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The Citizen
39 minutes ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Barefoot and brave: Line dancers undress to impress for charity
It takes eight co-ordinated steps to complete a synchronised line dancing square, 12 women to become calendar girls and a shared interest to raise money for charity. Whether it was the boot-scooting beats or the merriment of the approaching festive season, members of the Dancing Boots line dancing club, in Boksburg, surrendered their Stetsons and tasseled vests to create a risqué calendar in aid of East Rand Palliative Care (ERPC), formerly known as Hospice East Rand. Having ERPC personal care volunteers in their midst, the dancing damsels soon learnt about the practical challenges these individuals, who offer bathing services to those registered for palliative care, often face. 'We started dancing together in 2021 and have become close friends. In an effort to offer assistance to the ERPC volunteers, we decided to create a tasteful and discreet nude calendar,' said instructor Debbie Botha. In 2013, one of the line dancer's life was irrevocably changed when sudden weight loss led to a cancer diagnosis. 'I battled through the diagnosis, faced a double mastectomy as bravely as I could and am grateful to be in remission,' said Louise Agiolitti, of Bonaero Park. 'When Debbie asked for 'models' for the calendar I jumped at the opportunity.' Armed with a pair of pink boxing gloves and ballet shoes, Louise said that the experience was freeing. 'Your body should be celebrated and bear testament to the battles you have faced,' said the bubbly blonde. 'Our line dancing group carried me as I was rebuilding my life but being part of the calendar was the greatest celebration of an emotional war I have overcome.' Taking a leisurely sip of her tea, Louise Kruger, of Sunward Park, said forming part of the project was south of her comfort zone, but that she wanted to show her support to those battling life-changing and life-limiting diseases. 'It was an empowering experience! Little did I know that only a couple of months later, I would be the recipient of a life-altering diagnosis. I am currently undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer.' Dabbing tears from eyes, Lea Kirsten, also of Sunward Park, said dancing and ultimately becoming a 'calendar girl' has given her the strength to continue her fight against stage four pancreatic cancer. 'Friendship lives within our group, the steps and paces weaving together women with heart and unwavering care,' she said, a smile bursting through the tears. Photographer and project co-ordinator Jacqui Fernandez, of Libradene, said the experience not only gave the models a confidence boost but freed them from the shackles of conformity. 'Whether spoken or not, every single one of them had to steel themselves to appear in front of a camera naked and vulnerable,' said the Mrs South Africa 2015 semi-finalist. 'Stepping in front of the lens, they had to fight their own demons. The burning desire to selflessly stand united with others, willed them to shine bright beyond their uncertainties.' Sales of the calendar raised R5 500. Funds were used to create handy care kits for the four teams of ERPC personal care volunteers. The kits include inflatable basins for ease when washing the hair of a patient who is confined to their beds, as well as implements that will assist in comfortably moving patients. Isabella Pretorius, ERPC volunteer co-ordinator, said the well thought-out kits will greatly assist volunteers to offer dignified and gentle care, in the comfort of their patients' homes. The calendar is no longer available for sale. For more information about ERPC, its services and how you can get involved call 011 422 1531. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Eyewitness News
2 days ago
- Climate
- Eyewitness News
Deadly Eastern Cape floods declared a national disaster
Mongezi Koko 26 June 2025 | 10:53 Eastern Cape EMS team members recovered another body on 24 June 2025, following flooding in the province earlier in June. Picture: Jacques Nelles/EWN JOHANNESBURG - Government has now officially declared the deadly floods in the Eastern Cape a national disaster, opening the door for greater support and funding from Treasury. The announcement was made by Eastern Cape COGTA MEC Zolile Williams during a briefing in Mthatha on Thursday, confirming that what was previously classified as a disaster has now been formally gazetted under the Disaster Management Act. The move follows a comprehensive damage assessment, with infrastructure losses estimated at around R5 billion, with more than 4,700 people homeless. ALSO READ: • Search and rescue teams in Mthatha anticipate difficult conditions as cold front moves in • As govt works on emergency relief measures for EC, Godongwana warns against inflating of prices • EC flooding rescuers alarmed by govt's delayed reporting on discovery of bodies • Call for improved measures to deal with disasters So far, the death toll is 101 and is expected rise as search and recovery operations continue. The declaration paves the way for national government intervention, including additional funding, technical support and emergency resources for the hardest-hit communities. MEC Williams said that it would help the province fast-track recovery but warned that the impact of the floods would be felt for months to come. "The declaration made in terms of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 comes amid heavy rainfall, flooding, strong winds and snowfall that have battered parts of the country, with the Eastern Cape being the hardest hit."
