The search for missing sixyearold Joslin Smith in Saldanha Bay continues with over 700 individuals involved in the search effort. Key evidence, potentially crucial to the investigation, has been sent to the forensic laboratory for examination. The community remains united in their determination and hope for Joslin’s safe return, while the investigation remains unsolved. The resilience of the community in confronting adversity and the obstinate pursuit of justice are highlighted in this distressing situation.
Disturbing incidents have occurred at Hope Learners with Special Educational Needs in Westcliff, Johannesburg. These include two sexual assaults within the school’s territory, one involving a Grade 9 boy and a Grade 8 girl on Valentine’s Day 2023, and the other involving a Grade 12 male student allegedly violating a Grade 4 male pupil on 26 October 2023. Additionally, a pupil in an electric wheelchair was injured after the wheelchair was tampered with, a student distributed “space cookies,” and a Grade 12 student accused of the second incident was temporarily transferred to another school to finish his final exams. The Gauteng Education Department is currently investigating the occurrences.
On June 19, 2023, the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Naledi Pandor, welcomed the French Minister, Ms. Catherine Colonna, for a Working Visit with the aim of strengthening the bilateral cooperation between the two nations. The visit provided a platform for both Ministers to engage in profound discussions on topics of mutual interest, covering regional and international matters.