Latest news with #R4
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Limpopo Central Academic Hospital on track for 2028 completion
Quick story Health Dept spokesperson Foster Mohale confirmed the Limpopo Central Academic Hospital is set for practical completion by May 31, 2028. Enza Construction broke ground in 2023 on the 25-hectare site and has completed early infrastructure work. Key progress includes stormwater systems, bulk electricity, sewer and water lines, and concrete structures. The R4 billion project has so far created 955 jobs, surpassing its initial 950-person target. Of these, 537 are youths, and 19 are adult women. Despite progress, local business forums and job seekers continue to express frustration over limited participation. Full story POLOKWANE – Health spokesperson Foster Mohale this week confirmed that completion of the Limpopo Central Academic Hospital remains on track for practical completion by May 31, 2028. Enza Construction, the main contractor, broke ground in 2023 on the 25-hectare site, and early works such as concrete structures, bulk electricity connections, substations, stormwater ponds and piping, as well as sewer and water pipelines, are currently underway. You might also want to read: Limpopo Central Hospital's construction is on track Despite visible progress at the construction site, certain groups continue to raise questions over whether local communities are benefitting from the massive public project. This comes as the latest report from the Department of Health reveals steady infrastructural progress but highlights lingering concerns around employment equity and business inclusion. The report addresses growing unrest among local business forums and job seekers, many of whom feel sidelined from meaningful participation in the R4b-plus development. In 2023, protests temporarily stalled progress as business forums demanded greater transparency and access to contracts and jobs. Read more: Operations at academic hospital construction site halted by forum A previous site visit by former Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla sought to address these concerns. Project manager Deon van der Merwe said at the time that local participation would increase as the project matured. To date, 54 Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) have benefitted, with contracts totalling R44m. Eight of these companies are based in Polokwane or the Capricorn District, and eight are female-owned. Job creation data reveals that 659 people have been employed since the project's inception, including 537 youths and 19 adult women. The latest employment chart, included in the report, shows the project has slightly surpassed its 950-person target, currently employing 955 people. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
4 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Effective five years in jail for former policeman who sought a bribe
The Nelspruit specialised commercial crimes court has sentenced former police sergeant Enock Remas Mnisi to eight years' imprisonment for corruption. The court on Tuesday suspended three years of the sentence for five years, on condition that Mnisi, 39, is not convicted of a similar offence or extortion during the period of his suspension. This means the effective sentence is five years' direct imprisonment. On November 3 2020, the accused was on duty performing roadblock duties when he stopped a driver who had passengers near Nelspruit. 'Mnisi demanded R20,000 claiming that the complainant was transporting counterfeit goods. The R20,000 was meant to give the complainant the unauthorised privilege of evading arrest or of the impounding of his motor vehicle,' National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said. Mnisi negotiated a reduced amount to an extent that he called the complainant's employer demanding the transfer of money to the complainant's bank account. During this period, the driver and the passengers were kept at the holding cells at Ngodwana police station. 'After the complainant's employer transferred the money, Mnisi took the complainant together with his colleague to the nearest ATM and withdrew R4,800. Upon his return with the money, Mnisi released them.' Mnisi was arrested after the case was reported to the police. 'The senior state advocate, Derrick Mashego, led credible evidence of the complainant, the passengers who testified about how the event unfolded as well as the colleague of the accused who was taken under the pretext that they were going to fix the state vehicle's tyres,' Nyuswa said. The evidence relating to the cash withdrawal was also presented. 'The court found that Mnisi's evidence was not possibly true and he was convicted of corruption.' In mitigation of sentence, the defence argued that the court should consider that Mnisi suffered the most as he lost his employment. It said Mnisi was willing to pay back the money. In aggravation of sentence, Mashego submitted that Mnisi was greedy, gainfully employed as a law enforcement officer and had an obligation to protect the community and abide by the law. The court said the community expected the courts to deal with cases of this nature by imposing harsher sentences and sending a strong message to would-be offenders.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
Ngodwana police sergeant sentenced for corruption
