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The Citizen
10 hours ago
- The Citizen
When lawyers stop fighting for justice
Lawyers are turning against the very people they vowed to help, leaving victims hopeless and stripped of their rights. It seems the suffering of people whose rights have been violated will continue unabated because lawyers appear to be no longer interested in assisting them. I have written many stories about people who approached lawyers to report civil cases, hoping they would assist them to find justice, but to no avail. I am talking about medical negligence victims, train accident victims, victims of illegal arrests and people whose children were injured due to the negligence of schools. As I called some of the victims one by one recently, I got the shock of my life when I found that almost all of them did not get help from the lawyers. Instead, the lawyers reportedly turned against them, while some paid lawyers who did not even make an effort to assist. ALSO READ: Nedbank exposed for ethical failures in court Some complained that after they handed over documents relating to their cases, the lawyers stopped communicating or became rude. Most of the people claimed the lawyers cut communication after sending letters of demand to the accused parties. Surprisingly, the fight turned from a commitment to find justice for the victims to a squabble between the lawyers and the clients. The people said they tried to report the lawyers to the Legal Practice Council (LPC), but the entity sided with the lawyers. One case was of a woman whose nine-yearold son got paralysed after the acid obtained from an unlocked school laboratory entered his ear as they were playing. ALSO READ: Should you be mad at your lawyer for using AI? The kids thought it was paint. The incident happened in Phororong Primary School in Khutsong, Carletonville, in 2022. The mother approached the lawyer, who reportedly cut communication later in 2023. In frustration the woman approached the LPC, which failed to assist her as well. She is now looking after her paralysed son and does not even know how the case is progressing as the lawyer's office is no longer taking her calls and not responding to her e-mails. To make things worse, the lawyer is refusing to hand over the files to her new lawyer. ALSO READ: Bogus lawyer ordered to pay back murder accused client's R40k Another complainant, Mabutana Radebe from Polokong in Sebokeng, lost his legs in a train incident. The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa paid nearly R8 million, but his lawyer kept the money in his trust account while Radebe lived in poverty. His family reported the matter to the LPC, but nothing was done to compel the lawyer to release the money. When reached, Radebe's legal representative could not give me straight answers. He was rude and even threatened me. It is about time that action is taken against lawyers who harass their clients. ALSO READ: Lawyers who steal: R1.4bn trust fund theft ignored According to data released last year by the LPC, more than 500 cases in which lawyers were accused of embezzling more than R1.4 billion of their clients' money from trust funds had not been prosecuted. It also revealed that only 59 convictions were made in seven years and just 25 resulted in jail time. When I was young, I used to respect lawyers and the legal profession, thinking they loved assisting people whose rights had been violated, but what I witness today erodes all the trust and respect that I had. However, much as we have some rotten apples in the profession, I believe we still have some good lawyers. The LPC and other relevant bodies must get their house in order and be honest and fair when handling squabbles between lawyers and their clients. Something needs to be done to save this vital profession. NOW READ: Lawyer, plumber and then security professional: Inside the elaborate cons of scammers nabbed by the Hawks
The Citizen
a day ago
- Business
- The Citizen
PPI increases as anticipated, but still low and won't affect repo rate decision
