Devon Thomas
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Articles by Devon Thomas
Behind tinted windows, ICE is watching
Commentaries are opinion pieces contributed by readers and newsmakers. VTDigger strives to publish a variety of views from a broad range of Vermonters. Commentaries give voice to community members and do not represent VTDigger’s views. To submit a commentary, follow the instructions here. This commentary is by Devon Thomas, an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ. On Monday, Oct.
KZN cops hunting for people responsible for vandalism in Durban CBD
Police in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) said they are hunting for people responsible for the vandalism in the Durban CBD on Thursday. Anton Lembede Street was shut down after anti-illegal immigration protestors torched 14 cars, looted several shops, damaged buildings and government infrastructure.
Ringing the bell for all of us
Commentaries are opinion pieces contributed by readers and newsmakers. VTDigger strives to publish a variety of views from a broad range of Vermonters. Commentaries give voice to community members and do not represent VTDigger’s views. To submit a commentary, follow the instructions here. This commentary is by Devon Thomas, the new pastor serving Bethany Church in Montpelier and the United Church of Northfield. He is also a proud Black Vermonter.
Court to hear AfriForum’s bid to review City of Joburg’s 65.6% water rate hike
The Johannesburg High Court is expected to hear AfriForum’s urgent application to review the City of Johannesburg’s controversial 65.6% water rate increase. AfriForum is arguing that the increase, set to come into effect on 1 July, will materially disadvantage residents if implemented before its legality is tested.
Freedom is not free for everyone
Commentaries are opinion pieces contributed by readers and newsmakers. VTDigger strives to publish a variety of views from a broad range of Vermonters. Commentaries give voice to community members and do not represent VTDigger’s views. To submit a commentary, follow the instructions here. This commentary is by Devon Thomas, the new pastor serving Bethany Church in Montpelier and the United Church of Northfield. He is also a proud Black Vermonter.
Hill-Lewis on some senior leaders receiving renumeration: ‘It’s the DA’s money’
The Democratic Alliance (DA)’s new leader, Geordin Hill-Lewis, said he sees no problem with some of the party’s senior leaders being remunerated from the DA’s coffers. Hill-Lewis said the party can spend money it has raised through its own efforts as it sees fit. In March, a leaked party document that revealed party stipends upwards of R50,000 in some cases set tongues wagging.
Marikana informal settlement massacre: Suspect due in court Monday
A 20-year-old suspect is due to appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates Court on Monday in connection with a mass shooting that left nine people dead in Philippi East. Armed men reportedly opened fire at an illegal liquor outlet in the Marikana informal settlement in January. ALSO READ: WC police arrest another suspect linked to Marikana informal settlement massacre Authorities believe the attack is connected to ongoing extortion activities in the area.
Makausi informal settlement fire leaves about 18 families displaced
JOHANNESBURG - A fire has ravaged the Makausi informal settlement in Primrose, leaving about 18 families displaced. Following a call received by the City of Ekurhuleni Call Centre early Wednesday morning, the Primrose fire station, backed by the Bedford View, Edenvale, Albertina Sisulu, and Rynfield fire stations, swiftly responded and managed to get the fire under control.
Lotto results: Saturday, 23 August 2025
JOHANNESBURG - The winning results from the Lotto draw on Saturday, 23 August 2025 are: Lotto: 10, 14, 22, 31, 32, 49 B: 39 Lotto Plus 1: 13, 16, 26, 36, 37, 51 B:10 Lotto Plus 2: 12, 17, 26, 45, 46, 47 B: 13 For more information, visit the National Ithuba website.
Parly committee probing police corruption allegations to meet after delays in adopting terms of reference
CAPE TOWN - Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing allegations of interference and corruption in the police will meet again on Friday following delays in adopting its terms of reference. The committee agreed on Monday to adopt the final draft by the end of this week after members finally agreed on the submissions and additions from the different parties represented in the committee.
