Bongani Mthembu who also worked as a teacher assistant shares his experiences “we started last year in February under the PYEI program, shared Bongani Mthembu, 34, one of the affected youth brigades. Our contracts ended in December, and we were called to Dobsonville Stadium by the Premier, who assured us that we would remain in contact until the National Government decided on our future. He never told us the contract would end. Some of us are working with kids and teachers who have welcomed us into their schools. We’ve formed bonds with the students and staff, and now we are being forced to leave, Mthembu added. Even my principal called me, saying it’s a heavy-duty since I’ve been gone.” Read more here: https://ekurhuleninews.co.za/affected-youth-brigade-raises-his-concern/ Last month a group of brigades took to the streets to make their demands known and to get the premier to address them. Watch here: https://youtu.be/ncnA-EtnEIw?si=wq3oJ-1hwKPRf-3s&t=39 Add your name to the petition to help us get answers from Panyaza Lesufi. 

• The Athena Lounge positions itself as ‘your ultimate to go sports bar’; not a restaurant according to the announcement on their website: https://www.cafeambrosia.co.za/ • It will be established in a residential area according to the municipal zoning map. • In total there will be 3 of the same facilities(bars) in a 300 m stretch on Main Street: Sportsman Tavern, The Athena Lounge, Crown bar. This is more than what we residents can handle. • There will be disturbing noise levels especially because the whole front structure of The Athena Lounge is a shop window (glass) and may not be altered into a soundproof structure. The Jock De Villiers building is heritage protected. • Currently they are testing their sound system causing disturbing noise nuisance. • There will be parking nuisance because there is inadequate parking available on the premises. • There are 2 churches within short range of the establishment. • A greater part of the residents is already experiencing nuisance by guests visiting the Sportsman Tavern: drunken behavior, screaming, loud music, revving cars and motorbikes. • The community has been traumatized by the Sportsman Tavern's years of nuisance. A resident has now filed a lawsuit against the city. • Residents’ complaints to Law Enforcement and the police to come by to deal with the current nuisance of the Sportsmen Tavern are not followed up due to their understaffing. This is confirmed by police officers attending the Community Policing Forum (CPF) meeting on a regular basis. Adding the nuisance The Athena Lounge will cause (100 m. from the Sportmen Tavern), will just make the situation worse. CPF contact: Cpt. Louise Du Plessis 082 850 9614. • Residents will feel more unsafe: there is no acting on behalf of Law Enforcement and the police. People are afraid to encounter drunken guests as they behave aggressively.

Mister Sweet is punishing us for fighting for a living wage. It has locked us out of the factory and is demanding that we accept the three year wage deal it made with two minority sweetheart unions. The company also started reducing the 7% wage offer from the second day of the strike and will keep on reducing it by 0,5% for every week the strike continues until we are faced with a zero percent increase. Instead of negotiating in good faith, the company seeks to further divide workers by training casuals to replace striking workers. Mister Sweet is also making plans to shift production to Manhattan. On 4 September 2024 Premier FMCG applied for an interdict against the strike. The interdict application will be heard on 10 September 2024.  We, the 23 below organisations, from six provinces, declare that we are boycotting Mister Sweet products because of the ongoing of workers at Mister Sweet. The lowest paid workers at Mr Sweet are paid in the region of R6000 per month. The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity’s Household Affordability Index for August 2024 puts the cost of a basic food basket a month at R5227,14.  With just R6000, workers must struggle to pay for food, transport, healthcare, education, and everything else. The wages that the Mister Sweet bosses pay the workers condemn them to poverty and a struggle to meet their needs.  Workers are demanding R19 500 so that they and their children can lead a dignified life.  When workers wanted to negotiate for a living wage, Mister Sweet didn’t listen. Workers are on strike, and are forcing Mister Sweet to listen. We need to support this through a boycott. It is only united working class action that will pressure Mister Sweet to pay workers a living wage. We ask you to to support our struggle for a living wage, lets unite in the bigger fight to defeat this capitalist system that brings only misery and suffering for the working class. To contribute to the strike fund, do so by depositing using these bank details: Account name: Mr Sweet Strike Solidarity Fund Account  Account number: 10231607308 Standard Bank Issued by Simunye Workers Forum members.

This campaign is important because thousands of vulnerable farm workers in South Africa are impacted by exposure to Highly Hazardous Pesticides daily. Farm workers are often made to work in fields with none of the necessary protective gear and frequently have pesticides sprayed over them. As a result, of their exposure to pesticides, many farm workers have been reported to have developed severe asthma, stomach or womb cancer, and other lethal conditions. These conditions go on to prevent farm workers from being able to work and therefore feed their families.  This is why these highly hazardous pesticides are banned from use in the European Union, but unfortunately, due to double standards and weak South African legislation, they are still exported and used on mass across South Africa. 

