Efforts to secure the continued operations of ArcelorMittal South Africa are progressing with commitment
and various organisations collaborate intensively to avert the closure of the steel giant’s facilities in both Newcastle and Vereeniging
This development coincides with the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) imposing safeguard duties on hot-rolled steel products
As elucidated by ITAC, the South African Iron & Steel Institute (SAISI)
submitted an application on behalf of ArcelorMittal South Africa Limited
the predominant producer of the subject product within the Southern African Customs Union
requesting an investigation into remedial action in the form of a safeguard measure to counter the increased imports of hot-rolled steel products
“Hot-rolled steel is used for the manufacturing of general engineering products such as containers
This product is normally used by products merchants
and fabricators who convert material into pipes and tubes primarily for construction projects
Smaller tubing is used for school furniture
while hot-rolled slit material is utilized for lip channels,” noted the ITAC
ITAC initiated this investigation through Notice No
submissions and public hearings and made a final determination that
there were unforeseen developments which led to the increased volume of imports and that the surge in imports was causing serious injury to the SACU industry
The Commission further made a final determination to recommend to the Minister of Trade
Industry and Competition (DTIC) that safeguard measures be imposed and that the Commission be instructed to monitor the prices of the subject products in terms of section 18(a) of the ITA Act,” said the ITAC
the Commission explained that a safeguard measure may be introduced to protect a domestic industry against foreign competition that
such measures can be implemented to address an unforeseen surge in imports that threatens to cause or is causing serious injury to a domestic industry
“Safeguard measures are temporary measures with timelines to allow a domestic industry to adjust and improve its competitiveness,” highlighted the ITAC
A notice to give effect to this decision was published in the Government Gazette on 2 May 2025
the ITAC safeguard duties on hot-rolled steel products are a direct response to the import surge threatening ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA)
particularly its Newcastle and Vereeniging facilities
This regulatory intervention aligns with a series of critical industry and government actions to address the severe financial and operational challenges facing AMSA
as detailed in reports by Newcastillian News
These efforts highlight the connection between import pressures and the broader crisis
emphasising the urgent need to protect the domestic steel industry
As you will recall, on 6 January 2025, AMSA announced the wind-down of its longs business in Newcastle and Vereeniging, driven by unsustainable losses exacerbated by cheap steel imports flooding the market. As reported by Newcastillian News (AMSA Announces Wind-Down of Longs Business in Newcastle and Vereeniging)
this decision was a stark indicator of the competitive pressures that ITAC’s safeguard measures aim to address
the duties provide AMSA with a critical opportunity to stabilise its operations and mitigate further losses in the longs business segment
which is vital for producing hot-rolled steel products
echoing ITAC’s findings of serious injury to the SACU industry
The safeguard duties directly support NUMSA’s push for job preservation by reducing the competitive threat posed by foreign steel
allowing AMSA to focus on retaining its workforce
The scale of the crisis was further underscored on 16 January 2025, when Newcastillian News (ArcelorMittal Shutdown Could Lead to 20,000–25,000 Job Losses in Value Chain) reported that a potential AMSA shutdown could result in 20,000–25,000 job losses across the steel value chain
This projection aligns with ITAC’s determination that the import surge is causing significant harm to the domestic industry
The safeguard measures are thus a critical tool for preventing such widespread economic fallout
as they aim to restore market balance and protect the supply chain reliant on AMSA’s hot-rolled steel production
Additionally, Government action intensified on 4 March 2025, with last-minute talks to avert the closure of Newcastle Works. As reported by Newcastillian News (Government in Last-Minute Talks with AMSA to Avert Closures at Newcastle Works)
these negotiations reflect the government’s recognition that import pressures
By working to keep Newcastle Works operational
the government complements the safeguard duties
ensuring that AMSA can leverage the temporary protection to maintain its role as a key producer of hot-rolled steel products
The additional time is crucial for AMSA to adjust to the competitive landscape
which is directly impacted by the hot-rolled steel import surge
Then, on 1 April 2025, AMSA CEO Kobus Verster announced a R1.6 billion rescue plan for Newcastle Works, as detailed by Newcastillian News (AMSA CEO Kobus Verster Reveals Details Behind R1.6 Billion Rescue of Newcastle Works)
This financial commitment aims to enhance AMSA’s competitiveness against imported steel
directly supporting ITAC’s objective of enabling the domestic industry to adapt
The rescue plan focuses on sustaining Newcastle Works’ production of hot-rolled steel products
reinforcing the importance of safeguard duties in creating a viable path forward for AMSA
These developments collectively demonstrate how ITAC’s safeguard measures are intricately linked to the industry’s response to the import-driven crisis
By addressing the surge in hot-rolled steel imports
the duties provide AMSA with the breathing room needed to implement financial restructuring
and potentailly maintaining its critical operations in Newcastle and Vereeniging
safeguarding South Africa’s steel industry
Share your views in the comment section below
Protection of a inefficient monopoly cannt last long before the downstream industry is dead
To the workers and their families
It just shows after all these months and years ANC just doesn’t care a damn…As they just Love percuting those who progress and who prosper…
It is hard breaking to see AMSA giant steel the last hope of SA steel producer undergoing such uncertainty
Mpumalanga Highveld steel and vanadium was not spared
The iron and steel industry had been a large contributor to employment and Beneficiation of our endowed raw minerals contributing a large percentage to GDP
It is extremely disappointing and tragic that Government fails to act timeously until we have a crisis and threats of closure leading to Loss of jobs
Sheer incompetence and negligence from the DTIC
Hoping and praying that this valuable industry can be saved
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by admin | Apr 23, 2025 | Karting | 0 comments
All eyes will be on Junior MAX sensation Caleb Odendaal this weekend as the 2025 South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) and Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship converge for a double-header showdown at the Vereeniging Kart Circuit
The 12-year-old East London native has already made a powerful impression in both championships this season
He kicked off his regional campaign with a commanding overall win at Formula-K Raceway
and despite facing adversity at the national opener in Cape Town
he left Killarney with pole position and a top-four finish to his name
Caleb heads to Vereeniging with a point to prove
Armed with momentum and bolstered by the backing of Legend Motors and Kart Republic Africa
the three-time national champion will be gunning for a clean sweep in Gauteng
His familiarity with Vereeniging’s technical challenges
and elite racecraft make him a clear favourite heading into Round 2
Caleb’s focus will be split as the weekend carries dual championship weight
The event counts toward both the national SARMC series and the regional Northern Regions standings
