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The Citizen
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
SA politicians with clouds hanging over their heads
A look at politicians dogged by controversy, including Ramaphosa, Mashatile, Simelane, Mantashe and others. Pictures: The Citizen and Gallo Here are some prominent politicians who are under a cloud: President Cyril Ramaphosa He has faced scrutiny over his business dealings, most notably the Phala Phala farm scandal, where $580 000 (about R10 million) in cash was stolen from his Limpopo game farm in 2020. The incident was concealed until June 2022. He was later accused of money laundering, tax evasion and violating foreign currency regulations. However, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) declined to prosecute. ALSO READ: Phadi to serve MK party, despite removal as provincial convener [VIDEO] Paul Mashatile – deputy president He has long been haunted by corruption allegations, including the R1.3 billion Alexandra renewal project. More recently, questions have emerged about his lavish lifestyle, allegedly funded by government contractors. The DA has laid criminal charges, leaving the NPA to decide on prosecution. John Steenhuisen – minister of agriculture and DA leader Steenhuisen was implicated in allegations of misusing DA funds during his 2020 campaign for party leadership. ALSO READ: WATCH: Floyd Shivambu 'a total failure as a politician' – analyst The accusations were made by expelled member Tsepo Mhlongo, who also implicated Manny de Freitas. While De Freitas was found guilty and expelled, no action was taken against Steenhuisen. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa – minister of electricity and energy As former mayor of Tshwane (2010-2016), Ramokgopa was linked to a controversial contract awarded to PEU Capital Partners. The irregular contract was set aside by the courts. Thembi Simelane – minister of human settlements ALSO READ: Police close to breakthrough in IFP deputy chief whip's 'assassination' Simelane has been accused of taking questionable loans from companies connected to the looted VBS Bank while serving as Polokwane mayor. Additionally, she faces DA-laid charges for allegedly defrauding Eskom of R700 000 during her time at consulting firm Vitrovian. Nobuhle Nkabane – minister of higher education and training Nkabane stands accused of ignoring corruption allegations in the Construction Education and Training Authority, despite whistle-blower evidence. She was also accused of misleading parliament regarding Sector Education and Training Authority appointments. Aaron Motsoaledi – minister of health ALSO READ: ANC denies it approached Zuma and MK party to join GNU [VOICE NOTE] Motsoaledi was implicated in a 2019 bribery scandal involving the murder of businessman Louis Siemens, with claims he received R150 000 to fast-track a hospital licence. He has denied the allegations. Gwede Mantashe – minister of mineral and petroleum resources Mantashe is linked to the Bosasa corruption scandal, accused of accepting home security upgrades. The Zondo commission recommended further investigation. Blade Nzimande – minister of science, technology and innovation ALSO READ: Late ANC stalwart Solomon Mahlangu's niece joins Zuma's MK party Nzimande was accused of accepting kickbacks from National Student Financial Aid Scheme service providers when he was higher education minister. He denied the claims, calling them a politically motivated smear campaign.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
How economic stagnation is impacting property transactions in Johannesburg
The Johannesburg region continues to see a surge in population as many people search of better economic opportunities. Image: Simphiwe Mbokazi / Independent Newspapers Property transactions in Johannesburg depict years of low economic growth, with Lightstone data showing that the city's property transactions are down by over 30% in some areas. It has lost significant property value over the last few years, with negative property value growth of 1.3%, the weakest of the metros, and notably below Cape Town's 6% growth, says Samuel Seeff, chairman of the Seeff Property Group. He said the average property price has remained static at around R1.3 million. Despite this, he said the Gauteng metros present unparalleled value for property buyers and investors right now. 'Buyers should use the interest rate savings and opportunity to invest at the current historically low prices,' Seeff said. 'You can find unbelievable value, even in the luxury areas where you can find mansions for under R10 million to R15 million. While the market is picking up, it remains sluggish, largely due to poor infrastructure maintenance and management, but this will not always be the case,' he added. The property group said that despite its current challenges, Johannesburg possesses enormous untapped potential. It said this is the country's most populous metro with the highest urbanisation rate, as people continue to flock to Gauteng in search of economic opportunities. This constant influx creates a robust demand for accommodation, including rentals, presenting lucrative opportunities for investors, with many areas offering above-average rental yields that often surpass those found in Cape Town, it said. Seeff said the problems of Johannesburg and the Gauteng metros are man-made and they demand man-made solutions. The chairman said it is vital for South Africa's economic resurgence that