Weekend news: Here's what you missed

THIS past weekend was a hype of activity across Mzansi.

Mashatile collapses

Mzansi was shocked to hear that Deputy President Paul Mashatile collapsed on stage while giving the keynote address during N'wamitwa Day celebrations at Valoyi Cultural Village in N'wamitwa Village outside Tzaneen, Limpopo on Saturday, 14 September.

He gave the address in his capacity as chairman of the Presidential Task Team on matters of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders

He was then rushed to hospital for medical attention.

Speaking during an SABC interview, Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba said this could have been the result of the heat, which might have probably led to dehydration.

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"The deputy president is in good spirits and is fine with his medical team. I'm satisfied because we checked his vitals," she said.

Ramathuba said the level of heat in the area is too much and that it could have contributed to Mashatile's situation.

The Deputy President came forward to address the nation, saying he had not been feeling well since Thursday, 12 September and he suspected food poisoning.

Happy SMSes await parents

Parents can look forward to happy SMSes for the 2025 online admissions starting on Monday, 16 September.

The Gauteng Department of Education will issue messages to parents who applied online for grade 1 and 8 pupils. After receiving these SMSes, parents have two options: To accept offers as final or accept provisionally.

Those who did not receive SMSes are urged to log into the online admissions systems. With final offers, children are automatically processed. Those who accept provisionally will have spaces allocated for a certain period, which is 14 days.

"Don't panic, all children will eventually be admitted," said Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane.

About 828 858 online applications were received - 353 000 for grade 1 and 474 955 for grade 8. Chiloane said 19 032 applications have been set aside because of outstanding documents.

Chiloane said another round of admissions, to allow late applications and submission of outstanding documentation, will be opened on 11 December.

Drug mule bust

A drug mule was was arrested at OR Tambo Airport on Friday, 13 September.

This after drugs were found neatly stashed inside airline headphones. After disembarking from the plane, the drug mule handed them to a cleaner at the airport.

The police noticed the sinister move and apprehended the drug mule and the cleaner. Realising that they were being pursued by the police, the cleaner dumped the headphones and fled.

Cornered, the Nigerian drug mule told the police that he had just arrived from São Paulo, Brazil and was enroute to Nigeria when he handed over the airline headphones to the cleaner.

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Police spokeswoman, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said: "Upon inspection, the team found cocaine hidden inside the headphones. The cleaner managed to evade arrest and a manhunt has been launched to apprehend him.

"The drug mule, who claims he is a street vendor in Nigeria, claims he was in Brazil to buy clothes and shoes, which he sells in his home country."

Mathe said the police are investigating this aspect to prove that it may be used as a decoy by this drug trafficker.

More sad news for MK party

Several MK party members were involved in an accident on Saturday, 14 September.

The victims had attended the memorial service of six party members who died two weeks after the taxi they were travelling in burst into flames. The accident happened between Estcourt and Loskop in KZN.

According to news reports, the injured in the recent accident were returning from Loskop, where they had dropped off other party members who attended the mass memorial service. The injured were taken to hospital.

The memorial service was addressed by Mk party leader, Jacob Zuma at Wembezi Stadium in Escourt.

Warning for amatshitshi

Hundreds of amatshitshi (maidens) descended on Enyokeni Palace in KZN to take part in the Umhlanga Reed Dance, which commemorated 40 years of existence.

The maidens were advised no to pressure themselves on marriage as they will end up in abusive hands.

Beloved poet laid to rest

Award-winning poet and singer, Dr Bishop Jessica Mbangeni was taken to her final place of rest on Saturday.

The poet from Eastern Cape was buried in her hometown of Ngqamakhwe.

Friends, family and industry colleagues gathered in traditional attire to bid her farewell.

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The singer died after a short illness at the age of 46 on Saturday, 31 August.

Young poets and creatives went all out to celebrate as they shared special memories during the funeral service.

Mapaputsi gets heartfelt farewell

The late Sandile "Mapaputsi" Ngwenya was also honoured with a heartfelt farewell at Heroes Acre, Westpark Cemetery, on Saturday. The funeral, held at the Dlamini Multipurpose Centre in Soweto, was a saddening celebration of his life and legacy.

Friends, family, and fans gathered to pay respects to the beloved entertainer, remembered for his warmth, humour and gentlemanly demeanour.

Among the attendees were prominent figures from various fields, including Ronnie Nyakale, Mercy Pakela, Israel Makoe, Motlatsi Mafatshe, DJ Sbu, Nhlanhla Lux, Dumisani Dlamini, Jairus Nkwe, former Joburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda and Mzambiya.

Tributes pour in for Papa G

Tributes continue to pour in for veteran actor, Darlington Michaels.

The beloved actor, best known for his role as Georgie "Papa G" Zamdela on the TV series, Isidingo, died on Friday, 13 September after a short illness.

His fans and colleagues have been deeply saddened. Michaels was celebrated for his versatility, unique fashion sense and his ability to switch between languages effortlessly.

He was also known for mentoring young talent through his Melisizwe Community Theatre programme. Many fans and industry peers have shared heartfelt messages, remembering him as a true icon whose legacy will live on.

Fellow actor, Don Mlangeni Nawa told SABC that Darlington's unique fashion sense inspired them to buy the same clothes.