Latest news with #R420
IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Malema takes aim at DA's WC governance during anniversary celebrations
Economic Freedom Fighters founder and president Julius Malema gives his speech at the party's 12th anniversary celebrations in Khayelitsha. Image: Mandilakhe Tshwete Twelve years ago, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) burst onto South Africa's political landscape with a promise to transform the country's economic and social order. Founded by Julius Malema and his comrades on July 26, 2013, the party emerged from a deep frustration with the slow pace of change since democracy and the persistence of poverty, inequality, and racial divisions. Their rallying cry was clear: radical economic transformation, land expropriation without compensation, nationalisation of mines and banks, and the eradication of poverty. Speaking at the EFF's 12th anniversary celebrations, Malema painted a vivid picture of how those founding principles remain as urgent today as ever. He reminded the crowd of Khayelitsha's history, founded in 1983 under apartheid as a relocation site for Black people forcibly removed from Cape Town. Despite decades of democracy, Khayelitsha still bears the scars of spatial apartheid: poor infrastructure, inadequate housing, unreliable water, and limited public transport. Thousands of supporters filled the dome, which holds 10,000 people, demonstrating the massive turnout for the EFF's 12th anniversary celebrations. Image: Mandilakhe Tshwete For many residents, these conditions have become normalised. Malema did not hold back in his criticism of the DA, the party governing the Western Cape. He accused the DA of protecting white privilege and sustaining inequality by neglecting townships like Khayelitsha. While affluent suburbs such as Constantia and Clifton enjoy well-maintained roads and services, places like Gugulethu and Nyanga continue to suffer from neglect, overcrowded clinics, and dangerous streets plagued by gang violence. He added that the DA's failure to extend services such as the MyCiTi bus into these areas was deliberate exclusion. 'Spatial apartheid continues under their watch,' Malema said. The party, he claimed, has no genuine interest in addressing poverty or unemployment, problems that affect over 43% of South Africans and hit the youth hardest. Malema also spoke about the broader economic challenges facing the country, saying that while other nations on the continent experience growth, South Africa's economy is stagnating. He criticised the control that white-owned banks and financial institutions hold over the economy, dictating who can access loans and property, and keeping wealth concentrated in the hands of a few. "At the same time, key state-owned enterprises are being weakened by defunding and attempts to privatise through outsourcing or fragmenting services." He pointed to the gradual dismantling of institutions like Eskom and Transnet, warning that the consequences are dire for the country's development and job creation. The looming debt crisis, with government spending over R420 billion this year just on interest payments, was described as a ticking time bomb that threatens social services such as education, health, and policing. To counter this, the EFF plans to push for laws requiring parliamentary approval of loans from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. The party rejects neoliberal economic policies imposed by these institutions, arguing instead for a state-led developmental model focused on industrialisation and wealth redistribution. Malema stressed that the party has remained true to its revolutionary principles, refusing to become co-opted by establishment politics or elite interests. The EFF's activism spans beyond Parliament, engaging directly with communities through land occupations, supporting workers' rights, and fighting gender-based violence. However, the party's growing influence has unsettled the political establishment. Malema recounted how even international figures have taken notice, including a visit to the White House where former US President Donald Trump played EFF songs 'Kill the boer' as a warning, which he repeatedly sang after concluding his speech. He criticised both the ANC and DA for forming uneasy coalitions motivated by fear of the EFF's growing power. In a pointed attack, Malema said the ANC has become riddled with corruption and tenderpreneurship, while the DA serves to protect white monopoly capital. Yet, both parties are united in their efforts to block the EFF from gaining control in any government. On crime and policing, the EFF expressed support for Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who raised allegations of corruption and criminal syndicates operating within law enforcement. The party insisted on a parliamentary committee to investigate these claims, emphasising the need to clean up police and justice institutions. Looking to the future, the EFF is preparing for the 2026 local government elections with ambitions to govern outright in many municipalities. Malema urged party structures to strengthen grassroots organisation, win wards decisively, and deliver services that the DA has failed to provide. Ending poverty, combatting crime, and ensuring dignity for all remain the movement's key objectives. Cape Times
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Economic Freedom Fighters: Celebrating twelve years of radical transformation in South Africa
Twelve years ago, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) burst onto South Africa's political landscape with a promise to transform the country's economic and social order. Founded by Julius Malema and his comrades on July 26, 2013, the party emerged from a deep frustration with the slow pace of change since democracy and the persistence of poverty, inequality, and racial divisions. Their rallying cry was clear: radical economic transformation, land expropriation without compensation, nationalisation of mines and banks, and the eradication of poverty. Speaking at the EFF's 12th anniversary celebrations, Malema painted a vivid picture of how those founding principles remain as urgent today as ever. He reminded the crowd of Khayelitsha's history, founded in 1983 under apartheid as a relocation site for Black people forcibly removed from Cape Town. Despite decades of democracy, Khayelitsha still bears the scars of spatial apartheid: poor infrastructure, inadequate housing, unreliable water, and limited public transport. For many residents, these conditions have become normalised. Malema did not hold back in his criticism of the Democratic Alliance (DA), the party governing the Western Cape. He accused the DA of being a party that protects white privilege and sustains inequality by neglecting townships like Khayelitsha. While affluent suburbs such as Constantia and Clifton enjoy well-maintained roads and services, places like Gugulethu and Nyanga continue to suffer from neglect, overcrowded clinics, and dangerous streets plagued by gang violence. He added that the DA's failure to extend services such as the MyCiTi bus into these areas was described as deliberate exclusion. 