Latest news with #R138
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Emfuleni's job raffle causes quite a stir
IN A controversial approach to reduce unemployment, Emfuleni Municipality recently organised a job raffle, which it claims provides equal opportunity. However, this initiative has led to public outcry over issues of fairness and transparency. The selection process was held at the Sebokeng Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC), where hundreds of hopeful job seekers lined up in queues so long they resembled an election day, all anxiously waiting to hear if their names would be drawn in the lottery-style selection process. A boy was asked to pick out the lucky names. The job raffle, intended to fill just 100 general worker positions for residents of Wards 36 and 37, follows the Gauteng Department of Transport's recent allocation of R138 million to fast-track the long-overdue completion of the Sebokeng Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC). Watch the video here: Many residents expressed frustration over the unexpected shift in the application process, explaining that they were originally told to hand in their CVs and qualifications sealed in envelopes at the Sebokeng DLTC. A resident from Zone 7, speaking on condition of anonymity, shared her deep frustration and disappointment with how the job raffle was handled. She explained that when news of the general worker positions broke, she followed every instruction carefully, submitting her CV in a brown envelope along with certified copies of her qualifications, just as required. She used what little money she had to make copies, get them certified, and purchase an envelope, hopeful that her dedication and qualifications would improve her chances of being selected. 'I was excited and hopeful. As a mother of three, it's hard watching your children grow up without the stability of a steady income. I thought this was finally my chance,' she said, her voice breaking. 'But it felt like all that effort was wasted. We were later told to just write our names on a piece of paper and drop it in a box, like a lucky draw. It was heartbreaking. I had hoped that my qualifications and my willingness to work would count for something.' She also questioned the fairness of the selection process, expressing frustration that some of the individuals chosen appeared unfit, uninterested, or too old to perform the required duties. Pearl also voiced concerns about gender inequality in the selection process, stating that the outcome appeared to heavily favour men. She was particularly frustrated by the method used, where the young boy was tasked with drawing names from a box and handing them to the councillors, who then called them out, raising questions about transparency and fairness. 'Out of the 100 selected candidates, only 23 were females, while the remaining 77 were males. This doesn't reflect a fair or balanced opportunity for women, especially when many of us are equally qualified and just as desperate for work,' she added. Tshepang Motaung, a resident of Ward 36 and a struggling father of five, also echoed Pearl's concerns. He expressed deep disappointment with the outcome of the job raffle, saying that despite having multiple qualifications and years of work experience, he was still overlooked. Finance MMC and Ward 37 Councillor Hassan Mako told The Star that the raffle process was conducted transparently and fairly, ensuring inclusivity for all community members. Mako explained that he and Ward 36 Councillor Mpho Kodisang jointly decided the job raffle was the fairest approach, aiming to prevent any allegations of interference in the recruitment process. 'The raffle process was a decision agreed upon by both Councillor Kodisang from Ward 36 and me, Councillor Mako from Ward 37. We believe it was a transparent approach for the community. As councillors, we chose not to handle any CVs or be involved in the recruitment beyond the raffle itself. I firmly believe the process was fair, transparent, and inclusive of all community members.' He refuted claims made by *Pearl regarding gender inequality in the selection process, stating that more women than men were selected through the raffle. 'It is not true that there are gender issues. The majority of the people who came through the raffle were women, so that thing is a miss,' he said. Mako dismissed concerns about qualifications, stating that general labour roles typically don't require academic credentials or interviews, unless the job involves specific safety risks. 'Issues of educational experience. In general, labour, I don't think that counts, unless we need a risk…This is how we felt that things could be done, as far as I'm concerned, the community is happy. General labourers do not even have to go for interviews,' he added. He also said that he had not received any complaints from residents about the job raffle process, adding that any concerns could be addressed through the appropriate channels. Kingsol Chabalala, the DA's constituency head for Emfuleni North, echoed Mako's views, stating that the job raffle was a transparent process: 'Emfuleni has long been plagued by nepotism, with political leaders often appointing their relatives and friends. This system helps prevent that,' Chabalala said. However, Chabalala added: 'While I agree with the process, I don't believe pensioners should be considered when young people are still struggling to find work,' he said. He added that although age should not completely disqualify someone, pensioners already receive government social grants and should not take up job opportunities meant to empower the youth. While Emfuleni's job raffle was a first for the municipality, it's not the first time this method has caused tension. In August 2024, a similar incident in Bloemhof, North West, turned chaotic when an ANC ward councillor, Willie Adams, was attacked by angry community members. The councillor had been overseeing a job raffle to select just 10 workers for a road maintenance project. Accusations of favouritism and unfair practices led to outrage, with knife-wielding residents storming the stadium and forcing Adams to flee for his life. *Pearl is a created name to hide the identity of our source. The Star [email protected]
IOL News
4 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Emfuleni's job raffle causes quite a stir
