Latest news with #ArmandHough
IOL News
3 hours ago
- General
- IOL News
City's initiatives help over 5,000 people off the streets
Rough sleepers at various unlawful occupation hot spots in Cape Town agree to move to City shelters. Image: Picture: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers Some 5 073 people were helped off the streets in 2024/25, compared to 4 409 the previous financial year, through shelter placements, reunifying families, and other forms of reintegration, the City said. "The City does as much as possible, but we cannot do it alone. Our partners play an integral part in assisting rough sleepers and we can do more, because of their role. I want to thank them for their selfless dedication and commitment to some of the City's most vulnerable people," said Community Services and Health mayco member, Francine Higham. Further efforts to get people off the streets included: 691 people participating in development programmes at City-run Safe Spaces. 80 Expanded Public Works Programme work placements to help those staying at the Safe Spaces and in shelters get back on their feet. 627 referrals for social grants, identity documents, specialised care facilities, and substance abuse treatment. The City's support for people sleeping rough on the streets includes access to City-run Safe Spaces and partner shelters, work and reintegration programmes and assistance in overcoming substance abuse as part of its Rough Sleeper Strategy. One of the people who was assisted is 40-year-old Legidas Ndaviragiye who returned to his home country of Burundi in early July. Legidas was in the country legally, but had fallen on hard times after a fire destroyed his home and he had no alternative place to stay. 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 ✕ "Our field officers first met Legidas in 2022 as a rough sleeper after a complaint was received. Our staff arranged shelter placement, and followed up for two years. Along with the Haven Night Shelter, we assisted him with the reunification process and soon he was ready to return to his home country. "His life is one of many changed through our interventions. We are serious about restoring dignity and impacting the lives of those who find themselves on the street, in a positive way. We are committed to assisting as many people as possible with solutions that make an impact and are sustainable," Higham said. The 2025/26 budget includes a proposed R9.9 million for upgrading and expanding existing safe spaces; and a proposed operations budget which includes, R 1.7 million for street people programmes, i.e. support programmes and winter readiness, and R 1.4 million for the EPWP street people economics project. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
NCOP approves Appropriation Bill, marking a pivotal moment in the 2025/26 Budget process
The Appropriation Bill was passed by the National Council of Provinces, with 51 votes in favour and nine against. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Wednesday passed the Appropriation Bill, concluding the legislative journey of the 2025/26 budgetary process within Parliament. The Bill, the first introduced by the Government of National Unity (GNU), received a generally smooth passage during its consideration earlier in the day. The MK Party and EFF objected to each department budget, while the Freedom Front Plus abstained on the vote of the Department of Employment and Labour. A total of 51 delegates to the NCOP voted in favour of the Appropriation Bill, with support from the ANC, DA, IFP, Freedom Front Plus, Patriotic Alliance, and the UDM. 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 EFF and MK Party voted against with nine votes. 'Accordingly the Bill is agreed to in terms of Section 75 of the Constitution,' said NCOP chairperson Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane when she announced the voting results. The Bill will now be sent to President Cyril Ramaphosa for assent and government departments allocated funds will start implementing their approved spending plans. ANC MP Cecilia Sylvia Nxumalo said the budget will improve the three priorities of the GNU, support infrastructure development, and allocate funds for the social protection programme. 'We will ensure robust oversight and accountability of allocated funds. We call on all accounting officers to take decisive action against mismanagement of funds and the findings of the Auditor-General should be responded to effectively,' said Nxumalo. DA MP Denis Ryder said the Budget proposals reflected a compromise position that can take South Africa forward. 'What we have today is a product of strong political and technical engagement and application. What we have today is a Budget that deserves a chance to show South Africa what can be done,' said, Ryder, adding that VAT increases were avoided and they have seen a move against tainted ministers. He also said that while no budget was perfect, balancing the many needs and desires of people within limited resources meant that there would always be disappointments. 'This is a symptom of a lack of economic growth. If this Budget is to succeed, it needs a strong focus on the little we have on projects that ignite growth and create jobs for ordinary South Africans while cutting wastage and corruption activities.' Ryder also said it was important that the portfolio committee ensured funds were spent efficiently and the spending reviews were important to do the right thing for the people. MK Party's Mmabatho Mokoena said her party would not pretend the Budget was for the people. 'In reality, it is a lifeline for your corrupt politicians, failing and bloated departments that can never deliver a simple toilet without a scandal. You call it the appreciation bill. We call it a misappropriation bonanza,' Mokoena said. 'The MP Party objects loudly and proudly because we were not sent here to clap for crumbs. We were sent here to hold the line for the poor, the hungry, and the forgotten.' EFF MP Mathapelo Siwisa said they could not agree to an austerity Budget. Siwisa said they made proposals on all departments to express the frustrations and desperation of the people. 'We don't object to the departments' budgets. When we stand up here and reject the proposed Budget, we are not objecting to service delivery. We are objecting to a senseless Budget. This Bill is a mockery to our people as it misses critical funding in basic education, health, road, and water infrastructure,' she said, adding that the Bill should be amended. IFP MP Les Govender said the allocation of budgets to every department was essential. 'If we do not give budgets to those departments, how do we provide services to the very people that I'm surprised that we parties are saying we object to the Budget, but they want services to their people now, here to speak in their interest. 'Now, if you take municipalities, for example, they are the core of service delivery. If you do not allocate budgets to them, how do they give services to our people?' Govender said. Freedom Front Plus MP Tamarin Breedt noted that the majority of spending allocation was to essential services like education, health, and social development. 'The VF Plus remains concerned about value for money. Billions are appropriated, but outcomes remain disappointing, especially at the local government level.'
IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
Household affordability index reveals slight food price decline amid ongoing struggles
Discover the latest trends from the Household Affordability Index, revealing a slight drop in food prices for July 2025, yet highlighting significant affordability challenges for South African families. Don't miss the critical analysis of regional disparities and the broader economic implications as workers struggle to make ends meet. Image: Armand Hough: Independent Newspapers The July 2025 Household Affordability Index unveiled a complex landscape for South African consumers as the average cost of a staple food basket slightly decreased to R5,442.72, a modest dip of R0.41 from June 2025. Despite this month-on-month improvement, a stark year-on-year increase of R190.57 (3.6%) painted a troubling picture for households relying on basic foodstuffs. Compiled from 44 basic food items across 47 supermarkets and 32 butcheries in regions including Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, the report reflects a nuanced reality. It showed that of the tracked foods, 17 saw price increases while 26 experienced reductions. Only one food item remained unchanged, presenting a slightly positive note for consumers grappling with financial pressures. Price variability: the details behind the numbers Individual price movements revealed significant fluctuations within the basket. A few noteworthy increases included beef that was up by 8%, beef tripe, up by 7% and butternut, up by a staggering 20%. Moreover, items such as full cream milk, chicken feet, and fish also experienced notable increases between 2% - 4% each. Conversely, several staples saw price reductions, particularly in fresh produce and pantry items. Bananas: Down by 13% Down by 13% Oranges: Down by 15% Down by 15% Maize Meal: Down by 5% Regional disparities in household costs The data offered distinct insights into the affordability challenges faced in various regions. Johannesburg and Durban saw increases in their food baskets, with Johannesburg rising to R5,656.43 (up 0.1% month-on-month) and Durban at R5,358.09 (up 0.9%). In contrast, Cape Town's basket decreased slightly to R5,371.35, despite a steep 6.7% increase year-on-year, indicating the intricacies of regional price variability. Pietermaritzburg notched down to R5,092.82, and Springbok dropped to R5,735.50, while only Mtubatuba showed positive movement with an increase of R60.32 (1.1%) month-on-month, confirming that affordability issues are not uniformly felt across the nation. The broader economic context Against this backdrop of fluctuating food prices, the broader economic context cannot be ignored. Statistics South Africa recently reported headline inflation at 3%, affecting low-income households at even higher rates, and food inflation running at 4.7%. This paints a stark picture for many South Africans, particularly as the National Minimum Wage of R28.79 per hour continues to be insufficient for supporting families. Notably, while the average monthly cost to feed a child a basic nutritious diet is R957.41, the Child Support Grant of R560 falls 30% below the food poverty line of R796. This disparity highlights the urgent need for governmental intervention to support vulnerable households struggling to provide for their families. A call to action As food prices fluctuate and the cost of living continues to rise, it is paramount for stakeholders to address the dire situation faced by many families across South Africa. Workers contribute to their family's well-being and often find themselves financially strained, unable to afford nutritious food. The decline in food prices, though welcome, is not enough; comprehensive strategies are needed to enhance food security and support economic resilience in the face of ongoing challenges. BUSINESS REPORT
IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
Trip to daughter's funeral in Israel, sheep, goats are some of the gifts SA MPs declared
All the 400 public representatives complied with the declaration of financial interests for the first time in 2025. Image: Picture: Armand Hough THE South African Friends of Israel paid for ACDP leader Kenneth Meshoe's travel to the funeral of his daughter in Israel while a Washington family settled his flight and accommodation for his daughter's memorial service in the US. This emerged from the declarations made by MPs as contained in the Register of Members' Interests for 2025. The report was adopted and released by the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests on Friday after all 400 public representatives complied with the submission of their declarations within the stipulated deadline for the first time. Meshoe also declared his shares 100 Sanlam shares with a nominal value of R15,000 and being preacher as remuneration outside parliamentary work. His other colleagues were gifted with cellphones, liquor, sheep, food parcels, books, tickets to watch sport and music shows. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza are probably the envy of other MPs as they disclosed a long list of gifts during the year under review. Creecy listed, among her gifts, two King Shaka statues from Airport Company of South Africa, a book titled 'The Pig That Flew' from Evert de Ruiter, and a scarf valued at R1,200 from her French counterpart. 