Latest news with #Midrand
News24
2 hours ago
- News24
News24 wins big at Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards
Kyle Cowan was named Journalist of the Year for his outstanding investigative work on the Murray murders, and also won in the Investigative Journalism category. Multiple category winners and Hard News commendations showcased News24's diverse journalistic excellence. Ten News24 journalists reached finalist status, demonstrating the publication's commitment to quality journalism and going the extra mile to tell South African stories. News24 was the biggest winner in the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards in Johannesburg on Saturday evening. Ten News24 journalists were announced as finalists in the 2025 Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards, which are hosted in partnership with the South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef) annually. News24 investigative journalist Kyle Cowan was announced as the journalist of the year for his outstanding investigative work on the double murder of liquidators, Cloete and Thomas Murray. Cowan was also announced as the winner in the Investigative Journalism category. The Murrays were killed when a gunman opened fire on their car at the New Road off-ramp in Midrand, Johannesburg on a Saturday afternoon in March 2023. They had spent the morning with siblings Rushil and Nishani Singh and an auctioneer, preparing for the Singh properties to be auctioned on behalf of their client, Investec, which was trying to recoup its money. The Singhs had multiple Investec loans and bonds for properties worth more than R550 million. READ | Unravelling the assassination of Cloete and Thomas Murray It was revealed through an investigation that they secured the loans fraudulently. According to the judges, Cowan 'showed remarkable ability and tenacity in uncovering the story'. Lisalee Solomons and Nicole McCain received a commendation in the Hard News category for their exclusive story on George building collapse survivor Delvin Safers: 'Please help us get out': Trapped survivor speaks from beneath rubble of collapsed George building. Safers spoke exclusively to News24, minutes before his cellphone battery died, while he was trapped beneath the rubble of the collapsed five-storey building. The 29-year-old had worked at the construction site as an electrician, along with his father, on the day of the collapse. Luke Daniel and Marvin Charles were announced as winners in the Features – Broadcast category for the feature No Place to Call Home – a documentary which tells the stories of Cape Town residents who are grappling with a housing crisis that is pushing them to the brink of eviction, growing informal settlements and homelessness. WATCH | No Place to Call Home: Cape Town's housing crisis Daniel also received a special commendation in the Feature Photographs category for his body of work on the News24 On the Road 2025 Elections Tour – a countrywide election tour across South Africa in one car, capturing the mood of everyday South Africans about the 2025 national elections. Alex Patrick, Jeff Wicks and Sharlene Rood were announced as winners in the Visual Journalism category for their visual investigation Final Footsteps – The Kirsten Kluyts Murder. Kluyts was attacked and murdered while taking part in an organised running event in Sandton on the morning of 29 October 2023. News24's visual investigation used state-of-the-art 3D modelling to retrace Kluyts' final footsteps, drawing from cellphone triangulation data, CCTV footage, court filings as well as a tracking tag she had worn on her wrist that day. SEE | Final Footsteps – The Kirsten Kluyts Murder Garth Theunissen was announced as a winner in the Columns category for his opinion pieces, which covered a range of topics, including economic policy, the SA Reserve Bank and the EFF and MK Party's manifestos. William Brederode was announced as a runner-up in the Juby Mayet Rising Star of the Year category. News24 editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson said the awards were a testament to the commitment of News24's journalists to go the extra mile in telling the stories of South Africa. 'Kyle's investigation has exposed more about the Murray murders than the official police probe. It is a crying shame that journalists now have to do the work of law enforcement agencies, but we are eternally grateful to our loyal subscribers and the Media24 management for investing in our capacity to uncover the facts.' Basson said he was particularly proud of News24's broadcast award, where the publication competed against established television shows. Convener of judges Lizeka Mda said: 'We continue to be grateful to Standard Bank for their unstinting support and commitment to quality journalism. Sanef also deserves hearty thanks for organising the awards and tonight's ceremony.'
The Herald
18 hours ago
- Health
- The Herald
'My eyes were burning': woman hospitalised after lash extension nightmare
Refilwe Motiang, a 31-year-old woman from Midrand, recently had a harrowing experience that almost left her blind. What was meant to be a pampering session at the salon turned into a nightmare. Last Thursday she went to the salon to get her eyelash extensions done in preparation for a trip to the North West. During the process she felt an intense burning sensation in her eyes, which she described as unbearable. 'My eyes were burning,' Motiang said. Despite informing the technician, she said she was told it was normal and the glue was strong to make the lashes last longer. However, the pain persisted and she soon found herself struggling to open her eyes, with excessive tearing and difficulty lifting her eyelids. 'I started feeling cold and shivering, then I asked to go outside. Next thing I was struggling to open my eyes. My eyes were tearing up and I was struggling to lift up my eyelids. That's when I realised something was bad.'
