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Pregnancy is a joyous journey, but it’s crucial to look beyond the anticipation of a new arrival and consider the mental health challenges that could come with it. While some new mothers experience what is known as the ‘baby blues’, one in seven women are at risk of developing post-partum depression – a more serious …
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
Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Durban’s Super Giants most represented teams Wednesday, 14 February 2024: Betway SA20 has announced the...
With Valentine’s Day falling on the 14th, February is the month of love. No doubt there’ll be the usual fuss, with hearts and flowers very much to the fore and fine-dining experiences galore on offer. It all indicates how essential relationships are to our happiness and well-being. But when they go wrong, the fallout can …
'The end of load shedding is indeed in sight' - Ramakgopa
Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says despite “obstacles, uncertainties and temporary setbacks”, the end of load shedding is in sight.
He was addressing the State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate held at the Cape Town City Hall on Tuesday.
“[The] path to achieving a stable and sustainable energy landscape has been fraught with obstacles, uncertainties, and temporary setbacks and yet, with each passing day, we continue to register progress as we chart the path to energy security.
“The end of load shedding is indeed in sight; the future is bright,” he said.
Eskom power stations
The Minister explained the steps government, in cooperation with Eskom, has taken to urgently address the energy challenge in the country including returning units to service on time or earlier and bolstering new generation capacity.
“Units 1 to 3 of Kusile [Power Station], which had been out of service since October of 2022, were successfully returned ahead of schedule. As planned, Unit 5 was synchronised to the grid in December 2023, contributing 800MW. The four Kusile Units collectively injected 3200MW of capacity into the grid.
“Medupi [Power Station] Unit 4 will return to service this year in September, a year ahead of schedule. Kusile Unit 6 will be synchronised in late November 2024. These units will add 1600MW to the grid. In addition, Unit 2 of Koeberg [Power Station] will return to service in September 2024, giving us 980MW following a planned outage. These interventions will collectively add 2580MW to the grid in 2024. The end of load shedding is indeed within sight,” he said.
Added to this, Eskom’s rigorous maintenance plan for power stations has been implemented, which Ramokgopa said is expected to ensure that “going into the winter of 2024, the fleet’s reliability will have been significantly strengthened”.
“This also means that heading into the winter peak demand period, we can claw back up to 2 000MW by tapering planned maintenance and strengthening available capacity.
“From March of 2024, we will begin reducing planned maintenance from the current 6 000MW to 5 000MW in April 2024 and to around 3 500MW in May 2024, a threshold that will be sustained during the winter demand period,” he said.
New generation capacity
Ramokgopa revealed that to further bolster future energy security, Eskom is in the process of appointing a team which is expected to “undertake a procurement process for partners to develop the Richards Bay Closed Cycle Gas Turbine”.
This is a plan to yield a further 3 000MW for the grid.
Furthermore, the procurement of nuclear energy is also on the table.
“Gas will increasingly feature prominently in our short- to medium-term base load requirements. Eskom is working on converting Gourikwa and Ankerlig [power stations] to gas from diesel on the Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) technology. This initiative is anticipated to yield an additional 2 000MW, with a further 1 000MW expected from the conversion to Closed Cycle Gas Turbines (CCGT).
“[Government] will commence the procurement process of an additional 2 500MW of new nuclear capacity this year on an affordable scale and pace basis, as well as 1 500MW of pump storage facility at Tubatse in Limpopo,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 02/14/2024 - 10:42
Gauteng receives CCTV cameras to fight crime
Efforts to fight crime in Gauteng have received a much-needed boost through a partnership with Vuma Cam, which will allow the province to have access to an additional 6 000 CCTV cameras to keep an eye on the province’s streets.
CCTV cameras are part of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s strategy to utilise technology in the fight against crime. The CCTV cameras are being placed in townships, business districts, areas with high crime, roads, schools and other public places.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lusufi said at the launch event held on Tuesday that this was a big milestone for the campaign and that the cameras will go a long way to realising a crime-free Gauteng.