Chiloane to provide update on Gauteng’s online 2026 school admissions applications
JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane is set to provide an update on the online 2026 school admissions applications. This comes as the application period for grade 1 and grade 8 placements closes next Friday. The department said some of the matters to be addressed by Chiloane include the number of applications received and the challenges experienced by parents during this period.
Gauteng Health Dept studying court ruling to immediately provide radiation oncology services to cancer patients
JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng Department of Health said it’s in the process of studying a court ruling delivered by the Gauteng High Court to immediately provide radiation oncology services to cancer patients. Advocacy group Cancer Alliance and Section27 took the department to court for allegedly violating patients’ constitutional rights to healthcare. The court ruled in favour of the NGOs in the matter; however, the ruling has since been suspended pending an appeal process.
Nu Metro hoping to revitalise movie-going experience
JOHANNESBURG - Cinema corporation Nu Metro hopes to revitalise the movie-going experience for all South Africans. Through various partnerships and theatrical expansions, Nu Metro is on a bid to prove its slogan, ‘We’re more than just movies, we’re an experience’, true. The corporation held an event for media and stakeholders last Wednesday to discuss and unveil what sets it apart from its competitors.
As fresh factional squabbles hit MK Party, spokesperson insists it’s a ‘stable organisation’
JOHANNESBURG - The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party insisted it’s a “stable organisation” as another fresh wave of factional squabbles hit the party. On Tuesday, there were two leaked letters doing the rounds both directed to the organisation’s leader, Jacob Zuma.
UN condemns 'weaponisation of food' in Gaza
GENEVA - The United Nations on Tuesday condemned Israel's apparent "weaponisation of food" in Gaza, a war crime, and urged Israel's military to "stop shooting at people trying to get food". "Israel's militarised humanitarian assistance mechanism is in contradiction with international standards on aid distribution," the UN human rights office said in written notes provided before a briefing.
UN condemns 'weaponisation of food' in Gaza
GENEVA - The United Nations on Tuesday condemned Israel's apparent "weaponisation of food" in Gaza, a war crime, and urged Israel's military to "stop shooting at people trying to get food". "Israel's militarised humanitarian assistance mechanism is in contradiction with international standards on aid distribution," the UN human rights office said in written notes provided before a briefing.
A sew above the rest: Top 10 looks from the 2025 US film awards season
JOHANNESBURG - With the Oscars coming taking place last Sunday, the 2025 US film awards season has finally ended, bringing a sigh of relief to entertainment journalists and content creators who have had to endure what was one of the messiest seasons in recent years (looking at you, Emilia Pérez). The end of the season, however, also means that our eyeballs can finally get a break from all the barrage of formalwear.
In wake of election, keep the focus on humanity, love
We must encourage everyone to accept the results of the 2024 election. The people have spoken and while many in Vermont may struggle with this choice, we still have a responsibility as citizens of this nation to respect the integrity of elections, despite our feelings of anxiety over the results. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King famously said that the moral arc of the universe bends toward justice. It’s hard for me to believe that today. Still, I must try to believe.
Inmates cast in-person ballots during Northern Colorado jail voting event
Inmates being held in the Larimer County Jail in Northern Colorado showed up in record numbers this year for voting after a new Colorado law went into effect. In 2024 Colorado became the first state in the United States to require counties offer in-person voting to inmates who are legally qualified to vote. "Everybody here is innocent until proven guilty.
Fort Collins celebrates diversity through immigrants in photo exhibit
A new set of exhibits on display in Fort Collins are helping highlight the city's rich history of diversity and inclusion of immigrants. The exhibits, titled "The Places We Come From" and "Querida Familia," showcase the faces and stories of immigrants who call Northern Colorado home. Jesus Castro speaks to CBS Colorado at Carnegie Center for Creativity in Fort Collins. Castro and his family members were among those whose stories were told.
