Latest news with #IOL
IOL News
6 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
Residents learn about multimodal transport benefits in Clairwood meeting
Clairwood residents expressed their views about town planning at a placard protest previously. On Friday, Clairwood residents were informed about how a multimodal transport network and the Cato Ridge inland dry port could help prevent the suburb from becoming a logistics hub. Image: Mthobisi/Nozulela/IOL This week Durban's Clairwood residents were informed about how a multimodal transport network and the Cato Ridge inland dry port could help prevent the suburb from becoming a logistics hub. Warwick Lord, CEO of Cato Ridge Inland Port, gave a presentation to residents in Clairwood on Friday titled: Catalyst for the increased efficiency and sustainability of trade in Sub-Saharan Africa. Desmond D'Sa, coordinator of the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA),called for the meeting. In 2025, the municipality consulted stakeholders on amending the Land Use Scheme in Clairwood to Special Zone 40: Logistics. This aligned with the Local Area Plan (LAP) adopted by the City in 2014. Lord explained that multimodal transport involves using more than one mode of transport to move goods and offers significant benefits, including lower transportation costs, shorter delivery times, and improved reliability. He stated that this will lead to reduced costs, faster deliveries, and more dependable service. 'In Africa, the integration of road, rail, and maritime transport is vital for optimizing supply chains and improving regional connectivity,' he said. Lord added that South Africa acts as a major gateway for trade in Sub-Saharan Africa, with its extensive coastline and advanced port infrastructure. However, he noted that logistical inefficiencies, regulatory challenges, and infrastructural deficits hinder its potential as a regional logistics hub. He emphasized that inland ports are instrumental in developing integrated transport solutions that strengthen logistics corridors, boosting trade competitiveness. 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 ✕ Ad loading The country, he said, has well-developed port infrastructure, with major ports handling large cargo volumes. Lord proposed several solutions to strengthen the logistics corridor which includes: - Investment in infrastructure - Development of intermodal facilities - Standardization of processes - Data sharing initiatives - Improved customer services According to Lord, since 9 August 2024 to 3 April 2025, 32 trains have traveled between Durban Port and Cato Ridge, removing approximately 1,408 truck trips from the roads in the past seven months, although December 2024 and January 2025 saw limited volumes. 'The facilities are well-equipped with reach stackers, security generators, and staff. Several local companies are inquiring about capacity and services. We are specifically seeking export clients who can pack goods in Cato Ridge and rail them to the port to ensure balanced loads,' Lord stated. The city's deadline for submissions on the amendment was 8 April 2025. D'Sa described the presentation as excellent and highlighted alternatives that would not involve demolishing residential homes. 'The inland port presentation is an eye-opener and needs political will to be carried through. We did present objections to the city about the rezoning, and we hope we cannot be dictated to and lose our homes. We don't need to build infrastructure such as roads because rail provides a solution," he said.