The Emfuleni job raffle, intended to fill just 100 general worker positions for residents of Wards 36 and 37, follows the Gauteng Department of Transport's recent allocation of R138 million to fast-track the long-overdue completion of the Sebokeng Driving Licence Testing Centre. The process raises questions about fairness and gender equality. Image: File IN A controversial approach to reduce unemployment, Emfuleni Municipality recently organised a job raffle, which it claims provides equal opportunity. However, this initiative has led to public outcry over issues of fairness and transparency. The selection process was held at the Sebokeng Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC), where hundreds of hopeful job seekers lined up in queues so long they resembled an election day, all anxiously waiting to hear if their names would be drawn in the lottery-style selection process. A boy was asked to pick out the lucky names. The job raffle, intended to fill just 100 general worker positions for residents of Wards 36 and 37, follows the Gauteng Department of Transport's recent allocation of R138 million to fast-track the long-overdue completion of the Sebokeng Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC). Watch the video here: Many residents expressed frustration over the unexpected shift in the application process, explaining that they were originally told to hand in their CVs and qualifications sealed in envelopes at the Sebokeng DLTC. 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 A resident from Zone 7, speaking on condition of anonymity, shared her deep frustration and disappointment with how the job raffle was handled. She explained that when news of the general worker positions broke, she followed every instruction carefully, submitting her CV in a brown envelope along with certified copies of her qualifications, just as required. She used what little money she had to make copies, get them certified, and purchase an envelope, hopeful that her dedication and qualifications would improve her chances of being selected. 'I was excited and hopeful. As a mother of three, it's hard watching your children grow up without the stability of a steady income. I thought this was finally my chance,' she said, her voice breaking. 'But it felt like all that effort was wasted. We were later told to just write our names on a piece of paper and drop it in a box, like a lucky draw. It was heartbreaking. I had hoped that my qualifications and my willingness to work would count for something.' She also questioned the fairness of the selection process, expressing frustration that some of the individuals chosen appeared unfit, uninterested, or too old to perform the required duties. Pearl also voiced concerns about gender inequality in the selection process, stating that the outcome appeared to heavily favour men. She was particularly frustrated by the method used, where the young boy was tasked with drawing names from a box and handing them to the councillors, who then called them out, raising questions about transparency and fairness. 'Out of the 100 selected candidates, only 23 were females, while the remaining 77 were males. This doesn't reflect a fair or balanced opportunity for women, especially when many of us are equally qualified and just as desperate for work,' she added. Tshepang Motaung, a resident of Ward 36 and a struggling father of five, also echoed Pearl's concerns. He expressed deep disappointment with the outcome of the job raffle, saying that despite having multiple qualifications and years of work experience, he was still overlooked. Finance MMC and Ward 37 Councillor Hassan Mako told The Star that the raffle process was conducted transparently and fairly, ensuring inclusivity for all community members. Mako explained that he and Ward 36 Councillor Mpho Kodisang jointly decided the job raffle was the fairest approach, aiming to prevent any allegations of interference in the recruitment process. 'The raffle process was a decision agreed upon by both Councillor Kodisang from Ward 36 and me, Councillor Mako from Ward 37. We believe it was a transparent approach for the community. As councillors, we chose not to handle any CVs or be involved in the recruitment beyond the raffle itself. I firmly believe the process was fair, transparent, and inclusive of all community members.' He refuted claims made by *Pearl regarding gender inequality in the selection process, stating that more women than men were selected through the raffle. 'It is not true that there are gender issues. The majority of the people who came through the raffle were women, so that thing is a miss,' he said. Mako dismissed concerns about qualifications, stating that general labour roles typically don't require academic credentials or interviews, unless the job involves specific safety risks. 'Issues of educational experience. In general, labour, I don't think that counts, unless we need a risk…This is how we felt that things could be done, as far as I'm concerned, the community is happy. General labourers do not even have to go for interviews,' he added. He also said that he had not received any complaints from residents about the job raffle process, adding that any concerns could be addressed through the appropriate channels. Kingsol Chabalala, the DA's constituency head for Emfuleni North, echoed Mako's views, stating that the job raffle was a transparent process: 'Emfuleni has long been plagued by nepotism, with political leaders often appointing their relatives and friends. This system helps prevent that,' Chabalala said. However, Chabalala added: 'While I agree with the process, I don't believe pensioners should be considered when young people are still struggling to find work,' he said. He added that although age should not completely disqualify someone, pensioners already receive government social grants and should not take up job opportunities meant to empower the youth. While Emfuleni's job raffle was a first for the municipality, it's not the first time this method has caused tension. In August 2024, a similar incident in Bloemhof, North West, turned chaotic when an ANC ward councillor, Willie Adams, was attacked by angry community members. The councillor had been overseeing a job raffle to select just 10 workers for a road maintenance project. Accusations of favouritism and unfair practices led to outrage, with knife-wielding residents storming the stadium and forcing Adams to flee for his life. *Pearl is a created name to hide the identity of our source. The Star
IOL News
24-06-2025
- IOL News
Hawks secure court order for vehicle used to ferry R6m drugs
THE Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority's Asset Forfeiture Unit scored a major victory when they were granted a preservation order for a vehicle they seized in a multi-million drug bust near Strand. Hawks spokesperson Siyabulela Vukubi said the Hyundai H1 which was estimated to be valued at R138 600.00 was seized as it was used as an instrumentality. 'This was after members of the Hawks' South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau(SANEB) acted on intelligence received on 23 August 2024, regarding a Hyundai H1 that was transporting drugs from Gauteng to Cape Town. The vehicle was spotted on the N2 near Strand towards Cape Town. Upon search, 71 000 mandrax tablets and 14 bricks of cocaine weighing 14kg were found concealed in panels of the vehicle,' he said.
