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Kenya’s Vincent Kibet Langat and Diana Chepkorir claimed top honors in the men’s and women’s races, respectively, at the 2nd annual Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday, 7 April 2024. Langat boasted a winning time of 28:01 and Chepkorir 31:15. At the age of 37, veteran South African top runner Elroy Gelant is …
SIU obtains interdict to stop sale of farm linked to former NLC exec
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has obtained an interdict from the Special Tribunal to stop the sale of a farm in Limpopo that is linked to the former National Lotteries Commission (NLC) Chief Operations Officer, Phillemon Letwaba and his brother, Johannes Letwaba.
The farm was listed for R7 million last year and is currently under offer for R5 million.
In an order dated 28 March 2024, the Special Tribunal prohibited the Letwaba brothers and any other person with knowledge of the order from selling, disposing, leasing, transferring, donating, or dealing with the farm in any manner.
The 3 426 128-hectares farm is registered under the Mosokoti Business Trust, whose trustees are the Letwaba brothers.
The funds that were used to purchase the farm emanate from the NLC. The farm is now preserved pending the final determination of civil action to be brought by the SIU within 60 days.
The SIU received a tip-off from a whistleblower about the sale of the farm and its potential link to NLC funds.
Following the tip-off, the SIU found that the farm was purchased using NLC funds siphoned through two organisations, which include organisation one -- Lulamisa Community Development Organisation NPO.
The SIU’s investigation revealed that in July 2015, an application for grant funding for Lulamisa Community Development Organisation (Lulamisa) was submitted to the NLC.
On the application form, the NPO was requesting an amount of R85 million for “hosting the Commonwealth Games, which would benefit the people of South Africa and boost the economy of the city of Durban”.
The NLC granted Lulamisa R80 million in two tranches of R64 million and R16 million, respectively.
Between 1 and 31 March 2016, Lulamisa made various payments to Iron Bridge Travelling Agency totalling R2 712 269.77. Phillemon Letwaba’s wife, Rebotile Malomane, owns Iron Bridge Travelling Agency.
In April 2016, Iron Bridge Travelling and Events transferred R1 000 000.00 to conveyancing attorneys, which went towards purchasing the farm.
Organisation number two is Tshikovha Graduate Academy.
On 11 February 2016, Konani Pfunzo Learning Centre applied for grant funding to the NLC for R49 935 697.52. The request aimed to assist Tshikovha Graduate Academy, an NPC, in drilling 200 boreholes in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Free State and Eastern Cape provinces.
On 19 February 2016, NLC awarded Konani Pfunzo Learning Centre grant funding of R55 463 735.
On 22 February 2016, Konani Pfunzo and Tshikovha signed a memorandum that the grant will be transferred to Tshikovha within two working days upon receipt thereof. After Konani Pfunzo received grand funding from the NLC, an amount of R55 250 000 was transferred to the bank account of Tshikovha Graduate Academy.
Two days after receiving these funds, Tshikovha Graduate Academy transferred R4 800 000.00 to a private company named Redtaq (pty) LTD. Karabo Charles Sithole, Phillemon Ledwaba's cousin, is the sole director of Redtaq.
On 01 March 2016, Redtaq transferred R600 000.00 to Iron Bridge Travelling and Events. On 03 March 2016, Tshikovha further transferred R4 500 000.00 to Redtaq.
On 23 March 2016, Redtaq transferred R2 4000 000.00 to conveyancing attorneys. On the same day, Iron Bridge Travelling and Events transferred R66 009.83 and R300 000.00 to the same attorneys.
On 30 March 2016, Tshikovha transferred R8 000 000.00 to Mshandukani Holdings's bank account. Mshandukani Holdings is a private company with the company and Mr Mashudu Shandukani is the sole director.
On 05 April 2016, Mshandukani Holdings transferred an amount of R1 000 000.00 to Ndzhuku Holdings' bank account. On the same day, Ndzhuku Holdings transferred an amount of R1 000 000.00 to the same aforementioned attorneys.
The farm was purchased for a total of R4 766 003.83. The SIU’s evidence shows that Letwaba contravened the NLC's conflict of interest clause. He also used the funds received from NLC-funded NPOs for his gain.
The interdict is part of implementing the SIU’s investigation outcomes and consequence management to recover cash and assets lost by State institutions due to alleged corruption or negligence.
