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Introduction: In the 29 years since the end of apartheid, South Africa has made considerable progress, yet the transformative change envisaged remains elusive. As a civil servant committed to change through the Hamba Bamba Funda organization, advocating for early childhood development from conception to two years, I witness persistent systems failures, especially in education. This …
Log-leaders close off final home match in style Tuesday 30 January: Betway SA20 table-toppers, Durban’s Super Giants, have booked their place...
Musician loses court battle
The Pretoria High Court has dismissed an application by legendary musician Arthur Mafokate to have his property released from a preservation order.
Mafokate’s luxury Midrand property – a guest house – was preserved following allegations that he was involved in a National Lotteries Commission (NLC) fraud and corruption scandal.
According to National Prosecuting Authority Gauteng regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, investigations revealed that the South African Arts and Development Organisation (SAADA) – of which Mafokate was a director – received R9.3 million to “assist unemployed youth in the poor and rural areas of the country, to impact skills in music, business video, film production dance and overall business of radio.”
Allegedly, only R1.8 million was directed towards the project with the remaining funds used to buy the property.
“In court, Mafokate argued that he was entitled to the R7.5 million as his businesses delivered the services as required by the NLC and that he had committed no offences. However, the NPA argued that although some kind of services were rendered, it was at most R1.8 million.
“The remainder of the funds was used to purchase the guest house, which was not the purpose of the grant allocation. The funds used to purchase the guest house was thus stolen from the NLC as it was not used for the allocated project,” Mahanjana said.
She added that in dismissing Mafokate’s application, the court agreed with the NPA’s argument that “it was against the terms and conditions of the grant for SAADA to carry over its obligations to any other organisation and that SAADA should have also returned any unused funds to the NLC”.
“The court also found that Arthur Mafokate could give no reasonable explanation on how he could afford to purchase the guest house if it was not for NLC funds, particularly as his business accounts contained negligible balances when the grant was received from the NLC.
“Therefore, the court dismissed, with costs, the application of Arthur Mafokate to have the guest house released from the preservation order,” she said.
It is expected that the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit will enrol the matter for final forfeiture and if that is successful, the property will be sold at auction with proceeds returning to the NLC.
Last year the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), together with the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), obtained an order to freeze at least five properties, including a luxury Midrand home linked to the musician.– SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 01/31/2024 - 11:31
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As millions of South African learners head back to school. One of the biggest lessons they need to learn in life to help them succeed is financial literacy, which needs to be first taught from home. says Stian de Witt, executive head of financial planning at NMG Benefits. A Cambridge University study suggests that by …
Congratulations Bafana Bafana!
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has congratulated South Africa’s Bafana Bafana for winning their match against Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
Bafana Bafana beat Morocco 2-0 to advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament at Stade Laurent Pokou in Ivory Coast on Tuesday night.
“What a fantastic performance by Bafana Bafana. This win shows what our national teams can achieve with the support of South Africans. Let us continue to support Bafana Bafana as they march to the AFCON 2023 quarterfinals,” the Minister said.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) said during the match, which was viewed by the whole world, the South African senior men’s team held their composure to put up a solid display that knocked out tournament favourites Morocco.
“South Africa senior national star Evidence Makgopa and Teboho Mokoena scored in the second half to hand Bafana Bafana a win and a place in the quarterfinal where they will face Cape Verde on Saturday,” SAFA said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 01/31/2024 - 09:57
Now is the time to reflect on your financial state and set meaningful goals for the year to come. Whether you are aiming to build an emergency fund, pay off debt, or invest for the future, establishing clear financial objectives is crucial to achieving long-term stability and success. Stian De Witt, executive head of financial …
January is typically when consumers review their budgets and try to make them stretch even further. Many people don’t include their insurance in this exercise – but they really should because they could end up saving money every month. King Price’s client experience partner, Wynand van Vuuren, says that reviewing your insurance is an investment …
Suspects involved in serious crimes, shot and killed during shootout
Three suspects were shot and fatally wounded in a shootout with police at the Lungelani Informal Settlement in La Mercy in the early hours of this morning.
KwaZulu-Natal police said in a statement that police received intelligence that a group involved in serious crimes, including murders committed in the Inanda area, were hiding at the informal settlement.
“A team comprising various police disciplines, including members of the Hawks, descended on the location. Realising that they were surrounded, the suspects opened fire at the police and a shootout ensued,” said police.
