Latest news with #R110
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Corruption claims lives and sparks protest in Ekurhuleni
The suspected assassination of a corruption buster has reignited protests and public outrage in Ekurhuleni. City of Ekurhuleni forensic audit head Mpho Mafole was shot and killed on the R23 highway near Esselen Park. Picture: Facebook On Monday, 30 June, City of Ekurhuleni forensic audit head Mpho Mafole was shot and killed on the R23 highway near Esselen Park. It did not take long before his death was labelled an assassination. Rumour has it that the forensic investigator had discovered what caused a R2 billion shortfall in the city's budget. In fact, it was not what, but who was responsible for the shortfall because of their illegal actions of deleting electricity charges on just over 1 600 municipal accounts. And for identifying the culprits, he was killed. The South African Federation of Trade Unions did not beat about the bush in describing Mafole's death an assassination: 'Mpho Mafole was assassinated. This was no robbery or random act of violence.' Ekurhuleni's biggest township, Tembisa, mobilised for a shutdown of the area yesterday. ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni mayor to suspend electricity tariff hike after protests in Thembisa The reason for the protest? An electricity surcharge ranging from R110 to R204 per month for all households and businesses in the municipality – except for indigent households. Is there a link between the R2 billion budget shortfall that led to the suspected assassination of the auditor and the introduction of the electricity surcharge? No-one has officially made that link, but it does not take a rocket scientist to connect those dots. The last time Tembisa went on what was then called a total shutdown, it resulted in severe destruction of municipal properties and infrastructure. There was even a change in leadership at mayoral level because the then DA mayor Tania Campbell was accused of responding too slowly to the frustrations of residents, especially with regards to electricity tariffs. ALSO READ: Thembisa protest turns violent: Ekurhuleni mayor calls urgent meeting as residents and police clash Some of the municipal buildings and infrastructure that was burnt down because of those protests has not even been repaired and the city is back in the same standoff. There is a reason a lot of people accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of being his usual self in appointing a commission of inquiry to investigate the alleged corruption in the ranks of the South African Police Service. His usual self in that he wants a prolonged investigation, which is preceded by a period of inaction such as the one the country is in right now as it awaits the finalisation of the terms of reference for Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga to begin his investigations and, even then, the outcome isn't guaranteed to root out corruption. There is nothing more dire and more pressing than the assassination of the lead corruption buster in a metropolitan municipality. If Ramaphosa and his Cabinet are serious about fighting corruption, a R2 billion shortfall that results in the assassination of a top government official should warrant a response so immediate and severe that the country is left in no doubt about the seriousness of government in fighting corruption. Residents can be blamed for using violence in ensuring that they are heard, but the truth is the people with all the power in the equation are those in charge. ALSO READ: Soccer star's 'special treatment' after deadly crash concerns grieving mom [VIDEO] The shortfall in the budget – due to corrupt officials writing off electricity bills on accounts – is within the control of government. Passing that on to residents as a surcharge is not only disingenuous, but it also simply gives criminals behind government desks the right to continue with their corrupt acts. It is only when there are direct responses to the deaths of people like Mafole and Babita Deokaran that those who continue to loot government funds will think twice before doing it. Justice for residents isn't only when killers are convicted, it is ensuring that they do not suffer for the corruption of government officials.