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Sars deducts billions from RAF for ‘Eskom payments' despite court interdict
Claims it had no choice otherwise National Treasury's records 'would not be accurate'. There is no official comment about Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana reportedly having been due to provide 'a certain affidavit' to the court since April. Picture: Moneyweb The South African Revenue Service (Sars) has, despite being interdicted from doing so, deducted R5.07 billion of the R5.1 billion it planned to deduct from the fuel levy payments it makes to the Road Accident Fund (RAF) – the R5.1 billion being the 'diesel refunds' amount Sars has agreed to pay Eskom. This was confirmed on Wednesday by RAF head of communications McIntosh Polela in response to questions emailed to the fund on 13 June. Moneyweb reported on 17 June that the RAF had applied for a contempt of court order against Sars because of its alleged failure to adhere to an interim interdict obtained by the fund in the High Court in Pretoria on 26 March 2025. The interim interdict prohibits Sars from deducting R5.1 billion – or any part of this amount – from the RAF fuel levies it collects and pays to the fund. Moneyweb requested comment from Sars, also on 17 June, about the alleged continuation of these deductions following the issuing of the interim interdict but has not yet received a response. ALSO READ: RAF castigated in high court case, but gets further Sars 'relief' in another Deductions continued Polela said Sars made its most recent deduction on Monday this week, and up to that date (23 June) has deducted a total of R5 072 360 844.85. He said deductions made by Sars to the monthly fuel levy payments it makes to the RAF were made this year on: 20 February (before the interim interdict prohibiting the deductions was issued) 28 March 22 April 27 May 23 June. Sars's alleged non-adherence to the interim interdict emerged in a parliamentary portfolio committee on transport meeting with the RAF on 11 June. Suspended RAF CEO Collins Letsoalo appealed to the portfolio committee to help the RAF with the issue of non-payment by Sars. 'Sars has acted recalcitrant,' said Letsoalo at the time. 'In fact, we have opened a case of contempt of court against them.' He added that, since April, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana is supposed to have submitted 'a certain affidavit' to court on an urgent basis, but he has not done this and 'so they [Sars] keep on deducting the money'. 'Sars is unlawfully deducting our money. I hope this portfolio committee will write to them and ask them because clearly the ministry has not helped us,' he said. Questioned by portfolio committee chair Selelo Selamolela about the issue, Letsoalo said the RAF won its case against Sars, but the tax authority ignored the court order and still deducted the money. He indicated that by then – 11 June 2025 – he was sure Sars had probably deducted R5 billion of the money. ALSO READ: Scopa launches inquiry into RAF misconduct claims What does Treasury say? Moneyweb requested comment from National Treasury on 13 June about Godongwana's alleged failure to submit an affidavit to court related to the RAF's contempt of court application against Sars. Moneyweb also asked National Treasury if it could confirm that Sars continued to deduct amounts from the monthly fuel levy payments it makes to the RAF after the high court interdict was issued – and, if so, for comment about these deductions while an interdict prohibiting these deductions is in place. It responded last week, stating: 'The matter is before the court therefore, the National Treasury cannot comment until a ruling has been made.' ALSO READ: RAF CEO placed on special leave with full pay, as MPs grill fund Original dispute was with Eskom The dispute between the RAF and Sars relates to 'diesel refunds' claimed by Eskom in terms of the Customs and Excise Act. A dispute between Sars and Eskom arose when Sars decided that Eskom was not entitled to the diesel refunds for a period of about 30 months between 2019 to 2021. However, Sars and Eskom then entered into a settlement agreement on 17 October 2024 in terms of which Sars claimed it was obliged to pay Eskom an amount of about R5.1 billion. But Sars only informed the RAF of this agreement on 12 November 2024 – and that it would recoup the R5.1 billion from the RAF levies over a two-month period, which was subsequently extended to five months. Despite the RAF declaring a dispute with Sars in December 2024 in terms of the Inter-Governmental Relations Framework (IRF) Act and the ongoing dispute resolution process in terms of this act, Sars deducted the first tranche of about R1.2 billion from the RAF monthly levy payments. The fund only became aware of this deduction on 26 February 2025. Sars claimed it had no choice but to proceed in deducting/recouping the money because, if it did not, National Treasury's records would not be accurate. This resulted in the RAF lodging its urgent high court application. In a judgment handed down on 26 March 2025, Judge Ronel Tolmay said she was informed by counsel representing Sars that the certificate to National Treasury regarding the second tranche payment would be issued the same day she was hearing the matter. Tolmay interdicted and prohibited Sars from making the deductions, declaring the order operative for a maximum of 45 days from the date of the judgment, or until the dispute in terms of the IRF Act has been resolved. It is unclear when the RAF's contempt of court application against Sars will be heard. This article was republished from Moneyweb. Read the original here.