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Leading law firm to probe PRASA tender corruption allegations

Location: News

Leading law firm to probe PRASA tender corruption allegations

South African law firm, Webber Wentzel, has been appointed to investigate allegations of corruption at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA).

This according to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy who made the announcement during a media briefing on Monday.

The allegations stem from media reports that a whistleblower had compiled a report detailing alleged corruption related to two tenders amounting to some R18 billion.

“These will be investigations which will include both the relevant officials named by the whistleblower as well as board members. 

“We will look at all aspects: alleged procurement irregularities, alleged fraudulent payments. We will review compliance with bond security requirements, allegations of non-payment of 16 companies and also allegations of awarding unlawful contracts.

“The investigation will also assess compliance with the legal and regulatory frameworks in relation to the awarding of these contracts,” she said.

Creecy added that given the seriousness of the allegations, a preliminary report is expected to be produced within 30 days, “if not sooner”.

“[On Sunday] following a conversation with the chairperson of the PRASA board, I agreed that given that there are allegations against the board, I will receive the preliminary report and on the basis of the findings advise on what further action needs to be taken.

“It is important that this investigation takes place speedily so that if necessary, we can take appropriate remedial action and we can put this episode behind us,” the Minister said.

Furthermore, the Auditor General (AG) will conduct real-time audits of all large procurement processes at the entity.

“Real-time audits are a mechanism that the [AG] can implement during or immediately after a procurement process to prevent and detect weaknesses in controls and to report on these findings in a very short space of time.

“It is the intention going forward that PRASA will adopt this system to enable the accounting officer to take corrective measures to protect resources and prevent fraud or wastage and ensure that programmes rolled out, as designed, benefit…our passengers,” Creecy said.

The Minister added that the seventh administration has singled out the recovery of the rail passenger system as an important objective.

“It is important that the board, management and workers of PRASA continue to focus on the recovery of priority lines, the rehabilitation of stations and the renewal of signalling so that we can increase train slots and thereby ensure that our passengers get to work and to school cheaply, safely and on time.

“Over the past two and a half years, important work has been done by PRASA to restore train services on 31 out of 40 priority lines to rehabilitate hundreds of stations vandalised during the COVID-19 pandemic. We must continue this work so that PRASA’s passengers can get the rail system they deserve,” Creecy said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Mon, 03/10/2025 - 12:40
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Read moreLeading law firm to probe PRASA tender corruption allegations

PRASA sends condolences after fatal Free State crash

Location: News

PRASA sends condolences after fatal Free State crash

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) says it is working closely with the authorities to gather more information and provide support following the crash that claimed 10 lives in the Free State.

PRASA has confirmed that one of its buses was involved in the accident, which occurred on Wednesday between Smithfield and Reddersburg in the Free State.

“Regrettably, we can confirm the loss of 10 lives. Four passengers and one of our bus drivers are critically injured and have been taken to the nearest hospital. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in this accident,” PRASA said.

The bus was carrying 35 passengers when the truck and bus collided. 

Emergency services, including the South African Police Service, promptly responded to the incident.

“We wish those injured in the accident a speedy recovery. While details surrounding the accident are still emerging, PRASA is working closely with authorities to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident. Trauma support has been provided to those who were involved in this unfortunate incident.

“We are working closely with authorities to gather more information and providing support where needed. Further updates will be communicated as more details become available. PRASA takes the safety and well-being of its passengers seriously and deeply regrets the loss of life in this terrible accident,” PRASA said. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 03/05/2025 - 12:36
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Moving in day for new Goodwood social housing tenants

Location: News

Moving in day for new Goodwood social housing tenants

The City of Cape Town has welcomed the latest group of tenants at the massive 1 055-unit Goodwood Station social housing partnership project, a new well-located, affordable housing development, valued at more than R500 million. 

In a statement on Saturday, the City said the purpose of social housing is to provide good quality rental housing in well-located parts of the City to households earning less than R22 000 per month.

The City of Cape Town has provided grant funding, land for parking, and various rates discounts and incentives to enable a viable social housing project at Goodwood Station.  

The project is a partnership between all spheres of government, including the City, National and Provincial Departments of Human Settlements, the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA), DCI Community Housing Services (the social housing institution undertaking the development), the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), and the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA) Infrastructure Fund, among others. 

Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Carl Pophaim, said that the City continues to leverage well-located land across the metro for affordable housing initiatives. 

In under two years, various municipal-owned properties - with a yield of more than 4 200 units – have already been released as part of the Mayoral Priority Programme for accelerated land release for affordable housing. Overall, the City has some 12 000 affordable units in the pipeline.