these issues are decisively addressed and resolved, especially with significant international gatherings like the G20 on the horizon. Beyond that, Seeff says residents and ratepayers need to get involved instead of waiting for someone else to solve the problems. Earlier this year, Neil Gopal, CEO of the South African Property Owners Association(SAPOA), told Independent Media Property that one of the biggest risks currently facing Gauteng is the water crisis and the near collapse of the City of Johannesburg. He said the continued degradation of infrastructure is a major concern amongst investors and citizens. The organisation that represents the commercial and industrial real estate sector in South Africa appealed to the government to resolve the devastation of infrastructure at the local government level and intervene where necessary to financially stabilise dysfunctional municipalities. Seeff said the star power of Joburg is undeniable since it is the financial and economic heart and engine of South Africa, and the wealthiest city on the continent. He said it is home to the JSE (Johannesburg Stock Exchange), the largest and most sophisticated stock market in Africa, and home to major banks and financial head offices, legal firms, and consultancies. It is the preferred headquarters for the vast majority of leading corporations, with over 70% of the country's companies based there, he said. The company added that the city's economic output is staggering, contributing almost 16% to South Africa's total GDP and a remarkable 40% to the economy of Gauteng, the wealthiest province. It also added that it is also home to the largest concentration of wealth, with nearly 15 000 dollar-millionaires in Johannesburg/Pretoria (according to New World Wealth). Captains of industry, business entrepreneurs and those who drive much of the South African economy are said to be based here. Seeff said that the property market should be pumping; instead, it is lagging at the bottom of the cycle, offering exceptional value for money, which may not be repeated down the line. Right now, the cost to build is significantly higher than what you can buy for, and buyers and investors should take advantage, he says. The reality is that Joburg is going nowhere, it will continue expanding, and there are tremendous opportunities to capitalise on, he says further. 'Beyond its economic might, it is a great place to live, and one of the greenest metros with great weather, and a vibrant cosmopolitan lifestyle. It has some of the best schools and tertiary institutions on the continent.' He said the amenities are top class despite the deteriorating infrastructure, but even on this point, he believes this needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.
The South African
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Five legendary actors who've never won an Oscar
The Oscars. The glitz, the glamour, the golden statuette worth over R1.3 million. For many actors, it's the ultimate prize. But some of Hollywood's finest have never taken one home. Here are five stars who, despite dazzling audiences, have never heard their name called on Oscar night. Johnny Depp is a master of transformation. From Captain Jack Sparrow to Edward Scissorhands, unforgettable performances have been delivered by him Yet, the Oscar has always slipped through his fingers. Depp has been nominated three times, for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl , Finding Neverland , and Sweeney Todd , according to Time Magazine Still, no win. As one fan put it, 'He disappears into every role. How has he not won?' Glenn Close is Hollywood royalty. She's been nominated eight times, for roles in films like Fatal Attraction and The Wife . But the golden statuette remains elusive. Close once joked, 'It's better to be nominated than to never be noticed.' Tom Cruise is a global superstar. He has run across rooftops, flown fighter jets, and even clung to the side of a plane. With three Oscar nominations for Born on the Fourth of July , Jerry Maguire , and Magnolia , Cruise has never won. However, he is due to receive an honorary Oscar soon. Still, he's one of the highest-paid actors, earning up to R2 billion per film. 'I don't do it for the awards,' Cruise once said. 'I do it for the audience.' Samuel L. Jackson's voice is unmistakable. His presence? Unmatched. He has delivered iconic lines and unforgettable moments from Pulp Fiction to Django Unchained. Yet, the Oscar has never landed in his hands. 'I should have won for Pulp Fiction ,' Jackson once quipped. 'But I'm still here, and I'm still working.' Ralph Fiennes brings gravitas to every role. He has wowed critics and audiences alike from Schindler's List to The Grand Budapest Hotel. Fiennes has earned several nominations, but he still has not reached the Oscars. One Academy voter even admitted, 'I thought he'd already won!' Sometimes, people simply take the best for granted. These actors prove that awards do not measure true greatness. Their talent inspires millions. As Glenn Close once said, 'Awards are wonderful, but the work is what matters.' In the end, it's the audience—South African and global—who decide who's truly unforgettable. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
12-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
Wimbledon prize pot increases to whopping R1.3 BILLION