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Schneider Electric launches first Innovation Hub in Africa
Schneider Electric, the global leader in energy management and automation, and recognised sustainability leader, has unveiled its first Innovation Hub in Africa – a milestone development that forms part of the company's long-term investment on the continent. Located at Schneider Electric's new, state-of-the-art English-speaking head office in Midrand, Johannesburg, the Innovation Hub is a testament to the company's continued commitment to Africa and its valued partners. Furthermore, it brings Schneider Electric's vision for sustainability and digitalisation to life, ensuring that customers, partners, and stakeholders across the continent have direct access to groundbreaking innovations that can transform industries and drive meaningful progress. The Innovation Hub also joins the ranks of Schneider Electric's over 40 registered global Innovation Hubs, standing shoulder to shoulder with its international counterparts, offering the absolute latest in technology and sustainable solutions. Like its global peers, the hub is a fully interactive environment where visitors can explore the company's integrated solutions spanning critical segments such as energy, buildings, data centres, industry, and power and grid. 'We are building an ecosystem that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and relevance to the African context, one that values local talent, fosters local partnerships, and drives local solutions. The Innovation Hub is an important step forward in enabling our customers and partners with leading technologies that can shape Africa's future while advancing global sustainability ambitions,' says Canninah Dladla, Cluster president for English-speaking Africa at Schneider Electric. A tailored, engaging experience The Innovation Hub offers a fully customised and guided experience for every visitor, ensuring they interact with the newest innovations in the Schneider Electric portfolio. Visitors are introduced to the company's story through an interactive touchscreen before exploring tailored spaces, including: - The Software Portfolio, featuring AVEVA Operations Control, eTAP, and various EcoStruxure software solutions. - Industrial Automation Solutions, showcasing live conveyor systems, EcoStruxure Plant and Machine control units, sensors, and industrial intelligence. - Building Solutions, demonstrating advanced control technologies for access, lighting, HVAC, and room management. - Power and Grid Solutions, featuring Schneider Electric's acclaimed SF₆-free AirSet switchgear, protection relays, and microgrid solutions. - Secure Power displays, including a live server room demonstrating Schneider Electric's data centre and UPS solutions. Designed as a flexible, evolving space, the Innovation Hub constantly adapts to ensure the latest innovations from Schneider Electric are always on display. The hub is also accessible to partners, consultants, and system integrators, who can book the space to demonstrate specific solutions to their clients. Each session can be tailored to showcase industry-specific applications, ensuring that businesses and stakeholders receive real-world insights into how Schneider Electric's technology can drive success. The Innovation Hub is backed by a team of skilled Innovation Hub managers and operations specialists, ensuring expert guidance and a tailored visitor experience. Additionally, Schneider Electric is expanding its global Innovation Hub Ambassador Programme, training even more employees to bring a wealth of expertise from across the organisation, enhancing every visit to the facility. Designed for sustainability The Innovation Hub is housed within Schneider Electric's new English-speaking headquarters, which truly represents the pinnacle of sustainable building design and operations. With a 20% smaller footprint than its previous premises, the headquarters delivers significant sustainability gains, including: - 37% lower energy consumption per month. - 34% less water usage per month. - 32 tonnes of CO₂ emissions reduced monthly. Further amplifying its environmental performance, the headquarters boasts a 200 kWp rooftop solar installation, mitigating 15 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each month. Also, plans are underway for a full microgrid solution with battery energy storage (BESS), reinforcing Schneider Electric's drive toward renewable and sustainable energy practices. Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure Buildings Operation and Power Monitoring software seamlessly integrates into the Innovation Hub, providing intelligent control over lighting and HVAC systems in customer-facing areas. Through the Innovation Hub, Schneider Electric is undoubtedly strengthening its commitment to its partners and customers across the continent, ensuring that Africa's industries benefit from the very best in technology, innovation, and sustainability.
