Latest news with #R1.5m
The Citizen
11 hours ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Report reveals 1 in 5 alcoholic drinks are fake: Here's how to spot them
As the problem worsens, so does the concern: Can you really trust what is in your glass? Are you sure your drink is real? A growing number of South Africans are unknowingly drinking fake alcohol. A report by Euromonitor has revealed shocking data about the country's illicit alcohol market. One in five alcoholic drinks contains illicit alcohol, meaning millions may be unknowingly putting their health at risk. This dangerous rise in fake alcohol is a serious threat to people's health and a heavy blow to the economy. Billions of rands are lost each year in tax revenue and legitimate business, as fake alcohol floods the market. As the problem worsens, so does the concern: Can you really trust what is in your glass? Illicit alcoholic drinks impact The Drinks Federation of South Africa (DF-SA) led a panel discussion to explore the findings of the report released in June and how consumers can be protected from fake alcohol. Chairperson of DF-SA and CEO of SAB, Richard Rivett-Carnac, broke down the effects that illegal alcohol has on the country. If billions from public funds are lost due to the growing rate of the illicit alcohol market, jobs in the industry will be lost. 'Understanding the drivers of illicit alcohol growth and its magnitude is a step in the right direction, but we need stronger collaboration with the industry and government to really start removing the incentives that allow for the illicit market to thrive and intensifying enforcement.' ALSO READ: Police seize R1.5m fake alcohol in KZN, one arrested How much illicit alcoholic drinks cost the country Euromonitor's report has revealed that the illicit alcohol market has grown by 55% between 2017 and 2024, a growth rate of 6%, outpacing the growth of the legal alcohol market. The illicit alcohol market is worth an estimated R25.1 billion and has cost the government R16.5 billion in lost tax revenue. Dr Shamal Ramesar, head of research at DF-SA, highlighted that communities are at risk, and the economy is significantly impacted due to this market. 'Recent testing with the University of KwaZulu-Natal found that many illegal products contain dangerous substances like methanol, which can cause serious harm. Unless we shut down illegal producers and educate consumers, lives will continue to be at risk.' Protecting people Acting Commissioner of the National Consumer Commission, Hardin Ratshisusu, said it is important to make people aware of the illicit alcohol market; in doing this, more people will be protected from fake and unsafe products. He highlighted that people have the right to know what they are buying and consuming. 'Tackling this issue takes teamwork through better information-sharing, stronger partnerships, and public education.' To find out how illicit alcohol was distributed and consumed, Euromonitor surveyed the product's prevalence in retail and independent traders, as well as the habits and preferences of consumers. Through desk research, store visits and surveys across multiple geographic and income demographics, Euromonitor illustrated how the illicit trade makes up 18% of the country's overall alcohol market. This 18% amounts to the consumption of 773 000 hectolitres — or 77 million litres a year— with an estimated price tag of R25 billion. ALSO READ: SA loses R30 billion in revenue due to illicit trade in cigarettes and liquor Counterfeiting is a big problem Benjamin Rideout, research consultant at Euromonitor International, stated that illicit alcohol in the country is no longer a minor issue. 'Unlike some countries where homebrews are the issue, South Africa is facing large-scale counterfeiting. The situation demands better control over production inputs like ethanol and much stronger enforcement.' Jan-Harm Swanepoel, Partner at Adams & Adams, highlighted the importance of organised crime in fighting against the problem. 'We have the legal tools to fight, but what is now needed is alignment and action.' Symptoms of poisoning from fake alcohol According to Interpol, the below are the symptoms of poisoning from fake alcohol: Confusion Loss of coordination Vomiting Irregular or slow breathing Blue-tinged or pale skin Low body temperature (hypothermia) Stupor (being conscious but unresponsive) Unconsciousness (passing out). How to spot fake alcohol Think about the '4 Ps': Place: Only buy your alcohol from reputable and licensed retailers, bars, and supermarkets. Do not buy alcohol from unlicensed market traders or from customers in bars. Price: If the product is being sold significantly below its normal price or does not appear to include normal taxes on liquor, then it is likely fake. Packaging: Check for poor-quality packaging, spelling mistakes, and unusually shaped bottles. Look for the contact information and address of the manufacturer. If it is missing, the alcohol is fake. Inspect the seal on the bottle. If the seal is broken or damaged, the contents may have been compromised and are not safe to drink. Check for fake bar codes. If you have an app on your mobile device that scans barcodes, scan it and see if it lists the correct product. Product: Beware of bad smells! If it smells like paint stripper or nail polish remover, then it's likely to be one of these products. If it contains particles or sediment, or the contents have separated in the bottle, then the product is likely to have been thinned with tap water. NOW READ: Budget 3.0: Alcohol and cigarette prices will increase — here's by how much
