Lottery Corruption Case Reaches Court After Years of Delays
No progress from National Prosecuting Authority in at least another 18 cases with a further 21 under investigation by SAPS and the Hawks
No progress from National Prosecuting Authority in at least another 18 cases with a further 21 under investigation by SAPS and the Hawks
The Christian Council of Kenya got involved in a violent colonial effort to rehabilitate independence fighters. It saw this as an opportunity to evangelise.
TotalEnergies can still submit new assessments and conduct a fresh public participation process
The old dictum that the press promotes the views of those who own and support it was as true during slavery and apartheid as it is now.
Protesters blocked the R300 in Cape Town on Thursday
The Emfuleni Local Municipality (Evaton, Sebokeng, Vaal Oewer, Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging) has sunk even deeper into the quagmire as the contractor BCX Solar, which manages the Municipality’s financial system, cancelled its services due to non-payment. Emfuleni paid the R3,6 million licence fee, but failed to settle the system’s maintenance fees. With the financial system down, no […]
The post Contractor cancels Emfuleni’s financial system due to non-payment appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Roads, water supply, electricity supply and finances are in disarray
This was a remarkable event because it defied the tired cliché that Africans do not read.
New study finds that people in 12 African countries don’t fully accept that extreme weather disasters are caused by climate change. More public awareness is needed.
Resident Masike Lebele has created a unique tourist experience with trails through wetlands, streams and mine dumps
The DA in KwaZulu-Natal is to take the eThekwini municipality to court
Silas Ani was last seen unconscious during a “drug raid” by police and Sizok’thola presenter Xolani Khumalo in April
GOOD Statement by Brett Herron,GOOD Secretary-General 26 June 2025 The GOOD Party welcomes the arrest of South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence head, Major-General Dumisani Khumalo, by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC). Senior members of law enforcement must be held to the highest standards of integrity and accountability. Corruption and criminality cannot be […]
The post NO ROOM FOR CRIMINALS IN CRIME INTELLIGENCE appeared first on For Good.
JOHANNESBURG: Each year, Cricket South Africa (CSA), in partnership with KFC, proudly recognises the passionate individuals who dedicate their time...
Makhado Special Economic Zone, announced in 2018, was intended to attract investments of R40-billion
GOOD Statement by Suzette Little,GOOD Deputy Secretary-General & City of Cape Town Caucus Chairperson 30 May 2025 On the fifth anniversary of the closure of Cape Town’s controversial Strandfontein “homeless persons camp”. The GOOD party submitted questions to the executive mayor for written response in terms of rules of order 22.1 and 22.5. The camp […]
The post STRANDFONTEIN CAMP: FIVE YEARS ON, NO ACCOUNTABILITY appeared first on For Good.
The 2025 Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa Awards will honour three exceptional individuals whose leadership, vision, and integrity have profoundly shaped the hospitality industry in Africa and beyond. David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, will be recognised with the FHS Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality Award; William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor Hotels, will receive the FHS Leadership Award and Hala Matar Choufany, President of HVS Middle East, Africa & South Asia, will be presented with the FHS Excellence Award.
The awards were nominated by the FHS Africa Advisory Board, a group of senior industry leaders who collectively represent decades of insight and influence across the global hospitality ecosystem. Their selections reflect not only individual excellence, but also the values that FHS Africa seeks to champion: ethical leadership, inclusive development, and long-term impact.
William E. Heinecke, one of Asia's most influential entrepreneurs, was honoured with the FHS Leadership Award in recognition of a nearly six-decade-long career that began with a bold idea and just US$1,200. At the age of 17, Heinecke registered his first company under the name ‘Minor'- a nod to being underage at the time - and went on to create Minor Hotels, a diversified hospitality group that today operates more than 530 hotels across 56 countries under brands including Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Elewana, and Tivoli. His acquisition of NH Hotel Group in 2018 marked a turning point for global expansion and established Minor as a powerhouse in the international hospitality scene. A vocal advocate for sustainability and social impact, Heinecke also founded the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, the Heinecke Foundation for education, and the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation. His accolades include HOTELS Magazine's Corporate Hotelier of the World and Entrepreneur of the Year at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards. Now Chairman of the Board of Minor International, Heinecke continues to guide the group's long-term strategy and philanthropic mission.
