Makhubele tribunal winding up
The tribunal will hear one more witness and argument then consider written and oral arguments before making a ruling
Events
Final Countdown for Runified City 50km
With windy weather conditions expected for the final countdown to race day, the elite field gathered for the 4th edition of the Runified City 50km set for 25 February 2024 will need to be ready to test their mettle. The top three athletes who will be spearheading the elite field from Pollock Beach, Summerstrand, will …
President hails traditional leaders for flood relief efforts
President hails traditional leaders for flood relief efforts
President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised the efforts of uMgogodla kaZulu, a group comprising the spouses of traditional leaders and women traditional leaders, for their commendable work in addressing the challenges posed by the recent floods in KwaZulu-Natal.
Addressing the annual official opening of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL) in Cape Town on Thursday, the President said it was pleasing to note that the institution of traditional and Khoi-San leadership is playing its role in assisting communities.
The President told the traditional and Khoi-San leaders that climate change is a growing concern in South Africa. He said the recent flooding, together with other extreme weather events, are a stark reminder that the country cannot be complacent about this grave threat to both lives and livelihoods.
“It is pleasing to note that the institution of traditional and Khoi-San leadership is once again playing its role to assist communities. I specifically wish to commend the work done by the structure of spouses and female traditional leaders, called uMgogodla kaZulu, during the floods that engulfed KwaZulu-Natal.
“The Ondlunkulu stood up, in partnership with Al-Imdaad, Old Mutual, the Princess Gabo and Kaizer Junior Foundations, and others to help those who were affected by floods. We appreciate this valuable work,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa said he has been advised that several other provinces have formalised the structures of spouses and women traditional leaders of amaKhosi.
He implored the House to continue working together with provincial Houses of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders to ensure that such structures are established and capacitated.
30 Years of Democracy
In his State of the Nation Address delivered earlier this month, the President reflected on the journey South Africa has traversed over the past 30 years since attaining freedom.
"As a nation, we can also be proud of the journey we have travelled, according to the institution of traditional leadership and the stature it deserves.
“Today, our Kings are recognised as Kings, as opposed to Paramount Chiefs, a term which colonial and apartheid rule introduced to make it clear that in their minds the real Kings were only those found in Europe.
“Today, we have a National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders that plays an active and meaningful role in our national life,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa expressed the wish that more Khoi-San leaders will be brought into the fold and be formally recognised under the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act.
He said that the Commission on Khoi-San Matters has been appointed to receive and assess applications for recognition and make recommendations to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
While the process is taking longer than was initially envisaged, the President has appealed that the Commission be allowed the space to continue with this complex historical mission that they have been assigned.
Addressing unemployment
The President told the House that they have a shared responsibility to work together to address the country’s unemployment crisis, particularly among young people.
He highlighted that the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, the National Youth Service and the Youth Employment Service are just some of the initiatives government is implementing that are making a difference.
“I call on this House to play an active role in the ongoing process of recruiting young people into the National Rural Youth Service Corps that is being coordinated by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.
“The InvestRural blueprint handed over to me by the former Chairperson of this House, the late iNkosi Mahlangu, is being fused into government programmes.
“The training of young people by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is a practical example of this. Another is the work being done by the Department of Traditional Affairs in partnership with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy to streamline and integrate Social Labour Plans into industry operations,” he said.
The President further told the House that the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme coordinated by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is yet another example of positive and meaningful change being brought to rural areas. Just last month he attended the launch of one of these bridges in KwaZulu-Natal.
“To witness the difference these bridges are making in the lives of rural communities, especially for young learners who need to cross rivers to get to school, is remarkable,” he said.
Capacity building
The President has emphasised that capacity building is essential if the country is to enhance the role traditional leaders play in development.
In this regard, he welcomed the partnership between the Department of Traditional Affairs and the National School of Government to provide training on, among others, facilitating socio-economic development for traditional communities.
The programme is aimed at empowering traditional leaders to act as change agents in their communities, and to transfer new knowledge and skills for the activation of sustainable economic interventions in rural areas.
