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In the News Today: TWO Irish dancers from Durban North are set to take the international stage in Dublin at the 2025 Irish Dancing World Championships. Ciara Labuscagne and Olivia Barrett, from the Stow Academy of Irish Dance, have made history as it is the first time that female Irish dancers from KZN will take part …
In the News Today: Bafana Bafana attacking midfielder Themba Zwane described the night of earning his 50th national team cap as “special”. Zwane ran onto the pitch at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium for his half century of appearances and was equally influential as South Africa thumped Congo Brazzaville 5-0 in a 2025 Africa Cup of …
In the News Today: A THOUSAND books were collected for various public school libraries in North Durban, thanks to donors who generously opened their hearts during Literacy Month this September. The project was spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Umhlanga, together with the Interact Club of Tongaat Secondary and Helene Griffiths of Granny Griffs who agreed …
Precious Mashele delivered a stellar performance on Sunday, 13 October 2024, successfully defending his title at the Boxer Super Run in Durban and becoming the fastest South African to complete a 5km run on home soil with an impressive time of 13:39. In the Women’s Elite Race, Karabo More took top honours, crossing the finish …
GAUTENG – The Police in Orange Farms responded to a shooting incident during the early hours of 13 October 2024, at Mokokotlong informal settlement. It is reported that one of the victims went to the local tavern to buy alcohol but he found that it was already closed. He had an altercation with the tavern …
There are six changes to the DHL Stormers starting line-up for their Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash with Edinburgh at the Hive Stadium on Saturday. There are three changes in the backline and three in the forward pack as the DHL Stormers look to end their European tour on a high when action gets underway …
In the News Today: Lungalomndeni Zulu accused of involvement in syndicate stealing from Richards Bay Minerals A Zulu prince has been arrested for alleged links to a multimillion rand mineral theft syndicate that plundered a major mining company operating in northern KwaZulu-Natal… continue reading HERE. Marine Life: The waters off Umhlanga are known for diverse …
Police killings an 'assault on society and attack on the State' - Hawks Head Lebeya
Seventeen police officers have been killed in the second quarter of the 2024/25 financial year.
This is according to Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) Head, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, who briefed the media on Sunday.
At least 13 of the officers were off duty at the time of the incidents, while four were on duty when they were killed.
The Lieutenant General condemned police killings, which the DPCI categorised as a national priority offence that “requires the attention of the DPCI”.
“There exists a blue wall in South Africa. A human wall formed by men and women in blue. The wall that divides and shield the good from the bad elements in society. The stronger the wall, the safer the community.
“The weaker the wall, the happier the criminals. Criminals will continuously attack this wall in order to access the protected good citizens of this beloved country. An attack of police officials is an assault on society and indeed an attack on the State,” he said.
He cited four examples of arrests and convictions secured following the killing of an officer, including that of a man who masterminded the killing of his own wife, who was seven months pregnant at the time.
“On 23 June 2022, Constable Prudence Masuku, who was stationed at Daveyton SAPS [South African Police Service] was murdered in Putfontein while on her way to work [and was] accompanied by her husband, James Veli Masuku.
“The husband alleged that they were confronted by two taxis, where the passengers of both taxis approached them and began firing several shots at the deceased, while he ran for cover. He said that upon returning to the vehicle, he found that his wife’s service pistol had gone missing.
“Investigations by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation and ballistic results revealed that the service pistol belonging to the deceased was in fact the very weapon that was used to murder the member,” Lebeya said.
During investigations, law enforcement officials Veli Masuku and Xolani Lawrence Dlamini after swiftly reacting to information about a suspect demanding cash from a middleman for murdering the police officer.
“On 08 April 2024, Masuku and Dlamini – who pleaded not guilty – were convicted of murder, theft of firearm, two counts of illegal possession of firearm and defeating the administration of justice.
“On 23 August 2024, the Gauteng High Court sitting in Benoni sentenced Masuku and Dlamini to life imprisonment for murder. They were further sentenced to five years imprisonment for the theft of a firearm, five years imprisonment for possession of unlicensed firearm, and three years imprisonment for illegal possession of ammunition, which runs concurrently with the life imprisonment sentence. They were further declared unfit to possess firearms in the future,” Lebeya said.
Unscrupulous legal practitioners
Lebeya told the media about legal practitioners, who are stealing money from unsuspecting clients’ trust funds, Road Accident Fund payouts and deceased estates.