Acting on the tip-off is part of fighting corruption as a whole of society, as envisioned in the National Anti-Corruption Strategy.
The SIU was authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa, in terms of Proclamation R32 of 2020, to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration in the affairs of the NLC and the conduct of NLC officials, and to recover any financial losses suffered by the State.
The SIU is empowered by the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 to institute civil action in the Special Tribunal or the High Court to correct any wrongdoing it uncovers in its investigation.
The SIU has referred the evidence pointing to criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action. - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 04/07/2024 - 12:53
The Vodacom Bulls and Hollywoodbets Sharks provided a ray of light in an indifferent weekend for South Africa’s five teams in the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup playoffs, as they recorded invaluable victories to advance to the quarter-finals next week. The Vodacom Bulls, who thumped Lyon 59-19 in Pretoria, will face the Northhampton …
On a cold and miserable day in Durban it was a delight for Maritzburg College as they beat rivals Glenwood High School 18 – 7 in the first Sportsmans Warehouse Premier Interschools fixture of 2024 on Saturday the 6th of April. A wet, cold, and hostile Glenwood High School welcomed visitors Maritzburg College in the …
Order names about 20 people and companies linked to National Lotteries Commission dodgy deals
Newly launched terminal a symbol of resilience
President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the newly opened Newlyn Park Bayhead Rail Terminal as a symbol of South Africa’s recovery following the challenging COVID-19 pandemic and the country’s resilience in the face of challenges.
The President launched the terminal in Durban on Thursday.
“The completion and launch of the Newlyn Park Bayhead Rail Terminal project at the Port of Durban is not only a much-needed boost to South Africa’s logistics infrastructure network. This terminal is also a symbol of recovery and resilience. For the city of Durban, for the eThekwini Metro, for KwaZulu-Natal, and for the country at large,” he said.
President Ramaphosa reflected on the “worst public health disaster in modern times in the form of COVID-19” which forced South Africa and the entire globe into lockdown to contain the spread of the virus.
“As we were just emerging from the pandemic’s shadow in 2021, parts of our country, notably KwaZulu-Natal, were the scenes of deadly unrest and an unleashing of violence, arson and mayhem that caused loss of life and cost our economy approximately R50 billion. Then, just a year later, in 2022, KwaZulu-Natal was one of the provinces that experienced devastating floods.
“We all recall seeing the images of the damage to the Port of Durban at the time…especially in and around Bayhead Road, we saw much damage. We know the extensive work and effort it took to restore operations and to get the port and its associated infrastructure up and running again.
“These were all significant setbacks…that could have knocked us down, that could have prevented us from moving forward and that could have made us to give up.
“We can all be immensely proud of what has been achieved here, and of the persevering, pioneering South African spirit that this new terminal embodies. It also illustrates what can be achieved when government and business work together,” the President said.
Fruition
The Newlyn Park Bayhead Rail Terminal is a fruition of a commitment made during the South African Investment Conference (SAIC) in 2019.
Reflecting on the investment commitment Newlyn has made into South Africa, President Ramaphosa recalled that at SAIC 2023, Newlyn further pledged R4 billion into the “development of a near-zero dust emission manganese back- of-port storage and handling facility project at Coega, as well as in a similar facility for iron ore at Saldanha Bay”.
The President emphasised that the terminal represents a “good model” of what can be developed when government and private sector work together.
Partnership
“The terminal has been built on land leased from Transnet and the partnership with Newlyn will assist in improving operational efficiency right across the board. This precinct will address some of the challenges we have been experiencing in the logistics, infrastructure and network industries that have had a negative impact on economic growth and the creation of jobs.
“In order for this rail terminal project to deliver full benefits to South Africa for the purpose that it was designed, it has to have trains and slots to be made available to clients. This will lead to a significant increase in revenue for Transnet and Natcor Corridor through the migration of cargo from road to rail,” he said.
The project has injected some R 3.4 billion in investment and created some 4 013 direct construction jobs.
“More than 1000 employees are currently employed full time in this facility and this number is expected to grow as the facility handles more cargo. Much of the material that has gone into [building the terminal] has been sourced locally and many of those who participated in setting this facility up were also local providers.