“Our goal is an active rural citizenry, with our traditional leaders at the helm. The issue of transferring communal land to traditional councils is one of great interest to this House.
“As government, we are in the process of finalising the bill on communal land, which will be followed by extensive consultations.
“I know that this process is taking longer than expected, but democracy requires that we give society a voice in matters that concern them,” he said.
Initiation
Turning to the challenges facing initiation, President Ramaphosa said that these should be decisively addressed.
“We cannot continue to have customary initiation being turned into a harmful practice.
“We need to do all in our powers as government, communities, traditional leaders, the National Initiation Oversight Committee and provincial structures to put to an end to these unnecessary and entirely avoidable deaths and injuries,” he said.
The President further urged the House to continue to monitor and guide provinces and various local houses on the provisions of the Customary Initiation Act.
“We must live up to the slogan of 'Mabaye Bephila, Babuye Baphila',” he said.
Traditional Courts Act
The President told the House that he has assented to the Traditional Courts Act and will soon be proclaiming the date on which it comes into effect.
In the meantime, he said, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and the Department of Traditional Affairs have started with some of the preparatory work that will facilitate implementation.
This includes visiting some of the traditional councils to further discuss their approaches to alternative dispute resolution and the resources they deploy in this regard. The President added that this is a matter on which they have finally made good progress.
On concerns expressed by the House with regards to involving traditional leadership more in the work of the Inter-Ministerial task Team, President Ramaphosa said that he, along with the Deputy President, is seized with the matter of ensuring that members of this House are invited to workstream meetings and are able to participate more fully.
Exercise your right to vote
The President said on 29 May, South Africans will be going to the polls to vote in the seventh democratic elections for national and provincial government.
As the country prepares for this historic occasion, President Ramaphosa has once again urged traditional leaders to continue to encourage all eligible voters to register and participate in these elections.
“As we have done before, we call on traditional leaders to actively promote free and fair campaigning, and to ensure that all voters can exercise their democratic right.
“May you remain with the spirit of our forebears, who never retreated when challenges were facing them. Working side by side, we will move forward,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 02/22/2024 - 14:04
272 views
Join the pink Army at Kwena Square in support of CANSA Shavathon
Loosing ones hair is a common side-effect of cancer therapy – shaving or spraying your head has become symbolic gesture of support for cancer survivors. This is the 22nd national CANSA Shavathon, independently managed by CANSA staff and volunteers, and we can’t wait to see you at our events! Show your support by bringing your …
Limpopo royal family feud could change customary law
Courts to rule on key issues linked to succession
Lottery’s looted R9.5-million would have made all the difference to Limpopo cyclists
Tata ma millions, tata to the chances of rural sports stars
Government raises US$3.3 billion to support climate change initiatives
Government raises US$3.3 billion to support climate change initiatives
Government has raised US$3.3 billion so far from Multilateral Development Banks and International Finance Institutions to support climate change, energy, and just transition objectives.
Delivering the 2024 National Budget Speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said National Treasury plays a crucial role in mobilising resources, designing incentives, and influencing policy to mainstream climate change.
“As climate-related disasters intensify, a multi-layered risk-based approach is being developed to manage the associated fiscal risks. This considers various funding instruments from grants to contingency funds, including the Climate Change Response Fund, depending on the incidence and intensity of the disaster event.
“The National Treasury is reviewing disaster response grants to improve efficiency and create incentives for disaster planning, preparedness and risk reduction. It is also developing a climate-budget tagging framework to influence policy, planning, and budget decisions, by tracking climate-related expenditures in public budgets,” the Minister said on Wednesday in Parliament.
He said the support of concessional funding providers, such as Multilateral Development Banks, is going a long way to support the country’s climate adaptation, mitigation, energy transition, and sustainability initiatives.
“Crowding-in the private sector is necessary to managing the climate disaster funds. We are actively participating in climate negotiations, aligning with the government's advocacy for reforming multilateral finance institutions.
