In accordance with its Vision and Strategic Objectives, which include modernising its systems to provide Digital and Streamlined online services, SARS will run upgrades on its digital platforms from Friday, 6 September from 20:00 to Monday, 9 September at 08:00.

SARS warned that during this period users may experience intermittent service interruption on its eFiling, Tax and Customs Digital Platforms.

Responses (CUSRES messages) to transactions submitted during this time will be delayed, however, arrival and exit management functions are available at land border posts for all released declarations and manifests.

Stakeholders are therefore urged to submit all Goods Declarations (bills of entry) and Road Manifest, especially those deemed priority, by Friday, 6 September at 14:00.

In a statement on it’s website, SARS added: Achieving our Vision 2024 of a smart, modern SARS with unquestionable integrity that is trusted and admired is of paramount importance. Pivotal to the delivery of our vision are our digital platforms and technology infrastructure. To provide clarity and certainty, make it easy for taxpayers and traders to comply with their obligations and building public trust and confidence, our technology assets must demonstrate the highest levels of availability, robustness and security.

New SARS WhatsApp channel

Meanwhile, as reported by The South African website, SARS has launched a new WhatsApp channel for taxpayers to access information regarding their tax refunds and other tax-related queries quicker than before.

The channel is specifically for tax queries related to personal income tax, the service said, and is available on both the mobile and desktop versions of WhatsApp.

Finally, South Africans are reminded that the closing date for individual taxpayers to submit their tax returns is 21 October 2024, while the deadline for provisional taxpayers is 20 January 2025.

Visit The South African website for daily weather and temperature updates around South Africa.

WEATHER ALERTS

IMPACT-BASED WARNINGS

NIL

FIRE DANGER WARNINGS

High fire conditions are expected over western parts of the North West Province and the David Kruipe and kai !Garib district in the Northern Cape

ADVISORIES

NIL

What’s the weather like in your area?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or by sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

You can also follow @TheSAnews on Twitter and The South African on Facebook for the latest weather-related news.

Conditions and UVB forecast

Gauteng

Temperature: Partly cloudy and cool.

The expected UVB Sunburn Index: Extreme

DID YOU KNOW

Where does Gauteng rank in size among South Africa’s provinces?

Gauteng is the smallest of South Africa’s nine provinces, with an area of 18 178 square kilometres.

Where does Gauteng rank in population among South Africa’s provinces?

Gauteng is the biggest in terms of population, with an estimated 16 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020.

What is the capital of Gauteng?

The administrative capital of the province is Pretoria, which is situated at 25°44′46″S 28°11′17″E.

Mpumalanga

Temperature: Cloudy and cold to cool with light rain in the east.

DID YOU KNOW

Where does Mpumalanga rank in size among South Africa’s provinces?

Mpumalanga is the second smallest of South Africa’s nine provinces, with an area of 76 495 square kilometres.

Where does Mpumalanga rank in population size among South Africa’s provinces?

Mpumalanga is the sixth most populous, with an estimated 4.7 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020.

What is the capital of Mpumalanga?

The capital and largest city in the province is Mbombela (formerly known as Nelspruit), which is situated at 25°27′57″S 30°59′07″E.

Limpopo

Temperature: Cloudy and warm with drizzle and light rain in the east.

DID YOU KNOW

Where does Limpopo rank in size among South Africa’s provinces?

Limpopo is the fifth largest of South Africa’s nine provinces, with an area of 125 754 square kilometres.

Where does Limpopo rank in population size among South Africa’s provinces?

Limpopo is the fifth most populous, with an estimated 5.9 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020.

What is the capital of Limpopo?

The capital and largest city in the province is Polokwane, which is situated at 23°54′00″S 29°27′00″E.

North West

Temperature: Partly cloudy, windy, and cool.

DID YOU KNOW

Where does the North West rank in size among South Africa’s provinces?

The North West is the sixth largest of South Africa’s nine provinces, with an area of 104 882 square kilometres.

Where does the North West rank in population size among South Africa’s provinces?

The North West is the seventh most populous, with an estimated 4.2 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020.

What is the capital of the North West?

Its capital is Mahikeng (formerly known as Mafikeng), which is situated at 25°51′56″S 25°38′37″E.

Free State

Temperature: Morning fog patches in the east, otherwise partly cloudy, windy and cold to cool with isolated showers over the extreme east.

DID YOU KNOW

Where does the Free State rank in size among South Africa’s provinces?

The Free State is the third largest of South Africa’s nine provinces, with an area of 129 825 square kilometres.

Where does the Free State rank in population size among South Africa’s provinces?

The Free State is the second smallest in terms of population, with an estimated 2.9 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020.

What is the capital of the Free State?

Formerly known as the Orange Free State, its capital and biggest city is Bloemfontein, South Africa’s judicial capital. It is situated at 29°07′S 26°13′E.

Northern Cape

Temperature: Fine and cool to warm.

Wind: The wind along the coast will be fresh south-easterly

DID YOU KNOW

Where does the Northern Cape rank in size among South Africa’s provinces?

The Northern Cape is the largest of South Africa’s nine provinces at 372 889 square kilometres.

Where does the Northern Cape rank in population size among South Africa’s provinces?

The Northern Cape is the smallest in terms of population, with an estimated 1.3 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020.

What is the capital of the Northern Cape?

Its capital is Kimberley, which is situated at 28°44′18″S 24°45′50″E.

Western Cape

Temperature: Frost with mist over the interior, otherwise fine and cool, but warm in places along the west coast.

Wind: The wind along the coast will be fresh to strong east to south-easterly, but light to moderate north-easterly along the south coast at first.

The expected UVB Sunburn Index: Moderate

DID YOU KNOW

Where does the Western Cape rank in size among South Africa’s provinces?

The Western Cape is the fourth largest of South Africa’s nine provinces, with an area of 129 449 square kilometres.

Where does the Western Cape rank in population size among South Africa’s provinces?

The Western Cape is the third most populous, with an estimated 7.2 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020.

What is the capital of the Western Cape?

The capital city is Cape Town, which is situated at 33°55′31″S 18°25′26″E.

Eastern Cape

The Western half: Morning fog patches over the interior, otherwise fine and cool. Frost is expected in the north.

The Western half – wind: The wind along the coast will be light north-westerly, becoming fresh to strong easterly in the afternoon, but north-easterly in the evening.

The Eastern half: Morning fog patches over the interior, otherwise fine and cool to cold, becoming partly cloudy in places along the coast in the afternoon. Frost is expected in the north.

The Eastern half – wind: The wind along the coast will be Moderate south-westerly, becoming fresh to strong north-easterly in the afternoon.

DID YOU KNOW

Where does the Eastern Cape rank in size among South Africa’s provinces?

The Eastern Cape is the second largest of South Africa’s nine provinces at 168 966 square kilometres.

Where does the Eastern Cape rank in population size among South Africa’s provinces?

The Eastern Cape is the fourth biggest in terms of population, with an estimated 6.7 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020.

What is the capital of the Eastern Cape?

Its capital is Bhisho, which is situated at 32°50′58″S 27°26′17″E.

KwaZulu-Natal

Temperature: Morning fog patches and rain over the south and western interior, otherwise cloudy and very cold to cold with isolated showers and rain but scattered in the north-east.

Wind: The wind along the coast will be moderate to fresh southerly to south-easterly, becoming northerly to north-easterly in the evening.

The expected UVB Sunburn Index: Low

DID YOU KNOW

Where does KwaZulu-Natal rank in size among South Africa’s provinces?

KwaZulu-Natal is the seventh largest of South Africa’s nine provinces, with an area of 94 361 square kilometres.

Where does KwaZulu-Natal rank in population size among South Africa’s provinces?

KwaZulu-Natal is the second most populous, with an estimated 11.5 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020.

What is the capital of KwaZulu-Natal?

The capital city is Pietermaritzburg, which is situated at 29°37′S 30°23′E.

Weather forecast data provided by the South African Weather Service.

For a detailed forecast of your province, click here.

SARS has ‘extensively investigated the alleged crime’

In a release on its website, SARS wrote that under normal circumstances it is prohibited by Chapter 6 of the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011 from divulging confidential taxpayer information.

However, since the taxpayer has authorised that its information be published in the article, SARS will clarify the matter.

SARS has extensively investigated the alleged crime with the sole purpose of uncovering any internal irregularities or alleged complicity by SARS staff that may have compromised the systems of the organisation.

SARS has over the years built internationally recognised and user-friendly systems to make it easy and simple for taxpayers to comply with their legal obligations.

These systems include built-in oversight of each transaction to safeguard taxpayer information and ensure internal accountability.

SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said: “SARS has investigated this matter and we have found that no negligence or liability that can be imputed to SARS, meaning that SARS can therefore not be held liable for the criminal action reported by the Sunday Times.

“SARS will assist the company and all law enforcement agencies in any investigations that must follow to uncover the source of this tax crime,” Commissioner Kieswetter said.

He added that the crime of profile hijacking pointed to pervasive cybercrime with global links. 

The sophistication of this type of crime is constantly evolving and SARS, like all other financial institutions are under constant threat due to international cybercrime syndicates.

Enhancements have been implemented

SARS has invested significantly in its technological infrastructure to combat this phenomenon.

SARS is continuously working on how to enhance its processes to authorise taxpayers when bank details are changed.

Some of the enhancements that have been implemented, include Multi-factor Authentication, strengthening password rules and biometric authentication. 

Apart from this SARS is constantly assessing its own systems to identify system weaknesses to ensure that we mitigate any form of risk.  

This will mean working more intensively with other parties such as banks.

Finally, Commissioner Kieswetter said: “One of our key strategic objectives is to build public trust and confidence in the organisation, which was lost during the years of state capture. SARS has made great progress in this area and will certainly not want to lose the ground gained through criminal activity, whether it’s done from inside or outside the organisation.”

The enquiry underway by the Office of Tax Ombudsman (OTO) to investigate incidents of profile hijacking is welcomed by SARS.

SARS is cooperating with OTO and looks forward to the recommendations that will be made on how best to combat the scourge of profile hijacking.

Have you submitted your tax return?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1

You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest SARS news.

The Springboks and All Blacks are just days away from an epic showdown at Ellis Park and there has been no shortage of barbs traded back and forth between the two nations. 

The Springboks announced their star-studded lineup for this Test on Tuesday, while the All Blacks named their team on Thursday morning. 

The Springboks have since changed their team, with the inclusion of Eben Etzebeth on the bench after he overcame an injury scare, while the big talking point from the All Blacks team is the selection of Sam Cane in the starting XV.

WHO’S THE BETTER DANCER – RAZOR OR RASSIE?

Both coaches have great respect for each other, and are known for their unique personalities, with Robertson fondly renowned as a celebratory breakdancer with the Crusaders.

During a press conference this week, the All Blacks coach was reminded that perhaps the one thing that Erasmus can’t do, is breakdance. Responding with a smile and a chuckle, he commented: “That’s a good point. We’ll have to see what rhythm he’s got.”

TEAMS

SPRINGBOKS: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Handre Pollard.

ALL BLACKS — 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tamaiti Williams.
Subs: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Sam Darry, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Mark Tele’a.

WILL THE SPRINGBOKS BEAT THE ALL BLACKS ON SATURDAY?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this Springbok versus All Blacks article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

During a question-and-answer session in the National Assembly on Thursday afternoon, Manyi rose on a point of order and excoriated Ramaphosa for referring to Hlophe as “judge”.

Manyi vs Ramaphosa in National Assembly

“We have a president, who was part of an impeachment process, that now continues to mock our party leader here in Parliament.

“The president cannot continue to keep mocking our party leader as a judge when he knows that he participated in a process to unfairly impeach him,” Manyi said in the House.

Ramaphosa, moments earlier, said “honourable judge” when answering a question posed by Hlophe, the MK Party leader in Parliament.

“He impeaches him on the one side and mocks him on the other. That cannot be allowed,” Manyi said.

Ramaphosa was seemingly contrite in response to Manyi’s complaint, apologising for addressing Hlophe as “judge”.

“I would like to say to honourable Manyi and honourable Hlophe that if my reference to the title is offensive, I apologise and I withdraw,” Ramaphosa said.

