News

11 September 2023

SIU scores victory in NLC related case

Location: News

SIU scores victory in NLC related case

The High Court in Pretoria has dismissed, with costs, an application by a doctor implicated in alleged wrongdoing at the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), seeking to interdict the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and compel it to change its team investigating the matter.

The SIU said Dr John Marite had also sought to “interfere in the way the SIU conducts its investigations”.

“In a judgment handed down on 5 September 2023, Acting Judge Hein Snyman said that the application against the SIU by Dr Marite amounted to an abuse of process,” the SIU said on Monday.

According to the corruption busting unit, an investigation revealed that Marite’s company – Right Play Health Services – had received approximately R7.2 million from non-profit organisation Zibsimode NPC, which has links to former NLC board chairperson, Alfred Nevhutanda.

“Zibsimode received grant funding of approximately R20.2 million from the NLC for the roll-out of a public campaign and culturally sensitive medical intervention projects aimed at achieving traditional circumcision practice. The non-profit organisation contacted Dr Marite, a medical doctor based in Pretoria, and his Right Play Health Services to perform the male circumcision service.

“On 31 May 2017, Dr Marite invoiced Zibsimode and a payment of R7 292 700 was made into the bank account of Right Play Health Services. Two days later, Right Play Health Services deposited approximately R2 009 700 to an entity called Ironbridge Travel Agency [linked to former NLC COO Phillemon Letwaba] without a sign of any work being done.

“On the same day, Right Play Health Services further transferred R2 013 000.00 to Ndzuku Trading entity owned by Malwandla Solly Siweya, a respondent in the Dr. Marite court application against the SIU. He wanted the court to order Siweya to stop harassing him. Siweya’s Ndzuku Training also received three payments from Zibsimode totalling R4.1 million,” the SIU said.

Upon investigation by the unit, Marite allegedly did not respond to questions sent to him and rather approached the courts.

“The SIU interviewed Dr Marite on the payment he received from Zibsimode, and payments he made to Ironbridge Travel Agency and Ndzuku Trading. When he failed to answer questions from SIU investigators, he approached the High Court to seek an order for the SIU to change its NLC investigation team and interfere in the way the unit conducts its investigations.

“The SIU welcomes the High Court’s ruling and views the court challenge by Dr Marite as an abuse of process, something the Judge agreed with, and an attempt to avoid accountability. The ruling paves way for the unit to finalise its investigation relating to R7.2 million received by Dr. Marite and ensures the independence of the SIU is not compromised,” the unit said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 09/11/2023 - 12:07

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11 September 2023

Celebrate “World Cleanup Day” with the Absa SPRINT YOUR CITY Series

Location: MyPR

Runners and walkers can take a positive step by participating in one of the standout challenges of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY (RYC) Series on Strava – the World Cleanup Day Challenge on Saturday, 16 September 2023. “Plastic pollution remains an urgent global concern, especially for our oceans. We’re calling on the RYC Community to …

11 September 2023

The Seven Year Grind

Location: News

Dear Editor In 2016, the Democratic Alliance stood alone in its opposition to Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s appointment as Public Protector, while the ANC and EFF stood together to appoint her. For the last seven years, we held firm in our conviction that she was not a suitable individual to occupy the office of Public Protector. …

11 September 2023

Springbok Women’s Sevens’ Next Mission

Location: Sport

The Springbok Women’s Sevens squad will assemble in Stellenbosch on Monday with their eyes firmly set on their next assignment, the Rugby Africa Olympic Games qualifiers, to be played in Tunisia on 14-15 October. The team successfully completed their first mission for the year – to qualify for the HSBC SVNS 2023/24 series by winning …

11 September 2023

How cybercriminals trick their victims

Location: News

Key findings:

40% of the respondents from eight countries had been scammed online
Distraction and multi-tasking made 43% of the victims fall for an online scam
Financial scams affected nearly 48% of respondents

Nearly half of the 800 African survey participants have fallen victim to an online scam at least once, losing thousands of dollars in the process and compromising their personal data. This alarming statistic is one of the key findings of the KnowBe4 2023 Online Scams and Victims in Africa Report, which was just released. The report is based on a survey of 800 respondents across eight African countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt, Mauritius, and Botswana. According to the report, 53% of the respondents who fell victim, were convinced the offer was legitimate because the website looked real, while nearly 48% of the scams were financial.