“Upgrading local port infrastructure is critical to the success of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area and this new terminal will facilitate the swift movement of goods from South Africa to the rest of the continent and, indeed, beyond,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 04/04/2024 - 14:54
MSG, owner of Power FM, channelled the money for the National Lotteries Commision
Thembelihle Ndlela and Kwenzakonke Gazu, both aged 3, were playing near their homes in Zwelisha, north of Durban, on Wednesday
More than 200 people still live in tented shelter set up during Covid lockdown
The Sportmans Warehouse Premier Interschools 2024 season kicks of this weekend, 6 April, in what is set to be another epic chapter of this traditional KZN rivalry between two schoolboy rugby powerhouses. Glenwood High School hosts Maritzburg College on their home turf. The first match between the two schools was played in 1921 at Glenwood, …
KZN gaming sector collects R724m for service delivery
The KwaZulu-Natal Gaming and Betting Board has collected a revenue of more than R724 million for service delivery, with more than 11 600 jobs being created for the citizens in the province.
KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) MEC, Siboniso Duma, revealed this during the 15th Gambling Regulators African Forum (GRAF) Conference, currently underway at Sibaya Casino in Durban.
The annual conference, which is attended by over 500 international and national delegates, offers a unique opportunity for regulators to exchange knowledge, collaborate on regulatory challenges, and shape the future of the African gambling industry.
Hosted by the department’s entity, KwaZulu-Natal Gaming and Betting Board, this year’s conference taking place from 2 - 5 April 2024, is held under the theme, “Fostering Unity Towards a Coordinated Gaming Regulatory Framework for Africa”.
In his opening address on Wednesday, Duma emphasised the importance of the gaming sector in the province’s economy, noting that the industry invests more than R2 billion in the province.
Duma said the money has been allocated for various service delivery programmes, including roads construction; houses; and ensuring the provision of quality education, health, welfare services, water, and electricity.
“Companies that are involved in the gaming and betting sector have invested more than R2 billion towards the development of their facilities here in KZN. This has helped create jobs and stimulate other sectors of the economy such as tourism and construction.
“Importantly, through our entity, we regulate horseracing events such as the Durban July which is now called Hollywood Bet [which] has always been the country’s biggest race for years with more than R4.5 million in prize money and turnover of R140 million,” Duma said.
He added that various sectors of the economy have been benefiting for years with thousands of temporal and permanent jobs created.
Duma noted that due to COVID-19, jockeys have lost approximately R6.5 million monthly, including riding fees and winning stakes. The trainers have also lost approximately R3 million a month with their business reduced by 20%.
The MEC commended the stakeholders for working together to ensure the turnaround of the situation.
“The horse racing industry in general contributes around R3 billion to the country’s GDP and about R800 million in taxes every year. The contribution of the industry to the local economy is R905 million [and] we want this contribution to increase year-on-year.
“We are also moving with speed to unleash talent in deep rural areas through traditional racing events, such as Dundee July and Umtelebhelo. These have become major events in the annual calendar which have attracted more than 70 000 tourists,” Duma said.
Duma said government is also working jointly with licenses to transform the horse racing industry.
“Hollywood Sportsbook Group and Gold Circle have collaborated with government in supporting grooms within the horseracing industry. We want to see young people becoming horse owners, horse trainers, horse breeders, jockeys, veterinarians and grooms.
“We wish to acknowledge this contribution not only here in KZN but in other provinces and neighbouring countries. It is my view that this investment is an indication that gaming and betting Industry was a mature and well-established industry before COVID-19,” Duma said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 04/03/2024 - 15:23
Glenrose Xaba will be targeting only the second sub-32-minute 10km of her career when she lines up for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K this coming Sunday, 7 April 2024. Xaba was the first South African home, placing 4th overall in a then personal best time of 32:23 in the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR …
EAST LONDON: Proteas Women seamer Tumi Sekhukhune underscores the team’s motivation to build momentum and secure a convincing series victory against...
President Ramaphosa to unveil KZN terminal and Tetra Pak Manufacturing plant
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to officially open the Newlyn PX Terminal and the Tetra Pak Manufacturing plant in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday as part of South Africa’s investment drive.
These entities made pledges through the South African Investment Conference, an initiative led by President Ramaphosa with the ambitious goal of attracting R1.2 trillion in investments over five years.
“The multi modal rail terminal in Bayhead next to the port of Durban pledged R2 billion for the development of the largest multi modal rail terminal in Africa and has completed the last phase of the development exceeding the initial pledge by R2.6 billion.