Background into ‘judge’ issue

Former Western Cape judge president Hlophe was impeached by members of Parliament (MPs) in February after he was found guilty of gross misconduct by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). MPs voted 305 in favour versus 27 against.

A month later, Ramaphosa hammered the final nail in Hlophe’s career, formally removing him from judicial office.

“The president accordingly removed Judge President Mandlakayise Hlophe of the Western Cape Division of the High Court from judicial office following the National Sssembly resolution to remove Judge Hlophe as stipulated in section 177 (1) (b) of the Constitution,” Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said in a statement at the time.

The removal meant Hlophe lost the title of “judge” and a guaranteed salary, plus benefits, for life.

John Hlophe: Journey to impeachment

Trouble started for Hlophe in 2008 when he was accused by Constitutional Court (ConCourt) justices Chris Jafta and Bess Nkabinde of trying to influence them over a case involving former president Jacob Zuma, which was before the ConCourt for consideration.

Eleven ConCourt justices lodged a complaint after Jafta and Nkabinde complained that Hlophe “had visited them separately in their chambers to discuss pending judgments” involving corruption cases against Zuma, reported TimesLIVE.

They complained that he had improperly attempted to influence the outcome of the matter in favour of Zuma.

Fast forward to April 2021, when “a tribunal inquiry found Hlophe guilty of gross misconduct, a decision upheld by the JSC [without the parliamentarians] in August 2021”, reports Judges Matter.

Is Ramaphosa mocking Hlophe or is Manyi overreacting?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

SASSA beneficiaries can receive their SASSA payments from selected supermarkets, such as Pick n Pay, Boxer, USave merchants, Checkers and Shoprite, and obtain this through their SASSA card, CashSend, or by getting the amount directly transferred into their bank account.

The South African Social Security Agency is charged with disbursing social welfare to roughly 29 million people in Mzansi.

At last count there were 4 million old-age-pensioners, 13 million childcare beneficiaries, 10 million Social Relief of Distress (SRD) recipients, and roughly 2 million disability and war veterans.

That equates to more or less 3.6% of the country’s entire GDP.

Types of SASSA grants and amounts

1. SRD Grant
The SRD (Social Relief Distress Grant) is aimed at South African Citizens, Asylum Seekers, Refugees, and Special Permit Holders who are between 18 and 60 years old. To qualify for this grant, these individuals must not have the necessary means or receive any social grants, are not contributing/ eligible for UIF payment, and have no financial support from any other source. The amount for this grant is R350 per month. 

Find out more about the SRD Grant and how to apply here

2. Child Support Grant
If you are in financial need, you can receive a grant to help you raise your child. You will need to be the child’s primary caregiver (i.e. parent, grandparent, or child over the age of 16 leading the family) and pass the means test. You will receive R500 a month for each child. If you are a primary caregiver for an orphaned child, you will receive R750 per month for each child (the R500 CSG and the R250 top-up). 

Find out more about the Child Support Grant and how to apply here

3. Foster Child Support
If you have a foster child, you will also be eligible to receive a grant. A foster child is someone who has been placed in your care by the court as a result of being orphaned, abandoned, abused, at risk, or neglected. The foster child support is R1 120 per month per child. 

Find out more about the Foster Child Grant and how to apply here

4. Care Dependency Grant
This grant is for individuals who are looking after children with severe disabilities that may require full-time and special care. This grant covers children from birth until they reach the legal age of 18 and equates to R2 080 per month per child. 

Find out more about the Care Dependency Grant and how to apply here

5. Disability Grant
This grant is available to individuals who have a mental and/or physical disability that inhibits them from working for longer than 6 months. Individuals are offered a temporary disability grant if their ailment lasts for a continuous period of 6-12 months and a permanent grant if it continues for more than a year. It is important to note that a permanent disability grant does NOT mean that you will receive the grant for your whole life, but rather, that it will continue for longer than 12 months. The maximum payout for a disability grant is R2 080 per month. 

Find out more about the Disability Grant and how to apply here

6. Pensioners Grant (Older Person’s Grant)
This grant is given to individuals who are older (60 years or plus) and can no longer work and earn a salary. People from ages 60 to 75 years old will receive R2 080 per month, whilst those older than 75 will receive R2 100 per month. 

Find out more about the Older Person’s Grant and how to apply here

7. Grant-In-Aid
This Aid is given to individuals who are living on a social grant but cannot look after themselves. They will receive this additional grant to pay the person who takes full-time care of them, which equates to R500 per month. 

Find out more about the Grant-In-Aid and how to apply here

8. War Veteran’s Grant
If you are a formal soldier that fought in the Second World War (1939 to 1945) or the Korean War (1950 to 1953) and are unable to financially support yourself, you will receive this grant that equates to R2 100 per month. 

Find out more about the War Veteran’s Grant and how to apply here
 

NOTE

• Amounts are subject to change in April and October every year.
• Candidates that are receiving an Older Persons/ Pensioners grant or Disability grant, will receive payment of all their grants linked to their account first, while other grant recipients will be paid 1 or 2 days later.
• Only qualifying beneficiaries will receive the relevant social payouts each month.

At last count, SASSA is charged with disbursing social welfare to roughly 24 million people in Mzansi.

That figure comprises 4 million old-age-pensioners, 13 million childcare beneficiaries, 6 million Social Relief of Distress (SRD) recipients, and roughly 1 million disability and war veterans.

SASSA beneficiaries can receive their SASSA payments from selected supermarkets, such as Pick n Pay, Boxer, USave merchants, Checkers and Shoprite, and obtain this through their SASSA card, CashSend, or by getting the amount directly transferred into their bank account.

Diarise these dates

The all-important payment dates are confirmed well ahead of time for those affected to mark in their calendars.

Diarise the following payment dates in 2024 for Older person’s grants, Disability grants and Children’s grants for the remainder of the year.

Types of SASSA grants and amounts

1. SRD Grant
The SRD (Social Relief Distress Grant) is aimed at South African Citizens, Asylum Seekers, Refugees, and Special Permit Holders who are between 18 and 60 years old. To qualify for this grant, these individuals must not have the necessary means or receive any social grants, are not contributing/ eligible for UIF payment, and have no financial support from any other source. The amount for this grant is R350 per month. 

Find out more about the SRD Grant and how to apply here

2. Child Support Grant
If you are in financial need, you can receive a grant to help you raise your child. You will need to be the child’s primary caregiver (i.e. parent, grandparent, or child over the age of 16 leading the family) and pass the means test. You will receive R510 a month for each child. If you are a primary caregiver for an orphaned child, you will receive R750 per month for each child (the R500 CSG and the R250 top-up). 

Find out more about the Child Support Grant and how to apply here

3. Foster Child Support
If you have a foster child, you will also be eligible to receive a grant. A foster child is someone who has been placed in your care by the court as a result of being orphaned, abandoned, abused, at risk, or neglected. The foster child support is R1 130 per month per child. 

Find out more about the Foster Child Grant and how to apply here

4. Care Dependency Grant
This grant is for individuals who are looking after children with severe disabilities that may require full-time and special care. This grant covers children from birth until they reach the legal age of 18 and equates to R2 090 per month per child. 

Find out more about the Care Dependency Grant and how to apply here

5. Disability Grant
This grant is available to individuals who have a mental and/or physical disability that inhibits them from working for longer than 6 months. Individuals are offered a temporary disability grant if their ailment lasts for a continuous period of 6-12 months and a permanent grant if it continues for more than a year. It is important to note that a permanent disability grant does NOT mean that you will receive the grant for your whole life, but rather, that it will continue for longer than 12 months. The maximum payout for a disability grant is R2 090 per month. 

Find out more about the Disability Grant and how to apply here

6. Pensioners Grant (Older Person’s Grant)
This grant is given to individuals who are older (60 years or plus) and can no longer work and earn a salary. People from ages 60 to 75 years old will receive R2 090 per month, whilst those older than 75 will receive R2 100 per month. 

Find out more about the Older Person’s Grant and how to apply here

7. Grant-In-Aid
This Aid is given to individuals who are living on a social grant but cannot look after themselves. They will receive this additional grant to pay the person who takes full-time care of them, which equates to R510 per month. 

Find out more about the Grant-In-Aid and how to apply here

8. War Veteran’s Grant
If you are a formal soldier that fought in the Second World War (1939 to 1945) or the Korean War (1950 to 1953) and are unable to financially support yourself, you will receive this grant that equates to R2 110 per month. 

Find out more about the War Veteran’s Grant and how to apply here
 

NOTE

• Amounts are subject to change in April and October every year.
• Candidates that are receiving an Older Persons/ Pensioners grant or Disability grant, will receive payment of all their grants linked to their account first, while other grant recipients will be paid 1 or 2 days later.
• Only qualifying beneficiaries will receive the relevant social payouts each month.

Zuma and Thales face charges of corruption, fraud and racketeering. Zuma is alleged to have received 783 suspicious payments to the tune of R1.2 million from his financial advisor Shabir Shaik. 

JACOB ZUMA AND THALES MATTER BACK IN COURT

Zuma and Thales were first charged in 2005, but the case was later struck from the roll. In 2007, it was reinstated, but in 2009, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) withdrew the charges. 

The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) overturned that decision, and in 2018, the case was reinstated again. The trial officially got underway in May 2021 when Zuma pleaded not guilty, Eyewitness News reported.

On Thursday, Zuma was flanked by uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party newly-appointed national organiser Floyd Shivambu and former Police Minister Nathi Nhleko as he arrived. Former National Freedom Party (NFP) secretary-general Canaan Mdletshe was also at the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Pietermaritzburg to support Zuma.

In March this year Zuma lost his court bid to have state prosecutor advocate Billy Downer removed from his corruption trial.

Zuma had argued that involving Downer in the matter would infringe his right to a fair trial.

Chili said he was not convinced that Downer’s status as lead prosecutor on the case would prejudice Zuma and violate his right to a fair trial.

Zuma’s legal representative advocate Dali Mpofu, citing various cases, said that Zuma was entitled to those reasons so that he could appeal his decision properly, IOL reported.

On the other hand, Downer argued that this was the third time the matter was set down for pre-trial and urged Judge Nkosinathi Chili to go ahead.

On Thursday, judge Chili postponed the matter to 11 September in order to give reasons for his decision [in March] to dismiss Zuma’s application.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE DELAYS IN THE JACOB ZUMA AND THALES CORRUPTION CASE?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

Universal Music in Sweden said videos had surfaced of ABBA’s music being played at at least one Trump event.

Donald Trump played ‘The Winner Takes it All’ in Minnesota

“We have demanded that (the material) be taken down and removed,” Universal Music AB told AFP in an email.

“Universal Music Publishing AB and (record company) Polar Music International AB have not received any request (to use the music), so no permission or licence has been given to Trump,” it said.

Swedish daily Svenska Dagbladet said its reporter had in July attended a Donald Trump rally in Minnesota – known for its strong Swedish community – where “The Winner Takes it All” was played.

The reporter said the song was followed by a 10-minute video clip, projected on a big screen, of ABBA in its heyday playing some of its biggest hits, including “Money, Money, Money” and “Dancing Queen”.

Catchy melodies

With their catchy melodies and glittering costumes, Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny and Anni-Frid – whose initials make up the name of the group – personified disco around the globe until they stopped performing in 1982.

The group is the latest in a slew of artists who have asked the US Republican presidential candidate to refrain from using their music at rallies and events, including Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Celine Dion and the Rolling Stones.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

According to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway’s social media pages, snow fell on Table Mountain on Wednesday morning.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Travel & Lifestyle 🇿🇦Cape Town (@capetowngetaway)

Cape Town has been gripped by icy, wet and windy weather conditions in the last 48 hours which has resulted in widespread damage, as reported by The South African website.

It might well the reason you’re struggling to feel your fingers and toes!

Wednesday was reportedly the coldest day of the ongoing winter in the Mother City.

Thankfully for Capetonians, the sun is expected to shine for the rest of the week, but temperatures will remain low as spring struggles to break through.

The six major dams in the Western Cape are all at over 100% of capacity at present.

Meanwhile, the Table Mountain aerial cableway is currently closed for maintenance, but is expected to reopen on 2 September 2024.