“We are also working with eight municipalities to adapt and mitigate the effects of climate and weather-related events, by providing technical assistance for climate-responsive capital projects,” the Minister said.
According to the 2024 National Treasury Budget Review, the department is finalising a disaster risk financing strategy, centred on innovative financing and risk transfer to effectively mitigate climate impacts.
The strategy will boost state capacity to fund disaster recovery efforts and expand insurance mechanisms to protect against the financial strain of natural disasters.
“Recent years have seen a significant increase in extreme weather events and economic losses amid mounting concern over the effects of climate change. Between 1980 and 2021, 86 notable weather-related disasters have been recorded, affecting more than 22 million people and causing economic losses of about R113 billion.
“The 2017 Knysna wildfires, Cape Town (2015–2018) and Eastern Cape (2015–2020) droughts and KwaZulu-Natal floods in 2022 have heavily affected agriculture and tourism, with negative implications for government spending and revenue.
“These events exacerbate economic inequality, particularly in poor communities that are highly exposed to droughts, floods and wildfires and their consequences,” the document said.
Government incentivises electric vehicles producers
In an effort to encourage the production of electric vehicles in South Africa, government will introduce an investment allowance for new investments, beginning 1 March 2026.
This will allow producers to claim 150% of qualifying investment spending on electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles in the first year.
“The incentive will be implemented in addition to the existing support under the Automotive Production Development Programme. Government has also reprioritised R964 million over the medium term to support the transition to electric vehicles,” the Minister said.
The Electric Vehicles White Paper outlines government’s strategy to transition towards a broader new energy vehicle production and consumption in South Africa, starting with electric vehicles.
It aims to transition the automotive industry from primarily producing internal combustion engine vehicles to a dual platform that includes electric vehicles, by 2035. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 14:14
507 views
Navigating the Ever-changing Wedding Trends of Tomorrow
As we step into the world of weddings in 2024, a myriad of trends emerge, reflecting the evolving tastes and preferences of couples tying the knot. As couples search for innovative ways to celebrate their love, the South Hill team shares their observations on the latest wedding trends. Gone are the days of traditional weekend …
BCSA Announce Squad To Face New Zealand Blind Cricket In Thrilling Series
JOHANNESBURG: Blind Cricket South Africa (BCSA) has announced the squad to face New Zealand Blind Cricket in the upcoming series...
Tee off 2024 with the right balance of work and play on KZN’s ‘Golf Coast’
Golf remains one of the world’s most popular sports, and a key strategy for business networking and engagement. The KZN South Coast, known colloquially as ‘The Golf Coast’, is home to 11 different courses with a backdrop of ocean views, coastal forests, and sunny skies. This quality MICE destination, with top accommodation, conferencing, and teambuilding …
Accessing accurate public information
Accessing accurate public information
By Zanele Mngadi
Through social media apps, websites, and other digital tools, the internet gives us a lot of ways to connect with each other. This makes information easy to find.
However, the ease with which we get information online makes it hard to determine how true it is. The COVID-19 pandemic is a great example of this challenge because knowledge spread very quickly through our phones and social media sites.
During this dark time, scary fake news spread very quickly, making it harder for people to get the right information and stay safe, which was bad for their health and made them less likely to trust others.
In order to fight fake news, the South African government set up many ways for people to easily get true and accurate information. This included the SA Coronavirus website, social media accounts, and regular updates for the whole country.
Lessons from the pandemic
Because of the pandemic, government learned that giving people easy access to reliable information gave them the tools they needed to make smart choices about how to protect their health.
Building on the success of spreading information widely during COVID-19, government has adopted a multi-media approach that uses all forms of media to give South Africans more power by giving them accurate information about problems facing the country, the government's solutions, and programmes meant to bring about change.
Government just recently set up two WhatsApp channels, governmentza and the PresidencyZA, that people can follow to get regular updates on things that affect everyone, like chances for legal education and work.
This adds to government’s social media platform GovernmentZA, which lets people get true information right away and talk to the government directly. People should follow these social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, WhatsApp, X, and YouTube, as well as government websites like https://www.gov.za, https://www.gcis.gov.za/, and https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/, to get accurate news about issues that affect the whole country.
