Empowaworx House was alive with purpose last night as over 50 men’s organisations united for a powerful evening of discussion on how to reshape the lives of boys and men. Hosted by Empowamen, the event focused on collaborative efforts to address behaviours linked to toxic masculinity and foster a supportive network of men working to change the narrative and champion true allyship.

This gathering set the stage for the upcoming Empowamen International Men’s Day Summit, taking place on Saturday, 16th November, where diverse men’s groups—each tackling critical issues in men’s lives, from man abuse to holistic education and mentorship—will come together under one roof.

During the event, Empowamen launched its Bring Your 200 initiative, challenging leaders to bring 200 men from their networks to the Summit. The individual who secures the most attendees will win R10,000 to donate to a charity of their choice, along with an additional R5,000 to support their own cause.

With the theme Zero Suicide in Men, the Empowamen Summit has garnered the support of Metro FM, Primedia Outdoor, What About The Boys (a Primestars initiative), and #NoExcuse. Anticipating an audience of 4,000 men, the Summit will present a line-up of speakers dedicated to fostering authenticity and displaying vulnerability as strength. Esteemed actor Dr John Kani will deliver the opening keynote on Man and Identity, followed by a series of discussions exploring topics such as dad rights, mental health, divorce, spirituality, addiction, and the future of masculinity.

Empowamen Co-Founder Simphiwe Masiza remarked, “We are looking forward to hosting men who are committed to change—not only within themselves but in the communities around them. Through collaboration and connection, we can truly make a difference and empower men to be true allies.”

Registration for the Summit is free at www.empowamen.co.za. Join us and take part in what could be one of the most vital conversations of your life.

Media Accreditation and Interview Opportunities Available

Empowamen invites media representatives to cover this unprecedented gathering of men committed to rethinking masculinity and championing positive transformation. Interview opportunities with speakers, participants, and organisers are available.

For media accreditation or to schedule an interview, please contact:


Email: oupa@empowaworx.co.za
Phone: +27 73 618 4056
Website: www.empowamen.co.za

Empowaworx House was alive with purpose last night as over 50 men’s organisations united for a powerful evening of discussion on how to reshape the lives of boys and men. 

Empowaworx Hosts Inspiring Gathering of Men’s  Organisations to Drive Change for the Boy Child and Men

Recently, some messages have been circulating, claiming that any product without a barcode starting with "600" is fake or illegal. This is completely false and can confuse shoppers. Here’s the truth:

Products made or packaged in South Africa have barcodes starting with "600," thanks to GS1 South Africa. However, products from other countries will have different barcode numbers. Just because a barcode doesn’t start with "600" doesn’t mean the product is fake or illegal.

GS1 South Africa is a member organisation of GS1 Global, whose responsibility is to issue country code for barcode. These prefixes start from 1 to 9. GS1 Global has 118 member organisations around the world whose responsibility is to issue barcode for their respective country. South Africa in particular has 600-601

Companies in South Africa using the GS1 barcodes – which are issued by GS1 South Africa - are assigned a prefix based on the country code. For example, South African member companies have prefixes of 600 while for example companies in the UK have prefixes that start with 500 - 509 to confirm which country codes belong to which country visit this link https://www.gs1.org/standards/id-keys/company-prefix

While locally produced products are assigned the 600 prefix barcodes by GS1 South Africa a member organisation of GS1, there are nevertheless other imported products manufactured elsewhere with different barcode prefixes. The fact that a product barcode prefix does not start with 600 doesn’t make it counterfeit or illicit. It is important to note that GS1 is a neutral, global collaboration platform that brings industry leaders, government, regulators, academia, and associations together to develop standards-based solutions to address the challenges of data exchange and consumer safety.

Our scale and reach—local Member Organisations in 118 countries, over two million user companies and 10 billion transactions every day—helps ensure that there is a common language of business across the globe.

While we are deeply concerned about the issue of counterfeit and illicit products, especially in the food and beverage sector, it is incorrect to assume that products without the 600 prefixes are not legitimate.

GS1, a global organisation, works to make sure companies around the world use common barcode standards. This helps businesses everywhere speak the same "barcode language," ensuring safety and trust for consumers.

