Latest news with #Daybreak
IOL News
22-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
PIC grilled over R1. 7bn Daybreak support
Daybreak Farms has become emblematic of some of the challenges facing the PIC's unlisted investments portfolio during a period of heightened public scrutiny. Image: NSPCA THE Public Investment Corporation (PIC) faced intense scrutiny in Parliament last week over its handling of high-risk unlisted investments, including a hefty bailout of the embattled poultry giant Daybreak Farms. South Africa's largest asset manager of public funds was on the backfoot, defending its decision to inject more than R1.7 billion into Daybreak Farms, a vertically integrated poultry business on the brink of liquidation. Daybreak has become emblematic of some of the challenges facing the PIC's unlisted investments portfolio during a period of heightened public scrutiny. At the heart of the inquiry was Deputy Minister of Finance Dr David Masondo, who also chairs the PIC board. Accompanied by senior PIC officials and the new chief executive, Patrick Dlamini, Masondo sought to clarify the PIC's position amid growing public concern and media attention. Masondo explained that the PIC had committed R1.7bn to Daybreak, with R250 million injected earlier this year and an additional R150m for operational expenses in February 2025, designed specifically to stave off liquidation. 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 ✕ He emphasised that 'the PIC board does not intend to keep injecting funds indefinitely; the business must turn itself around to survive the crisis'. The message was firm: while the PIC remains a key investor, the responsibility to deliver a viable recovery rests with Daybreak's management and board. Acknowledging governance failings, Masondo outlined the troubles: 'A board was appointed in 2021 but resigned the same year in May. A new board came in November 2022. Allegations surfaced regarding irregularities in the recruitment of Daybreak's chief executive. Investigations found violations of PIC and Daybreak policies as well as general recruitment procedures.' He confirmed these findings had led to resignations: 'Most of the board members involved in the irregular recruitment process resigned. The board was subsequently strengthened with experienced members.' Daybreak Farms is under business rescue, with a practitioner appointed and a rescue plan expected by August 22. Masondo stressed that liquidation must be avoided: 'The board believed strongly that liquidation should be avoided due to the company's importance to the economy, food security, and job preservation.' He explained PIC's limited direct operational role: 'We do not run the businesses but appoint directors to boards when necessary to support turnaround efforts,' with appointments made under strict policy and approved by the PIC's Directors Affairs Committee, chaired by Masondo himself. Masondo framed the Daybreak issue within the PIC's wider mandate. The asset manager invests on behalf of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), Compensation Fund (CF), and others, with a stated goal to protect and grow workers' retirement and social benefit funds. He highlighted the PIC's growth since 2021: 'Assets under management grew from R2.3 trillion in 2021 to R3trln in March 2025, a 30% increase. Over the past 10 years, growth has been at 68%.' Regarding unlisted investments, which include direct equity ownership in companies such as Daybreak, growth was modest at best: 'The value rose marginally from R125bn in 2021 to R127bn in 2025, just a 1.4% increase.' This was attributed to UIF and CF suspending mandates over earlier concerns. Masondo also reiterated the PIC's commitment to balancing financial return with social and environmental considerations. He said: 'Since the beginning of its unlisted investment programme, PIC has created over 190 000 jobs.' The PIC reported that it had shared with Scopa a list of the 20 best-performing companies and 20 that had failed, confirming that 'most of the failed investments, including Daybreak, were made before the current leadership'. The one exception cited was Enable Capital, another troubled investment attracting media scrutiny. Meanwhile, Scopa members did not let the PIC off lightly on pensioner concerns. One member queried the contradiction between the PIC's reported average annual return of 15.9% and the only 2.3% pension increase awarded this year, which was noticeably below inflation. The discrepancy raised questions about the flow-through of investment returns to pensioners. Other areas debated included: Proposals for incentives to boost infrastructure investment The imperative to balance financial and social returns The PIC's reported impact on job creation, empowerment, and governance Calls for greater transparency and accountability within PIC's operations. Masondo assured Committee members that all recommendations from the Mpati Commission investigation had been fully implemented by March 31 this year. This included wide-ranging governance reforms and the creation of an ethics office aimed at promoting ethical conduct and reducing risks. Addressing recent media reports, he revealed: 'A senior PIC employee was alleged to have solicited a bribe. This matter was reported via our whistleblowing platform. The individual has since been placed on precautionary suspension pending investigation.' He confirmed that 'appropriate action will be taken based on the outcome'. Get the real story on the go: Follow the Sunday Independent on WhatsApp.