Harris visits border to neutralise weak spot against Trump
WASHINGTON - Kamala Harris will tackle the politically explosive issue of illegal immigration with a visit to the US-Mexican border Friday, in a bid to blunt one of Donald Trump's main attack lines in their fight for the White House. The US vice president's trip to Arizona, her first to the border since replacing President Joe Biden as Democratic nominee in July, comes as polls show the subject remains one of her biggest vulnerabilities against the Republican.
Fort Collins celebrates diversity through immigration in new Colorado photo exhibit
A new set of exhibits on display in Fort Collins are helping highlight the city's rich history of diversity and inclusion of immigrants. The exhibits, titled "The Places We Come From" and "Querida Familia," showcase the faces and stories of immigrants who call Northern Colorado home. "When people think of Fort Collins, they think it is really white, not a lot of diversity. But in reality, we have people from all over the world," said Jesus Castro, one of the locals featured in the displays.
Going to watch the Boks vs ABs in Jozi? What you need to know about the PRASA & Gautrain train service
JOHANNESBURG - The Passenger Rail Service of South Africa (PRASA) has teamed up with Gautrain to get fans to the Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg for the Springboks' match against the All Blacks on Saturday. The Boks and All Blacks will go head-to-head in the first of their two Rugby Championship matches in South Africa, the first meeting since their 2023 Rugby World Cup final clash, which the Boks won 12-11.
A Lady is Always Polite
Recommended Citation Thomas, Devon (2023) "A Lady is Always Polite," AWE (A Woman’s Experience): Vol. 10, Article 27. Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/awe/vol10/iss1/27
Gauteng Education’s Chiloane heading to PTA High School for Girls amid racism scandal
JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane is heading to Pretoria High School for Girls on Tuesday as it is rocked by another racism scandal. Dozens of pupils have been suspended in connection with allegations that they were sharing “racial microaggressions” on a whites-only WhatsApp group.
'Deadpool & Wolverine': Has the MCU found its saviour in the X-Men?
X-Men (2000) was my introduction to comic book movies (CBM). I hadn’t gotten the opportunity to watch it in cinemas - I was five at the time, so that was probably for the best – but when I did eventually see it on TV, I remember being transfixed by mutants, particularly with Rogue. I was but a child, so I can’t really tell you why Rogue was my girl from the jump, but I can tell you that I have always been puzzled at why Wolverine was, more often than not, the film franchise’s central character.
Limpopo Education Dept clarifies grade 2 learner didn’t fall into pit toilet
JOHANNESBURG - The Limpopo Department of Education has clarified that a grade 2 learner from Lefatane Primary School was trapped and did not fall into a pit toilet. It is understood that on Thursday, a fellow learner saw the pupil climbing and jumping from one cover to the other and was trapped in one of the Enviro Loo manhole covers.
I've seen how DEI offices save Utahns' lives, including my own
I didn't know I had an eating disorder until I visited BYU's Women's Center in 2019. Technically, I wouldn't be diagnosed until I met with my (still current) therapist months later, but I wouldn't have received treatment without the Women's Center. I grew up in Arizona and transferred to BYU as a junior, so I didn't know where to go when I realized my relationship with food was unusual. A friend mentioned the Women's Center had a registered dietitian who students could meet with one-on-one.
Israeli defence minister heads to US for 'critical' talks on Gaza war
PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES - Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant was headed to Washington on Sunday for "critical" talks on the Gaza war raging since 7 October and surging cross-border tensions with Lebanon's Hezbollah movement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced hope for speedy progress on unfreezing US arms and ammunition deliveries from Israel's top ally which he said had dropped off sharply in recent months.
Alliance Defending Freedom fails Christian values test
In my pastoral opinion, the lawsuit filed against the Vermont Department of Children and Families by the Alliance Defending Freedom does not represent Christian values. This suit is a symptom of a very harmful historical alliance between conservative faith and political power. As a person of faith, I would not want the actions of Alliance to be confused with traditional Christian values.