Did you spot snow on Table Mountain?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1

You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest weather news.

Sadly, the prices of braai essentials, from charcoal to boerewors to your favourite beverage, have sky-rocketed in recent months.

The South African website is seeking to help enrich the lives of our readers because why should you be paying higher prices at one retailer when you can save a little somewhere else?

We’ve got you covered with the latest in our series of braai basket price comparisons between four of South Africa’s favourite supermarkets – Woolworths, Checkers, Shoprite and Pick n Pay.

Each week we visit the supermarkets so you don’t waste your time, effort – and most importantly, money.

BRAAI WITH THESE BEST PRICES IN SOUTH AFRICA

We’ve compared 10 common braai items this week to establish which supermarket is offering the best prices – both on individual items and for the entire basket.

AND THE CHEAPEST SUPERMARKET IS …

TO NOTE

We do not consider discounts or card-holder specials in this comparison

When the exact name-brand items are not available, we use the nearest alternative house-brand alternative

Due to fluctuations in prices both inland and at the coast in South Africa, the prices below are based on those payable in Gauteng

WHAT’S IN THE BRAAI BASKET?

Would you change where you shop if it meant saving money, or do price differences mean little to you? What additional braai items would you like to see compared going forward?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1

You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest consumer finance news.

Storms and flooding impact waste collection services

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued warnings for damaging winds and large waves along the Western Cape coast from Tuesday to Thursday.

This severe weather has caused significant delays in refuse collection across the city. The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre is monitoring the situation closely and has teams on standby to respond to any incidents. Although no major incidents have been reported, low-lying areas remain waterlogged due to the record rainfall experienced in July.

Response and community advisory

Teams are currently working to clear the backlog that has developed due to the storm, but the ongoing rainy conditions are likely to continue causing delays. The Directorate has assured residents that every effort is being made to maintain the waste collection service delivery. Waste collections are currently delayed by one day in most areas, and teams will work over the weekend to clear any remaining backlogs by Friday, 30 August.

The Schaapkraal Drop-off site remains closed due to flooding. Residents are encouraged to hold onto their waste until the site reopens or to use alternative drop-off sites listed on the City of Cape Town’s website. The Directorate also reminds residents that recycling and composting can help reduce the amount of waste in their bins during this period.

With the storm expected to subside by Thursday, the City of Cape Town is hopeful that conditions will improve, allowing refuse collection services to return to their normal schedule.

Are you experiencing delays due to the severe weather?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

Safety First

• Fencing: Ensure your garden is securely fenced to prevent your pet from wandering off or encountering hazards. Consider using a sturdy, buried fence to deter escape attempts.
• Toxic Plants: Research plants that are toxic to pets and avoid planting them in your garden. Common toxic plants include lilies, oleander, and daffodils.
• Ponds and Water Features: If you have a pond or water feature, ensure it is safe for your pet. Consider adding a gentle slope or ramp for easy access and avoid deep areas that could pose a drowning hazard.

Comfort and Enrichment for Your Pet-Friendly Garden

• Shade: Provide plenty of shade for your pet, especially during hot weather. Trees, shrubs, or shade sails can be effective options.
• Shelter: A pet-friendly shelter can offer a cozy retreat from the elements. Consider a dog house or a covered area with bedding.
• Enrichment: Keep your pet entertained with enrichment activities. Bury toys or treats in the garden, provide scratching posts for cats, or create a low-level obstacle course.

Practical Considerations for Your Pet-Friendly Garden

• Lawn Care: Choose pet-friendly lawn care products that are safe for your pet to play on. Avoid using harsh chemicals or pesticides.
• Waste Management: Provide designated areas for your pet to relieve themselves. Clean up waste promptly to prevent health hazards and unpleasant odors.
• Accessibility: Ensure your garden is accessible to your pet, especially if they have mobility issues. Consider creating ramps or pathways for easier navigation.

Additional Tips

• Socialization: If your pet is dog-friendly, consider hosting playdates with other pet owners. This can provide valuable socialization opportunities.
• Training: Train your pet to stay within the boundaries of your garden and to avoid digging or damaging plants. Positive reinforcement techniques can be highly effective.
• Customization: Make your garden unique to your pet’s preferences. Consider their breed, age, and personality when choosing plants, decorations, and activities.

By following these guidelines, you can create a beautiful and enjoyable outdoor space that your pet will love. Remember, a pet-friendly garden is a place where your furry friend can roam freely, play, and feel safe.

Is your garden safe for your pets?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing The South African. You can also send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021. Remember to follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

Artificial Intelligence assisted in compiling this article.

Stellies hold a 1-0 lead heading into the second leg of the MTN 8 semi-final.

The Winelands side will play the ‘home’ leg in Durban, taking away from the advantage they might have gleaned.

However Fawaaz Basadien’s second half spot-kick ensures they have a tangible edge with the one goal lead.

Where will Stellies finish in the Betway Premiership?

Stellies delighted to hold the edge over Sundowns

The well-orgnanised side will take some beating at Moses Mabhida stadium.

“Obviously delighted with the scoreline and result, it’s never easy to come to this stadium and play such a talented and quality team, and come away with a clean sheet and win,” said Barker.

“I just felt that we started the game really well, and we were a little unlucky with one or two transitions not to get an early goal, I think our tactical awareness and discipline was really spot on this evening.

“I thought our tactics of trying to deny them opportunities to control the game totally, we tried to be on the front foot and not allow them to have time and space, and utilise the quality they have on the ball.

“So it was never going to be easy to do that for 90 minutes, obviously they’re good enough that in certain situations we pressed and they came out, and we looked a little bit vulnerable, but I can only commend the team for their attitude and commitment this evening.”

Ready to suffer

“I knew we were going to have to suffer during periods of the game, and the players knew it, and those periods of suffering just unites us as a team, and just shows the character this team has.

“And we had to show that in periods of the game – especially the last 15-20 minutes, when Sage Stephens had to pull off some really big saves, so congratulations to him.

“But overall, I think we created enough of our own opportunities and I would like to see the second penalty shout – how close that was or not.

“But to now go away – or ‘home’ [in Durban] for the second leg with an advantage is a big plus for us, but we’re very mindful it’s only ‘half-time’.”

Stellenbosch FC face Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final second leg on Sunday 1 September.

Will Stellies win the first trophy of the season?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

Manyi who recently ditched the EFF was sworn in alongside corruption-accused former heads of state-owned enterprises Brian Molefe, Siyabonga Gama and Lucky Montana on Wednesday. Another Zuma loyalist Thulani Gamede whose name was removed on the eleventh hour from the list of MK Party members heading to the KZN legislature was also sworn in.

MK PARTY CONTINUES TO SHUFFLE ITS LEADERS

Manyi’s appointment as chief whip comes as the MK Party fired 18 members of Parliament earlier this month.

The members who are challenging their dismissal in the Western Cape High Court were fired to make way for the seven who were sworn in on Wednesday and eight others are yet to fill the vacant seats.

Following the dismissal, MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said many of those who were on the party’s candidate list should not have been there in the first place.

Ndhlela said their list was sabotaged and ended up including Zuma whom he said was not supposed to appear on the list.

Regarding Manyi’s appointment, Ndhlela said the former GCIS boss brings in a wealth of experience to the administrative yet political role.

Ndhlela said Manyi’s expertise will add impetus to the ongoing work within the MK Party, whilst building upon the foundation laid by Sihle Ngubane.

“Honourable Sihle will continue to serve as an ordinary member of the National Assembly as assigned to the committees he continues to participate in,” he added.

Recently, Zuma fired Arthur Zwane as the party’s secretary-general for the second time.

Zwane was initially fired in June but he was reinstated a few days later. Less than a month after reinstatement, he was fired again.

DO YOU THINK JIMMY MANYI WILL STILL BE THE MK PARTY CHIEF WHIP BY THE END OF THE YEAR?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

The Wall Street Journal on its front page, reported that Nvidia had a strong quarter amid investor jitters over the staying power of the AI boom.

The Daily Mail newspaper’s front page reported that motorists face a fuel hike under Starmer’s squeeze.

The Jerusalem Post’s front page reported that the IDF and Shin Bet recovered the body of a soldier killed on October 7.

The New York Times published a front-page article titled ‘At Least 10 Killed as Israeli Military Steps Up West Bank Raids.

The Guardian reports on its front page that a thinktank claims the Tories significantly understated the cost of asylum.

China Daily’s front page reported that the Integration of culture and tourism is gaining momentum, with technology playing a key role in fostering new business forms.

The Japan Times newspaper reported that Kyushu is bracing for the landfall of a strong typhoon.

According to The Times of India, the government plans to set up 12 industrial cities with an investment of ₹28.6 crore.

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In statement released on Thursday morning, Makhubele thanked the leadership of her South African Rainbow Alliance (SARA) but said MK Party would be the vehicle to bring about transformation in the country.

“My decision to join MK Party will only amplify the work we were doing in SARA, and I will ensure that I carry with me the values and ethics that bound us together,” Makhubele said.

Praising the MK Party as “beacon of hope to rally and unite African leaders”, she took a swipe at the ANC and other political parties constituting the so-called government of national unity (GNU).

“To the GNU ‘collaborators’ who are extremely excited by the never-imagined rare opportunity to govern with white supremacy in blue lights, the call for Africa is too daunting a task for you.”

Colleen Makhubele: COPE, SARA, now MK Party

Makhubele, who was speaker of the Johannesburg council between October 2022 and November 2023, started SARA in late 2023 after she was expelled from Congress of the People (COPE).

COPE fired her for allegedly establishing SARA without permission but she claims she was axed “because I had the courage to voice my ambitions”.

Starting SARA ahead of the 2024 elections, Makhubele aimed for a 1% share of the national electoral pie but South Africans rejected her party emphatically, give her 4,796 votes – a 0.03% share.

In Gauteng and Limpopo, the only two provinces SARA contested, the party garnered 0.07% and 0.05% of the vote respectively.

It is unclear if she also believes that the elections were rigged, as MK Party argues without evidence, but three days after the polls, she posted her appreciation for the support SARA received.

“Thank you to all our SARA voters, supporters, prayer warriors and friends,” she posted on X (Twitter).

Makhubele’s move to MK Party comes in the wake of other high-profile defections.

Two weeks ago, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) co-founder Floyd Shivambu quit the Red Berets to join the Zuma-led party.

Shivambu wished the EFF “full prosperity and success” as he exited the party to throw his lot in with MK Party. A week later, Shivambu was announced as the national organiser for South Africa’s third-largest party.

Zuma ally Mzwanele Manyi also quit the EFF, a party he joined in 2023. Manyi, formerly a member of the ANC, All Africa Decolonisation Congress, African Transformation Movement and recently EFF, is now the MK party’s chief whip in the National Assembly.

Do you think Makhubele will move the needle for MK Party?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

‘THE MOMMY CLUB: SUGAR AND SPICE’

Losh Naidoo stars alongside her twin sister Resh Naidoo on Showmax’s The Mommy Club: Sugar and Spice. This is a spin-off from The Mommy Club, which stars nine affluent Indian mothers from Durban, and their colourful extended families who assist them in running their empires and raising their heirs.

So, who are the mommies?

• Abigail Nepaul (41)
• Asharia Parsad (27)
• Christina Devraj (26)
• Davina Knowles (43)
• Kim Jones (33)
• Lenore Goss-Matjie (45)
• Neetasha Singh Bugwandin (36)
• Twins Losh and Resh Naidoo (45)
  

Q&A WITH LOSH NAIDOO

What can viewers expect from the rest of the season?

Viewers can expect a lot of character development and insight into my life’s journey. I think that’s as all the moms get to know each other better and get more comfortable in front of the screen. We all are more confident in expressing ourselves and having more real conversations.

How do you incorporate your professional life into the series? 

I do work a full time job as an Occupational Therapist so it was a crazy juggle. I had some days where I changed from scrubs into glam wear at work before shoots and other days where I had to take leave from work to make it happen. I am so proud of what we do as Occupational Therapists and am so glad the we were able to showcase that on the show.

How did it feel showing off your family on TV?