meaning every lap completed and position gained could play a decisive role in his pursuit of a Junior MAX double crown
While rivals will be eager to close the gap
and national-level experience gives him a clear edge
with the twisty Vereeniging layout demanding maximum precision and composure from all drivers
Several practice sessions will get underway on Thursday (unofficial) and Friday ahead of Qualifying later in the afternoon; three heats will take place on Saturday
where Caleb will look to solidify his regional lead while reigniting his national title charge
this could be a pivotal weekend in his 2025 karting campaign
Caleb is backed by Legend Motors and Kart Republic Africa
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Vukile Property Fund has completed the R141 million redevelopment of Bedworth Centre in Vereeniging
The Bedworth Centre redevelopment combines enhanced aesthetics and amenities with upgrades to layout
the revamp was tailored to ensure the centre remains a cornerstone of convenience and connection for Bedworth Park including the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) and North West University (NWU Vaal Campus)
as well as the South East and South West suburbs
At the heart of the redevelopment is the introduction of two national grocery anchors
both of which opened in late 2024 adding variety and choice to the local retail experience
alongside an expanded and diversified retail offering
position Bedworth Centre as the dominant convenience retail hub in the area
The updated tenant lineup spans essential goods
services and aspirational retail with shoppers now benefiting from an enriched variety of food
homeware and lifestyle offerings all under one roof
New additions to the centre include Shoprite
A standout feature of the new retail mix is Pepkor Group’s Home.Tech.Sleep concept store
the second of its kind to open in South Africa
Additional national brands opened their doors in early 2025
coinciding with the official launch of the updated centre in April
with Shoprite and Boxer Liquor anticipated to open soon
Further elevating Bedworth Centre’s role in the local ecosystem is the addition of a SARS Client Service Centre
AVBOB celebrates a milestone by rewarding its members on a large scale
VEREENIGING - It’s been another stinky start to the new year for Emfuleni Municipality residents
The community says their water and sewage problems are far from over as human waste continues to spill into their houses
Residents also accuse the cash-strapped municipality of failing to deliver other services including waste collection despite several visits by the president in recent years
Emfuleni Municipality officials however insist the issues are being attended to
by admin | Apr 1, 2025 | Karting | 0 comments
Luhan de Wet is gearing up for Round 2 of the Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championships at the Vereeniging Kart Circuit on 5 April
and anticipation is high for what he will bring to the track
As a former national champion racing with the Xtreme Racing Team
Luhan is no stranger to the winner’s circle
Currently sitting third in the championship standings
he has been closely contesting heat victories since making his class debut in 2024
Following a dominant performance at the national opener in Killarney
where Luhan displayed exceptional skill in tricky conditions
he aims to carry that momentum into this next race
Although he has had solid results at Vereeniging in his 2024 rookie season
he is still in pursuit of his first victory at this circuit
a feat that has eluded him despite several runner-up finishes in 2024
The Vereeniging Kart Circuit is known for its technical layout
presenting numerous overtaking opportunities that will be crucial in Saturday’s race heats
With several practice sessions scheduled for Friday
Luhan and his team will use this time to fine-tune their strategy and kart setup to maximize performance
Luhan’s focus remains clear: to step onto the top podium and claim his first Micro MAX victory at Vereeniging
Fans can expect an exciting race as this talented young driver looks to stake his claim in the championship standings and continue building his impressive racing legacy
Luhan is backed by De Wet Automotive Service & Repair Services
by admin | Apr 1, 2025 | Karting | 0 comments
Mikel Bezuidenhout is set to continue his strong start to the 2025 Senior MAX Regional Karting Championship as he heads to Vereeniging Kart Circuit for the second round of the season this weekend
Despite shifting his primary focus to the inaugural Investchem MSA4 single-seater championship this year
the Sandton teenager remains fully committed to karting as a vital part of his development as a racecar driver
Now in his third season in the ultra-competitive Senior MAX category
Mikel has started 2025 with fresh motivation after joining the Xtreme Racing Team stable
having already proven himself as a podium contender
he showcased his pace with three podium finishes across three rounds
his assertive driving style and relentless pursuit of speed have already been on display
as seen in the opening round at Formula-K Raceway
where he battled through challenging conditions to claim sixth place overall
With valuable experience and a hunger for further success
Mikel will aim to fight at the sharp end of the grid this weekend
His ability to adapt to different track conditions and execute decisive overtakes will be key factors as he looks to add more silverware to his growing collection
all eyes will be on Bezuidenhout to see if he can continue his momentum and challenge for another podium at Vereeniging
Mikel is backed by MTN Cosmo-Net and Huawei Mobile South Africa
by admin | Apr 1, 2025 | Karting | 0 comments
Defending Northern Regions Bambino champion Alonzo de Oliveira is set for a crucial second round of the 2025 regional championship at Vereeniging Kart Circuit this weekend
The young Johannesburg star heads into the event eager to reclaim the top step of the podium after a mixed outing in the opening round
securing two runner-up finishes before an unfortunate mechanical issue cut short his podium charge
he still managed a respectable third-place overall finish
ensuring he remains firmly in title contention
Fresh from a stellar performance at the first national event of the season at Killarney Kart Circuit
De Oliveira carries significant momentum into the weekend
His speed and consistency have been undeniable
and Vereeniging has historically been a stronghold for him
winning seven of the nine heats he contested
making him a formidable contender this time around
With his championship defense in full swing
Alonzo will be looking to maximize his points haul and solidify his position as the driver to beat
With a proven track record at Vereeniging and a strong start to the national campaign
he will be one to watch as the battle for the Northern Regions crown intensifies
Alonzo is backed by an impressive lineup of sponsors for the 2025 season
Alonzo will also serve as a brand ambassador for Motorsport Fanatix throughout the season
Kia South Africa rewarded its top-performing dealerships across the country with prizes for outstanding achievements in sales
which encompass the period July 2023 to December 2024
were held during the brand’s leadership conference
The conference and awards were hosted by Kia South Africa’s CEO
and were attended not only by senior leadership from its full dealer network
but also by Ockert Janse van Rensburg and Brenda Baijnath
A key highlight of the event was the attendance of SH Chang
the President of Kia Middle East and Africa
the Vice President of Operations for Kia Middle East and Africa
“The past year has been one of significant change for the Kia brand in South Africa
the resilience of our dealer network remained a key characteristic for success,” says Paul Turnbull
“It’s important to give credit where it’s due
We are excited about the renewed energy and focus for 2025.”