Three suspects were fatally wounded during the shootout and two pistols were allegedly found in the possession of the suspects.
It is believed that other members of the group managed to escape during the shooting.
“The operation continues in search of other suspects who have been terrorising the residents of KwaZulu-Natal," the statement reads. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 01/31/2024 - 10:11
CAPE TOWN, 30 January 2024: The Africa Union (AU) “Scaling Up Green Investments to Address Climate Change” roundtable taking place at Africa’s Green Economy Summit in Cape Town next month offers AU member states and high-level stakeholders the opportunity to explore the potential of green investments and funding instruments to combat climate change on the …
Imparting the joy of sunny South Africa into your outdoor spaces in a long-lasting way means saying farewell to the monotony of white and beige walls, and welcoming the charm and allure of colourful facades that can withstand the elements. ‘But,’ notes the Retail & Digital Marketing Manager at Kansai Plascon, Jeetan Makan, ‘we often …
HOBART: Beth Mooney once again showcased her prowess with the bat as Australia secured a series victory with a five-wicket triumph...
The recent storm and flood damage in KwaZulu-Natal is estimated to be R2.5 billion and with more heavy weather warnings on the way, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Thembi Nkadimeng is calling for a state of disaster in the province. While major infrastructure like roads, bridges, railways, and schools has sustained massive damage, …
As millions of South African learners head back to school. One of the biggest lessons they need to learn in life to help them succeed is financial literacy, which needs to be first taught from home. says Stian de Witt, executive head of financial planning at NMG Benefits. A Cambridge University study suggests that by …
What exactly is a financial gap? In a business context, a financial gap refers to the difference between the available financial resources and the funds a business needs to operate or grow. In short – what you have versus what you need. Let’s delve deeper into possible reasons for a gap in your finances, as …
On 27 January 2024 in the U19 Cricket World Cup, Zimbabwe beat Namibia by 8 wickets in Kimberley. Namibia 146/8 (50 overs) v Zimbabwe 147/2 (35.3 overs). Zimbabwe beat Namibia in Kimberley on the back of a good all-round performance. The win ensured their place ahead of Namibia in the Super Six stage of the …
He was a tireless worker for the rights of the vulnerable
Councillor Messie Makuwa says she is ready to fight in court
Licensing officials in court on fraud, corruption allegations
Eleven licensing officials are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on Tuesday on allegations of fraud and corruption.
The officials were arrested in Ladybrand in the Free State, Elukwatini in Mpumalanga and Rayton in Gauteng after a three-year investigation that identified examiners who were fraudulently issuing driver’s licences and roadworthy certificates at various testing stations.
The investigation was initiated by the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit of the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and registered by the Hawks as a collaborative effort.
“The investigation has established a link in corruption in all three provinces. The majority of the arrested officials are based at Lengau Testing Centre in Bloemfontein. This is part of ongoing efforts to remove all risk factors that contribute to a high number of crashes, injuries and fatalities on the roads.
“Investigations continue and more arrests are expected. The RTMC commends all the officers who were involved in this investigation. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected acts of fraud, corruption, and malfeasance to ntacu@rtmc.co.za or by WhatsApp to 083 293 7989,” the Corporation said on Monday. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 01/30/2024 - 09:25
Shop These Elegant Footwear From UGG! The new year has started and getting the right stylish shoes that doesn’t compromise on comfort and that can elevate your outfit is essential. Whether you are planning on reinventing your style or trying to find the right footwear that gives a balance between comfort and style, UGG has …
It’s back to business for most of the country but this doesn’t have to be a bad thing! On the KZN South Coast – with 11 golf courses, Blue Flag Beaches, world-class dive sites, and hinterland experiences – getting back to business can be a whole lot of fun. Breakaway from the monotony of routine …
As an eco-focused estate, Serenity Hills on the KZN South Coast is developing an environmentally-conscious space in harmony with the incredible nature assets found in this space. This commitment is underscored by Serenity Hills’ recent acquisition of the title ‘Green Custodians of FreeMe Wildlife’ earlier this month. From the start, developers have prioritised real sustainability …
Defence wants a magistrate from outside KwaZulu-Natal
The 2024 edition of the Dakar – regarded by many veterans as the toughest staging of the ultimate Rally-Raid event since the 2020 move to Saudi Arabia – saw Motul-backed participants achieve notable successes and occupy several of the category podiums. For Motul, the Dakar is not just a legendary challenge for athletes and vehicles. …