'Spatial apartheid continues under their watch,' Malema said, framing the DA's governance as a continuation of apartheid-era divisions. He argued that the DA prioritises the comfort of the elite over the dignity and well-being of the poor majority. The party, he claimed, has no genuine interest in addressing poverty or unemployment, problems that affect over 43% of South Africans and hit the youth hardest. Malema also spoke about the broader economic challenges facing the country, saying that while other nations on the continent experience growth, South Africa's economy is stagnating. He criticised the control that white-owned banks and financial institutions hold over the economy, dictating who can access loans and property, and keeping wealth concentrated in the hands of a few. "At the same time, key state-owned enterprises are being weakened by defunding and attempts to privatise through outsourcing or fragmenting services." He pointed to the gradual dismantling of institutions like Eskom and Transnet, warning that the consequences are dire for the country's development and job creation. The looming debt crisis, with government spending over R420 billion this year just on interest payments, was described as a ticking time bomb that threatens social services such as education, health, and policing. To counter this, the EFF plans to push for laws requiring parliamentary approval of loans from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. The party rejects neoliberal economic policies imposed by these institutions, arguing instead for a state-led developmental model focused on industrialisation and wealth redistribution. The EFF's rise from a small, radical movement into a force that commands respect across South Africa's political spectrum is no accident. Malema stressed that the party has remained true to its revolutionary principles, refusing to become co-opted by establishment politics or elite interests. The EFF's activism spans beyond Parliament, engaging directly with communities through land occupations, supporting workers' rights, and fighting gender-based violence. However, the party's growing influence has unsettled the political establishment. Malema recounted how even international figures have taken notice, including a visit to the White House where former US President Donald Trump played EFF songs 'Kill the boer' as a warning, which he repeatedly sang after concluding his speech. He criticised both the ANC and DA for forming uneasy coalitions motivated by fear of the EFF's growing power. In a pointed attack, Malema said the ANC has become riddled with corruption and tenderpreneurship, while the DA serves to protect white monopoly capital. Yet, both parties are united in their efforts to block the EFF from gaining control in any government. On crime and policing, the EFF expressed support for Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who raised allegations of corruption and criminal syndicates operating within law enforcement. The party insisted on a parliamentary committee to investigate these claims, emphasising the need to clean up police and justice institutions. Looking to the future, the EFF is preparing for the 2026 local government elections with ambitions to govern outright in many municipalities. Malema urged party structures to strengthen grassroots organisation, win wards decisively, and deliver services that the DA has failed to provide. Ending poverty, combatting crime, and ensuring dignity for all remain the movement's key objectives. [email protected]
The South African
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
'Rich Hilton College parents': TikToker mocks SA's most expensive school
A popular schoolboy rugby TikTok account has mocked the parents of Hilton College, who recently came under fire over their 'flashy' display of wealth at a recent derby day. The KwaZulu-Natal boarding school is the most expensive school in South Africa, with an annual tuition of close to half a million rand. On TikTok, the popular fitness and schoolboy rugby account @adafitfans took a jab at Hilton College's recent headlines. The account posted an AI-generated skit of parents of the most expensive school bragging about splurging cash on designer tents, helicopters, and even comparing themselves to the Springboks. Take a look… @adafitfans Who's next? #hilton #hiltonparents #adafit #schoolboy #schoolboyrugby #rugby #fyp #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #humour #fypシ゚ #rivalry ♬ original sound – adafitfans In May, Hilton College George Harris scolded parents of learners in the school in an open letter for their 'extravagant' display at a derby day against Michaehouse. This included hiring five-star hosting and catering services that showcased lavish displays of food like sushi, biltong, and couture cakes. The principal also criticised the parents for not cleaning up after the events. He wrote: 'When hospitality and generosity became self-serving displays of opulence, and began to pull away from what we aspire to be as a community. The principal added: 'Next year, can we ditch the opulence in favour of a wholesome hospitality devoid of showmanship and loud extravagance?. 'When the extravagance stretches into overconsumption, the message we send to our children is wrong'. Hilton College came under fire over its recent rugby derby day. Images via Facebook Hilton College bags the number one spot as South Africa's most expensive private school. Its annual fees for 2025 stand at R420 729, which includes boarding and tuition fees. 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
10-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
How does SA's most expensive school Hilton College compare to UK's costliest?