A former police sergeant who was stationed in Ngodwana, Remas Enock Mnisi (45), was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment for corruption by the Nelspruit Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Tuesday, June 24. In 2021, the Hawks received a complaint that Mnisi, had stopped a vehicle with five occupants, including the complainant, a Mozambican national, at the Schoemanskloof turn-off (N4-Montrose interchange) while they were travelling to Marble Hall. According to the Mpumalanga Hawks' spokesperson, Warrant Officer Thandi Tshabalala, Mnisi demanded money from the driver claiming he was transporting illicit goods. 'Mnisi allegedly demanded R20 000 from the complainant, but reduced the amount to R10 000 after negotiations. The complainant only had R4 800 in his bank account, though. Mnisi then also instructed the complainant's employer to deposit R2 000 into the account, while he took him to Ngodwana Police Station. Mnisi withdrew the R4 800 from the complainant's account and took the cash,' said Tshabalala. ALSO READ: Mpumalanga military base stabbing: SANDF releases details Mnisi was found guilty of demanding a bribe. He was convicted on May 27. Three years of his sentence has been suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of the same offence during that time. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Daily Maverick
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Cape Town's Next Hot Property Launch? 93 Studios Under R1 Million at The Signal
Secure, stylish, and priced to move, this new Pinelands development is making waves with serious value and lifestyle perks. Cape Town's residential property landscape continues to evolve with developments that truly understand the needs of modern urban dwellers. The Signal, an exciting new studio development nestled in the heart of Pinelands, sets a fresh benchmark for convenient, community-driven living as it combines an unbeatable location, lifestyle-rich amenities, and exceptional value. Located in one of Cape Town's fastest-growing precincts, The Signal offers 263 thoughtfully designed studio apartments that cater perfectly to young professionals, first-time buyers, students, and investors. With 93 of these studios priced under R1 million, the development offers unmatched affordability for a prime urban lifestyle, making it an appealing choice for those looking to enter the property market without compromising on quality or convenience. This is Your Signal Studios priced from R770,000 – R1,5 million Safe, green, walkable lifestyle precinct Unbeatable amenities on your doorstep Conradie Park: Spine Blvd, Pinelands Completion in Q4 2026 Sales launch online on Wednesday, 9 July 2025 at 1pm Register and view the price list online A Precinct Designed for Living What truly makes The Signal stand out is its integration into a vibrant, secure, and amenity-packed precinct. Imagine starting your day with a jog through landscaped parks stretching across 22,000m², grabbing a coffee downstairs, working from the top-floor co-working space, and then ending the day with beautiful Table Mountain sunset views. This is what The Signal offers and more. Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy a modern gym facility in the building, or take advantage of the fitness centre within the precinct that comprises Padel courts, basketball courts, Fives Futbol Fields, and jogging paths. With The Pines Shopping Centre quite literally beneath you, everyday convenience is built in. Restaurants, cafés, beauty and wellness stores, grocery stores, and everyday essentials are within arm's reach. The precinct prioritises security with 24/7 roaming patrols and well-lit, pedestrian-friendly pathways, providing peace of mind for residents and enhancing the sense of community. The Pines Shopping Centre is located on the ground floor and many more amenities are within walking distance. Conradie Park, a carefully curated R4 billion, 22-hectare lifestyle ecosystem, has been thoughtfully planned to make daily life effortless, social, and enjoyable. It's an oasis of calm yet connected living just 10 minutes from Cape Town's central business district. Discover more online. Smart Living with Stunning Views Inside each studio, the design ethos centres on maximising space, light, and functionality. The apartments feature contemporary interiors with the option of premium finishes, giving buyers the freedom to personalise their new home. All studios come with private balconies, some of which offer stunning Table Mountain views. The emphasis on quality and detail ensures that The Signal apartments are not only affordable but also stylish and built to meet the demands of modern urban lifestyles. Studios are priced from R770,000 – R1,5 million and sized from 20m 2 – 44m 2. View all online. 