David Green's recognition reflects more than a decade of transformative leadership at the helm of Cape Town's iconic V&A Waterfront. Since his appointment in 2009, Green has guided the historic precinct through a R8 billion reinvention, turning it into one of Africa's most successful mixed-use destinations. Under his stewardship, the Waterfront has become a blueprint for sustainable urban development - supporting nearly 80,000 jobs, empowering local entrepreneurs, and embedding environmental and social responsibility at the core of every initiative. From the launch of the Zeitz MOCAA Museum and Makers Landing to the expansion of the hotel and hospitality portfolio now comprising 14 hotels and over 1,800 rooms, Green's legacy lies in his deep commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and purpose-driven development. “Everything we do is viewed through the lenses of job creation, inclusivity, and sustainability,” Green reflected.
“It's about ensuring that our work aligns with the values of our people, our community, and our environment.”
Hala Matar Choufany, recipient of the FHS Excellence Award, has set new benchmarks in hospitality advisory through her role as President of HVS Middle East, Africa & South Asia. The first woman to hold this position, she has led over 5,000 advisory engagements that have shaped hotel investments, asset strategies, and valuations across key markets. Her leadership is grounded in transparency, ethical decision-making, and long-term value creation - principles she champions not just in boardrooms, but also in classrooms and industry forums worldwide. A respected voice in global hospitality discourse, Choufany is committed to nurturing talent, supporting sustainable development in emerging markets, and driving responsible investment practices across Africa and beyond. “True leadership is not about titles or accolades,” she said. “It's defined by trust, integrity, and the impact created through knowledge-sharing and collaboration.”
All three recipients will be featured in exclusive one-to-one interviews live on the FHS Africa stage, offering delegates a rare and intimate opportunity to hear their personal stories, leadership lessons and career highlights first-hand. These are not-to-be-missed sessions that will anchor the thought leadership agenda of FHS Africa 2025.
Commenting on the announcement, Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of The Bench, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to be recognising William, Hala, and David at FHS Africa this year. Each of them represents the very best of our industry - visionary leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to positive change. Their stories are a testament to what is possible when passion meets purpose. FHS Africa continues to be the premier hospitality investment platform on the continent, and honouring these individuals reflects the exceptional calibre of conversation and connection that defines this event.”
FHS Africa 2025 continues its mission to elevate the continent's hospitality potential by spotlighting the people and ideas driving sustainable growth. Through these awards, the Summit honours those who not only lead with distinction but also shape the future of hospitality across Africa and around the world.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Bench.
For further information and high-resolution images, please contact:
David Tarsh
+44 (0) 20 7602 5262
+44 (0) 7770 816 070
Email: David@Tarsh.com.
About FHS Africa:
For over a decade, the Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa – formerly the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum) has been the launchpad for hospitality investment in Africa, driving growth, connecting visionaries, and transforming the continent's tourism and hospitality landscape. As a beacon of opportunity, FHS Africa brings together global investors, developers, operators, and industry leaders committed to turning potential into reality.
Strategic Partners: Accor, BWH Hotels, Hilton, Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group
Headline Sponsors: ACT, CHIC, Hansgrohe, TUI Hotels & Resorts
Sponsors: Aleph Hospitality, CityBlue Hotels, EQUATE, Knight Frank, JLL, St Helena Government, STR, TIME Hotels, TV5 Monde, Valor Hospitality Partners
Event Ambassadors: Develop Hotels Inc, Hotel Partners Africa, Voltere by Egis, W Hospitality Group
Official Carriers: Discover Airlines, Kenya Airways
Supported By: South Africa Tourism
About The Bench:
The Bench has a legacy of delivering world-leading investment forums and conferences in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The key principle behind these events has remained "dealmaking'. Transforming the way businesses connect, Bench has developed a reputation for creating innovative and high-impact meetings for the industry.
For over two decades, government leaders, tourism ministries, global travel & tourism associations, the world's most influential hospitality brands, hotel owners & investors, renowned restaurant groups, airlines & aviation authorities, destination developers, asset managers, financial groups, and consultants have been participating in The Bench's events. These include FHS Africa, FHS World, FHS Saudi Arabia and AviaDev, where industry players showcase their brands, position themselves as thought leaders or innovators, and connect with the right individuals, opportunities and knowledge.
