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10 July 2024

DPWI investigates theft of R300 million

Location: News

DPWI investigates theft of R300 million

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) Minister Dean Macpherson has decided to take the public into his confidence in the interests of transparency to reveal a staggering cyber-crime which involves R300 million being stolen in the past 10 years.

In the latest incident that took place in May 2024, the cyber-attackers stole a further R24 million. This prompted a full forensic investigation by the Hawks, South African Police Services, State Security Agency and experts in the ICT and cyber security industry.

This revelation emerged as Minister Dean Macpherson and Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala, conducted detailed assessments on the work of the department and through the incoming briefings from departmental branches.

“It has become clear that the department has been a soft target and playground for cyber criminals for over a 10-year period and this should have been picked up a lot earlier. I felt it important to let South Africa know what has happened and what we are doing about it,” Macpherson said.

“I cannot discount the possibility of collusion between officials and criminals in this prolonged period of theft. It is clear that we need better financial controls which I have said to the department are a matter of urgency,” the Minister said.

The Minister has pledged to crack down on these syndicates and those in cahoots with them internally or externally.

“We want to put a stop to this immediately because we cannot allow our department to be subjected to unchecked looting. This is money that could have been spent on our infrastructure drive to improve the lives of South Africans.

“The investigation will be expanded and deepened to find the masterminds and the beneficiaries of this grand theft, and I want to see them in prison,” Macpherson said.

Suspensions and seizures

Four officials have been suspended and 30 laptops seized by the investigators. The four DPWI officials suspended include three senior management officials and one middle management official.

The department was forced to shut down all its payment systems causing significant delays in the payment of its creditors.

In May, the department announced that it has ordered a full forensic probe into what it called vulnerabilities in the department’s information and technology systems.

The department identified the cyber-security vulnerabilities with the assistance of its banking partners, including ABSA and the South African Reserve Bank.

The investigation which involve cyber and ICT security experts covers the following:

•    Causes of the breach and vulnerabilities.
•    Vulnerability and susceptibility to cyber-crime of the ICT infrastructure within the department
•    Lack of staff capacity and weak ICT systems

“I welcome the precautionary suspension of four individuals, including senior managers, and the seizure of over 30 laptops for further examination by the investigative teams. This will allow the investigations to proceed smoothly.
“We are appealing to the team probing this security breach to conclude their investigation with speed. We do not want prolonged investigations with no results and consequences. There is simply no place for corruption in this department,” Macpherson said.

“I further welcome the initial swift investigation launched by my predecessor and now Deputy Minister Zikalala. The department has suffered a massive financial loss and those responsible for protecting us from cyber criminals must be held to account.

“We need answers as to what happened under their watch. We also ask the investigators to trace and follow the money and ensure that it is brought back to the coffers of government,” the Minister said.

The Minister has committed himself to work tirelessly to ensure the reinforcement of the cyber security systems within the department so that similar incidents are prevented in future. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 07/10/2024 - 10:36

494 views

10 July 2024

South African Woman Breaks Boundaries and Shines at a top Global Competition

Location: MyPR

Johannesburg, South Africa – In a remarkable story of passion, perseverance, and breaking boundaries, 28-year-old Kgomotso Molefe from South Africa has emerged a winner at a global competition held in Lisbon, Portugal. Her journey, which began as a learner in a youth career development program, has culminated in her being crowned the top auto glass …

10 July 2024

Spanish tourist killed by elephant at the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve in NW

Location: News

Spanish tourist killed by elephant at the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve in NW

The North West Parks and Tourism Board has confirmed that a male Spanish citizen was killed by an elephant at the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve after stepping out of the vehicle he was in, to take pictures.

The tourist and his three friends were driving in their vehicle, when they came across a breeding herd of elephants that were feeding a distance from the road.

“According to eyewitnesses, the man decided to alight from the vehicle and approach the elephants on foot, taking pictures,” the statement read.

