Association warns against cancelling Prasa contracts
Prasa has spent R2,5-billion refurbishing trains - yet many of those trains remain unused or discarded.
Now, as the agency considers cancelling the contracts, legal experts are warning of the potential legal and financial consequences.
Mesela Nhlapo, CEO of the African Rail Industry Association, says she fears the devastating impact on the rail sector and the economy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
KZN Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka denies involvement in NSNP tender irregularities
KZN Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka says complaints about the NSNP tender are being handled by relevant authorities and that the law will take its course if any wrongdoing is found. Image: Supplied KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka has addressed the allegations surrounding irregularities in the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) tender process, amid calls for his resignation by the MK party and concerns by the Democratic Alliance in the province. This follows allegations from the NSNP that the R2.9-billion tender process was manipulated for political gain. In an interview with Newzroom Africa, Hlomuka acknowledged receiving complaints from various parties but emphasised that the accounting officer and relevant authorities are handling the procurement processes. 'We're receiving several complaints from various service providers, stakeholders, and other political parties. However, as an MEC in the Department of Education, having received those complaints, I also engaged the MEC for Finance in the province to look into the matter,' Hlomuka said. He added, 'If there are people who are fingered in terms of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), I think the law will take its course.' Addressing direct allegations that he registered a company involved in SNP tenders, Hlomuka clarified, "In 2015, I opened the company and I've been participating in several government and private services, but currently I don't own any company." He denied any current involvement, saying, "I am no longer part of the company. Hence, I'm not aware of its activities. If it has received any tenders, that information will come out in the investigation,'' he said. He denied any current involvement with the tender and stated he had not received any official report linking him to irregularities. When asked about calls for his resignation by the MK party by July 26, Hlomuka said, 'I was appointed by the premier of KwaZulu-Natal. If there's a need to resign for whatever reason, we'll wait for that advice from the premier who appointed me.' Hlomuka highlighted that as MEC, he does not manage the tender processes directly and that any complaints must follow official channels. 'We are told that the process is at the appeal stage, and those who feel unfairly treated must lodge their appeals. The MEC for finance has already indicated he is waiting for those appeals.' He urged patience as investigations continue, saying, 'Let's wait for the process, the investigation will tell us if that company has been awarded before or not.' In response to the allegations surrounding the NSNP tender process and related issues, the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal expressed concern about the widespread accusations circulating on social media platforms against its members. ANC KZN spokesperson Fanle Sibisi said, 'The ANC has noted with concern the widespread allegations of wrongdoing circulating on various social media platforms, levelled against its deployees.' Regarding the specific allegations of corruption against Hlomuka and Thanduxolo Sabelo, Sibisi said, 'We understand that this process is at an appeal stage where those who have made bids and seek to appeal must forward their appeals to the Treasury Department. The ANC has full confidence that the provincial government has adequate capacity to handle appeals in a just and transparent manner.' He urged patience and trust in due process: 'We call on the concerned role-players and the general public to allow this process to run its course.' On allegations involving Councillor Lungile Mthembu of Mandeni Local Municipality alleged to have solicited a bribe, Sibisi confirmed, 'The ANC has instructed the leadership of the General Gizenga Region to institute an investigation into this allegation and to bring a report to the provincial office of the ANC for further processing.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ However, Sibisi cautioned against what he described as a broader campaign to undermine the ANC's integrity. 'There seems to be a concerted campaign to impugn the integrity of the ANC and its leaders. This campaign, advanced by faceless individuals, not only defames these comrades but has the potential to cause instability.' He highlighted previous examples, stating, 'The case of the non-renewal of Ms Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma's contract is a practical example of how the names of both the concerned ANC leader and the ANC itself can be dragged through the mud based on baseless allegations.' 'The ANC firmly opposes any acts of criminality, especially when they involve public finances. However, we believe that the threshold for damaging someone's character through public allegations is unacceptably low. We must all recognise our responsibility to uphold the principles of our Constitution, which includes respecting individuals' rights to dignity, said ANC KZN Coordinator, Michael Mabuyakhulu. 'The ANC remains steadfast in its mission to build a better South Africa where all people, regardless of background or affiliation, are treated with dignity. We urge members of the media, the public, and social commentators to act responsibly, verify facts, and resist being drawn into campaigns that seek to sow confusion and division,'' said Sibisi. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL Politics
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
The National Dialogue: Solidarity not just a Moral Idea, it's an Economic Necessity for South Africa