“Thousands of families are already tenanted at various well-located developments around the metro, including right here in Goodwood, nearby in Bothasig Gardens, Maitland Mews in the inner city, and the Western Cape government’s Conradie Park development in Pinelands. The City has further released several inner city land parcels for affordable housing, including Salt River Market, Pine Road, Dillon Lane, and New Market Street in the Woodstock and Salt River areas.

“All of these affordable rental units are close to economic and transport hubs. We are truly changing the metro, one affordable housing opportunity at a time, for families in various areas across the city. It was an honour to hand over the keys to these brand-new beautiful units to these families,” Pophaim said. 

Facts about social housing:

  • It is managed by accredited social housing institutions (SHIs).
  • SHIs are solely dependent on rental income. They receive no operational grants. They are able to service their debt finance through rental income.
  • As with any rental contract, tenants formally enter into lease agreements. The landlord is the SHI.
  • If tenants do not adhere to their lease agreements, the responsible SHI will follow the necessary legal process. Tenants must therefore pay to stay, as the rental money is used for the day-to-day operation and upkeep of the complex. 
  • The City has nothing to do with the day-to-day management of SHIs, the rental amount or evictions for not paying. 
  • Before potential beneficiaries can apply for social housing, they are required to register on the City's Housing Needs Register.
  • Projects are developed on well-located, accessible land in and near urban centres.
  • It is not low-income subsidised government housing, such as Breaking New Ground (or the commonly called RDP housing and it is not City Council Rental Units).
  • It is managed with 24-hour security and access control.
  • The City may sell City-owned land at a discounted price for social housing developments to make projects economically viable.
  • Social housing offers improved access to social facilities and other amenities.
  • A single grant subsidy can benefit on average five households versus one household for council rental units.
  • Social housing adds value to vacant pieces of land.
  • Social housing has the potential to improve property values in an area.

For more information and to apply, those who qualify can visit: https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/City-housing-and-properties/Housing-opportunities/Apply-for-social-housing   - SAnews.gov.za 

DikelediM
Sun, 11/24/2024 - 13:52

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KZN a hive of activity ahead of Presidential Imbizo

Location: News

KZN a hive of activity ahead of Presidential Imbizo

The province of KwaZulu-Natal has been a hive of activity ahead of the District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo taking place on Friday.

Ministers, Deputy Ministers and provincial government officials have been visiting various communities to check on service delivery deliverables.

Friday’s DDM will be held in conjunction with South Africa’s 30 years of freedom and democracy celebrations.

On Wednesday, Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, visited the Old Prison in Pietermaritzburg, the nearby Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) train station and the Nelson Mandela Capture site in Howick.

Addressing locals in Pietermaritzburg, Morolong said that as the country celebrates 30 years of democracy, it is also reminded of its painful past.

“We share our appreciation to those who laid their lives for our democracy. We convey our appreciation to the families of those who laid [down] their lives for democracy. We are reminded of our men who were brave and able to face the then apartheid regime. We are reminded of Nelson Mandela and others who stood firm and face[d] the apartheid regime so we could enjoy our democracy today.”

He emphasised the importance of preserving the Old Prison’s (which has been declared as an official heritage site) history for future generations.

According to Project Gateway, the prison houses “both a National Monument and a museum documenting some of South Africa’s diverse history."

“The Old Prison dates back to Voortrekker times, with more than 160 years of history, including the Colonial times, Apartheid, the Liberation Struggle, the Political Struggle and ultimately to the dawn of democratic South Africa in 1994,” said Project Gateway.

“Today we are a nation proud of its democracy. Today we are proudly celebrating 30 years of democracy. But we should not forget that our democracy did not come cheap. Sacrifices were made to achieve our democracy.

“We are also reminded of those women who were brave who fought for our democracy. We should be proud of our democracy. We should be proud of our government which is taking care of its people,” Morolong said.

Meanwhile, representative of the Ghandi Foundation, David Gangen, spoke passionately about events which led to South Africa’s democracy.

Gangen said what happened to Ghandi was the beginning of South Africa’s democracy.

“So having come to SA to fight a case, [Mahatma Ghandi]  was to stay for 21 years, during which time he established the first formal political structure in SA in 1894, the Natal Indian Congress (NIC). 

“The NIC celebrates its 130th anniversary this year. It was during this time that he experimented with truth and developed the core tenets of his philosophy in all aspects of life,” Gangen said.

Mayor of Ungungudlovu, Nzi Zuma Nxamalala, said he appreciated the visit by the Deputy Minister.