“These numbers highlight that online scams have evolved,” says Anna Collard, SVP Content Strategy & Evangelist at KnowBe4 AFRICA. “What is concerning is that 43% of the victims were distracted and multi-tasking when they fell for the scam, which highlights how easy it is for a person to make a mistake when they are not paying attention. Their emotional states can affect a person's judgment, awareness, and decision-making, causing them to be more vulnerable to online deception,” says Collard.

Financial scams were the most common type of online fraud, affecting nearly half of the respondents (50%). Other prevalent scams involved fake investments (30%), cryptocurrencies and NFTs (29%), brand impersonation (28%), information theft (24%), online shopping (21%), and fake job offers (21%). Less frequent but still significant scams included the classic Nigerian scam (17%), family or friend impersonation (18%), law enforcement impersonation (7%), tax fraud (6%), holiday fraud (9%), romance fraud (13%), and lottery fraud (15%).

An email was the preferred channel for scammers to initiate contact, accounting for 24% of the cases. Social media came in second with 19%, followed by WhatsApp with 10% and other messaging services like Telegram with 8%. In Nigeria, however, social media was the most used platform for scams (32%), while in South Africa, email was the dominant method (28%). The scammers often used social engineering techniques to convince their victims, such as creating rapport or trust by making websites look legitimate, sending messages that appealed to emotions, using social media profiles that seemed authentic, and avoiding spelling or grammar mistakes.

Collard says that the statistics reveal a more evolved and sophisticated network of scammers who use emerging technology to lure people into costly mistakes. 30% lost between US$100 and US$1,000, 40% around US$100, and 9% more than US$1,000.

The report also showed that falling for a scam had a significant psychological impact on many victims. While 23% said it had little or no effect on them, nearly 50% felt a strong or moderate impact. The results highlight how easy it is for victims to blame themselves, when in reality, they were deceived by cunning scam tactics. The survey found that many victims experienced negative emotions, such as embarrassment (39%), anger (40%), naivety (40%), loss of trust (36%), and shame (25%). Some also felt traumatised (20%), vulnerable and helpless (25%), anxious (16%), and guilty and fearful (15%).

The emotional toll of falling for an online scam may be more harmful than the money lost as a result. For most victims, the financial consequences were not severe, with 24% saying it took them several months to recover and 10% saying it took more than a year, but the majority had no repercussions or recovered in a few days to a few weeks. However, when it came to healing from the psychological impact of the scam, the majority said it took them a few months (22%) and 11% said it took more than a year.

“The report shows how vulnerable people are to online scams and the emotional distress they cause,” says Collard. “While respondents were aware of scams and understood the risks, many still said they did not feel prepared, which highlights the need for regular training that gives people continuous awareness of scams and the threat they pose, to themselves and their organisations.”

You can download the full report here. https://apo-opa.info/3LjspOS

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.

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11 September 2023

Chiropractor in Pretoria Enhances Well-being with Expert Care

Location: MyPR

Chiropractor in Pretoria Enhances Well-being with Expert Care Pretoria, South Africa – September 11, 2023 – Joint Health Chiropractic Pretoria is proud to announce its commitment to delivering top-notch chiropractic care to the Pretoria community. With a team of skilled professionals, state-of-the-art facilities, and a dedication to holistic well-being, Joint Health Chiropractic Pretoria has become …

11 September 2023

Nandipha Magudumana denied bail

Location: News

Bloemfontein magistrate says “nothing would stand in her way” to assist Bester escape again

11 September 2023

Tshwane residents urged to use water sparingly amid high demand

Location: News

Tshwane residents urged to use water sparingly amid high demand

The City of Tshwane has appealed to residents to use water sparingly as the city has experienced a sharp increase in water consumption beyond what can sustainably be supplied.

