, Dinesh Harkoo, said: “This year we handed the premises over for management (sub-letting) and upkeep.”

Fosa’s charity work relies on donations, Harkoo said.

“We have a landlord-tenant relationship with Legal Format, which is responsible for maintaining the premises and paying the bills,” he said.

The management company’s adviser, Dan Naicker, handled the cottage sub-leases.

This week, the tenants asked for a negotiation.

A tenant who did not want to be named said: “He told us there would be an annual increase of 10% and the lease conditions would not change. We didn’t know what to do when we got the shocking increase notice.”

Naicker assured tenants their concerns would be addressed individually.

This was not well received.

The outspoken tenant said they would have preferred to have their grievances handled in group sessions. “We suspect we could be misled in one-on-one meetings.”

Naicker said 10% increases had been agreed but excessive maintenance costs necessitated higher rentals.

He said the proposed rental increase had been suspended pending a review.

Naicker said tenants would be offered jobs when the TB hospital was revamped. He said his company was dealing with certification and licensing for a planned rehabilitation centre.

The Fosa facility was built on land donated by the Lockhat Charities Trust to benefit the community. Trust administrator Ismail Lockhat said the trust did not know about the sub-leasing.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE

DURBAN: WHEN Justin Nanak sings, it's always from the heart and it usually moves his audience.
Given his ability to hit the right notes, Nanak was commissioned in April by Cardinal Wilfrid Napier to produce a spiritually charged song for the Mini World Youth Day festival planned for December in Durban.

Nanak, 30, of uMhlanga collaborated with good friend Thandeka Dube-Ndhlovu and together they produced the gospel praise and worship song The Mighty One.

Bassy tones of a cello in the introduction, together with sounds from a piano, electric and acoustic guitars, drum beats and a choir singing, give this ballad, which was recorded in June, a classical feel.

Earlier this week, The Mighty One music video was shot and is now available online.

Nanak said putting the song together with Dube-Ndhlovu and recording the video was “an amazing experience”.

“It was a huge honour when the cardinal asked me to do a song specially for the festival.”

Nanak, who recorded his debut CD Your Will Be Done last year, thought it would be great idea to do a bilingual song (English and Zulu) which would capture the essence of Durban.

“That's when I decided Thandeka, who is a powerhouse of a singer, should be a part of it.”

Nanak said they set out to write a ballad that was based on scripture but with a youthful flavour.

“It starts slowly, but the tempo is raised and it turns into an explosive anthem as the song progresses.

“I was surprised at how quickly everything came together, and we've received some rave reviews from those who've heard the song.”

He said shooting the video was an amazing experience. Karen van Pletsen was the creative person behind the video.

“Cardinal Napier had a cameo role, musicians were hand-picked and we brought in the Kwa Thintwa School for the Deaf’s inspiring choir for backing.

“There was not a dry eye in the room when the choir broke into song.”

Nanak, a full-time musician, said he hoped the song would motivate people to achieve a deeper level of connection with God.

“The song was completed early to get people familiar with it before the festival.

“I will do more work with Thandeka in the future. Our voices combined well.”

SUNDAY TRIBUNE

Kimberley - A 46-year-old man, believed to be the owner of a butchery business in the Kimberley CBD, has been arrested along with his six alleged accomplices found in possession of seven stolen cattle worth R135 000, Northern Cape police said on Sunday.

"The suspects were arrested at a farm in Roodepan over the weekend after they were found with a trailer loaded with Bonsmara [cattle] and slaughtered two  cattle," Captain Olebogeng Tawana said.

Preliminary investigation indicated that the cattle were to be slaughtered and the meat was destined to be sold at the suspect’s butchery. The suspects, aged between 36 and 58, were "found red-handed slaughtering one of the cattle and ready to be skinned".
 
"We confiscated the bakkie and trailer which were used to transport stolen cattle," Tawana said.
 
The suspects would appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Monday on a charge of stock theft.

African News Agency

The South Coast is still enjoying the spoils of the sardine run as more of the silvery fish arrived in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Fishermen via Facebook page Salt Fishing South Africa said the fish had been netted at Illovo and eManzimtoti and were being sold for R600 a crate.

The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board said in a statement on Friday that sardine activity had increased in the Scottburgh and Pennington areas with many shoals of fish visible from the shore. 

“Two large nets have been taken at Scottburgh so far and there are a number of seine netters currently on the beach. 

The shoals are moving very quickly and the netters have been finding it difficult to set their nets around them. 

Four decent size nets have also been taken at Pennington and a shoal was missed at Rocky Bay, Park Rynie.”

Head of operations at the board Mike Anderson-Reade said in the same statement that it appeared that the main concentration of sardines was between Scottburgh and Mtwalume at the time. 

“Small pockets have also been seen off the St Michaels and Uvongo area (on Friday morning) however no netting has been attempted in these areas.”