Each company is given a special number (called a GS1 Prefix) that appears in their barcodes. This number can show where the company is registered, but 

it doesn’t tell where the product was actually made

. For example, a company could be based in China, but their products may be made in South Africa or another country.

To make sure you’re buying genuine products, keep these tips in mind:

Look for complete labels showing the product name, ingredients, manufacturer details, including physical address, and expiration date.

Buy from reliable shops, especially for food items.

Make sure the product has proper trademarks and branding if it’s claiming to be from a specific brand.

If you suspect a product might be fake, avoid buying it and report it to the authorities.

GS1 South Africa t/a CGCSA are working on an app that will help you verify products you buy, whether from big stores, online, or informal markets. This app will help you confirm if a product is genuine. Right now, any consumer can be sure where the barcode was issued by referencing this link https://gs1za.org/solutions/verified/

Furthermore, work with companies to make sure they use GS1-approved barcodes is underway.

, CGCSA is also helping protect the food supply chain, so products get from the manufacturer to your local shops safely. Report illicit or counterfeit product on 0800 014 856.

Recently, some messages have been circulating, claiming that any product without a barcode starting with "600" is fake or illegal. This is completely false and can confuse shoppers. 

GS1 South Africa t/a Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA): Setting the Record Straight on Barcodes

 – 29 October 2024 – In a world that has invested heavily in empowering women, the importance of creating true allies and supportive counterparts in men has often been overlooked. Recognising this critical gap, the Empowamen International Men’s Day Summit 2024 will bring together 4,000 men at the Mosaiek Theatre in Fairlands, Johannesburg, for a powerful day of transformation and candid conversation.

This groundbreaking event provides a unique platform for men to unpack the roots of toxic behaviours, all within a safe space that enables vulnerability and fosters mutual accountability.

Beyond the Usual Men’s Conference – A Dynamic Movement for Change

Unlike any other men’s conference, Empowamen is built on raw, honest dialogue that cuts through surface-level topics and dives into the realities men face today. Topics ranging from mental health and sexual consent to the impact of fatherlessness, addiction, and fathers’ rights are explored with empathy and depth. It’s not simply about talking but about unpacking every nuance of masculinity in a way that encourages men to confront and reshape their beliefs, behaviours, and self-perceptions.

Addressing Crucial Issues: Zero Suicide in Men and ‘Boys Don’t Cry’

One of the most urgent topics to be addressed is suicide, which affects men disproportionately. Research indicates that men are nearly five times more likely to die by suicide than women – a statistic often driven not by greater despair, but by cultural pressures that discourage men from seeking help.

The theme of ‘Zero Suicide in Men’ serves as a rallying cry for Empowamen, challenging harmful beliefs like “boys don’t cry” and exploring how these pressures erode men’s mental health and overall well-being.

“At Empowamen, we understand that societal expectations around masculinity have harmed both men and their relationships, leaving many struggling to find safe spaces for vulnerability. This summit is a place where men are encouraged to unmask their true selves, break down harmful stereotypes, and build a new narrative together,” said Joshua Mtanyelwa, spokesperson for Empowamen.

Empowamen Delivers a Comprehensive and Transformative Experience

Designed to go beyond traditional ideas of what it means to be a man, the Summit will feature in-depth discussions led by experts in men’s health, psychology, and social justice. Through compelling keynotes, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking panels, participants will confront questions like “Does your net worth impact your self-worth?” and “How does fatherlessness affect our sons and our future?” Men will have the opportunity to confront and reframe outdated perceptions of manhood that have hindered emotional expression and stunted genuine relationships.

Creating Lasting Change: A Movement for a Healthier Masculinity

Empowamen is not merely an event; it’s a movement. By gathering 4,000 men from across the country, the Summit is set to inspire a ripple effect, impacting families, communities, and society at large. It is a place where men can embrace their authentic selves, gain insights into the roles they play in their relationships, and build a future grounded in empathy and accountability. This summit isn’t just about talk – it’s a day designed to ignite action, encourage self-reflection, and create genuine, lasting change in the way men perceive themselves and others.

Johannesburg, South Africa – 29 October 2024 – In a world that has invested heavily in empowering women, the importance of creating true allies and supportive counterparts in men has often been overlooked.