Despite warnings from his fellow passengers, and other occupants from two other vehicles that were at the sighting, the guest allegedly did not heed their warnings.

That is when an adult elephant cow charged at the man, and he then ran from the elephant.

“He was unfortunately not able to escape or evade the elephant, which was now joined by the whole herd, and was caught and trampled to death.

“The elephants moved away immediately from the scene without any aggression towards the nearby vehicles and eventually disappeared into the bushes.”

According to the Board, park officials were alerted and immediately rushed to the scene to help and secure the scene.

The officials also assisted the South African Police Service (SAPS) and authorities with the necessary procedures and investigation.

“Statements by witnesses who observed the whole incident further suggest that the female elephant that charged and attacked might have done so to protect the herd and young ones.”

The case has since been handed to the police for further investigation.

“The dangerous and unpredictable nature of wild animals is always emphasised on the permits and booklets for sale in Pilanesberg.

“Park officials and honorary rangers are also patrolling the park and tourist roads when the park is open.”

According to the Board, tourists are always educated on the importance of remaining in the safety of their vehicle, respecting the distance between vehicles, allowing animals first right of passage, and only alighting in specially designated areas.

In addition, rules and regulations of the park are printed on the entry permit which must be always adhered to, for the safety of guests and animals.

“The Board is very saddened by this tragic incident. We would like to express our sincere condolences to the deceased’s next of kin and friends.

“We also send our appreciation to Sun City Resort for immediately availing relevant professionals to give counselling to the visibly traumatized friends of the deceased.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 07/10/2024 - 10:37

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10 July 2024

National Assembly elects House Chairpersons

Location: News

National Assembly elects House Chairpersons

The National Assembly (NA) has elected Cedric Frolick, Werner Horn and Zandile Majozi to serve as House Chairpersons during a plenary session on Tuesday.

Following the House Chairpersons’ election, National Assembly Rule 14 provides that the Speaker allocates functions and responsibilities to each House Chairperson and announces this in the Parliamentary publication for Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports.

During the same sitting, the House elected members to represent Parliament on the international bodies of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and the South African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADCPF).

Mdumiseni Ntuli, Mergan Chetty, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and Vuyani Pambo will represent Parliament in the PAP in terms of Article 4(2) and (3) of the Protocol to the Treaty establishing the African Economic Community Relating to the Pan-African Parliament.

With its seat in Midrand, the PAP provides a platform for people from all African states to be involved in discussions and decision-making on the problems and challenges facing the continent, including matters pertaining to respect for human rights, the consolidation of democratic institutions and the culture of democracy, as well as the promotion of good governance and the rule of law.

The PAP, also promotes the co-ordination and harmonisation of policies, measures, programmes, and activities of the regional economic communities and the parliamentary fora of Africa.

The House also resolved to elect Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane (Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces) as the fifth member to represent Parliament at the Pan-African Parliament.

Meanwhile, Thoko Didiza (Speaker of the National Assembly), Sylvia Lucas, Kenneth Mmoiemang, Babalo Madikizela, David Skosana, and Veronica Mente will represent Parliament in the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF).

The Forum is a regional inter-parliamentary body composed of 15 parliaments representing over 3500 parliamentarians in the SADC region. It aims to provide a platform for parliaments and parliamentarians to promote and improve regional integration in the SADC region.

Among the Forum’s key objectives are the promotion of human rights, gender equality, good governance, democracy, and transparency; accelerating the pace of economic cooperation, development and integration based on equity and mutual benefits; as well as facilitating networking with other inter-parliamentary organisations.

The House also designated Molapi Lekganyane, Fasiha Hassan, Adv Glynnis Breytenbach, John Hlophe, Julius Malema, and Athol Trollip to represent Parliament on the Judicial Services Commission (JSC).