“The entity has over the last 26 years demonstrated its commitment as well as significant financial, technical and human resource development in developing transformational logistics infrastructure along the country’s major trade corridors,” the Presidency said in a statement.
Furthermore, the terminal is considered a leading development for logistics.
“The terminal has also been recognised as [a] flagship development expanding the logistics capacity of the country as well as enhancing global competitiveness as part of the critical NATCOR trade corridor linking Johannesburg to the port of Durban.
“The development will further facilitate an integrated ecosystem yielding benefits to freight owners, Transnet and logistics service providers. This will also accelerate government’s objective of migrating of cargo from road to rail,” the statement read.
The Presidency highlighted that in 2022, the Tetra Pak Group invested more than R500 million in the manufacturing plant in KwaZulu-Natal. Tetra Pak is the world’s leading food processing and packaging company with a presence in more than 155 countries.
“Post the investment, the manufacturing plant is now the only state-of-the-art facility in Africa producing carton asceptic packaging for the domestic market and Africa export; meeting standards of sustainability; supporting a circular economy and propelling industrial growth.
“These investments will form a critical industrial base for South Africa’s recent commencement of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), for export opportunities,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 04/02/2024 - 09:19
In an inspiring move to honour and support the unsung heroes of wildlife and marine conservation across Africa, African Secret Cream Liqueur created “The Secret Hero of Africa” initiative. This campaign is dedicated to celebrating the courageous efforts of individuals and groups working tirelessly to ensure the preservation of Africa’s rich wildlife and marine life …
POTCHEFSTROOM: Marques Ackerman struck a key half century to help the Hollywoodbets Dolphins overcome KwaZulu-Natal rivals the AET Tuskers by 19...
Following the remarkable achievements of the 2023 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, which included the victory of former 10km world record holder Yalemzerf Yehualaw (Ethiopia) in Durban, the event organizers are thrilled to announce another exciting addition to the 2024 lineup. Kenya’s Diana Chepkorir, a sub-30-minute 10km performer, will make her South African debut at …
Gqeberha residents are invited to join a lively “Inner-City Clean Up” starting at 08:30 (until 10:00) from the Absa Branch on Govan Mbeki Avenue (Port Elizabeth Central, Gqeberha) on Saturday, April 6, 2024. This event sets the stage for the highly anticipated Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday (7 April). “Not only does …
Interventions to stabilise water supply in Durban South Coast areas
The eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality says the city is working around the clock to stabilise water supply in areas that are supplied through the South Coast Augmentation (SCA) pipeline.
The municipality said the system has been struggling to recover and maintain healthy levels to supply dependent reservoirs following the completion of repairs on a section of the 1200mm diameter SCA steel trunk main.
The trunk main underwent repairs after it was damaged by heavy rains.
The municipality said the city is building up storage at the Woodlands 3 and 4 Reservoirs by managing demand at the SCA pumpstation.
“Managing demands involve rationing supply to different reservoirs and switching off the booster pumpstations to allow reservoirs to recover. With this intervention, Woodlands 3 and 4 reservoirs have improved, with levels going from being empty to currently sitting at 30%.
“The city aims to reach 80% storage levels to be able to maintain pumping to the Amanzimtoti Waterworks to supply all dependent reservoirs that are located downstream from the Waterworks,” the municipality said.
The affected areas include Amanzimtoti CBD, Almond, Kingsburgh, Doonside, Illovo Beach, Panorama Park, Umgababa, Mgobhozini, Mfume, KwaSoni, Mshiwase, Nkwali, Lovu, Bhekulwandle, KwaMakhutha, Mkhazini, Ezimbokodweni, KwaFakazi, KwaMgendwa, Mahlathini, Ohlongeni, eKuphileni, Adams Mission, Umnini, Danganyana, Magabheni, Dlambula, Ehlanzeni, Thoyane, Umkomaas, Clansthal, Craigeburn, Amahlongwa, Amalundi, Crowder Farm, Malukazi, and Scottburgh.
Construction of retaining walls underway
Meanwhile, a team from the city is hard at work building the retaining walls along Sinamuva Road in Inanda Newtown extension B, Ward 107.
This follows recent heavy rain, which exposed the main water pipe and damaged the roadside wall.