Groundbreaking Empowamen International Men’s Day Summit,  Challenging the Narrative of Modern Masculinity

In the bustling township of Diepsloot, a heartwarming tale of compassion and solidarity has unfolded, as residents united in appreciation for the benevolent actions of two Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers.

The officcers Raidane and Tshilambavhunwa, from RegionA Operations, emerged as beacons of hope in a community often plagued by socio-economic challenges.

Their recent act of donating food to a 22-year-old woman abandoned by her father in Diepsloot Ext 2 has not only garnered attention but has also fostered a sense of unity and support among locals.

“This shows the great work the officers are doing in the community, even if it goes unnoticed,” said Lebo Sithole of extension 2. “We appreciate this gesture from the police officers. We hope they’ll continue to help her get her documents sorted.”

In a heartwarming display of kindness, the officers went above and beyond, providing not just food for her immediate needs but also a glimmer of hope amidst her hardship.

In a statement released by the JMPD, the plight of the young woman was brought to light. Struggling to obtain essential documents such as a birth certificate and ID, she found herself at the mercy of circumstances beyond her control. However, it was the timely intervention of Officers Raidane and Tshilambavhunwa that transformed her situation from one of despair to a glimmer of hope.

“Well done to these ladies for bringing back dignity to JMPD! These kind gestures are what our communities in Diepsloot need. May God bless all the officers who show such generosity,” said another resident Nkosikhona Mabena.

The officers’ unwavering commitment to serving their community manifested in their willingness to extend a helping hand to someone in dire need.

Their gesture not only addressed the immediate challenges faced by the young woman but also symbolized the compassionate spirit that resides within the JMPD and the broader law enforcement community.

In the bustling township of Diepsloot, a heartwarming tale of compassion and solidarity has unfolded, as residents united in appreciation for the benevolent actions of two Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers. 

Community Lauds Officers’ Compassion for Destitute Woman in Diepsloot

n Diepsloot, the specter of violence continues to haunt residents as another life was claimed on Friday 26 January, marking the seventh death this year in one of the region’s most perilous townships.

The relentless criminal activity has left several others fighting for their lives in hospitals, amplifying fears among the community.

A Diepsloot resident captured the prevailing sentiment, expressing, “At least batho ba Palestine ba tseba that they’re under attack and who their attackers are.

Mo Diepsloot it’s like we’re being attacked by ghosts,” highlighting the residents’ sense of vulnerability and frustration with the lack of identifiable perpetrators.

The latest incident occurred in Diepsloot’s extension 1, where a man fell victim to a fatal shooting. According to a community member at the crime scene, it appears the assailants targeted the victim for robbery, taking his car keys and leaving his lifeless body beside his Renault Kwid. The survivor, reportedly a taxi driver, managed to escape the attack.

This incident follows closely on the heels of a January manhunt initiated by Gauteng police, targeting a group responsible for four murders in a single night across various locations in Diepsloot.

Despite efforts to curb the violence, the community remains on edge, contending with the ongoing reign of terror.

Residents voice their distress, emphasizing that even with a noticeable police presence, criminals continue to act with impunity, instilling fear among the population.

“It’s sad how guns are all over,” laments a community member, reflecting the widespread availability of firearms in the township.

Diepsloot Community Forum leader Loyiso Toyiya, echoing the frustration of the community, demands urgent attention from the government. He questions, “How many more must die before our government takes the issue of crime in Diepsloot seriously?” Toyiya calls for a visit from the president to the township, urging a comprehensive explanation of government initiatives to address the escalating crime wave.

The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that two individuals shot two weeks ago remain in intensive care. As the community grapples with fear and uncertainty, the call for concrete action to combat crime in Diepsloot grows louder, emphasizing the need for a collaborative effort between the government and residents to restore safety and security to the troubled township.

In Diepsloot, the specter of violence continues to haunt residents as another life was claimed on Friday 26 January, marking the seventh death this year in one of the region’s most perilous townships. 

Escalating Violence Grips Diepsloot: Residents Demand Action

Who is Neo? Can you tell me a bit about yourself and what you like to do?