Kia consolidated many of its previous awards in order to best encapsulate that success must be achieved across all the various business elements to truly represent excellence
presenting certificates to the top three finalists in each category and announcing a singular winner
The evening started by recognising and rewarding outstanding individual performances in two categories in the sphere of after-sales
specifically focusing on the critical role that service advisors play in this area
Winners in this category were Anna Kwedi from Kia Northcliff as Service Advisor of the Year (Certified level) and Nicole Kuhn from Kia Nigel as Service Advisor of the Year (Expert level)
It was Nokuphiwe Bawana from Kia Pietermaritzburg who stole the show
as she was declared Service Advisor of the Year on the Master level for the third consecutive year
there was one dealership that excelled across sales and after-sales and achieved the best results across all categories in tough market conditions
commitment and consistency will always result in excellence
it was Dealer Principal Sean Simpson and his team from Kia Vereeniging who walked away victorious as the 2024 Kia Dealer of the Year
Winners in the category for Sales Executive of the Year:
Winners in the category for Aftersales Dealer of the Year:
Winners in the category for Sales Dealer of the Year:
Isuzu introduced the latest evolution of the MU-X locally with the latest model line-up raising the bar with improved styling
The range is also being bolstered with the addition of a new flagship model
The 15th edition of the Simola Hillclimb was characterised by difficult emotions mixed with brave competition at the highest level during the King of the Hill challenge
but the latest generation of Chinese bakkies is here to stay
The dubious first generation bakkies from China did not draw a lot of attention from the South African car-buying consumer
either as a leisure or commercial alternative
You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do
The transition from a career in the OEM environment to the business at dealership level was like chalk and cheese
Audi Centre Sandton was named 2024 Dealer of the Year
while Hatfield Motor Group walked away with the coveted 2024 Dealer Group of the Year prize during Audi South Africa’s annual Vorsprung Awards
For a dealership to make an 180-degree U-turn within two years and then went on to win the overall Volkswagen Dealer of the Year award
This dealer-focussed innovation is made possible with the support and endorsement of Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance
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by admin | Apr 23, 2025 | Karting | 0 comments
a standout name in the 2025 South African karting season
is set to continue his national title campaign this weekend at the Vereeniging Kart Circuit as Round 2 of the South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) gets underway
The Motorsport Fanatix™ ambassador and Xtreme Racing Team driver arrives in Gauteng in formidable form following a dominant display at the season opener in Cape Town
Luhan swept the Micro MAX class with a trio of commanding wins
cementing his status as a top contender for the national championship
That performance built on an already impressive start to his season
which included a win and overall podium at the opening round of the Northern Regions Championship in Benoni
With the SARMC and Northern Regions events now converging at Vereeniging this weekend
Luhan targets another standout performance
He’s no stranger to the technical layout of the venue
having raced there as a rookie in 2024 and again earlier this month in the regional series
While weather forced the cancellation of that particular regional event
and he remains laser-focused on converting speed into silverware
we’ve stayed sharp and worked hard to keep improving,” says Luhan
and I feel like we’re in a strong place to fight for the win
The goal is to keep scoring well and push for the title.”
and technical skill make him a serious threat in the Micro MAX field as the national championship heads into its crucial second round
Race fans can look forward to high-octane action this weekend as Luhan takes to the track with his eyes firmly on the podium’s top step
catch the action via the live stream by tapping the link below
Catch all the live-streaming action from Round 2 on the link below:https://rebrand.ly/SARMC-Rd2
by admin | Apr 23, 2025 | Karting | 0 comments
Following a storming start to his 2025 season
defending Northern Regions Bambino Champion Alonzo de Oliveira now sets his focus on the second round of the South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC)
hosted at the Vereeniging Kart Circuit this weekend
The young Johannesburg talent arrives at the Gauteng venue riding a wave of momentum
Fresh off a hard-earned runner-up finish at the Killarney national opener
where he battled illness and tricky conditions to finish just one point shy of victory
Alonzo has cemented himself as one of the standout prospects in South African Bambino karting
Alonzo was set to contest Round 2 of the Northern Regions Championship at the same Vereeniging track
but the event was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions
he will score points towards both the national and regional championships
Alonzo remains focused and eager to return to racing at a venue where he has previously enjoyed significant success
Alonzo boasts an impressive track record at Vereeniging
having won seven of nine heats at the venue in 2024
With that dominance etched into his recent history and his national title aspirations in full swing
expectations are high as he prepares to battle South Africa’s top Bambino drivers on one of the country’s most technical circuits
Representing Stretto Racing and proudly flying the flag for Motorsport Fanatix™
Alonzo continues to enjoy the support of a formidable sponsor lineup: Y2K Germiston
qualifying and three heat races on the schedule
and a potential national victory for the determined eight-year-old star
and I’ve had lots of success here,” Alonzo shared
JOHANNESBURG - The Emfuleni Municipality has given Rand Water the green light to start pumping and supplying water to its affected systems.
The municipality said it had completed repairs to Rand Water's Vereeniging treatment works following a power failure.
This affected the Eikenhof and Forest Hill systems, leading to interrupted water supply in households, businesses, health facilities, and schools for three days.
Rand Water said its reservoirs were depleted because of the power outage.
Residents have been urged to reduce consumption due to the rapid decline in storage levels.