263 Thoughtfully designed studio apartments are for sale at The Signal. Investment Potential: Break Even from Day One 77 Units are cash flow positive from day one, meaning that with our estimated rental projections, from the first month you will receive rental income higher than your bond repayment, rates and levies. Plus, the demand for studios in the rental market is strong and growing, especially in areas offering lifestyle amenities and convenient access to urban centres. The Signal ticks all the boxes for rental appeal: a secure precinct, lifestyle amenities on-site, and proximity to education and employment hubs. This creates a compelling proposition for investors seeking reliable rental income and capital growth potential. For first-time buyers and young professionals, The Signal offers an affordable entry point into a vibrant community without compromising on style or security. The development fosters a connected living experience where neighbours become friends, and residents enjoy the best of urban lifestyle combined with a peaceful, secure environment. Residents can enjoy a communal co-working space, gym, and beautiful Table Mountain sunsets on the entertainment deck. A Prime Location with Exceptional Connectivity Location remains a crucial factor for property buyers, and The Signal benefits from a unique position within a well-established and rapidly developing precinct. The proximity to key hubs like the Cape Town CBD and the University of Cape Town offers easy access to work, study, and social life, making the development ideal for those who want to balance city convenience with the comforts of community living. Public transport options and major road links are easily accessible, and this connectivity enhances the appeal of The Signal not just for owner-occupiers but also for investors seeking high-demand rental properties. Find out more online. Sales for The Signal go live on Wednesday, 9 July 2025 at 1pm. Interested buyers and investors can register online to view the price list and early buyers will receive a R50,000 discount on the launch. DM
Daily Maverick
5 days ago
- Daily Maverick
Modack's bookkeeper gets three-year tax fraud sentence
Faried van der Schyff, a former SARS employee, was sentenced to three years' direct imprisonment for tax fraud. He is also alleged underworld figure Nafiz Modack's bookkeeper. The Cape Town Regional Court has sentenced Faried van der Schyff, the bookkeeper of the 'Modack Family Business', to three years in prison for tax fraud, failure to register as a tax practitioner and illegal possession of a cellphone while in custody. The case, separate from the R46-million tax fraud matter against alleged underworld figure Nafiz Modack, stems from Van der Schyff illegally operating as a tax practitioner between 2016 and 2019. The court, which handed down its sentence on Friday, 20 June, gave Van der Schyff three years' direct imprisonment for fraud, two years for failing to register as a tax practitioner, and two years for illegal possession of a cellphone in prison. The sentences will run concurrently. The sentencing comes weeks after Modack was convicted for the first time on 6 June 2025, of corruption charges. NPA Western Cape spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said Van der Schyff provided tax advice to people in Belhar, Athlone and surrounding areas, giving clients the impression that he was knowledgeable and equipped to address all their SARS-related responsibilities. He worked for SARS in the 1990s. 'The accused incorrectly dealt with the tax affairs of members of the public. This situation is like a so-called 'attorney' or a so-called 'doctor' rendering services to the public, whereas the person is not registered to render these services,' Ntabazalila explained on Monday. The case stems from an attempt to defraud SARS when Van der Schyff declared that a taxpayer paid employee's tax of more than R225,000, knowing that the taxpayer was not employed and had not paid any employee's tax. The 'Modack Family Business' Van der Schyff is also one of the accused, along with Modack, Modack's mother Ruwaida, his brother Yaseen, as well as Bashier Syce, Nadia Sait, Layla Bedderson, Dominique McLachlan and Kulsum van der Schyff, in the R46-million SARS fraud and corruption case, which centres on the State's allegations that Modack and others claimed VAT refunds that were not owed to them. The State claims the businesses involved were registered as VAT vendors and collectively styled as 'Modack Family Business'. According to the indictment against them, Modack was the head of the family business and, with his mother Ruwaida and Van der Schyff, managed the enterprise's activities. Van der Schyff was previously convicted of fraud in 2020. The fraud was committed in August 2019 in Gordon's Bay, and he was sentenced to a fine of R4,000 or 12 months' imprisonment, wholly suspended for three years on condition that he was not convicted of fraud or a similar offence committed during the period of suspension. Recusal application In a new twist to Modack's SARS case, he requested that Judge Mark Sher recuse himself from the trial. The application centres on Sher's ruling, dismissing his appeal against a decision to deny him bail in the Charl Kinnear murder case. Advocate Bash Sibda, counsel for Modack, highlighted specific paragraphs from the judgment which they submitted raised legitimate concerns about Sher's continued involvement. The paragraphs referred to include Sher's comments: 'Modack and [co-accused Jacques] Cronje are a danger to society and need to be kept inside a correctional facility pending the outcome of their trials. 'As is further evident from my discussion of the evidence, it appears that Modack is the head of a sprawling criminal enterprise which has committed several serious offences over a number of years.' The State is considering its position. A finding on the recusal will be delivered in July, while the SARS fraud trial is set to begin on 28 July. DM