Some Soweto residents bemoan govt for failing to improve lives
JOHANNESBURG - With the country marking 30 years of democracy, some Soweto residents have bemoaned the government for what they called a failure to improve lives. Hundreds of community members listed their grievances to political leaders during 702's election townhall at the Diepkloof Multi-purpose Centre on Tuesday.
Second edition of Billy Monama’s Mayibuye iAfrika returns May featuring legendary line-up
JOHANNESBURG - Billy Monama’s Mayibuye iAfrika concert is back after 2023’s sold-out inaugural show took South Africa by storm. The 2024 line-up boasts greats including Ringo Madlinbgozi, Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse, Mahotella Queens, Hope Masike, Simphiwe Dana and Siphokazi. The concert’s second edition will feature a two-night extended run on 24 and 25 May at the Joburg Theatre and is set to commemorate South Africa’s landmark 30 years of democracy.
ANC working around the clock to address range of issues in SA - Mashatile
JOHANNESBURG - African National Congress (ANC) deputy president, Paul Mashatile, said the governing party was working around the clock to address a range of socioeconomic challenges faced by the country. Mashatile made the comments during a door-to-door campaign in Sebokeng, south of Johannesburg, on Sunday.
Zuma’s MK Party marred by allegations of fraud and a leadership purge
JOHANNESBURG - With a month until South Africans hit the polls, former president Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has been marred by allegations of fraud and a leadership purge. This followed claims of fraud by Lennox Ntsodo, a former senior official of the party, alleging that according to the City Press, that the party forged signatures that would see it registered to appear on the 2024 ballot.
SAHRC to release report into deaths of 21 teens at Enyobeni tavern
Devon Thomas25 April 2024 | 4:49 The SAHRC said the report, which will be released Thursday morning, explored human rights concerns that played a role in the death of 21 young people. South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) Eastern Cape liquor board Enyobeni tavern The Enyobeni tavern in Scenery Park, East London where 21 people died during an event on 25 June 2022.
Nigeria recovers nearly $27 million in corruption probe
LAGOS - Nigerian investigators have recovered nearly $27 million in a corruption investigation involving a suspended government minister and other officials, the anti-graft agency said. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister Betta Edu in January following allegations she had diverted public funds into private bank accounts. Tinubu also suspended the head of the ministry's social investment fund agency Halima Shehu over alleged graft.
'Forever Yena': A shallowly wasted romantic opportunity
REVIEW Contains no major spoilers. Romantic comedies (rom-coms) are deceptively simple to make. Unlike many other genres and subgenres in film, they typically have a very distinctive narrative structure to them.
AU Commission chief says he hopes for vote soon in Senegal
ADDIS ABABA - The head of the African Union (AU) Commission voiced concern on Saturday about the political crisis in Senegal but said he hoped "free and transparent" elections would be held there soon. Moussa Faki Mahamat's comments at the opening session of the AU summit came after Senegalese President Macky Sall vowed Friday to organise presidential elections "as soon as possible". The move followed the decision on Thursday by Senegal's top constitutional body to overrule this month's vote.
Meyiwa trial: State to focus on Ntanzi court appearance for ammunition matter
JOHANNESBURG - The State in the Senzo Meyiwa trial will on Wednesday morning focus on a court appearance of one of the men accused of killing the footballer for an ammunition case. The trial within a trial is continuing in the Pretoria High Court.
From regenerative superheroes to tiny yellow monsters: Every trailer dropped during the 2024 Super Bowl
JOHANNESBURG - Ah, the Super Bowl – a time for families in the United States (US) to come together and watch what I presume to be American football. Over the years, it’s become one of the few remaining symbols of American patriotism that’s often watched by over 100 million TV screens across the country. Yet, I could not tell you one single thing about it.
