Latest news with #DuPreez
The Citizen
05-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Sodurba chairperson resigns after 10 years
THE Sodurba Community Tourism Organisation (CTO) announced that after a decade-long tenure as chairperson, Helga du Preez is stepping down from her role effective from July 1. Also read: Infinity whale sculpture erected at Sodurba offices Her departure marks the end of an exciting time for the Durban South tourism organisation, following years of hard work and tireless service in developing and contributing to the cause. Du Preez joined the organisation as a treasurer in 2012 and was elected as chairperson in 2016. Over the years, she had been a key force behind Sodurba's most essential projects and success stories. 'It has been an honour to serve as chairperson of Sodurba CTO. I am incredibly proud of what we've accomplished together and remain confident in the leadership and direction of the organisation as it continues to serve and uplift the Durban South community,' said Du Preez During her tenure, Sodurba CTO achieved numerous milestones that expanded both local and international recognition of the region's unique heritage and offerings. Some of these achievements include the establishment of the Sodurba Community Tourism Association, the launch of Urban Heritage Route in 2017 and most notably The Bluff being declared an internationally accredited Whale Heritage Area, putting the Durban South in the global limelight for marine conservation. Under her management, Sodurba hosted the inaugural Welcoming of the Whales Festival, a signature event celebrating the Humpback Whale Migration, the longest mammal migration and part of the longest Whale Heritage Route in the world. While Du Preez's legacy is one of passion and growth, she is ready to pass the baton on. In the interim, Amanda Janse van Rensburg will serve as the acting chairperson until the executive committee begins the nomination process. Sodurba CTO said in a statement that they are committed to its mission and continues to focus on delivering long-term value to its members, partners and the wider community. For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Eyewitness News
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Eyewitness News
Boks expecting front-foot approach from Barbarians in season opener
CAPE TOWN - The Springboks are expecting a front-foot approach from the Barbarians in their season opener at DHL Stadium on Saturday. Aphelele Fassi explained how the Boks will look to express themselves while staying within the coaching structures. "It will be a Test match level approach, that's what it's been the whole week. The freedom that the coaches give us is immense and I'll focus on what I'll have to deliver on Saturday and within the structure of the team." The Bok fullback spoke about the influence that players like Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse have on his performance. "It's fantastic to play with those two players, they're world-class. I learn a lot from them in terms of communication and what they like and what they need, building a good relationship with them and I'm just excited to see what we can deliver on Saturday." Fassi had this to say when asked if the wet conditions in the Cape would impact their approach. "For us, it's not different to how we're approaching the game, maybe for them it's quite different because they're an entertaining team to entertain the Cape Town fans but for us, we're going to implement our physical game onto them and how we want to play, so I think the weather, for us, doesn't really play a role." Jean-Luc du Preez admitted that he was delighted to be back in the green and gold. "The Springboks were always in the back of my mind. I always used to tell myself to play well for the club and hopefully, something comes from it to be given this opportunity again. I'm delighted." The Bok loose forward feels certain that players will elevate their performance to prove a point to the world champions. "As Fassi said, they're an expansive team and liek to put on a display for the crowd but I think the likes of Shannon Frizell and Sam Cane and those boys, they're going to be coming hard and will want to prove themselves against the Boks and that's where we'll need to front up on Saturday and hopefully we do that." Du Preez expects the New Zealand players to have an extra edge due to what happened in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final. "I definitely think they'll have that in the back of their minds, as I said, just to prove a point. I think just playing against the Springboks, you'll be up for it. It should be a good match-up." Du Preez also expressed what it means to be back in the Springbok setup. "For me, coming in and out of the Boks setup, it's been tough the last few years and I just to try and use this opportunity as best as I can and just do my job on Saturday really. That's it."