Home » How does SA's most expensive school Hilton College compare to UK's costliest? Private education in South Africa now costs more than ever. In truth, it's hitting luxury territory. But how does it compare worldwide? Image: Hilton College Private education in South Africa now costs more than ever. In truth, it's hitting luxury territory. In 2025, fees at South Africa's most expensive private boarding school, Hilton College in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, passed the R420 000 mark. And it's not an outlier. Michaelhouse down the road costs R392 000 per annum with St Andrew's College in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) setting parents back R387 531 a year. In terms of what one would need to earn per annum to afford to send your child to one of the aforementioned schools, remember those fees are after tax . You'd need to be in the top 1% of South African salary-earners to be able to afford to do so. Factoring in all of life's other costs, to afford Hilton College comfortably, our calculations show you'd need a household income of between R2.6 million and R2.8 million per year. However, those amounts are 'low' compared to what it costs to send a pupil to Eton College, one of the United Kingdom's top schools in 2025. Eton College fees are £21 099.60 (R508 863.70) per term, which includes tuition, board, activities, and educational materials – much the same as is on offer on Hilton College. With three terms per academic year, the total annual cost is £63 298.80 (R1 526 591.09). This is inclusive of VAT, which is now applied to independent school fees. Below, a detailed comparison between Hilton College and Eton College, focusing on school fees and the broader educational context: Feature Hilton College Eton College Location KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Windsor, England Annual boarding fees R420 729 (£17 445) £63 299 (R1.53 million) Type All-boys, full boarding All-boys, full boarding Extras Most activities included in base fee Extra charges for music, trips, uniforms Non-refundable acceptance fee R105 000 (£4,300) £400 registration + £3 000 joining fee All meals, tuition, boarding, textbooks, activities, and sport are included Known for a strong academic record and beautiful natural surroundings (in a 1 762-hectare estate) No 'hidden extras' is a key selling point Covers boarding, tuition, meals Additional charges for private music lessons, overseas trips, optional activities, and uniforms Historic prestige and access to elite global networks Aspect Hilton College Eton College Founded 1872 1440 Reputation Among South Africa's top private schools One of the most prestigious schools globally Notable alumni Business leaders, judges, politicians 20 British Prime Ministers, royals, elites Curriculum IEB (Independent Examinations Board – SA) GCSEs and A-Levels (UK) Hilton College is expensive by South African standards, but still relatively affordable globally. It's aimed at high-income South African families and international boarders from Africa. is expensive by South African standards, but still relatively affordable globally. It's aimed at high-income South African families and international boarders from Africa. Eton College is elite in cost and access. It's typically reserved for global ultra-wealthy families, royals, or those on rare scholarships. School Estimated household income needed (ccomfortably) Hilton College R2.8 million (£116 000) Eton College £250 000 (R6 million) Hilton College offers a world-class boarding experience at a third of the price of Eton, with a strong South African identity and emphasis on tradition, leadership, and outdoor learning. offers a world-class boarding experience at a of Eton, with a strong South African identity and emphasis on tradition, leadership, and outdoor learning. Eton College is in a different league globally – extremely prestigious, more expensive, and tightly tied to British aristocracy and governance. In short: Hilton College is elite within South Africa; Eton College is elite within the world. 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
08-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
South Africa's 10 most expensive private schools in 2025
Hilton College is currently the most expensive private school in South Africa. Image: wikimedia commons Private education in South Africa isn't just premium, it's hitting luxury territory. In 2025, top boarding school fees have passed the R420 000 mark. That's shockingly more than most people's annual salary! Here's what you need to know about the most expensive private schools in the country, what they offer, and what kind of income you need to afford them. According to BusinessTech 's data from January 2025, private education costs in the country have reached new heights this year, with at least 10 private schools now charging over R340 000 per year for tuition and boarding. Rank School Location 2024 fees 2025 fees percentage increase 1 Hilton College Hilton, KZN R397 660 R420 729 5.8% 2 MichaelHouse Balgowan, KZN R368 000 R392 000 6.5% 3 St Andrew's College Makhanda, EC R363 879 R387 531 6.5% 4 Roedean School for Girls Johannesburg, GP R360 087 R387 093 7.5% 5 St John's College Johannesburg, GP R352 612 R376 589 6.8% 6 Kearsney College Botha's Hill, KZN R350 130 R374 330 6.9% 7 Bishops College Cape Town, WC R341 430 R364 680 6.8% 8 St Mary's Johannesburg, GP R335 470 R358 665 6.9% 9 St Alban's College Pretoria, GP R328 920 R353 580 7.5% 10 Diocesan School for Girls Makhanda, EC R323 040 R345 630 7.0% Well, these private schools justify their price tags with: World-class facilities, including modern labs, gyms, auditoriums, and Olympic-grade sports fields. Small class sizes: Think personalised attention and academic support. Leadership programs, which are often seen as stepping stones to Ivy League and top SA universities. Matric perks like private matric rooms, top-tier mentorship, and curated university application support. If you were to factor in the costs, to afford Hilton College or Michaelhouse comfortably, you'd need a household income of around R2.6 million to R2.8 million/year. For girls' schools like Roedean or St Mary's, you'd need around R1.4 million to R1.6 million/year. 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.