News24
19-06-2025
- Politics
- News24
Former MKP secretary-general Shivambu announces ‘consultations' to form new party
Former MK Party (MKP) secretary-general Floyd Shivambu has announced the beginning of a process to form a new political outfit after he was accused of trying to overthrow former president Jacob Zuma. Speaking during a press briefing at the Mhulu Luxury Boutique Hotel in Midrand, Gauteng, on Thursday, Shivambu said: 'Over the next few months, we will be consulting all the traditional and church leaders... We will be seeking the wisdom of ordinary South Africans, including Michael Nkuna, Irvin Khoza, Patrice Motsepe... on the need to form a new political party. If yes, what should be the values of that political party and what should distinguish it from other political parties.' However, Shivambu insisted he was not leaving his most recent party. 'I have not resigned from uMkhonto weSizwe. I will never resign from uMkhonto weSizwe,' he said. Shivambu said any consultation process also needed to answer how a new political party should be funded. 'We do not want to do that as a personal project or a group of friends. We will be going to the ground to speak to the people. Next week, we are going to announce the leadership core of the consultations.' During the briefing, Shivambu said he had been accused of trying to overthrow Zuma as MK Party leader. He claimed that a 'bizarre and fake intelligence report' had been produced and that he was accused of having 'supernatural' powers to 'make people disappear'. 'There is nothing I can do privately that I will not accept publicly.' Shivambu's latest move comes after a series of internal conflicts within the MKP. Following a revolt by traditional leaders and a Mpumalanga faction, he was ousted as the party's sixth secretary-general. The former EFF policy strongman was axed from the party after he visited Malawian fugitive Shepherd Bushiri's church over Easter, a move that was seen as straying from the party's official stance, ultimately leading to his dismissal. Speculation had been rife that Shivambu was leaving the MKP after he called an unsanctioned media briefing on Wednesday.
Zawya
19-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
CORRECTION: Africa Data Centres and Blue Turtle partner to accelerate South Africa's digital infrastructure and cloud transformation
Africa Data Centres ( a business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group, has formed a commercial partnership with Blue Turtle, one of South Africa's leading enterprise IT solutions providers, to deploy colocation services in the Cape Town and Midrand data centres. This agreement marks a significant step in expanding South Africa's enterprise cloud and digital infrastructure ecosystem, enabling secure, scalable, and compliant colocation and private hosted cloud services for local enterprise customers. The partnership enables Blue Turtle to deploy several racks, providing their enterprise clients with access to world-class, secure, and compliant colocation and private hosted cloud services. Additionally, this collaboration will also allow South African businesses the opportunity to rapidly embrace cloud computing, digital transformation, and data-driven operations in a scalable, compliant, and high-performance colocation environment. 'This partnership enables us to offer customers trusted colocation and private cloud solutions in two of South Africa's most strategic data centre locations,' said Jan Hitge, Head of Managed Services at Blue Turtle. 'As enterprise clients increasingly look for secure, scalable, and cost-efficient alternatives to on-premises infrastructure, we anticipate strong market uptake - a confidence reflected in the accelerated ramp-up timeline we've committed to.' By providing high-availability colocation services backed by regulatory compliance, low-latency connectivity, and disaster recovery capabilities, the partnership is expected to support enterprises in modernising their IT environments, enhancing security posture, and meeting evolving data sovereignty requirements under laws such as South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). 'This agreement is about more than just filling racks; it's about enabling digital transformation across the economy,' said Adil El Youssefi, CEO of Africa Data Centres. 'Blue Turtle brings a strong client base and the ability to scale rapidly, making them an ideal partner in our mission to deliver secure, resilient, and sustainable digital infrastructure across South Africa. As demand for trusted infrastructure continues to climb, we will work towards this partnership evolving to support broader cloud initiatives, edge computing, and AI-ready infrastructure deployments.' With commercial partners like Blue Turtle, Africa Data Centres continues to expand its footprint and impact across the continent, powering the next phase of enterprise transformation and solidifying South Africa's status as a leading technology hub in Africa. Africa Data Centres, which operates the continent's largest interconnected, vendor- and cloud-neutral data centre platform, will benefit from Blue Turtle's strong go-to-market capabilities and proven track record in delivering IT solutions to South Africa's enterprise sector. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Data Centres. Africa Data Centres: Africa Data Centres owns and operates Africa's largest network of interconnected, carrier and cloud-neutral data centre facilities. Bringing international experts to the pan-African market, Africa Data Centres is a trusted partner for rapid and secure data centre services and interconnections across Africa. Strategically located in South, East and West Africa our world-class data centre facilities provide a home for all business-critical data for Africa's small, medium and large enterprises and global hyperscale customers.
