Sandton and Gauteng

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department's By-Law Management Unit is demolishing illegal structures at the M1/M2 freeway split in Johannesburg. This operation is part of a broader initiative to ensure public safety and maintain order along key transport routes. These unauthorised structures, often linked to vagrancy, are considered hazardous and in violation of municipal regulations. The BMU stresses that lawlessness will not be tolerated. This enforcement action aims to create a safer and well-regulated environment for Johannesburg residents.

Gauteng traffic authorities say law enforcement operations will be heightened across the region, as holiday makers return to the province. Toll gates across Gauteng have seen high volumes of vehicles, as thousands of South Africans traveled to various destinations, for religious observances and family gatherings during the long weekend.Traffic officers will conduct roadblocks on key roads, to ensure the safety of all road users.

Stevie Nicks will be leaving Fleetwood Mac with a newly announced solo album called the ghost record. The music legend was at the Pollstar Awards earlier this week, where she was entered into the Hall of Fame. During her speech, she mentioned that she will be making a new “autobiographical” record and already has seven songs.
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Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says road deaths and accidents are on the decline as motorists return home after the Easter long weekend. Creecy, accompanied by her deputy Mkhuleko Hlengwa, held a media briefing along the N1 in Limpopo yesterday to provide an update on road safety operations conducted during the Easter period.

A 13-year-old soccer wonderkid from Benoni is on the radar of some of England’s biggest football clubs. Camden Schaper currently plays for Blackburn Rovers in England. His younger brother, Astin, is already part of the Premier League champions’ academy. Manchester City are now ready to sign Camden. Camden first came to South Africa’s attention when he captained the SuperSport United Under-11 team on a successful tour of Spain in 2021. Following the tour, Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon kept tabs on the youngster.

Pope Francis, who led the Roman Catholic Church and passed away yesterday at the age of 88, is remembered for trying to bring about change. He spoke out about past scandals and showed care for migrants, the poor, and gay and lesbian people. His journey was unique: from working as a nightclub bouncer in Buenos Aires to leading the Vatican. As pope, he challenged traditions, called for justice for the poor, and spoke strongly against unchecked capitalism and climate change, which upset some conservative Catholics.

Gauteng traffic authorities say law enforcement operations will be heightened across the region, as holiday makers return to the province.

Toll gates across Gauteng have seen high volumes of vehicles, as thousands of South Africans traveled to various destinations, for religious observances and family gatherings during the long weekend.

Traffic officers will conduct roadblocks on key roads, to ensure the safety of all road users.
The Automobile Association of South Africa's Spokesperson, Eleanor Mavimbela, says both drivers and pedestrians can contribute to safer roads during the busy travel period.

Hospitals in the Freestate welcomed 15 newborn babies on Easter morning, bringing joy to families and communities across the province.

Spokesperson for the Free State Department of Health, Mondli Mvambi, says the first baby was born at Nala Hospital at 01:15 am.

The MEC for Health Monyatso Mahlatsi congratulated the mothers and praised the dedication of staff members and midwives and has emphasized the importance of safe deliveries during the special season.

South African entrepreneur and innovation leader, Jamie Thurston Wyngaard, has been named a recipient of the prestigious Global Forty Under 40 Award, which was held in Dubai recently.

Wyngaard's company Loop, has grown to a valuation of over R187 million in just two years, delivering cutting-edge payment technologies such as Chat-to-Pay, Tap-to-Pay, and the recently launched Pay with Palm system.

Loop has facilitated the distribution of more than 50-million rand into the informal market, advancing economic participation and financial inclusion.

The 40 under 40 Awards aims to recognize and celebrate a select group of the most influential and accomplished young business leaders under the age of forty.

The annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Ponte Tower in Johannesburg was a fun-filled activity for local kids this long weekend.

Organised by non-profit organisation Dlala Nje, the event has been running for over a decade, at one of Joburg's iconic landmarks.

The egg hunt presents the opportunity to give back to underprivileged children, in support of the Kids programme.

President Ramaphosa met with the Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane and the Provincial Executive Council at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium last week, to discuss ways to strengthen collaboration and opportunities in the province.

The President reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthen intergovernmental relations.

The engagement marked the fifth formal meeting between the national and provincial executives since November last year.

G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors will convene for a two-day meeting from the 23rd to the 24th of April, in Washington DC, in the United States.

The meeting will gather finance ministers and central bank governors of G20 member countries, as well as international organizations to discuss financial stability, and policies aimed at fostering economic growth.

South Africa’s biggest family entertainment showcase has returned to the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec, this long weekend.

With a legacy spanning more than 130 years, the Rand Show stands as the country's biggest and most iconic event, offering families a safe and fun-filled Easter weekend experience.

Thousands of people attended the five-day event, which draws large crowds to the south of Johannesburg's city center, with highlights including a dedicated kids’ zone, bustling shopping halls, food trucks, and live entertainment.

The 33rd edition of the Splash Festival kicked off in Qgeberha on Friday.
Mayoral Committee Member for Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Sinebhongo Kwatsha, says the event includes a variety of attractions that promote local economic activity and community engagement.

The festival attracts hundreds of thousands of locals and visitors to the Friendly City each year.

Dozens of humanoid robots took to the streets of Beijing on Saturday, joining thousands of runners in a world-first, half marathon.

The 21-kilometre event, which was held in the Chinese capital's E-Town, was billed as a groundbreaking effort to test the limits of bipedal robots in real-world conditions.



20 teams from across China participated in the competition, with robots ranging from 75 to 180 centimetres tall and weighing up to 88 kilograms.

China says the marathon is a showcase of the country’s drive to lead the global race in cutting-edge technology.