My name is Neo Penuel Tulomba and I am 8 years old. What i like to do is play soccer, Judo and write stories.

I knew about Judo last year when I was in Grade 1. The Judo coach came to my class and told us about Judo and gave us forms to sign up if we were interested. My mom agreed to sign up for me and that’s when I started.

What was the special competition you won? Can you describe it?

The competition I won was special because I got to travel with my mom to Cape Town. The Cape Town Competition was the second last competition for the year. We had our final competition few weeks ago in Gauteng and I also came 1st place. I was excited when they gave me a medal and I got a chance to stand on the 1st place podium.

It was very interesting because I had to fight my friend who is also 8 years old.

I got 1st place medals. I also got a stripe on my Judo belt. This was my first stripe; I need two more stipes on my belt to move to get the next belt. My belt right now is Fully Yellow, after two more stripes I will move to a yellow and orange belt.

Where are you from? Can you tell me a bit about your hometown?

I am frow Riverside View Extension 61. I moved here since I was 4 years old. I love it here because there are lots of parks for playing. There are big houses and big yards with lots of space to play.

Cape Town and the Finals was in Gauteng, Johannesburg.

When did you start liking Judo? How long have you been doing it?

I started liking Judo when I first met the Judo teacher and I have been doing Judo for 2 years.

Because it seemed fun, and they teach you stuff to protect yourself and your family.

It means a lot to me because it is a very nice sport.

How did you practice for the competition? Did you have any special moves?

Before the competition my Judo teacher took me for Practice at Roodepoort every Thursday, and Yes, my special move was a throw and the name of it is Kouchi.

How did you feel when you won the competition?

Peniel Neo Jose Tulomba who represented both Curro Academy Riverside and the West Rand District at the National Schools Judo Championships

INTERVIEW WITH PENIEL NEO TULOMBA JUDO CHAMPION FROM RIVERSIDE ACADEMY

A 37-year-old Riverside View man allegedly shot and killed his 26-year-old girlfriend on 16 February.

According to Diepsloot police spokeswoman Captain Mathebula, the motive for the death is unknown, but the boyfriend has been arrested.

“The police were conducting patrols when they received a complaint of shooting in Riverside View,” he said. “On arrival, they allegedly found a woman lying motionless on the floor, with a bullet wound on her chest.”

The boyfriend, who was found in the house, allegedly told the police that her girlfriend had shot herself with his firearm.

“Upon conducting a preliminary investigation,” captain Mathebula said, “it was revealed that the boyfriend attempted to wipe off blood stains on the floor, and his account of what transpired did not add up.”

He was subsequently arrested and charged with murder and will appear in court soon.

A 37-year-old Riverside View man allegedly shot and killed his 26-year-old girlfriend on 16 February.  According to Diepsloot police spokeswoman Captain Mathebula, the motive for the death is unknown, but the boyfriend has been arrested.

Man shoots girlfriend dead in Riverside View

The slow morning traffic of Riverside View has become a nightmare and a weekday morning annoyance for many Riverside View morning commuters. A line of Vehicles come to a stop or start moving slowly as they try to exit the community using the two-lane Porcupine Park Ave. According to Busie Ngcobo, a community member and public transport commuter, “ It takes an estimate of maybe 20 to 25 minutes just to exit Riverside and get out of traffic.”

The Community of Riverside View has been experiencing lots of morning traffic or road congestion. With more housing developments in Riverside view still in construction and underway it can be said that the population of the community is still increasing. An increase in the population will potentially mean more road congestion as more commuters will flood the one exit the Riverside View community has to offer. Porcupine Park Ave is a two-lane road[ the lanes are going in opposing directions] and is currently serving as the only exit of the community.

Driving on the wrong side of the road[oncoming traffic] is what the community and many commuters have resorted to in attempts to lessen congestion and get through the traffic much quicker. The oncoming traffic driving creates an alternate route for the vehicles exiting Riverside View but however presents a problem for the vehicles coming into Riverside View which can sometimes cause more traffic and congestion.