Sections
by admin | Apr 23, 2025 | Karting | 0 comments
Following a gritty comeback at the Killarney opener
Centurion’s rising karting talent Adriaan Steyn is ready to mount a more substantial challenge at this weekend’s second round of the 2025 South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC)
hosted at the iconic Vereeniging Kart Circuit
showed impressive determination during Round 1 in Cape Town
He overcame a tough qualifying session in wet conditions to charge through the field and claim a third-place finish in the final heat
His efforts secured a sixth overall and reaffirmed his credentials as one of the Micro MAX class’s brightest prospects
As the national title race begins to intensify
The SARMC serves as South Africa’s premier Rotax karting championship and offers one of two coveted routes to the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals (RMCGF)
the “Olympics of Karting.” Alongside the African Open
it is the only path for South African hopefuls to secure a spot on Team SA
Returning to familiar territory in Gauteng
the former national Bambino Champion is expected to be on the front foot
Vereeniging Kart Circuit is a track he knows well
he’ll be targeting a consistent run across the weekend’s heats to close the gap to the leaders in the championship standings
“This weekend is about delivering from the first session,” said Adriaan
and I’m confident heading into a track where I’ve had good results
The goal is to be up there fighting in every heat.”
Thursday and Friday will be reserved for practice
followed by Friday afternoon’s all-important qualifying session
each crucial for building championship points and momentum
Watch the live action here: https://rebrand.ly/SARMC-Rd2
A sombre atmosphere has descended upon Newcastle and Vereeniging as ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) announced its decision to wind down its Longs Business
marking a challenging beginning to 2025 for the two communities
The company highlighted that persistent high logistics and energy expenses
coupled with insufficient policy interventions—specifically the Price Preference System (PPS) and Export Scrap Tax—have significantly impacted the Newcastle Works
which relies on South African-sourced raw materials
rendering the Longs Business unsustainable
“Despite extensive consultations with Government and stakeholders to find viable solutions to sustain the Longs Business
progress was insufficient to avert the wind down
The company will now transition the Longs Business into care and maintenance
Steel production is anticipated to cease by late January 2025
with the wind-down of the remaining production processes completed in Q1 2025.”
AMSA attributed the decision to persistent overcapacity in both global and local markets
as well as unsustainably low international steel prices
which have compounded the structural challenges of the Longs Business
The company noted that asset utilisation had fallen to just 50%
forcing the operation of its blast furnace at minimal levels to maintain technical and operational integrity
The wind-down decision directly affects operations at the Newcastle and Vereeniging Works
While Newcastle’s coke-making operations will continue
they will be scaled back to align with reduced demand
AMSA estimated that approximately 3,500 direct and indirect jobs will be impacted
with additional knock-on effects on roles within the Flat Business and corporate support services
AMSA acknowledged the broader economic repercussions
“The broader economic effect on induced jobs is expected to be significantly higher
A formal Section 189(3) labour consultation process will commence shortly
and the company remains committed to a responsible process to minimise the impact on employees and suppliers
The company is actively working to realign its R1 billion working capital facility secured in 2024 to support this transition.”
The company underscored the severe challenges facing the South African steel industry
describing them as the most sustained since the 2008/09 financial crisis
International steel prices have plummeted to unsustainable levels
with Chinese Hot Rolled Coil and Rebar prices dropping below $500 per tonne in late 2024
Record-high Chinese exports have triggered production stoppages
while affordability concerns have led to a reassessment of decarbonisation goals in many markets
AMSA anticipates a significant decline in earnings
Earnings per share are expected to drop to a loss between R5.48 and R6.21 per share
compared to a loss of R3.52 per share the previous year
Headline earnings per share are projected to decline to a loss between R4.06 and R4.41 per share
compared to the prior year’s loss of R1.70 per share
These losses reflect challenging market conditions
the instability of blast furnace operations in the Flats Business during the second quarter
and the costs associated with the Longs Business wind down
including approximately R2.7 billion in asset impairments
CEO Kobus Verster emphasised the importance of ensuring the Flats Business remains viable and competitive
AMSA plans to focus on re-establishing itself as a leader in innovative
with a strong emphasis on supporting downstream industries such as automotive
The company also aims to recapitalise its business to strengthen its balance sheet and support future investments
AMSA stated that it will prioritise innovation and sustainability to meet the demands of a competitive global market
The company expressed confidence in its ability to drive growth and enhance the performance of the Flats Business
“These efforts will solidify its position as a leader in the steel industry and as a key contributor to South Africa’s industrial development.”