The JSC was established in terms of Section 178 of the Constitution, and its function is to select fit and proper persons for appointment as judges and to investigate complaints about judicial officers. It also advises government on any matters relating to the judiciary or to the administration of justice. – SAnews.gov.za

“As Commander-in-Chief of the SANDF, President Ramaphosa offers his condolences to the families of the victims as well as to their commanders and colleagues.

“The President’s thoughts are with the team of soldiers who discovered their deceased colleagues in a container at a disused mine shaft at Orkney in the North West province,” the Presidency said in a statement.

An inquest into the deaths has been opened by the South African Police Service.

“While police are investigating the matter, the deceased troops, who showed no injuries and were fully kitted and armed, are believed by the police and the SANDF to have died from carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from a fire they made to keep warm.

“The troops were part of Operation Vala Umgodi which is directed at combating illegal mining,” the statement read.

READ | Inquest into deaths of four SANDF members

In a statement at the weekend, the SANDF said the members were stationed on a 24-hour shift at Shaft 3, a dormant mining shaft in Orkney, North West, next to the abandoned Harry Oppenheimer stadium which has been a hotspot for illegal mining. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 07/09/2024 - 09:16

451 views

9 July 2024

Nando’s Spices Up Roast of Democrazy with Secret Ingredient

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

Bekushubile eLyric Theatre when Skhumba, Loyiso Gola, Chester Missing, John Vlismas, David Kau, and others took aim at Mzansi at the Comedy Central Roast of Democracy in partnership with Nando’s recently. Nando’s, renowned for its cheeky and chic style and knack for social commentary, served up more than the usual this time. During the Comedy …

9 July 2024

Police recue two kidnapped victims in Benoni

Location: News

Police recue two kidnapped victims in Benoni

Swift and agile action by the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) elite Special Task Force unit on Monday afternoon, led to the rescue of two kidnap victims at an informal settlement in Crystal Park, Benoni.

A 64-year-old man and a 34-year-old man were kidnapped while driving along Putfontein Road in Crystal Park on Sunday.

According to the police, the kidnappers immediately began making ransom demands to their families.

The police were notified and a team, led by the Special Task Force, was mobilised.

On Monday afternoon, the team pounced on the kidnappers where a shootout ensued. One kidnapper was shot and killed; one was wounded and taken to hospital and the other four were arrested and taken into police custody.

“The SAPS assures communities that may become victims of this type of crime that it has the necessary expertise and capabilities to intercept and takedown syndicates involved in kidnappings where ransom demands are made,” said the police in a statement.

Last week, six kidnappers were arrested and two businessmen were rescued.

Communities are urged to immediately report to their nearest police station or call the Crime Stop hotline number 08600 10111 if any of their relatives or friends fall victim to kidnappers. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 07/09/2024 - 10:21

282 views

9 July 2024

Manhattan Sweets Introduces the Manhattan Fun Lab!

Location: MyPR

Soweto July 2024 – Today, the children of Pimville in Soweto are celebrating as Manhattan Sweets pilots the “Manhattan Fun Lab”, a play initiative that sets out to tackle play inequity and deliver quality play opportunities for South African children living in impoverished areas. The first ever International Day of Play took place on the …

9 July 2024

President Mourns Passing of Operation Vala Umgodi SANDF Troops

Location: News

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the deaths of four South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members who passed away overnight on Friday, 05 July 2024, while on duty to combat illegal mining.

As Commander-in-Chief of the SANDF, President Ramaphosa offers his condolences to the families of the victims as well as to their commanders and colleagues.

The President's thoughts are with the team of soldiers who discovered their deceased colleagues in a container at a disused mine shaft at Orkney in the North West Province.

While police are investigating the matter, the deceased troops, who showed no injuries and were fully kitted and armed, are believed by the police and the SANDF to have died from carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from a fire they made to keep warm.

The troops were part of Operation Vala Umgodi which is directed at combating illegal mining.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

9 July 2024

Eskom former official, service provider appear in court

Location: News

Eskom former official, service provider appear in court

An Eskom former employee and a service provider at the power utility have appeared in the Hendrina Magistrates’ Court to face charges of theft and fraud.