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Two arrested with stolen solar equipment worth R385K in Polokwane
Two arrested with stolen solar equipment worth R385K in Polokwane Quick read Limpopo police arrested two foreign nationals in Tweefontein on Friday during an intelligence-driven operation. The suspects were found with 19 Magneto solar inverters, valued at approximately R385 000. They were charged with possession of suspected stolen property; the origin of the items is still being investigated. Their vehicle was confiscated as part of the ongoing investigation. Full story POLOKWANE – The police are urging owners of solar inverters to remain vigilant, after the arrest of two foreign nationals found in possession of suspected stolen solar equipment worth an estimated R385 000, in Tweefontein. The suspects were apprehended on Friday after police received a tip-off and acted during an intelligence-driven operation. Authorities discovered 19 Magneto solar inverters loaded in a vehicle. The suspects were charged with possession of suspected stolen property, and further investigations are underway. Police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that the volume of high-value equipment raised serious concerns. 'Their vehicle was confiscated, and the investigation is ongoing to trace the origin of the items,' he said. In a separate incident, a 33-year-old foreign national was arrested near the Peter Mokaba precinct on the N1. The arrest followed a multi-agency operation acting on a tip-off that the suspect had crossed the Beitbridge border en route to Johannesburg. The man was caught transporting 251 boxes of illicit cigarettes hidden inside a tri-axle trailer. The estimated street value of the contraband is R1.5m. He faces charges related to possession of illicit goods and contravention of the Immigration Act. 'The truck was seized for further investigation, and the suspect remains in custody,' Ledwaba confirmed. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
20-06-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
CRL chair's claims against its executive director are 'defamatory', Forsa says
Freedom of Religion South Africa (Forsa) has strongly denied what it termed false and defamatory allegations made by chairperson of the CRL Rights Commission Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva on Thursday. During a media briefing convened by the commission, Mkhwanazi-Xaluva alleged Forsa and its executive director Michael Swain had accused her, Cheryl Zondi and/or the Cheryl Zondi Foundation of receiving R1.5m from the National Lotteries Commission. Zondi was a witness in the rape trial of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso. Forsa said this donation was reported widely in the media. It said a press release from the National Lotteries Commission of December 13 2018 stated the Cheryl Zondi Foundation had partnered with the Izimvo 447 NPC and received R1.5m to aid their work for those exploited in sacred spaces. 'Neither Michael Swain, nor Forsa, has ever alleged financial misconduct of any kind. Such claims are false and wholly without any factual basis at all,' the organisation said in a statement. Forsa said it was disappointed that Mkhwanazi-Xaluva did not first seek clarity or engage with it before making public accusations and threatening legal action. 'Her subsequent laying of criminal charges against Michael Swain and Forsa is seen as vexatious and unfounded. It appears to be a personally motivated attack designed to intimidate and deter Forsa (or others) from opposing the chair's agenda to push again for state regulation of religion.' Forsa said it reserved all legal rights in its response to this matter and was considering appropriate legal remedies in response to these false and harmful allegations. 'These include a formal demand for retraction as well as amending its extant damages claim for defamation.' Forsa said it was not against any person or institution, including Mkhwanazi-Xaluva or the commission. 