Latest news with #Mokoka
The Citizen
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Sapref unveils ambitious plans after R1 sale
THE Central Energy Fund (CEF), which bought South Africa's biggest former oil refinery, Sapref, for just R1 last year, said it plans to expand the refinery's capacity as part of a broader energy transition strategy. CEF is a government-owned company under the Department of Mineral Resources. Also read: eThekwini Municipality hopes to see Sapref revived Sapref, located in Prospecton, was previously owned by BP South Africa and Shell South Africa. At its peak before the 2022 floods, it produced 180 000 barrels of fuel per day, about 35% of the country's refining capacity. After it stopped production and shifted to importing fuel, the facility has handled about 70% of South Africa's petroleum fuel supply. Speaking at a recent conference in Cape Town, CEF's acting group CEO, Dr Tshepo Mokoka, said the need to increase capacity comes amid the country's rising demand for fuel. He said CEF aims to increase capacity to between 400 000 and 600 000 barrels per day. 'We want to address demand by processing the hydrocarbons that we have in South Africa as well as those in neighbouring countries,' said Mokoka. Hydrocarbons are organic compounds found in fossil fuels like crude oil, natural gas, and coal. Hydrocarbons are known for their combustibility, making them a primary energy source. Mokoka added that the CEF is striking a balance between renewable energy and hydrocarbons, which aligns government's broader strategy to implement a just energy transition from fossil to renewable energy. A University of South Africa professor, however, has questioned the R1 sale of Sapref to the government, saying it could have been designed for Sapref to evade its social and environmental liabilities. Llewellyn Leonard, of the university's Environmental Science Department, said decommissioning the refinery would have meant that Sapref was liable for the costs of restoring the site to its original state. 'Selling the refinery to the South African government, instead of decommissioning it, suggests that Sapref will not be held accountable for historical environmental liabilities and social injustices,' said Leonard. Over the years, Sapref was at loggerheads with nearby communities over air pollution and oil pipeline leaks. The acquisition of Sapref by CEF was approved by the Competition Commission in September 2024. For more South Coast 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. Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
25-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Mokoka eyes Masters world record – and R100k – in Durban 10K bid
Stephen Mokoka is gunning for the Masters 10km world record at next month's Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K — with R100 000 on the line and history within reach on home soil. Photo: Action Photo Image: Action Photo As if Stephen Mokoka needed more motivation to run the race of his life at the next instalment of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, the organisers have added extra fuel to the legendary runner's fire. Now, the Hollywood Athletics Club star has an additional 100 000 reasons to break the Masters 10km world record when he lines up at the Durban event next month. Mokoka has long made his intention clear to usurp Bernard Lagat as the fastest over-40 runner in the distance and will make his attempt on 13 July. His quest has now been given further impetus by organisers Stillwater Sports, who have dangled a R100 000 carrot as incentive for him to dip under the 27:48 mark that Lagat ran in Manchester a decade ago. 'The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has always strived to create a platform for our local athletes to shine on home soil and to incentivise exceptional performances,' said Michael Meyer, managing director of Stillwater Sports and Series founder. 'When Mokoka shared his goal of breaking the Masters world record earlier this year, we knew we wanted to support him in a meaningful way. 'Stephen has been a strong supporter of the series since its inaugural event in 2015. The R100 000 incentive is our way of showing appreciation, while recognising both his ambition and his remarkable contribution to South African road running. "It would be an honour to celebrate such a monumental achievement with Stephen right here in Durban, on July 13.' Mokoka has gleefully welcomed the incentive. 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 ✕ 'The opportunities we get through the series truly make our lives easier,' said Mokoka. 'To break the record, Bernard Lagat had to travel all the way from America to run in Manchester, UK. So, I'm thankful to have an opportunity like this on home soil – especially now, with the younger guys performing so well over 10km. These days, you can't get onto a podium with a 28:10 easily. 'A platform of this magnitude excites me, and I'm looking forward to what lies ahead.' Mokoka certainly has it in him to break the record – a mark set in a race he participated in. He has often recalled how he had to push hard in the Great Manchester Run to avoid being beaten by 'a 40-year-old', ultimately finishing just ten seconds ahead of Lagat, who was second. Most recently, he ran a 28:06 to finish third at the Cape Town leg of the popular series in May. Now, he is putting the final touches on his preparation alongside his long-time coach, the revered Michael 'Sponge' Seme, after a tough outing at the TotalSports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon. 'My coach decided I had to go back to the drawing board. It's not easy, but I've got young guys at UJ in the Sponge Group who are doing a great job of burning my chest and legs,' Mokoka laughed. 'It's also been great to visit other groups. At Zoo (the Zoo Lake group of Hendrick Ramaala), the course is tough – nine laps gave me 400m of elevation. I can see why the Precious Masheles and Chris Mhlangas are so strong on the hills. 'With the way I'm training now, I'm hopeful. I'll be grateful for whatever comes, but hopefully, the weather in the City of Ethekwini plays along – and I can get that Masters record.' And, of course, swell his bank balance by that cool R100 000.
