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IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
Plans to extend iSimangaliso Wetland Park into Mozambique by 2025
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park Image: File Consultation processes and efforts to extend KwaZulu-Natal's iSimangaliso Wetland Park into Mozambique as a Transboundary World Heritage Site are underway. This was one of the big six priorities announced by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Minister Dion George during the budget vote on Friday. George referred to KISS – Kruger National Park, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, iSimangaliso Wetland Park Icon Status Strategy, which the DFFE is elevating into engines of ecological protection, job creation, inclusive tourism, and community empowerment. George added that iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority is advancing its commercialisation strategy, with 62 contracts already signed and new revenue from tourism concessionaires set to flow directly to the entity from 1 September 2025. 'South Africa's biodiversity is a powerful engine for development. The revised National Biodiversity Economy Strategy will unlock 397,000 jobs and inject R127 billion annually into the economy by 2036 through eco-tourism, bioprospecting, and sustainable game meat production,' he said. George said his department's 2025 and 2026 allocation is R9.08 billion. Transfers and subsidies to public entities such as South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), SANParks, iSimangaliso, and SA Weather Service will account for approximately R5.5 billion. George stated that the Fair Industry for Lions, Leopards, and Rhinos (FILLER) prioritises ethical and sustainable management of lions, leopards, rhinos, and elephants. 'This year, we are finalising the Elephant Heritage Strategy. Through Fishing for Freedom, we are securing sustainable access, supporting small-scale fishers, and combating illegal harvesting that threatens biodiversity and food security,' he said. George also emphasised that the DFFE is doubling down on financial discipline and identified significant cost-saving opportunities, including discussions with international donors, private partners, and philanthropies. Bheki Manzini spokesperson for iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority explained that the government of Mozambique is currently embarking on a process of inscribing its Maputo National Park as a Transboundary World Heritage Site through the extension of the existing iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site. 'To this effect, the Government of Mozambique has contacted the Government of South Africa, soliciting support for this initiative. It is a requirement from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) that a supporting letter from the country whose existing site will be extended into the envisaged transboundary heritage site be part of the submission,' he explained further.
Eyewitness News
6 days ago
- Business
- Eyewitness News
Auctioneer confident of selling Gupta brothers' Saxonwold properties
As you walk into the grossly opulent main Gupta home, you are met by two giant velvet chairs and The New Age newspaper rack where guests may have been offered a copy of one of the Gupta brothers' latest daily news offerings. The eight-bedroom ensuite house, with an indoor pool, is cold, with tile, granite and mirrors a clear theme in the house. But there are two more properties sandwiching the main house - one a more modest, three-bedroom older suburban house thought to be the staff quarters, and on the other side is a 17-bedroom massive ensuite building that resembles a guest house. Graham van Niekerk from Park Village Auctions said these properties, which would be sold separately, would likely draw different buyers. "I think the properties will sell. I think the key will be where that point is, as you've seen again, the properties are in a little bit of disrepair and are going to need some TLC, a good fixer-upper. Other than that, I don't see any difficulty selling the properties," said van Niekerk. The properties have a municipal value of about R5.5 million, R36 million and R21 million, respectively. The auction will take place on 24 July.
The South African
21-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates slap price tag on Mofokeng as North Africa lingers!