South Africa faces a critical juncture as economic sluggishness, youth unemployment, and stark inequality threaten the nation's future. In the midst of a National Dialogue, the call for solidarity emerges as a vital strategy to foster inclusivity and growth. Image: IOL / Ron AI In South Africa today, the cracks are showing. Our economy remains stubbornly sluggish. Unemployment, particularly among the youth, is at crisis levels. Inequality is among the worst in the world. Many feel excluded, unheard and left behind. Amid this, the country is engaged in a National Dialogue to chart a new way forward. One word should sit at the centre of that conversation: solidarity. Solidarity is often spoken of as a moral or emotional value, a call to unity, empathy and compassion. While it is all of those things, it is also something else: a hard-nosed economic necessity. If we are serious about building a thriving and inclusive South African economy, then we must place solidarity at the heart of our growth strategy. Why solidarity matters for the economy A society that is deeply divided cannot grow sustainably. Investors are wary of instability. Businesses cannot thrive in an atmosphere of protest, insecurity and fractured trust. Workers cannot be productive if they are demoralised or excluded. And young people cannot innovate if they are shut out of education and employment. Social cohesion, the outcome of solidarity in action, is not a 'nice-to-have.' It is an essential input into economic stability and performance. Countries that grow in a healthy, sustained way are those that invest in their people, share the gains of growth and keep inequality in check. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The price of division South Africa knows too well the cost of a divided society. We see it in service delivery protests, violent crime, polarised politics and a declining sense of national unity. An economy that continues to serve only the elite while the majority are left behind is not only unjust, it is unsustainable. If inequality and unemployment continues to rise and social fractures deepen, it is not a question of if we will face unrest, but when. We cannot build an economy for the future if we are constantly putting out the fires of the present. Solidarity in action So what does solidarity look like in practice? It starts with shared responsibility. Those who have the means, high-net-worth individuals, successful businesses and multinationals, must be willing to contribute more to the common good. That means paying fair taxes. It means investing in South African communities, not just in stock portfolios. It means supporting local supply chains, job creation and inclusive development. Solidarity also means participation. All South Africans, whether rich or poor, urban or rural, must see themselves as co-creators of the country's future. A culture of community service, volunteering and giving back is not just good citizenship, it's a national investment strategy. Government, too, must uphold its part. Public institutions must be responsive, ethical and effective. Corruption and inefficiency erode trust and undermine solidarity. If people are to pull together, they need to believe that their efforts will not be wasted or abused. A call for temporary sacrifices At this moment in our history, some sacrifices may be required, not forever, but for long enough to reset the trajectory. Temporary financial contributions from those who can afford it and tax justice that ensures the super-rich and powerful corporations contribute their fair share. Structural reforms that level the playing field. These are not punitive measures., they are acts of collective self-preservation. If we fail to act now, the cost down the line, socially and economically, will be far higher. Building together Solidarity should not be viewed as sentimentality. It is strategy. It is the glue that binds inclusive economies together. It is what enables a country to move from survival to shared success. The National Dialogue offers a rare opportunity for South Africans to come together and rewrite our future. Let us not waste it. Let us understand that if we are to build an economy that works for everyone, we must start by committing to each other. Because solidarity is not just the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do. * Daryl Swanepoel is the Chief Executive of the Inclusive Society Institute. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
New Mazda CX-5 confirmed for South Africa in 2026: first local details released
The new Mazda CX-5 is due to arrive in the second half of 2026. Image: Supplied Hot on the heels of its global debut earlier this month, Mazda South Africa has confirmed the local launch timing and other details about the third-generation CX-5. The newly redesigned SUV will hit our shores during the second half of 2026, although final launch dates are still pending, Mazda SA's marketing head Deolinda Da Costa revealed. She also confirmed that local versions will be powered by a 2.5-litre normally aspirated petrol engine. In overseas markets, this motor produces 132kW and 252Nm, pairing up with a six-speed automatic gearbox. Rear styling resembles the CX-60. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Although pricing will only be confirmed closer to launch, the presumed discontinuation of the current 2.0-litre engine and the third-generation vehicle's larger size - with overall length growing by 115mm - are likely to push it upmarket. The current CX-5 costs between R570,500 and R688,400. Da Costa also confirmed that mild hybrid versions could follow at a later date, but initially, the company would focus on the 'robust' regular 2.5L engine as it aligns with local driving preferences and conditions. ''The next-generation CX-5 marks a significant milestone for Mazda globally. While we look forward to introducing it locally, we're equally committed to delivering outstanding value and features with our current lineup.' The CX-5 houses Mazda's largest ever touchscreen. Image: Supplied While local specifications have yet to be revealed, overseas, the vehicle offers an enhanced range of driver assistance and safety features. Customers can also look forward to increased interior space and comfort, Da Costa says, as well as an updated Human Machine Interface, offering streamlined control of apps, navigation and vehicle settings. In overseas markets, it is available with the largest touchscreen ever to be offered on a Mazda product, measuring 15.6 inches across. While the current Mazda CX-5 is showing its age, Mazda SA says it is offering flexible finance options on the older model through its Mazda Assured programme, which will give customers the opportunity to 'seamlessly' upgrade to the new generation model when it arrives next year. The third-gen Mazda CX-5 is one of four new models due to reach our shores by the end of 2026. IOL Motoring