The two made separate appearances at the court and were released on bail of R30 000 each.

The power utility explained that an investigation had revealed that between January and April last year, the service provider had supplied five valve stems to the Hendrina Power Station.

According to Eskom the valves “were stolen from the same power station warehouse, as a result of working with the Eskom employee”.

“An internal investigation revealed that the Eskom employee had misused company resources without authorisation for their own personal gain and also falsified documents as the end-user.”
The Eskom employee resigned while a disciplinary action was being instituted.

“Eskom suffered a financial loss of R667 500 because of this criminal activity,” Eskom said.

Eskom Acting General Manager for Security Botse Sikhwitshi vowed that the power utility will continue to root out criminality in its ranks.

“Eskom strongly condemns any fraudulent activity in its business operations and will not tolerate such behaviour. Our internal security investigations team will continue collaborating with the South African Police Service in ensuring that those who enrich themselves at Eskom’s expense are held accountable,” Sikhwitshi said.

The two are expected back in court on 29 July. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 07/09/2024 - 11:11

62 views

9 July 2024

Unless this government fixes SAPS, it won’t meet its other objectives

Location: News

We need a new approach to policing from Minister Senzo Mchunu

9 July 2024

Get Ready to Dive Deep with Discovery Shark Week 2024 – Featuring South African Shark Experts!

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

The wait is over! Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, the longest-running and most anticipated TV event in history, returns to South Africa on Monday, 15 July, on Discovery Channel Africa (DStv channel 121). Hosted by the one and only John Cena, this year promises groundbreaking discoveries, thrilling encounters, and a spotlight on South Africa’s very own …

9 July 2024

Protea Hotels by Marriott Strengthens Footprint with Two New Openings

Location: News

To celebrate its 40^th birthday, Protea Hotels by Marriott announced the opening of its first property in Angola while further strengthening its portfolio in South Africa with a new property in Pretoria. The newest additions – Protea by Marriott Luanda and Protea by Marriott Pretoria Hatfield – will offer business and leisure travellers the chance to experience the vibrant local cultures and warm hospitality, along with exceptional accommodation, modern amenities and world-class service.

Protea Hotels by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy's distinguished portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, has grown significantly since its founding in July 1984. Starting with just four hotels in South Africa, the brand now boasts over 60 properties throughout South Africa and eight other African countries, including Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and now Angola. This extensive footprint across primary and secondary business centres and desirable leisure destinations makes Protea Hotels by Marriott a popular choice for travellers exploring Africa.

Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President of Premium & Select Brands, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Marriott International, said, “This month we celebrate four decades of exceptional service and genuine African hospitality. What better way to commemorate this milestone than by further strengthening Protea Hotels' legacy with our first hotel in Angola and the ongoing expansion of the brand in South Africa. Both properties will combine contemporary comfort with a deep appreciation for local culture and heritage, offering guests a unique and enriching stay.”

Protea by Marriott Luanda

Protea Hotels by Marriott makes its debut in Angola with the opening of Protea by Marriott Luanda. Situated between the city centre of Luanda and Talatona, the new hotel offers proximity to a wide range of business, sports and private event destinations, as well as leisure retreats near the sea. The hotel interior creates a comfortable ambience across its public space and 84 guestrooms and suites, using contemporary furniture in African-styled terracotta colour and furnishings made with locally sourced materials. Guests can also admire the paintings by Guilherme Mampuya, a renowned Angolan artist based in Luanda. Culinary offerings include Múcua, an all-day restaurant serving up a modern fusion of Portuguese and Angolan cuisines, and a rooftop bar where guests can unwind with drinks and light bites against panoramic views of the surrounding area. Other facilities include a fully equipped gym and an outdoor pool with a waterfall.