Shark safety gear, he said, had been removed at Scottburgh and bathing would remain closed until such time as the activity subsides.

“Hibberdene, Southport, St Michaels, Margate Main Beach, Ramsgate, San Lameer/Marina and TO Strand are currently open for bathing.”

The Mercury

Polokwane - A suspected armed robber has been killed by community members and three others have been arrested following an armed robbery at a liquor outlet in Apel, Limpopo police said on Sunday.

Four men armed with pistols entered the Ga-Mpusheng Bar Lounge in the early hours of Saturday morning. They threatened the owners at gunpoint and robbed them of cash, two pistols, and a pump-action shotgun, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said.

"The nearby community members were sensitised and managed to grab one of the suspects at the back of the bar lounge and burnt him beyond recognition. The suspect was later identified and is from Ga Mashabela in Masemola policing area," Mojapelo said. 

Soon after the robbery was reported to police, a crime intelligence-led operation comprising of members of the national intervention unit followed up information that resulted in the arrest on Sunday morning of the remaining three suspects, in Soshanguve in Gauteng.

Two of the arrested suspects were from Mamelodi and one from Soshanguve. They were aged 32, 34, and 36 respectively. Items seized during the arrests included a Taurus firearm and ammunition and two Norinco firearms and ammunition, all with the serial numbers filled off. Also seized were a VW Polo, reported stolen in Ekangala in Mounalanga earlier this month, and R14 000 in cash, believed to have been stolen during the robbery at Apel, Mojapelo said.

Limpopo police commissioner Lt-Gen Nneke Ledwaba commended the police team for the swift arrests and sending a clear message that police would at all times "be relentless when dealing with criminals".

"The message that we are sending is that our members are at a ready position to pounce on anyone committing trio crimes and any other crime in the province. I, however, have to warn community members to desist from taking the law into their own hands, as this is also a criminal conduct," Ledwaba said.

The arrested suspects would appear in the Lebowakgomo Magistrate's Court soon on charges of armed robbery, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, and possession of illegal firearms and ammunition. The police investigations were continuing with regard to the stolen firearms, Mojapelo said.

African News Agency

This year, a Joburg wine outlet and a boutique hotel have decided to do something different to honour South African women.

This is as some of the country’s best female wine and spirit makers will showcase their own unique wine and gin at the upcoming Cradle of Food & Wine Festival.

The event will be held in the Cradle of Humankind just outside Joburg, at the prestigious Cradle Boutique Hotel on August 19.

“There are so many amazing women wine and gin makers that we thought we would celebrate their work and their products in August as part of Women’s Month,” said Cradle Boutique Hotel general manager Wayne Fisher.

Although the gathering is meant to commemorate women, Fisher insists that everyone is welcome.

“This not-to-be-missed event, which is open to the whole family,” she said.

The festival is organised by leading Johannesburg wine outlet ‘Wine Menu’ run by Corlien Morris which promises the very best.

Morris believes that spending the day in a scenic venue while relaxing and enjoying good food and drinks was a great way to celebrate Women’s Day.

Morris said premium wines on show include those by Catherine Marshal (Elgin); Swartland’s Huis van Chevallerie (winemaker Christa von La Chevallerie) and Kloovenburg (winemaker Jolandie Fouché).

Stellenbosch’s Haskell (winemaker Rianie Strydom); Franschhoek’s La Bri (winemaker Irene Waller); Greyton’s Lismore (owner and winemaker Samantha O’Keefe) and Waterkloof wine estate in Somerset West (Nadia Barnard) will also be available.

Those looking for something different also won’t be disappointed as Callan Williams will also present her lauded hand crafted wine brand The Garajeest and Carla Pauw from Stellenbosch will show both her Saltare wines and olive oils.

Those attending will also get to meet gin-makers Shanna-Rae Wilby from Time Anchor Distillery and Glyn Fench, who makes Flowstone in the Magaliesberg area.

Following the tastings, guests will have the option of purchasing a picnic hamper or pre-booking a lunch at the Cradle Boutique Hotel restaurant where they can choose from the a-la-carte menu.

While the adults indulge in the wines and gins, kids can also enjoy the event.

“Families who attend will be able to taste the wines and gins while their children can join the Cradle Explorers Club, which will have a trained guide to take them on a two-hour nature walk.”

The cost is R80 per child which includes a picnic box.

No food or pets to be brought into the venue.

Tickets for the wine and gin tasting only can be purchased from webtickets at R75 per person for over 18s. For more information, go to https://www.webtickets.co.za/events/festival/cradle-of-food-and-wine-festival/1472755106

@Karishma_Dipa

The Star

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Johannesburg - Police have arrested two suspects aged of 32 and 42 after they searched their bags in the central business district and found a high calibre rifle, a pistol and ammunition.