'The price pressure came mainly from food and beverages and tobacco products that increased by 4%.' The Producer Price Index (PPI) for June rose to 0.6% from 0.1% in May, as anticipated. Although economists still view this increase as low, it is not expected to impact the repo rate decision. PPI measures the average change in prices of goods and services produced by manufacturers and producers. It tracks inflation at the production level, showing how costs are changing for goods before they reach consumers. Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) released the Index on Thursday, showing PPI increased 0.2% month-on-month. ALSO READ: Producer Price Index remains unchanged, but an increase is coming Highest increase in PPI Professor Waldo Krugell, an economist at the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the North-West University (NWU), told The Citizen that the increase is the highest in four months; however, it is still low. 'The price pressure came mainly from food and beverages and tobacco products that increased by 4%. 'We know that the agriculture sector has struggled with late rains and grain quality issues, there is foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) influencing meat prices, and the bird flu in Brazil is having an impact. Yet, most of this pressure is expected to dissipate in the second half of the year.' PPI and repo rate Krugell added that he does not think the PPI is going to influence the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) Monetary Policy Committee's(MPC) decision on whether to cut the repo rate. 'Inflation is low and stable at the moment, and there is little price pressure on the demand or supply side. They will be worried about international uncertainty, specifically the US tariff wars.' ALSO READ: Will a repo rate cut make things better for SMEs? Producer inflation to increase Nedbank economists predict producer inflation is likely to increase during the second half of the year. They believe food prices will be the key driver, mainly lifted by a low base. However, the outbreak of animal diseases remains a key risk to meat prices. 'The upside in food prices will partly be contained by higher crops following a favourable summer harvest. International oil prices are expected to remain relatively subdued due to weak global demand and ample supply. 'However, geopolitical risks, particularly the conflict in the Middle East and the Russian-Ukrainian war, will continue to threaten the oil price if they disrupt supply channels. A renewed weakening of the rand also presents a significant upside risk to inflation.' PPI to remain below 3% Nedbank added that the rand remains vulnerable to global risk sentiment, which could shift dramatically on any escalation in the global trade war and changes in the United States' monetary policy. 'Steep electricity tariffs and other operational costs will also bring upward pressure on prices. 'We forecast PPI to rise but remain subdued below 3% in 2025 before accelerating in 2026.' NOW READ: A 3% inflation target: What it means for SA markets, and will it solve our debt issues?
The Herald
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald
Frans, Solomons set hot pace in icy weather to claim 21.1km titles
The half-marathon and 10km races started simultaneously, which allowed him to feed off the pace set by clubmates Sinawo Poti and Lithobe Menzeleleli, who were both competing in the shorter distance. The trio, along with Motwana, stayed together until the 5km mark when Poti surged ahead to solo to victory. 'Once I reached the halfway turning point, the wind was behind me and I was able to push for a sub-66-minute finish,' Frans said. The Ikhamva ace now turns his attention to Saturday's Bay West 10km, where he is the defending champion. 'I'm hoping to clock a fast time there. That's the challenge I choose to set for myself,' he said. In the women's race, Solomons was equally unfazed by the weather and delighted to notch up another title. 'I came into this race determined to win it again,' the slightly built Nedbank athlete said. 'I don't have much resistance against the wind due to my size and I just focused on giving my best.' Starting alongside the 10km runners allowed her to establish a strong early rhythm. 'I ran with some of the men I train with — Melikhaya Keep, Abdul Wicomb and Jermain Wilson — and my cross-country training really helped.' She led the women's field after 4km and, though slightly concerned about the slippery surface, was able to hold her pace throughout. Solomons paid tribute to her coach, Luvuyo Stephen, whom she said did 'so much behind the scenes' and played a 'big role in helping me stay competitive'. Madibaz Sport athletics manager Bernard Petersen said the elements affected the turnout but he was happy with the outcome. 'There was growth in the 10km, and the 5km fun run attracted a good number of runners, probably as a result of the park runs.' The Personal Best Bell was a popular innovation. 'It was a big hit,' Petersen said. 'Runners were queuing up to ring the bell after obtaining their PBs.' He said the feedback had been extremely positive, which augured well for 2026. Leading results: Half-marathon: Men: 1 Melikhaya Frans (Ikhamva) 1:05:34, 2 Andile Motwana (Nedbank) 1:07:26, 3 Sicelo Mashaba (Madibaz) 1:10:04. Women: Refeloe Solomons (Nedbank) 1:22:39, 2 Bianca Meistre (32GI) 1:26:27, 3 Kaitlyn Wolff (Achilles) 1:33:55. 10km: Men: Sinawo Poti (Ikhamva) 30:42, 2 Lithobe Menzeleleli (Ikhamva) 31:04, 3 Mxoleleni Tabata (Achilles) 32:00. Women: 1 Amanda Detshe (Madibaz) 38:54, Kayla van Rensburg (Charlo) 39:09, 3 Desnay O'Grady 41:18. — Full Stop Communications