According to Google Maps live traffic function, the last two circles on Porcupine Park Ave are the ones with the most congestion and slow moving traffic. The Google Maps recorded peak times for traffic in this specific area are from 6 am to 8 am, these times are popular for commuters as they are on their way to work and school. Dimakatso

Tshabalala a community member, and private transport commuter said she leaves the house around 6:30 am and gets stuck in traffic. She also expressed she tried adjusting her departure time to 7:30 to 8 am but there was still traffic.

Being stuck in traffic is not just an annoyance but a big inconvenience as many end up being late and catch traffic on other busy roads such as Willaim Nicol and they eventually arrive late at their workplaces. Busie said traffic makes her late to work and always being late creates a bad impression and reputation. Dimakatso went on to say that she feels the effects of traffic because she gets to work late which means her workday is shortened putting her under pressure as she has to deal with her workload in a shorter span of time.

A long-term solution for the current traffic situation in Riverside is needed and is underway as the road construction is still in progress on William Nicol and the reality of a second exit draws near. For the time being a short-term solution suggested by Dimakatso is for the community to allocate enough volunteers to control traffic or for a consistent deployment of enough traffic police to control traffic every morning.

Nightmare Traffic in Riverside View

The Project of a new road for the Riverside View community that would serve as a well-needed second exit is finally in its last construction phase. The project is near completion and is estimated to be completed by end of April to May of this year. The initial construction phase of the road[the entrance of the road and bridge connecting Riverside View Extention 70] was completed in 2019.

Valuemax the developer of Riverside view is responsible for and handling the construction and completion of this project. According to Medupi Phala, a Valuemax employee said the construction of the last phase of the road started in February 2023.

The new road is an alternative route entrance and exit to Riverside View in relation to the only current entrance and exit road Porcupine Park Ave leading to William Nicol. The new road starts at the back end of Riverside View extension 70, going along the Steyn City wall, and takes a left turn at the end of the wall to Runnymead Ave which eventually leads up to Cedar road.

The construction of the road thus far is impressive, it features two lanes exiting the community and two lanes coming into the community. The road is fenced and boasts an array of street lights that could potentially serve as safety measures and assurance for road users.

As the deadline for the completion of the road nears, Medupi reports that the only thing that can possibly delay the completion of the road is the electrical pylons on the road. According to Medupi Eskom has already removed the pylons from the road and has placed temporary pylons on the side of the road. For the road to be complete and functional besides that last phase of construction that still needs to be done, permanent

pylon structures need to be installed by Eskom. Medupi has assured that construction has not stopped as they wait for Eskom to install permanent pylon structures.

Medupi also goes on to say that Valuemax is building this road because it was in the initial development plans and they hope that this road will provide much-needed and necessary relief to the morning congestion and traffic that the community has been facing the Riverside View.

Riverside View Representatives have kept a close eye on the project and liaised with Valuemax for updates and took a tour of the road and construction site on the 6th of February. The Riverside Representatives have been pushing for the completion of this project as they firmly believe that Riverside is a growing community and a second exit is a basic necessity when a community’s population has increased such as the population of Riverside View has.

According to Google Maps, this new Route will cut the travel time to Lanseria International Airport from about 33 minutes via William Nicol and through Fourways to an estimated 20 mins, this reduced distance to the airport, Cedar, and nearing communities like Cosmo City will save on petrol for frequent commuters.

The Project of a new road for the Riverside View community that would serve as a well-needed second exit is finally in its last construction phase. The project is near completion and is estimated to be completed by end of April to May of this year. The initial construction phase of the road[the entrance of the road and bridge connecting from Riverside View Extention 70] was completed in 2019.

New Road in the Final Stages

Lively music and excited shouts of students echoed the hallways of Curro Riverside View on the 20th of January 2023. 3RC a Marketing consultant company brought the school hall of Curro Riverside View to life with dancing and competition as they brought their renowned Rocking Future career expo show for the FET[ Further Education and Training Phase] students. This career expo’s objective was to be informative, fun and introduce students to private institutions along with the different types of qualifications offered.

The FET phase is a crucial phase in every student's life and career as this is the stage where you choose subjects that will bear massive influence on which path one picks when they exit high school to go into tertiary education and eventually into the world of work. Career expos are important to students as high school can sometimes be an echo chamber for many students and therefore these expos break those echo chambers allowing students to see beyond high school and what is available & an option. Curro Riverside View entrusted 3RC which has a twenty-one-year-old track to guide their students.