“I am excited that this partnership finally took place. It has been a long time coming. I am tired of crime. We cannot be held hostage by criminals. We cannot be scared and be scared even of our own shadows because of criminals.
“Crime is a big problem and it is even halting investment interests in our province. We are signing this agreement to protect our people,” he said.
The campaign to fight crime using technology is an intergovernmental collaboration between the Department of e-Government, Community Safety and the South African Police Services (SAPS).
The collaboration is meant to boost all other available crime-fighting initiatives, through providing CCTV cameras, high-quality drones for surveillance, issuing of panic buttons to improve access to help from law enforcement officers during distress, and installation of tracking devises on cars.
The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and e-Government, Mzi Khumalo, said government collaboration with the policing, security and technology sectors resulted in this agreement coming to fruition.
“Today’s occasion also marks the coming to fruition of a partnership with Vuma Cam to building safer communities. This partnership strengthens the collaboration between the private and public sector, using technology to fight crime and build safer communities.
“The signing of this agreement is a demonstration of commitment by Vuma Cam,” he said.
Vuma Cam have committed to extending camera coverage to underserved areas, particularly within the TISH (townships, informal settlements and hostels) areas.
Vuma Cam CEO Ricky Croock said through the agreement, Vuma Cam is also offering an additional 5 000 partner cameras across South Africa, which would ensure that any known vehicle, involved in a criminal activity in another province, would trigger an immediate alert if seen by the cameras within Gauteng.
“We believe that the alerts from our extensive network, delivered through our world-class software platform and verified by expertly trained operators, will result in a 'new normal' in the fight against crime in South Africa’s economic heartland,” Crook said.
“The launch of our partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Government builds on the success of Vuma Cam’s partnerships with public entities, as we deploy our advanced technology to make the people of Gauteng safer,” he said.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Gauteng, Major General Tommy Mthombeni, said that this programme is a step closer to the realisation of e-policing, and it is important to also look after this infrastructure.
“We are collaborating with the Department of Community Safety on several initiatives, one of which includes the involvement of our communities. They will also be critical in this campaign as they will ensure that these cameras are safe,” Mthombeni said.”
In continuing with its mission of combatting crime using technology, the Gauteng Provincial Government will be launching 6 000 additional CCTV cameras in due course. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 02/14/2024 - 10:53
The current property investment trends for retirees show a shift towards coastal living in small towns, with sustainability, natural surroundings, and conservation areas in high demand. The exquisite KZN South Coast, with its nature reserves, highest number of Blue Flag beaches, and world-class dive sites is fast meeting this demand through the establishment of eco-focused …
Eastern Cape welcomes newly appointed Deputy Provincial Commissioner
Eastern Cape Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Zithulele Dladla, on Tuesday welcomed the newly appointed Deputy Provincial Commissioner: Support Services, Major General Nolitha Tito, to the provincial police service.
Tito is the newest addition to the province’s leadership team. She is a seasoned public servant since 2002, with a career spanning over 20 years in the public service in strategic senior management positions in different provinces across the country.
She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the support environment, with many internal courses and qualifications obtained from different academic institutions.
Her qualifications include a National Diploma in Human Resources Management, a B-Tech in Human Resource Management, a Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management and a Master of Philosophy in People Management.
Prior to assuming her current role as the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Support Services, she served as the Provincial Head for Human Resource Management in the Free State.
Dladla has congratulated Tito on her new appointment.
“We are honoured to have Major General Tito join our ranks and we look forward to her guidance and insight, as we continue to strive for excellence in this Province.
“We welcome you with all our blessings and heartfelt enthusiasm, and we look forward to the positive impact that you will undoubtedly bring to management and members in the province," said Dladla.
In response, Tito urged the team to roll up their sleeves and strive for excellence.
“I am bringing my experience to the environment and with your support, we will conquer and strive towards better and improved standards,” she said.