The city said the increase in water demand has resulted in some reservoirs within the city struggling and some areas being without water.

“The current high demand situation is putting customers at risk of having stringent restrictions imposed, which comes with additional costs for residents. Communities are implored to use water sparingly,” the city said in a statement.

According to the city, the areas where water consumption is significantly higher than what they should be consuming are Nellmapius; Leander Road Meter; Blair Athol Reservoir; Louwlardia Reservoir; Laudium Reservoir; Wonderboom Reservoir; Klapperkop H14; Lotus Gardens; Kosmosdal, and Doornkloof Reservoir.

Other areas with high consumption include Klapperkop Reservoir; Bakenkop Reservoir; Magaliesberg Reservoir; Garsfontein Reservoir; Soshanguve; Waterkloof Ridge Ext No 2; Constantia Park; Gastonbury Reservoir, and Grootfontein.

The city also noted that the Mooikloof Reservoir has been struggling with low to no water supply due to increased water consumption.

The city urged the residents to make the following water conservation measures part of their normal lifestyle:
•   Do not water or irrigate gardens with hosepipes or sprinkler systems between 6am and 6pm;
•   Do not wash vehicles with hosepipes; and
•   Do not fill swimming pools.

“Furthermore, residents are urged to start using greywater to water gardens and flush toilets. Residents should report water leaks, burst pipes and all incidents where water is wasted. Where possible, water saving devices should be installed,” the city said.

Plan to respond to peak demand period

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, has given Rand Water and the City of Tshwane two weeks to put together a medium- to long-term plan on how they are going to respond to the peak demand period that is exacerbated by high temperatures, interruptions in storage capacity recovery due to load shedding, non-revenue water, as well as how the city will receive the extra water to be allocated from Rand Water.

Mahlobo gave the directive during a meeting between Rand Water and the City of Tshwane.

During the meeting, the technical team -- led by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Provincial Head Justice Maluleke; Rand Water Chief Executive Sipho Mosai and the City of Tshwane’s Group Head for Water and Sanitation Stephens Notoane -- presented a report back on progress made on the action plan.

The plan had been presented and committed to by Rand Water and Tshwane, in order to restore water supply in areas that were experiencing challenges, and ensure sustainable and efficient supply in the city.

The meeting reported significant improvements, as water supply has been restored in most areas. However, it noted that some parts of the city, especially in high lying areas, are still grappling with water supply challenges as the system recovers.

Mahlobo expressed his appreciation to the city and water utility in how they handled the situation. He urged the two institutions to continue strengthening proactive cooperation and communication for the benefit of the citizens.

The Deputy Minister also reiterated the city’s call on residents to be considerate when using water, as some reservoirs in the city are experiencing slow recovery due to high water usage by people in low-lying areas.

He further urged the city to include in the plan how they will address the issue of leaks that is contributing to water losses in the distribution system. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 09/11/2023 - 10:16

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11 September 2023

Celebrating one woman’s mission to change an industry – and society into the bargain

Location: MyPR

Founded in 2019, Black Elegance is the brainchild of Simone Jules. She’s a woman on a mission: she has wanted to run a company since she was a child, but she’s also clear that her ambition would not stop there. “I wanted my own company so that I could make my mark in the call …

11 September 2023

Didiza commends agri sector’s contribution to economy

Location: News

Didiza commends agri sector's contribution to economy

Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza, says growth in the agricultural sector signifies the importance and influence of the sector in the nation's economy.

Didiza’s remarks come after the latest figures released by Statistics South Africa on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the second quarter of 2023, showing that the agricultural sector was once again, one of the biggest contributors to the country’s economic growth.

The report showed that the agricultural sector grew by 4.2% in the second quarter of 2023, fuelled largely by a good summer harvest of grains, and oilseeds commodities, coupled with solid horticultural exports.

The report also showed that South Africa has, in the second quarter of 2023, exported agricultural products worth R60.2 billion, which is almost 13% higher than the corresponding period last year.

