Latest news with #PPSA
The Citizen
11-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Senzo Mchunu investigation will take longer to finalise, says Public Protector
Mchunu has denied allegations made against him by Mkhwanazi. The political pressure on Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has intensified ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa's address on Sunday. The Public Protector South Africa (PPSA) has launched an investigation into allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi against Mchunu on Sunday. He accused Mchunu, among others, of corruption and collusion with criminal networks. Mkhwanazi allegations against Mchunu Mkhwanazi alleged that Mchunu has links to controversial figures Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala and Oupa 'Brown' Mogotsi. Matlala was awarded a R360 million Saps health services tender last year, which was later terminated. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa to address nation following allegations by Mkhwanazi Matlala, who was arrested recently for attempted murder, will appear in the Alexandra Magistrate's Court today for the case. According to Mkhwanazi, both men played a role in persuading Mchunu to disband the political killings task team after it uncovered connections between the police, a drug syndicate, and members of the judiciary. The task team was established by Ramaphosa in 2018 due to the escalation of politically related incidents in KwaZulu-Natal. Since its inception on 5 July 2018, it has dealt with at least 333 dockets of cases, including 134 cases that were reported between 2011 and June 2018, prior to its commencement. Other cases include 171 murders, 50 attempted murders, 79 intimidation, 9 conspiracy to commit murder and 24 other cases. ALSO READ: Charges laid against Mchunu as pressure mounts on Ramaphosa to act amid national security concerns At least R415 million has been spent on the team since 2018. Mchunu issued a directive to the national commissioner regarding the disestablishment of the team. It will transition into the Murder and Robbery Unit within the Saps. Mchunu has denied allegations made against him by Mkhwanazi. Investigation scope On Thursday, the PPSA confirmed its investigation into Mchunu, as requested by the African Transformation Movement (ATM). 'In line with section 3(1) of EMEA, which provides that the Public Protector must investigate any alleged breach of the code of ethics on receipt of a complaint contemplated in section 4, you are hereby advised that the Public Protector has initiated an investigation into the allegations you have raised,' said the office. ALSO READ: Mchunu denies ties to Cat Matlala, as tenderpreneur bust with cellphone in prison The party laid at least four complaints against Mchunu, including allegations of enabling interference by outside parties in Saps operations, irregularly disbanding the Political Killings Task Team, unduly delaying and derailing investigations, and a conflict of interest in the awarding of a R360 million Saps contract to Matlala. However, the Public Protector cautioned that the investigation into the matter would not be finalised within 30 days, 'due to the number of issues raised in your complaint.' 'The Public Protector will therefore submit a report when the investigation has been finalised. 'We commit, in the circumstances, to make every effort to expedite the finalisation of the investigation and will accordingly continue to keep you apprised of the progress thereof.' READ NEXT: Political killings task team 'nothing more than a terror group', millions spent on it 'disgraceful'
Reuters
02-07-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Brazil to hold extra oil auction this year to boost revenue in face of fiscal uncertainty
BRASILIA, July 2 (Reuters) - Brazil plans to hold an additional oil auction this year for uncontracted areas in the pre-salt offshore region after Senate approval of legislation that clears the way for the sale, a senior energy official said on Wednesday. The government aims to boost revenue to meet this year's fiscal targets after Congress overturned a presidential decree to increase financial transaction tax on certain operations, cutting an estimated 12 billion reais ($2.2 billion) from projected revenue this year. State-run oil company PPSA will hold the oil auction this year, said Pietro Mendes, secretary for Oil, Natural Gas and Biofuels at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, in a social media post. Mendes also chairs the board of state-run oil company Petrobras ( opens new tab. PPSA is responsible for selling the portion of oil that companies producing under sharing contracts in pre-salt oilfields must hand over to the government under Brazilian law. Government sources had previously estimated the auction could raise between 15 billion and 20 billion reais. The measure gained Senate approval on Tuesday, having already been passed by the lower house, and now awaits presidential sanction. Treasury Secretary Rogerio Ceron had indicated that, with full congressional backing, gains from the auction could be included in the government's next bimonthly revenue and expenditure report, due by July 22. ($1 = 5.4269 reais)
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Life on the water earns sailing instructor national praise
Richard 'Taff' Owens was given an RYA Cymru Wales Impact Award (Image: RYA Cymru) A Pembrokeshire man's lifelong passion for sailing has earned national praise and a prestigious award. Richard 'Taff' Owens, founder of the Pembrokeshire Powerboating & Sailing Academy (PPSA), has been honoured with an RYA Cymru Wales Impact Award for his outstanding contribution to water sports. Advertisement He was nominated by RYA powerboat instructor Richard Rhodes, who said: "Taff has an ability to motivate instructors to deliver high quality and safe sailing experiences in both dinghies and keelboats to a wide age range and ability of people, and to go way beyond what they thought possible." Mr Owens established the PPSA in 2013. He has since enabled hundreds of people to enjoy time on the water and trained numerous instructors who have gone on to support the sport and marine sector. Mr Rhodes said: "He has invested heavily in terms of time and sharing to develop multi skilled instructors capable in the instruction of both sailing and powerboat, and the provision