The Citizen
28-05-2025
- The Citizen
Tshwane traffic officer sentenced after R50 bribe
The Pretoria Magistrate's Court has sentenced a Tshwane Metro Police Department officer to 36 months in prison for corruption. According to Pretoria Rekord, the case stems from a sting operation in which Danny Malesela Mokoka was caught soliciting a bribe from a motorist. On September 9, 2017, during a Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) operation under the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit, Mokoka requested a payment of R50 from a motorist, who turned out to be an RTMC agent. Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela says an investigation took place after the transaction, leading to Mokoka's conviction and sentencing yesterday. 'Upon paying the requested gratification, the agent drove off, and an investigation ensued, which led to a case docket being registered in 2019. Subsequently, Mokoka was summoned to appear in court on November 3, 2024. After several court appearances, Mokoka entered into a plea bargain which led to his subsequent conviction and sentencing to 36 months' imprisonment or a fine of R8 000,' Mavimbela said. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
28-05-2025
- The Citizen
TMPD officer sentenced for bribery
The Pretoria Magistrate's Court sentenced a Tshwane Metro Police (TMPD) officer to 36 months in prison for corruption this week. The case stems from a sting operation in which Danny Malesela Mokoka was caught soliciting a bribe from a motorist. On September 9, 2017, during a Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) operation under the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit, Mokoka solicited a payment of R50 from a motorist who is an RTMC agent. According to police spokesperson Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela, an investigation took place after the transaction, leading to Mokoka being convicted and sentenced on May 27. 'Upon paying the requested gratification, the agent drove off, and an investigation ensued, which led to a case docket being registered in 2019. Subsequently, Mokoka was summoned to appear in court on November 3, 2024. After several court appearances, Mokoka entered into a plea bargain which led to his subsequent conviction and sentencing to 36 months' imprisonment or a fine of R8 000,' Mavimbela said. ALSO READ: Law enforcement agencies recover valuable stolen Pretoria vehicles Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
09-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Elroy Gelant inspires Stephen Mokoka with record-breaking marathon run
CAPE TOWN - STEPHEN Mokoka has lauded Elroy Gelant as 'an inspiration' following the latter's record-breaking marathon run in Hamburg earlier this month. Mokoka had looked the most likely athlete to break Gert Thys' 2.06.33 record from 1999 and actually came within six seconds of doing so. But it was his former teammate at Boxer Athletic Club Gelant who smashed the 26-year-old mark in Hamburg a fortnight ago, the man from Pacaltsdorp in George running a 2.05.36. 'It's amazing that Elroy managed to run a 2:05 and has shown us that it can be done. He is my inspiration because I've always benchmarked at 2.06, but Elroy has changed that plan and now I must go for a 205. "Yes my goal has always been to run a 2.05 before I retire and now Elroy has inspired me to go for it. I believe lots of us will now believe we can do it.' Ahead of Sunday's Absa RUN YOUR CITY Cape Town 10k that both men will be racing alongside a stellar field of top class local and east African athletes, Mokoka was in reflective mood as the race celebrates a decade's existence. 'I've had some special runs in the series and I think I have four podium finishes – two when the race was still 12K and twice in the tens. For me, it was especially great joining the sub 28 minutes and what's been memorable is running 27 minutes in two consecutive years,' the veteran runner who has won just about every title in local road running said. 'The event (Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series) has made a positive impact and elevated road running in the country. We now no longer have to go out of the country to try to run sub 27 minutes, because now the guys are putting their foot down and committing to getting fast times. In the beginning they used to get guys from outside to come pull us through but now we see a stream of local runners dominating and hopefully it grows like that and lifts the others into running faster.' His presence in the sport has served as inspiration for many and Mokoka continues to be a role model deep into the twilight of his stellar career. He is excited by the growth of the sport and the emergence of new talent. 'It is amazing and I wish they can continue to be committed so that one day we get world class runners out of this. For me, it is amazing and a great feeling to be with these youngsters who call me malome (uncle) when we are in the hotels or in the street but on the start line they are my opponents. They are a new generation and I just enjoy the challenge they bring and with the experience I have I give my A game no matter the results. Hopefully my legs will keep on carrying me (to be competitive).' On Sunday, Mokoka will be out to have a better race in the Cape Town leg of the five city series than the one he did last year. 'This is the first one (race), hopefully I can run a 28 minutes and not a 29 like last year,' Mokoka chuckles 'I then would have had seven to eight weeks of preparations for Durban where we've been running 27:55 and now the time for the incentives is 27:40 so if I can run a good 28 here (Cape Town) I will be on to a good thing in Durban.'