The GCIS also has its own in-house news agency, SAnews (https://www.sanews.gov.za/) which provides regular news updates on matters of public concern, at no cost. In addition the GCIS launched a podcast, Vuk Talks to give people more access to information about government programmes. It’s on YouTube and Spotify.
Our online presence adapts to the changing needs of our citizens, but we also make sure that people who don’t have access to the internet can still get information.
The government tries to get accurate and reliable news to millions of people in rural areas and townships. Over the years Vuk’uzenzele newspaper has touched the lives of many people. It also brought the government to closer to the people through Izimbizo and partnerships with local community radio stations. From April 2024 on, the newspaper will only be available online, but its articles will still be useful to everyone in South Africa. We have also partnered with SABC 2 on the 13-part series Citizens Connect in an attempt to educate more citizens.
The value of accurate information
All of these online platforms let people to easily get reliable information directly from the government about their lives, our country, and the world we live in. Reliable information is essential to make democracy work. The opposite is equally true: inaccurate information, often a result of fake news, can be dangerous to democracy, especially during big national events such as elections.
As the seventh national and provincial elections get closer, people are being warned to be careful of fake news online, especially since new technologies make it hard to tell the difference between fact and fiction.
With the rise of deep fake content, fake content can seem credible. Dishonest people use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make fake videos, pictures, and audio recordings of other people. Public figures, such as our political leaders, are often the targets of these attacks.
Be vigilant at all times
Government urges every citizen to be wary of falling victim to fake news. Pay close attention to face features and lip movements that don’t match up on videos because that can be a sign of deep fake content. If in doubt, verify the information you receive via trustworthy information sources (such as government platforms). That’s how you can learn the truth and make smart decisions about your future.
If you use social media and websites as sources of information, make sure that they are real. It’s easy to miss fake accounts or profiles because their names sound a lot like real ones. So, double-check the writing of the profiles and websites you follow.
Every South African needs to make sure that the news they spread comes from reliable sources. Let’s all stay alert all times to avoid being duped by fake news. Let’s all play our part to make our democracy strong. Let’s fight disinformation.
*Zanele Mngadi is Chief Director: Products and Platforms at the GCIS
Janine
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 10:38
109 views
Maloyi says encouraging signs of recovery in the province
Maloyi says encouraging signs of recovery in the province
Economic growth in the North West remains slow despite the province’s abundant mineral resources, according to Acting Premier Nono Maloyi.
“While our province is endowed with vast mineral deposits, we continue to be inundated by high levels of poverty and unemployment.
“Economic growth remains sluggish, and this has had an adverse impact on our efforts to
create jobs for our people,” Maloyi said on Tuesday, delivering his State of the Province Address (SOPA).
However, the Acting Premier, announced that there are encouraging signs of recovery.
During his speech to the provincial legislature, he highlighted that the North West was one of only three provinces that experienced significant employment growth in the third quarter of 2023, resulting in the creation of over 61 000 jobs.
“The unemployment rate in the North West gives us sleepless nights, particularly because it affects mainly women and the youth.”
According to Maloyi, two investment promotion events were held with major investors.
These include the North West BRICS Investment Conference held during the BRICS Summit last year and the Premier’s Dinner with investors in September 2023 at Sun City, of which both events have yielded positive outcomes.
Both initiatives yielded 34 investment pledges with a total value of over R104.1 billion.
To date, Maloyi told the members, 14 have confirmed investment projects to the tune of R13.5 billion, which are in the pipeline for the Bojanala Special Economic Zone.
These investments will create an additional 10 000 jobs.
Tourism
Meanwhile, he said the province’s Tourism Recovery Plan has begun to realise growth in the number of both domestic and international visitors.
“Between 2022 and 2023 our industry has risen from the ashes of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this has generated R6.9 billion in revenue for the province thereby creating and preserving 24 000 jobs.”
He said this government has already started the process of revitalising the Pilanesberg and George Dick Montshiwa Airports.