The students sat through presentations and the giving out of freebies from the different private institutions that were present. Amongst a number of institutions present were the AAA school of advertising, Animation School, and AFDA[Africa Film Drama Art]. Nkazimulo Ndlovu, a grade 12 learner did not shy away from the stage and participated in a dance competition and won a prize.

3RC Assistant production manager Dylan Cheytanov said “Today was mainly to empower the youth of Curro Riverside and show them that there are options[ of study] that do not involve state universities and showcase degrees offered at private institutions that you do not get at state universities. Dylan went on to say the day was a huge success as the students were engaging with the program, the institutions and showing interest.

Nkazimulo said the expo gave an idea of what is available and an options after she finishes high school. She expressed that the expo inspired her to start applying for admission to different institutions. Students in attendance were happy and excited for the future, grade ten students Bathabile Molele and Ntsako Mabasa along with Nkazimulo attested to this and expressed that they loved how the Rocking Future show was fun, educational and left them curious and excited about the possibility of studying further.

Lively music and excited shouts of students echoed the hallways of Curro Riverside View on 20th of January 2023.3RC a Marketing consultant company brought the school hall of Curro Riverside View to life with dancing and competition as they brought their renowned Rocking Future career expo show for the FET[ Further Education and Training Phase] students.

Riverside View Curro Hosts Career Expo

The morning of the 20th of January 2023 was one filled with anxious thoughts, nerves, and excitement for Curro Academy Riverside’s class of 2022. The South African NSC [National Senior Certificate] results or popularly known as matric results were released in the early hours of January 20th, students could collect their statement of results at their relevant high schools. The students of Curro Academy Riverside flew their high school flag high with an amazing 87.87% pass rate. The matric results of Curro Academy contributed to Gauteng’s 1.6% pass rate increase from the previous class of 2021.

“Curro Academy Riverside is very proud of our class of 2022 for their hard work, persistence, and perseverance throughout the year,” said, Cliantha Abrahams the Marketer for Curro Academy Riverside. Cliantha also expressed that the school is extremely proud that the students managed to navigate and adjust to many challenges they may have encountered in the year 2022. Some of these challenges may have been personal or family challenges, Covid-19-induced challenges, and the continuous load-shedding challenge.

Doing well in matric opens one up to more opportunities and a higher chance of getting into institutions of higher learning and possibly an increased chance at funding opportunities. Grade twelve or Matric is often seen as the first stepping stone one takes as one approaches their career and their young adult lives. This is why matric comes with just a bit more stress than the other high school grades.

The students of Curro Academy Riverside shined brightly with their impressive matric or NSC marks however the schools also had students that shined just a bit brighter and stood out from the crowds. These top-achieving students not only made the school and their families proud but they made themselves proud. The top achieving students at Curro Academy Riverside are: Boipelo Jessica Mohale, Thamsanqa Ncube, Sebastian Mandla Sibanda, Carnicey Mabelane, Rethabile Promise Mamabolo, Hazel Nyabadza, and Mhlabawethu Khumalo.

Curro Academy Riverside’s class of 2022 has set the bar high for the class of 2023. When asked, Going forward does Curro Academy Riverside plan to change or improve anything for their current matric class of 2023, Cliantha responded by saying that “Curro Academy Riverside is dedicated to the continued success of our school and our learners. We will continue to strive for excellence and uphold our values in innovation, dedication, accountability, perseverance, and commitment.”

The morning of the 20th of January 2023 was one filled with anxious thoughts, nerves and excitement for Curro Academy Riverside’s class of 2022. The South African NSC[National Senior Certificate] results or popularly known as matric results were released in the early hours of january the 20th, students could collect their statement of results at their relevant high schools.

Curro Riverside Class of 2022 Achieves 87.87%

While matric exams went on at Curro Academy Riverside, grade 10 and 11 students celebrated the completion of their final exams on November 30.

The students took Mathematics Paper 2 on their last day of class. Curro Academy Riverside is an independent school in Riverside View, Fourways that provides high-quality education for learners from Grade 8 to Grade 12.