As Newcastle and Vereeniging brace for the impact of AMSA’s decision
the broader implications for the region and the South African steel industry remain a significant concern
What are your thoughts on AMSA’s announcement and its potential effects
So it’s finally Game over for Newcastle
It’s a disgrace that the government is letting this happen but then again I am not one bit surprised as the politicians in this country is more interested in lining their pockets then to actually
helping businesses grow to benefit the citizens of this country,the difficulties AMSA is facing is once again another example of just that
Once again proof of how our government and politians have failed our country and nation
All this failed democracy has achieved since its inception in 1994 is a handful of super rich
wallowing in money while the rest of the nation starve
The age old blueprint of African economic destruction
Very sad indeed..But the goverment can sponsor large amounts of money to some organisations thats less needed
So many families will suffer to make ends meat…Terrible
It’s so sad the government has again let us down there is no light at the end of this tunnel guys
You can imagine trying to save a large company
asking for help from a government that lives in a pit of self indulgence
who are a well known destroyer of economies
while you contend with an industry drowning in China’s no labour laws
This means that the steelwomaterials will have to be sourced outside f RSA
you will expect the Govetnment to assist in securing 3,500 heads
My worry is that if more people are not working especially 3500 this mean crime is going higher and higher ,there will be no schools or a lot will be uneducated there will be no money to take children to school.The goverment must do something i don’t know what my company has also retreched people last year and is a steel company.😭😭😭😭😭
It’s a disgrace that things have come to this
Families livelihoods taken away in a blink of an eye
while our worthless governments sits back and feathers their own pockets
It’s bad news for the people of Newcastle losing one of the heavy industry which provided hope to its economy and population
Yet we continue to support these Chinese businesses with their cheap alternatives
Their cars are already taking over the market in South Africa.Very soon well known brands will close shop in South Africa.At the expense of hard working South Africans
Amsa management is also to blame and this includes the Mittal’s
Their salaries is more than all the unschooled salaries together
It’s so sad for the family that will be affected,cheap import steel from China as the main factor.Also pravitising of our South African companies.SOE remain a challenge.Poor governance
To resolve this we should have boycotted steel imports from China long time ago however we know that some of senior member of our government are porcketing a huge profits and they decided that we rather go for section 189 instead of Saving job’s for poor South Africans
Why don’t they sell the company to the Chinese they wanted to buy U.S steel so they will make the company sustainable and they will save this jobs
Eleven police officials appeared in the Vereeniging Regional Court on Tuesday facing charges including corruption
Vaalweekblad reports these officials include senior officers from the Sedibeng District Office
where a Chinese national and his father were stopped by officers in an unmarked Ford double cab
Accused of unlawfully selling liquor during the Covid-19 lockdown
the complainant’s vehicle was searched but no illegal items were found
The complainant alleges he was taken to his liquor store
The officers reportedly destroyed video camera equipment but failed to notice a backup system that captured their actions
despite allegedly breaking the system and stealing its hard drive
The complainant and his father were allegedly handcuffed and later arrested on false bribery charges
with police claiming a bribe of R3 000 was offered
After a probe by the Gauteng Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit
the matter was referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions
and the accused were processed accordingly
the son of former district commissioner Major Geneneral ZE Molefe
He and another accused person recently appeared in Springs on charges of kidnapping and extortion
The case has been postponed to March 6 for further investigation
Read original story on www.citizen.co.za
Is there a glimmer of hope for ArcelorMittal South Africa’s (AMSA) Newcastle Works and Vereeniging Works
explained that following the company’s announcement at the end of February 2025 regarding the board of directors’ decision to proceed with the final wind-down of ArcelorMittal South Africa’s Long Steel Business
the Government issued a statement affirming its commitment to ongoing engagement with the company
“ArcelorMittal South Africa is engaging with stakeholders
regarding funding and related matters to enable the deferral of the wind-down of the Longs Business
as well as regarding the interventions previously announced,” said Didiza
he cautioned that without a concrete agreement on funding and associated matters
delaying the wind-down process would not be feasible
the wind-down process has not been stopped and is being managed in a manner that accommodates ongoing funding discussions,” he stated
Didiza revealed that AMSA has received multiple inquiries concerning strategic alternatives for both the company as a whole and the Longs Business
“None of the approaches constitute a firm intention to make an offer in terms of the Companies Act
The Company will continue to explore strategic alternatives where appropriate,” he emphasised
adding that further announcements will be made as developments unfold
With the company offering a potential reprieve
This company is just playing dice with people’s lives they are extremely insensitive and deceiving in their dealings and transparency
Bottom line is let people know for sure what is going on so that we plan our lives for the future
We cannot live like a Pre paid month to month deal
Their decision or lack of shows that management is not qualified to deal with emotional intelligence
This delay in responding or reaching a decision affects not only AMSA but plenty other suppliers and customers
AMSA is playing brutally and don’t even care for our people livelihood of our people
All it care’s about is profiting running the company with Government and tax people’s money
Having learned that is based on electricity tereifs
Yet even when government has already showed that it is concerned with AMSA,’s continuing with winding down process by cutting scrap tax AMSA still not satisfied but playing hard ball
We know that there are companies having interest in buying the company to save the jobs yet it doesn’t want to sell it
What’s the purpose to bring down the economy down
It’s a question of South Africa to join hands with the Mittal employees to embark on national industrial strike to stop this madness
We push both government and Mittal to come with proper plan to save the job
The shutting down of Mittal particularly Newcastle will leave people devastated and the down being elephant
Am interested the advertisement post and when you need me as soon as possible you get me .am a hard worker and well discipline
Home | South Africa
Widespread wildfires between Parys and Lindequesdrif on the border of Free State and the North West have caused havoc in the area
Another person sustained serious burn wounds
chairperson of the North West Umbrella Fire Protection Association
has since warned road users to avoid the road between Parys and Vereeniging
“This is an emergency warning to all motorists to avoid the Parys and Vereeniging Crossing
There is a massive runaway fire that has crossed the road and the smoke is obstructing (motorists) vision,” he said
He advised motorists to use alternative routes
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has voiced its profound concern over ArcelorMittal South Africa’s (AMSA) decision to wind down its Longs Business operations at Newcastle Works and Vereeniging Works
progress was insufficient to avert the wind-down
The wind-down will directly impact operations at Newcastle and Vereeniging Works
Although Newcastle’s coke-making operations will continue
they will be scaled back to match reduced demand
AMSA estimates that approximately 3,500 direct and indirect jobs will be affected
with further knock-on effects on roles within the Flat Business and corporate support services
To read more, click here.
NUMSA highlighted that the steel giant had indicated financial difficulties before the close of the previous year
The trade union emphasised in a statement that it ended 2024 by urging the Government to initiate discussions with all social partners in the steel and engineering sector to address AMSA’s challenges
NUMSA General Secretary Irvin Jim affirmed the union’s commitment to fighting the proposed retrenchments
stating that it is NUMSA’s duty to protect jobs
“However, Government, led by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and the entire economic cluster, must be involved as it is related to Eskom and Transnet
there should be no holy cows in this debate; it is about protecting the current capacity for manufacturing
which is crucial to drive the much-needed industrialisation of our country
This is vital not only to safeguard existing jobs but also to create new ones and stimulate economic growth.”