IOL News
a day ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Former Transnet CEO Brian Molefe faces arrest over R93 million corruption case
Former Transnet and Eskom CEO Brian Molefe is facing arrest over fraud and corruption charges during his time as Transnet CEO. He is currently a member of parliament for the Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party. "Brian Molefe is an MK MP, and we note his impending arrest in his capacity during his time at Transnet. "While the law must be applied fairly, unfortunately, as a party, we have noted this is not always the case. There seems to be a purge of black professionals, particularly those from MK. "Our president, Jacob Zuma, has not received a fair process from the justice system, and we hope that Molefe's process will not be a repeat of this and that he will not be victimised due to his association with MK," MK spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela told IOL in response. The charges against Molefe relate to a R93 million purchase of locomotives for Transnet during his tenure at the state entity. IOL understands his lawyer is negotiating bail ahead of his handing himself over to law enforcement. This is a developing story. IOL
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Should SAPS bosses undergo lifestyle audits? Ian Cameron reacts to arrest of crime intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo
SAPS divisional commissioner for crime intelligence, Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo appeared in court on Friday, after he was arrested at the OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday. Image: SAPS The South African Police Service (SAPS) divisional commissioner for crime intelligence, Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo is on Friday expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrate's Court after he was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday. In an interview with IOL, chairperson of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron said apart from Khumalo, there are other senior SAPS officers arrested and it seems there are more arrests on the way. IOL understands Khumalo appeared before the court on Friday morning, facing charges relating to corruption, after he was nabbed by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC). 'Firstly, it is important to say we welcome the arrest of several SAPS senior officers that happened yesterday (Thursday). I think it is likely the tip of the iceberg, I think they might be more coming. 'Just as a recommendation from our side, the Portfolio Committee on Police, we feel strongly that there must be a far bigger inquiry to institute Section 34 inquiries per the SA Police Service Act to determine the fitness to hold office of many, many senior officers. I think over the years, a lot of unwanted elements have entered the South African Police Service for the wrong reasons and they have become part and parcel of the organised crime problem that we see,' Cameron told IOL. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. 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 ✕ He emphasised that the rule of law and due process must apply to all citizens, and the accused people be given fair opportunity to defend themselves before the courts. 'It is also important for us, from the portfolio committee's point of view, that lifestyle audits, Section 34 inquiries and simple integrity tests are done to determine whether there is any further involvement with serious misconduct, especially criminal misconduct in the South African Police Service. 'It really is an indictment on the management of the SAPS that so many senior officers could be arrested and charged for what seems to be corruption without them (the management) knowing what was going on. I unfortunately do not believe that they didn't know. I think for a very long time, things have been happening but were simply not attended to,' said Cameron. Last month, IOL reported that Major-General Philani Lushaba, the Chief Financial Officer of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence unit, had allegedly vanished just as authorities were preparing to question him about his involvement in financial misconduct linked to properties valued at over R45 million. According to the Democratic Alliance (DA) member of Parliament, Dianne Kohler Barnard, Lushaba failed to report for duty on the morning of 6 June. Barnard said the alleged disappearance comes just as the National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) Investigating Directorate sought to question him, reportedly over a multi-million Rand property scandal.
IOL News
a day ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Kevin Lerena vs. Lawrence Okolie: Anticipation builds for Wembley showdown
READY FOR THE CHALLENGE Kevin Lerena aims to make a significant impact in the heavyweight division by defeating Lawrence Okolie in his WBC Bridgerweight title defence at Wembley Stadium on July 19, potentially paving the way for a world title challenge. Picture: Michael Sherman/IOL After what many described as a mis-match against Ukranian Serhiy Radchenko in early May, South Africa's Kevin Lerena will be looking to make a statement against Lawrence Okolie, in his WBC Bridgerweight title defence, next month at Wembley Stadium. As Lerena points out, a number of the heavyweights have avoided jumping into the ring with the Southpaw, and fighting in the high-profile event in London on July 19 will have come like mana from heaven for the boxer as his WBC Silverweight champion, Okolie, accepted the clash. Fights have been difficult to secure for Lerena, and a loss to Justis Huni in March last year did not help his cause. That fight in particular would have been incredibly tough for Lerena, as the bout took place the day after his mother died.