IOL News
16-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
State of South Africa's correctional facilities raises alarm over budget shortfalls
Portfolio Committee voices concerns over correctional facilities' maintenance woes Image: File The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services reiterated its deep concerns about the unsustainable state of correctional facilities across South Africa. The committee outlined that chronic budget shortfalls have rendered many facilities unable to maintain basic operational standards, threatening the wellbeing of inmates and staff alike. During the session, the committee received a briefing from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) concerning ongoing disputes related to user charges, as well as key issues identified during oversight visits to various correctional facilities. The DPWI highlighted that itemised billing, sanctioned by the National Treasury (NT), has resulted in a staggering shortfall of R24.1 billion since its implementation. This has raised alarm bells, especially as the rates approved by the NT fall significantly short of what is needed for full cost recovery. Currently, the DPWI, which serves as the landlord for government properties, receives an average rent of R23.24 per square metre from client departments. In stark contrast, the costs paid to the private sector for maintenance amount to R110 per square meter. The vast discrepancies have forced the DPWI to operate at a crippling loss, particularly concerning the properties it manages for the Department of Correctional Services. 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 Next Stay Close ✕ Over the past five years, DPWI has reported a cumulative deficit of R1.9 billion, averaging losses of R376 million annually. Committee Chairperson Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said it does not help if one has a beautiful kitchen in a centre with five or six stoves, but only one is working. "We saw that for ourselves in KwaZulu-Natal,' she added. She implored the task team to prioritise areas that require immediate attention to avert further deterioration. 'Once inmates are unable to eat or are given one meal a day, it becomes a serious challenge,' she added, stressing the critical nature of regular meal provision in correctional facilities. The committee is advocating for the continuation of maintenance efforts, urging the Department of Correctional Services to leverage offender labour for repairs. Ramolobeng emphasised the importance of filling artisan vacancies, which could potentially facilitate the rejuvenation of under-maintained facilities. In a bid to address these pressing issues, the committee has called for a meeting of all heads of departments from the DPWI, DCS, and NT to deliberate on user charge allocations that have cost taxpayers over R842 million in the current 2024/25 period. Despite these funds being allocated, a significant portion of maintenance responsibilities has been shifted back to the DCS, stirring concern among committee members regarding accountability and effective resource utilisation. Moving forward, the committee has proposed inviting the National Treasury to provide further insight into these matters, and it has mandated that regular updates be provided from the task team, which is expected to forge viable solutions for the internal conflicts and external challenges facing South Africa's correctional facilities. IOL
The Citizen
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Business partnership with government shows results
While the partnership between government and business is delivering progress, energy reform at Eskom must be accelerated. The partnership between business and government is showing results, with one of the positive features of the government of national unity the openness of ministers to engage with business. Busisiwe Mavuso, CEO of Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA), says in her weekly newsletter that a better understanding of each other's needs and objectives can help business and government make progress. She says the BLSA hosted the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who spoke to members about the progress of electricity systems reform. 'The legislative foundation for competitive electricity markets is now in place with the amended Electricity Regulation Act enabling Eskom's restructuring into separate generation, transmission and distribution entities, breaking the monopoly that constrained our energy future. 'Most significantly, the Independent Transmission Project Office is established and will unlock billions in private transmission investment, starting with 1 164 kilometres of new lines that will release 3 200 MW of stranded renewable capacity in the Northern and Western Cape.' ALSO READ: Eskom hammers another nail in load shedding coffin Breathing room now for proper implementation of structural changes Mavuso says with Eskom's availability factor now stabilising around 65% and additional capacity from the Medupi and Koeberg units coming online, we have breathing room to implement structural changes properly and immediate wins are within reach if we can resolve current bottlenecks. However, she points out that current grid access disputes are blocking renewable energy projects and preventing energy traders from participating in virtual wheeling, undermining the very competition government and business are trying to create. In addition, she warns that some exporters face losing EU market access within 12 months due to carbon border adjustments, while we struggle to issue renewable energy certificates quickly enough. Mavuso says the minister's commitment to have the National Energy Regulator of South Africa's board chair lead the resolution of grid access rules offers a concrete near-term milestone that can be tracked. 'The underlying challenge is more fundamental. Municipalities owe Eskom over R110 billion, while customers owe municipalities over R370 billion, a payment crisis that threatens system sustainability. Over 95% of municipalities lack qualified electrical engineers, undermining their ability to collect revenue, maintain infrastructure, or plan for growth. 'Our current distribution system is simply not fit for purpose, and numerous interventions to address the culture of non-payment failed to solve the problem. 'As Minister Ramokgopa explained, Eskom must serve as a supplier of last resort for millions of poor South Africans, but this social obligation requires a sustainable financing model that current structures cannot deliver.' ALSO READ: Third-party concessions a solution for municipal electricity distribution Distribution Agency Agreements will require coordinated effort Mavuso says the Distribution Agency Agreements being developed could address this systematically, but implementation will require the kind of coordinated effort that made the energy partnership successful. She points out that the minister acknowledged the tension between urgency and implementation quality directly, that slow progress risks undermining market sentiment while rushed reforms could trigger system failures. 'His message was clear: government understands the urgency but recognises that getting complex reforms right takes time. It is a difficult balance, but one made easier through the collaborative approach we established.' ALSO READ: 'Sad situation': Eskom warns growing municipal debt seriously risks its sustainability Minister credited business with progress on electricity Mavuso says what gives her confidence is the way this partnership has evolved. 'The minister explicitly credited business as 'very central in the resolution of the energy question' and accepted business' offer to provide embedded skills capacity, from modelling expertise to policy articulation support. 'This is not just consultation but genuine co-creation of solutions where business expertise can help government navigate reform complexity. 'While full transmission system independence may take several years, we can accelerate progress on the immediate priorities of resolving grid access rules, enabling curtailment that could add capacity quickly and developing the municipal engineering capacity that underpins system sustainability. 'These are concrete areas where business skills and government authority can combine for rapid impact. This collaborative model proved successful across government, from home affairs to basic education. As government focuses increasingly on local government delivery, we are ready to contribute capacity and insight where it is most needed.' She says she is optimistic that the momentum can be maintained. 'Minister Ramokgopa's detailed engagement demonstrates how business is now viewed as a genuine partner in solving complex policy challenges. The foundation is solid, the partnership is proven, and the pathway is clear, even if the timeline tests our collective patience.'