I think showing of your family on TV naturally does come with a bit of apprehension but my girls loved the experience so I loved that for them. It easily became a bonding opportunity and I was glad that my girls got to embrace thinking out of the box and taking chances.

What are some of the things you’ve learnt from filming The Mommy Club: Sugar and Spice?

I have learnt and grown a lot in terms of confidence from being on the show. Also I have learnt that we are all not everyone’s cup of tea and that we naturally gravitate towards like minded individuals. Also it is a TV show, Soni also learnt that people on and off the screen personalities don’t always align.

Which ladies did you form the closest bond with?

Of course my twin sister Resh is my ride or die on and off the screen but I also loved Kim and am really close with her.

Take a look at Lenore also answering some burning questions about The Mommy Club: Sugar and Spice.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF ‘THE MOMMY CLUB: SUGAR AND SPICE’?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1

You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

NOTE: This is an updated article with the latest fuel projections

Both petrol and diesel are forecast to see massive decreases at the pumps early next month.

Below, the latest projections as received by The South African website from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), effective Wednesday, 28 August.

If the market conditions were to remain consistent for the remainder of the month – an unlikely scenario with the rand/dollar exchange rate ever fluctuating and the oil price changing – a decrease of 86 cents is expected for petrol 93 octane motorists and a decrease of 94 cents for 95 users.

Meanwhile, diesel motorists would see something between a 76 and 103 cents per litre decrease.

Finally, illuminating paraffin is expected to decrease by 101 cents.

FUEL PRICE IN SOUTH AFRICA IMPACTED BY TWO MAIN FACTORS:

1. The international price of petroleum products, driven mainly by oil prices

2. The rand/dollar exchange rate used in the purchase of these products

Oil price

At the time of publishing the brent crude oil price is $77.75 a barrel.

Exchange rate

At the time of publishing the rand/dollar exchange rate is R17.75/$.

The final overall price changes for both petrol and diesel will be confirmed in the weeks ahead with the new prices coming into effect at midnight on Tuesday, 3 September.

Go easy on the accelerator until then, Mzansi.

The current AUGUST 2024 petrol and diesel prices (Inland and Coastal):

That’s according to the latest data from the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

For the latest financial news, bookmark The South African website’s dedicated section for free-to-read content

Rupert, 74, controls Richemont, one of the world’s largest luxury goods firms, which owns brands like Cartier and Montblanc.

According to the BBC website, his net worth has surged in recent weeks to $14.1 billion, placing him at 147th position globally, 11 places ahead of Dangote.

The Nigerian’s fortune has fallen by $1.7 billion this year, giving him a net worth of $13.4 billion.

Johann Rupert inherited the family business from his father

The rise in Johann Rupert’s net worth was buoyed by strong performances in the luxury goods sector.

As well as the Switzerland-based Richemont, his other holdings include Remgro, a South African investment vehicle with stakes in more than 30 companies, Bloomberg reports.

He inherited the family business from his father, Anton Rupert, and has expanded it from mostly tobacco to become a multi-billion-dollar luxury goods venture.

Meanwhile, the downturn in Aliko Dangote’s wealth underscores Nigeria’s challenging economic environment, where his conglomerate primarily operates.

Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office last year, he has introduced several economic reforms in Africa’s most populous nation, including the removal of fuel subsidies, which have contributed to high inflation, currently over 30%.

In addition, the sharp fall in the value of the naira has significantly affected Dangote, whose wealth is largely tied to assets denominated in the local currency.

The 66-year-old businessman made his wealth in the cement and sugar industries – and last year opened an oil refinery in Nigeria’s economic hub, Lagos.

Top 5

Meanwhile, another South African billionaire, Nicky Oppenheimer, was ranked the third richest person in Africa with a net worth of $11.3 billion, followed by Nassef Sawiris, an Egyptian businessman, with a fortune of $9.48 billion.

South African investor Natie Kirsh completed the top five African billionaires list with $9.1 billion.

The Bloomberg ranking monitors daily changes in the net worth of the world’s wealthiest individuals.

The title of Africa’s richest person will continue to change hands as market conditions fluctuate and businesses navigate complex challenges.

Numbers correct as at the time of publishing on Thursday, 29 August 2024

The three were sworn in alongside artist Eric “Penny Penny” Nkovane, former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) member Mzwanele Manyi, Zuma loyalist Thulani Gamede and Nompumelelo Gasa on Wednesday. 

CORRUPTION ACCUSED FORMER SOE CEOs JOIN MK PARTY

Brian Molefe has been involved with entities such as Telkom, the Airports Company of South Africa, the National Empowerment Fund, and the Export Credit Insurance Corporation. Brian was Chief Executive Officer of Transnet before his secondment as acting Chief Executive of Eskom in April 2015. He was appointed Group Chief Executive on 1 October 2015 and resigned in November 2016. 

As per Mail and Guardian, Molefe faces fraud, corruption, and money-laundering charges related to the inflated tender to procure 1 064 locomotives to upgrade the logistics company’s ageing fleet.

The Commission of inquiry into allegations of state capture found that Molefe was involved in the Gupta brothers looting Transnet coffers. He and former Transnet chief financial officer Anoj Singh are due back in court in October.

Likewise, Lucky Montana headed the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) between 2010 and 2015. He reportedly directed who should receive lucrative tenders.

On the other hand, Siyabonga Gama was arrested in 2022, along with three other former Transnet executives, and faces charges of corruption and money laundering.

The former executives are charged with contravening the Public Finance Management Act and fraud. The charges relate to millions of rand Transnet paid Trillian for organizing a R30 billion club loan to help buy 1,064 locomotives.

Lastly, Mzwanele Manyi, who recently ditched the EFF, has been appointed MK Party Chief Whip in Parliament. He takes over from Sihle Ngubane, who is now an ordinary MP.

Over the past five years, Manyi has moved through the ranks of five different political parties.

PARTY WELCOMES NEW MPs

The MK Party said the swearing in of the new members represents its leader Jacob Zuma’s commitment to assemble the most brilliant capable individuals in society.

Spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said undoubtedly, the new members have collective and individual capacities to gallantly lead South Africa and the continent into optimal prosperity.

“The MK Party is not only proud but we’re also confident that these leaders will bring about qualitative change to the lives of our people and nation,” he said.

DO YOU THINK THE NEWLY ELECTED MK PARTY MPs WILL FINISH THEIR TERMS IN PARLIAMENT?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

Save for the future with an Electronic 32Day Notice Account and get an interest rate of up to 8.80%. Apply now 

In some respite from the wet weather, the sun made an appearance for 48 hours in large parts of the Western Cape over the weekend, but rain return with a vengeance this week.

As reported by The South African website, a series of strong cold fronts during July and August brought both rain and snow to the Western Cape – with more in the forecast before spring does eventually arrives.

The six major dams in the Western Cape – the Berg River, Steenbras Lower, Steenberg Upper, Theewaterskloof, Voelvlei and Wemmershoek – have all seen increases in capacity.

Up on last year

The City of Cape Town uploaded its latest stats on Wednesday, 28 August.

The latest figures show the six dams are a combined 104.8% of total storage.

That’s marginally up from the 103% the previous week.

The current levels are also up on the same period a year ago when the combined percentage stood at 103.8%.

Theewaterskloof, which accounts for more than 50% of the province’s total dam capacity (480 188 MI of a total of 898 221 MI) is at 106.6% of capacity, while the next biggest dam, Voëlvlei (164 095 MI), is at 103.6%.

Western Cape residents need no reminding of life during the ‘Day Zero’ water crisis from mid-2017 to mid-2018.

Follow The South African website for the latest dam level news in the Western Cape

Do you have any pictures or videos of the weather, sunrise or sunset in your area?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1

You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest dam level news.

WESTERN CAPE DAM LEVELS

WCED’s intention and reasoning

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) communicated their intention to reduce teaching posts in July 2024. The plan is to reduce the current 37 135 to 34 728, a decrease of 2 407 posts.

Brent Walters, Head of Education in the Western Cape, said the department received only 64% of the cost of the public sector wage agreement. As a result, the province had to fund the remaining 36%, as reported by capetownetc.

The WCED has concluded the 2025 basket of posts consultation process with the relevant educator unions.

To cut spending, the WCED had frozen the recruitment of non-educator staff at head office and across districts.

“Despite a massive R2.5 billion worth of budget cuts, we still face a R3.8 billion budget shortfall over
the next three years.”
Brent Walters, Head of Education in the Western Cape

Business Live reported that the provincial education department is facing a R3.8 billion budget shortfall over the next three years.

Walters stated that ‘the reality is that the costs related to the employment of educators outweigh’ the department’s budget. He emphasised that the only choices the department has are to either run into the red financially or to reduce the number of educators in the system, albeit less than ideal.

SADTU’s reaction to reducing teaching posts

The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) issued a statement in which it states that it ‘rejects, with the contempt it deserves’ the WCED’s proposal.

SADTU stated that they acknowledge the reduction of the WCED budget, however, they are not convinced that the department explored all areas where they could reduce spending. SADTU Western Cape suggested a few alternatives for possible redirection of funding, e.g. putting the Systemic Evaluations on hold.

According to SADTU, the poor working-class communities will bear the brunt of the reduction of teaching posts as quality public education is the only way out for the poor to escape the cycle of poverty.

“Education remains one of the key areas that will address the current financial meltdown in the country, and as a union we have a firm belief that cost containment measures should never be applied to social services that are rendered to the citizens of this country.”
SADTU

Schools will receive their 2025 basket of post allocations on 30 August 2024.

Do you side with the WCED or SADTU on the matter?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article.
You can also email info@thesouthafrican.com or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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The motion set for Friday, 30 August, is sponsored by the African National Congress (ANC) which is reportedly considering forming a coalition with ActionSA.

ActionSA is part of the current multi-party coalition government in the metro. The ANC and ActionSA recently partnered in the City of Johannesburg, and this move saw Kabelo Gwamanda from Al Jama-ah removed as executive mayor and ActionSA caucus leader Nobuhle Mthembu elected speaker of the council.

TSHWANE MAYOR WANTS TO PREVENT OUSTING

In the court papers addressed to the speaker of council, Brink’s lawyers asked for the motion to be postponed arguing that he was not given enough time to respond.

“Our client cannot do so between the two days between when you gave him the notice and the council meeting.

“As the executive mayor, our client has the right to know the charges against him and a fair opportunity to take steps to defend himself adequately against them, which requires collecting and preparing evidence and submissions to the council.”

Earlier on Wednesday, political parties said they remain committed to the multi-party coalition and backed the Tshwane mayor.

Freedom Front Plus’ Grandi Theunissen pledged his party’s support and assured that said they remain fully committed to the coalition as the party has contributed a lot in the stabilisation of the metro.

“We are fully committed to remain here, to keep a stable coalition on its root. The root is to make sure that the service delivery in the city is on course,” he said.

Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson in Tshwane Kwena Moloto said the local working relationship between the DA, ActionSA, and other coalition partners remains strong.

Moloto said there was no indication from any party that they intended to disrupt this stability.

“Tshwane continues to serve as a beacon of hope for Gauteng residents, demonstrating that local government can be effective. We believe that no party would seek to undermine this stable and prosperous multi-party government only to open the doors for those who crippled Tshwane in the past,” she emphasised.

DO YOU THINK THE TSHWANE MAYOR WILL SUCCEED IN INTERDICTING HIS OUSTING?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

However, these gains were later offset by external pressures. Global market volatility, driven by concerns over rising interest rates in major economies and geopolitical tensions, created a risk-averse environment, leading investors to seek safer assets like the US dollar. The rand also faced pressure from South Africa’s reported trade deficit, which raised concerns about the country’s external position. Lower commodity prices, particularly for key exports like platinum and gold, further weighed on the rand, reflecting broader trends in global commodities markets. As a result, the rand lost 30 cents by Wednesday and closed at R18 against the dollar on Thursday.

Domestically, ongoing energy supply issues and infrastructure challenges continued to impact economic performance, leading to a cautious outlook. The recent load shedding measures, although somewhat mitigated, underscored the fragility of South Africa’s power sector and its potential impact on economic stability. However, by Friday, the US Federal Reserve Chairman, Jerome Powell, announced that it was time for America to consider cutting interest rates amid recession concerns. This led to a sharp drop in the dollar, causing the rand to gain 32 cents, ending the week on a positive note.