“This year, our grade eleven class is a strong group coming for matric next year,” said educator Khodani Maphangwa. “So far with the grade elevens, it has been looking good since the first term. We are hoping to have all of them next year. We made sure that all our students are well prepared for their end of year exams, especially the matric class.”

Questioned on the possibility of the kids having an attitude towards Mathematics subjects, Maphangwa said Both Maths and Maths Lit are important in life.

“Mathematics is a compulsory subject,” she said. “So, it’s either you choose Maths or Maths Literecy. They are both crucial. It actually helps when you want to apply for universities. It is for this reason that we show the importance of mathematics from the lower grades. Maths is apparently based on what a child would want to do going forward. Maths and Maths Lit are a great opportunity in terms of the students’ career path.”

As Maphangwa wished the matriculants luck, she also wished all the kids in grades 8 through 11 a successful return to school the next year.

The National Senior Certificate examinations commenced on 31 October 2022 and the Department of Basic Education said it is pleased with how these exams have gone.

A total of 753 964 full-time and 167 915 part-time candidates in the country are registered to write Matrics examinations. This is the largest cohort of candidates to date.

While matric exams went on at Curro Academy Riverside, grade 10 and 11 students celebrated the completion of their final exams on November 30. The students took Mathematics Paper 2 on their last day of class. Curro Academy Riverside is an independent school in Riverside View, Fourways that provides high-quality education for learners from Grade 8 to Grade 12.

The future looks bright for Curro Academy Riverside students

After years of knocking on doors the Riverside View community can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Since the year of 2017,  Riverside view leadership structure, “Riverside Representatives” which comprises of community leaders from all extensions in Riverside have been actively trying to get a school and other infrastructures built for the Community with little to no luck. On the 10th of January 2023 Riverside Representatives with the aid of Riverside View ward councilor Rufas Maswazi met with Gauteng Education MEC’s representatives, a representative from the Gauteng Infrastructure office, and Valuemax to present their demands.

Riverside View is a fairly new development only established in 2015 by the developer Valuemax, that has very quickly become populated by bond housing, apartments, and free housing. In the initial development plans of the community plots of land were set aside for infrastructures such as a Clinic, Police station, and School, but none of these have been built yet.

Itumeleng Mokone a member of Riverside Representatives & leader of Extention 66b said, Riverside Reprensentatives and the community see a real need for a school in Riverside View because the community is populated with children of schooling age that need to utilise schools outside Riverside View. Itirele-Zenzele Comprehensive school a public school in Diepsloot is over-populated with students from Diepsloot and Riverside. This over-population resulted in a Stampede that left a number of students injured. Itumelang went on to say “Another reason we need a school here in Riverside is that many of these learners don't have means of transport to schools outside Riverside View.”

The meeting held on the 10th of January proved to be fruitful as Riverside representatives gave the officials present at the meeting a deadline of early 2024 for the building and functioning of the school. The Gauteng Education MEC representative in attendance agreed to the deadline and promised to help the Riverside View Community in this regard. Riverside Representatives presented this tight deadline because, amongst other reasons, the busses that currently transport Riverside View students are often faulty, breaking down, and are not a long-term solution. “The busses pose a safety issue for the students because of their condition and the condition of the roads [Riverside View roads have many bends and circles].

The school is estimated to be built and functioning by January 2024 pending the budget allocating and purchasing of the land from developer Valuemax. Itumelang said, “The school is going to be a public combined school [ A school with a high school and primary school]. Valuemax has agreed to sell the plot of land allocated for the school on an installment plan.

The Riverside Representatives have created a task team that will be responsible for liaising with the relevant governmental and developer offices. The task team will provide continuous updates to the Riverside View community. According to Itumeleng having a public school in Riverside View will benefit students and their families as they won't have to travel outside of Riverside and to make this a reality the Riverside Representatives are even prepared to make use of container classrooms while waiting for the construction and completion of the school.

After years of knocking on doors the Riverside View community can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Since the year of 2017 Riverside view leadership structure “Riverside Representatives” which comprises of community leaders from all extensions in Riverside, have been actively trying to get a school and other infrastructures bulit for the Community with little to no luck.

Riverside View

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