The Irish Sun
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Paris Jackson, 27, strips topless for swim with fiance, 46, in California
MICHAEL Jackson's daughter Paris has stripped down in a topless display while enjoying the Californian weather. Paris Jackson, 27, has documented an afternoon swim with her 46-year-old fiance in California. Advertisement 5 Paris Jackson went topless in a string of Instagram offerings Credit: parisjackson/Instagram 5 She showed off her toned body in the process Credit: parisjackson/Instagram 5 She looked content to be in the water Credit: parisjackson/Instagram 5 Paris and Justin got engaged last year Credit: parisjackson/Instagram The young musician and model and her husband-to-be, Justin Long, could be seen soaking up the sun in Paris' new Instagram uploads. Taking to her Instagram stories, Paris shared several snaps and videos from the fun they had been having in the sunshine. The first video she shared saw her holding onto a rope as she swung into a lake. Paris appeared to be topless and wearing just a pair of bikini bottoms for the occasion. Advertisement Read More about Paris Jackson The next offering was a photo of Paris standing in the lake, with only a pair of panties on. Showing off her toned back and tattooed body, Paris looked into the distance as she shielded her eyes from the sun. The next snap saw her submerged in the water, with only her head popping out. SMITTEN DIPPING Smiling sweetly for the camera, Paris looked into the lens. Advertisement Most read in Celebrity Exclusive Exclusive "Home sweet California," she said over the top of the snap. Cozying up to her beau in the next photo, Paris looked smitten as she and Justin snapped a sweet selfie. Michael Jackson's mom 'rocked to her core' by his daughter's heroin confession & sees tragic similarities in drug battle Paris got engaged to music producer Justin Long on December 6, 2024. The engagement announcement was featured in a birthday post for her partner. Advertisement Within the post she featured a snap of Justin down on one knee in front of her while presenting her with a ring. In the caption for her lover at the time, she penned: "Happy birthday my sweet blue. Michael Jackson's Kids Michael Jackson had three children to pass on his legacy before his sudden death in June 2009. Here's what his adult kids have been up to. Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. , primarily known as Prince, is Michael's first-born child with his ex-wife, Debbie Rowe. He followed in his father's footsteps by working in the entertainment industry as an actor and producer. According to IMDB, Prince's credits include Daybreak (1993), Hangin' with the Homeboys (1991), and Nano: Hold On (2017). He graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a bachelor's degree in business administration. Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson also went the entertainment route as a model, actress, and singer. She was featured in the 2018 action film, Gringo and the 2021 comedy, The Space Between. Paris has a contract with IMG Models and released her first album, Wilted, in 2020. Prince Michael Jackson II , also known as Blanket or Bigi, maintains his privacy away from the limelight. He is said to enjoy martial arts and is passionate about climate change. "Doing life with you these last years has been an indescribable whirlwind and I couldn't dream of anyone more perfect for me to do it all with. "Thank you for letting me be yours. I love you." Advertisement SOBRIETY JOURNEY Back in January, She shared a clip of some highs and lows from her sober journey, writing alongside: "Hi, I'm pk and I'm an alcoholic and a heroin addict." Paris continued: "Today marks five years clean and sober from all drugs and alcohol. "To say that I'm thankful would be a poor euphemism. Gratitude hardly scratches the surface. Advertisement "It's because I'm sober that I get to smile today. I get to make music. "I get to experience the joy of loving my dogs and cat. I get to feel heartbreak in all its glory. "I get to grieve. I get to laugh. I get to dance. I get to trust. I feel the sun on my skin and it's warm. "I've found that life keeps happening regardless of whether I'm sober or not, but today I get to show up for it." Advertisement She finished by writing: "Here's a little snapshot of what has been possible because of my sobriety, and my god I can't believe I almost missed it all. Thanks." 5 Paris, who is Michael Jackson's only daughter, is 27 years of age Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Paris Jackson, 27, strips topless for swim with fiance, 46, in California