IOL News
a day ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Zambia: Burying Edgar Lungu in South Africa denies Zambians the chance to pay their last respects
The body of former Zambian president Edgar Chagwa Lungu remains in South Africa amid a court wrangle. Image: File The government of the Republic of Zambia says it will abide by the ruling of South African courts in the tense standoff over the burial of the mortal remains of the country's former president, Edgar Chagwa Lungu. One of Africa's deepest episodes of political rivalry and animosity is playing out before South African courts, with Lungu's family saying one of the former president's dying wishes was that his successor and political nemesis, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, should not go anywhere near his body. However, state funeral arrangements made in Zambia, in anticipation of receiving the former president's mortal remains in Lilongwe, had Hichilema at the center, as the commander-in-chief of the Zambian Defence Forces. The Zambian government had planned State funeral arrangements in Zambia, in anticipation of receiving the former president's mortal remains in Lilongwe, with Hichilema at the center of the ceremony. Earlier this week, IOL reported that the High Court in Pretoria had unexpectedly halted plans by the family to bury the former president in South Africa. The court ruling was delivered just moments before a private ceremony was set to commence on Wednesday. The court ruled that a full hearing on the merits of the case will take place on 4 August. The Pretoria court's decision marked another development in the ongoing heated dispute between Lungu's family and the Zambian government over the former head of State's final resting place. Lungu, who led Zambia from 2015 to 2021, died earlier this month in South Africa, where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness. He was 68. 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 ✕ Ad loading Lungu's family insisted on being part of the funeral arrangements, including the repatriation of Lungu's body to Zambia from South Africa. However, the Zambian government sought full control of Lungu's funeral arrangements. Feeling excluded from the funeral arrangements, Lungu's family began to shift their plans towards a burial in South Africa, igniting a bitter confrontation with the Zambian government led by Hichilema. On Thursday night, Zambia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, told broadcaster Newzroom Afrika that the impasse between the family of Lungu and the Zambian government must be resolved. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. 'I think we need to be very clear on what the intention of government is. It is not necessarily that we want to stop this process (of burying Lungu in South Africa). We need to have the impasse, the standoff resolved, one way or the other. One of those ways is through a court of competent jurisdiction, which is what has been done now,' said Haimbe. He said given the impasse, a neutral arbiter can reflect on the contentions and determine what the outcome ought to be. 'In the event that the court then says that the law and the positions put forward by the party are such that the burial should take place in Zambia, it should be respected by all stakeholders. Likewise, if the court arrives at a decision that South Africa would be the burial place, then we would have discharged our duty to the people of Zambia who want us to ensure that all these matters are dealt with.' 'We as the government of Zambia will respect the decision of the court,' he said. Haimbe said if the burial is done in South Africa, foreign dignitaries who would like to attend the ceremony and pay their last respect would be denied the opportunity. 'It is not a matter of the interests of President Hakainde Hichilema as has been posited by some of our colleagues out there, nor is it a matter only of government as an institution, but the wider interests of the people of the Republic of Zambia, and there are also many practical aspects to it. 'Will the majority of Zambians be able to pay their last respects to their former president in the event that he is buried in the wonderful country of South Africa? Obviously, that is not going to be possible,' he said. Hichilema, commonly known as HH, convincingly defeated Lungu in the 2021 elections, winning by a landslide of over a million votes. The tightly-contested polls were Hichilema's sixth attempt at winning the presidency in Lusaka. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema. Image: File Photo: AFP Before occupying the State House of Zambia, in 2017, Hichilema was arrested and spent around 100 days in prison fighting charges of 'treason' after his convoy did not give way to Lungu's presidential motorcade. Hichilema, who was at the time an opposition leader, was also accused of plotting to overthrow the government, and putting then president Lungu's life at risk. Amid international outcry and protests, the charges were later dropped and Hichilema was released from prison in August 2017 in an apparent deal negotiated by the Commonwealth. The rivalry has continued to escalate after Hichilema took power, with Lungu accusing his successor of targeting him and in effect placing him under house arrest. When Lungu lost the presidency to Hichilema in 2021, he announced his retirement from active politics. However, in 2023, in a dramatic move, Lungu announced that he was returning to active politics. In response, the government of Zambia led by Hichilema withdrew retirement benefits and privileges from the former president. Political analysts were anticipating a bruising encounter between Hichilema and Lungu in the upcoming 2026 presidential race. The Star reported that Lungu, who ruled Zambia from 2015 to 2021, had faced a string of legal investigations and political isolation after leaving office. In recent months, those close to him reported growing stress and health concerns, raising questions about possible poisoning.
