This mermaid, on Saturday, was seen swimming near shore in Nelspruit, South Africa, and was captured.
On December 31, 2013, a 12-year-old boy, Siyabonga Masango, who went missing in a tributary of the Sabie River in Mpumalanga, South Africa, was taken by a mermaid.
Mpumalanga inland water policing and diving service coordinator police spokesperson, Pottie Potgieter, believed Siyabonga had either drowned or been attacked by a crocodile.
Siyabonga, of Shabalala Trust, near Hazyview, passed Grade 5 at Tfolinhlanhla Primary School in 2012 with good marks and was meant to start Grade 6 before the incident occurred.
His uncle Goodman Masango said that on the day the boy disappeared, he said he was going to play soccer.
“At around midday, he told his father he was going to play soccer, but his friends later told us that they were with him when he complained of the heat and suggested they go swimming.
“An eyewitness who was washing his car saw the boy being pulled into the water. He said he went there with his friends to help, but they couldn’t see the boy anymore,” Masango said.
According to a report in 2008, in what can best be described as the Western Cape’s own Loch Ness monster, the legendary “mermaid” known as the Kaaiman was spotted in the Buffelsjags River at Suurbraak, Western Cape South Africa.
Suurbraak resident Daniel Cupido said he and a group of friends were relaxing after enjoying a potjiekos braai at the camping site next to the river when, at about 11.30 pm on January 5, he heard something that sounded like someone “bashing on a wall”.
Suspecting vandals, Cupido said he walked toward the sound coming from the nearby low water bridge.
At the bridge, he said he saw a figure, “like that of a white woman with long black hair thrashing about in the water”.
Thinking to save her, he waded toward her but said he stopped in his tracks when he noticed a reddish shine in her eyes.
He said the sight sent shivers down his spine.
He called for his child Deidrian, 13, and his nephew Werner Plaatjies, 11, to help him.
Cupido claimed the creature was “hypnotic”.
He then called some of his friends to come and take a look as well.
Nelspruit water
His friend Martin Olckers said he saw what was “definitely” a female figure swimming, first on one side of the low water bridge, then on the other, and then standing on the bridge before diving back into the black water.
Olckers said all the while the figure was making “the strangest sound”, like a woman crying.
Olckers’s mother, Dina, who was also there, said the figure sounded so sorrowful that “my heart could take it no more”.
The Ag. Consul-General of South Africa to Nigeria, Ms. Busisiwe Dlamini, has expressed the willingness of her country to partner with Ondo State in their girl-child education and empowerment programmes. The envoy said she was impressed with the dedication and passion of Ondo First Lady, Chief (Mrs) Betty Akeredolu, in the promotion of the well-being of girl-children and women in general.
Ms. Dlamini made the remarks at the weekend in Lagos at the grand opening/ribbon cutting ceremony of Curves Ladies-only fitness franchise in Victoria Island.
She also expressed her excitement about the presence of Curves in Nigeria, especially Victoria Island. According to her, she had been a member of Curves women-only fitness center in her native South Africa and had always enjoyed working out in their facility because of the exclusivity and expertise. She was therefore, “delighted to have Curves in Victoria Island “.
Earlier in her own remarks, the First Lady of Ondo State, and Founder, Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria(BRECAN) Chief (Mrs).
Betty Akeredolu, had called on men to support women in the country in their quest to achieve their full potentials.
She observed that the time was gone when any gathering of women was considered to be for the purpose of gossiping. Women, she said “ do gather for noble purposes, for healthy causes and for the good of the community “.
She pointed out that in her capacity as a public health specialist and fitness enthusiast, she understands the impact of lifestyle, especially exercising and nutrition, in the health and happiness of the total person, especially the woman.
She used the opportunity to highlight her programmes in the state , which are aimed at empowering the girl-child, from her Be-More programme to the Arabirin tennis tournament.
She then urged the National Assembly to quickly address the bill before it whose essence is to bring more women into the political process, and by extension, decision-making positions.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Curves in Nigeria, Mr. Emma Esinnah, pointed out that Curves is the largest ladies-fitness franchise in the world, with presence in all continents and with over five thousand outlets globally.
He expressed his appreciation to Mrs Akeredolu for always championing causes that empower women, just like Curves empowers them physically through the fitness programmes and economically through the franchise opportunities that the company provides. He also thanked Ms. Dlamini for the support from herself and the High Commission.
Among other dignitaries at the event were the representative of the US Commercial Service in Nigeria; the 56th President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Dame Onome Adewuyi; Managing Director of FSDH Merchant Bank, Mrs. Bukola Smith; Executive Director of Wema Bank, Mr. Emeka Obiagwu and his wife, Chichi; Former Executive Director in Fidelity Bank, Mrs. Chijioke Ugochukwu; Former General Manager Olin Zenith Bank, Bukky Latunji, and a host of others.