She looked content in the snaps with her husband-to-be PRETTY YOUNG THING Paris Jackson, 27, strips topless for swim with fiance, 46, in California Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MICHAEL Jackson's daughter Paris has stripped down in a topless display while enjoying the Californian weather. Paris Jackson, 27, has documented an afternoon swim with her 46-year-old fiance in California. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Paris Jackson went topless in a string of Instagram offerings Credit: parisjackson/Instagram 5 She showed off her toned body in the process Credit: parisjackson/Instagram 5 She looked content to be in the water Credit: parisjackson/Instagram 5 Paris and Justin got engaged last year Credit: parisjackson/Instagram The young musician and model and her husband-to-be, Justin Long, could be seen soaking up the sun in Paris' new Instagram uploads. Taking to her Instagram stories, Paris shared several snaps and videos from the fun they had been having in the sunshine. The first video she shared saw her holding onto a rope as she swung into a lake. Paris appeared to be topless and wearing just a pair of bikini bottoms for the occasion. The next offering was a photo of Paris standing in the lake, with only a pair of panties on. Showing off her toned back and tattooed body, Paris looked into the distance as she shielded her eyes from the sun. The next snap saw her submerged in the water, with only her head popping out. SMITTEN DIPPING Smiling sweetly for the camera, Paris looked into the lens. "Home sweet California," she said over the top of the snap. Cozying up to her beau in the next photo, Paris looked smitten as she and Justin snapped a sweet selfie. Michael Jackson's mom 'rocked to her core' by his daughter's heroin confession & sees tragic similarities in drug battle Paris got engaged to music producer Justin Long on December 6, 2024. The engagement announcement was featured in a birthday post for her partner. Within the post she featured a snap of Justin down on one knee in front of her while presenting her with a ring. In the caption for her lover at the time, she penned: "Happy birthday my sweet blue. Michael Jackson's Kids Michael Jackson had three children to pass on his legacy before his sudden death in June 2009. Here's what his adult kids have been up to. Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., primarily known as Prince, is Michael's first-born child with his ex-wife, Debbie Rowe. He followed in his father's footsteps by working in the entertainment industry as an actor and producer. According to IMDB, Prince's credits include Daybreak (1993), Hangin' with the Homeboys (1991), and Nano: Hold On (2017). He graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a bachelor's degree in business administration. Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson also went the entertainment route as a model, actress, and singer. She was featured in the 2018 action film, Gringo and the 2021 comedy, The Space Between. Paris has a contract with IMG Models and released her first album, Wilted, in 2020. Prince Michael Jackson II, also known as Blanket or Bigi, maintains his privacy away from the limelight. He is said to enjoy martial arts and is passionate about climate change. "Doing life with you these last years has been an indescribable whirlwind and I couldn't dream of anyone more perfect for me to do it all with. "Thank you for letting me be yours. I love you." SOBRIETY JOURNEY Back in January, Paris revealed her heroin addiction as she celebrated being sober for five year. She shared a clip of some highs and lows from her sober journey, writing alongside: "Hi, I'm pk and I'm an alcoholic and a heroin addict." Paris continued: "Today marks five years clean and sober from all drugs and alcohol. "To say that I'm thankful would be a poor euphemism. Gratitude hardly scratches the surface. "It's because I'm sober that I get to smile today. I get to make music. "I get to experience the joy of loving my dogs and cat. I get to feel heartbreak in all its glory. "I get to grieve. I get to laugh. I get to dance. I get to trust. I feel the sun on my skin and it's warm. "I've found that life keeps happening regardless of whether I'm sober or not, but today I get to show up for it." She finished by writing: "Here's a little snapshot of what has been possible because of my sobriety, and my god I can't believe I almost missed it all. Thanks."
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Time of India
News anchor Jodi Huisentruit 'vanished' 30 years ago and now a documentary reveals chilling witness' claim. Where to watch?