She appreciated the warm welcome and committed herself to participating in the realisation of the Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner’s vision: Operation Sikhona, which aims to curb crime in the province. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 02/14/2024 - 10:09
Heading into 2024, sustainability emerges as the new frontier of luxury in real estate trends, transcending its status as that ‘cherry on top’ for potential homeowners and holiday seekers. It has transformed into a critical consideration. Bluegrass Developers, a company committed to sustainable development in the Greater Kruger Area. Their environmentally conscious developments – Shawu’s …
Today Jacaranda FM, one of Mzansi’s favourite music radio stations announced it’s official media partnership with the Bulls Daisies – a pioneering South African women’s rugby team based at Loftus Versveld Stadium in Pretoria. “We have a massive footprint in Gauteng where rugby, like music, is part of our culture and meant to be shared …
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School was promised over 10 years ago
Western Cape health workers warn of dire consequences if cuts are not reversed
Embarking on the journey of kosher living is not just a culinary choice; it’s a lifestyle deeply rooted in tradition and faith. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the nuances of kosher practices, offering insights and practical tips to those navigating the path of blessings. Join us as we explore kosher symbols, dietary guidelines, and the …
NFVF accepting applications to fund production, development
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) has called on experienced filmmakers as well as those with limited experience to apply for funding for the 2024/2025 financial year.
Applications were opened on Monday for submissions for the categories of development Tiers 1 & 2, production, post-production and archive.
Funding exclusions include development – Tier 3 - across fiction and non-fiction applications and production of web series across all tiers. Submissions will close on 8 March 2024 at 5pm.
“Individuals, companies and organisations may submit funding applications to the NFVF for any of the open funding categories stated above. Specific conditions are applicable for each funding category, and it is important for applicants to take careful note of these conditions before submitting an application,” the NFVF said.
The tier breakdown is as follows:
The NFVF Funding Policy may be downloaded here: https://www.nfvf.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NFVF-FUNDING-POLICY-FINAL.pdf.
“Applications submitted before the 23rd of February 2024 will receive a priority compliance assessment. This means if your application is non-compliant, you will be timeously informed and have an opportunity to make corrections before the official closing date,” the NFVF said.
Applicants need to register and complete the online application form using the following link: https://nfvf.praxisgms.co.za/
Applicants have been advised to note the following disclaimers:
No late applications will be accepted.
For any queries regarding applications, please contact:
Nadine Cloete
Non-Fiction Manager
Email: nadinec@nfvf.co.za
OR
Refiloe Hlabioa
Fiction Manager
Email: refiloeh@nfvf.co.za
For any queries regarding technical issues with submissions, please contact:
Thandekile Hlatshwayo
Applications Officer
Email: thandekiles@nfvf.co.za
OR
Manti Sekwakwa
Applications Officer
Email: mantis@nfvf.co.za
NFVF Telephone: 011 484 0880
- SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 02/13/2024 - 14:43
PERTH: Following a closely contested white-ball leg Down Under, the Proteas Women shift their focus to their inaugural Test match against...
In today’s fast-paced world, where the lines between personal and professional life often blur, the significance of physical and mental well-being cannot be overstated. It’s become clear that a healthy lifestyle doesn’t just improve individual health outcomes but also enhances productivity and morale within the workplace. This understanding isn’t just a passing trend but has …
The digital marketing landscape is perpetually evolving, shaped by technological advancements, changing consumer behaviours, and the relentless pace of innovation. As we step into 2024, the industry stands at the cusp of a new era, characterised by increased personalisation, AI-driven strategies, and a deeper emphasis on ethical marketing practices. In this blog, we will explore …
This Valentine’s Day, Yande Nomvete, Operations Manager of Africa for Binance, takes the love game to new heights. A money love language signifies the unique way individuals express or receive love through financial gestures. Considering the integral role money plays in relationships, understanding each other’s love language in this context is crucial. As Valentine’s Day …
JOHANNESBURG: The highly-contested domestic red-ball season returns on Wednesday, 14 February 2024 as Division 1 teams are back in action...