IOL News
20-06-2025
- IOL News
Mpumalanga man awarded R110,000 after wrongful arrest and police assault
After suffering police assault, unlawful arrest, and detention, the court has ordered the Police Ministry to pay R110,000 to the plaintiff. The matter was heard in the High Court of South Africa at the Mpumalanga Division in Mbombela. Image: File For his ordeal of being assaulted by police officers, wrongfully arrested, and then detained, a Mpumalanga man will be paid over R110,000 after a court issued the order this week at the High Court of South Africa at the Mpumalanga Division in Mbombela. The Police Ministry has been ordered to pay R80,000 in respect of the plaintiff's unlawful arrest and detention from January 28 to 30, 2023. The court further ordered that the Ministry pay R30,000 in respect of the plaintiff's unlawful assault by police officers. The court heard that the man was travelling in his car with his wife and daughter when he was stopped by a police vehicle and told to alight from the vehicle. Whereafter, he was forced to touch a gun that was in police possession and did not belong to the plaintiff. 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 Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The judgment read: 'On 28 January 2023 at approximately 2pm at or near Newscom Trust, Mpumalanga, while he was travelling in his motor vehicle with his wife and daughter, the plaintiff was stopped by members of the SAPS from Kabokweni police station, on allegations that he had committed robbery and attempted murder. 'Only the plaintiff testified during the hearing of the matter. He testified that the police officers blocked his motor vehicle. He was forced to alight from his motor vehicle, pushed to the ground, and was assaulted several times on the face with open hands by four police officers. While on the ground, he was trampled upon with booted feet. The plaintiff was taken to the motor vehicle where a firearm had been placed by one of the police officers. He was instructed to touch the firearm with his hands, but he refused. The police officers continued to assault him with open hands for refusing to touch the firearm.' The police officers placed the plaintiff in a police vehicle and left the man's wife and 15-year-old daughter behind. Police drove with the plaintiff to his house, where he was instructed to produce a firearm. 'He informed the police officers that there was no firearm at his home. The police officers assaulted him once again. He was pushed to the ground and his hands were cuffed to the back together with his feet. His face was covered with a plastic bag. When the plastic bag was ultimately removed, water was poured into one of his ears, and he was slapped several times with an open hand on the ear. 'Thereafter, he was taken to the police cells at Pienaar police station. The following day, other police officers assaulted him while he was in the cells, alleging that he had broken into the house of one of the police officers and stolen a firearm. One of them kicked him on the back and stomach. His fingerprints were taken,' the judgment read.
IOL News
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Aladdin brings magic to Canal Walk this winter school holiday
This winter school holiday, Canal Walk's Centre Court will transform into a magical Arabian wonderland as its popular annual theatre production returns with 'Aladdin'. From 28 June to 20 July, families can experience the enchantment of the Arabian Nights with a captivating live show, packed with music, humour and spectacle. Set in the bustling streets of old Baghdad, this timeless tale follows Aladdin, a hopeful dreamer whose life is turned upside down when he finds a magical lamp. Expect flying carpets, hidden treasures, a mischievous Genie and a story of courage and second chances that's sure to entertain all ages. The 55‑minute production will run three times a day, at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm, with no shows on Mondays. Tickets start from R110 per person and can be booked via Webtickets. The show is suitable for all ages, with under‑twos admitted free if seated on an adult's lap. More than just a memorable day out, this year's production gives back to the local community. A portion of every ticket and programme sold will benefit The Reach Trust, supporting early childhood development and digital literacy in underserved communities across Cape Town. As The Reach Trust CEO Andrew Rudge explains, 'Each ticket helps connect young children to learning opportunities – it's entertainment with real impact.' Details: Dates: 28 June–20 July (closed Mondays) Times: 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm daily Venue: Canal Walk Centre Court Duration: 55 mins Tickets: From R110 per person at Webtickets Age: All ages (under 2s free if seated on a lap) IOL Enterainment