American news anchor Jodi Huisentruit has been missing for 30 years. Jodi was on her way to work shortly after 4 a.m. on the morning on June 27, 1995, when authorities believe she was violently abducted. Now, a three-part documentary on Jodi Huisentruit reveals a chilling claim by a witness. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Jodi Huisentruit docuseries What happened to Jodi Huisentruit still remains a mystery to date. The 27-year-old from Long Prairie, Minnestosa, was a morning anchor at KIMT-TV, serving north central Iowa and southeastern Minnesota. Everyday, Jodi Huisentruit was up before dawn every day for Daybreak at 6 am and she aspired to go June 27, 1995, DayBreak producer Amy Kuns called Huisentruit at home shortly after 4 am to see why she wasn't at work yet, as she was usually there closer to 3 am."I called her twice. I talked to her and woke her up that first time," Kuns remembered in a 2011 interview. "The second time, it just rang and rang. I don't remember the times. I had obviously woken her up. She asked what time it was. I told her. She said she'd be right in." She never made it to her apartment, police found signs of a struggle, including a bent key outside her car. Her disappearance was quickly ruled an abduction and over the last three decades, authorities have been unable to find her or recover her Huisentruit didn't obviously disappear into thin air. Jodi was declared dead on May 14, 2001, but, to this day, no body or any other physical trace of her has ever been search warrant sheds light that investigators placed a GPS tracker on a friend's car in 1999 and on the friend's pickup truck in 2013, according to CBS News. But the friend is yet to be charged with a crime and had been with the local TV news anchor the night before she also caught a break in 2022, when an ABC 20/20 episode on Huisentruit's disappearance led a witness to reach out to the Mason City Police Department and share information she kept secret for more than two decades, as the network highlights in the new trailer for its years after Jodi Huisentruit 'disappeared', a new three-part documentary on her disappearance is set to debut this week, reports Fox 9. " Her Last Broadcast : The Abduction of Jodi Huisentruit" is a new documentary on the disappearance of the Iowa news anchor, which will also take a look at the case, including a new tip that led authorities to search a property in Minnesota last Jodi Huisentruit documentary is being produced by ABC News Studios. The new series, 'Her Last Broadcast: The Abduction of Jodi Huisentruit', includes more than 20 new interviews with family members, detectives, witnesses and friends of Jodi Huisentruit. ABC News Studios in a press release said the series also promises "never-before-seen material and new, groundbreaking information" about the case."An exploration of the power of persistence, public memory, and journalism, Her Last Broadcast: The Abduction of Jodi Huisentruit breathes new life into one of the country's most haunting unsolved mysteries," the network says. "Her Last Broadcast: The Abduction of Jodi Huisentruit" will debut on Hulu on Tuesday, July the 30th anniversary of Huisentruit's disappearance in late June, an online group dedicated to finding the truth about what happened to the television news anchor shared a statement demanding the person responsible come forward and explain what happened."[Thirty] years. It's time,' the group Find Jodi said, according to CBS. 'Don't make Jodi Huisentruit's family and friends wait another year for you to come forward. They need answers and justice.'
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Good Morning Britain star reveals truth behind their absence as they return to show - and are immediately grilled by Susanna Reid
A Good Morning Britain star revealed the truth behind their absence as they were grilled by Susanna Reid on Wednesday's instalment of the ITV show. Susanna, 54, and Martin Lewis, 53, returned to our screens for the latest episode of the breakfast programme. And they were joined by the show's Entertainment Editor Richard Arnold, 55. Susanna was quick to point out that he had been missing for a while. After the adverts wrapped up, and they returned to the show, Martin told viewers: 'Richard Arnold is here and a Hollywood actor has a new role behind the scenes...' Susanna chimed in: 'Welcome back by the way! Where have you been?!' Richard replied: 'A cheeky little tour Stateside to stay with some friends. 'Lowkey, non-fuss, in the middle of Connecticut.' 'Very good,' Susanna said. Richard confessed: 'Yeah I actually read a book! I couldn't believe it. Got to the very end! Got to the very end.' 'Was it worth it?!' Susanna asked. Richard said: 'Yes normally when I go away on holiday, the answers are all at the bottom of a glass, but actually sobered up enough to read a book!' The editor joined the show in 2014 and was previously the showbiz editor at ITV's Daybreak. It comes after Susanna left fans 'surprised and confused' as she made a return to the BBC 11 years after quitting the channel's Breakfast show. Over the years Susanna has had a very successful career in the journalism industry, having worked for a number of the main broadcasters in the UK. The 54-year-old is arguably best known for currently presenting ITV 's Good Morning Britain, after taking on the role in 2014. But some may have forgotten that she also used to work for one of ITV's rival channels. Susanna presented BBC Breakfast alongside Bill Turnbull, 66, and Charlie Stayt, 63, between 2001 and 2014. And on Sunday she returned to take part in a panel with Laura Kuenssberg, 48. Susanna shared as snap of the day on Instagram and captioned the post: 'SUNDAY! Always fantastic to be on @bbclaurak back at the BBC, this morning with @danielkebede and James Harding @theobserveruk @oversnap 'Back @gmb tomorrow!' Many rushed to the comments section to share how much they loved her being back on our screens on a Sunday - as she usually presents GMB Monday to Wednesdays, as well as an alternative Thursday between 6am and 9am. 'Nice one...' 'Yes I watched it just because you was on it.' 'A nice surprise this morning! Usually guests are a bit boring!' Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 from 6am and is available to stream on ITVX.