NUMSA further explained that this issue surfaced at the end of 2023 and persisted throughout 2024
with the DTIC and other government entities
engaging with AMSA regarding its plans to close the plants
these negotiations and engagements have failed to yield positive results
where these plants are located,” NUMSA stated
Given the severe implications of AMSA’s decision
the union declared it has no choice but to fight to defend these plants and the jobs of its members
“We cannot allow even more workers to lose their jobs unnecessarily if something can be done
We all have a responsibility to protect jobs
particularly given our extremely high unemployment rate and the highest levels of inequality in the world
NUMSA will continue to engage AMSA management and the Government constructively to find a viable solution,” the union concluded
As NUMSA intensifies its efforts to combat the impending job losses and economic challenges
Share your views in the comments section below
Yes government must intervene urgently as this will affect everyone in the supply chain in a negative impact thousands of people and businesses will loose money
Maybe a meeting should be held between all the interested parties
And last but not least: the whole untenable situation is presided over by a bloated and largely incompetent government which in turn entices large scale corruption
Seeing that our government is failing to create employment
the best they can do is to prevent unemployment in this scenario with AMSA we just cannot afford more people being unemployed especially if government has the wherewithal to prevent this
must take a hard look at themselves for the role they played in the demise of the company through their strikes and demands for higher wages but did not give higher productivity in exchange
The Emfuleni Municipality has officially given Rand Water the green light to resume pumping and supplying water to affected communities after completing critical repairs at the Vereeniging Water Treatment Works
The restoration follows a power failure that disrupted supply to thousands of residents
The major outage impacted the Eikenhof and Forest Hill systems
leading to severe water shortages in various areas
Rand Water confirmed that the unexpected power failure at its Vereeniging plant left reservoirs critically depleted
making it difficult to maintain stable water pressure and distribution
Emfuleni Municipality announced on Wednesday evening that all necessary repairs had been completed
allowing Rand Water to restart its pumping operations
officials have urged residents to use water sparingly
warning that reservoir levels remain low and require time to recover to normal capacity
The water outage left thousands of residents without access to clean water
creating significant disruptions in daily life
Households had to rely on water tankers deployed by local authorities
while schools and hospitals struggled to maintain essential services
particularly those in the hospitality and retail sectors
reported financial losses due to limited water supply
and industrial operations faced temporary closures or restricted services
Local hospitals and clinics also faced challenges as they had to implement emergency measures to ensure patient care was not compromised
Rand Water has outlined a recovery plan to prevent future power-related disruptions at the Vereeniging Water Treatment Works
The entity is working with Eskom and municipal authorities to strengthen:
✅ Backup power systems – Increasing generator capacity to avoid complete shutdowns during outages.✅ Reservoir monitoring – Implementing real-time monitoring to detect and address supply issues before critical depletion.✅ Water conservation campaigns – Raising awareness on responsible water use to maintain stable reserves
Rand Water also reassured residents that the situation is under control
and full supply should be restored within the next 24 to 48 hours
authorities have emphasised the need for responsible usage to avoid putting additional strain on the recovering reservoir levels
📌 Recommended water-saving tips:• Limit non-essential water use (e.g
filling pools).• Fix leaks and dripping taps immediately.• Reduce shower times and use water-efficient appliances.• Use rainwater tanks where possible for gardening and household cleaning
The municipality has stated that water usage will be closely monitored
and any significant strain on the system could result in temporary restrictions to stabilise supply
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The Vereeniging SPCA is investigating an incident where an SPCA inspector cruelly slit a pig’s throat in front of the public at an auction in De Deur on November 16
Sedibeng Ster reports the shocking event
captured in a video circulating on social media
Eyewitnesses described the act as ‘unbelievably cruel’
while others expressed outrage at the pig’s prolonged suffering before it was euthanised
told Vaalweekblad that the inspector initially noticed blood on the pig’s tail
a captive-bolt pistol is used to euthanise animals humanely
but the animal walked approximately 8m before a farmer intervened and ended its suffering
The incident reportedly occurred in front of around 60 onlookers
the manager of the Vereeniging and Vanderbijlpark SPCA
confirmed the inspector was suspended and subsequently resigned
De Klerk expressed regret over the incident
saying the SPCA was saddened by what had occurred and the distress caused to the public
Read original story on www.citizen.co.za
The kidnapping of a Vereeniging business owner yesterday morning was caught on camera
A video circulating on social media shows how Ifraan Dadabhay
is dragged by his arms and legs to a car waiting in front of the business
three men jumped out of the vehicle leaving the doors ajar
They stormed into the business and returned with Dadabhay shortly after
Kidnapping of a businessman in Vereeniging today.#CrimeWatch pic.twitter.com/FLd1TryBaM
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) August 29, 2024
Vaalweekblad earlier reported that shots were fired during the incident and one person was injured in the leg
A red Hyundai SUV, which is suspected to have been used in the kidnapping, was later found in Phumasbethane Informal Settlement (commonly known as Phuma’s) near Sharpville
Sedibeng Ster reported residents witnessed a man taken out of the SUV and being forced into a Toyota Quantum
Constable Busisiwe Sango confirmed the discovery of the vehicle
Police are still searching for Dadabhay and his kidnappers
Read original story on www.citizen.co.za
by admin | May 24, 2024 | Karting | 0 comments
Race days don’t always go according to plan
but our talented stars tackled every challenge with determination at the Rok Cup Round 2 held at Vereeniging Kart Circuit on the 17th and 18th of May
From blazing lap times to intense battles for the podium
We can’t wait to see what Round 3 in Gqeberha has in store on the 14th and 15th of June
Tillotson Cadets: Speed and SkillThe Tillotson Cadets showcased their impressive skills with Ebrahim Khalpey (Kito Kart) setting a blazing fastest lap time of 1:08:102
it was Rhadi Harris (Kito Kart) who claimed the overall victory for the day
with Caleb Rogers (Kito Kart) securing 2nd place and Khalpey rounding off the podium in 3rd
Kid Rok: A Day of Fast Laps and Fierce CompetitionIn the Kid Rok category
Logan Billau (Billau Racing) set the fastest time of the day at 54.276