The much-loved annual Dlala Nje Easter Egg Hunt, returned to the Ponte Tower in Johannesburg, bringing joy and excitement to the heart of Joburg.

Children explored the iconic landmark, searching for hidden eggs and enjoying a day filled with laughter and community spirit.

The egg hunt offers more than just fun, but is also an opportunity to give back, as visitors were encouraged to donate Easter eggs for underprivileged children in support of the Dlala Nje Kids Programme, celebrating the season while making a difference in the community.

Eskom has confirmed that there will be no load shedding for the remainder of the Easter long weekend.

The power utility says it had ramped up its planned maintenance programme, in preparation for the anticipated increase in electricity demand, as the colder season approaches.

Spokesperson, Daphne Mokwena, says the utility was working to ensure the grid remained stable throughout the long weekend.

The highly anticipated Diamonds & Dorings Festival, has returned to the Diamond Oval in Kimberley, following a 4 year hiatus.

The event has long been a staple in the Northern Cape’s cultural calendar, through its redefinition of the festival experience, blending luxury and music.

Executive Mayor Martha Bartlett,
says the festival’s impact extends beyond entertainment and has emphasized the significance of the event, in local tourism and economic development.

The iconic Rand Show is back at Nasrec's Johannesburg Expo Centre - continuing its 130-year legacy as the country's ultimate family destination during the Easter holiday period.

The annual Show draws large crowds to the south of Johannesburg's city center, with highlights including a dedicated kids’ zone, bustling shopping halls, food trucks, and live entertainment.

The Rand Show attracts more than 80 000 visitors each year.

The Border Management Authority, says it expects a peak in traffic during the influx of the return leg of travelers from the Easter long weekend.

The BMA says it will continue to intensify operations and
says it has deployed advanced technology, including drones and body-worn cameras,
for additional support.

Authorities have also extended their working hours to ensure the smooth processing of travellers and cargo trucks.

South African entrepreneur and innovation leader, Jamie Thurston Wyngaard, has been named a recipient of the prestigious Global Forty Under 40 Award, which was held in Dubai recently.

Wyngaard's company Loop, has grown to a valuation of over R187 million in just two years, delivering cutting-edge payment technologies such as Chat-to-Pay, Tap-to-Pay, and the recently launched Pay with Palm system.

Loop has facilitated the distribution of more than 50-million rand into the informal market, advancing economic participation and financial inclusion.

The 40 under 40 Awards aims to recognize and celebrate a select group of the most influential and accomplished young business leaders under the age of forty.

The City of Johannesburg's waste management company Pikitup, has continued with operations during the Easter holiday period.

Residents whose waste is scheduled for collection on the 21st of April, are advised to place their bins outside their properties for collection.

Pikitup's multi-purpose waste management facilities has also remained open to help prevent illegal dumping.

With increased traffic and more people traveling on South African roads this long weekend, authorities are urging drivers to stay alert and to adhere to the rules of the road.

The Automobile Association of South Africa's Spokesperson, Eleanor Mavimbela, says both drivers and pedestrians can contribute to safer roads during the busy travel period.

Dozens of humanoid robots took to the streets of Beijing on Saturday, joining thousands of runners in a world-first, half marathon.

The 21-kilometre event, which was held in the Chinese capital's E-Town, was billed as a groundbreaking effort to test the limits of bipedal robots in real-world conditions.

20 teams from across China participated in the competition, with robots ranging from 75 to 180 centimetres tall and weighing up to 88 kilograms.

China says the marathon is a showcase of the country’s drive to lead the global race in cutting-edge technology.

Toll gates across Gauteng have seen high volumes of vehicles across the province as thousands of South Africans traveled to various destinations for religious observances and family gatherings during the Easter long weekend.

Gauteng Traffic Police, together with the SAPS, have been conducting roadblocks on major routes, to ensure road safety.

The Free State marked a heartwarming start to the Easter weekend with the birth of 15 babies on Good Friday.

Provincial Health MEC Monyatso Mahlatsi, has congratulated the mothers of the newborn babies,
and urged them to adhere to postnatal care guidelines to support the health and development of their children.

Health department spokesperson Mondli Mvambi said that the safe delivery of the babies highlighted the dedication of healthcare workers and the importance of continued investment in maternal and neonatal care.

G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors will gather for a two-day meeting scheduled to take place in the United States later this month.

The meeting is part of the Finance Track under South Africa’s G20 presidency, which will gather finance ministers and central bank governors of G20 member countries, and international organisations to discuss financial stability, and policies aimed at fostering economic growth.

The Finance Track is co-chaired by Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, and South African Reserve Bank Governor, Lesetja Kganyago.

The South African National Defence Force is inviting the public as it showcases its capabilities at the 2025 Rand Show in Johannesburg. The exhibition features a variety of military equipment and demonstrations, including displays from the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Military Health Services. Visitors can explore static displays of armored vehicles, aircraft, and medical facilities, as well as experience interactive simulations and career information sessions.

Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga has visited the South African National defence force's exhibition at the Rand Show in Johannesburg. Every year the army showcases its capabilities at the Johannesburg Expo centre. Motshekga used this opportunity to praise the SANDF for being a key player in peacekeeping missions on the African continent and beyond.

The 14th annual Easter egg hunt in Johannesburg delighted nearly 200 children, offering an afternoon of fun and community spirit. Held at a prominent 54-floor building in the city center, the event featured a thrilling search for hidden eggs, with participants expressing joy and pride in their discoveries. Organizers emphasized the tradition's growth over the years, highlighting its role in fostering smiles and creating lasting memories for families.