Soweto Hub

Department of Correctional Services Denies '5-Star' Treatment for the Nigerian Pastor Omotoso   Image credits: eNCA x account  The South African Department of Correctional Services has categorically denied allegations that Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso received preferential treatment during his incarceration at St Albans Prison in Port Elizabeth. Omotoso, who was acquitted on April 2, 2025, of multiple charges including rape and human trafficking, faced claims suggesting he enjoyed luxuries such as designer suits, extended visitation hours, and the ability to preach to his congregants via cellphone while in custody. Image credits: MDN news x account  Addressing these allegations, Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo stated: > “We took the allegations seriously to an extent that the chief operating commissioner of the department dispatched officials from head office to check for themselves the conditions where Mr. Omotoso is detained. We can confirm t...

Unsafe Snacks: Soweto Family Demands Accountability After Child Poisoned by Tuck Shop Treat  By Jabulani Chauke  Image credits: spaza shops sa SOWETO – A Mapetla family is demanding tighter food safety regulations for informal traders after their 8-year-old son was hospitalised in critical condition, allegedly from consuming contaminated snacks bought at a local spaza shop. According to reports by  Eyewitness News  the mother, Tshidi Molobela said her son fell gravely ill last Friday after eating chips bought from a neighborhood tuck shop. The boy, who was enjoying the last day of his school holidays, began vomiting and eventually lost mobility. He was rushed to Chiawelo Clinic and later transferred to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, where doctors reportedly found symptoms consistent with poisoning. She also mentioned that the heart of her son stopped multiple times during treatment. “He was purple on the stomach, and parts of his body were turning green,” Molobela...

Jacob Zuma Turns 83: MK Party Plans Nationwide Celebrations Honoring His Legacy By Jabulani Chauke   Image credits: MK party x account  Former President of South Africa and uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader, Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, will celebrate his 83rd birthday this Saturday, April 13, 2025. MK Party members across the country are gearing up to host events in various provinces to honor the life and political legacy of the man they regard as a liberation icon and defender of radical economic transformation. Born in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal in 1942, Zuma's political journey began in his youth when he joined the African National Congress (ANC) and its armed wing, uMkhonto weSizwe, in the early 1960s. He was imprisoned for 10 years on Robben Island alongside other freedom fighters, including Nelson Mandela, for his role in the anti-apartheid struggle. After his release, Zuma went into exile and played a key role in intelligence operations for the ANC. Image credits: MK party ...

South African Parliament Passes Controversial 1% VAT Increase. Journalist: Jabulani Chauke  In a move sparking widespread public outrage, South Africa’s Parliament has approved a 1% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT), raising the rate to 16%. The decision, finalized on April 2, 2025, was supported by a coalition of the African National Congress (ANC), ActionSA, and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).   Critics argue that the VAT hike will further burden ordinary South Africans already struggling with soaring living costs, including rising food, fuel, and utility prices. Opposition parties, particularly the Democratic Alliance (DA), have condemned the decision, calling it a direct attack on the working class.   Social media reactions on platforms like X have been swift and harsh, with many users accusing the ANC and its allies of betraying the people to serve political interests. Some claim the additional revenue will be used to fund bloated public sector wages, thou...

Tshenelo PI Offers R5,000 Reward for Contact Information of Facebook User Over #JusticeForCwecwe Posts. Johannesburg, April 2, 2025 — Private investigation firm Tshenelo PI has announced a R5,000 reward for information leading to the identification of Facebook user Ntsako Mabunda, including his phone number and address. This initiative aims to facilitate direct engagement with Mabunda concerning his recent online activities related to the #JusticeForCwecwe campaign. The #JusticeForCwecwe movement emerged in response to the alleged assault of a seven-year-old girl, known as Cwecwe, at Bergview College in Matatiele, Eastern Cape. The incident has galvanized national attention, prompting widespread calls for justice and accountability. Mabunda's Facebook posts have been criticized for their reckless and exploitative nature, particularly given the sensitive circumstances involving a minor. His commentary has sparked public outrage, with many expressing concern over the potential harm s...