Cronje from RPM took pole position in qualifying and finished the day in 2nd place
who defied all odds to take the top step in P1 overall
Other notable performances included Venter (RPM)
Mini Rok: Excitement and Emerging TalentThe Mini Rok races were nothing short of electrifying
racing side by side with M Boshoff from Xtreme Racing in P2
Newcomer Saladino made an impressive leap of 4 places in Race 1
The Reddi brothers from Ice Motorsport delivered solid lap times
and Retlotleng from Cungu Sport showcased his passing prowess by making up 4 places in Race 3
and a host of other talented racers namely Mason M (RKT)
Standout Performances in OK-JAmani Kinyua from RPM had a stellar day
qualifying in P1 with a lap time of 45.445
and finishing P2 in Heat Two to secure the top spot overall
and Cêra from Lanzetti/Worr rounded out the top five
and Chiwara (Plus Minus) showcasing their relentless spirit
The Ultimate Display in OK-NWorr drivers Wally and Van Der Walt delivered closely matched qualifying times
with Wally ultimately taking pole position
securing wins in Heat Two and Three to claim overall P2 for the day
The event concluded with Wally taking the overall win
Congratulations to All Competitors!We celebrate the achievements of all the talented stars who competed in Rok Cup Round 2
We look forward to more thrilling races and standout performances in the upcoming rounds!Stay tuned
For detailed results and more racing information, visit www.rokcup.co.za
The closure of the Vereeniging Train Station is a depressing reminder of the incompetence of Government and the lack of political will to serve the needs of the majority of South Africans
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng is deeply concerned at the rate of deterioration residents’ area facing
despite the cheap electioneering tactics of sudden sporadic service delivery to garner support in the face of the upcoming election
The closure comes as a result of poor financial
technical and operational management by PRASA and Transnet
but will have a direct impact on thousands of South African families reliant on affordable transport to get them to and from work
Sharpeville and Evaton areas are no strangers to an uncaring government
with much of this area having originally been populated by the Apartheid Government’s forced removals in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s
Large industries in the area kept many people employed
but many still had to travel to Johannesburg or the East Rand for work
With the ongoing de-industrialisation of the Vaal Area
exacerbated by local government failure in Emfuleni
more and more skilled and semi-skilled workers have come to rely on the trains
Passenger volumes in 2019 were reportedly at an all-time peak
PRASA’s failure to manage their assets during COVID 19 lockdowns led to large scale vandalism and theft
This has now had a seemingly permanent impact on the people of the Vaal
with approximately 80 staff from the Vereeniging Station and Depot now fearing for their livelihoods
and thousands of commuters now reliant on more expensive means of travel to get to work
further impacting their cost of living in an already high-inflation environment
the Democratic Alliance calls for clear communication with the affected families and commuters
as well as an undertaking that the historic Vereeniging Train Station
will be properly secured and protected from the inevitable attempts at vandalism and theft
Ultimately the we call for the station and the affected train routes to be re-opened urgently to ensure that the people driving our economy can get to work cheaply
registered non profit organisation in South AfricaReg No: 011-895 NPO
by admin | Apr 5, 2024 | Karting | 0 comments
Round 1 of the Northern Regions ROK Karting Championships will finally get underway this weekend in Vereeniging
Initially postponed due to safety concerns at Formula-K Raceway
the 2024 ROK regional karting competition is set to commence in Vereeniging
In what will be his first full season of Mini ROK racing
Diego Antunes takes to the Vereeniging circuit after a challenging national at Killarney Kart Circuit in Cape Town a few weeks ago
While Diego finished 11th in the 2023 Northern Regions championship
he will look to improve on that position despite only competing in three of the six rounds
scoring a podium at the last round in Vereeniging
The regional championship will again be contested over six rounds
with drivers competing at circuits that include the Formula-K Raceway in Benoni
the Vereeniging Kart Circuit in Vereeniging
a circuit at Red Star Raceway just outside Delmas in the Mpumalanga Province
Championship winners will be crowned at the season’s end and eligible for regional colours
The Vereeniging Kart Circuit is one of the oldest and is also utilised as a short motorcycle circuit
and offers spectators a complete view of the circuit from almost anywhere
Rental karts are also available for corporate/private functions
“I am excited to race on a track that I am more familiar with
So I hope that we can have another successful day on Saturday.”
It all starts on Friday with practice before a full day of racing on Saturday
where drivers will qualify ahead of three race heats to determine the overall winner
Picture Caption: Diego Antunes recently competed in the ROK Cup National in Cape Town
by admin | Apr 22, 2024 | Karting | 0 comments
What Gauteng & Cape Regional Race ReportWhere Vereeniging & KillarneyWhen Saturday 20 April 2024Community Gauteng & Western Cape Regional
An exceptional day of Rotax Max karting in Gauteng
It was a double trouble Saturday for Rotax Max Challenge
with two major regional rounds going down at the same time
Cape abdicator Jason Coetzee was the outrider
He went on to beat Jozi locals Bradley Liebenberg
Dusan Radojevic and Olerato Sekudu on their Vereeniging home ground
Joseph Oelz in the meantime overcame Sebastian Boyd two race wins to one to claim Cape honours
with Matthew Wadeley and Masters top three
Conor Hughes and Marco Viegas keeping a watching brief
Philippe Chapat took the Gauteng Vets day from Jonathan Kairuz
Llewellyn Sutherland beat Avinesh Francis to the Reef Clubmans glory
while karting lass Gabi Lanfear took the Cape of Good Hope Clubmans day from Sean Le Riche
Charl Visser trotted to a triple Senior Max victory over Jude Stuart
Kent Swartz took a two race to one win over Mikel Bezuidenhout
The upcountry high school Junior Max races were good to the girls
Gianna Pascoal beat Kegan Martin to take the day two race wins to one
Spice Mailula ran home third from another two young lady racers
Sebastiano Human meanwhile won two of the Killarney under-15 Junior Max races to Keagan Beaumont’s one to take that day overall
Jordon Wadeley and Gqeberha visitor Caleb Moss
Brodi Dowling took two race wins to overcome first heat winner Rafael De Sousa and secure the Vereeniging under-13 Mini Max victory
Tshepang Shisinwana was next home as he beat Ronaldo Koen
Durelle Goodman and Kiyaan Reddi off for third
Max Boshoff was meanwhile dominant enough down at Killarney to ensure that not even a tough second race fifth place would prevent his overall win
Ruan Lewis was third from the Zacs Hindley
Liam Wharton won the first two heats to ensure that not even Jayden van der Merwe could steal the Killarney under-11 Micro Max day win with his third race success
Ruhan Victor followed from Yaqeen Gamieldien
It was even simpler in the Northern Micro Max races as Matthew Shuttleworth sped to a triple win