Politics’ biggest night, fashion’s biggest fright? - Ranking the SONA 2024 looks
JOHANNESBURG - Thursday marked what feels like one of the biggest nights in politics, the Oscars, I mean, the State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2024, pre-Elections Edition. Its intention is for President Cyril Ramaphosa to update Parliament – and the country – on the, uhm, state of the nation.
PTA primary school learners happy to be back in school: ‘I’m excited to see my friends again!'
Devon Thomas17 January 2024 | 6:48 Schools across the country kicked off their 2024 academic year on Wednesday. An image of 'back to school' written on a board. Picture: Pexels/Oleksandr P TSHWANE - Some primary school pupils in Pretoria said they were eager to start learning as some wrapped up their lower-level school journey in 2024. Pupils made their way to different schools on Wednesday morning as the bell rang.
SAPS, private security nab 3 suspects after Limpopo man murdered, robbed
POLOKWANE - The South African Police Service (SAPS), together with the help of a private security company, arrested three suspects in the murder of a 35-year-old man in Limpopo. It’s understood that on Friday, the man had driven to Rabacross Village in the Fetakgomo Tubatse local municipality to meet with the three men.
Mideast: Love doesn’t take sides
Many in Vermont are probably still feeling a shocking alarm from the shooting of three young Palestinian-American men in our community. My heart goes out to Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdalhamid, Tahseen Ali Ahmad, their family, friends and community, who were made victims of hate.
Croc heels, 'BDSM' bears and towel skirts: Does Balenciaga have a Demna problem?
Email Print Share Over the last few years, Balenciaga has gone from a fashion house I just kinda sorta knew about, to an empire I could not escape – especially on social media. I don’t recall it having any impact on me during my fashion formative years (i.e., high school and onwards), but to be fair, the beginnings of my fashion journey leaned more towards Markhams than Margiela. It was a dark time and I do not want to talk about it.
‘Extraordinary’ November heat marks sixth record-breaking month in a row
PARIS, France - This year will be the hottest in recorded history after an "extraordinary" November became the sixth record-breaking month in a row, Europe's climate monitor said Wednesday, piling pressure on the COP28 talks to act on climate change. November smashed the previous November heat record, pushing 2023's global average temperature to 1.46 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial levels, the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service said.
Global luxury brand AMIRI collaborates with Black Coffee to open first SA store
JOHANNESBURG - Global luxury brand Amiri, stylised as AMIRI, has teamed up with one of South Africa’s most renowned musicians, Black Coffee, for the opening of its first South African store. Located in Sandton City’s prestigious Diamond Walk, Amiri, headed by American designer Mike Amiri, opened its doors on Monday, 27 November.
'The Marvels': An appropriately, uhm, marvellous gag for the girls and gays
I’ve never been a staunch Marvel supporter – even during its heyday. Much like most people in the world, I’d consider myself more of a casual viewer with a few favourites. Now 33 movies, 9 TV shows, and five ‘Phases’ in, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has crafted an extensive catalogue with an ever-expanding universe that – somewhat - managed to maintain its relevance and become one of the highest grossing franchises of all time, which is admittedly impressive.
Disney links with LIFT for co-branded aircraft to launch ‘biggest campaign ever’
JOHANNESBURG - Right before the festive season begins to take flight, Disney on Friday launched its collaboration with LIFT for their holiday campaign. ‘May Your Wishes Come True’ comes complete with a co-branded aircraft that will travel on some of the airline's Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town routes.
Demons, drugs, depression: Why 'Talk to Me' is one of 2023's most cardinal films
Contains spoilers for the entire film. It’s very seldom that I find horror movies genuinely uncomfortable to watch – not because they’re bad or overly violent, but because they’re triggering. Off the top of my head, the first movies like this that come to mind are The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), Maniac (2012), Hereditary (2018), Gerald’s Game (2017), Black Swan (2010), The Shining (1980), The Menu (2022), and, to some extent, Get Out (2017).
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