Economist predicts massive fuel increase in Oct

Sthembiso Sithole

 

 

While consumers will most likely be spared in September,

October promises to be harsh on petrol consumers' pockets.(SABC)

The weakening rand and the spiralling oil price have led to many speculations that the South African motorist is in for a massive fuel price hike. However, Economist Mike Schussler says the September increase, due next week, will be a few cents but cautioned that a massive increase is on the cards for October.

“It is very bleak at the moment for October but as it
all political things, it is very difficult to predict what
is going to happen with the oil price but I think in all likelyhood we are going to see a very big increase in the price of fuel come October, probably 40 to 50 cents.”

Speaking about the on-going strikes action in the country, Schussler says they are not helping the currency.

“I think it is more than just a strike. There is certainly a worry about all emerging markets at the moment. So most emerging markets currently are under pressure. Certainly the strikes are not helping the South African currency.”

The rand has continued to perform badly. The currency hit a new four-year low earlier in the session at 10.51 against the US dollar on Wednesday.

A short while ago the rand was trading at 10.31 to the dollar. The rand's volatility has continued as investors who are nervous about the crisis in Syria continued to sell emerging market currencies.
Click below to listen to Economist Mike Schussler as he predicts the fuel price increase.

This article appeared on the SABCNews website on the 29 August 2013.

Mother mourns son’s death after initiation

At least 30 initiates died and close to 300
have been admitted to various hospitals across Eastern
Cape.(SABC)

Andisiwe Msindwana is the first Xhosa mother to speak publicly about the death of her son after he went to an initiation school.
Speaking on SAfm AM LIVE, Msindwana says they had an understanding with his son’s dad about taking Litha to an initiation school.
“We had an understanding with him; he initiated the whole thing that he will take Litha to the initiation. My brother volunteered to be on leave so that he can visit him there because the initiation will be done outside East London, he would be somewhere in the bush.”
Msindwana says at that stage Litha had just turned 18 in April 2009 and she had spoken to him about initiation schools.
“I would engage him on this matter. I would tell him that I am not up for this because of the dangers that are involved.”
She says after her son had left, she was cut off completely from talking to him. There was no contact and she had to rely on his brother to her how Litha was doing.
After few days that her son had left for initiation, Msindwana woke up to the bad news about his son’s health condition.
“Around six o’clock in the morning I had a bagging knock on my kitchen door. It was my brother letting me know that Litha is not well. I asked him what do you mean?”
In hope that her son was outside, Msindwana says: “I peeped outside because I thought he was outside. My brother said no, I took him to a nearest bush, where he will be taken care of. Just make porridge. I think he doesn't like the food he eats there.”
After waiting for a report from her brother about her son’s health condition, later on the day a family friend came and told her that Litha had passed on.
Msindwana has urged other women who are in a similar situation to speak out. Meanwhile, Eastern Cape police say they have arrested five suspects in connection with botched circumcisions since the winter initiation season started at the end of May.
At least 30 initiates died and close on 300 have been admitted to various hospitals across the province.
Provincial police spokesperson Sibongile Soci says the suspects were arrested in areas such as Lusisiki, Mqanduli and Mzamba.
She says they are facing charges such as unlawful circumcisions, attempted murder and assault. Soci has urged communities to report unregistered traditional surgeons and illegal initiation schools to the police. -Edited by Sthembiso Sithole.

Click below to listen to Andisiwe Msindwana who lost her son in initiations schools.

This article appeared at SABCNews online on Tuesday 9 July 2013 10:20

Karabo’s big break into Forbes Africa Magazine

“Hardworking, dedicated, winner,” are the words that describe me, says Karabo Ngoepe. It is rare that one gets a job offer to report for Forbes Africa Magazine while they are expecting an interview. After hearing his story of success I decided to get hold of Ngoepe and hear from the horse’s mouth.

New Forbes Africa Magazine

reporter Karabo Ngoepe.    

He began his story by telling me how exited he is about the new job after spending three years reporting for Pretoria News. “I love the new job; it’s totally a different environment. I’m challenging myself to see where I want to go with my career. I have been in the free room to explore all avenues available in journalism. I do sports, economics and a bit of politics, I’m enjoying the ride.”

It is often said that we all need to start somewhere and surely Ngoepe had to start somewhere. He says his passion for news started when he was at the tender age.

“I guess it all started when I was in grade 10 or 11. I never loved school, I used to bunk most of my classes except for English and Geography. My English teacher saw the keen interest I had in the two subjects and she said I must try it out. As I did my research, I fell in love with it (Journalism) and decided that it is what I will do for the rest of my life and here I am and loving every moment of it.”

After his mother who worked as a domestic worker lost her job while he was in grade 9 attending at Hoerskool Pretoria-Wes, he had to move back where he grew up in Soshanguve.

This new Forbes Africa reporter says things got difficult as he ended up looking for alternative ways to make money.

“To make some money for myself, I started taking pictures at school just to have transport and spending money. That small business pulled me through until I matriculated. With that in mind, I can safely say my childhood was a bit rough but it groomed me into what I am today,” he recalls.   

