Latest news with #R90m
TimesLIVE
19-07-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
FlySafair pilots to embark on two-week strike after deadlock in wage negotiations
FlySafair pilots belonging to the Solidarity workers' union will embark on a two-week strike from Monday after a deadlock in wage negotiations with management. The duration of strike, which was initially planned to take place over one day, was changed to 14 days after the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) agreed to the rules for the industrial action. In a statement on Friday, the union said due to the company's unwillingness to meet the demands of the workers, they were left with no other option but to down their tools. 'In its reaction to the company's aggressive action, Solidarity decided to extend the one-day strike initially planned to 14 days.' The more than 200 pilots are demanding a 10% salary increase and improved working conditions. FlySafair's offer to workers of a 5.7% salary increase along with some additional adjustments to compensation was rejected by the vast majority of Solidarity's members. The labour union accused the airline of issuing a seven-day lockout for pilots represented by Solidarity. 'This step indicates that the airline is deliberately opting for a prolonged and destabilising conflict, which could possibly be extended by another seven days should Solidarity and its members not comply with management's controversial demands. This means that no flights can be guaranteed for the next two weeks.' The union claims the airline is in a good financial position as it recently made millions through the sale of shares. 'Ironically, this lockout was announced while, according to media reports, two of FlySafair's most senior management members, CEO Elmar Conradie and CFO Pieter Richards, have recently realised more than R90m by selling shares — possibly at the expense of FlySafair's licence conditions.'
TimesLIVE
16-07-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Did McKenzie bite off more than he could chew with his R90m VAR promise?
Sport, arts and culture minister Gayton McKenzie has received backlash after failing to deliver on his promise that video assistant referee (VAR) technology would be implemented in the coming Betway Premiership season. Earlier this year McKenzie promised to introduce VAR technology in South Africa by April. He said the government would make funds available for VAR implementation, with R90m set aside for that in the department's budget. However, during his budget vote speech in parliament on Tuesday, McKenzie said nothing has been finalised regarding how VAR will be funded. 'We are finalising the process of funding VAR to ensure football matches, from the Premier Soccer League through to the international fixtures we host, are fairer and meet global standards,' he said. 'It is a necessity. We see stadiums vandalised when bad refereeing happens and the success of teams such as Mamelodi Sundowns makes global teams want to play here, but they have second thoughts because we don't have VAR.'
TimesLIVE
15-07-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
'VAR is not coming': McKenzie now tells parliament funding still being finalised
Sports minister reiterates belief that the SA public desires to host a Formula One grand prix There will be no video assistant referee (VAR) during the coming Betway Premiership season. In his budget vote speech to parliament on Tuesday, sport, arts and culture minister Gayton McKenzie said nothing has been finalised when it comes to how VAR is going to be funded. Last month, the department of sport said in a response to a parliamentary question it would pay for the long-awaited introduction of VAR, adding R90m had been set aside in its budget for that purpose, but six weeks later McKenzie has changed his tune. 'We are also finalising the process of funding VAR to ensure that football matches, from the Premier Soccer League through to the international fixtures we host, are fairer and meet global standards,' he said. 'It is a necessity. We see stadiums vandalised when bad refereeing happens and the success of teams like Mamelodi Sundowns make global teams want to play here, but they get second thoughts because we don't have VAR.' McKenzie reiterated his belief that the South African public desires to host a Formula One grand prix in the country. 'To those who say the country can't afford to host the F1, I am saying the country can't afford not to. When you set the bar high for a country, as we have in the past, you can't afford to take the bar back down. 'We hosted the best Fifa World Cup [in 2010]. We put our country on the map for big events and should not turn back now,' he said, adding the government would not have to foot the bill. 'Companies like MTN, MultiChoice, Heineken and many more have raised their hands and said, 'Here we are, thuma rona [send us].' 'They will be present with us in the meeting with Formula One at the end of the month. We have even had patriots like Johann Rupert who have told us, 'Scream for help if all else fails.' So we know we will succeed. 'Those who are saying Formula One is not important should consider all the countries who are holding on to their F1 spots on the calendar. They see the value in it and it can't be called a world championship if it misses an entire continent, Sub-Saharan Africa in particular.' McKenzie also said as part of investing in and cultivating domestic talent, the department has allocated more than R627m through the conditional grant to support sports federations in the 2025-26 financial year. The money will be for employment, equipment and attire for schools, clubs and hubs, training through coaching, technical officiating and administration courses.