Upcoming market events

Thursday, 29 August

ZAR – PPI

USD – GDP growth rate

Friday, 30 August

ZAR – Balance of trade and budget balance

USD – PCE price index

Get our Daily Rand Report delivered straight to your inbox every weekday to keep on top of everything happening with the ZAR. Check out the Sable International Currency Zone to get the latest live exchange rates and easily transfer your money into or out of South Africa.

A new study has ranked the most environmentally active countries in the world – taking into account countries with the most active environmentalists and environmental NGOs globally.

Arka researched the 50 most populated countries in the world to identify the ones with the most active environmentalists. 

The countries were selected based on the largest potential impact on the environment. Countries’ population, the amount of environmental political parties, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were gathered. Then, the amount of parties and organizations were added, divided by the population, to calculate how many organizations are available for one million inhabitants of each country. This data was analysed to create a scoring system, from a scale from 1-100. 

The United States ranked number one, hosting the most active environmentalists, with a composite score of 69. It also has the most environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs) of 1800. For one million Americans there are around 5 environmental organizations. American environmentalists are also very active in politics, with 12 political parties.

India then ranked as the second most environmentally active country in the world, with a score of 68. For 1.4 billion Indians, there are 1200 environmental NGOs. There is almost one environmental organization for 1 million people.

Germany took the third spot, with a composite score of 62.4. German environmentalists are also the most active in politics, with 14 political parties for 83.5 million habitants. This country has 18 environmental organizations and parties for 1 million people living there.

South Africa placed at number 16, with a composite score of 27.3, four political parties, 900 environmental NGOs and also 15 environmental organizations for 1 million people living there.

The top 10 countries ranked

The most environmentally aware countries which featured in the top 10 were as follows:

Were you surprised at how environmentally active SA is?

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Prosecutors on the Italian island are probing potential manslaughter offences over the sinking of the Bayesian yacht in a pre-dawn storm on August 19, which killed entrepreneur Mike Lynch, his daughter and five others.

15 people survived the tragedy

Captain James Cutfield, a New Zealand citizen who was one of 15 people who survived the tragedy, has been placed under investigation, his lawyer Aldo Mordiglia confirmed to AFP following media reports.

Engineer Tim Parker Eaton, who was in charge of the engine room that night, and a crewman on look-out named as Matthew Griffith have now also been placed under formal investigation, reports said.

Prosecutors on Saturday said their probe remained at an early stage, but have since declined to formally comment.

Nobody has yet been charged.

Italian media said Parker Eaton – who is British – is accused of not having properly checked that the yacht’s windows were closed and watertight compartments activated.

Lynch, 59, had invited friends and family onto the boat to celebrate his recent acquittal in a massive US fraud case.

But the 56-metre (185-foot) yacht was struck by something akin to a mini-tornado as it was anchored off Porticello, near Palermo, and sank within minutes.

The body of the yacht’s cook, Recaldo Thomas, was found shortly afterwards, and six people were reported missing.

The yacht had a 75-metre mast

Following a major search operation, divers pulled up the bodies of four of Lynch’s friends from the wreck – US lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda, and Jonathan Bloomer, the chair of Morgan Stanley International, and his wife Judy.

Lynch’s body was recovered the day afterwards and the following day, that of his 18-year-old daughter Hannah.

Lynch’s wife survived.

The yacht, which had a 75-metre mast, currently lies on its side on the seabed, some 50 metres down.

The Sicilian coastguard said on Tuesday it was carrying out checks on the site for potential pollution, but said so far there was no indication of fuel leaks.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

Five men and five women, who are “reportedly foreign nationals”, were on their way to Johannesburg when the accident happened just before midnight on Tuesday, the government said in a statement.

Bus driver was ‘new in his job’

“The bus drove over a roundabout… at high speed, lost control and overturned, killing and injuring its passengers in the process,” it said.

According to authorities, the driver was “new in his job, and not familiar with the surroundings”.

The injured passengers were taken to local hospitals.

South Africa has one of the most developed road networks on the continent but also one of the worst road safety records, in part due to reckless driving and vehicles that are not roadworthy.

In the worst road accident in South Africa this year, 45 people heading to a religious event were killed in March when their bus plunged off a bridge into a ravine in the north of the country.

The local government “has sent messages of condolences to the families of the deceased and has also urged motorists to be alert of their surroundings and drive with caution, at all times,” it said.

The South African website sends its condolences to all concerned.

Mashaba’s sentiment comes as his party and the African National Congress (ANC) reportedly consider forming a coalition. The two parties recently partnered in the City of Johannesburg, and this move saw Kabelo Gwamanda from Al Jama-ah removed as executive mayor and ActionSA caucus leader Nobuhle Mthembu elected speaker of the council.

FUTURE OF TSHWANE MAYOR HANGING A BALANCE?

Since the 2016 local government elections, the City of Tshwane has been governed through a multiparty coalition. Since then, there have been five mayors and four were from the DA.

According to reports, Brink will be ousted via a motion of no confidence so that a new mayor can be elected to lead the metro. In order to achieve this, the ActionSA and ANC would have to rope in the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) as the two do not have enough seats to govern on their own.

Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Brink said Mashaba has made a number of remarks that indicate that the party is considering some kind of a coalition with the ANC.

“We shouldn’t be worried given what our coalition has achieved, given the fact that nobody has withdrawn from the coalition agreement and that there is no outstanding dispute between the coalition parties. However, those statements from ActionSA are concerning,” he said.

Brink said they are concerned the most about the fact that ActionSA would have to rope in the EFF which then raises the spectre of the kind of chaos and mismanagement happening in Johannesburg.

Reacting to Brink’s sentiments, ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba said the DA will not prescribe to them who to coalesce with.

POLITICAL PARTIES BACK BRINK

During a media briefing on Wednesday, political parties said they remain committed to the multi-party coalition and backed the Tshwane mayor.

Freedom Front Plus’ Grandi Theunissen said they remain fully committed to the coalition as the party has contributed a lot in the metro.

“We are fully committed to remain here, to keep a stable coalition on its root. The root is to make sure that the service delivery in the city is on course,” he said.

DA spokesperson in Tshwane Kwena Moloto said the local working relationship between the DA, ActionSA, and other coalition partners remains strong.

Moloto said there was no indication from any party that they intended to disrupt this stability.

“Tshwane continues to serve as a beacon of hope for Gauteng residents, demonstrating that local government can be effective. We believe that no party would seek to undermine this stable and prosperous multi-party government only to open the doors for those who crippled Tshwane in the past,” she emphasised.

DO YOU THINK THE TSHWANE MAYOR WILL SURVIVE THE LOOMING NO CONFIDENCE MOTION?

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The Sendelingsdrift Rest Camp on the Richtersveld side of the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park now proudly boasts the country’s first desert botanical garden.

According to Tourism Update, this new garden is a collaboration between the South African National Parks (SANParks) and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), and features 24 themed floral beds showcasing the unique flora of South Africa’s desert biome.

The garden is the work of SANParks resident botanist Pieter van Wyk, who transformed an indigenous nursery in what is now the Richtersveld Desert Botanical Garden.

The Richtersveld region is renowned for having the highest percentage of succulent plants in the world. However, over 400 of these species are now threatened with extinction due to mining, poaching, overgrazing, and climate change.

SANParks to kick off National Parks Week 2024

South African National Parks (SAParks) also recently revealed the dates for their annual free access to national parks week.

In a statement, SANParks said that the 19th annual SA free access week will be held from 9 to 13 September 2024 and extended to 14 and 15 September at selected national parks.

“During this period free access is granted to most of the 21 national parks under the management of South African National Parks.” the parks body said in the statement.

The |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is on the list of national parks which will be free to visit during the National Parks Week.

What is free week?

Each year, SANParks hosts the free week as an initiative aimed at linking the SA national parks system to the global national movement and to showcase the best of South Africa’s national parks. The free week also provides all South Africans with the opportunity to explore their local National Park at absolutely no cost.

Free Week has seen an influx of day visitors in all participating parks since its inception in 2006. SANParks also uses this time to cultivate a sense of pride in South Africa’s natural, cultural and historical heritage as protected and preserved by the national parks system.

Will you be visiting the new desert botanical garden?

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National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza presided over the ceremony, where Molefe and Gama – along with former Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa CEO Lucky Montana – took their oaths and swore to be “faithful to the Republic of South Africa”.

Molefe, Gama (both charged with State Capture-era corruption at Transnet) and Montana were joined by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) defector Mzwanele Manyi and musician Gezani Eric Kobane – popularly known as Papa Penny – in becoming new MK Party MPs.

Kobane was previously an ANC councillor, before leaving in May 2024 to join MK Party.

Manyi was an EFF MP until two weeks ago, when he quit the party to join the Jacob Zuma-led MK Party.

Sworn-in along with the cohort of MK Party MPs were two EFF members, namely Sinawo Thambo and Nazier Paulsen, who were filling the EFF seats left vacant by Manyi and Floyd Shivambu’s departures from the Red Berets.

The other MPs who were sworn in are:

• Thembinkosi Siboniso Mjadu (MK Party)
• Nompumelelo Matilda Gasa (MK Party)
• Thulani Innocent Gamede (MK Party)

Battles over MP positions in MK Party

The swearing in of the eight new MK Party MPs is certain to cause further ructions within the party.

Last week, 10 out of 18 fired MK Party MPs approached the Western Cape High Court on an urgent basis, in a bid to nullify their expulsions from the party and consequently, the National Assembly.

There were also asking the court to halt the swearing in of replacement MPs. The case was postponed to 3 September 2014.

The aggrieved MPs, who were fired on 7 August 2024, contend that their signatures were forged on the proffered resignation letters.

They claimed they were being muscled out in order for the MK Party to replace them with EFF defectors.

Molefe returns to Parliament

This is not Molefe’s first stint as an MP. He represented the ANC in the National Assembly for a little under three months in 2017, joining the House on 23 February and resigning on 12 May.

When he was sworn in 2017, he was filling in a vacancy as representative of the ANC from the North West but on Wednesday, he joined the National Assembly representing KwaZulu-Natal.

Similarly to Manyi, Molefe – who is also a former Eskom CEO – is now representing his second different political party in Parliament.

The 33-year-old woman, who has not yet been identified, but who is from Motherwell in Nelson Mandela Bay, was arrested at the airport along with two Nigerian nationals, aged 37 and 52.

While the Hawks have not yet revealed the origin or South African base of the two men, they are believed to have been awaiting the woman’s arrival at the airport.

Eastern Cape drug mules

This is not the first high-profile and large quantity narcotics smuggling case to be linked to Port Elizabeth and the Eastern Cape.

In 2011, Nolubabalo “Babsie” Nobanda made international headlines when she was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand.

Nobanda, who was notoriously dubbed “Druglocks” after she was found to have concealed a large quantity of cocaine in her dreadlocks, was “recruited” in Port Elizabeth.

Hawks ‘pounce’ on drug mule at OR Tambo

According to the Hawks, Tuesday’s arrested came after the suspected drug mule had recently left the country for Brazil – allegedly to shop for her “upcoming wedding”.

She was then apprehended at the airport in Kempton Park when she returned to South Africa on Tuesday morning.

10kg of cocaine seized

Gauteng provincial spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (also known as the Hawks), Captain Lloyd Ramovha, said the Germiston-based Hawks team had “pounced on the unsuspecting 33-year-old traveller”.

“A search to her luggage revealed the consignment of narcotics, which was established to be 10 kilograms of cocaine,” said Ramovha.

Images supplied by the Hawks show the attempt to conceal the narcotics in both sweets and their wrappers, as well as in the lining of the suspect’s luggage.

Hawks apprehend two Nigerian suspects

Accompanied by customs officials and sniffer dogs, the Hawks team scoured the airport for accomplices or anyone who may have been there to assist the woman.

They then identified and monitored the two Nigerian suspects at the international arrivals section there.

Ramovha said the team approached the two men, who were then taken in for questioning.

He explained that the suspects had claimed they had been waiting for a traveller from elsewhere, but could not produce any proof to substantiate their claim.

