Latest news with #DeBeer
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Coin-It scheme trio back in court again this month
Three members of the De Beer family (who formed the now-infamous Coin-It investment scheme) were back in court last week, only to have their case postponed to July 25. This is to allow the defence to file a further affidavit regarding their application for documents. Malcolm de Beer (54), Patricia de Beer (53) and Samantha de Beer (31) – all of Dundee – are charged with fraud (with the alternative charge of theft) to the amount of approximately R73.6 million. They are also charged with contravention of the Financial Advisory & Intermediary Services Act, the Banks Act, and money laundering. The trio are out on R50,000 bail. Coin-It promised starry-eyed investors riches that would lead them on their 'route to success'. While many who poured money into the scheme accrued riches beyond their wildest dreams, hundreds more lost their hard-earned money when the Dundee-based pyramid scheme came crashing down, leaving many distraught. HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at [email protected]. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
13-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Heidelberg locals discover rare Verreaux's Eagle nest after years of searching
A rare sighting in Heidelberg has sparked excitement among local birdwatchers and conservationists. 'We found an active Verreaux's Eagle nest, previously known as the Black Eagle or Witkruisarend, after three years of searching,' said an elated Hennie de Beer, birder and conservationist from Heidelberg. Although the region is not a typical habitat for Verreaux's Eagles, their presence may suggest a possible range expansion or a temporary visit in search of food. Observers were captivated by the eagle's graceful flight and commanding presence — a striking reminder of the rich biodiversity that still thrives in South Africa. Verreaux's Eagles are among Africa's most formidable birds of prey. With a wingspan of up to 2.3 metres, they dominate the skies, soaring effortlessly above cliffs and ridges in search of their primary prey, dassies (rock hyraxes). These eagles are monogamous, often forming lifelong pairs that hunt cooperatively. The nest was first spotted by local resident Jugens Bekker and later confirmed by Johan de Waal and De Beer. Gauteng Nature Conservation is now assisting with the monitoring of the breeding pair. 'This is a major win for conservation. We are down to just 2 999 breeding pairs left in South Africa and have lost nearly 19% in under three generations,' De Beer said. This majestic raptor stands approximately 80–90 cm tall and weighs between 3.5 and 4.5kg. It is easily recognised by its jet-black plumage and distinctive white 'V' marking on its back. Nests are typically built from sticks and placed on cliff ledges or man-made towers. However, the species faces serious threats. Between 1996 and 2019, there were 22 reported collisions and 69 electrocutions involving power lines, along with over 30 wind turbine incidents. Additional threats include habitat loss, human disturbance at nest sites, persecution by farmers, and accidental drowning in farm reservoirs and dams. Long-term monitoring across South Africa reveals that 19% of over 300 known nest sites are now unoccupied, making every active nest critically important. The discovery of a breeding pair near human habitation shows that effective conservation is possible within communities. For more information, contact Hennie de Beer on 082 564 3753. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Sleeping with the enemy; 40 years in jail for mother who killed her kids; Elvis and Hound Dog scandalise public
On This Day In History 1873 The name of the diamond diggings, De Beer's New Rush is changed to Kimberley. 1873 Sultan Barghash bin Said of Zanzibar closes the island's great slave market. 1883 The first regularly scheduled run of the fabled Orient Express train leaves Paris. 1916 Britain's Anglo-Boer War hero, Lord Kitchener drowns when the SS Hampshire sinks after hitting a German mine near the Orkney Islands. 1918 The Broederbond is founded in Jozi to advance the cultural traditions of Afrikaans. 1937 Henry Ford orders a 32-hour work week. 1941 World War II: At least 4 000 people who are hiding in a tunnel die after a Japanese air attack on the Chinese city of Chongqing. 1947 US Secretary of State George Marshall calls for economic aid to war-torn Europe. It becomes known as the Marshall Plan. 1956 Elvis Presley introduces his new single, Hound Dog, on TV, scandalising the audience with his suggestive hip movements. 1963 British Secretary of State for War, John Profumo resigns amid a scandal because of his relationship with a prostitute, who is also sleeping with a member of the Russian embassy.1967 Israel launches the Six-Day War. 1975 The Suez Canal opens for the first time since the Six-Day War, 8 years before. 1981 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the first cases of Aids. 1998 Thulane 'Sugarboy' Malinga wins the WBF super-middleweight boxing title for SA. 2006 Islamic militants seize Somalia's capital, unifying the city for the first time in 16 years. 2019 The average person ingests 50 000 pieces of microplastic a year and inhales a similar amount, according to a study – the first of its kind – published in the journal, Environmental Science and Technology. 2023 Australian Kathleen Folbigg is pardoned after 20 years in prison for the murder of her four children, after new genetic research found evidence of gene disorders in the children. 2024 The world's only surviving wild horse, the Przewalski's Horse, is returned to the Golden Steppe of Kazakhstan for the first time in over 200 years. DAILY NEWS
The Citizen
08-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
More than half of SA employees diagnosed with mental health issues linked to work