From breath-taking beauty, to sun-soaked coasts; from wildlife to active adventure; from vibrant urban energy to the incredible warmth and cultural diversity of our people – South Africa is a traveller’s dream. Now, after two years of restricted travel movements, South Africa invites the world to come experience this country filled with rich, authentic, unfiltered experiences and to Live Again!
South Africa is decidedly spearheading the global shift towards a “post-lockdown” global travel and tourism era. Today, the destination marketing organisation, South African Tourism, unveiled its first global audio-visual marketing campaign in five years.
Around the world extended periods of living with COVID-19 left people yearning for a travel experience that can break them out of the cycle of stress and numbness they have come to feel. People increasingly want to live their lives to the fullest and have experiences beyond the fleeting moment of mere rest and relaxation. As such, bucket-list destinations, adventures and experiences are high on travellers’ priorities. With a globally-benchmarked health and safety protocols in place, South Africa is poised to not only give travellers a life-enriching experience with its wide variety of tourism experiences and products, but travellers can have the comfort of knowing that they will be safe enjoying their time in South Africa.
The “Live Again” Global Brand advert captures the story of a young traveller’s life-changing journey through South Africa. Feeling numb, she leaves her home country and heads to South Africa. From the moment she arrives, she starts to reawaken as she begins to experience South Africa and its amazing people. It is a showcase of captivatingly beautiful landscapes, dynamic culture and people, vibrant night-life and exquisite cuisine.
Headlining the launch, South Africa’s Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu spoke of the South African tourism sector’s intent to restore tourism’s allure; “Resilience, industriousness and adaptability are part of the indefatigable South African spirit. Fuelled by these qualities, and driven by an unshakable conviction that we can and must climb back to the peaks we have previously summited with tourism in our country, we boldly announce to the world that South Africa is open and ready to welcome all visitors”.
Minister Sisulu added that “the goal is simple, albeit daunting under the circumstances – restore the sector to its pre-COVID-19 pinnacle and take it even higher. The aim is to use this to catapult South Africa’s tourism sector to the forefront of the country’s economic recovery effort and position South Africa as safe and secure destination.”
Also Speaking at the launch SA Tourism Acting Chief Executive Officer Mzilikazi Themba Khumalo said; “This campaign sums up South Africa’s resolve to not postpone living life to the fullest one moment longer. It taps into South Africans’ renowned optimism and resilience that have stood this nation in good stead at every turn when we faced seemingly intractable challenges. Through it all, we never lose our zeal for life and we’re inviting the world to approach the COVID-19 situation in the same way. We are inviting everyone to come experience the unique sounds and textures of South African cultures and experience. We’re saying it’s time to ‘Live Again ‘but to continue to observe Covid-19 safety protocols.”
“The “Live Again” brand campaign entails the country’s brand promise to deliver the ultimate leisure and business events travel experiences that will re-energize body, mind and spirit. Through the South African song created especially for the film – weaving in sounds and textures of this rich tapestry of people and experiences, we continue to extend our signature hospitality with grace and gratitude.” adds Khumalo.
South Africa welcomed 2 255 699 arrivals, in 2021. Already, green-shoots of what promises to be a strong recovery of the sector are increasingly observable, with thousands of travellers making their way to our shores to scratch the travel itch that has been bugging them for two years.
A South African family, The Tjales called off the funeral of their son, Mpho, after it was discovered that his penis was missing.
According to Daily Sun SA, the parents of the deceased, Portia and Bellium Tjale had gone to wash his body when they discovered the missing part.
The family from Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, refused to take the disfigured body.
Portia said, “My son’s body was collected from home with everybody’s part intact, but some parts are now missing. Why is that?”
She said her son’s body was collected by a funeral home the day he died but they had no cold storage, thus transferring the body to another where the body part went missing.
The police have since opened an investigation into a case of violation of the corpse.
The All Progressives Congress (APC), South African Chapter, on Monday urged the leadership of the party not to shift the national convention scheduled for Feb. 26.
The Chairman of the chapter, Mr Bola Babarinde, in a statement in Lagos said the postponement might spell doom for the ruling party.
Babarinde said: “The rumour of the postponement of the APC convention is fast becoming a reality.
“The interest of the survival of the party which is almost in disarray must be a priority.
“Postponing the national convention is going to be the most miscalculated idea that could be conceived by any one at a leadership cadre within the party structure.”
According to him, members of diaspora chapters are already arriving in Nigeria to be part of the convention.
“Friends and foes of the party are on the watch, we are all waiting for an elected chairman to emerge on Feb. 26.