After hearing his childhood story, I was inspired by the bravery of this 23 year old. Determined to fulfil his dreams and change the situation at home, Karabo enrolled at Tshwane University of Technology for the National Diploma in Journalism after he matriculated in 2007.

“I felt (going to university) was the only way I could change my situation and better the state of my family. I was determined to reverse and change some of the things that were seen as a norm in the community. People would finish school but just stay at home gambling on the corners or try to find odd jobs to keep busy but I did not want to do that. I wanted to leave a mark in the world.”

The interview started to be tense and I realised that it was time to lightning it up by focusing on the main reason why I am profiling this light in complexion Orlando Pirates and Manchester United fan.

When we started talking about how he feels to work for one of Africa’s biggest Magazines, I just saw a million smile on his face.

“Never in a million years did I think I would be working for a magazine. I always thought that when I leave newspapers I would be going to radio but here I am at Forbes Africa and actually loving it. I guess you can never predict where you going to end up.”

In 2009 Karabo was awarded Rekord Noweto Print Journalist of the year and Live@12 Broadcast Student of the Year by the Journalism Department at Tshwane University of Technology. He was also a finalist in the 2013 Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards in the category of Hard News.

With his vast experience, surely he has something to say to young aspiring journos.

“Don’t go into this profession for the money or fame, those things should be the last thing on your mind. You have a duty to inform and change people’s lives. You need to have a tough skin when you get into this industry, you must roll with the punches and be able to return them as well.”

 You can follow Karabo Ngoepe on Facebook and on Twitter @krbsean

Gentsu’s journey from the airwaves to SA TV screens

Little was known about Sibongiseni Abraham Gentsu before he became a social media presenter on DSTV &TopTv Mindset channel 319. Gentsu has proven without a shadow of a doubt that hard work and determination truly takes one to places.



Abraham Gentsu the new DSTV&Top

TV Mindset channel319 presenter.

As I received messages from friends informing me that I should check Abraham’s audition on YouTube for the DSTV &TopTv job, I knew deep down in my mind that it’s his time to shine and be a star.

You might be asking yourself where do I know this chap from, well let me come to your rescue. Me and the only guy with the Chinese surname, as he is affectionally known come a long way as we use to work for the same radio station TUT FM 96.2.

With his sweet smile and welcoming personality he began his story by telling me about the way God has blessed him in life. 

“I feel honored by God and am humbled, well most of the things that I have, they all started as a desire but little did I know it would be a destiny. I am so grateful of the things that I have. When I think about them I think of my background, where I am and where I am going. I realise that there is a great change.”

This talkative and energetic media personality from the township called Mandela in Eastrand, says: “My childhood has never been an easy one, it was faced with a lot of family set-backs in such a way that I never got time to just play like any other kid. I had chores to do, classified by my dad as being manhood work. I had to take care of his garden and my brother, when I come back from school I had to wash my uniform then clean the house or sell with my mom on her stall.”

He recently graduated for his National Diploma in IT (Multimedia) at Tshwane University of Technology. Those who have met him or spend time with him on campus would agree with me when I say he is a jack of all trades.  

During his enrolment at TUT, he become a Vuma Portal brand Ambassador representing Tshwane University of Technology in a portal for all universities in the Northern hemisphere.
                                                                                       

Abraham Gentsu was a TUT FM 96.2

presenter and producer.

That’s where he got skills to do promotions and also marketing. “From there I joined the Top programs. I because a Top Junior 2010, Top Facilitator 2012. Basically it was all about Leadership skills and developing our campus and community environment.” Because of his dedication Gentsu became a producer for TUTFM on a show called TUT-Network, then same year later “I started to present and produce the show myself. Time went on with other guys now coming through, but I worked until 2012.”

Surly there are few things that he learned from this vast experience in being in leadership and on radio. “In all these things I’ve actually learn to be humble and know how to talk to people. For me it was not a hustle to balance these things with my studies since I study at night. I’ve also learnt certain skills such as becoming a leader, being tolerant and also being influential.”

As I listen to Gentsu attentively, I was curious in founding out what drives him to do the things he does or where does he gets inspiration. As if he knew the question I was about to ask him, he said: “I am a child of God and God had always been my guidance. I was also involved in Student Christian Organisation as a loyal member.”

In 2006 while he was doing grade 9 his father passed away but that didn’t stop him from reaching his dreams.

This year the 22 year-old superstar registered his media company called Gentsu Media Services and he is running it virtually online.

With his passion to inspire others who want to make it in life, he asked that I should share this with you: 

“Last words to everyone reading this, I’ve had so many people believing in me and also some who never believed in me, but 1 thing that kept me was believing in myself hence my motto simple says: keep on believing in yourself, cause when you stop the world stops!. I’d love you to know also that without God I would have never got to where I am today, and I am so grateful to all my friends and family for all the support and love I am having. I truly believe that am destined for even greater things, though I wouldn’t say am a genius but am wise.”