As Valentine’s Day approaches, many couples seek out unique and romantic ways to celebrate. While traditional candlelit meals and exchanging gifts are always lovely, why not take your Valentine’s Day celebration to new heights this year? Imagine spending the day surrounded by stunning vineyards, sipping on exquisite wines, and indulging in gourmet cuisine. If this …
Western Cape supports Eskom to fix electricity outage in Central Karoo
The Western Cape provincial government says it is ramping up efforts to step in to support Eskom to fix the electricity outage in the Central Karoo.
This comes after a thunderstorm ravaged the district municipality earlier this month, damaging infrastructure.
According to the Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, the Central Karoo is currently facing hard rock formations, faulty equipment, and Stage 6 load shedding.
“Staff across the Western Cape provincial government have been assisting with all sorts of support that Eskom needs to expedite this issue, from procuring drilling equipment to transporting and moving generators and equipment to the affected areas, they are working tirelessly,” Winde said, thanking all their staff and partners.
“I want to reassure the residents of the Karoo that we are working flat out to help Eskom restore electricity to you.”
Eskom, said the provincial government, reported that a hard rock formation on the site between Touws River and Laingsburg led to the breakdown of its rock drill, which is now preventing the completion of the last four 2.4 metres deep holes that are needed to anchor the remaining temporary poles to support the new electrical lines as part of the outage repair work underway in the Karoo.
Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC, Anton Bredell, said the provincial government has already at the weekend reached out to equipment and transport contractors to assist Eskom in procuring another drilling rig as well as an additional 20-ton and 35-ton excavator.
“The faulty rock drill is currently being fixed but we need to do everything in our power to avoid delays on this project. As such we will support Eskom where we can with procurement and logistics,” Bredell said.
However, he said the rapid acceleration of load shedding to level 6 has further compounded matters for the affected Karoo towns, as generator availability in the province is stretched to the limit.
“Many of these generators are from an R88 million allocation that the WCG made to municipalities at the beginning of 2023 when they needed to secure safe drinking water and water treatment as the worst impacts of Eskom’s load shedding were becoming increasingly felt.
“I never anticipated that this intervention would be so deeply needed under circumstances like this where entire Karoo towns have been without Eskom power since Saturday, 3 February,” said Winde.
He said the province is also seeing loan generators being called back from the Karoo towns as they are needed by their owners to cope with the extended load shedding.
“We must allocate generator capacity where it is being utilised optimally at this stage. As such, it was worrying to learn of a large 65kVA loan generator from the Garden Route District Municipality that broke down in Kannaland over the weekend. We will investigate the cause of the breakdown.”
Bredell explained that at least four additional generators are required to provide power to critical infrastructure in Leeu Gamka and Prince Albert Road at this stage.
Meanwhile, the provincial Department of Social Development is providing food relief to indigent households across the Central Karoo.
The department has also enabled three old age facilities in Prince Albert, Laingsburg, and Ladismith, to buy diesel for generators as their diesel supplies have been running low.
Social Development MEC, Sharna Fernandez, said food relief efforts were taking place over the weekend.
“DSD staff have been working around the clock on assessments and vetting processes to ensure food relief goes to the residents who need it most.
“Hundreds of beneficiaries were assisted through this weekend’s efforts, in various towns, and the work continues. Thank you to the incredible staff on the ground, and the municipalities and stakeholders for working with us to help our vulnerable residents for whom these power outages have been especially hard,” Fernandez added.
According to the province, Eskom has indicated the project is still scheduled for completion by Thursday, 15 February. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 02/13/2024 - 10:10
As Cupid’s arrow draws nearer, tantalise your taste buds with a culinary journey crafted by some of the most talented chefs across Southern Sun hotels around the country. Elevating romance to new heights, our culinary maestros have meticulously curated a selection of recipes guaranteed to enchant your senses and ignite the flames of love this …
The university says its own accredited and leased residences have already reached full capacity