Eyewitness News
12-06-2025
- Business
- Eyewitness News
Gauteng govt to inject additional R138m to complete construction of Sebokeng DLTC
JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng government is set to inject an additional R138 million to complete construction of the long-delayed Sebokeng Driver's License Testing Centre (DLTC) in the Vaal. To date, more than R80 million has been spent on the project, yet the facility has remained non-operational a decade since construction began. Despite having a contracted security company in place, the centre has been vandalised. The first thing that catches the eye when glancing at the Sebokeng DLTC is the overgrown grass surrounding the vandalised double-storey building. Inside, piles of rubble have remained untouched for years, and the air is thick with the smell of dust. Although the initial projected cost was R63 million, more than R80 million has already been spent on the construction of the facility. Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said more money would still be needed to complete the construction. "For the financial year 2025/2026, the budget allocation is R54.5 million and R84 million for the financial year 2026/2027." The Development Bank of Southern Africa has now been appointed as the implementing agent.
The Citizen
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Car-shopping on a budget? Try used Suzuki Swift or Hyundai Atos
Plenty of good buys on pre-owned showroom floors for under R140 000. The Suzuki Swift is one of the most popular hatchbacks in South Africa. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe While the most affordable new passenger car in South Africa starts at R176 999, there are plenty of practical used alternatives — like the ever-popular Suzuki Swift — available for under R140 000, according to AutoTrader data. The Suzuki Swift and other hatchbacks like the Hyundai Atos and Ford Figo are affordable to fuel, insure and maintain. 'In the face of South Africa's current economic challenges, consumers are increasingly looking for ways to make their money go further without compromising on quality,' says AutoTrader CEO George Mienie. 'Even in a constrained financial environment, several well-priced and reliable options are within reach, ensuring that budget-conscious buyers can make a smart, long-term investment without sacrificing performance or safety.' Suzuki Swift The affable Suzuki Swift is one of the best-selling budget cars in Mzansi. It averages R138 945 in the used car market with average mileage being a very respectable 30 455km. Typical registration age is four years. While the latest generation Swift is powered by a three-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engine, most of the pre-owned listed models feature the four-pot 1.2-litre petrol mill. With a claimed fuel consumption of just 4.9 litres per 100km, the Suzuki Swift is one of the most frugal cars around. Hyundai Atos While the little hatch is not offered by the Korean carmaker anymore, it's very popular on pre-owned showroom floors. From January to March, the average price for a pre-owned Atos was R138 255. It featured an average mileage of 34 088km with an average age of four years. The final iteration of the Hyundai was powered by a 1.1-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine. It sends 50kW and 99Nm of torque to the front wheel via a five-speed manual gearbox. Hyundai claims it will only sip 5.9 litres per 100km. ALSO READ: New Suzuki Swift prime example of why brand's stock keep rising Ford Figo The Fiesta-based hatchback is a firm favourite among local buyers despite being discontinued. It has an average price of R132 955, average age of five years with average mileage of 34 937km. Depending on its age, there are also various powertrains to choose from. Besides a three-pot 1.5-litre petrol mill, it was also offered with a 1.5-litre diesel mill before 2018, The latter produces excellent fuel economy of 4.1L/100km. ALSO READ: Hilux dethroned as Suzuki Swift tops new vehicle sales in January