'On the contrary, Forsa supports all of its legitimate and constitutional objectives. However, our singular focus is the protection and advancement of religious freedom and related constitutional rights in South Africa.' Forsa said a letter from more than 20 senior religious leaders representing about 12-million South Africans was sent to President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019, raising several concerns, including that Mkhwanazi-Xaluva simultaneously served as CRL chairperson and deputy chair of the Cheryl Zondi Foundation. The commission was a Chapter 9 institution, created to be independent and impartial, accountable only to parliament, Forsa said. 'Thus, its chair must avoid bias, preferential treatment and dual loyalties. Arguably, this includes keeping clear boundaries when interacting with organisations, especially advocacy organisations, linked to matters before the commission.' Forsa said under Mkhwanazi-Xaluva's leadership at the time, the CRL strongly pushed for state regulation of religion. 'A wide diversity of faith communities strongly opposed the CRL's proposal. The 'conflict of interest' concern arose because the CRL chair cited the Omotoso case as a high-profile example to justify the CRL's proposed regulation model (via peer review councils, licensing of religious leaders, etc).' Her appointment as the deputy chair of the Cheryl Zondi Foundation, therefore, created a strong impression of an overlap of interest and influence. 'On the one hand, the chair of the CRL is tasked with impartial interaction with faith communities, constitutional compliance, and safeguarding diverse religious rights. Acting as deputy chair of the Cheryl Zondi Foundation is an advocacy-aligned — not neutral — position.' This raised legitimate concerns about a conflict of interest on the part of the chairperson, Forsa said. 'It must be stressed that this in no way raises any concern or casts any suspicion on Cheryl Zondi or the Cheryl Zondi Foundation.' Since being reappointed, Mkhwanazi-Xaluva has continued promoting proposals for state regulation of religion, including the introduction of peer review mechanisms, Forsa said. It said it had consistently opposed this course of action, repeatedly warning that state regulation of religion was unnecessary, unconstitutional, unworkable and unaffordable. 'In Forsa's public education efforts to point out the dangers to religious freedom of state regulation of religion, we gave the historical background to the current context. One part of this extensive presentation referenced the 2019 letter to the president in good faith and with full transparency.' Forsa said the 2019 letter did not accuse Mkhwanazi-Xaluva of theft or corruption of any kind and did not contain any accusations against Zondi or the Cheryl Zondi Foundation at all.
The Citizen
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Cape country towns booming thanks to agriculture and tourism
The property market in several sought-after country towns including Swellendam, Bonnievale, Ladismith, Barrydale, Struisbaai, Riversdale, and Pearly Beach has seen a significant surge in transactions this year, according to Jaco Badenhorst, sales manager for Seeff Country and Karoo. Agents have reported a sharp increase in sales driven by buyers looking to relocate due to healthy local economies and low crime rates. The limited stock for sale has made the market highly competitive. Well-priced properties are attracting multiple offers and selling quickly, often within days of being listed. Lightstone data shows that over 8,000 transactions worth almost R9.5bn were concluded across the Cape countryside last year with about 90% of transactions below R1.5m. Freehold houses in the more popular towns averaged at between R1.8m to R2.5m. Semigration, retirement, and remote working are big drivers of the demand. Growth in local industries such as the major R4.5b Overberg Wind Farm Project near Swellendam is another boost while more buyers are also turning their holiday homes into their permanent residence, he says. Aside from the lifestyle aspects, Badenhorst says the attraction includes the ability to buy a lot more for your money in the country towns. Many people sell up in the big cities, and move to the small towns and start a small business, he adds. The towns mostly offer good infrastructure, access to schools, and proximity to bigger commercial centres. Properties are still overwhelmingly freehold houses, but the sectional title market is growing with new lifestyle and retirement estates coming into the market. There are also plenty of vacant plots in many areas, along with a mix of small holdings, agricultural farms, commercial properties, guest houses, and more. Towns such as Swellendam, Barrydale, and Riversdale have active agriculture, tourism, and small business sectors, which may appeal to new residents. An influx of workers and professionals has boosted demand for rental homes in and around Swellendam and Bredasdorp. Badenhorst says many landlords are reporting full occupancy, and rental prices are beginning to reflect the increasing demand. Val Anderton and Marinda Roux, agents with Seeff Swellendam say they have seen an increase in enquiries from Gauteng and Pretoria as young families look to relocate due to the excellent schools and