of safe, practical opportunities for young people to develop through the RYA structure." Advertisement Mr Owens' interest in sailing began with the Scouts. He later joined Barry Yacht Club and, after leaving school, continued to develop his racing skills. In 1981, he joined the Army and began competing with the Army Sailing Association and Royal Signals Yacht Club. It was during his service that he began his journey toward becoming an instructor. His 32-year career in the Army included roles as an officer, secretary, and interim commodore of the Army Sailing Association Dinghy Section. He also became an RYA senior instructor, powerboat instructor, and qualified RYA race coach. Mr Owens said: "I love sailing and I wanted to teach other people, and with my background of delivering training in the Army, I thought why not turn that into a job. Advertisement "I decided when I left the Army I wanted to set up my own business, but I was learning that side of it from scratch, so it was a massive learning curve from starting out small scale to where we are now." Initially based in Dale, the PPSA later moved to a multi-activity centre before settling at Neyland Yacht Haven. The academy now offers RYA-accredited keelboat and powerboating courses and activities. Mr Owens has also gained additional shore-based instructor qualifications. These include RYA Yachtmaster, Radar, VHF, and Sea Survival. The PPSA focuses on promoting the enjoyment and skills of sailing and powerboating within the Pembrokeshire community. Advertisement It also prioritises the development of new instructors and opportunities for young people. This includes Freya Terry, an early recipient of the RYA Cymru Wales Impact Award and a participant in a solo round-Britain voyage to raise mental health awareness.
GMA Network
07-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Ateneo School of Gov't joins call for VP Sara impeachment trial
The Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) is the latest member of the academe that joined the call for the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. 'We stand for ethical leadership in public service,' ASoG said in a statement released on Saturday. 'We call on the Senate to fulfill its Constitutional duty and to proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte,' it said. ASoG's statement came on the heels of San Beda University Graduate School of Law professors' —including retired Supreme Court Associate Justices Adolf Azcuna and Jose Vitug, and graduate school dean Fr. Ranhilio Aquino— call for the Senate to hear the articles of impeachment against the Vice President. Meanwhile, over 100 members of the UP College of Law faculty called on the Senate to start the impeachment trial and "let the truth unfold." In an open letter, the UP College of Law faculty members called on the Senate to comply with the constitutional duty to "forthwith proceed" with the trial. 'Dereliction of duty' ASoG, in its statement, said that 'dispensing the case without the benefit of a trial is a dereliction of duty and a clear attempt to whitewash the accusations raised against a public official.' 'The impeachment process is a sacred duty enshrined in our Constitution. It is the primary mechanism to ensure that our elected officials would remain faithful to their sworn duty to serve the public with dedication, commitment, and, most importantly, integrity,' the Ateneo institution said. ASoG reminded senators that 'they are public servants and their mandate is based on the people's trust.' 'We pray that they would remain true to what the Senate institution stands for: upholding the Constitution, promoting democratic values, and serving the national interest,' it added. In a similar call, the Philippine Political Science Association (PPSA) Board of Trustees urged the Senate 'to fulfill its constitutional mandate by immediately commencing the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.' 'This long-overdue obligation has been delayed and such inaction raises serious concerns regarding transparency and institutional integrity,' PPSA said. 'While impeachment is inherently political, it is first and foremost a constitutional mechanism for ensuring accountability among the country's highest officials. In a functioning democracy, no public official, regardless of their popularity or political influence, is above scrutiny,' PPSA added. 19th Congress The House impeached Duterte on February 5, with over 200 lawmakers endorsing the complaint. The Articles of Impeachment were transmitted to the Senate the same day but the Upper Chamber adjourned without addressing the case. On February 25, Escudero said the processes related to Duterte's impeachment trial would start on June 2. However, Escudero on May 29 said the presentation of the articles of impeachment before the Senate was moved to June 11 to prioritize the passage of the items in the administration's legislative agenda before the end of the 19th Congress. Escudero said that based on the law, Duterte will be given 10 days, or up to June 21, to respond, which could be extended upon her request. The 19th Congress is set to end on June 30. Senator Francis Tolentino on Monday said the impeachment case against Duterte will be considered 'functionally dismissed' if the Senate impeachment court is unable to finish the trial before June 30. Asked if Duterte's impeachment trial is considered dead or will be pushed through in the 20th Congress, Escudero said the senators will vote on the matter. Duterte was accused of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes. The Vice President has denied the allegations. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
Reuters
03-06-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Brazil's energy ministry says it is discussing measures to increase government revenue
SAO PAULO, June 3 (Reuters) - Brazilian Mines and Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira met with officials from oil regulator ANP and state-run firm PPSA on Tuesday to discuss measures aiming at increasing government revenue in the oil and gas sector, his ministry said. In a statement, the ministry said that the measures, which included new auctions, regulatory adjustments and changes in the model of oil sales by Brazil, would have the potential to increase revenue by about 35 billion reais ($6.21 billion) in the next two years. ($1 = 5.6387 reais)