“As we do in our work, we keep on reflecting back to remind ourselves of our past. We appreciate being part of the celebrations [of] our democracy,” Nxamalala said.

On Tuesday, the Deputy Minister and a delegation visited the Open Gate Special School, a school with special educational needs for the disabled.

The visit to the school coincides with the commemoration of Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM) which is observed from 3 November to 3 December 2024.

The Deputy Minister also visited households that benefitted from Set-Top-Box installations and mobilised qualifying community members to apply for the set top boxes.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lead the second DDM Presidential Imbizo under the Government of National Unity (GNU), in Umgababa, at the Umnini Sportsfield in Ward 98 on Friday.

Cabinet adopted the DDM in August 2019.

The DDM is an integrated planning model for cooperative governance which seeks to be a new integrated, district-based, service delivery approach aimed at fast-tracking service delivery. It also seeks to ensure that municipalities are adequately supported and resourced to carry out their mandate. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

Edwin
Wed, 11/06/2024 - 15:51

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SA on the right track towards improved public transport

Location: News

SA on the right track towards improved public transport

President Cyril Ramaphosa says while there is still much work to do, South Africa is on track “towards a public transport system that is safer, more efficient and more affordable”.

He was addressing the nation through his weekly newsletter on Monday.

“While we have achieved important progress in restoring our freight and passenger rail systems, we have much further to go. We will need far more investment, more effective use of technology and closer collaboration between all stakeholders.

“We are now on the right track towards a public transport system that is safer, more efficient and more affordable – and that supports the growth of an inclusive economy, reduces poverty and creates employment,” said the President.

The President highlighted that an “efficient, safe and affordable movement of people and goods around the country is essential” for the country’s economic growth and jobs.

“Goods that are produced by our workers need to move from mines, factories and farms to our country’s markets and international markets through our ports. People need to be transported to workplaces, clinics, hospitals and schools. When our transport system works well, then the cost of doing business is lowered and our country’s products and services are more competitive,” he said.

President Ramaphosa acknowledged that transport costs are too high which keeps some South Africans having to spent large portions of their income on transport.

“Affordable public transport helps to reduce the cost of living for millions of South Africans. Our public transport system is in a poor state due to a lack of investment over many years, as well as theft and vandalism, especially during the COVID pandemic.

“Without affordable and reliable alternatives, households spend a large proportion of their income on transport. Fixing public transport therefore plays a big role in reducing poverty.

“Much progress has been made in restoring urban passenger rail to full service. The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has to date restored 31 out of 40 priority rail corridors back to operation. By March this year, 40 million passengers were using public trains, nearly three times more than the year before,” he said.

Looking to the future

President Ramaphosa said although government is hard at work dealing with the current challenges, work is also underway to secure the future of transport through the development of a National Rail Masterplan.

This, the President said, will “cover passenger rail in our cities, including rapid rail” and high-speed rail. This work required for the development of the plan is expected to conclude by the end of next year.

“The achievement of our ambitious targets will require considerable investment in infrastructure, rolling stock and signalling. We will need to make use of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, in areas like cargo tracking, passenger ticketing and securing critical infrastructure.

“The government alone will not be able to carry the scale of the investment needed. That is why we are working to mobilise private sector investment in rail and port operations, while ensuring that the infrastructure remains State-owned,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Mon, 10/28/2024 - 09:52

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Special Investigating Unit: cracking down on corruption

Location: News

Special Investigating Unit: cracking down on corruption

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has closed more than 1900 cases during the 2023/24 financial year.

The unit also handed over 26 comprehensive reports to President Cyril Ramaphosa on the outcomes of investigations.

“These reports include, amongst others, the investigations about the National Lotteries Commission, Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), the Masters' Office, and National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). These reports reflect the SIU’s dedication to transparency and accountability in the fight against corruption.

“The SIU has referred evidence for the institution or defence/opposition of civil proceedings worth R4.8 billion. This includes, amongst others, matters regarding R2 billion from Eskom, R834 million from Transnet, R29.1 million from the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and R48.4 million from the City of Cape Town,” the unit said in a statement.

The unit has conducted lifestyle audits at PRASA, the Gauteng Office of the Premier, and the Free State Department of Community Safety, Roads, and Transport.

The SIU said it was committed to partnering with other law enforcement agencies to combat corruption.

“The SIU recognises the importance of collaboration in the fight against corruption. In line with the SIU Act, 583 criminal referrals were made to the National Prosecuting Authority, ensuring accountability prosecution of officials, private entities and individuals involved in corrupt activities. 