Protea by Marriott Pretoria Hatfield

Protea by Marriott Pretoria Hatfield is strategically located in Hatfield, one of the most sought-after areas in Pretoria, providing business and leisure travellers with easy access to diplomatic, government and corporate offices as well as shopping centres, entertainment destinations and sporting facilities. The hotel features 203 contemporary guestrooms designed for comfort and style. Guests can enjoy a memorable dining experience at The African Restaurant and Bar, which dishes up a fusion of global and African cuisines. A cosy 30-seater bar provides a relaxing space to unwind, while five state-of-the-art conference venues cater to both large-scale and intimate gatherings.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Marriott International, Inc..

About Protea Hotels by Marriott:
Protea Hotels by Marriott® is the leading hospitality brand in Africa and it is one of the most widely recognized brands on the continent with over 60 hotels across nine countries including South Africa, Zambia, Nigeria, Namibia, Botswana, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi and Angola. Protea Hotels by Marriott® is ideal for both business and leisure travellers by offering properties in primary and secondary business centres and desirable leisure destinations. Each hotel offers modern facilities, proactive and friendly service and consistent amenities such as full-service restaurants, meeting spaces, complimentary Wi-Fi, and well-appointed rooms, ensuring global standards for a high quality, relaxed and successful stay.

About Marriott Bonvoy®:
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands and 10,000 global destinations, offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable locations around the world. The award-winning travel program and marketplace gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit http://apo-opa.co/3LgyVpn. To download the Marriott app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

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8 July 2024

Functional transport sector is key to a successful economy

Location: News

Functional transport sector is key to a successful economy

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says an efficient and functioning transport sector is key to a successful economy.

“Our roads and rail network are the arteries of our nation, [they] should move people and goods safely, speedily and affordably across the length and breadth of South Africa and facilitate our connectivity with the African continent and the wider world,” Creecy said on Monday.

The condition of roads, logistical and capacity issues affecting the freight network and road safety are just a few of the problems that have plagued the sector in recent times, she said at the opening of the South African Transport Conference currently underway in Pretoria.

“When our transport systems suffer, our economy faces depressed economic growth, declining investment and working people cannot get to their jobs affordably or on time and we see a rise in unemployment in a country that desperately needs more jobs,” the Minister explained.

She added that the 7th Administration is aware of the challenges and aims to address them comprehensively throughout the next five-year term.

“Areas of focus include key logistics corridors handling commodities that are essential to the export market and economic growth (such as coal and iron ore), addressing backlogs and congestion at strategic border crossings such as Komatipoort and Beitbridge, combatting congestion in key national highway corridors such as the N1 and N3, as well as interventions to combat cable theft and maintenance backlogs at Transnet.

“The National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) is a young structure, and it is also being employed as a means to encourage more private sector collaboration and participation with Government as we address the many challenges South Africa is facing in the area of logistics,” the Minister said.

Established last year, the Crisis Committee is chaired by President Ramaphosa and brings together all of the relevant government departments to drive a coordinated response to the logistics challenges.

“The workstreams of the Logistics Crisis Committee have been set up with personnel from key ministries, including from the Department of Transport and our Entities. The committee is working to ensure stability across the various supply chain and logistics sectors,” said the Minister.

Creecy thanked her predecessor, Sindisiwe Chikunga, for her instrumental role in the establishment of the NLCC and in encouraging further engagement between the private and public sector in tackling the problems the country is faced with.

The Minister said anchoring times for ships waiting to berth at the port of Durban have been reduced, and a terminal operator has been appointed to enter into a joint partnership with Transnet to develop and upgrade the port.

“PRASA [Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa] is continuing to reopen passenger rail lines severely affected by infrastructure damage and cable theft, with 28 of 40 priority lines being fully operational,” Creecy said.

According to Creecy, as of March this year, 256 stations are fully functional in cities across the country.

“I can report today that continuous work is being done to rehabilitate and open up more strategic commuter corridors. This will ensure that the public can rely on safe, secure, punctual, and affordable public rail services that will not hinder their participation in the economy,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 07/08/2024 - 11:56

428 views