The city said the installation of retaining walls will increase safety measures for the community using Sinamuva Road in Ward 107.
As part of remedial efforts, the team is securing the water main pipe and protecting the road from soil erosion.
City’s Project Foreman, who is providing strategic direction to ensure the work is done in accordance with job specifications, Bongani Shabalala, said the project started in December last year.
“Part of the work includes placing gabions to protect against soil erosion. A previous storm severely damaged the side wall, and other parts of the road were affected,” Shabalala said.
Resident Siboniso Mpanza, who is working on the project, said the repair work has created job opportunities for locals.
“Most of the workers here are the youth who are learning new skills. We will continue to use these skills gained even after the project is completed,” said Mpanza. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 03/28/2024 - 08:45
With under 75 days to #Comrades2024 race day, the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has announced that South Africa’s largest fuel and convenience company, Engen has partnered with the Comrades Marathon as the Official Fuel Supplier this year. CMA Race & Operations Manager, Ann Ashworth confirmed the partnership, saying, “It is really pleasing to see the …
The 7th annual Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K returns to the majestic city on Sunday, July 7, 2024, and entries are now officially open. “We are thrilled to open entries for the 7th annual Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. “Although it’s established …
Ahead of Edinburgh’s Vodacom URC Round 13 fixture against the Hollywoodbets Sharks, coaches and players from the Scottish side took part in a coaching clinic in Sydenham, Durban this morning. Sydenham was once a rugby buzz community where former Springbok and Sharks player JP Peterson played rugby. The Hollywoodbets Sharks are actively working towards reviving …
Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre is proud to announce that it has once again received the prestigious Diamond Status award from the World Stroke Organisation (WSO). The Diamond Status is the highest accolade in the tiers that recognise hospitals that consistently meet and exceed the WSO’sstringent criteria for stroke treatment and patient care. For …
Call for responsible driver behaviour
Motorists have been warned against violating traffic laws this Easter weekend as law enforcement officials intensify their operations to ensure the country’s roads are safe.
“Roadblocks will be staged on all major routes and within residential areas to address deviant behaviours by those who think that long weekends are a license to break the rules of the road and undermine our national effort to make our road safe,” Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga said.
Traffic volumes are expected to start increasing on Thursday, 28 March, from about 10:00 and will stay high until about midnight.
“On Friday, 29 March, traffic volumes will start increasing early in the morning and will return to normal after 14:00. Return traffic will commence with worshippers from Moria City and other places of worship on Sunday, 31 March.
“All other main routes are expected to be extremely busy throughout Monday, 01 April. We appeal for motorists to stagger their traveling,” Chikunga said.
Addressing the 2024 Easter Road Safety Campaign in Mpumalanga the Minister said government has set a target to reduce road fatalities by 15% this Easter.
“We have mapped the routes, sharpened our strategies, and prepared our battle plan. With Gauteng being home to 40% of South Africa’s vehicle population, we expect a substantial number of motorists to leave Gauteng to different holiday destinations.
“The N1 towards Polokwane, especially the road to Moria City in Limpopo and to Beit Bridge, will be heavily policed. The N3 to the coastal city of Durban and N1 to the Free State, Western Cape, particularly Cape Town to Eastern Cape will be no exception.
“Here in Mpumalanga, on the N4 we expect heavy traffic especially on stretches leading to border gates and around toll gates,” the Minister said.
She called on the religious community, especially those that will be travelling to different places of pilgrimage, to ensure that the busses and taxis they hire are roadworthy and fit to be on the roads.
“Attention must be paid to ensure that the bus has two drivers who will relieve each other during the trips to avoid fatigue. Vehicle must also have proper permits that allow them to travel outside of their normal routes. This will help to avoid conflict with other operators and inconvenience to passengers when the vehicles are stopped by law enforcement authorities,” the Minister said.
She said government is committed to improving performance on road safety.
This endeavour will be achieved by integrating law enforcement efforts and avoiding fragmentation, improving community understanding of factors behind road carnages and the role they can play to reduce as well as placing road safety on the national agenda.
“We are warning those who are a law unto themselves to obey traffic rules or else they will face the full might of the law. The message is simply that if you are reckless and irresponsible you will be locked up in jail, for in our view you are danger to society… if you drive drunk, if you drive at excessive speed, you drive a vehicle without number plates, you drive without a driver’s licence,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 03/27/2024 - 10:46