“These referrals reflect the unit’s ongoing efforts to ensure consequences for those who engage in corruption, maladministration and fraud. To ensure accountability for government officials involved in wrongdoing, SIU referred 297 officials to respective state institutions for disciplinary action,” the statement read.

The corruption busting unit is now within the fifth year of its turnaround strategy and has vowed to keep up the fight against criminality.

“[We] remain resolute in our mission to combat corruption, fraud, maladministration and malpractice in the public sector.

“The next five-year strategy will build on the successes of the previous strategy and focus on developing and implementing the National Corruption Prevention Strategy and implementing best practices, including cyber and data analytics, and further business process digitisation programmes,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Tue, 10/15/2024 - 13:13

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PRASA committed to fostering a skilled workforce

Location: News

PRASA committed to fostering a skilled workforce

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has asserted that it remains committed to fostering a skilled and innovative workforce to drive the future of rail. 

As one of the strategies that it is implementing to attract a skilled workforce for the future of rail, the agency is engaging young learners, with the intention to empower and inspire the next generation to pursue careers in the rapidly evolving industry.

On Monday, the agency’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Hishaam Emeran addressed about 70 learners from Mamelodi, Soshanguve, Lyttelton, Soweto, Tembisa, and Kempton Park at PRASA’s first ever career day held its headquarters in Johannesburg. 

READ | PRASA to expose learners to careers in the rail industry 

Emeran encouraged learners to consider a career in rail as the agency needs a new generation of leaders.

“PRASA is turning around, and we need a new generation of leaders. There is a future for you at PRASA, and the PRASA of the future will need new skills, new  innovation, and you are the generation that can drive that innovation,” Emeran said on Monday.

Emeran, who has an engineering background reaffirmed the agency’s commitment and aspirations to restore and revitalise passenger rail as the backbone of South Africa’s public transport.

During his address he provided an overview of what the agency does under its two primary mandates – providing transport services and generating additional revenue from its assets such as key stations. 

He also shared PRASA’s ongoing rail rebuilding milestones, including the rollout of world-class trains across the country and the development of student accommodation at Cape Town Station, which are positively impacting communities.

“Working for PRASA or a state-owned entity is a noble profession. You are changing the lives of millions of people. One day, you could be in my position, addressing learners like yourselves,” Emeran said.

PRASA’s Chief Engineer of Signals and Telecommunications Pabalelo Nkwe shared his personal journey and insights into the diverse career options within PRASA TECH.

“You can pursue a career in civil engineering to become a Perway Engineer with key focus on maintenance and engineering works for bridges; structures and railway tracks, mechanical engineering, electro-mechanical and mechatronics if you are interested in maintenance and engineering of the rolling stock/trains, or electrical engineering (Heavy Current) to become an Overhead Traction Equipment (OHTE) or substation engineering specialist or like me, pursue a career in Electrical Engineering (Light Current) and specialise in Railway Signalling and Telecommunications,” Nkwe said.

The event concluded with a trip to the Gibela manufacturing plant where PRASA’s new blue and white modern trains - Isitimela Sabantu - are manufactured. 

The Gibela team explained that it is manufacturing 600 trains for PRASA and 245 of these trains have been manufactured. Learners were given a tour of the facility and a first-hand look at the production process, sparking great excitement and interest. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 10/15/2024 - 14:48

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Government activities for the week 14 – 18 October 2024

Location: News

Government activities for the week 14 – 18 October 2024

From 13 – 17 October, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina participates in the 9th Africa Water Week and 7th Cairo Water Week. The event concludes on 17 October. 

From 13 – 14 October, the leadership of the North West Provincial Government, led by Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, will hold a two-day EXCO Planning Lekgotla to identify the provincial government’s key priorities for the next five years.

On Monday, 14 October, the Minister of Energy and Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, briefs media on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan.

On Monday, 14 October, the Public Service Commission (PSC) briefs media on the PSC’s Quarterly Bulletin titled, ‘The Pulse of the Public Service for the period: 01 April to 30 June 2024’.

On Monday, 14 October, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule, joined by North West Education MEC, Viola Motsumi, will host a media briefing following a Listening and Learning visit to the North West.

On Monday, 14 October, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) hosts a career day aimed at exposing about 70 learners from Mamelodi, Soshanguve, Soweto, Tembisa, and Kempton Park to diverse career paths within the agency and the broader rail industry.

On Monday, 14 October, the Department of Employment and Labour hosts a career and jobs fair in the North West province this week. The jobs fair will conclude on 16 October.

On Monday, 14 October, the Department of Employment and Labour hosts an Occupational Health and Safety conference with the construction industry. The conference will conclude on 15 October.