Learn more at www.TheBench.com
Seven people arrested for Clarens ATM bombing
Police have arrested seven suspects in connection with an ATM bombing that happened in Clarens in the Free State earlier this week.
The seven individuals, aged between 24 and 36, were arrested on Saturday in Ficksburg after the South African Police Service (SAPS) spotted a Toyota Fortuner parked near an ATM at about 1am.
“Two males were seen tampering with the ATM. Upon noticing the police presence, the suspects attempted to flee the scene. A vehicle pursuit ensued, culminating in the successful apprehension of the Fortuner’s five occupants, including one woman,” the SAPS said in a statement.
All suspects are foreign nationals. Four of them have been confirmed as undocumented immigrants.
The suspects were wanted for allegedly bombing an ATM located at a petrol station in Clarens on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, four suspects were seen near an ATM located at a petrol station in Clarens. Moments later, an explosion occurred, followed by gunfire. Upon receiving the alert, members of the Clarence SAPS responded swiftly.
“Preliminary investigations confirmed that explosives had been used to destroy the ATM and an undisclosed sum of money was stolen.
“Initial reports pointed to four suspects travelling in a blue Toyota Fortuner with Gauteng registration plates. This vital information was immediately circulated and a coordinated manhunt was launched,” SAPS said.
The blue Toyota Fortuner has been seized as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
“The suspects will appear in the Clarens and Ficksburg Magistrate’s Courts in due course. The provincial Serious, Violent and Murder Unit has taken over the investigation, focusing on charges of business robbery and other possible related offenses. Further inquiries are ongoing to determine any links to additional criminal activities,” the police said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 05/18/2025 - 11:13
Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Kenny Morolong, welcomes the arrest of four suspects in connection with the disappearance of journalist, Aserie Ndlovu, and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli. This breakthrough was announced by the South African Police Service in the afternoon of Monday, 05 May 2025.
The Deputy Minister visited the Ndlovu family on Sunday, 04 May 2025 to offer his support and solidarity on behalf of Government.
Prior to the meeting with the family, he received a briefing from the police on the progress of the investigation.
Aserie Ndlovu, the founder of Capital Live FM, was reported missing on 18 February 2025 together with his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli. Since then, law enforcement agencies have been working tirelessly to trace their whereabouts, and while the investigation remains ongoing, the arrests mark a significant breakthrough in the case.
“While investigations are still underway, I want to commend the investigating team for the progress they have made thus far. We continue to hope and pray for the safe return of both Mr. Ndlovu and Ms. Mdhluli," said Deputy Minister Morolong.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
President commends progress made in provision of water and sanitation
President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended the Department of Water and Sanitation for its ongoing efforts to improve water and sanitation access in the country.
Delivering the keynote address at the Water and Sanitation Indaba currently underway at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Gauteng, the President highlighted that through the department’s efforts, progress has been made towards meeting the minimum standards for the provision of water and sanitation services, and in addressing connection backlogs.
“As a country we can be proud of the progress we have made in fulfilling this basic right of our people since the advent of democracy. The National Water Act of 1998 was the key legislative enabler to facilitate access to adequate water and sanitation for our people.
“The results of Census 2022 point to our ongoing progress since the National Water Act was signed into law. In 2022 access to clean water stood at 88.5 %, and access to improved sanitation stood at 80.7 %,” the President said on Thursday.
The President highlighted an increase in water infrastructure build, and this includes the National Infrastructure Fund which has to date, secured R23 billion for seven large water infrastructure projects, Phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) which is currently underway, as well as work on the uMkhomazi Dam.
Preparations are also underway for the construction of the Ntabelanga Dam on the uMzimvubu River.
The President noted a number of other water infrastructure projects earmarked for blended financing through the Infrastructure Fund, including the Polihali Dam that will feed 490 million cubic meters of water a year from the Lesotho Highlands into the Vaal River System.