“Both these airports will add capacity to the province to grow tourism and open new economic frontiers in cargo hauling, hanger, and airline services. We have sent Request for Proposals for running these two airports and lure investments,” he explained, adding that the preferred bidders will commence work by May this year.
In addition, the Acting Premier announced that the agricultural sector is yet to reach its full potential through the meaningful participation of emerging farmers in this growing sector.
Economic policy
“Honourable Speaker, economic development challenges require coherent policy responses backed-up by long-term planning.”
In addition, the province has now finalised the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS) with a primary aim to provide a broad economic policy-planning guide and anchor interventions to meet the goals as set out in the National Development Plan 2030.
This, he said, has now enabled the provincial government to complete the resuscitation of the Premier’s Economic Advisory Council.
The council will provide strategic support and coordination in the implementation of the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy, and promote integrated economic planning and sector contributions.
Internships
During this financial year, close to 900 internships and learnerships benefitted young people in various departments, municipalities, State-owned entities (SOEs) and the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETAs).
He announced that the North West would prioritise young people in various infrastructure projects that will be rolled out in the 2024/25 financial year.
“Women are the backbone of our provincial economy. Eight women-led cooperatives and individuals will benefit from R1.4 million, which has been set aside for their upskilling and business growth.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 12:23
406 views
New Season Of The Met: Live In Hd Features Nine Sumptuous Operas From The Met Stage To The Big Screen, Exclusively At Ster-Kinekor Cinemas
The Met: Live in HD, the Metropolitan Opera’s award-winning series of live high-definition cinema simulcasts, is into its 17th season exclusively at select Ster-Kinekor and Cinema Nouveau cinemas. Still to come in the 2023–24 Live in HD season are new productions of Bizet’s Carmen and Verdi’s La Forza del Destino; and revivals of Gounod’s Roméo …
Win a Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT Vehicle at the Absa DASH YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K
Celebrating its second anniversary in the friendly city on Sunday 07 April 2024, all entrants of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K will have the exciting chance to win a brand-new Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT Vehicle valued from R279 000. “We are thrilled to announce that every participant in the Absa RUN YOUR …
SA strengthens its response to climate change
SA strengthens its response to climate change
South Africa is enhancing its efforts to address climate change by introducing the Climate Change Response Fund aimed at fostering collaboration between government and the private sector to effectively tackle environmental challenges.
This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who addressed the nation through his weekly newsletter on Monday.
“For our part, South Africa has established a Climate Change Response Fund that will bring together all spheres of government and the private sector. By coordinating financial mobilisation from both government and the private sector, our country will have collaborative efforts to build resilience and respond to climate change.
“This includes climate-proofing existing essential infrastructure and facilities, such as water and food systems, roads, rail and ports, human settlements and health care.
“The fund will also collaborate with a variety of partners to respond to immediate needs in communities following climate change related disasters,” the President said.
The fund forms an important part of South Africa’s comprehensive response to climate change, which includes both adaptation and measures to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
President Ramaphosa has just returned from the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where the worsening effects of climate change on the continent were raised prominently.
African leaders have been advocating for urgent, practical and stepped up climate action, given the continent’s extreme vulnerability to the effects of global warming.
“We have seen a rapid increase in climate-related disasters worldwide as extreme weather events become more frequent. In our own country, we have had wildfires in the Western Cape, heatwaves in the Northern Cape, continuing drought conditions in the Eastern Cape and intense storms in Gauteng.
“Even before we could properly recover and rebuild after the 2022 floods in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and North West, we were hit again this year with more flooding, further loss of life and damage to livelihoods, property and the local economy,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said the insurance industry is warning about the increasing costs of disaster risk finance, and the prospect of highly vulnerable regions eventually becoming uninsurable.
As noted during the AU Summit, the President explained that the African climate action is constrained by inadequate and unpredictable climate finance.
“It has long been the continental position that those most responsible for climate change and its impacts, namely developed countries, bear a responsibility to assist developing countries to build climate resilience.
“We therefore welcomed the historic agreement at the UN Climate Conference in the United Arab Emirates in December last year to operationalise a Loss and Damage Fund to provide financial support for developing countries that are vulnerable to the impact of climate change. South Africa and the African Group were key to securing this agreement,” the President said.
At the same time, the President said, African countries are forging ahead with plans to mobilise resources in support of climate action across the continent, and the AU Commission has recently established a Climate Finance Unit to ensure this is done in a coordinated manner.
The President emphasised that as a country, South Africa cannot be complacent about climate change because its impacts are already being felt.
“We will continue to contribute our fair share to the global climate change effort. Our country will remain vocal in calling for developed countries to meet their obligations for financing and technology transfer support.
“We will continue to campaign for transformation of the international financial architecture and reform of multilateral development banks and international financial institutions so that developing countries can access the resources needed for climate action and the implementation of the sustainable development goals,” he said.
The President committed to continue to campaign against the implementation of climate and environment based unilateral actions, policies and taxes and their potential impacts on African exports and trade.
“Climate change is a global problem and as such, requires collective global action that is sustainable, that takes the differing circumstances and capabilities of countries into account, and that above all, leaves no-one behind,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 02/19/2024 - 13:12
304 views
Absa SPRINT YOUR CITY Series announces a R1,560,000 Prize Purse for 2024
Stillwater Sports, the team behind South Africa’s acclaimed road running series, is thrilled to reveal that the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series will boast an impressive, combined Prize Purse of R 1,560,000.00 in 2024. Transforming the landscape of road running since its inception in 2015, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series comprises five mass participation …
More than a decade later, Carolina’s dirty water still puts residents’ health at risk
A 2012 court judgment ordered the municipality to provide clean water. It has still not complied
Incredible achievement – South African singer/songwriter FILIPA to seize portion in Portugal’s Festival da Canção
After a spate of achievements on the global sports stage, South Africa has yet another star showing the world what we’re capable of as Pretoria-born singer/songwriter FILIPA competes against Portugal’s finest talent in the country’s Festival da Canção 24, organised by the national broadcasters, RTP. Festival da Canção is one of Portugal’s most high-profile music …
Rip Curl GromSearch Kommetjie Kicks Off
16 February 2024: Ryan Schoon © Louis Wulff The Rip Curl GromSearch Kommetjie kicked off at Long Beach this morning with some excellent waves underneath an early morning drizzle. By mid-morning, the sun was out, and the action was non-stop. Some top performances from Ryan Schoon, Cooper Smith, Levi Epenetos and Matt Canning in the …
“Criminal syndicate” was inside the Lottery says SIU
Three-year investigation has revealed collusion between Lottery officials, former board members, lawyers and non-profit organisations
Brahman Hills Triumphs as First-Ever African Winner in Royal Horticultural Society Competition
MIDLANDS, SOUTH AFRICA — In an unprecedented achievement, Brahman Hills, home of glorious views, breath-taking gardens, an award-winning spa and charming 4- and 5-star accommodation, has been named the Overseas Region Winner in the esteemed Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Partner Garden of the Year Competition. This historic win marks a significant milestone not only for …
Redefining Comfort and Style: Plastic Chairs for Every Setting
Introduction In the ever-evolving landscape of furniture, plastic chairs have emerged as a versatile and practical choice for various settings. From outdoor gatherings to indoor events, and even office spaces, the right plastic chair can make all the difference. Let’s explore the diverse range of plastic chairs and homeware products that cater to every need, combining comfort, …
SIU updates Parliament on NLC corruption investigation
SIU updates Parliament on NLC corruption investigation
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has completed 90% of the second phase in its three-phased National Lotteries Commission (NLC) investigation.
The unit said in a statement on Wednesday the investigation in its totality is worth approximately R1.4 billion which the state and the NLC have allegedly lost due to corruption at the organisation.
The value of each phase is:
• Phase 1 - R279 710 409.
• Phase 2 -R246 659 310.
• Phase 3 - R905 901.910.04
The SIU appeared before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry on Wednesday to give an update on the investigation. In the presentation, SIU revealed new investigation findings.
One of the findings is related to award-winning actress, Moiteri Pheto, who unduly benefitted once again from the NLC grant funding.
The NLC approved grant funding of R5 million to Zibisibix Non-Profit Company for a chicken farm in December 2018. After receiving the R5 million, money moved from the account and the following payments were made:
• Black Planet Trading (Director: Thula Sindi) of an amount of R140 000.00
• Tsoseletso (Director: Moitheri Pheto) - R253 000.00
• Pheto Safe and Cleaning (Director: Dimakatso Pheto) - R124 000.00
• Sunguti projects (Director: Moitheri Pheto) - R2 800 000.00
• Moitheri Pheto’s personal bank account - R182 000.00
• Dimakatso Pheto (Moitheri’s sister) - R315 500.00
• Vehicle dealership- R252 400
• Agricultural Supplies- R209 500
The farm was purchased for R850 000, and the SIU found that the former chairperson of the NLC board Professor Alfred Nevhutanda signed the offer to purchase the farm in the Vaal area.
“Furthermore, the evidence that SIU gathered revealed that the farm was purchased for the benefit of Dimakatso Pheto. The case has been referred for civil litigation for recovery and criminal referrals are being prepared,” it said.
The SIU also presented to Parliament how the South African Youth Movement (SAYM) applied for grant funding on behalf of the Presley Chweneyagae Foundation, which belong to award winning actor, Presley Chweneyagae.
The main purpose of the application was for the Take Back the Future Musical, Documentary and Poetry Arts programme. The NLC approved a grant funding of an amount of R15 million.
From the R15 million, R2 999 967.00 was transferred to Iron Bridge Travelling Agency and Events in August 2016. Iron Bridge Travelling Agency and Events is owned by the former NLC Chief Operating Officer, Phillemon Letwaba’s wife, Rebotile Malomane.
In May 2017, a further R950 190.00 was transferred to VNMM Consulting Engineers CC. VNMM Consulting Engineers is owned by Prof Nevhutanda’s son-in-law, Meshack Makhubela. On 25 May 2017, an amount of R500 000 with a reference plot purchase was transferred to conveyancing attorneys.
From the balance of R 450 190, Prof Nevhutanda received R100 000 for a bus purchase and a further R60 000 for a funeral and debit orders for a car finance account.
The SIU investigation revealed how a non-profit organisation (NPO) was hijacked and funds that were meant to uplift poor women in Marikana and the surrounding areas in the North West province on a chicken farming project were misused.
The application was adjudicated and the grant funding for the value of R13 million was awarded to an NPO and was to be paid in two tranches of R7 million and R6 million. In November 2020, the hijacked NPO made an application for additional funding and received a further R3.5 million.
The SIU’s investigation revealed that a shelf company named Silverlite Trading bought the land in Marikana for this project for R400 000. Advocate William Huma, a former NLC board member is the current sole director of Silverlight.
The SIU went on a site visit and found that the farm was well-built and completed. The chicken farm contains a workers' house, guard house, egg packaging and storehouse and chicken egg production house and there is a borehole.
However, since the chicken farm is not in operation. It is being vandalised, and some of the electric cables and solar panels were stolen from the farm.
The SIU has so far made eight criminal referrals to the National Prosecuting Unit and 11 disciplinary referrals to NLC officials.
The SIU was, in terms of Proclamation R32 of 2020, authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration in the affairs of NLC and the conduct of NLC officials and to recover any financial losses suffered by the State.
In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers during its investigations to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.
The SIU is empowered by the SIU Act to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation caused by acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 02/14/2024 - 13:22
18 views
Exploring the World of Events Catering and Industrial Supplies
Introduction The world of events and catering, along with the industrial sector, encompasses a wide array of products and services that impact our daily lives in more ways than we often realize. From providing comfortable seating arrangements at gatherings to ensuring the safe disposal of waste, these industries play a crucial role in enhancing our …