The 10 most talked-about stories on 702 this week
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Bus accident near OR Tambo International Airport in Ekurhuleni, 11 March 2025. X/@City_Ekurhuleni
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1. 'We heard a loud bang and people screaming': Survivors of Ekurhuleni bus crash that killed 16
A bus accident in Ekurhuleni early on Tuesday morning has claimed the lives of 16 passengers.
Forty-five people, including the driver, were taken to nearby hospitals.
The bus apparently spun out of control on the R21 highway near OR Tambo International Airport, before landing on its side.
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Department maintains their buses are regularly checked, and this was one was roadworthy.
2. Omotoso case whistleblower murdered outside her home
Community activist Pamela Mabini was instrumental in aiding the victims involved in the Timothy Omotoso alleged rape and trafficking case.
She now joins the growing list of whistleblowers murdered in South Africa while fighting for justice.
Mabini was killed outside her home in Gqeberha on Friday, 7 March.
There was an attempt against her life in 2018, and she had received several other threats.
3. ‘I don’t want any parents to experience what we went through’ - Mother of late Julio Mordoh
It is any parent’s worst nightmare to receive the call: Your child has attempted suicide, please hurry.
When Teresa Mordoh received it, she raced across town with her husband, but it was too late.
Two months before his 21st birthday, her son Julio’s life ended.
He had seen six psychiatrists, and eight psychologists, and spent 12 months being treated as an inpatient. He has been in hospital 12 times, to no avail.
Julio was in hospital as a high-risk patient at the time of his suicide.
4. PR entrepreneur Jay Badza passes away at 38
Entrepreneur Jay Badza has passed away at the age of 38.
His business Orchard On 25 confirmed his death on its Instagram account.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the devastating news of the passing of Orchard On 25 founder and head honcho Jay Badza.
“Known for his visionary leadership and passion for creative excellence, Jay leaves behind the powerful legacy that has profoundly shaped the African brand storytelling landscape,” the statement continues.
5. WATCH: American criticises Mzansi's beloved Oros for being "too sweet" not realising he needs to add water
This American man has united South Africans in their campaign for Oros justice.
In this viral video, the man heavily criticises Oros for being “too sweet” without realising it is in fact concentrated.
Mzansi immediately flooded the comments, calling on him to “respect our national drink” by adding water.
6. 'What an incredible day!' - David Bellairs, Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust
Well done to the 28,000 local and international cyclists who participated in the Cape Town Cycle Tour on Sunday, 9 March.
And, of course, a huge shout out to the cyclists' supporters who came out to cheer, dressed up and drummed with their pots and pans.
"What an incredible day! The weather played along. The South-Easter that normally threatens to blow us over the Cape Peninsula stayed away... and it's been absolutely superb. Lots of record times and lots of people having loads of fun" says David Bellairs, Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust.
7. ProVerb: How I built a budding property portfolio
Hailing from Kimberley in the Northern Cape, Tebogo 'ProVerb' Thekisho, burst onto the entertainment scene in 2005 with his debut album 'The Book of ProVerb'.
Acknowledging that he won't be the 'golden boy' of the entertainment biz forever, in recent years, Thekisho says he has sought to explore different revenue streams.
And one of the areas in which the Idols host has sought to invest is in good old fashioned bricks and mortar.
"For me property was a wise way to go," says ProVerb.
8. Health Dept. bans cannabis & hemp food products: 'It's confusing for the whole industry'
A landmark ruling by the Constitutional Court in 2018 decriminalised the use of cannabis in South Africa
Last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa also signed the Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill into law ahead of the national elections, decriminalising private cannabis use for individuals.
Despite these moves, there is still a lack of legal clarity around the use and sale of related products.
The status quo just got a little murkier, with Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi 'quietly' gazetting regulations that ban foodstuffs derived from cannabis and hemp.
9. WATCH: Joburg continues to pick up the pieces following flash floods
The City of Johannesburg and its residents continue to assess the damage and clean up following severe flash floods.
On Wednesday (5 March), heavy rains hit several suburbs in the west and north of Johannesburg.
Roads were closed, low-lying bridges submerged and several residents reported flooding of their properties.
10. How to navigate retirement age as an employer
The Constitutional Court has ruled that an employer can fairly dismiss an employee if they have reached the normal or agreed-upon retirement age.
To dismiss an employee, the retirement age must be in writing.
Alternatively, pension fund rules or industry standards can be used to determine the normal retirement age.
Employers can also choose to retain employees on a fixed-term contract after they have reached retirement age.
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