Latest news with #R20m
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
A hall for all: new Fairview facility opens in Barberton
A hall for all: new Fairview facility opens in Barberton The executive mayor of the City of Mbombela (CoM), Cllr Sibongile Makushe-Mazibuko, officially took possession of a state-of-the-art community hall in Fairview, Barberton, on Wednesday, July 23. This modern facility, built by Barberton Mines between May 2024 and June 2025, is set to become a vital hub for the local community. During the handover ceremony, Makushe-Mazibuko called on residents to safeguard the new infrastructure. 'I urge the community to report any criminal acts, such as vandalism, to the relevant authorities. We must take collective responsibility to preserve these assets for future generations,' she said. ALSO READ: City of Mbombela mayor delivers State of the City Address She added that Barberton Mines' commitment to its neighbouring communities extends well beyond the new Fairview Community Hall. 'The company previously donated the Cathville Clinic to the Umjindi community. This R15.3m investment has been instrumental in bringing essential healthcare services closer to residents. Among other critical services, the clinic is well-equipped with consulting rooms, a mother and child programme, mental health services and HIV/Aids testing facilities.' ALSO READ: City of Mbombela sounds alarm on tender scam In 2022, the region also benefited from the construction of Kaapvallei Primary School in Sheba Siding, also donated by Barberton Mines. 'This R20m investment addressed the pressing challenge of children having to travel long distances to school. The facility is now recognised as a centre of learning that restores dignity and promises a brighter future for our children,' said Makushe-Mazibuko. She concluded by noting that these significant contributions by Barberton Mines underscore the power of collaboration between corporate entities and local government in improving access to essential services and enhancing quality of life in communities across Mbombela. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
12-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Company paid R20m retention fee despite missing deadlines to complete Limpopo road for 3 years
It is likely that a further R15 million will need to be paid before the road is finished. The Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL), a subsidiary of the Limpopo department of public works, roads and infrastructure, is being investigated for paying a contractor a R20 million retention fee for a project that has missed completion deadlines for more than three years. RAL is responsible for the construction of roads in Limpopo. A retention fee is described as a percentage of the contract value, which is held by the employer as a security for the quality of the workmanship and material. It is usually paid months after the successful completion of a project. R20m paid despite missed deadlines Through its acting CEO, Makhitha Chesane, RAL confirmed that the R20 million payment was made to the company. He said forensic investigations are at an advanced stage. The money was allegedly paid to a company called Amawakawaka Projects. The company is said to have been contracted to convert a 29km road from gravel to tar in Sekgosese in the Greater Letaba local municipality, budgeted to cost R400 million. However, only R3.5 million is left, with two bridges and nearly 10km left to be tarred. ALSO READ: Roads Agency Limpopo probes irregular expenditure An expert in the construction industry, who asked to speak anonymously, said that for each 1km, the government must be prepared to pay about R15 million. Project manager says he's done nothing wrong The R20 million was allegedly paid to the company during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in the 2021-22 financial year. The road project starts in Morobeng and ends at Wholesale Plaza in the Sekgosese area. It was expected to be completed in August 2022, but the deadline was missed several times. The payment was allegedly facilitated by the project manager, Musa Ndlovu, and his principals at RAL. Ndlovu refused to comment, claiming that although he believes he has done nothing wrong, he would prefer to first give his reasons for signing off the payment to his bosses before speaking to the media. The payment remained undisclosed for three years and only came to light during a meeting of the Greater Letaba local municipality on Wednesday. ALSO READ: R100m budgeted to fix Limpopo roads In 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa was shown the project by former premier Stan Mathabatha, RAL officials and ANC ward councillors. The former CEO, Gabriel Maluleke, resigned from RAL after a protracted court dispute with the agency. His employment contract officially ended on 31 December 2024, with RAL setting aside his dismissal and suspension. Mathabatha, who is now the Deputy Minister for Land Reform and Rural Development, promised Ramaphosa that the project was on track and would be completed before the August 2022 deadline. Investigation underway Asked for comment, RAL CEO Makhitha Chesane said he only became aware of the payment on 4 July 2025, when he was inspecting the site. Chesane said he had to report the matter to the MEC first. 'RAL cannot tolerate corruption. We are just waiting for the outcome of the forensic investigations to apply consequence management,' he said. At the project site, Premier Phophi Ramathuba confirmed that forensic investigations into the project were underway. She said the money paid to the contractor was part of the forensic investigations, launched by public works MEC Ernest Sebataolo Rachoene when he took over the department on 18 June 2024. ALSO READ: Work begins on rail link between Gauteng and Polokwane A few months after Rachuene joined the department, several RAL board members resigned. A new board was appointed months later. 'I have instructed MEC Rachuene and Chesane to investigate all the brouhaha taking place at the project. They must see if the relationship between the contractors and RAL is mendable or irreparable. If not, I give them only four weeks to appoint new contractors and new engineers to complete the project within a period of 12 months,' Ramathuba said.