Didiza commended the agricultural sector’s continued contribution to the country’s economy, noting that currently, the country is expected to harvest 16.4 million tons of maize and about 743 000 tons of sunflower, a crop size that will bode well for consumers, as food inflation will subside.

“The growth in agriculture and its contribution to the country’s economy can be attributed to the increasing footprint of South Africa’s agricultural products in the international markets.

“This is underscored by government's decisions to invest resources in opening new export markets, while maintaining trade relations with existing markets,” Didiza said.

Didiza said already in July 2023, food inflation had receded to 9.9%, providing a much-needed relief to consumers.

In August 2023, the Minister secured new export markets for avocados, beef and other animal products to countries including Saudi Arabia and China.

“The drive to open new export opportunities will continue as government strives to grow a competitive, resilient and export-oriented agriculture,” Didiza said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 09/11/2023 - 11:00

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11 September 2023

Labour dept set to launch mobile employment centre

Location: News

Labour dept set to launch mobile employment centre

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi will this week launch a mobile employment centre at the Jobs Fair in Malelane, Mpumalanga.

The launch is set to take place on Thursday morning at the Paradise Creek Lodge in Malelane.

“Minister Nxesi will deliver a keynote address to stakeholders at the Employers’ Breakfast Session. Thereafter, he will address work seekers and exhibitors at the Jobs Fair and launch the Mobile Employment Centre of the Department of Employment and Labour,” the department said in a statement.

The Jobs Fair seeks to identify opportunities and solutions that can enhance the capacity of the department and its partners to deliver on its mandate of creating employment for unemployed people, especially the youth of Mpumalanga.

The Jobs Fair is designed to create a platform where employers and work seekers can interact with the purpose of ensuring that the unemployed and underemployed get access to both work and learning opportunities.

The event is targeted at work seekers and to draw employers, institutions and government departments that provide various services to the youth in particular.

The department will provide the following services during the event:

•   Registration of unemployed work seekers on the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) database.
•   Facilitating access to opportunities and employment counselling services to work seekers.
•   Offer career information and study options from educational institutions within the province.
•   Job hunting skills, interview preparation and work ethics.

- SAnews.gov.za

Location: News

Condolences for earthquake victims in Morocco

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, as well as the Government and people of South Africa, joined the international community in expressing condolences to the Kingdom of Morocco following the devastating earthquake that hit the country.

According to media reports, Friday’s earthquake has claimed the lives of more than 2000 people while about 2000 sustained injuries.

In a statement on Saturday, the Deputy President said the thoughts of the people of South Africa are with the families that have lost their loved ones in this tragedy.

The Deputy President also wished all survivors a speedy recovery.

"We are deeply saddened by the shocking loss of life and extend our deepest sympathies to the people of Morocco, and wish all survivors strength and a speedy recovery," he said.

Deputy President Mashatile has commended the efforts of the emergency response institutions in the country and has full confidence that the Kingdom of Morocco will unite in their response and emerge even stronger following the disaster. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Sun, 09/10/2023 - 08:48

371 views

10 September 2023

Navigating the World of Tax Reclaims: A Comprehensive Guide

Location: MyPR

Navigating the world of international investment is a complex endeavor. One of the many challenges that investors face is understanding the ins and outs of tax reclaims. This article aims to demystify key terms like withholding tax, dividend tax, and how to go about reclaiming overpaid taxes. What is Withholding Tax? Withholding tax is …

10 September 2023

Understanding Carbon Offset: A Comprehensive Guide

Location: MyPR

The term “carbon offset” has become increasingly prevalent in discussions around climate change and environmental sustainability. Despite its growing importance, the concept can be a bit complex to understand. This article aims to clarify the meaning of carbon offset, delve into the different types of projects that generate these offsets, and introduce you to various …

10 September 2023

Carbon Credits Explained: A Comprehensive Guide

Location: MyPR

In the global effort to combat climate change, carbon credits have emerged as a powerful tool for offsetting greenhouse gas emissions. But what exactly are carbon credits, and how do they work? This article aims to demystify the concept and provide insights into how carbon credits can be an effective part of sustainability efforts for …