Alessio Britz and Ronald Venter to scrap over the Vereeniging under-11shrapnel
Alonzo De Oliveira bounced back from a first heat defeat to win the second and third Vereeniging races and take the baby Bambino day from Sebastien Shuttleworth
Anash Madikane and Enzokuhle Ncwane made up the numbers
Caleb Lingeveldt did the same to overcome first race winner Radhi Harris and win the second and third races as he took the day in the Cape
Ebrahim Khalpey was third in all three races from Divaaj Govender
All of the above kart racers now head to neutral ground against home favourite KZN regulars
and the rest for the all-important second round South African National Rotax Max Challenge races at the spectacular iDube Kart Track deep in the natal Midlands on Saturday 4 May
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one thing stood out on election day — the people most keen on speaking about their reasons for voting were those who are struggling the most
Their vote gives them a rare chance to have a say in what happens in their lives, and they hope that whichever party takes control after Monday, the new people in charge will take the time to listen to them.advertisementDon't want to see this? Remove ads
The IEC voting station at the Sharpeville Ethiopian Church of South Africa
Just a short distance from where 69 protesters were killed during the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960
and where Nelson Mandela signed the country’s Constitution into law in 1996
residents of Sharpeville lined up to cast their vote in local elections
frustrated by the lack of change in their community and feeling like they have been forgotten by the state
like many towns in the ANC-run Emfuleni Municipality
The roads are potholed and litter is strewn across pavements and open areas
Residents contend with regular water and power interruptions
says his municipality has failed him and that nothing has changed in Sharpeville
As I approached the IEC voting station at the Ethiopian Church of South Africa in Sharpeville
Jane Dabula (71) came up and asked if I was a journalist
Dabula wanted to tell her story and she wanted others to hear it
The vicinity of where 69 unarmed protesters were killed during the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960
and later in 1996 where Nelson Mandela signed the country’s Constitution into law
“It is important to cast a vote for your country,” said Dabula
as an African we didn’t vote for a long time
I’m not happy with the current government… the way they’re treating us
was 10 years old when she witnessed the massacre
“There were so many people that were dead… near here and near where I’m staying,” Dabula recalled
“It was Sharpeville 1960. People paid with their lives. I think they would be rolling in their graves to see what is still happening.advertisementDon't want to see this? Remove ads
“I was thinking they would treat us well… take us seriously,” said Dabula, “but [the local municipality and national government] don’t care about the Sharpeville shootings. They don’t care about Sharpeville,” she said.advertisementDon't want to see this? Remove ads
There’s nothing!” Dabula said that sometimes there’s no water and that refuse collection only happens once a month
‘They feel like it doesn’t help,’ says Jane Dabula on 1 November 2021
‘They say that even those they vote in are going to do the same thing.’ (Photo: Julia Evans)
“I’ve been voting and voting and voting and there are no changes.”
She said most people in her community were not voting
They say that even those they vote in are going to do the same thing.”
He feels his municipality has failed him and that nothing has changed
“It must be something different this time,” he says
I think they would be rolling in their graves to see what is still happening,’ said Jane Dabula on 1 November 2021
Daniel Mofokeng (32) said, “Some, they want to vote, others they are ignorant. But me, I’m trying to chat with them.”advertisementDon't want to see this? Remove ads
who lost his job as a car guard at the Vaal Mall
feels it’s important to vote to help address youth employment
He wants the government to focus on the youth, noting how many young people died during the Sharpeville shootings in 1960. “People died, yet they forget us here.”advertisementDon't want to see this? Remove ads
Additionally, Municipal Money revealed that Emfuleni received unqualified audits from 2015/16 to 2017/18
but its 2018/19 report is still outstanding
Vereeniging is a short drive away from Sharpville and also forms part of Emfuleni municipality
its residents also face inadequate service delivery
Chronic mismanagement by the ANC-led municipality has led to streets filled with refuse and riddled with potholes
sewage leaks and continued electricity outages
Emfuleni has a R6.5-billion budget
but owes Eskom R3.5-billion and Rand Water R1.3-billion
At the Hoërskool Overvaal voting station in the suburb of Falcon Ridge, Clareece Lessing (24) said she hoped her vote would lead to improvements in her community. She wants to see roads and education being improved.advertisementDon't want to see this? Remove ads
everyone’s voice is important,” said Lessing
adding that while most people in her age group are voting
she’s noticed that many people younger than her think it’s not necessary or that it won’t make a difference
thinks it’s important to vote to bring about changes in municipal service delivery
Hoërskool Overvaal voting station in Falcon Ridge
a suburb of Vereeniging on 1 November 2021
Felicity Mokoena (30) said she wants to see electricity and water supply improved and roads being fixed
we came to vote… after that we won’t see them again here
Lerato Phori (30) said she wants to see unemployment addressed
they can produce work for us but they don’t want to
We don’t have facilities [where they can get skills or experience].”
Phori said it’s frustrating to be turned away from jobs because she lacks experience
because they know our needs and they will understand us.”
Denise Stander wants to see streetlights and potholes fixed and water and electricity service delivery improved
potentially leading to a better-functioning municipality
like the neighbouring Midvaal Municipality
“They get first prize just about every year for a nice
Destinata School voting station in Golfpark in Meyerton
part of the Midvaal Municipality on 1 November 2021
often considered Gauteng’s best-performing municipality
As you drive through the main residential area
You no longer have to swerve around endless potholes and there aren’t piles of refuse on the pavement or sewage running in the streets (although Meyerton Wastewater Treatment Works does contribute to pollution in the Vaal River)
Midvaal is one of just 27 municipalities in South Africa that received a clean audit for the 2019/20 financial year
According to a previous Daily Maverick article
Midvaal is one of the most sparsely populated municipalities in Gauteng and
has one of the highest proportions of white residents
and there was growing support for smaller parties
At the Destinata School voting station in Golfpark in Meyerton
Madeleine Styger (31) said she wanted to ensure Midvaal continued running well
“The party I’m voting for has been keeping our place clean and delivering services well
you don’t have a say in changes that are made.”
Johan van der Merwe (41) said he was voting to keep things the way they are
and we’ve been back for the last 10 years.” DM
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