Depression, stress and anxiety are leading the diagnoses. More than 50% of employees in the country are suffering from mental health conditions caused by conditions in their workplace, according to a study conducted by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag). The recently released Working Life Survey revealed there was a critical need for mental health support in the workplace as it indicated 52% of employees surveyed had been diagnosed with mental health conditions. According to the study, 32% were diagnosed with depression, stress 25%, generalised anxiety disorder 18%, burnout 13% and trauma 10%. Free online support group Sadag projects manager Krystle Kemp said to mitigate the situation, the organisation has launched a free online support group to assist the affected employees. 'The support group aims to provide a safe and caring space for people to speak openly about their feelings, share their experiences and receive support from others who truly understand,' said Kemp. 'It will be guided by our experienced and compassionate support group leader, who is passionate about mental health and creating meaningful connections.' Kemp said living with depression, anxiety, or burnout can feel incredibly lonely, 'especially when your support system doesn't understand what you are going through because the family members often can't relate if they don't have their own first-hand experience, which can lead them to diminish your feelings or put pressure on you to just get over it'. ALSO READ: Urgent mental health support needed as SA teachers buckle under pressure Overworked and unsupported Labour analyst Bukani Mngoma said the survey results were not surprising because there has always been a concern about the state of workplace health in South Africa. 'The main reason is that in many workplaces workers are doubling up on their jobs for space of others. In some instances, this situation has been caused by the increase in the workload workers are carrying daily,' Mngoma said. 'Many organisations have implemented what is called job enlargement programmes, instead of replacing employees who leave their employment. In some instances, this has kept workers pinned down at work without having time to take their annual leave.' Clinical psychologist and JVR Africa Group CEO Dr Jopie de Beer said many people were stressing about many things, including unemployment and those fortunate enough to be employed may face abusive leadership, toxic work environments, discrimination, and bullying. 'Job insecurity is also widespread due to slow and stagnant economic growth,' said De Beer. 'Today, job security and career development are far from guaranteed. Life, both inside and outside the workplace, is difficult, and many people carry the emotional and physical scars. 'Some experience physical symptoms, others may turn to substance abuse and many struggle with burnout, stress, anxiety, depression and hopelessness. People can only take so much.' De Beer said employers have a particular responsibility to recognise the realities their employees are experiencing and to prioritise their well-being. 'What Sadag is doing is good' A teacher from Boksburg, who was hospitalised for about three weeks, said she suffered from depression after she was subjected to unconducive working conditions by the principal. 'The principal was targeting me. He would give me warnings without me doing anything wrong,' said the teacher, who did not want to be named. She said the stress affected her health in many ways as she started having insomnia because of overthinking. ALSO READ: How Covid changed our lives, mental health and shopping habits Her body was painful and her shoulders were heavy, she had constant headaches and her blood pressure was high. 'What Sadag is doing is a good thing because there are many people who are in my situation, but do not know who they can talk to.' Sadag's Lindsey Dickson said every day it becomes evident that there are not enough resources available to service all the needs in this country. 'So, if by starting a group I can help even one person, it would have made a difference'. Breaking the silence Dickson said her organisation of more than 30 years' experience. Support groups were helpful for people who may not have access to professional help. 'By connecting with others who are experiencing similar challenges, members can gain comfort, confidence and tips to manage daily stress,' she said. 'The groups also help break the silence around mental health and encourage open conversations in a safe, nonjudgmental space.' The online support group was launched this week and the affected people are encouraged to contact the organisation to be part of the group. If you need help, call Sadag on 0800-567-567. NOW READ: How Covid changed our lives, mental health and shopping habits
The Citizen
04-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Coin-It family trio back in court this month
The Dundee-based De Beer family trio — Malcolm and Patricia (husband and wife) and their daughter Samantha — will be back in the High Court on May 28 on charges of fraud linked to the failed Coin-It investment scheme, which allegedly defrauded investors of R73.6 million. The matter had been postponed to allow the accused time to obtain certain documents, confirmed National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara. The De Beers are accused of running Coin-It, an unregistered investment operation that promised returns by giving investors a stake in trucks supposedly working on mining contracts. The scheme later collapsed, leaving hundreds of investors out of pocket. 'In terms of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act and the Banks Act, Coin-It was not authorised to accept deposits from investors,' said Ramkisson-Kara. 'The state alleges that the entity was not registered as a financial services provider and operated without the required licences.' All three accused remain out on R50,000 bail each. Malcolm and Patricia De Beer have also surrendered their passports as part of their bail conditions. Several properties and properties have already been seized by the Asset Forfeiture Unit, AFU, in terms of a Preservation Order granted by the Pietermaritzburg High Court in 2020. These include the Royal Country Inn (now student accommodation) and other properties, one of which, in the Dundee industrial area, is to be auctioned this month. HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