Media should report accurately on Oscar’s case: Expert

Acting Chief Magistrate, Daniel Thulare says he is concerned
how Oscar Pistorius' murder case is being reported. (SABC)

Lecturer of Constitutional Law at the University of Cape Town Professor Pierre de Vos says journalists and different media outlets should report accurately in the Oscar Pistorius court case.

Speaking on SAfm Forum@8 on Wednesday, De Vos said transparency can be either very good for the judicial system and be bad especially if the reporting is not accurate.

He says: "People get into their own minds a certain view of what happened in the court room. And then if somebody says he acquitted, people can’t understand why the person is acquitted. And they start to be cross because it was reported in a way that made it sound as if the person is guilty and that could create problems for the judicial system. So accuracy is important. I think that is a very strong and important ethical consideration which is not necessarily legal but ethical consideration that the media should have."

The media has been warned to operate within the Constitution when covering court proceedings - including the Oscar Pistorius case. Acting Chief Magistrate, Daniel Thulare told the Pretoria Magistrates court on Tuesday that he is concerned how Pistorius' murder case is being reported.

Pistorius is facing a charge of premeditated murder after he shot and killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in February this year. He was released on R1 million bail. –Edited by Sthembiso Sithole.

This article appeared at SABCNews online on the June 5 20132013

Zimbabwean artist pays tribute to Mbuli in style

Friday 24 May 2013 16:43

Sthembiso Sithole

While the funeral service of Vuyo Mbuli was underway,
Zimbabwean artist Lebani Sirenje
painted a picture of Mbuli (Sthembiso Sithole)

 

Zimbabwean artist Lebani Sirenje paid tribute to renowned radio and TV presenter Vuyo Mbuli at his funeral at St. John's College in Houghton in style. Mbuli died after collapsing while watching a rugby match between the Cheetahs and the Reds at the Free State Stadium last weekend.

While the service was underway, Sirenje painted a picture of Mbuli. According to Sirenje the Morning Live and SAfm presenter inspired him to reach his dreams.

"Mr Mbuli played a huge part in my life since I arrived here in South Africa in 1996. I always watched him in the morning and he was good at what he does best. I wanted to show my last respect to Mbuli and this is my way to show it. He was a legend and may his soul rest in peace."

The panting which shows Mbuli wearing a grey suite caught the eyes of many mourners who ranged from political leaders such as Congress of the People Mosiuoa Lekota and ANC spokesperson Jackson Mthembu to SABC board members.

Meanwhile, emotional 3Talk host Noeleen Maholwana-Sangqu read a letter from the former president Thabo Mbeki. Mbeki described Mbuli as a man who was dedicated to his job.

Musician Sipho 'Hotstix’ Mabuse also paid his tribute to Mbuli. "Vuyo meant a lot too many people. The relationship that I had with him goes beyond him being on TV. I knew him before he was on TV. We grew up in the same neighbourhood," says Mabuse.  

Musician Sipho 'Hotstix’ Mabuse pays tribute Vuyo Mbuli.

Multi-award winning trio, Bala Brothers paid tribute through song.

Poet Mzwake Mbuli also paid his respects to Vuyo Mbuli.

This article appeared at SABCNews online.

Our mornings will never be the same without Mbuli: Pule



Friday 24 May 2013 15:24

Sthembiso Sithole

Vuyo Mbuli’s wife Savita and their children Siphosihle,
Sithenkosi at Mbuli’s funeral service
at St. Johns College. (Sthembiso Sithole)



Communications Minister Dina Pule was among those who paid homage to late renowned radio and TV presenter Vuyo Mbuli.  Speaking at the funeral service held at St. Johns College in Houghton, Pule said it is difficult to come to terms to the fact that Mbuli has passed away. 

"South Africans loved him (Vuyo Mbuli). He was a journalist that was needed. He was a mentor to many young producers and journalists. Our mornings will never be the same again."

After giving her speech, Pule asked SABC board members to name the new SABC studios after Mbuli.

Justice Minister Jeff Radebe said: "Vuyo Mbuli played a huge role in media industry. He maintained his professionalism all the time. He made every guest comfortable both on Morning Live and on his radio show on SAFM."

Mbuli's children Siphosihle and Sithenkosi described their father as a cool dad. "Our father was always there for us. He was a cool dad. We will always miss him."

Mbuli's sister Denice Motha said: "He taught us a lot as his sisters and family. He inspired us to be better people. We will miss our brother."

Mbuli died after collapsing while watching a rugby match between the Cheetahs and the Reds at the Free State Stadium last weekend.

Morning Live co-anchor, Leanne Manas, said it had been one of the hardest weeks of her life and that this is the first week in nine years that she had been without Mbuli. The emotional but composed Mannas spoke of how she made magic every day for two hours with her friend and mentor.

Hundreds of mourners ranging from government officials, business people, journalists and ordinary South Africans turned out in their numbers to bid farewell to Mbuli. Tears of joy and cerebration fell when gospel singer Sfiso Ncwane performed his song titled "Kulungile".

Mbuli died after collapsing while watching a rugby match between the Cheetahs and the Reds at the Free State Stadium last weekend.

This article appeared at SABCNews online.