Author: Juan Jacq Oosthuizen

Thousands Wait in Long QueuesIn the early hours of Thursday, many voters were still in line to cast their votes after the May 29 elections were marred by extensive queues, particularly in major cities like Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) emphasised during a Wednesday night press conference that all voting should be completed that day to avoid logistical and security issues with the ballots.Device Malfunctions Cause DelaysThe significant delays were primarily caused by persistent glitches in the voter management devices (VMDs) across several municipalities. By 2 PM on Wednesday, the IEC instructed presiding…

Amazon South Africa has officially launched its marketplace, offering an array of features tailored for the South African market. With the promise of free delivery on the first purchase and a network of pickup points, Amazon aims to revolutionise e-commerce in the region. Free Delivery and Pickup Points: Shoppers will be delighted to find that Amazon South Africa is offering free delivery on their inaugural purchase. Additionally, the convenience of 3,000 pickup points, facilitated through partnerships with Pargo and The Courier Guy, enhances accessibility for customers across the country. Convenient Returns and Customer Support: Amazon prioritises customer satisfaction with hassle-free returns…

In the upcoming national and provincial elections, South Africans will encounter a new voting system involving three ballot papers. This article explores how this system functions and what voters need to know about it. Background With the general election approaching on 29 May, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) along with political parties and civil society organisations are finalising preparations. Notably, this election marks a historic moment as the highest number of political parties in South Africa’s democratic history compete for seats in the National Assembly. Additionally, independent candidates now have the opportunity to participate at both provincial and…

IntroductionSouthbound and Northbound traffic on the R21 highway, a critical artery connecting various parts of Gauteng, will face full closures on specific dates and times. These closures, spanning from Nelmapius Drive to Olifantsfontein, are essential for Eskom to carry out vital maintenance work. Here’s everything you need to know about the closures and the necessary diversions.Dates and Times of ClosureSaturday, 20th April 2024: Closure from 06:00 to 18:00Sunday, 21st April 2024: Closure from 06:00 to 12:00Reason for ClosureThe closures are imperative to facilitate Eskom’s installation of new overhead transmission power lines and a conductor, ensuring uninterrupted power supply to the…

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has taken swift action in response to concerning reports regarding two batches of Benylin paediatric cough syrup. Here’s what you need to know about this developing situation: Recall Initiated SAHPRA acted promptly after receiving notification from the Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) regarding high levels of diethylene glycol found in a batch of Benylin paediatric cough syrup. Diethylene glycol is a toxic substance to humans and can have severe, even fatal, consequences if ingested. Health Risks The presence of diethylene glycol in the affected batches poses…

Ekurhuleni’s Ongoing Leadership StrugglesEkurhuleni metropolitan municipality, has witnessed the appointment of its fourth mayor in as many years. Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, an African National Congress (ANC) councillor, has taken up the mantle in a bid to steer the troubled metro towards stability and improved service delivery. However, his inauguration comes amidst a backdrop of immense challenges that have plagued the region for years.Xhakaza’s Appointment: A Glimmer of Hope?Xhakaza’s ascension to the mayoral position follows the removal of his predecessor, Sivuyile Ngodwana, in a vote of no confidence nearly two weeks ago. The municipality had been without an executive mayor during this…

In a recent article posted on the RBoT Media website, the spotlight is on Google’s March 2024 Core Update, a sweeping initiative to enhance search result quality and combat spam. As a writer for Benoni Media, I bring you a comprehensive report on the crucial insights touched upon in this groundbreaking article. Key Points: Algorithmic Enhancements for Improved Quality: The article underscores Google’s commitment to refining its core ranking systems. The goal is clear: to ensure the web surfaces the most helpful information while minimising unoriginal content. Elizabeth Tucker, Director of Product for Search at Google, emphasises the company’s continuous…

In a pivotal oral submission before the Competition Commission, Media24 CEO Ishmet Davidson raised concerns about Google’s influence on South African media, asserting that the tech giant poses a significant threat to press freedom. As part of the ongoing Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry, this article explores the key issues discussed and their potential implications for the struggling South African news sector. Google vs. Government: Unveiling the Threat to Press Freedom Davidson argued that Google’s secretive control of online news distribution has left South African news publishers in a precarious position, receiving only “crumbs” due to the alleged abuse of its…

In a significant development for the greater Benoni area, plans are underway to address longstanding traffic issues at the intersection of O’Reilly Merry and Miles Sharp Roads. Residents have grappled with heavy congestion during peak hours, leading to challenges for those entering the roads and a history of minor accidents. The transformative project is poised to make substantial improvements to enhance connectivity and safety.Upcoming Road Upgrades:Commencing on March 6th, 2024, both O’Reilly Merry and Miles Sharp Roads will undergo comprehensive upgrades. The primary objectives of the project include widening the roads, installing a traffic light at the Miles Sharp intersection,…

Introduction: In the ongoing effort to enhance revenue collection, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has successfully leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) and proactive strategies, reclaiming an impressive R210 billion during the current tax year. This accomplishment comes amidst a challenging economic landscape marked by job losses and inflationary pressures. Factors Influencing Debt Recovery: SARS Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, attributes the success to a combination of AI utilisation and proactive measures. He emphasises the impact of economic conditions on compliance behaviour, noting that during prosperous times, people are more inclined to meet their SARS obligations. However, in the face of economic hardships and job…