Some of the cases Lebeya cited include:
“Legal practitioners are officers of the court. Theirs is a profession of honour. It is important that our learned colleagues should continue to maintain the decorum of this great profession. They must be exemplary to upcoming jurists and jealously insulate the image of this profession.
“Those who betray that trust need to take full responsibility and the Legal Profession Council should continue to police those who breach professional ethics. It should ensure that all legal practitioners observe a settled expectation of uberrima fides, the highest possible degree of good faith in dealing with client during submissions, representations to client so that they are accurate, honest and frank.
“It is comforting that prosecutors, the defence and the presiding officers who deal with these matters are jurists in good standing,” Lebeya said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 10/13/2024 - 12:50
In the News Today: Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has admitted fear of forfeiting their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier against Republic of Congo in Gqeberha on Friday night… continue reading HERE. Nelson Mandela Bay: Name Origin – The district is named after Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa and anti-apartheid revolutionary, …
The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 has approved all-rounder Heather Graham as a replacement for Tayla Vlaeminck in the Australia squad. Graham, who has played one ODI and five T20Is, was named as a replacement after Vlaeminck suffered a shoulder injury while fielding during a Group A match against …
Dear Editor This past weekend marked a significant moment for the DA in the Eastern Cape as we welcomed a delegation from the Taiwanese government who are contributing to the DA’s anti-poverty campaign to ensure food security and poverty alleviation in the province. The Eastern Cape is the hardest hit by South Africa’s cost-of-living crisis, …
South Africa climbed to the top of Group B with a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Dubai. The Proteas restricted the Tigresses to 106 for three as Marizanne Kapp starred with the ball, taking a wicket and going for just 10 runs from her four overs. Tazmin Brits (42) and Anneke Bosch (25) led …
The close defeat to Italy – similiarly to last weekend’s match against Australia – shows that the Springbok Women have become a very competitive team on the international stage, but according to Swys de Bruin, they are not in a position to win the Rugby World Cup right now. South Africa suffered a close 23-19 …
Amelia Kerr shone with bat and ball to guide New Zealand to a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. Kerr took two for 13 with the ball as Sri Lanka set the White Ferns 115 to win, before she produced a crucial 34 from 31 balls to …
The Honours showcases these laureates’ extraordinary achievements and their embodiment of purpose-driven leadership that brings positive change to the yachting industry and wider society. Those whose work exemplifies leadership across various areas, showcasing the transformative influence of the superyachting community. Nick Entwisle was one of three recipients of this year’s prestigious Bowsprit award. As retirement …
Two-pot system withdrawals hit R21 billion
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) says a total gross lump sum of some R21.4 billion has been paid out to taxpayers, who have applied to utilise their Savings Withdrawals Benefit of the two-pot retirement system.
More than 1.2 million South Africans applied for the tax directive, with at least 1.14 million approved.
According to the revenue service, the remainder were “declined for a variety of reasons, including incorrect identity numbers and incorrect tax numbers, amongst others”.
“SARS reminds taxpayers, who want to apply for a withdrawal to make sure that they verify their tax numbers, have supplied the correct identity numbers, and that they do not have any outstanding debt with SARS.
“After a registered taxpayer has applied, a successful tax directive informs the fund management how much tax to deduct from a withdrawal. Directive applications are accepted by SARS 24/7 and processed within an hour 365 days a year from 8am to 7pm. Unless a directive application is submitted outside of these hours, the response if the taxpayer is compliant be sent to the fund within an hour,” the revenue service said.
SARS explained that taxpayers with debt owed to it may be deducted if the taxpayer does not have a payment agreement in place.
“Before a final amount is paid to the applicant, the pension fund will be informed to also deduct any outstanding debt on behalf of SARS before any payout is made to the member. If a person has a debt arrangement with SARS, the withdrawal will not be affected.
“If there is debt owed to SARS, it will be deducted in terms of such arrangement,” SARS said.
Furthermore, tax is imposed on the withdrawal at a rate ranging from 18% - 45%, depending on their scales.
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter warned that taxpayers, wilfully understating their income, are dodging their obligation to the revenue service.
“SARS is deeply concerned that 213 654 taxpayers have been identified, where they have declared incorrect taxable income, with the view to have a more favourable tax rate.
“If a taxpayer understates their income, they are intentionally involved in evading their tax obligation. A penalty will be imposed on taxpayers who have understated income. Finally, I wish to caution taxpayers to refrain from this conduct that borders on criminality as there are real consequences for this behaviour,” Kieswetter said.