Wimbledon prize money will increase by seven percent to a record pot of £53.5 million (R1.3 billion) for this year's championships as pressure grows from players for a greater slice of Grand Slam profits. The winners of the men's and women's singles titles will each receive £3 million (R72.6 million), an increase of more than 11 percent on 2024, while a main draw spot is worth a minimum of £66 000 (R1.6 million), up 10 percent. The All England Club's announcement comes after growing player demands for a bigger share of revenue from the four majors. In April, 20 leading players sent a letter to the heads of the Grand Slams calling for greater contributions and discussions were held during the French Open. All England Club chairwoman Debbie Jevans said at Wimbledon's pre-tournament media briefing on Thursday the club was 'absolutely committed to continuing our longstanding commitment to player compensation'. 'We're immensely proud of the fact that if you look back 10 years, you can see the increase over that period (of 100 percent) and seven per cent this year,' she said. 'We have listened to the players, we have engaged with the players. Of course we will always listen and discuss with them but the focus on just the prize money at four events, the Grand Slams, does not get to the heart of what the challenge is with tennis. 'The challenge with tennis is the fact that the players don't have an off-season, which they want, they have increasing injuries that they're speaking about and we've always said that we as Wimbledon are willing to engage and talk with the tours to try and find solutions and that door remains open. 'As yet, there hasn't been any proposal to us as to how the tour is able to change its structure. 'There's a bigger picture here but, as a tennis player, they're always going to, I think, ask for more money.' In a major change at Wimbledon this year, line judges are being replaced by a live electronic calling system. The All England club follows the Australian Open and the US Open in implementing the change, though the French Open still uses human officials. Around 80 former officials will be employed this year as match assistants, with two on each court offering support to the umpire, while they will also provide back-up should the electronic system fail. Wimbledon runs from June 30 to July 13, with Carlos Alcaraz and Barbora Krejcikova the defending champions. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse
The Citizen
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Another year, another decline in DStv subscribers: Will Canal+ be buying a shell?
'Over this period, the group lost 2.8 million active linear subscribers and had to absorb a R10.2bn negative impact on its topline due to local currency depreciation against the US dollar.' Multichoice Group, parent company to DStv, has recorded another year of decline in subscribers. The announcement of another decline comes weeks after the Competition Commission approved the acquisition of the streaming company by French Media giant Canal+. At the rate the streaming network is losing subscribers, Canal+ might find itself buying a shell. Multichoice released its financial results for the year ended March 2025 on Wednesday, which revealed DStv lost subscribers, but not as many as the previous financial year. DStv struggles The streaming network stated that the past two financial years have been a period of significant financial disruption for economies, corporations, and consumers across sub-Saharan Africa, due to challenging macroeconomic factors. The macroeconomic factors were combined with the impact of structural industry changes in the video entertainment sector, including the rise of piracy, the emergence of streaming services, and the growth of social media. 'Over this period, the group lost 2.8 million active linear subscribers and had to absorb a R10.2bn negative impact on its topline due to local currency depreciation against the US dollar.' ALSO READ: MultiChoice profit nosedives with huge decline in subscribers Showmax not helping DStv Revenue declined by 9% to R50.8 billion, primarily due to an 11% drop in subscription revenue, and trading profit decreased to R4.0 billion. To address the decline in DStv subscribers, MultiChoice invested in Showmax, its online streaming platform. However, this strategy has not yielded any success. The Group said that Showmax's active paying customers increased by 44%. Despite this increase, its revenue still declined from R1.3 billion to R1.0 billion. Showmax's trading loss increased from R2.6 billion to R4.9 billion, highlighting the platform's accelerating financial losses. The future of MultiChoice 'Our performance reflects both the challenges we've faced and the resilience of our teams. While macroeconomic pressures and currency volatility have weighed on our results, our disciplined execution, cost management and investment in new long-term growth opportunities position us well for the future,' said Calvo Mawela, MultiChoice Group CEO. MultiChoice's outlook includes: Stabilising the topline in the video businesses through focused retention initiatives, while supporting rapid topline growth in the group's interactive entertainment, fintech and insurance investees, Continuing to drive operating, cost and working capital efficiencies into the group to protect profitability and cash flows, Continuing to work with Canal+ towards a successful close of their mandatory offer, unlocking significant long-term benefits for the combined entities and their respective stakeholders. NOW READ: Competition Commission greenlights MultiChoice and Canal+ deal