“It was eventually established that they were actually waiting for the arrested drug mule originating from Motherwell in Port Elizabeth,” revealed Ramovha.

Confirming the Nigerian nationality of the 37- and the 52-year-old men, the spokesperson said all three suspects were scheduled to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 29 August 2024.

OR Tambo drug busts

Last month, IOL reported that a Brazilian national appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court in Gauteng after attempting to smuggle drugs through OR Tambo International Airport.

Brazilian national Risclift Tadue Ramos, 36, was arrested by the Hawks after he was found in possession of four kilograms of cocaine. The narcotics had been wrapped in cling wrap and hidden on his body.

Black frost destroys potato production

Mohammed Adam, a buyer from M&R Marketing, stated that the main reason for the coming potato shortage is the ‘natural phenomena of the black frost which hit the Limpopo farming areas quite severely this year’.

Black frost occurs when the atmosphere is dry and causes extensive damage and blackening of plants.

M&R Marketing is based at Epping Fresh Produce Market and specialises in exporting and distributing fresh fruit and vegetables, according to IOL.

As for potato production in other provinces, the Western Cape is not in full production yet, and neither are the Northern Cape or other parts of the country.

Less yield, higher price, experts weigh in

“The volume of potatoes will drop. There will be less volume and the prices will increase.”
Mohammed Adam, M&R Marketing buyer

The Fortress for the Commercial Farmer in South Africa general manager, Bennie van Zyl, said the shortage of potatoes will have a negative impact on both distributors and farmers.

According Potatoes SA’s Ferdinand Coetzee’s prediction, farmers will lose approximately 7.4 million 10kg bags of potatoes due to the frost. That translates to 3% of the total potato harvest in South Africa and 13% of Limpopo’s potato harvest.

Coetzee added that they expect the sizes of potatoes to also be impacted significantly. The consumable yield will most likely include fewer large and extra-large-sized potatoes.

Consumers should see better prices again by November. This is when yields are expected to improve as potato crops recover from black frost, said Adam in an interview.

Not the only reason for increased potato prices in 2024

Although South Africa has not experienced load shedding for some time, it has affected the price of potatoes significantly. The regular load shedding has caused disruption in the agricultural sector. It has caused farmers all over the country to experience production losses.

According to Business Tech, the price of potatoes increased by 80.82% between 2017 and 2024.

Knowing that the prices will increase soon, will you buy more potatoes now than you would usually buy or not?

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Enhance critical care

This is according to Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, who opened the new extended wing together with Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, and the Roy McAlpine Foundation.

The additional wing is expected to enhance critical care and specialist training. 

Since its establishment 33 years ago, the burns unit at the hospital has admitted over 30 000 patients and performed more than 40 000 burn-related surgical procedures.

“The opening of this new wing is more than just an expansion of physical space; it represents a crucial step forward in our ability to provide lifesaving world-class care to the hundreds of patients who depend on the public health system. 

“This centre of excellence will go a long way in ensuring that more patients, both adults and children, can be counted among those whose dignity was restored post severe burns,” explained Nkomo-Ralehoko. 

According to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital Head of Burns Unit, Professor Adelin Muganza, the facility’s expansion includes 12 newly- equipped intensive care unit (ICU) beds and a new operating theatre to reduce delays in surgical procedures – a critical factor in treating severe burns.

The unit also boasts office space, a large outpatient service area ensuring that more patients receive timely follow-up care, and rehabilitation spaces for occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, and recreational activities. 

Recovery of burn victims

According to Muganza, all these are essential for the holistic recovery of burn victims, including a skin substitute laboratory to improve the training of specialists and patient outcomes through cutting-edge research.

The impact of this expansion is already being felt by patients such as 29-year-old Nontleko Sithole from George Goch in Johannesburg who suffered burns to her body and face. 

She was admitted to the Wits Roy McAlpine Burns Unit earlier this month after a devastating fire at her home, which sadly claimed her grandmother.

“I am impressed and happy with how the hospital treated my wounds and amazed about the progress I am making so far. I never thought I was going to recover so quickly, but now I am positive because of the work done on me by the healthcare workers,” she said. 

Severely burned after collapsing

Another patient, Bafana Alex Ntombela from Pimville, Soweto, was severely burned after collapsing onto a hotplate stove, causing significant injuries to the lower part of his body. 

“I thought my life was over after seeing how badly I was burned. I underestimated Bara and its staff, but they surprised me with the treatment they gave me. They counselled me, and I have hope that I will recover. The progress of my healing is amazing.”

The facility is set to recruit additional specialists, medical officers, and nurses, further strengthening its capacity to meet the growing healthcare needs of the community.

This milestone underlines the GDoH’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and preparing for the National Health Insurance (NHI) by expanding and upgrading facilities to meet the increasing demand for healthcare services.

The facility will also significantly improve burns services not only in Gauteng but also across South Africa and the broader Southern African Development Community region.

The South African website applauds all those involved in the upgrading of the burn unit.

The trend over the last three months has mirrored similar results over the last few years.

The latest report paints a bleak picture for newspapers, whether they be daily, weekly or weekend only, while magazines are clinging grimly to a slightly brighter future.

Overall, newspaper circulation in Mzansi declined in Q2 2024 year on year (YOY) and quarter on quarter (QoQ) according to the Audit Bureau of Circulations.

The quarter’s 13.7% decrease QoQ was much bigger than the 1.6% decline in Q1 2024. YoY the decline was even worse at 17.3%.

The quarter saw a total combined circulation of 5,280,761 for all newspaper categories.

Daily newspapers

According to BizCommunity, the circulation for daily newspapers in Q2 stood at 208,810, which represented just over a one percent increase quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) and an 18% decline year-on-year (YoY).

The once popular Cape Times (7,877) and Cape Argus (7,379), although they showed increases over the last quarter, were down a whopping 24.9% and 27.7%, respectively, year-on-year.

Weekly newspapers

Weekly newspapers had both QoQ and YoY declines, by 4.4% and 11.9%, respectively.

The category had a circulation of 118,557 in Q2.

Daily Maverick was the only publication to show increases both QoQ and YoY, while Soccer Laduma was the biggest loser with a decrease of 12.4% (QoQ) and a staggering 40.4% YoY.

Weekend newspapers

The weekend category’s QoQ decrease was 8.3%, while the YoY saw a devastating 26.3% drop.

Little wonder then that the Media24 stable has elected to either sell – or cull – many of their weekend newspapers.

Meanwhile, there was better news for consumer magazine publishers in particular.

Q2 2024 saw magazines build on their momentum from Q1 2024, when magazines enjoyed a 7.6% growth.

Overall, the magazine category had a 2.9% rise QoQ and an 18.4% increase YoY highlighting the resilience of the magazine industry.

The circulation for consumer magazines in Q2 2024 stood at 929,207.

Below, total circulation figures for a selection of the more popular consumer magazines, both in English and Afrikaans, in South Africa for Q2.

For the full list, visit BizCommunity.

Will you miss newspapers when they’re gone?

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Most of these are African and Asian nations. However, South Africa, with all its passport troubles has not been included in Brazil’s visa restrictions.

SOUTH AFRICA EXCLUDED FROM BRAZIL VISA RESTRICTIONS

South Africa and Botswana were recently removed from Ireland’s visa-free list of nations.

One of the reasons was that increased numbers of “travellers” were allegedly entering Ireland with South African passports.

The other reason was so that Ireland could align its entry requirements with those of the United Kingdom and Europe.

PORTUGUESE CONNECTIONS

Brazil’s new visa restrictions on a list of nations even include countries which are also Portuguese-speaking ones.

Under these new visa restrictions citizens of Angola, Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau now need visas to enter Brazil. The restriction came into place on 26 August.

Angola, Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau are Portuguese-speaking countries, just like Brazil.

They indeed belong to the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLC), an international organization and political association of Lusophone nations across five continents, where Portuguese is an official language. 

VISAS FOR SADC COUNTRIES

Brazil in fact allows unrestricted entry to few SADC nations. These include Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and the Seychelles.

Passport holders from Angola, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe must obtain visas to enter Brazil.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is a regional economic community comprising 16 Member States.

Members include Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

INTENTIONS BEHIND BRAZIL VISA RESTRICTIONS

These visa requirements were reportedly implemented to prevent migrants from various countries using Brazil to reach countries such as the United States and Canada, where they seek asylum.

However, a report by the Federal Police found that the majority of immigrants who request asylum do not have justification for refugee status.

The document showed that more than 70% of the requests for asylum made at airports come from people of Indian, Nepalese or Vietnamese nationality.

Somalia, Cameroon, Ghana and Ethiopia are among the remaining 30% of asylum applicants.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING ROUTE

According to a report by the Federal Police, many foreigners travel to Brazil en route to other countries. They then cross the border into Peru, continuing through Latin America until they reach the United States and Canada.

Brazil has implemented these visa restrictions as a result of allegations that it is being used as a human trafficking route by criminal organisations.

Will you travel to Brazil, using this visa-free arrangement?

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This was the complaint put forward by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on Tuesday, after he led an early-morning raid on hijacked buildings in Durban’s city centre.

KZN illegal foreigners filling up jails

During the raid, South African Police Service (SAPS) members arrested 123 illegal foreigners people and Mkhwanazi lamented the issue of space constraints in their jails.

“We have been running these operations almost on a daily basis and we’re making these successes.

“Our biggest problem, especially when it comes to undocumented persons, [is that] we’re running out of space to lock them up. That is the unfortunate challenge that we have,” he said.

Mkhwanazi also added that the frequency and successes of these raids meant police were recovering more weapons than they could store.

“The number of firearms that we are recovering in the province…We have had a recent engagement with the NPA [National Prosecuting Authority], as well the judiciary, in order to try and prevent these firearms from being kept mostly at police stations, for the purpose of them being evidence in courts.

“It is quite a number of guns we are collecting as a province,” said the Mkhwanazi.

The Tuesday raid involved police, Durban Metro Police Service, Correctional Services, Home Affairs and other law-enforcement agencies, and it recovered:

• Counterfeit dollars
• Weapons and ammunition
• Large volumes of liquors
• Cocaine and crystal meth

Six buildings were raided, with illegal occupants found in one eThekwini municipality-owned property.

“A person who was allegedly collecting rent money from illegal residents of that building was taken in for questioning,” SAPS said.

KZN police commissioner: Praised and criticised

Mkhwanazi and his officers have been on a crime-fighting blitz in recent months, with many South Africans lauding their successes.

In contrast, some sections of society – particularly crime commentators – have complained about KwaZulu-Natal police’s supposed heavy-handedness when dealing with criminal suspects.

But Mkhwanazi seems unfazed by the criticism, telling Newzroom Afrika‘s Xoli Mngambi last Thursday that it is difficult to debate so-called experts who are not in the field.

“An operation of the police is better known by a police officer,” he said. “It seems policing is becoming a profession that is taken for granted.”

He invited those who continually criticise police work to join officers on raids, as reservists.

“Anyone who has an opinion or a suggestion to make, they know how to get hold of us,” he said.

What has impressed or disappointed you about KZN police in recent months?

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However, team boss James Vowles ultimately opted for Williams’ own junior rookie, Argentine Franco Colapinto. “Axing Sargeant mid-season is not a decision we’ve taken lightly. But we believe this gives Williams the best chance to compete for points over the remainder of the season. We brought a large upgrade to the car and need to maximise every points-scoring opportunity in a remarkably tight midfield battle,” explained Vowles.

AXING SARGEANT MID-SEASON

He admits it must be ‘incredibly tough’ for Sargeant, but added the team will support him to continue his racing career in the future. Williams’ Alex Albon reacted on social media saying: “I know first-hand how brutal this sport can be and it’s tough to see Logan leave the team mid-season. You gave it your all, brother, and it’s been a pleasure being teammates with you. I know whatever you do next, you’ll be awesome.”

Vowles’ former boss Toto Wolff admits another option for Williams was the Mercedes junior Kimi Antonelli. But it would not have been wise to disturb his progression and put him in a Williams F1 car. It is also believed that Liam Lawson was Vowles’ next top pick after axing Sargeant. However, locked in a fierce mid-field battle with the Red Bull sister team, they chose not release the Kiwi to one its competitors.