“I am a college student, and I have been studying for three years, including in-service training. I applied for a diploma from the Department of Education last year so I can graduate this year. My application has been on the verification process for a long period, and I will miss graduation because the department hasn't finished verifying my application 💔 They told me during a telephone conversation that they don't have the papers to print the diplomas, so they buy them overseas. This is a story of a thousand young people in SA, and we have no voice, some have waited for 5 years, and some even passed away without receiving their diploma’s” - an affected student.   References [1] Questions NW3395 to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation. By PMG. https://pmg.org.za/committee-question/20482/ [2] Examination certificate backlog challenges and process: Department, Umalusi and State Information Technology Agency briefings. By PMG. https://pmg.org.za/committee-meeting/24019/ [3] Six years in limbo - Elangeni TVET college students miss out on jobs while waiting for qualification studies. By Naledi Sikhakhane for Daily Maverick. 14 February 2024. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-02-14-six-years-in-limbo-elangeni-tvet-college-students-miss-out-on-jobs-while-waiting-for-qualification-certificates/ [4] Taletso TVET college students complain about delay in the issuing of certificates, SABC News. 15 May 2023. https://youtu.be/Q9RwfsM2FYQ?si=VtUZwSTD2AZgVFHD

It is deeply disturbing to live in a community where we feel unsafe and not protected by our own police force. We want Bizana to be free from the high levels of crime and drug infiltration. Last year the community of Mbizana took to the streets, protesting against the high crime rate in the area. The community has been fed up with the high number of murders, rape cases, kidnappings, and drugs [5]. In a recent incident, a 38-year-old magistrate Buliswa Phatho was shot and killed last week, and her husband and two kids were seriously injured. Meanwhile, a Grade 12 Bizana village High School learner, Ntlakanipho Rafana was kidnapped, killed and dumped in a nearby forest. Civil organizations want the police and justice system to intensify their fight against the increasing crime rate in Mbizana. The protest was covered nationally here: https://youtu.be/6tV9unyOUFA?si=JwVDJ84BzN7AQ47f&t=8 References [1]  2 Shootings in KZN, 1 in Eastern Cape, cop among 4 killed. Caxton News. July 15 2024. https://www.citizen.co.za/network-news/lnn/article/2-shootings-in-kzn-1-in-eastern-cape-cop-among-4-killed/ [2] Mbizana Police Officers Nabbed for Corruption and Extortion, by Babalwa Ndlanya for Mthathat Express. 01 December 2023. https://www.news24.com/news24/community-newspaper/mthathaexpress/mbizana-police-officers-nabbed-for-corruption-and-extortion-20221201 [3] Release of Eastern Cape Crime Statistics. By SAPS 09 October 2023. https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=48315 [4] Pensioner raped and body parts removed in horror. By Max Mxabo and Estelle Ellis for Daily Maverick. 30 March 2023. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-03-30-pensioner-raped-and-body-parts-removed-in-horror-murder/ [5] Community of Mbizana protests the high crime rate in the area. SABC News. https://youtu.be/6tV9unyOUFA?si=JwVDJ84BzN7AQ47f&t=8

* ELEMENTARY PHASE EDUCATION IS BEING DECLARED THE NO.1 PRIORITY IN SOUTH AFRICA! * ELEMENTARY PHASE EDUCATION IS THE   INCEPTION IN HUMANS LIFE! * ELEMENTARY PHASE EDUCATION IS THE INITIATOR OF THE ECONOMY & GDP OF OUR COUNTRY! * ELEMENTARY PHASE EDUCATION DETERMINES AN INCREASE TO SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AND PASS RATE; BE IT IN GRADE ONE(1) TO GRADE TWELVE (12)!

It is extremely important because for too long young girls and women have suffered this chronic disease without getting medical assistance. Women's reproductive organs are badly affected and damaged by this condition. Not only that, it affects them emotionally, relationally psychologically and financially. For most women this condition has led to infertility. Personal testimony: "I was a victim from 13 years of age till I menopaused at 52 recently, from day one of my menstrual cycle I suffered severe pelvic pain and it proceeded to other parts of the body. I was diagnosed at 27 years old with stage 4 endometriosis. At that time I was married and trying to conceive, only to find that my entire reproductive system was damaged. Doctors tried, I conceived several times and miscarried all those pregnancies. Then I suffered 2 ectopic pregnancies. All my children died in the womb because someone downplayed and called "normal" the monthly horrible pains I suffered 14 days of every month without fail" Please add your name to this petition to support the call for early and accurate endometriosis diagnosis.  References [1] The low down on endometriosis. By Samantha Lee-Jacobs for News24. 01 April 2024 https://www.news24.com/news24/community-newspaper/peoples-post/the-low-down-on-endometriosis-20240401 [2]  Endometriosis among African women. By Mecha, E. O., Njagi, J. N., Makunja, R. N., A Omwandho, C. O., K Saunders, P. T., & Horne, A. W. for Reproduction & Fertility, 3(3), C40. https://doi.org/10.1530/RAF-22-0040. July 2022.