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Sassa grant recipients forced to repay thousands after income threshold breaches
One Sassa child grant recipient was told her income had pushed her above the qualifying threshold. Grant recipients who are working while receiving social assistance payments are being forced to repay thousands of rands after exceeding income thresholds, with some facing demands exceeding R3 000. The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has implemented strict repayment policies that are leaving beneficiaries financially strained and questioning its communication practices. Some Sassa grant recipients hit with massive bills Quincie Gama — whose name has been changed — is a working mother who has been receiving the Child Support Grant since January. However, she discovered she owed Sassa a substantial amount when her payments suddenly stopped in May and June. After being called in for verification, she was informed that her employment income had pushed her above the qualifying threshold. 'They said when I come I should have my bank statement, my ID copy and the baby's certificate. They also said if I'm working, I should bring my payslip. 'I recently went to their offices and they verified my information. When they were done, they said because I've been working since January and I still got the Sassa grant, they're going to stop the grant because my stipend is way above the Sassa grant means threshold,' Gama explained. The financial impact was immediate and severe. Sassa told Gama that she could make repayments of R560 per month as she had received grant amounts from January, totalling approximately R3 360. The agency offered her two options: pay the full amount immediately before the end of June, or spread the payment over six months at R560 per month. However, Gama said she was informed that choosing the installment option would incur interest charges. 'I don't know which option to choose, because I definitely don't have R3 000, I didn't budget for it. But also paying in installments sounds draining and will cost more,' said Gama. ALSO READ: Sassa grants out next week: Here are the payment dates for July Income thresholds vary by Sassa grant type Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi explained that income thresholds differ depending on the specific grant and the applicant's marital status. For the Child Support Grant, single applicants must earn less than R5 600 per month or R67 200 annually, while married applicants face a threshold of R11 200 monthly or R134 400 annually. 'The income threshold varies according to the grant in question as well as the marital status of an applicant,' Letsatsi told The Citizen. Sassa grant values and thresholds. Image: Screenshot/Supplied Repayment process and policies When repayment is necessary, Sassa provides several options for beneficiaries. Letsatsi outlined the available methods: recipients can approach any Sassa local, district, or head office to make arrangements. Payment can be made at Sassa cash offices where available, through bank transfers to Sassa's regional accounts, or via stop orders arranged directly through the beneficiaries' banks. 'An individual can approach the Sassa local, district and head office to make an arrangement. The individual can pay at the Sassa cash office, however these are not available in all regions. He or she can also pay at the bank and in this case all Sassa regions have bank accounts. Lastly an individual can make a stop order by going to his or her bank and pay Sassa direct,' she explained. Letsatsi explained that the agency operates under the Department of Social Development's social assistance debtors policy that allows varying repayment periods. When beneficiaries cannot afford to pay within the standard timeframe, extensions can be approved by delegated authority. 