Held under the theme: “Water Security and Provision”, the Indaba set for Thursday and Friday, underscores government’s ongoing commitment to tackling South Africa’s water security challenges and ensuring reliable and sustainable water and sanitation services for all citizens.
With its focus on water security and provision, the two-day gathering takes place during National Water Month and Human Rights Month, a significant period that underpins the importance of water as a fundamental human right and a critical resource for socio-economic development.
The timing of the gathering also underscores the urgency of addressing water and sanitation challenges to uphold the dignity and well-being of all South Africans.
Clean water and sanitation for all
While progress has been made, President Ramaphosa acknowledged that the country still has a long way to go towards achieving clean water and sanitation for all, as encapsulated in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.
“Last year’s Water Summit identified ageing and poorly maintained infrastructure, vandalism of water infrastructure, illegal connections, and organised crime in the water sector as some of the challenges facing service delivery in this sector.
“At a local government level, financial mismanagement, insufficient revenue collection systems and high levels of physical water losses are compounding existing service delivery problems. These challenges have been consistently reflected in reports of the Municipal Strategic Self-Assessment, Stats SA, the Auditor-General and others,” the President explained.
With this dire state of affairs, he added that the country has seen declining private sector investment in water infrastructure, “a situation that is only now improving”.
By equal measure, he said the municipalities have not reinvested the revenue they earn from the provision of services to the upkeep of key water infrastructure.
“A number of water boards have been or are the subject of probes by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) for corruption and fraud. These are problems impacting a country with a growing population, which is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 03/27/2025 - 13:21
254 views
Two to appear in court in connection with Marry Me attack
Two suspects are expected to appear before the Pretoria North Magistrates Court on Wednesday in connection with the attack of community-based patrollers at the Marry Me informal settlement in Soshanguve.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) said the pair, aged 27 and 50, will appear on charges of murder, attempted murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
“The firearms will be subjected to ballistic testing to ascertain whether they had been involved in other serious crimes in Gauteng,” said the Hawks.
The two were arrested on Monday by members of the Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS) in Pretoria, together with the Tshwane K9 Unit, Akasia Crime Prevention, Tshwane Akasia Crime Intelligence, Public Order Policing (POP) Pretoria, Tshwane district Serious Violent Crime (SVC) and the Pretoria North Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC).
READ | Attack on community-based patrollers condemned
“On 24 March 2025, information was received by members of TOMS regarding a group of suspects that have allegedly committed multiple murders and attempted murder in Soshanguve (Marry Me), which occurred on 22 March 2025. The police followed up on the information and traced the first suspect to Soshanguve Extension 20,” said the Hawks.
Upon arrival, police recovered one firearm, a 9MM Girsan with ammunition. The serial number had been filed off the firearm.
The police proceed to the second address in Soshanguve Extension 6, where the second suspect was arrested.
During the arrest, the suspect was found in possession of a 9MM CZ with ammunition, and its serial number was also filed off.
“... The suspects are allegedly linked to murders and house robberies that occurred on 21 February 2025,” said the Hawks. - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 03/25/2025 - 14:41
119 views
The Joint Standing Committee on the Financial Management of Parliament on Tuesday welcomed Parliament's performance for the first three quarters of the 2024/25 financial year.
The committee received a briefing from the executive authority and administrative management on Parliament's cumulative performance over this time. It noted that the quarterly reports reflect steady progress on the institution's core functions, such as legislation and oversight, although some challenges remain.
The committee noted that Parliament achieved 70% of its targets by December last year. Among the targets not achieved were those set for the restoration and rebuilding of Parliament project. Members heard from the Secretary to Parliament, Mr Xolile George, that this project experienced delays, especially with the Old Assembly building. Following these delays, restoration work in the Old Assembly is now set to start in May this year. Despite members' concerns with the timeline, given the winter months ahead, they were assured that the project is still on track to be completed by December 2026.
Noting this, the Co-Chairperson, Mr Molapi Lekganyane, reminded members that the committee will receive a comprehensive update on the restoration project by 28 March and that they will also do a physical inspection to assess progress for themselves.
Members also had questions regarding Parliament's implementation of the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector, including Organs of State (Zondo Commission). Mr George assured members that parliamentary committees have consistently reviewed and implemented the recommendations to ensure greater accountability in government departments and entities.