Exploitation should have no place in a democratic South Africa. When a reputable organization like the IEC exploits its workers, what kind of standard is it setting for the nation? "I was employed as a Counting Officer during the recent election. My shift began at 6 PM on election day. Upon arrival, I was immediately thrust into a grueling situation: the electoral staff who had been working since before 6 AM were exhausted, understaffed, and hadn't eaten or taken a proper break. Despite the dire conditions, I worked tirelessly until around 11 PM when voting was concluded, then started counting. The hall where we worked was freezing, forcing most of us to drink warm water just to stay warm because we had no coffee or tea. By 7 AM, we were ravenous. We continued to work on empty stomachs until 1 PM the next day, they did not even arrange breakfast for us. Just like most of the young people who worked during the election, I am a 32-year-old single mother of two, with a Bachelor’s degree and currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma with UNISA. My CV is rich with years of experience because, like my colleagues, I seize every job opportunity that comes my way. I just haven't found anything permanent.  To take this job, I had to borrow money for transportation and pay a childminder to look after my kids. When I received the pay notification, I broke down in tears. How am I supposed to repay the people I owe? On top of that, I caught a cold from the prolonged exposure to the harsh environment and lack of sleep. I applied for this job through their online recruitment system and had no contact other than with my manager. Since then, I have been calling all their HR offices and Payroll, only to be constantly referred to the next person, with no resolution in sight. We deserve to be paid for the hard work we put in. Please, pay us the money we earned through our dedication and sacrifice"  It is important to note that we are aware of the underfunding currently plaguing the IEC and other state entities but this should not mean that they should treat workers unfairly. It is not enough to simply dismiss workers by saying they did not sign a register as a reason they still haven't been paid. We live in a country with a high unemployment rate, the IEC as an organisation which values integrity and accountability should serve as an example in how their treat their workers.  References [1]  IEC staff frustrated over delayed and insufficient election payments.  https://www.snl24.com/dailysun/news/iec-staff-frustrated-over-delayed-and-insufficient-election-payments-20240613

Every South African is affected by an ECD | Grade R Teacher one way or the other; in a positive way of Education. These Practitioners | Teachers are very important and critical to the upbringing and grooming of our children with special skills imparted on infants at a preparatory stage, in which is a critical state in the life of a human being. We always ask a similar question: “Why are teachers underpaid and with less benefits while they produce all careers such as Medical Doctors, Lawyers, Social Workers, Police, Public Servants, Surgeons, Scientists, Corporate Business, Politicians, and more. It is well known that public servants such as teachers; must be well taken by the government after adhering pension. But it is not the case with the Grade R Teachers; the Ministry of Education is alleged to recompense or pay all pension teachers a once off payment for only two years of all the years they worked and without a government pension contribution. Justice for Workers and South African Early Childhood Development Teachers Union (SAECDTU) asks for your partnership and solidarity in this noble and matter of National Interest. We cannot allow the government’s maladministration and day-light robbery of hard earned monies of trusted servants (Teachers) who are responsible to care for our children on a daily basis for at least 8-12 hours. I have signed this petition already; join thousands of South Africans who advocates for justice. 

In South Africa, confusing and overly technical nutritional information is buried at the back of the tins, boxes, and bottles we buy at the store. But Front-Of-Pack Warning Labels would provide consumers with easy-to-understand information so we know what products are high in sugar, salt, fat, and added sweetener. Knowing what is in our food could help reduce diseases like type-2 diabetes and high blood pressure, which can lead to stroke or heart disease [1]. Some big businesses will do anything to protect their profits, even if it hurts our health. Cigarette companies have tried to stop government warning labels on their products, and already some big food businesses have been finding ways to lobby the health department behind closed doors [2]. We can’t afford any more delays. It’s been 10 years since the Health Department proposed new labelling regulations [3], but according to Daily Maverick, these regulations were “... shot down internally for reasons that remain obscure, according to a former health Department employee” [4]. References [1] https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(16)30113-9/fulltext  [2] Here’s why you should care about the food industry lobbying the health department behind closed doors, By Laura López González for Daily Maverick, 08 February, 2023 [3] Regulations: Labelling and advertising of foods: Amendment, Department of Health, 29 May 2014 [4] R3337 food labelling regulation changes delayed as health department drags feet in review process, By Adèle Sulcas for Daily Maverick, 16 February 2024

We have to act now, POWA urgently needs our help. If enough of us come together, we can force President Ramaphosa and Premier Lesufi to act. The team at POWA are doing everything they can, but they need our help. GBVF is a priority in South Africa and a serious social ill that affects women and children. Our President, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa declared GBFV as a national pandemic. POWA provides critical services that help victims and survivors. Cutting funding undermines victims.  “While we wait, women continue to die at the hands of men!” - POWA's executive director, Thoko Budaza.