“Postponement of this august event will kill the morale of party members and our supporters through the width and breadth of the country,” he added.
According to him, it is still very fresh in the memories how and why the Gov. Mai Mala Buni- led caretaker committee was constituted.
Babarinde recounted that some party faithful were not in support of the removal of the Adam Osiomole-led executive council.
He said that some party faithful accepted the development just for the purpose of peace in the party forward.
He added: “The Buni led committee has a six-month mandate to hold a convention and hand over to elected executives.
“The committee has paddled the party affairs for close to two years now.
“This caretaker committee has outlived its usefulness and any further delay in conducting a convention and handing over to elected national working committee will spell doom for the party in the 2023 polls and beyond.”
He decried the fallouts of the state congresses of the party and conduct of parallel congresses in some states.
Babarinde said that a lot of preparations had been put in place by stakeholders for the Feb. 26 National Convention, hence the need to carry on with the process.
The national convention initially scheduled for October 2021 was shifted to Feb. 26.
The South African police have promised to ensure the safety of Nigerians residing in South Africa, following the latest round of mob attacks that have left a Nigerian dead.
The police gave the assurance when the leadership of the Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA), led by its President, Mr Collins Mgbo, met stakeholders at Kimberley district in Northern Cape, South Africa, where a Nigerian died, following a mob attack.
Mgbo said in a statement from Pretoria on Sunday that the meeting was attended by Brig. Rikhostso, Head of Kimberley Police Cluster, representatives of religious organisations, the host community and the South African widow of late Mr Nicholas John.
John’s widow was identified as Ms. Caroline Chikoma, who is currently nursing a four-month-old baby.
Mgbo said that the purpose of the meeting was to appeal to the police to make sure that justice was served in the tragic assault on John and for his killers to be brought to book.
“Secondly, the meeting was able to establish a structure or team, comprising the police, Nigerians, churches and other migrant community organisations.
“The responsibility of this group is to make sure that information is sent across to the police whenever there is a crisis so that the police can handle the matter quickly before it gets out of control.
“The police have promised the Nigerian community that they will make sure their lives and properties are protected,’’ Mgbo said.
The NUSA president advised Nigerians in Kimberly to go about their business and to make sure that they stayed away from illegal activities.
On Feb. 17, announced the death of Nicholas John, attacks on foreigners by South African gangsters.
Mgbo had said in a statement identified John as an indigene of Ogun State in Southwestern Nigeria, who made his living selling cars in South Africa’s Kimberley district in the Northern.
The unionist disclosed also that John’s South African wife put to bed three months ago.
On the circumstances that led to John’s death on Feb. 12, the NUSA president said that on Feb. 11, John was attacked by a South African gang for allegedly buying a stolen laptop.
Mgbo said that the Nigerian was beaten alongside his friend, who the attackers believed was an accomplice, while the South African criminal who stole the laptop and sold it to John was left unharmed.
Other Nigerians at the scene called in an ambulance and took John to the intensive care unit of Kimberley Hospital, where they were informed by the medical doctor on duty that John’s brain was damaged and that he stood no chance of making it.
South Africa appears to have turned into a grave yard for young Nigerians, residing in that country to make their living.
The Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA) on Thursday announced the death of another Nigerian, Nicholas John in South Africa, following a vicious attack on foreigners by gangsters in the former apartheid enclave.
The President of NUSA, Mr Collins Mgbo, announced the killing of John in a statement
Based on the statement, John, an indigene of Ogun, southwestern Nigeria was reportedly attacked by a mob at his shop in Kimberly in South Africa’s Northern Cape on Feb. 12.
South Africa has continued to see the death of many young Nigerians, who immigrated to that country to find their daily bread.
Available records show that at least 128 Nigerians have been killed in the former Rainbow Nation since 2019.
On Dec. 12, 2021, one Olusola Solarin, lost his life after some hoodlums attacked him and collected his money.
Mgbo disclosed that John’s South African wife had put to bed only three months ago.
On the circumstances that led to Nicholas’ death on Tuesday, the NUSA president said that on Feb. 11, he was attacked by a South African gang for allegedly buying a stolen laptop.
He was beaten alongside his friends who they believed was an accomplice, while the South African criminal who stole the laptop and sold to Nicholas was left unharmed.
The NUSA president said that John had battled for survival at the Intensive Care Unit in Kimberley Hospital where he later died.
Mgbo explained that John had bought a stolen laptop from a South African and that the owner of the stolen laptop apprehended the South African, who stole the laptop and that he took them to the Nigerian who bought the stolen laptop.
“The Nigerian, who bought the laptop had apparently sold it to another Nigerian.