The South African
26-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Huge opportunity for once forgotten Springbok
Jean-Luc du Preez, along with brothers Rob and Dan, were some of the most highly-regarded schoolboys more than a decade ago after dominating the local rugby scene in KwaZulu-Natal with Kearsney College, and illustrious Springbok careers were certainly predicted during their teenage years. It hasn't quite all played out according to that script, but Jean-Luc has gained incredible experience since moving to the Sale Sharks in England in 2018, and at the age of 29, there is still plenty of rugby ahead of him. With the Springboks also contending with a number of injuries at No 8, Du Preez has been handed an opportunity to start there against the Barbarians this Saturday, and it could allow him to stake a claim for continued selection during the Test season. 'Playing for the Springboks again has always been in the back of my mind, and my plan was always to give my best for my club in the hope that I make it back into the team, so I'm delighted to get this opportunity again,' said Du Preez. 'It is a massive privilege, so I plan to go out there and give it my best.' The match this weekend will mark Du Preez's first start in the green and gold since 2018 and his first appearance for the Boks in almost two years, something he was thrilled about, even though it is not an official Test match. Commenting on partnering up with Vincent Tshituka and Springbok captain Siya Kolisi in a physical loose trio, Du Preez said: 'I'm looking forward to playing with them. The last time I played with Siya was back in 2018, so it's going to be good to reconnect with him on the field again on Saturday.' The match, which will be played at the iconic DHL Stadium, kicks off at 17:10 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
25-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Springbok desire was always there, says excited Jean-Luc du Preez about Barbarians clash
The Springboks braved the heavy rain in Cape Town on Wednesday to train at the Stormers headquarters in Bellville. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Utility forward Jean-Luc du Preez last had a taste of Springbok rugby nearly two years ago against Los Pumas in Argentina. On Saturday, the 14-times-capped Du Preez will get a taste of rugby with the world champions again when he wears the No 8 jersey against the Barbarians in Cape Town in a new-look loose trio for the side. He last donned the Green-and-Gold in August 2023, but his ambition to play for the side again never faded. Now, he is ready to embrace the chance to battle against the invitational side at the Cape Town Stadium (5.10pm start). Springbok utility forward Jean-Luc du Preez is ready to embrace the opportunity of playing against the Barbarians in his first Bok match in almost two years. Image: BackpagePix 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 ✕ 'That desire was always there,' Du Preez said on Wednesday. 'The Springboks were always at the back of my mind, and I will always tell myself if I play well for the club, something may come my way and to be getting this opportunity again, I am delighted. 'For me, coming in and out of this Bok set-up (over the last few seasons), this is a very important game. 'It's been tough the last couple of years, and I just want to try and use the opportunity as best as I can. I just want to do my job on Saturday.' Du Preez said they will have to front up against the likes of Sam Cane and Shannon Frizzell, two of the former All Blacks part of the Barbarians team, and the physicality they will bring. Then, there is also former Irishman Peter O'Mahony, who will be a menace at the breakdowns. He reckons they will have a point to prove, especially with the Boks being world champions. 'I think just playing against the Springboks, any player will be up for it. It should be a good match-up. 'They love moving the ball, so we will have to come up with a big defence effort and we must stay on our toes. The focus will be on what we do good, and doing that to the best of our ability.' After his absence from the squad, Du Preez highlighted the difference attack coach Tony Brown has made since joining the set-up. He, of course, missed the 2024 season due to his non-selection, but got to experience the influence of Brown for the first time this year. 'We've always been labelled as a very conservative team. We kick a lot and play a territory game. With Tony coming in, our attack has stepped up. We've scored some brilliant tries that I've watched. That is the biggest change for me. #Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus on his team selection and blending experienced guys with some single-digit capped and uncapped players for Saturday's Barbarians clash — Leighton Koopman (@Leighton_K) June 24, 2025
The Citizen
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Here is what's causing delays at Home Affairs offices
Home Affairs officials were in parliament on Tuesday where they detailed their challenges with fellow government entity Sita. Long queues and slow processing times at Home Affairs offices are due to the shortcomings of the State Information Technology Agency (Sita), a parliamentary portfolio committee has heard. On Tuesday, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) detailed the logistical issues it regularly encounters. The department warned that cost, time and efficiency challenges would persist unless it was given the freedom to procure its own service providers. Sita inefficiencies A presentation given by DHA's Chief Information Officer Leon Du Preez stressed that despite Sita's mandate to streamline government communications, this was not the current reality. 'Sita has become a bottleneck to service delivery and has a strategic misalignment with the digital transformation needs of home affairs,' stated Du Preez. Sita inefficiencies have delayed modernisation targets such as office upgrades, live data capture deployments, and integrated border management. These have cybersecurity ripple effects such as a lack of real-time monitoring, virtual private network vulnerabilities and inadequate security information and incident management. Du Preez highlighted a Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) diagnostic report showing that the department required an urgent system refresh as it was plagued by old and ageing infrastructure. The CSIR report found critical faults in home affairs' isolated networks and biometric systems as well as a lack of redundancy — the system's ability to have rapid, available backup network pathways. Procurement issues This is a list of 12 specific service delivery and procurement issues, most notably a two-year delay in upgrading office connectivity and R42 million wasted on obsolete anti-malware software. Du Preez noted with concern how during a lengthy infrastructure failure, the department was the first to identify the problem. 'We engaged with both [the service provider] and Sita at the time, and it was unfortunate that neither was aware of the downtime that caused the issue. 'We also noted that the redundant links were not in different trenches. In other words, they had dual links but in the same trench,' said Du Preez. Additionally, three projects involving local area network cabling, the procurement of routers and switches and the connection of medical facilities are two years over deadline. The inefficiencies have led to at least one service provider's contract being terminated after failures to meet remedial action implemented since late 2024. Plan to rely on banks Processing identity and passport documentation is one of Home Affairs' primary functions, and Du Preez elaborated on the department's plans to use the private sector to assist. 'We should not be expanding, buying, or constructing additional new physical offices. We would rather leverage the banks' infrastructure, not only in branch but also on digital platforms,' he said. He added that banks have made a commitment to DHA that their networks are available to the department. This would allow banks and Home Affairs to 'deep link' across their respective networks when South African citizens apply for IDs and passports. Du Preez said the engagement process began in 2015, but only 30 branches have been linked so far. 'We know that is chipping away at the problem too slowly and therefore set ourselves an ambitious target of 100 branches,' said Du Preez. The portfolio committee's agenda ran over time, with the chair postponing questions and comments on the presentation to a later date. NOW READ: 'Challenges around salaries': Auditor-General says Sita can't afford ICT staff