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Limpopo softball community welcomes progress on long-delayed stadium
POLOKWANE – The recent announcement of R184m in additional funding for the completion of the international softball stadium in the city has been welcomed by the local softball community, although concerns remain over previous delays and rising costs. Read more: Polokwane Softball Stadium gets R184m boost after years of delays Spokesperson for the Limpopo Softball Association (LSA), Moyahabo Mabeba expressed optimism that the funding will allow construction to proceed without further setbacks. 'The continuous delays in completing this facility have deprived both former and current athletes of the chance to compete in an international-standard ballpark,' Mabeba said. He noted that the province has missed out on hosting key events such as the annual national provincial championships, African World Cup qualifiers, masters tournaments, and other important league fixtures due to the stadium's incomplete state. 'We are optimistic that the money will be used appropriately, avoiding any contractual conflicts that could slow progress,' he said. The funding comes as part of a joint initiative by the Polokwane Municipal Council and the Department of Sport. According to Mantlako Sebaka, the municipality's sport and recreation manager, the stadium is expected to be completed by early next year. The DA has voiced opposition to the new injection of money, pointing out that an initial R69m had already been allocated during the 2019/20 financial year. You might also want to read: DA opposes additional R184m funding for Polokwane Softball Stadium In 2023, the DA criticised the municipality's co-funding of over R90m, warning that it could negatively affect other essential infrastructure projects financed through the Integrated Urban Development Grant. These include road upgrades, waste transfer stations, electrical infrastructure and the development of other rural sports facilities. The project has encountered a range of obstacles over the years, including vandalism, interference by local business forums, Covid-19 disruptions, and financial difficulties. DA Polokwane leader Jacques Joubert described the project as overly ambitious and costly, adding that the estimated cost to complete it as of 2023 stood at over R251m. Sebaka confirmed that the current phase of work focuses on completing external works, the grandstand, mechanical and electrical installations and the roofing. Meanwhile, Joubert said the DA is calling for the Municipal Public Accounts Committee to investigate the project, citing potential poor planning and financial mismanagement. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
03-06-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
VAR is coming: Gayton McKenzie tells parliament how department will pay
In the most concrete commitment given to establishing video assistant referee (VAR) in South Africa yet, the department of sport has detailed how it will pay for the long-awaited instalment that has been promised by minister Gayton McKenzie. On a question posed by the parliamentary portfolio committee and its member, Rise Mzansi chief organiser and MP Makashule Gana, the sports the department explained in a written response it has set aside R90m in its budget for the establishment of VAR. Five written questions were posed, including whether the total cost of VAR to the professional football has been established, which companies or suppliers have expressed an interest in providing the technology and 'whether the technology extends to goal line technology'. 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: 𝗩𝗔𝗥 𝗧𝗢 𝗖𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗥𝟵𝟬 𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗢𝗡! I asked Minister @GaytonMcK how much the department will spend on VAR in SA Football and he said R90 Million. What do you think? @SABC_Sport @UnplayableZA @FARPostZA @iDiskiTimes #RiseInParliament — Makashule Gana - RISE Mzansi🇿🇦 (@Makashule) June 3, 2025 Clarity was also asked for on how the South African Football Association (Safa) 'responded to the pronouncement of the VAR system', 'who will be responsible for the maintenance' and 'whether the technology extends to goal line technology'. In its response the department of sport said it 'has set aside a budget of around R90m towards the establishment of this project of the video refereeing system. It is probable that the amount could come in at less than this'. 'The process to procure the system and all related details has not yet commenced between the department and Safa. However, a proposal evaluation committee is being put together by Safa and they will evaluate the proposals that were submitted to SAFA, most likely in early June. 'The department is still to engage further with Safa, agree on all matters related to this system and then enter into an agreement to implement the VAR system. 'The maintenance of the system is yet to be determined and this will be contained in the memorandum of agreement, once finalised. 'Safa has received about a dozen proposals but they have not been evaluated as yet. 'The full details of the system and its operations are yet to be finalised. However, it is envisaged that this will include goal line technology.' The department's response was presented as Safa briefed the sports committee on its 2023-24 annual report. McKenzie has promised VAR will be implemented in the Premier Soccer League by the coming season, which will start in August.