“They asked him to call the Nigerian he sold it to and he did, but when he arrived, he told them that he didn’t have the laptop anymore but agreed to pay them for it.
“The owner of the laptop agreed but the owner came with a group which wanted to rob John of his phones but he resisted and that’s when they beat him to a comatose state and left him to die.’’
According to Mgbo, other Nigerians at the scene called an ambulance and took John to the hospital but they were informed by the medical doctor at the hospital that his brain had been damaged.
The Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA), on Saturday, called on the South African and Nigerian governments to stop extra-judicial killings in the country.
In a statement from Pretoria by Mr Collins Mgbo, President of NUSA, two Nigerians were on Friday, Feb. 11, 2022, allegedly killed as South Africans attacked foreign nationals over drugs.
“Following the killing of two Nigerians as South Africans attacked foreign nationals on Friday, we call on the governments of both countries to stop extra-judicial killings in South Africa.
“Two of our members were killed in Vereeniging, near Johannesburg, by members of the community at a Taxi Rank; the people had alleged the foreigners were involved in drug dealings.
“Nigeria Union condemns unequivocally any form of criminal activity by Nigerians in South Africa but calls on the governments, especially the Consul General of Nigeria to South Africa, to intervene in the matter.
“We do not condone crime but justice must be served by the court of law should anyone be found guilty of any criminal act,’’ Mgbo said.
He noted that for many, Vereeniging had become one of the most dangerous and unsafe places in the Vaal Triangle, as it has become notorious for drug dealing and robbery.
He said for years, the community’s cry had fallen on deaf ears, about foreign nationals that flood the area selling drugs.
“Yesterday, Vereeniging came to a standstill as taxi drivers closed Voortrekker and allegedly took matters in their own hands, by attacking foreign nationals believed to be drug dealers and beating two of them to death”.
Mgbo disclosed that when the union contacted the police personnel, Sgt. Nombulelo Mohlakwana, the latter confirmed the two deaths.
“When police officers arrived at the Vereeniging taxi rank, we found a Nigerian citizen dead and two males badly assaulted. The two were transferred to Kopanong hospital where one of them later passed on.
“We have no proof that it is taxi drivers who did that, but it happened at Vereeniging taxi rank,’’ he quoted Mohlakwana as saying.
He added that the police officer informed the union that the police were investigating the case and urged anyone with relevant information to contact the police.
Mgbo also said that in a related development, also on Friday, a Nigerian citizen, identified as Nicholas, was attacked by a South African gang for allegedly buying a stolen laptop.
He was beaten alongside his friends who they believed was an accomplice, while the South African criminal who stole the laptop and sold it to Nicholas was left unharmed.
The NUSA president said Nicholas was now battling for his life in the Intensive Care Unit at Kimberly Hospital.
He explained that Nicholas had bought a stolen laptop from another South African, so, the owner of the laptop apprehended the South African who stole the laptop and he took him to the Nigerian who bought it.
The Nigerian, who bought it, had sold it apparently to another Nigerian. They asked him to call the Nigerian he sold it to and he did, but when he arrived, he told them that he didn’t have the laptop anymore but agreed to pay them for it.
The owner of the laptop agreed but the owner came with a group that wanted to rob him of his phones and he refused, and that is when they beat him to comatose state, where he was left for dead.
He, however, said that other Nigerians who were at the scene called an ambulance that took him to the hospital, adding that they were informed by the medical doctor at the hospital that his brain was damaged and he might not make it.
President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with President Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africans and the global Christian body, particularly Anglican Communion, over passing of Archbishop Emeritus, Desmond Tutu at 90.
The president’s condolence message was issued by his Spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, on Sunday in Abuja.
According to Buhari, the death of the iconic teacher, human rights activist, leader of thought, scholar and philanthropist, further creates a void in a world in dire need of wisdom, integrity, courage and sound reasoning, which were qualities that the Nobel Peace Prize Winner, 1984, typified and exemplified in words and actions.
The president affirmed that the historic role Archbishop Tutu played in the fight against apartheid, enduring physical assaults, jail terms and prolonged exile, took him beyond the pulpit to global, political relevance, and his position, under President Nelson Mandela, in heading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission provided healing and direction for his country and the world.
President Buhari commiserated with Leah Tutu, the spouse of the spiritual leader and lifelong partner in the struggle against injustice, corruption and inequality, the Tutu family, board and staff of Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Elders and Nobel Laureate Group.
He noted that the voice of the scholar and teacher, his published works, and inspirational quotes would resonate through generations, bringing more light and clarity to religious diversity, democracy and good governance.
The president prayed for the repose of the soul of Archbishop Tutu, whose life and times sent an unforgettable message on love and forgiveness.