Orlando Pirates will surely be feeling several clubs breathing down their neck for the services of starboy Relebohile Mofokeng. That's perhaps why they have finally named their price – around R31.2 million – for the 20-year-old sensation, a whopping R5.5 million more than the bid from Zamalek FC they rejected during the summer window. 'Orlando Pirates [are] demanding about 1.5 million euros (approx. R31.2 million) for the 20-year-old talent, as well as a percentage of any future sale,' SoccerLaduma confirmed. From North Africa to Europe, Orlando Pirates have presumably been inundated with Mofokeng-enquiries. The likes of Ah Alhy, Maccabi Haifa, Barcelona FC and Glasgow Rangers have been linked with the winger. Fueling further speculation off an offseason exit is the player's father, Sechaba, who believes now is the perfect time to flock South Africa and integrate with game's biggest leagues. 'My biggest wish is to see Rele overseas in 2025/2026. I'm praying every day. I don't want to see him in the Betway Premiership again this season. I know God will answer my prayers,' Sechaba said. [Whether it's in] Spain, England, Netherlands, France, Denmark, Switzerland — Rele can play. I believe that with all my heart. Take him to Barcelona? He can play. PSG? He can play. Any country. I'll be happy — but not Saudi Arabia.' 'Not yet. He's still young. He needs to compete in UEFA competitions. If he goes to Saudi now, he won't experience that. Yes, he'd be rich — but happiness is more important. You can have all the money in the world, but if you're not happy, it's worthless.' 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 Citizen
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Mashatile spent R2.3m on travel, food, and laundry for Japan trip
Mashatile confirmed that he undertook four official international trips, costing approximately R7.9m since July 2024. Deputy President Paul Mashatile has disclosed that he spent R2.3 million on a single working visit to Japan in March 2025, with expenses including flights, accommodation, ground transport, restaurant services, and laundry costs. This latest revelation adds to previous travel expenditure totalling over R5.5 million since taking office in July 2024. The revelation came in response to a parliamentary question from ActionSA MP Lerato Mikateko Ngobeni, who requested a complete breakdown of all official travel undertaken by Mashatile since assuming office on 3 July 2024. Four international trips with combined costs exceeding R7.9m Mashatile confirmed that he undertook four official international trips since the specified dates. These included: Working visits to Ireland and the United Kingdom in September and October 2024, Representing President Cyril Ramaphosa at the inauguration of Botswana's President Duma Boko in November 2024, Attending an extraordinary SADC Summit in Harare, Zimbabwe, also in November 2024, and A recent working visit to Japan in March 2025. The Ireland and UK working visits cost R5 475 829.03, while the Botswana inauguration cost R52 867.58 and the Zimbabwe SADC Summit cost R56 166.20. The latest Japan trip alone cost R2 319 138.19, bringing the total expenditure for all four trips to approximately R7 903 901. While comprehensive details were previously provided for the first three trips in February 2025, Mashatile's latest parliamentary response focused specifically on the Japan working visit, which took place from 16 to 19 March 2025. ALSO READ: Gauteng underspends budget but says R1.8bn not lost Importance of Mashatile's Japan visit The deputy president emphasised the strategic significance of the Japan trip, describing it as focused on 'strengthening political, economic and social areas of cooperation between the two countries.' The visit coincided with the celebration of 115 years of diplomatic relations between South Africa and Japan. In his parliamentary response, Mashatile stated that he was accompanied by a high-level delegation including Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Thandi Moraka, Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Higher Education Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau, and Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Nomalungelo Gina. Economic focus and business engagements Mashatile highlighted Japan's position as South Africa's fourth-largest trading partner as a key motivation for the visit. He noted that 'many Japanese companies have expanded investment plans in the pipeline in South Africa, thereby having assured the South African Government of Japan's trust and support in its economic policies.' During the working visit, Mashatile and his delegation engaged with Japan's business community across various sectors including manufacturing and machinery, mining and mineral beneficiation, energy cooperation, the automotive industry, and greater market access for South African agricultural products. According to the deputy president, key engagements included a visit to the Isuzu Fujisawa Plant Service, meetings with Dr Akhiko Tanaka, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and discussions with the Japan-African Union Parliamentary Friendship League. The delegation also met with representatives from the Japanese business community, including the Japan External Trade Organisation, the Japan Organisation for Metals and Energy Security, Keidanren, and the Association of the African Economy and Development in Japan Committee. ALSO READ: Mashatile's Japan trip hailed as 'strategic' amid US trade tensions High-level political meetings The visit marked 'the first high-level engagement between South Africa and Japan in the last 10 years,' according to Mashatile. He met with Prime Minister Ishiba and Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi 'with the objective to foster closer political collaboration.' Mashatile also delivered a keynote address at the United Nations University under the theme 'South Africa's G20 Presidency: Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability – a conversation with Japan.' Detailed cost breakdown for Mashatile's Japan trip The comprehensive cost breakdown for the Japan trip revealed expenses totaling R2,319,138.19. Flight costs amounted to R613,214.92 for the delegation, while accommodation expenses reached R1,235,569.73. Ground transport costs totalled R410,926.94. Additional expenses included R8,033.50 for laundry services and R51,393.10 for restaurant services covering food and beverages. Previous travel expenses dwarf Japan costs The Japan trip, while expensive, was not Mashatile's costliest international travel during the period in question. The Ireland and UK working visits in September and October 2024 cost significantly more at R5,475,829.03, with accommodation in London alone costing over R3.2 million. The two regional trips to Botswana and Zimbabwe were comparatively modest at R52,867.58 and R56,166.20 respectively, partly because the deputy president was transported by the South African Air Force for these shorter trips. Delegation composition and individual costs Mashatile's spouse, Humile Mashatile, accompanied the delegation and 'participated in the Spousal Programme,' with her flight costs listed at R117,518.08 and ground transport at R73,592.80. Mashatile's own expenses included R117,518.08 for flights, R956,057.00 for accommodation, and R77,360.32 for ground transport. Senior staff members accompanied the Deputy President, including Deputy Director-General Mduduzi Mbada, Political Advisor and Acting Spokesperson Keith Khoza, Acting Head of Communications Itumeleng Mafatshe, and various administrative and protocol support staff. Each staff member's role was clearly defined, from providing strategic and advisory support to handling communication, administrative duties, and protocol requirements. G20 and African agenda alignment Mashatile noted that the timing of the visit aligned strategically with South Africa's G20 Presidency and Japan's hosting of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development in August. This confluence presented 'a unique opportunity for South Africa to communicate its position and priorities for the continent to Japan and the expected support and role that Japan could play in this regard.' NOW READ: Starlink proposal: Mashatile says Cabinet holds final say on policy changes
IOL News
23-05-2025
- IOL News
‘No arrests, no justice': Intercape slams police inaction amid ongoing violence
Intercape said more than 200 cases opened with police—ranging from murder and attempted murder to intimidation and extortion Image: Supplied Long-distance bus company Intercape appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Police, urging Parliament to intervene as police continue to fail in addressing a wave of violence and intimidation directed at the company. The Committee, chaired by DA MP Ian Cameron, heard evidence detailing the severity of the crisis, including more than 200 cases opened with police—ranging from murder and attempted murder to intimidation and extortion. Despite the volume and seriousness of these cases, Intercape said no arrests had been made and no prosecutions followed. Advocate Kate Hofmeyr SC told the Committee that the police's response had been 'a failure… in its statutory and constitutional duties,' even in the face of repeated court orders. Senior police officials claimed for the first time that 11 arrests had been made. However, Hofmeyr stated that this had not been reported to the courts or Intercape, as legally required. Intercape said it has spent more than R420,000 on medical costs for injured passengers, lost over R30 million in revenue due to suspended services, paid R3 million for private security, and R5.5 million for coach repairs. The company, founded in 1971, has faced various conflicts over the years, some dating back as far as 2016. CEO Johann Ferreira said tensions escalated sharply when the taxi industry began questioning the validity of Intercape's bus permits. Once investigations confirmed no irregularities, Ferreira said the situation evolved into 'a new level of warfare.' 'This escalated to stone throwings and shootings,' Ferreira said. 'They assaulted the drivers and passengers, stopping buses at the bus stations in the Eastern Cape and pulling passengers from the buses, armed with guns. It escalated to a point where a driver was murdered. Many passengers were injured. The drivers were injured. Passengers were traumatised.' 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 ✕ Ferreira expressed deep concern over the lack of arrests despite 200 pending cases. 'This is a blatant case of contempt of court and is being committed by a government which undertook a sworn oath of office to uphold the Constitution,' he said. After the briefing, Committee Chair Ian Cameron criticised the investigation's handling. 'With regards to the violence against the bus industry, it was shocking to see the lack of resolve or the lack of enthusiasm or urgency to attack the problem and solve the issue,' he said. 'They could have been much further with this, but they can't at the moment indicate the arrest of any kingpin even, which tells me that from the foundation phases of this investigation, they did it in the wrong way.' He added, 'Either there's a lack of will, a deliberate disregard for the problem, or just incompetence.' Cameron did acknowledge the practical limitations of police resources: 'I agree with SAPS in the way that they can't patrol or escort every single bus. That's not possible.' However, he argued this doesn't excuse the failure to run intelligence-driven investigations. 'Through solid, organised crime, intelligence-driven operation, prosecution-led investigation, they could have been much further with this.' Cameron supports the idea of a public hearing into the police's handling of the matter but noted the risks. 'It's easier to engage with large companies, but on the ground, people are scared. Some have been killed. The threats are real.'