ARGENTINA BACK ON THE GRID

Argentinean Franco Colapinto (21) will vacate the race seat after Abu Dhabi to make way for Carlos Sainz, signed for 2025. The Ferrari driver will join Williams at a notably ambitious moment for the Grove-based team. Williams unveiled its first major car upgrade of 2024 last weekend, which Sargeant summarily flung into a Zandvoort barrier during free practice.  

Worse still for the team, Albon’s upgraded car was excluded from qualifying when the new floor was found to be too wide and therefore illegal. Sainz told Spanish news at Zandvoort that this was somewhat alarming: “I will find out what happened. I will ask and I find out for sure.” – with GMM

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE AMERICAN DRIVER BEING CUT MID-SEASON?

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SASSA PAYMENT DATES FOR SEPTEMBER

SASSA distributes grants and allowances to disadvantaged people who require financial assistance in South Africa.

Beneficiaries can receive SASSA payments from selected supermarkets, such as Pick n Pay, Boxer, USave merchants, Checkers, and Shoprite. They can obtain this through their SASSA card, CashSend, or by getting the amount directly transferred into their bank account.

If you are a beneficiary or know of someone who is, you may be wondering when the relevant grant payments will be made.

Older persons and their associated grants will be paid first on Tuesday, 3 September, followed by disability grants and child grants on the dates as below:

• Older Persons/ Pensioners Grant: Tuesday, 3 September
• Disability Grant: Wednesday, Wednesday, 4 September
• All other Grants: Thursday, 5 September

TYPES OF GRANTS AND AMOUNTS:

Child Support Grant – If you are in financial need, you can receive a grant to help you raise your child. You will need to be the child’s primary caregiver (i.e. parent, grandparent, or child over the age of 16 leading the family) and pass the means test. You will receive R510 a month for each child. If you are a primary caregiver for an orphaned child, you will receive R750 per month for each child (the R500 CSG and the R250 top-up). 

Find out more about the Child Support Grant and how to apply here

Foster Child Support – If you have a foster child, you will also be eligible to receive a grant. A foster child is someone who has been placed in your care by the court as a result of being orphaned, abandoned, abused, at risk, or neglected. The foster child support is R1 130 per month per child. 

Find out more about the Foster Child Grant and how to apply here

Care Dependency Grant – As per SASSA, this grant is for individuals who are looking after children with severe disabilities that may require full-time and special care. This grant covers children from birth until they reach the legal age of 18 and equates to R2 090 per month per child. 

Find out more about the Care Dependency Grant and how to apply here

Disability Grant – This grant is available to individuals who have a mental and/or physical disability that inhibits them from working for longer than 6 months. Individuals are offered a temporary disability grant if their ailment lasts for a continuous period of 6-12 months and a permanent grant if it continues for more than a year. It is important to note that a permanent disability grant does NOT mean that you will receive the grant for your whole life, but rather, that it will continue for longer than 12 months. The maximum payout for a disability grant is R2 090 per month. 

Find out more about the Disability Grant and how to apply here

Pensioners Grant (Older Person’s Grant) – This grant is given to individuals who are older (60 years or plus) and can no longer work and earn a salary. People from ages 60 to 75 years old will receive R2 090 per month, whilst those older than 75 will receive R2 100 per month. 

Find out more about the Older Person’s Grant and how to apply here

HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED ANY ISSUES REGARDING THE PAYMENT OF SASSA SOCIAL GRANTS?

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Cape Town has been gripped by icy, wet and windy weather conditions in the last 48 hours which has resulted in widespread damage, as reported by The South African website.

While the sun is expected to shine for the rest of the week, temperatures remain cold as spring struggles to break through.

The six major dams in the Western Cape are all at over 100% of capacity at present.

Meanwhile, the Table Mountain aerial cableway is currently closed for maintenance, but is expected to reopen on 2 September 2024.

Did you spot snow on Table Mountain?

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You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest weather news.

“These dismissals are part of 81 appeal matters recorded by the Department, which include 55 dismissals, 25 suspensions and one warning.

These appeals were lodged by officials who were found guilty of serious misconduct.

“The misconduct in question ranged from fraud, theft, sexual harassment and bringing the department into disrepute to absenteeism, abuse of state vehicles and insubordination,” the department said.

‘Strong deterrent against future misconduct’

The department said it is confident that the finalisation of the matters will “serve as a strong deterrent against future misconduct and unprofessional behaviour among its officials”.

“The [DJCOD] remains resolute in its commitment to finalise all appeals lodged with the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and continues to strengthen its internal controls to combat any conduct that undermines its ability to deliver justice services effectively and efficiently.

“The consequence management measures implemented underscores the Department’s dedication to clean governance.

“All outstanding appeal matters are currently being processed expeditiously and will be concluded in due course.

The Department remains committed to fostering a professional working environment, upholding the rule of law and ensuring transparency and accountability to the public,” the DJCOD concluded.

Good start by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, keep it up.

WOMEN AT FORD SOUTH AFRICA

*Video: Ford South Africa on YouTube

‘TANNIE FORD’

Trudy Pitout began working at Ford South Africa in the East Vaal service department in 1982. Her determined attitude and passion for helping people quickly saw her move to the sales department at the age of 17. In 2021, she was named a finalist in the Women Motoring of the Year Awards and has received numerous other awards. Trudy is affectionately known as ‘Tannie Ford’, a nickname she wears with pride.

WORKING A MEGA FACTORY

Motubatse Elize Pete began her journey with Ford South Africa in 2022 as a Production Process Coach, before becoming a Scheduling Analyst in 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Technology in Mechatronic Engineering and an Advanced Diploma in Business Management. But let’s not forget to mention her Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration. A deep love for robotics, cars and engineering shaped her unique study path.

Elize wanted to do something that was challenging, multi-disciplinary and provided the ‘mega-factory’ experience she craved. Her advice for other women is to expose themselves to everything in the industry and position yourself to succeed. Trust your instincts, do not let fear deter you, do it even if you’re afraid, be confident and live in the moment.

MASTER ENGINEER

Yuliia Varchuk is a Programs and Engineering manager at Ford South Africa, after starting her journey with Ford Russia in 2004. At seven years old the Iron Curtain fell, and she saw her first foreign movie, with a woman in jeans driving a red Ford pickup truck. This image of freedom and self expression inspired Yuliia. At 15 years old her dream was to design a car, or have the skill to build or restore one.

There were few higher education opportunities in Saint Petersburg, and even fewer that focused on the automotive sphere. So, she started working as close to engines as she could get, as an apprentice foreman in aircraft-production. Fast forward 26 years and Yuliia works for Ford South Africa, drives a Ranger, and can rebuild any vehicle she chooses. A strong advocate for women to pursue careers in the science, technology and engineering, Varchuk admits that her blood is blue, and she continues to inspire women to bring new talent to previously male-dominated fields.

FIRST WOMAN IN THE WORKSHOP

Nicolien de Beer proves that despite her youth, she’s not easily intimidated. She currently works for Ford South Africa at Motus Rhodesfield in Kempton Park. During her matric year, the dealership was scouting for learners focusing on physics and math. Nicolien applied and is now a Diagnostic Technician. At the time she was one of the first women in the workshop but as a valued member of the team she receives the help and support from all her colleagues to learn and grow.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK IN THE AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com. You can also send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Don’t forget to follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest social media updates.

During her tenure as Polokwane municipality mayor, Simelane reportedly took a loan of R575 600 from Gundo Wealth Solutions, a corrupt brokerage investment company that facilitated connections and “investments” between municipalities, including the Polokwane Municipality, and VBS.

THEMBI SIMELANE’S ALLEGED LINKS TO VBS MUTUAL BANK

As previously reported, shortly after securing two deposits totalling R130 million from the Polokwane Municipality in October 2016, VBS reportedly sent Gundo Wealth Solutions owner Ralliom Razwinane a payment of R1.66 million, who then funnelled R575 600 to Simelane through a company named Ricovert, which owned the Silvanas Coffee Shop in Sandton at the time. 

Razwinane is currently on trial for fraud, corruption, and money laundering related to the VBS saga.

On Wednesday, Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa has requested a detailed report and briefing from Simelane on the matter.

POLITICAL PARTIES REACT

ActionSA has filed a complaint with the Public Protector against Simelane.

ActionSA caucus leader in Parliament Athol Trollip said they believe this is a clear case of an apparent conflict of interest, with the integrity of the justice system under her stewardship at stake.

Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has called for Simelane to resign.

The party said as mayor, Simelane played a pivotal role in enabling these unlawful deposits into VBS Mutual Bank—deposits that were part of a larger scheme involving multiple municipalities and state entities across South Africa.

The VBS scandal saw over R2 billion looted, devastating the lives of thousands of ordinary South Africans, many of whom lost their life savings in this fraudulent scheme.

“It has also been uncovered that Gundo Wealth Solutions was not a legitimate credit provider and had no legal basis to offer loans, exposing Simelane’s ‘commercial loan’ as a bribe thinly veiled as a business transaction. This scandal is not just a tale of financial mismanagement; it is a stark example of the rot within the ANC’s leadership,” the party said. 

The EFF further accused Simelane of exploiting her position for personal gain as she was entrusted with safeguarding public funds, yet she chose to engage in corrupt dealings. 

DO YOU THINK JUSTICE MINISTER THEMBI SIMELANE WILL STEP ASIDE FROM HER DUTIES?

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Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke presented the consolidated general report on local government audit outcomes on Tuesday, 27 August.

CITY OF CAPE TOWN ACHIEVES ANOTHER CLEAN AUDIT

Outcomes of the municipalities (including those finalised after 31 March 2024) are as follows:
•    34 clean audits
•    110 unqualified with findings 
•    90 qualified with findings
•    Six adverse findings
•    14 disclaimed with findings
•    Three outstanding audits

Maluleke said while 45 municipalities have improved their audit outcomes since 2020-21 [which was the last year of the previous administration’s term], 36 have regressed.

The Auditor-General lamented that poor financial stability and controls directly impact the lives of communities living in municipalities.

“Wasted money and resources means reduced funding for service delivery priorities and, eventually, a greater burden on taxpayers. The lack of credible reporting on performance and finances weakens municipal accountability processes and the council’s ability to assess the municipality’s performance or make decisions in response to underachievement.

“These continuing failures in the most critical part of municipal operations are not receiving the necessary attention from the elected leadership,” she said.

However, not all is lost as Maluleke also revealed that 18 municipalities, mostly in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and North West improved as they did not received disclaimed audit opinions during the current administration. 

City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Councillor Siseko Mbandezi said they are proud to have a clean audit, but to be the only metro in South Africa to get a clean audit is a real concern.

Mbandezi said that this recognition means that public money earmarked for service delivery is spent correctly, transparently, and within all the requirements of the legislation governing public spending. The residents ultimately win when the government performs well.

WHAT CHARACTERISES A CLEAN AUDIT?

According to the Auditor-General, clean audits are generally characterised by:

• Sound financial and performance management disciplines and performing their functions in accordance with applicable legislation.
• Well-managed projects, enabling prompt identification and rectification of deficiencies to adhere to timelines, budgets and quality standards.
• A well-functioning control environment and good systems that are present at these municipalities.

WHAT DO YOU THINK HINDERS MAJORITY OF SA MUNICIPALITIES FROM ACHIEVEING CLEAN AUDITS?

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September claims Matrose’s return to Gqeberha should not be interpreted as a setback for the 21-year-old. Matrose, who is from Walmer in Gqeberha, moved to Pirates from the Chilli Boys a little more than 18 months ago.

Orlando Pirates didn’t want him but Chippa welcome Azola Matrose home

He failed to make a top-flight appearance for Orlando Pirates though and has returned ‘home’ for game time.

‘Unfortunate with his injuries,” September told SABC Sport.

“Unfortunate with the spell he has had at Pirates. We brought him permanently as well, because we feel that he can go beyond Pirates, we want to create that platform for him so that he can expose his talent. We are working on him to get his fitness right because he was out with another injury but in about two weeks time, he will be back in the mix with the team,” said September.

Before sustaining a long-term injury that prevented him from participating for the Orlando Pirates the previous season, Matrose was initially on loan to Chippa.