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 ✕ Didiza declared an ostrich leather clutch bag and mohair blanket gifts from Agri-SA. Also pocketing a long list of gifts was International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola. He received a self-painting from Ambassador Reynard Al-Akbari of the League of Arab States, a colour-changing mug and African print fabric from Mozambique High Commissioners, 15-year-old single malt whiskey, and a book titled 'Welcome to My Table' by Siba Mtongana from Assupol. DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen received 12 bottles of wine from Cape Point Vineyards and 12 assorted bottles of wine from Tim Hutchinson. The ostrich industry gave him an ostrich RSA flag and various ostrich plumes for display in the ministry offices in Pretoria, among others. Steenhuisen, who listed nothing under land ownership and property, disclosed a townhouse in Sea Point under rented property. EFF leader Julius Malema holds a directorship in Mgagao Shamba farming business, and also received two sheep from BaPedi Queen, and a bottle of wine and chocolate from the Chinese embassy. He disclosed nothing under property and land ownership. Deputy President Paul Mashatile declared a portrait of himself from the National Youth Development Agency, a bottle of wine, and small grey bowl from the Japanese embassy, and a silver elephant statue display from the Indian Minister of External Affairs, among the gifts he obtained. Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie declared the de-registration of about 15 companies where he was director or in partnership. McKenzie listed owning a property in Kraaifontein and a R37,999 HONOR Magic V2 device from HONOR Device in China, as well as a R6,093 tea cup and saucer from the Russian Cultural Ministry. Al Jama-ah leader and Social Development Minister, Mogamad Hendricks, has shares in 12 companies with at least 15,000 shares valued at R961,342 with ABSA stockbroker. He listed directorship in seven companies, including his party. Hendricks listed four properties - a house, two plots, and an agricultural land – under property and land ownership. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana received no gifts during the year under review. He disclosed that he has three properties in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was gifted a Huawei Pura 70 cellphone by the Chinese ambassador, and a goat and blanket from a community of Ulundi in KwaZulu-Natal. Cape Times
IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
This is how Parliament approves the National Budget
As the NCOP moves toward its critical vote, the implications of the Appropriation Bill are vast, influencing service delivery and development across the country's provinces. This decision will ultimately shape the economic and social landscape in South Africa for the financial year ahead. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers The stage is set for a pivotal moment in South Africa's budget process as the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) gears up to consider and vote on the Appropriation Bill on Wednesday This action comes on the heels of the National Assembly's (NA) adoption of the bill on July 23, 2025, marking a significant step in the nation's fiscal planning for the coming year. The NCOP's role is integral in ensuring that provincial interests are adequately represented in the national budget, particularly in the allocation and utilisation of public funds. As a Section 77 money bill originating from the NA, the Appropriation Bill serves as an essential framework allowing the government to utilise specified public funds across various departments and services. The budget process and the Appropriation Bill The budget process kicks off each February with the Minister of Finance's presentation of budget documents to Parliament, which includes: The Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals, detailing the country's economic outlook and tax policies. The Division of Revenue Bill, outlining the distribution of funds among national, provincial, and local governments. The Appropriation Bill, which allocates specific monetary amounts to each national department. Following the tabling of the budget, Parliament must approve the Fiscal Framework within 16 days, after which the Division of Revenue Bill is passed. This sets the stage for the introduction of the Appropriation Bill, essential for funding the operational goals of government departments. Stages within the NCOP The NCOP's consideration of the Appropriation Bill unfolds in three main stages, allowing for a thorough examination: Consideration by Select Committee: The bill is referred to the Select Committee on Appropriations, where its implications on service delivery and provincial impact are scrutinised. The committee will prepare a report recommending the bill's adoption. The bill is referred to the Select Committee on Appropriations, where its implications on service delivery and provincial impact are scrutinised. The committee will prepare a report recommending the bill's adoption. Consideration of Department Votes and Schedule: Members will assess the budget allocation for each department, referred to as 'Votes.' Political parties can express their intentions through declarations of Vote. A total of 90 votes are possible, with each delegate from the provinces holding one vote. Members will assess the budget allocation for each department, referred to as 'Votes.' Political parties can express their intentions through declarations of Vote. A total of 90 votes are possible, with each delegate from the provinces holding one vote. Final Consideration: After all departmental Votes are adopted, the Select Committee's report on the Appropriation Bill is presented to the House, where a final vote on the bill as a whole occurs. While the NCOP cannot amend the Appropriation Bill, it may propose amendments. If the bill is rejected, it will be returned to the NA, which possesses the authority to override the NCOP's decision by passing the bill once again. The finalisation process The Appropriation Bill will only be regarded as passed once both Houses of Parliament – the NCOP and the NA – have approved it. Upon agreement, the bill is sent to the President for assent, becoming an Act of Parliament. This Act then officially authorises government departments to allocate and spend public funds in line with the budget approved by Parliament. IOL