wholesome environment to raise children. While the average price is in the R2.4m to R3.4m range, they are seeing interest in higher priced properties. Rentals are also in high demand. There's also growing interest in estates such as the new Oewerlust Estate, selling from R2.417m is for example also attracting investment buyers. The Barrydale area is very active in the R2.5m range with buyers coming from all over, especially the Cape, some downscaling or retiring, and others working remotely, says Beate Joubert, an agent with Seeff. Large homes suitable for conversion to guest houses are also in demand. Coastal towns such as Still Bay and Gansbaai are also seeing a rise in people moving to the areas. Adel Regtien, an agent with Seeff Still Bay says the town has always been a popular holiday and retirement destination and has grown significantly over the years, with an increasing number of permanent residents choosing to settle in the area thanks to its proximity to the Garden Route and its location just a few hours from Cape Town. Badenhorst says property values in high-demand areas will keep rising as more buyers seek country living. Another coastal hotspot, Gansbaai has also seen a significant surge in activity and prices over the past few years, according to Anet Rossouw from the Seeff. The average property price has climbed to approximately R2.25m – an increase of over R1m in just four years. This coastal gem is drawing strong interest from across South Africa, she adds. Nearly 60% of buyers are from Gauteng, with a further 10% from other provinces, and the remaining buyers primarily from the Western Cape in search of weekend getaway homes. Everyone wants a spot by the sea, says Rossouw, but it is becoming increasingly difficult given the growth in demand. It's now nearly impossible to find an average three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a double garage for under R2.3m. With rising demand and limited supply, time is of the essence for buyers. Badenhorst says potential buyers should come prepared so as not to lose out on opportunities. Have your finances in order and work with an experienced agent who can help you move quickly when the right property becomes available. Issued by Gina Meintjes
The Citizen
22-05-2025
- The Citizen
Court seizes assets in alleged R5m Mpumalanga PPE fraud case
While many people were affected by Covid-19 in 2020, a Mpumalanga Department of Health official allegedly financially benefited from personal protective equipment (PPE) funding. Mpumalanga News reports that this has resulted in a high court preservation order for the forfeiture of a property and three vehicles, amounting to millions of rands, against the people involved. Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson Colonel Magonseni Nkosi says a former secretary in the provincial health department, Sanele Sanderson, allegedly colluded with two service providers in faking the purchasing and delivery of the PPE. 'The director's secretary engaged herself in alleged fraudulent activities that led to the department suffering a loss of about R5m in 2020,' says Nkosi. 'As a result, the service providers unlawfully benefited from the products that were never delivered,' he adds. He says Sanderson's alleged actions resulted in the service providers receiving payment and buying a residential property worth R1.5m in Barberton. The house was registered under the name of a company called Zanderson Establishment, of which the sole director was Sanderson's daughter, Yolanda Sanderson. 'The property was later sold for the same amount. Shortly afterwards, the family bought another residential property in Sunninghill, Johannesburg. The house was then registered in [the name of] a company named SS Umoya, directed by the former secretary, Sanele Sanderson,' says Nkosi. He says investigations conducted by the Hawks resulted in the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, sitting in Mbombela, ordering the forfeiture of the Sunninghill house and three vehicles on Tuesday. 'The forfeited house is estimated to be valued at R1.5m and the three vehicles, owned by the two service providers, a Toyota Quantum, a Hyundai light delivery vehicle and a VW Golf, are estimated to have a combined value of R1m,' Nkosi adds. The provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Nico Gerber, says criminal investigations are ongoing. 'Benefits derived from proceeds of crime will be traced, restrained, forfeited and sold to recoup the state's losses. 'This is a clear example of law enforcement entities working in collaboration with one another. The Asset Forfeiture Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority and the Asset Investigation Section of the Hawks collaborated and ensured the successful forfeiture. This must send a stern message that we will seize assets, no matter how they are disguised, if bought through proceeds of crime. Crime must not pay,' he adds. 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!