Captain Xoli Mbele on Monday said police on routine patrol stopped the pair at corner Webber and Eloff Street .

"Police recovered a pistol and rifle inside the bag with ammunition," said Mbele, adding that the pistol was reported stolen in Hilbrow in May 2005.

The suspects, who were arrested on Friday, said they were coming from George Goch Hostel on their way to Soweto. 

Police said investigations were continuing. The suspects will appear on Monday in the Johannesburg Magistrate Court to face charges of possession of illegal and unlicensed weapons.

African News Agency

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Quinton Moos, who lives in Pine Road, said they had a meeting with officials from the City of Cape Town.

“They said they want to move us to the Buriel Hostel in Woodstock temporarily. Among the 27 families that are staying here, some have previously been removed from District Six. They said they will be building social housing on this piece of land. But what guarantee do we have that we will qualify for those houses? Most of the people who live here do not work. For 23 years we have been living here without electricity, making our food on fires and not been able to watch television. And no one bothered to install electricity and now they are promising us housing. We don’t trust them,” Moos said.

Brett Herron, mayoral committee member for transport and urban renewal, announced recently that the City is planning to build houses in Salt River and Woodstock.

Shane van der Mescht of Reclaim the City said they welcomed transitional housing, “but people who have been evicted need to be engaged.”

rusana.philander@inl.co.za

Cape Argus

Big Concerts has confirmed The Legends of R&B will be returning to South Africa in December 2017 and will feature Brian McKnight and Brandy.

The music show is presented by East Coast Radio, 947, Kfm 94.5, Channel 24 and Mzansi Magic tickets go on sale Wednesday August 2 at 9am from Big Concerts and Computicket.

Tour Information:

Pretoria

Saturday December 9, 2017

Sun Arena, Time Square

Ticket Price: R480 – R945

Johannesburg

Sunday December 10, 2017

Ticketpro Dome

Ticket Price:  R480 – R1000

Cape Town

Tuesday December 12, 2017

Grand Arena, GrandWest

Ticket Price:  R480 – R945

Durban

Thursday December 14, 2017

Durban ICC

Ticket Price:  R425 – R845

Brian McKnight has earned himself a spot in contemporary music history. He has released 17 albums to date, with several going two and three times platinum, and he has sold over 30 million albums worldwide. 

In addition to being a singer, songwriter and producer, McKnight is also a talented and charismatic personality who has hosted “Soul Session Countdown with Brian McKnight” on BETJ. 

The Brian McKnight Morning Show on KTWV the Wave Smooth Jazz radio station, was a Top Five rated show two years running. 

McKnight has also used his vast industry knowledge as a red carpet host for Extra! In 2007, McKnight stepped into Broadway with a successful run as Billy Flynn in Chicago. 

Now to mark his 25th anniversary as a recording artist, McKnight will debut his 18th album, Genesis, on August 25, 2017, which will be released worldwide through SRG | SONOS Recording Group and will feature the hit single “Forever.” 

As the lead single from Genesis, “Forever” quickly hit the Top 20 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Songs chart and continues to surge up the Adult R&B (Urban AC) radio charts all over the country.

Brandy has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide (including the five times platinum selling Never Say Never) and is ranked one of the best-selling female artists in American music history by the RIAA, having sold over 11 million albums in the United States. 

During her career, she recorded five albums: in 1998 “Never Say Never”; in 2002 “Full Moon”; in 2004 “Afrodisiac”; in 2008 “Human”; and in 2012 “Two Eleven”.

Brandy has also earned scores of awards, including a Grammy, an AMA, two Soul Train Music Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, three Billboard Awards, four MTV Awards, six Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards, two Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, and three BMI Awards. 

At the top of 2016, Brandy released “Beggin and Pleadin”, a bluesy trap-soul melody that was greeted with much admiration. 

There is more to come as Brandy works towards recording her seventh studio album.

The Mercury

The students are part of ASEZ, a global group whose goal is to “Save the Earth, from A to Z and to deliver the heart-warming love of a mother” said member Kusile Kewana.

ASEZ aims to clean 40 000km of surface, which amounts to the circumference of the Earth.

PR Councillor Ursula Barends joined the day’s activities and said: “I know illegal dumping is a big problem in this area, so I am ready to get my hands dirty.”

The city’s Solid Waste Management is working with the organisation and donated the necessary waste transportation and equipment, such as tools and disposable bags, said Xolani Ngqakayi, a Solid Waste official.

To ensure their safety, Mogamat Titus, also a Solid Waste official, divided the larger group into smaller groups and allocated a leader to each.

He also gave them safety tips and allocated them secure routes to clean up.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are new goals established by the UN that are focused on developing countries, especially those in need.

The SDG covers a range of issues, such as poverty, climate change, health and world peace.

It consists of 17 categories, and the aim is to achieve the goals for each category by the end of 2030.

Cape Argus