The committee welcomed Parliament's efforts to expand its digital and public engagement tools with, among other things, an online petition system, which is anticipated to streamline the petition process further. Members heard that Parliament is developing an online petition monitoring and tracking system to improve public participation and responsiveness to citizen concerns. The aim is to develop an e-petition solution that will automate the process of handling petitions, lessening the time it takes to process them.
The committee heard that the focus in the reporting period was the front-end development of the online petitions interface, integration with the existing website, workflow design, and system functionality testing and readiness for going live. Members, however, urged that the online system should supplement the existing process and not replace it, as many people in remote rural settings still lack internet connection.
The committee also noted Parliament's efforts to strengthen its legislation and oversight through, among other things, the impact assessment framework. Members heard that the pilot implementation of the framework aims to conduct pre-and post-assessment of legislation considered and passed by Parliament. The impact assessment framework will serve as the basis for evaluating the viability of legislation and its subsequent impact on citizens. The focus for the quarter was to pilot the framework on four selected bills, but there is still a need for more stakeholder engagement to refine the framework before full implementation.
Noting and welcoming the quarterly performance reports, Mr Lekganyane said that responses to issues members raised must be outlined in reports to the committee.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Free State police arrest 12 for illegal mining
Twelve foreign nationals have been arrested in connection with illegal mining activities in the Free State, said the South African Police Service (SAPS).
This follows a coordinated operation by the Mission Area Joint Operational Center (MAJOC) Roving team, which included combat operators, proactive members, and various other participants of Operation Valu uMgodi.
The arrests happened on Saturday, while the suspects were actively engaged in illegal mining.
The operation, aimed at disrupting illicit mining activities, was carried out in different identified hotspots within the province.
Foot patrols, including vehicle patrols, air-to-ground drone patrols and vehicle check points, were conducted in the Stone and Allied area, Bambanani SS1 Slam Dam, Kudu Mine Shaft, Stilte Farm and G-Hostel in Thabong Extension 4.
“During the operation, the 12 foreign nationals were found in possession of gold bearing material weighing at 132.52 kilograms and gold processing equipment such as steel balls, garden spades, shovels, pick axes, steel plates, buckets and washing basins were all seized,” said the SAPS in a statement.
The suspects (aged between 26 and 40), face charges of the possession of suspected gold bearing material, illegal gold processing equipment, trespassing and the contravention of the Immigration Act.
They 12 are expected to appear in court soon. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 03/17/2025 - 08:31
0 views
Africa Tech Festival (www.AfricaTechFestival.com), the continent's leading platform for technology innovation and connectivity, is proud to announce the esteemed members of its Leadership Council for 2025. Comprising influential leaders from across Africa's technology, business, and investment sectors, the Leadership Council will play a pivotal role in shaping the festival's agenda, ensuring it remains at the forefront of industry trends, policy discussions, and digital transformation.
The Africa Tech Festival 2025 Leadership Council comprises of:
Bringing together a wealth of expertise, the Leadership Council will provide strategic guidance to ensure Africa Tech Festival continues to address the most pressing issues and opportunities within Africa's digital economy. Their insights will help drive meaningful discussions on connectivity, AI, fintech, cybersecurity, cloud, and the future of digital infrastructure across Africa.
“Africa Tech Festival serves as a platform for connection, collaboration, and innovation across the continent,” said James Williams, Event Director of Africa Tech Festival. “With the guidance of our Leadership Council, we will continue to curate an event that drives impactful conversations, supports industry growth, and fosters Africa's position as a global technology leader.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.
Media Contact:
Tori Wilson
Senior Marketing Manager
tori.wilson@informa.com
About Africa Tech Festival 2025:
Now in its 28th edition, Africa Tech Festival 2025 will take place from 11 to 13 November 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), bringing together over 15,000 technology leaders, policymakers, investors, startups, and visionaries. The festival encompasses four anchor events:
With over 500 speakers, 300 exhibitors, and multiple networking opportunities, Africa Tech Festival remains the largest and most influential tech event on the continent.
For more information about Africa Tech Festival 2025 and its Leadership Council, visit www.AfricaTechFestival.com.