The revenue service encourages taxpayers to use its digital services.
“In line with SARS’ intent for taxpayers to use digital channels, SARS is happy to announce that the simulated WhatsApp calculator was used 51 547 times since the implementation of the process.
“The simulated calculator on the SARS website, which forms part of the SARS Online Query System, has been used 655 801 times. SARS has also received 53 519 queries through the voice channel, and 8 655 at branches.
“Taxpayers are encouraged to continue to use the digital channels, which are simple, easy and user-friendly. Using these channels means taxpayers do not have to leave their homes or places of employment to stand in queues,” SARS said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 10/13/2024 - 08:30
Ash Gardner took three wickets in an over as Australia romped to a nine-wicket win over Pakistan at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. The defending champions skittled Pakistan for 82 in Sharjah and knocked off the target with a full nine overs to spare. Australia’s third win of the tournament came at a …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) will interrogate law enforcement agencies and the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) board in the upcoming Trade, Industry and Competition Portfolio Committee meeting, scheduled for November 5th. We will ensure that the full extent of corruption at the NLC is uncovered. If it becomes evident that whistleblowers have faced a …
In the News Today: The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is set to auction off three tracts of prime land which is in the heart of Durban. Broll Auctions and Sales says they’re expecting a highly competitive bidding war over the high-value land when estate investors and developers gather to bid for the properties which …
George Nott of Dragons RFC and Ospreys can today be revealed as the winners of the BKT URC Unity Awards. George Nott picks up the Difference Maker Award, while Ospreys take the Community Impact Award. The awards have been introduced to recognise the great work done by players and teams from the BKT United Rugby …
Minister Godongwana, SARB pay tribute to Mboweni
Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana has passed his condolences to the family of Former Minister Tito Mboweni following his passing on Saturday evening.
Mboweni served as Finance Minister from 2018 to 2021, following the role Governor of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), and the first Labour Minister of the democratic dispensation.
READ | Former Finance Minisiter Tito Mboweni passes on
“We have lost a titan. A thinker, a doer and above all - a patriot. I am lost for words and heart broken.
“It is hard to imagine the grief felt by those closest to him. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time,” Godongwana said on Sunday.
The SARB joined the chorus of voices expressing condolences to the Mboweni family.
“Mr Mboweni’s passing is a great loss to South Africa, the continent and the global economic community. He played a meaningful role in driving economic transformation and social change throughout a distinguished career.
“Mr Mboweni guided South Africa through periods of great uncertainty, with a steady hand on the economy during the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 as Governor, and later shepherding the country’s finances through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic as Finance Minister,” the SARB said.
Mboweni served as Governor of the reserve bank for some 10 years – between 1999 and 2009.
“He was a passionate central banker and played a key role in building the SARB into the professional, formidable and purposeful organisation it is today. During his tenure, the SARB introduced live media conferences to publicly announce the decision of the Monetary Policy Committee, making it more transparent and accountable.
“He also introduced the Monetary Policy Forums in provinces across the country, giving ordinary South Africans the opportunity to engage directly with SARB officials. It was also under his leadership that the SARB implemented South Africa’s inflation targeting policy, spearheading efforts to reduce inflation to within the target of 3%−6%.
“He advanced the modernisation of the SARB at large, including the national payment system, strengthened internal governance processes, and built a strong and sustainable leadership team. He played an impactful role on the global stage, driving meaningful change at various multilateral organisations,” the bank said.
The SARB added that it mourns Mboweni’s passing.
“We will miss his candour and sharp wit, which endeared him to many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult and trying time.” – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 10/13/2024 - 10:37
When you consider the competition for back row spots in the Springboks set-up, you would imagine it must be pretty daunting for an uncapped player with international ambitions. Just for starters, you’ve got the likes of Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jasper Wiese, Kwagga Smith, Elrigh Louw, Marco van Staden and Ben Jason-Dixon who all …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) is concerned by the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Limpopo, Advocate Mukhali Ivy Thenga, not to prosecute anyone in relation to the Phala Phala scandal. This decision, taken after a so-called “comprehensive investigation” by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), fails to meet the …
Mr Mark Alexander, President of the South African Rugby Union (SARU), expressed his gratitude to member unions and voiced his satisfaction with the outcomes of the recent engagements with provincial rugby leadership during a national roadshow discussing a proposed equity transaction. Mr Alexander, alongside CEO Rian Oberholzer and a legal and financial team, has thus …