Year In Review: News that affected us in 2016
There's general consensus - 2016 has been a bit of a crappy year. News wise though, the sparks flew on more than one occasion, and of course in a manner that only South Africans can make it fly.
The way we react to what is happening around us, also at times, made for good fun.
Here's a look at what we debated, discussed and reacted to.
Project Water Drop
JacarandaFM's The Complimentary Breakfast started off the year with #ProjectWaterDrop. #ProjectWaterDrop travelled to drought-stricken towns and areas of the North West - a convoy of 37 trucks and over 1,3 million litres of water in tow. JacarandaFM transported and delivered the water to those severely affected by drought.
Tornados
Tembisa, Magaliesburg, Edenvale and OR Tambo International Airport were just some of the areas affected by this natural phenomenon between the end of July and mid-November. A tornado caused extensive damage to the Phumulani Mall in Tembisa in July. The roof collapsed after the tornado hit the mall leaving several people injured.
Pastor Anderson
On 13 September, Home Affairs Minister, Malusi Gigaba, announced that US Pastor Steven Anderson had been barred from entering South Africa. Anderson, who had been accused of hate speech following remarks against homosexuality, has publicly criticised South African leaders - including Gigaba - for allowing same-sex relations in the country. He was also deported from Botswana.
27 December 2016 declared a public holiday
President Jacob Zuma declared 27 December 2016 a public holiday throughout the Republic of South Africa, in terms of section 2A of the Public Holidays Act on 19 September. The President has declared the date as a public holiday following a request by the Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA). The request by FEDUSA was motivated by the fact this year workers in the country will only have 11 public holidays instead of 12 due to the fact that 25 December (Christmas Day) falls on a Sunday.
Flash Floods
Despite the severe drought conditions experienced, the country was hit by flash floods in November. Alexandra was one of the worst hit areas. Several people lost their lives , with millions of rands of damage caused in Gauteng alone.
Minimum wage
Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa, announced the proposed national minimum wage on 21 November. A panel found that R3500 - or R20 an hour - should be the starting point for discussions countrywide.
Doom spraying pastor
Photos of a pastor from the Mountzion General Assembly in Limpopo spraying congregants with insect repellant to 'heal' them went viral towards the end of November. Prophet Lethebo Rabalago defended his actions, saying God decides which healing methods he uses in his church. The Limpopo Health department has obtained a court interdict against Rabalago in a bid to stop the 24 year-old prophet from spraying Doom on his followers.
