Stories from South Africa

The Teddy Bear Foundation has launched the Court Preparation Program in Johannesburg to assist abused children preparing for court appearances. Shahidah Omar, the foundation's chair, stated the program uses reading and play to prepare children for court appearances.

A pilot announced the return of Sara Bartman to her country of birth as the aircraft entered Johannesburg airspace. The repatriation follows a period of 192 years. The flight was reportedly coordinated by government organizations.

EFF leader Julius Malema stated that if the Economic Freedom Fighters become the governing party, justice will be sought for the 2012 Marikana massacre. The 2012 event resulted in the deaths of 34 miners. Malema made these comments during a Workers' Day rally in the northwest. He also addressed concerns about undocumented individuals in the country, stating that people who enter the country without proper identification should not attack others. He stated that when the EFF takes government, the people of Marikana will receive justice, which includes making Marikana a beautiful township due to its mineral resources. The Cooperative Governance Minister, Vilen Gossini-Labisa, mentioned efforts are underway. Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa stated that Marikana will one day receive justice.

Social Development Minister Sisi Doulay-Cheh says former Department spokesperson Lubca Oliphant has launched a campaign of misinformation. The minister's comments focused on the legislative timeline for the upcoming elections. No specific details regarding the bill's contents were provided. A child protection organization in South Africa is using therapy dogs to support victims of child abuse. The dogs provide emotional support to children experiencing violence or sexual abuse. This assistance is intended to help children feel stable enough to provide testimony in court. The organization provides these services to assist with recovery. The report was shared by WDR 5, MDR Aktuell, and hr-iNFO. A South African child protection organization has used therapy dogs to support victims of violence and sexual abuse for nearly 40 years.

Communist Party treasurer Joyce Maloy Maropa addressed a Workers' Day rally in Brakpan, east of Johannesburg. Maropa expressed concern regarding corruption within the movement and called for the abolition of the tender system.

Business trader Suleiman Karim testified regarding a relationship with Brown-Mochotzi spanning 15 to 18 years. Karim admitted to having business dealings with Brown-Mochotzi's wife or fiancée.

A commission is racing to meet upcoming reporting deadlines despite losing full days due to absent witnesses. The discussions allegedly involved passing names of companies to be awarded contracts back and forth.

The legal sector code aims to provide black legal practitioners with access to sustainable legal work and more representative ownership within large law firms. The proposed code intends to generate true transformation within the sector. The source noted that 72% of the economically active population in South Africa is black. The source claims opponents of the code seek to keep the generic code static. The Charter Council reported that the code has overwhelming support from domestic entities and large firms. Opponents are described as foreign solidarity groups attempting to maintain a monopoly. Critics suggest the opposition is an attempt to maintain a monopoly that has existed for more than two years. The professional associate level is already 59% black, suggesting a pipeline of people of color is available for equity positions.

A report found that fine particulate matter PM 2.5 and sulphur dioxide from power plants affect air quality in Gauteng province. The Madupi power plant, located nearly 300 kilometers from Johannesburg, was cited as a source of long-distance pollution transport.

Two men were sentenced to life in prison by the High Court in Cape Town for multiple murders. The convictions include the murder of a police officer. The men were also found guilty of robbery with aggravating circumstances and possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition.