Subrayen Dazzles to Give SA ‘A’ Final Day Chance
BENONI: A splendid exhibition of spin bowling by Prenelan Subrayen gave South Africa A (SA ‘A’) the advantage before Sri Lanka...
head
Former NHLS CEO ordered to pay R22 million for loss incurred
Former NHLS CEO ordered to pay R22 million for loss incurred
The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) says it welcomes the judgment against its former CEO, Joyce Mogale, and her co-applicant, the estate of the late former Chief Financial Officer, Sikhumbuzo Zulu, who died before the court proceedings started.
This is after the Labour Court dismissed an unfair dismissal claim against the former officials and ordered Mogale to pay R22 million to the NHLS for losses it incurred because of her conduct.
“The judgment is a victory for governance and recoups losses which the NHLS has suffered as a result of the conduct of its most senior employees,” the NHLS said in a statement.
According to the entity, Judge Connie Prinsloo of the Labour Court found the pair’s dismissal to be fair.
“She used these words to describe their conduct, ‘displayed severe negligence and incompetence … dismally failed to carry out explicit Board resolutions and … blatantly disregarded the limitations contained in the delegation of authority’.”
In her ruling delivered on Friday, 13 September 2024, the Judge stated that the pair had breached the lawful, reasonable, and fair instructions of their employer.
She also mentioned that they failed to exercise due diligence and care, and referred to Mogale’s conduct as “astonishing”.
“Judge Prinsloo further stated that Mogale was unable to acknowledge her role in creating her misery – she was constantly shifting the blame, even onto the media.”
According to the NHLS, the Board became aware of irregularities in 2017, and Mogale and Zulu were subsequently suspended and dismissed in 2019 after a disciplinary hearing.
The dismissal of Mogale and Zulu, affirmed by Judge Prinsloo, were based on three separate irregular commercial contracts at the NHLS.
These include the Afrirent vehicle leasing irregularity, in which the former CEO approved a contract for R72 million without a Board and way above the limit of her authority.
She increased the contract even further to R79 million without any due process.
“She signed a Service Level Agreement with an unwarranted penalty clause which ballooned the cost even further. The Afrirent irregularities led to a judgement that Mogale must pay back R22 million to the NHLS,” the entity explained.
In the Blue Future contract information technology (IT) equipment irregularity, the NHLS Board authorised a procurement of R25 million.
However, Mogale, without a competitive tender, summarily procured R83 million and mostly for goods that had nothing to do with the tender.
In the DV8 wide area network irregularity, the NHLS stated that a R63.5 million addendum was signed to the contract without going through the tendering process and without specifying the goods to be purchased, leaving room for potential malfeasance.
“In sum, Judge Prinsloo found that Mogale’s conduct violated the Public Finance Management Act, the NHLS Supply Chain Management Policy and her contract of employment,” the entity explained.
The Chairperson of the Board, Prof Eric Buch, said that at the time of their suspension, the NHLS debt to its suppliers exceeded R800 million, which surpassed its cash balance.
Since then, Buch said, a diligent effort has steadily turned the NHLS around.
The organisation stated that it now has significant reserves, and its staff have received reasonable annual increases, while annual tariff increases have remained below 5%.
“This judgement is salient as it provides further evidence of the probity and diligence of the Board and its efforts to hold those responsible to account, however long it takes,” Buch added.
Meanwhile, Mogale, former Head of Supply Chain Management Graham Motsepe, Manager of Contracts and Tender Compliance Mthunzi Mthimkulu, Legal Manager Sibusiso Mthenjane and the owner of Blue Future Kapai Pierre Petersen are all on trial in the specialised commercial crimes court in Palm Ridge.
Petersen has already been found guilty of fraud in his tender submission to the NHLS and is awaiting sentencing.
Buch said he was still optimistic that those responsible will also be charged on the Afrirent and DV8 matters. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 12:27
389 views
Red Ribbon Communications Elevates Brand Recognition in the Renewable Energy Sector
Red Ribbon Communications, a leading PR agency specialising in tech PR and sustainability, has achieved a significant milestone through its successful collaboration with Rubicon, a leading South African sustainable technology provider. The strategic partnership has not only solidified Red Ribbon’s position as an expert in providing PR services to renewable energy solutions but has also …
Pitch In For A Cleaner Egoli—Join Event Organisers In Prepping The City For The Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K!
Jozi runners and the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Team together with event sponsors and partners will unite at a rewarding ‘City Clean-Up’ at Absa Towers West on Saturday, 21 September 2024, between 08:30 – 10:00 in the buildup to the 7th annual Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K, South Africa’s biggest Heritage Day celebration. …
Hundreds Protest In Ballito Over Poor Living Conditions
The march was led by Abahali baseMjondolo
High-Speed Action Expected at the Boxer Super Run in Durban
With its fast, flat course, the highly anticipated Boxer Super Run promises an electrifying day of racing in Durban on Sunday, 13 October 2024. South Africa’s top athletes will line up, ready to compete for the coveted titles of King and Queen of the Boxer Super Run, making this an event not to be missed. …
Government of National Unity will thrive, says President
Government of National Unity will thrive, says President
Following a meeting of the party leaders last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa says in his weekly newsletter that he is even more convinced that the Government of National Unity (GNU) is essential for the growth and development of the country.
“I am convinced that the GNU will not only survive, but that it will thrive. South Africans expect the GNU to succeed, and we will not let them down,” the President said.
On Wednesday last week, the leaders of the parties that form the GNU met to reflect on how the GNU is working.
Three months have passed since 10 parties represented in Parliament signed a Statement of Intent committing themselves to work together in government and Parliament to advance the country’s interests.
The parties agreed to certain fundamental principles, including to respect the Constitution and the rule of law and to promote accountability, transparency, integrity and good governance.
The parties also agreed on a common minimum programme that would form the basis of the work of the GNU. At its first Cabinet Lekgotla in mid-July, Ministers and Deputy Ministers drawn from the GNU partners, together with Directors-General and other officials, developed priority actions to give effect to the minimum programme.
Since these priority actions were outlined in the Opening of Parliament Address on 18 July 2024, the President said Ministers and Deputy Ministers have been hard at work to implement the tasks assigned to them.
“For a few Ministers and Deputy Ministers, being in the Executive is a new experience and for some it has been quite an adjustment. But with the support of their departments, they have all hit the ground running. Across all parties, Ministers and Deputy Ministers are making headway in confronting the challenges the country faces.
“What is significant and most welcome is that the members of the Executive have undertaken their work as part of a Cabinet collective. Although they are drawn from different parties, they have pursued the common GNU programme. They have worked in a spirit of cooperation and collaboration as Cabinet colleagues to serve the interests of the South African people,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa added the members of the Executive have each understood their role in advancing the three strategic priorities of the seventh democratic administration.
“The priorities are clear – a commitment to drive inclusive growth and job creation. A clear focus to reduce poverty and to tackle the high cost of living. A resolve to build a capable, ethical and developmental state.
Ministers and deputy ministers have been focused not on the interests of their respective parties, but on the common mandate they have received to build and develop the country,” he said.
The President said there was general agreement among the party leaders last week that the GNU has made a good start. They believe that the GNU is working well and that everyone is playing a constructive role.
“As party leaders, we nevertheless recognise that the parties in the GNU represent a range of political and ideological perspectives. There are issues on which we disagree and there will be times when differences between the parties will become more apparent.
“A case in point has been the debate around the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, which I signed into law last week. Even as the leaders were meeting last week, some parties in the GNU were publicly urging me not to sign the Bill, while others were saying that I should sign the Bill,” he said.
The President highlighted that the Constitution is quite clear on the responsibilities of the President with respect to signing legislation.
He explained that once a Bill has been passed by Parliament, the President must either assent to the Bill or, if they have reservations about its constitutionality, refer it back to Parliament.
“Since, after considering all the various submissions, I had no such reservations about the BELA Bill, the Constitution obliged me to assent to it. However, even as I signed the Bill, I noted that some of the parties in the GNU said they wanted to engage each other on parts of the bill dealing with issues of school admissions and language.
“To give the parties time to discuss these issues, I said we would delay implementation of the Act in order for parties to engage and come up with proposals, if any, on the relevant clauses,” the President said.
In taking this approach, President Ramaphosa said he sought to establish a culture of openness and dialogue among the GNU parties.
“We are also drawing on a long history in South Africa of engagement among parties on matters on which they seem far apart.
“As times, agreement can be reached when matters come to a head at the last minute enabling all parties to focus on finding solutions and discovering that there is more that unites them than what separates them. We cannot guarantee that the parties that have requested timeout to engage will reach agreement on every difficult issue. But we need to make every effort to find common ground,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 09/16/2024 - 10:43
175 views
A Call for Productivity SA to Increase Its Footprint
The Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour (DEL) Mr Jomo Sibiya has urged one of the Labour Department ‘s entities, Productivity SA to increase its visibility amongst South African businesses and also widen its reach to SMMES in the country. Delivering the keynote address at the 2024 Productivity SA Annual General Meeting (AGM), Mr Sibiya …
Gauteng commended for tackling water challenges head on
Gauteng commended for tackling water challenges head on
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, has commended Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s bold steps towards tackling the province’s water challenges head on.
This comes after the Gauteng Councillors' Imbizo held in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg on Friday.
The event aimed to address the pressing issues of water security in the province’s municipalities, caused mainly by a constant population growth which has negatively impacted on infrastructure and water supply management issues within the municipalities.
Mahlobo, who addressed the event, highlighted the pivotal role water plays in social transformation and economic development.
He warned that neglecting water infrastructure and the management of water supply not only hinders progress but also poses significant water security threat to the province.
The Deputy Minister highlighted that Gauteng has faced ongoing water supply challenges due to increased water demand by the residents.
“Alarmingly, there is no municipality within the province that has achieved a consistent 100% or 99% water supply to its citizens without disruptions. We cannot allow the situation to continue because water will become an impediment to social transformation and economic growth and can also become a security threat within the province,” Mahlobo said.
The Deputy Minister stressed the necessity of a collective mindset shift regarding water management and its conservation within the province, pointing out that the behaviour exhibited by most domestic and institutional water users reflects a concerning lack of awareness about the sustenance of water as a finite and vital resource.
Mahlobo urged councillors not to allow the decision makers to deter their goal of ensuring service delivery in their communities.
“Councillors are in a unique position to engage with their communities and to raise awareness about water conservation, and advocate for necessary infrastructure changes. I hope that when you conclude your sessions in this Imbizo, you will have a different attitude towards matters of water supply and you will handle water and sanitation issues differently," Mahlobo said.
The Imbizo served not only as a platform for sharing concerns but also as a springboard for actionable solutions.
Mahlobo identified several key strategies, which include loss of water due to infrastructure decay, to address the water challenges facing Gauteng.
He highlighted fixing sewer spillages and ensuring that sewage systems are operating efficiently as crucial to ensure sustainable water availability and its management.
Mahlobo's approach also laid the groundwork for sustainable long-term water management practices.
“Residents and municipalities must adopt a practice that promotes responsible water consumption, which can help alleviate pressures on the existing water supply. Moreover, technology should be integrated to monitor and safeguard water infrastructure, and this can enhance management efforts and prevent future crisis,” Mahlobo said.
During the Imbizo, councillors from various municipalities got an opportunity to voice their concerns regarding water and sanitation issues.
Councillor Mariana Kruger from Ward 12 in Midvaal Local Municipality commended Rand Water for their substantial contributions toward improving water supply and emphasised the importance of collaboration between local government and water entities.
"We must maintain an open communication and contact with our counterparts to ensure effective water supply and sanitation services," Kruger said.
The Deputy Minister’s call for a change in relationship dynamics surrounding water management can empower local leaders to take initiatives that prioritise water security for their residents. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 09/15/2024 - 11:01
145 views
Basic Education Portfolio Committee Chairperson Welcomes Signing of Bela Bill
The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education Chairperson, Ms Joy Maimela, today welcomed the signing into law of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill.
The BELA Bill was assented into law today by President Cyril Ramaphosa. However, the President put on hold clauses 4 and 5 of the Bill for three months in order to find solutions to those clauses. Should no solutions be found, the Bill will be implemented fully.
Ms Maimela said the legislation has been more than 11 years in the making and is in line with continuing the transformation agenda of the education sector.
Among other things, the Bill makes Grade R the new compulsory school-starting age; provides for penalties for parents who do not ensure that their children are in school; and confirms that corporal punishment is no longer allowed at schools, with penalties for those found guilty of such offences.
The Bill amplifies the corporal punishment definition and brings in the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) definition because it is constantly used now in the Act and the Bill. The Act further expanded the powers of the courts in dealing with sentencing and penalties by adding that the courts' discretion is best placed to decide such matters in accordance with the CPA, with regards to parents or guardians who disregard the requirement to ensure children are in school.
In terms of language policy, the amendment states that the governing body must submit the language policy of a public school and any amendment thereof to the head of department for approval. The language policy must also take into consideration the language needs of the broader community. “The committee notes that this relates to one of the clauses that the President put on hold for three months. We look forward to the engagement on this but continue to call for the full implementation of the Bill,” the Chairperson said.
In terms of the Bill, home education is allowed but must be regulated in terms of site visits that can happen at any place of choice, should the parents not agree to such visits at their homes. Furthermore, a report at the end of each phase will now be required by a qualified educator or assessor to prove the competency of the learner in that phase.
“The committee commends the President for signing into law this very progressive piece of legislation that will see the landscape of schooling in South Africa changing for the better. This is indeed what South Africa needs at this stage,” Ms Maimela said.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
The Versatile Future of Home Displays: Why Monitors Are More Than Just TV Alternatives
By Tyrone Young, Head of Sales for Information Display and Information Technology from LG Electronics South Africa In recent years, we have witnessed a significant shift in how people consume digital content and manage their work-life balance. This evolution has brought computer monitors into the spotlight, not just as productivity tools, but as versatile display …
CSA U19 Emerging Men’s Squad Announced For Zimbabwe Tour
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today announced a 15-player squad to represent CSA Under-19 Emerging Men in a five-match 50-over...
SIU Takes Aim At Ballooning Dodgy Medical Litigation That Is Costing the Government Billions
One law firm submitted claims of nearly R500-million against the Eastern Cape health department
Pensioners Have to Pay People to Fetch Drinking Water From Streams
Taps in this municipality have been dry for years
Former Lottery Boss Is Delaying Forfeiture of Assets Worth Millions of Rands
Pretoria High Court postpones application by the National Prosecuting Authority
Durban Police Brutality Case Postponed Yet Again
The trial of 17 police officers for the death of Regan Naidoo in 2018 has been postponed repeatedly for years now
Hungry UWC Hunt for Glory Against Tuks in Varsity Football Semi-finals
Despite having several crucial injuries in his side, UWC head coach Lwando Mdleleni will be looking to fire UWC into the finals of Varsity Football 2024 on Thursday. The 2015 champions were the only team to beat Tuks in the round robin stages and will be on the hunt to repeat their success of round …
Understanding Childhood Cancer: What Every Parent Should Know
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, explores childhood cancer, its types, signs, and what to expect if your child is diagnosed. “September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to recognise the challenges young cancer patients and their families face,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “While childhood cancer is relatively …
Boxer Super Run Durban Announces an Impressive r147K Prize Purse in 2024!
The organisers of South Africa’s most social 5km run, the Boxer Super Run, are thrilled to announce an impressive R147 200.00 prize purse in 2024. “The Boxer Super Run has redefined the standard for 5km events, and we’re proud to raise the bar even higher this year with an unprecedented R147 200.00 prize purse,” says …
Art Meets Elegance at @Sandton Hotel: “Take a Stand” Exhibition Offers a Visual Feast for the Senses
Step into a world where art and luxury collide at the stunning @Sandton Hotel. Until 31 December 31 2024, visitors to the hotel can experience the powerful and thought-provoking sculpture exhibition, “Take a Stand”, which is part of the renowned Rooftop XI series by The Viewing Room Gallery. Curated by the talented duo, Sammy Muller …
Driving Home Will Never Be the Same Again as Super Mom of 6, Lebang Kgosana Set to Host Drive Time Show on 919 FM!
After 12 years in the radio industry, “Hip-Hop mom” and supermom of six children, Lebang Kgosana has finally made it to the big leagues and is set to begin hosting a brand-new drive time show, “The Driver’s seat with Lebang Kgosana” on Johannesburg based radio station, 919fm from the 2nd of September 2024. Previously known …
VFS Global and Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) Support the Ethekwini South African Football Association (Safa) And Stellenbosch Region, With Extensive Coaching Courses
World-renowned football federation, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) in partnership with VFS Global (www.VFSglobal.com), concluded extensive coaching courses held in Stellenbosch and in Durban earlier this year. The initiative is in line with VFS Global's community outreach initiatives across the globe with a focus on youth empowerment and skill development.
The KNVB-accredited course conducted under its WorldCoaches Programme in partnership with SAFA eThekwini, saw a total of 56 coaches from across Durban and Cape Town, with almost 50% of the participants being women. The coaches were accredited with a globally recognised certificate, as part of KNVB's WorldCoaches global drive of using football to drive social development.
The five-day workshop saw the coaches being exposed to the latest global trends of youth coaching and equipped with the necessary tools and information to be role models in their respective communities. In addition to tactical knowledge empowerment, key societal topics such as child protection, leadership, and social change formed part of the learning process for the coaches. The course hosted over 265 participating players throughout the two weeks, allowing the coaches to put together sessions they had learnt from the instructors into practice.
“This was truly an eye-opening experience for our coaches. Most of them are keen to learn and empower themselves, and thanks to such a programme, our region is not only producing future coaches. but key role models for our communities, thanks to KNVB”, said SAFA eThekwini Technical Director, Maxwell Ndlovu.
Speaking on behalf of the KNVB, instructor Bert Zuurman said the reception and eagerness shown by the coaches were encouraging and indicative of a bright youth football future for the region.
“We are honoured to share our knowledge and experience with these coaches, who are not just coaches but are now role models. Our programmes are uniquely designed to make use of football as a driver for social change, and it is important that our coaches are receptive to both the tactical and social development divisions of the programme. We wish all the coaches the best of luck, and sincerely thank SAFA eThekwini for providing us with the platform”, said Johan van Geijn, Founder of KNVB WorldCoaches.
“Through this programme, we are not only equipping coaches with the latest in football tactics but also instilling in them a sense of social responsibility. Through such initiatives that also empower young people to stay in school, we're shaping not just athletes, but future leaders by providing coaches with the tools to be role models. Our investment in South Africa underscores our dedication to youth empowerment worldwide, harnessing sports to pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future”, added Nadia Wicks, Head of Operations- Southern Africa, VFS Global.
The goal of the WorldCoaches program is to give participants critical thinking skills and resources required to make critical decisions both on and off the field.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VFS Global.
Media Contact:
George Cherian
Corporate Communications
VFS Global
georgec@vfsglobal.com / communications@vfsglobal.com
Further Enquiries:
Puncho Morajane
puncho@forwardzone.com
071 199 7858
About VFS Global:
As the world's leading outsourcing and technology service specialist, VFS Global embraces technological innovation including Generative AI to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, increasing productivity and enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment.
With a responsible approach to technology development, adoption and integration, the company prioritizes ethical practices and sustainability while serving as the trusted partner to 68 client governments. Operating over 3,400 Application Centres in 153 countries, VFS Global has efficiently processed more than 294 million applications since 2001.
Headquartered in Zurich and majority owned through investment funds managed by Blackstone Inc, along with the Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation and EQT, VFS Global is committed to creating value for all stakeholders and leading in responsible, innovative solutions making government services more effective and efficient.
About KNVB – WorldCoaches:
WorldCoaches is a programme based on the KNVB's extensive international coaching experience and its belief that no matter where in the world, football can be used as a means for social development. Our trained WorldCoaches play a key role in this by inspiring and coaching children in their athletic and social development.
During WorldCoaches courses, youth are trained to become football coaches and role models in their own community. In doing so, the WorldCoaches programme focuses on three themes that directly contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These are: personal development, health and social cohesion. The SDGs were set by the United Nations and aim to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. As such, through the unique and universal appeal of football, the KNVB attempts to reduce the impact of various social challenges and aims to contribute to a better society.
(Re-) Discover the Timeless Allure of Twin-Tub Washing Machines
Choose LG’s twin-tub washing machines for a timeless laundry solution that fits all households With the computing power of modern washing machines rivalling that of smart phones and laptops, the steadfast presence of the twin-tub in our laundry rooms stands as a symbol of reliability and tradition. Amidst a myriad of laundry options available today, …
Boxer Super Run Takes the Excitement of 5KM Running to Tshwane!
South Africa’s most social 5km run, the Boxer Super Run, is set to make its exciting debut in Tshwane on Sunday, 10 November 2024, at TUKS (Uitspan), with the action starting from 07:00. This highly anticipated event will bring together runners of all ages and abilities for a day of fun, fitness, and camaraderie in …