News Bulletin of 4 June 2025, 4pm

Motorists in Gauteng could soon see a major change to their number plates, as the province moves to introduce a high-tech, tamper-proof system.
Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela are expected to launch the new provincial number plate system at the Nasrec Expo Centre on Thursday.
The plates will feature tamper-evident decals, forensic QR codes, and a fully digitised backend system aimed at curbing vehicle theft, fraud, and plate cloning.
According to the provincial transport department, the system will enhance road safety and improve law enforcement operations across the province.
A six-month pilot phase will begin with government fleet vehicles, before the system is rolled out more broadly.

More than 200,000 young people have started work at over 20,000 schools through Phase V of the Basic Education Employment Initiative.
It’s the country’s biggest youth employment programme yet, launched to give young adults experience as education and general assistants.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed it as a “first day of school” for these youth — not as learners, but as contributors.
The initiative offers stipends, skills training, and real-world work experience, while easing pressure on teachers and enriching school life.

The City of Tshwane has unveiled 14 new cherry pickers as part of a 100-vehicle fleet aimed at improving service delivery.
Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya says the move marks a shift towards rebuilding in-house capacity and reducing reliance on costly private contractors.
The cherry pickers will help speed up maintenance tasks like fixing streetlights and pruning trees, which have faced long delays.
The metro also reopened the Pretorius Park Depot, which will now serve as a central hub for managing and repairing municipal vehicles.
Officials say the upgraded fleet and depot will cut turnaround times, improve accountability, and ensure better use of public funds.
More equipment is expected to be rolled out later this year.