'Sassa has an approved social assistance debtors policy where it allows different periods to repay and where an individual cannot afford to pay within that period, a decision to allow more time can be approved by the delegated authority,' Letsatsi said. ALSO READ: Are Sassa payments in the Eastern Cape at risk due to floods and a looming cold front? Interest and enforcement Interest charges on outstanding amounts depend on the type of debt, with some not accruing interest at all. When interest does apply, the rate follows National Treasury guidelines and fluctuates accordingly. Beneficiaries who fail to meet repayment deadlines receive statements and reminder letters, after which they must approach the agency to rearrange their payment plans. ALSO READ: Ten of 11 accused in Sassa R260 million fraud case granted bail Personal impact and communication concerns For Gama, who visited the Pretoria local office, the repayment demand created significant financial strain. Her experience highlighted concerns about Sassa's communication with beneficiaries regarding income changes and grant eligibility. 'I feel upset because I feel like it's something they should've communicated when you applied. They also could have included this fine line in the statement that they recently released regarding verification to warn beneficiaries.' If you are not paid your social grant for the month of May 2025 please visit your nearest SASSA office, you may be required to complete a verification process if affected. #SASSAVerification#SASSACARES #ProtectYourGrant — SASSA (@OfficialSASSA) May 2, 2025 Gama said she wasn't earning enough to be able to pull R3 000 from her own pocket. She added that the grant money being taken away from her was devastating and would set her back on her monthly budget. 'It is sad, you know, the money really helped a lot with the baby stuff, it really helped me push through the month, especially with covering things like baby porridge and purity and the likes.' The situation was further complicated by administrative issues. Despite not receiving payments for May and June, Gama was initially told she would need to pay for June as well, with a refund only possible after her bank statements confirmed non-receipt of those payments. ALSO READ: Bank surveillance and poverty risk: UBIC warns of devastating impact on Sassa beneficiaries Sassa grant eligibility requirements According to Sassa, the Child Support Grant requires that primary caregivers be South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees permanently residing in the country. Both applicant and child must reside in South Africa, with the child being under 18 years of age. Documentation requirements include birth certificates for children and 13-digit barcoded identity documents for applicants and spouses. Applicants must serve as primary caregivers and cannot apply for more than six non-biological children. Furthermore, Sassa states that the child cannot be cared for in a state institution, and school-age children must attend school and provide proof of attendance, though failure to do so will not result in grant refusal. The means test, implemented in line with the Social Assistance Act of 2004, ensures grants reach eligible beneficiaries by examining income sources and assets. All grants, except foster care, undergo means testing, with requirements varying by grant type. 'The means test looks into sources of income and assets of the applicant,' Letsatsi confirmed. READ NEXT: Pensioners desperate for clarity after not receiving Sassa grants in June
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Polokwane tariff increases effective July 1 – Here's what you'll pay
POLOKWANE – Residents and businesses in Polokwane are reminded that the 2025/26 municipal tariff adjustments will take effect from July 1, with increases implemented across water, electricity, rates, and other essential services. According to the municipality, the adjustments align with national regulatory frameworks and cost increases from bulk suppliers, namely Eskom for electricity and Lepelle Northern Water for water. The approved increases are as follows: Water: Block tariff increase of 10.2% to 11.2% , depending on usage. Electricity: 11.32% increase, as guided by NERSA. Refuse removal, sewer, and other municipal services: 6% increase. Rates and taxes: 3% increase for residential, agricultural, public benefit, and public infrastructure properties 6% increase for business, industrial, mining, and non-permitted land uses The Polokwane Mayor, John Mpe, said the municipality will continue to exercise financial responsibility by not exceeding increases imposed by bulk suppliers. To support vulnerable residents, the municipality will continue its indigent support programme, which includes: 6 kl of free water 100 kWh of free electricity 100% subsidy on sewer and refuse services Full property rate rebate Municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala said applications for indigent support are open at the Civic Centre and all cluster offices. 'To qualify, applicants must be South African citizens aged 18 or older, earning a combined household income below R5 740 per month,' he said. Required documents include: Copy of ID Proof of income Bank statement (if applicable) Marriage or death certificate (if applicable) For more information, contact the municipal Customer Care Centre on 015 290 2000 or visit At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