On Tuesday, 15 October, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, and Deputy Ministers Bernice Swarts and Narend Singh, will brief media on their 100 days in offices in Cape Town.

On Tuesday, 15 October, the Western Cape provincial government will conduct free inspections for vehicles of scholar transport operators in the Cape Town and Swartland areas at the Gene Louw Traffic College and Malmesbury Testing Centre from 08h30 to 15h00.

On Wednesday, 16 October, the Department of Employment and Labour launches the Occupational Health and Safety Prevention Accord and will unveil the OHS strategy.

On Wednesday, 16 October, Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe, will launch the department’s R80 million cropping programme in Ngxakaxha village, Dutywa on World Food Day. – SAnews.gov.za

Matona
Mon, 10/14/2024 - 13:30

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PRASA to expose learners to careers in the rail industry

Location: News

PRASA to expose learners to careers in the rail industry

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) will today host a career day aimed at exposing about 70 learners from Mamelodi, Soshanguve, Soweto, Tembisa, and Kempton Park to diverse career paths within the agency and the broader rail industry.

“During the day, the group of learners will have the unique opportunity to get first-hand experience of the manufacturing process of the new world-class modern blue and white trains, known as Isitime Sabantu, at the state-of-the-art Gibela Manufacturing plant, and ignite their curiosity in the production of trains,” PRASA said of Monday’s career day.

The learners will also hear from industry professionals from Gibela, the Gautrain and the Transport Education Training Authority, who will share their personal career experiences and opportunities in the rail sector.

In addition, PRASA teams from Human Capital, PRASA TECH, and PRASA CRES (Corporate Real Estate Solutions) will be present to provide further career guidance.

The PRASA Career Day marks the launch of PRASA’s commitment to community development initiatives, aimed at reaching the communities it serves, and the start of many more similar initiatives nationally.

The event is a collaborative effort with partners such as the Gibela Rail Transport Consortium, Gautrain, Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) and the City of Joburg.

It comes at a time when PRASA is making significant strides in restoring the passenger rail network and services, offering a platform for aspiring youth to dream big and consider a future career in rail. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 10/14/2024 - 08:28

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R800 million spent to recover rail lines in Durban

Location: News

R800 million spent to recover rail lines in Durban

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has to date spent R800 million in recovering commuter rail lines in the City of eThekwini as part of its recovery programme.

PRASA’s recovery programme includes recovering passenger rail services, improving safety and security, protecting assets, providing sound leadership, as well as executing its capital programme.

As part of Transport Month, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy conducted an oversight visit to the Merebank to Crossmoor commuter line on Friday, 11 October. A ticket from Merebank to Crossmoor in Durban costs R7.50.

“In this city, there are eight lines that transport passengers into the metro and so far, we have recovered six of those lines, and we have recovered 70 of 102 stations.

“This recovery is not an easy task. It requires replacing rails, dealing with the flood damage of 2022, and dealing with the electricity overheard power lines that power the electric trains.

“We have had to rebuild a traction substation so that there is adequate power on this line. All the stations were severely vandalised. Work that has been done on the five stations on this particular line includes ticket sales, ablution facilities, weather protection and supplying water and electricity,” Creecy said.

She said the Merebank to Crossmoor commuter line is the pioneer line for the new modern signalling technology. 

“That contract for signalling has already been awarded and we are in the design phase. Signalling allows us to dramatically increase the number of trains that we are running.

“At the moment, with every train that is running, there has to be direct contact with the driver and we can only run one train on a line, and when it gets to the end of the line, it goes back because we don’t want an accident.

“Once, you have automatic signalling, the train is controlled electronically from a central control centre and we can run the trains at three or five minute intervals during peak times. This will allow us to ramp up the numbers for passengers,” the Minister said.

The signalling will also allow PRASA to open the second line and the trains will be able to run at the same time.

“This station has increased capacity so that we are able to run the trains at short intervals because there is enough power for all of the trains that will be running. 

"There are security guards [on site]. In due course, we will also have electronic surveillance on the line. If anybody is tempering with the line, the message will go to the central control system,” Creecy said.

Government plans to achieve 250 million tonnes of freight per annum through the country’s freight corridors and 600 million passenger trips per annum by 2030.

“In the City of eThekwini, the contribution to passenger trips should be 126 million per year. At the moment, we are running 13 million and nationwide, we should be running 40 million passenger trips at the end of this financial year.

“Our next big project is going to be the recovery of the South Coast line and that line is already out to tender, and we hope to start the work in 2026,” the Minister said. -SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Fri, 10/11/2024 - 15:09

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