The South African
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Mbokazi, Saleng, Mofokeng, Amankona
Orlando Pirates have several stars on the verge of being poached abroad. Alongside former PSL Player of the Year Patrick Maswanganyi, star defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Monnapule Saleng, and Relebohile Mofokeng are among those linked with moves abroad. The former has already received a R25.8 million bid from Zamalek FC, while city rivals Al Ahly, Jose Riveiro's new club, are eyeing teenager Mbokazi. Regarding Monnapule Saleng, the jury is still out as to whether he will stay or go. However, having not featured since early December, the assumption is that it will be the latter. According to reports, Ghana Premier League leading goalscorer Stephen Amankona is being offered to the PSL's big three – Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns. 'Stephen's contract is ending soon and this is a great opportunity for him to explore new challenges. He's been introduced to a few clubs in South Africa and there's been some interest. The big teams are being considered seriously.' Sekhukhune defender Vuyo Letlapa and Orlando Pirates target could be heading overseas amid OGC Nice interest. 'There are local teams which have shown interest and Pirates were believed to be in the forefront to sign him but apparently the French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice is the one leading now,' Soccer Laduma noted. 'They are very close to closing the deal. Remember, we spoke about European interest before. And just like they did with Elias Mokwana to Esperance de Tunis, they are including a 30% sell on clause to the next club agreement on the deal.' 'So, if Nice sells Vuyo then Sekhukhune United will get 30% from that deal. That's why they are looking at R20m for now.' 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
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates transfer news: Aziz Ki, Mayele, Nemtajela, Letlapa
Orlando Pirates are all-systems go ahead of the upcoming offseason window. It was a disastrous summer transfer period for the Buccaneers, who failed to land any talent albeit in talks with several stars, including Oswin Appollis and Fawaaz Basadien – it appears they do not want a repeat, having reportedly already signed five players, including Sihle Nduli and Sinoxolo Kwayiba. Orlando Pirates are said to miss out on target Aziz Ki . The Young Africans forward is reportedly days away from signing with Wydad Athletic. . The Young Africans forward is reportedly days away from signing with Wydad Athletic. Pyramids FC has reportedly offered a two-year extension in a bid to keep Fiston Mayele . The 30-year-old striker isn't open to an Orlando Pirates move, but only time will tell. . The 30-year-old striker isn't open to an Orlando Pirates move, but only time will tell. According to reports, Pirates have signed Marumo Gallants star Masindi Nemtajela. Priority target Vuyo Letlapa has attracted an R20 million bid from the French side of OGC Nice. It remains unclear whether the Sea Robbers will match it. 'There are local teams which have shown interest and Pirates were believed to be in the forefront to sign him but apparently the French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice is the one leading now,' Soccer Laduma noted. 'They are very close to closing the deal. Remember, we spoke about European interest before. And just like they did with Elias Mokwana to Esperance de Tunis, they are including a 30% sell on clause to the next club agreement on the deal.' 'So, if Nice sells Vuyo then Sekhukhune United will get 30% from that deal. That's why they are looking at R20m for now.' 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
21-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Chiefs and Pirates to match R20 million bid for star defender?
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates target Vuyo Letlapa is garnering attention from Europe, namely from French side OGC Nice, who have reportedly tabled a R20 million bid for the Sekhukhune talent. It remains unclear whether either of the Soweto giants will match the offer, but the fact that both need a left-back suggests there's a chance one could be tempted to try to keep him in South Africa. 'There are local teams which have shown interest and Pirates were believed to be in the forefront to sign him but apparently the French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice is the one leading now,' Soccer Laduma noted. 'They are very close to closing the deal. Remember, we spoke about European interest before.' When asked what Nice are willing to put down, the source said, 'That's what Sekhukhune United are looking at R20m is what the price is believed to be for Vuyo.' This price tag may be out of reach for Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. 'And just like they did with Elias Mokwana to Esperance de Tunis, they are including a 30% sell on clause to the next club agreement on the deal,' the source added. 'So, if Nice sells Vuyo then Sekhukhune United will get 30% from that deal. That's why they are looking at R20m for now.' The 21-year-old has been monumental in Babina Noko's CAF Conderation Cup chasing season, a feat that will be decided on Saturday. Sekhukhune United lie one point behind third-placed Stellenbosch with one game remaining. 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.
