On 1 December 2023, the former Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, announced his decision to grant an exemption to foreign nationals in possession of either a Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) or a Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP). All ZEP and LEP holders are accordingly allowed to continue working and residing in South Africa until at least 29 November 2024, unless they obtain new exemption permits that will allow them to reside and work in South Africa as if they were permanent residents until 29 November 2025. Lerato Mbele was joined by Ashraf Essop, immigration law expert and Zehir Omar, Lawyer from the Society for the Protection of Our Constitution, Zehir Attorneys. 

On 1 December 2023, the former Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, announced his decision to grant an exemption to foreign nationals in possession of either a Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) or a Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP). All ZEP and LEP holders are accordingly allowed to continue working and residing in South Africa until at least 29 November 2024, unless they obtain new exemption permits that will allow them to reside and work in South Africa as if they were permanent residents until 29 November 2025. Lerato Mbele was joined by Ashraf Essop, immigration law expert and Zehir Omar,  Lawyer from the Society for the Protection of Our Constitution, Zehir Attorneys.

POWER Talk is a mid-morning talk show programme, hosted by Lerato Mbele. The show delves deeper into the news of the day along with larger societal themes, inviting listeners to help unpack issues on the day’s current affairs agenda and topics close to their hearts. Mbele also interviews the biggest newsmakers and experts in South Africa, helping listeners makes sense of their world.

POWER Talk is a mid-morning talk show programme, hosted by Lerato Mbele. The show delves deeper into the news of the day along with larger societal themes, inviting listeners to help unpack issues on the day’s current affairs agenda and topics close to their hearts. Mbele also interviews the biggest newsmakers and experts in South Africa, helping listeners makes sense of their world.

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Deadline for Foreign Nationals in Possession of Zimbabwe & Lesotho Exemption Permits

A shocking 25 murders, 42 attempted murders, 197 rapes and 577 assaults with intention to commit grievous bodily harm were committed at schools. Between July and September, nearly 200 cases of rape were reported at educational institutions across South Africa, including daycare centres, schools, and tertiary institutions. General Norman Sekhukhune, SAPS’ crime registrar, revealed that 77 of these incidents occurred at schools, 15 at tertiary institutions, eight at daycare centres, and two at specialised schools. Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal reported the highest number of school-related rape cases, with 16 and 13 cases respectively.  Lerato Mbele spoke to Elijah Mhlanga, spokesperson of the basic education department and Hendrick Makaneta, Director: Foundation for Education & Social Justice Africa.

A shocking 25 murders, 42 attempted murders, 197 rapes and 577 assaults with intention to commit grievous bodily harm were committed at schools. Between July and September, nearly 200 cases of rape were reported at educational institutions across South Africa, including daycare centres, schools, and tertiary institutions. General Norman Sekhukhune, SAPS’ crime registrar, revealed that 77 of these incidents occurred at schools, 15 at tertiary institutions, eight at daycare centres, and two at specialised schools. Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal reported the highest number of school-related rape cases, with 16 and 13 cases respectively.  Lerato Mbele spoke to Elijah Mhlanga, spokesperson of the basic education department and Hendrick Makaneta, Director: Foundation for Education &amp; Social Justice Africa.

Schools Becoming Frightening Institutions to Attend

Bongeziwe Mabandla (born 1990) is a South African musician and songwriter, best known for his distinct blend of folk, soul, and contemporary African sounds. His music, sung primarily in isiXhosa, is a poignant exploration of personal and cultural themes, combining traditional Afro-folk influences with elements of electronic music, contemporary soul, and soft rock. Based in Johannesburg, Mabandla has become one of the most exciting voices in the South African music scene, earning international recognition for his haunting vocals, powerful songwriting, and innovative approach to sound. 

Bongeziwe Mabandla (born 1990) is a South African musician and songwriter, best known for his distinct blend of folk, soul, and contemporary African sounds. His music, sung primarily in isiXhosa, is a poignant exploration of personal and cultural themes, combining traditional Afro-folk influences with elements of electronic music, contemporary soul, and soft rock. Based in Johannesburg, Mabandla has become one of the most exciting voices in the South African music scene, earning international recognition for his haunting vocals, powerful songwriting, and innovative approach to sound.

In the Spotlight: Bongeziwe Mabandla

Voting was under way in Namibia in what could be the most competitive election since independence from white-ruled South Africa 34 years ago. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is seeking to become the country's first female president. Lerato Mbele was in conversation with former Director of The Namibian Economic Policy Research Unit & Senior Advisor at the Nordic Africa Institute - Professor Henning Melber and Journalist at The Windhoek Observer – Ester Mbathera. 

Voting was under way in Namibia in what could be the most competitive election since independence from white-ruled South Africa 34 years ago. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is seeking to become the country's first female president. Lerato Mbele was in conversation with former Director of The Namibian Economic Policy Research Unit &amp; Senior Advisor at the Nordic Africa Institute - Professor Henning Melber and Journalist at The Windhoek Observer – Ester Mbathera.

Deadline for Foreign Nationals in Possession of Zimbabwe & Lesotho Exemption Permits

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