Chippa United believe in Matrose

September and Chippa United’s head coach, Kwanele Kopo, believe they can get the best out of Matrose since they have a lot of experience working with young players from their time at SuperSport United.

”Having worked with youth, we think we can bring out the best out of him. I really think he can go overseas. You see his potential, but the potential must come with the performance, and we hope to get that mindset on him. He is hungry, he want to play football, he is not downgrading leaving Pirates to come here. And he is ready to take the challenge,” added September.

The coach says that Chippa United have great faith in Matrose which is why they sprung for a permanent move rather than taking him for another loan spell.

”We want him to be settled in terms of his mind, that is why we went for him, we know what he can do. That’s why we took him permanently, we wanted him to be rest assured of his future here.

“We hope this season becomes his best season,” he concluded.

Chippa United open their Betway Premiership campaign against Orlando Pirates in Soweto on 14 September.

Will Azola Matrose move to Europe?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

For most of August, temperatures have been relatively warm in August. The cold snap comes after the province enjoyed fine weather conditions, especially in the afternoons.

In Pretoria, the temperature will drop to 19°C on Friday, with a low of 8°C. Johannesburg is expected to reach a maximum of 14°C with overcast weather conditions.

Cold front hits Gauteng, snow predicted in WC

Temperatures are expected to rise on Sunday, with both Pretoria and Johannesburg reaching the mid-20s. The cold front has already made landfall bringing strong winds to the coast of Cape Town, the Garden Route, Overberg, Cape Winelands and Central Karoo on Tuesday.

With the cold front moving towards the northern parts of the country, Gauteng residents are urged to keep warm. No rain, snow and strong winds in expected in the province though.

The SA Weather Service also advised the public and small stock farmers that heavy downpours are possible over the southwestern parts of the Western Cape.

“Snowfalls over the mountains of the Western Cape, the southwestern high ground of the Northern Cape and the mountains of the Eastern Cape can be expected. Strong to gale force wind over the interiors and coastal winds associated with very rough seas can be expected.”

Is this the last cold snap of the year?

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Maseko, along with eight other government officials, were suspended between 25 January 2022 and 1 February 2022, after a recommendation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) report.

SIU recommendations

The SIU probed irregular procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) by the GDH during the National State of Disaster from various service providers.

The SIU recommended that disciplinary and criminal action be taken against three GDH officials, which include Maseko (who went by the name Goodhope, not Sifiso, at GDH), and six officials from the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID).

Charged and suspended, with full pay

Disciplinary charges against Maseko and the others were brought, over the flouting of procurement and contractor appointment regulations.

This was in relation to the AngloGold Ashanti Hospital refurbishment project in the West Rand, where the Gauteng government spent over R588 million, instead of the initially budgeted R50 million.

Maseko – the head of infrastructure development at GDH – and the others were then suspended but their disciplinary hearings are yet to conclude, meaning the MK Party chief has collected an approximate gross of R120,000 per month, for 36 months to date, without doing any work for the GDH. That amounts to over R4.3 million, conservatively tallied.

This was calculated at a provincial chief director’s package of around R1,436,022 per year, according to a senior HR official in government.

The practice of suspension, with full pay, has weighed heavily on taxpayers in recent years. In October 2023, The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) said there were 417 government officials on suspension with full pay, earning over R128 million with no work done.

This was up from 2022, when DPSA put the number of government officials sitting at home at 305.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s spokesperson, Vuyo Mhaga, confirmed the officials’ suspensions on full pay.

“The regulatory framework provides for the precautionary suspension of full pay pending the outcome of the hearing,” Mhaga told The South African.

Fortunately for taxpayers, he revealed that Maseko and the others’ disciplinary hearing was nearing finality.

“The hearing is in the last phase which requires parties to conclude on written submissions [arguments followed by an opportunity to refute arguments and finally the right to reply to new arguments], which commenced on 5 August 2024 and is anticipated to be concluded on 25 September 2024,” Mhaga said.

The chair of the disciplinary hearing will then issue a verdict, he added. While proceedings continue, Mhaga said GDH had already referred the case to law-enforcement authorities.

The report that triggered these suspensions came after the SIU was directed, under Proclamation R23 of 2020, by President Cyril Ramaphosa to probe allegations of corruption made by state institutions concerning PPE procurement and the conduct of state employees.

Sifiso Maseko, MK Party CEO

The secretary-general position in the MK Party, akin to other political parties, was described as the “chief executive officer of the organisation” during last Wednesday’s press conference, where leader and founder Jacob Zuma paraded the party’s top leadership.

Maseko is the MK Party’s fourth secretary-general since the organisation’s launch on 16 December 2023, coming after Arthur Zwane, Sihle Ngubane and Thanduxolo “Gorbachev” Dyodo.

Maseko is a qualified medical doctor, having obtained his MBChB degree from the University of Natal in 1994, according to the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

After a period in private practice, it seems he joined the public service. For a stint, he was deputy CEO of Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.

He was later appointed acting CEO of Africa’s largest hospital, which lasted until he was “caught up in allegations of corruption and maladministration, leading to his departure”.

After the Baragwanath hospital spell, he was moved to the GDH as head of infrastructure in 2019, reportedly facilitated by then-Gauteng Health MEC Dr Bandile Masuku, until he was suspended in early 2022.

The South African asked MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela if they were aware of Maseko’s issues at the Gauteng Department of Health, and what view the party took in light of the its secretary-general being linked to allegations of financial misconduct. No response was received.

Maseko’s boss tumbles

Masuku, ironically, would be fired as health MEC in October 2020, 17 months into his tenure, by then-premier David Makhura.

He was dismissed after the SIU fingered him in Covid-19 tender irregularities and recommended that he be disciplined.

“There are issues before me as the head of the provincial government based on the SIU report that I must act on and it is on that basis that I have decided to discharge MEC Masuku as the MEC responsible for health in our province,” Makhura said at the time.

The South African asked MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela if they were aware of Maseko’s issues at the Gauteng Department of Health and what view does the party took in light of its secretary-general being linked to allegations of financial impropriety. No response was received.

Should Maseko and other suspended officials get their full pay? How about half?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

GERMAN CARS AT MAMELODI SUNDOWNS TRAINING GROUND

In a video post shared on X by @safootclassics, Bafana Bafana defender Grant Kekana is seen arriving at the Sundowns training base in Chloorkop, while his teammate Bathusi Aubaa, takes a video of Kekana working towards Khuliso Mudau.

Check out the images below where we were able to see a couple of rides: Six VW Polo’s, three Audi’s, two BMW’s, and two vehicles that seemingly look like Porche Cayenne’s.

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS STILL THE SAME – RAMAGALELA

Everyone has been wondering how Mamelodi Sundowns will be without Rulani Mokwena. Rodney Ramagalela believes no difference should be expected.

According to the former Kabo Yellow striker, the new head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has been with the team for several years. Rulani Mokwena’s exit will not make the team any weaker.

“Look, it’s only the changes on paper because we are talking about coach Manqoba Mngqithi, who has been there for ages. The only change or difference now is that he is the head coach,” Ramagalela told FARPost.

“Also, coach Steve Komphela was there, so I don’t see any changes in the Sundowns team. It’s only what we are reading on paper.

“Sundowns is still the same, and I believe that they still have what it takes to win games.

“He [Mngqithi] has done it before, and I have worked with him before. I know what he can do. I believe he will carry on where coach Rulani [Mokwena] left off. They still have the majority of all the players who were there last season. Sundowns are still going to dominate,” the former Sundowns number nine concluded.

LABOHANG MABOE ACCEPTS RULANI MOKWENA’S EXIT

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Lebohang Maboe has admitted that losing Rulani Mokwena was not a pleasure, but the club’s decision has to be accepted.

Speaking to the media since Mokwena left Kabo Yellow before joining Wydad Casablanca in Morocco, the 29-year-old Maboe described Mokwena’s exit to the loss of a family member.

“Honestly, I think it’s not nice losing a family member,” Maboe told iDiski Times.

“Even though we just worked together, we spend a lot of time together and in that process a lot of relationships are formed. Just because we spend a lot of time together we regard one another as family.

“Obviously, it wasn’t nice but I mean we have to respect the team’s decision and from now on we just have to look forward to the season that’s upcoming,” the Sundowns midfielder concluded.

On Monday, 26 August, President Cyril Ramaphosa assigned shareholder responsibility for each state-owned enterprise that previously fell under the Department of Public Enterprises to the respective line-function Ministries.

ESKOM, TRANSNET, SAA, AND SOEs ALIGNED WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE DEPTS

As per the Presidency, President Ramaphosa has signed proclamations which, in terms of Section 97 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996, transfer the administration, powers and functions entrusted by the specified legislation as follows:

• Alexkor: Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources
• Denel: Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
• Eskom: Minister of Electricity and Energy
• Safcol: Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
• South African Airways: Minister of Transport
• South African Express: Minister of Transport
• Transnet: Minister of Transport

In addition, Ramaphosa also signed a proclamation appointing the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation has also been assigned the responsibility to finalise the National State Enterprise Bill, which will set out the exercise of shareholder responsibility for respective SOEs which will be transferred in a phased manner into the envisaged national enterprise holding company.

The minister has also been appointed as the executive authority of the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), which will continue to exist and operate until the human and financial resources are transferred.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) said this move will better position SOEs within the appropriate departments based on their operations and expertise, improving oversight and accountability. 

The party believes this restructuring is crucial, especially given the significant deterioration of our SOEs. It. It will allow for the focused, individualised attention needed to achieve meaningful reform.

“As the Department of Public Enterprises is done away with, future attempts to centralise SOEs will be cumbersome and very irresponsible. Centralization of SOEs laid the groundwork for State Capture and has since emptied our fiscus,” DA Spokesperson on Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation, Darren Bergman, said. 

Although the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) also welcomed the decision, the party said it is concerned that the centralisation of these entities in the Presidency could direct the realignment towards a much more sinister purpose, that of privatisation. 

“When we called for the closure of the DPE and the relocation of these SOEs to line departments, we were not advocating for privatisation. We were calling for the alignment of SOEs so they can fulfil their function as extensions of departments and remain fully state-owned,” the party said. 

The Red Berets also called on line departments that will now influence the policy and strategic plans of these entities to review their operations to ensure that they begin to play a role that will allow the state to direct industrialisation and the economic future of South Africa, as these entities are significant buyers of many goods and services in the economy.

DO YOU SUPPORT RAMAPHOSAS DECISION TO CENTRALISE SOES WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE DEPARRTMENTS?

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The multi-million-rand tender amounts to R115 million with French company the Idemia Group. If you refer to ACSA’s Tender Bulletin page, you’ll see dozens of tenders proposed across all major South African airports. However, this contract was for an Automated Border Control (ABC) system. A project which would “establish biometric and digital identity technology systems” across all airports in South Africa.

MULTI-MILLION-RAND TENDER

According to reports, the French outfit that won the tender was sent a letter stating: “We refer to the Service Level Agreement signed on 31 August 2023. In accordance with clause 28.3 of the Agreement, ACSA hereby notifies you of the termination of the Agreement for convenience.” While there is a 60-day notice period to terminate the agreement, there is no reason provided for why the contract was indeed terminated.

However, it is understood that ACSA tender requirements include a local Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) element. The French firm therefore partnered with local company InfoVerge for the bid. But shortly after the tender was won, the BEE partner was suddenly excluded from the contract.

ACSA CHIEF SUSPENDED

InfoVerge took both the Idemia Group and ACSA to court. It requested that ACSA terminate the contract on the grounds that BEE criteria was not met. According to InfoVerge CEO Musawenkosi Mahlaba, “There is prima facie evidence of possible wrongdoing and they will be engaging in a detailed forensic exercise,” he told IOL.

ACSA has since suspended its Chief Information Officer once prima facie evidence of misconduct was found, and pending investigations. “We feel vindicated and that our struggle for justice was not in vain. We were wronged and it’s now confirmed. Our lawyers are still dealing with the matter at hand and will obviously be requesting compensation for legal costs incurred. Then we will decide how to proceed,” concluded Mahlaba.

DO YOU THINK MANDATED BEE PARTNERS IS A GOOD IDEA?

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