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
SA residential property market maintains positive momentum in the second quarter
This marked the strongest consecutive three-quarter performance since the Index was launched in 2015, underscoring sustained consumer confidence in property as a long-term investment asset. South Africa's residential property market sentiment remained elevated in the second quarter of this year, with Absa's latest Homeowners Sentiment Index (HSI) recording an 84% positive response. 'Property investment is largely driven by the common goal of owning a stable, high-return asset, along with the growing awareness of the benefits of earning additional or passive income,' said Nondumiso Ncapai, Absa Home Loans managing executive. 'With many South Africans optimistic about economic recovery, there is increasing recognition of property's potential to generate value now and build wealth for future generations,' Ncapai said. The positive outlook for property as an investment is said to be underpinned by several key perceptions among South African consumers. Over half (53%) believe that property consistently gains value over time, while 52% see it as offering good returns. Nearly half (48%) view it as a reliable source of passive income, and 47% cite strong demand for rental properties as a motivating factor. Looking ahead, 42% anticipate continued growth in demand, reinforcing confidence in the property's long-term investment potential. At the same time, investors remain cautious about several risks, chief among these being the broader economic climate, with 51% citing poor economic performance as a key deterrent. Other concerns include the weak rand (33%), high property prices (36%), and affordability challenges among tenants, particularly in the context of job insecurity and unemployment, with 29% worried that tenants may be unable to pay rent and 27% highlighting broader concerns about labour market stability. In Tuesday's Nedbank Daily Market Snapshot, Nedbank CIB research analyst Reezwana Sumad said Monday was a good day for the US Dollar as the US and European Union (EU) reached a trade agreement. 'The USD had its best day since May, with the EUR losing around 180 pips, moving down from a high of 1,1770 to close in New York around 1,1590. The GBP fared a bit better, only losing around 90 pips on the day, drifting lower from around 1,3450 to close in New York around 1,3355,' Sumad said. She said the rand also fell victim to the USD strength, as the local markets started the day around R17,75, moving higher towards 17,87. She said much of the local day was spent trading between R17,83 and R17,88, New York saw another move higher towards R17,91, but towards the close, the rand drifted aback towards R17,8700. This morning, at the time of writing, the rand is back to trading at around R17,90, the EUR 1,1585 and the GBP 1,3350.
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
South African rand extends losses as traders await outcomes of rate meeting, US tariffs
JOHANNESBURG: The South African rand weakened in early trading on Tuesday, with investor attention pinned on the outcome of the country's monetary policy meeting and updates on tariff negotiations as it faces a 30% levy on its exports to the U.S. At 0733 GMT, the rand traded at 17.9725 against the dollar , about 0.6% weaker than Monday's close. ETM Analytics in a research note said the risk-sensitive currency is expected to remain vulnerable as there were still no updates on the country's progress in negotiating a trade deal with the U.S. while the August 1 deadline edges closer. 'It may be that the announcement is only made on Friday, which may help clarify SA's trade position with the U.S., but in the lead-up to that, there is some concern that SA's negotiators have not made much progress and will have to accept whatever the U.S. puts on the table,' said the note. The nation's central bank will announce its rate decision on Thursday, when another 25 basis point cut is expected by economists polled by Reuters. Central bank data earlier showed that South Africa's M3 money supply growth last month was at 7.27%, up from 6.86% in May. Credit growth for June came in at 4.98%, unchanged from the previous month. 'Credit growth is starting to pick up, reflecting the impact of lower interest rates and some improvement in household finances due to rising income and lower inflation,' said Nedbank economists. South Africa's benchmark 2035 government bond was weaker in early deals, as the yield rose 2.5 basis points to 9.825%.
