Latest news with #RDP
IOL News
7 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Deputy finance minister defends US$1. 5bn World Bank loan amid EFF concerns
Deputy Finance Minister Dr David Masondo has defended the government's decision to borrow US$1.5 billion (about R27bn) from the World Bank. Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers The government's decision to borrow US$1.5 billion (about R27bn) from the World Bank will help grow the economy and not undermine South Africa's sovereignty. Deputy Finance Minister Dr David Masondo on Tuesday defended the loan, assuring the country that borrowing in itself is not bad. 'The question is, what are you borrowing for? (We are) Borrowing for infrastructure to grow the economy. The second issue is whether you will be able to service your debt,' he said. On Monday, the National Treasury announced that the loan will help unlock key infrastructure bottlenecks, particularly in the energy and freight transport sectors, and also enable inclusive economic growth and foster job creation. 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 ✕ The EFF expressed serious concerns that the National Treasury has borrowed billions in the name of economic reform and stability but failed to ensure that this debt translates into jobs, industrial growth, or public infrastructure benefits. The party complained about the rising trend of foreign-denominated loans, particularly when there is sufficient liquidity in the domestic financial market and alternative monetary policy interventions that remain unexplored. 'These loans appear politically motivated and are designed to entrench long-term conditions that will bind future governments and constrain sovereign policy space,' the EFF stated. However, Masondo maintained that the loan sought from the World Bank is consistent with the government's intention to grow the economy and there is nothing in the agreement that undermines the country's sovereignty. 'We have always said, and that is what the RDP (Reconstruction and Development Programme) said, which is the founding policy document of the ANC and the (tripartite) alliance as a whole, which said that go and borrow money anywhere in the world as long as it's cheap, does not undermine our national sovereignty,' he explained. Masondo added that if the government borrows to aid economic growth, that is sustainable borrowing and debt. Addressing fears that the Iran-Israel conflict could adversely affect the South African economy through increases in fuel prices, Masondo said the government was observing the events with serious concern. 'If there is going to be, as we have already seen, disruption of supply chains, the supply of oil, it will definitely reduce the amount of oil that is required by the world, including South Africa,' he explained. Masondo said the government was very worried about the impact of the war that is going on in the Middle East and its consequence and impact on the supply chains. 'We know the laws of economics, where there is poor supply, under supply and the demand is high you will have the tendency of prices going up,' he said. Masondo was speaking on the sidelines of the Supreme Audit Institutions Summit of G20 member states at Melrose Arch, Johannesburg. He described the G20 as a crucial platform. 'If you have observed a number of decisions that are taken by the G20 become world decisions. They become decisions of the World Bank, IMF (International Monetary Fund) and other international institutions,' he said. According to Masondo, if the country does not participate in such platforms it could mean being governed through policies and decisions in which it played no part in formulating. 'So our participation in the G20 provides a great opportunity for Africa, global south and developing countries to shape how we are governed in the world in order to avoid powerful countries dictating what Africa and other developing countries should do,' he added. Masondo insisted that Africa and developing countries' voices were very critical.
TimesLIVE
23-06-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Alexandra residents say they feel neglected by government
Residents of Alexandra in Johannesburg say receiving basic services such as a regular supply of clean water, electricity, waste removal and proper sanitation remains a dream for many of them. On Monday, ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba launched his party's nationwide campaign aimed at improving services in local government. Residents took advantage of Mashaba's visit and laid bare their frustrations and daily struggles regarding service delivery. Lusanda Siswela, who lives along London Road in Alexandra, said they have been living in shacks for many years, but they still lack basic services. She said they had hoped to be allocated RDP houses. 'These shacks have been here for 15 years, but we still don't have electricity and water. It's winter, and we're freezing because we have no power. Paraffin and gas are too expensive. We're struggling. Our R350 doesn't even cover the cost of paraffin, and we're unemployed. The government should help us with electricity. We are voting, and we're asking for help,' she said. Illegal electricity connections are rampant and residents admit to connecting illegally to the grid, and put the blame on the government for failing to provide them with electricity. Water and its billing are also a major problem, residents said. One resident told TimesLIVE that he was charged nearly R15,000 for water usage, even though he doesn't have a water meter and doesn't know how these charges are calculated. 'Here in Alex, we sometimes go two or three days without water. It makes it hard to cook, clean and stay healthy,' said Bongani Khumalo, another resident. Youth unemployment is another major concern. Zami Vakilahle Slender said the government hasn't done enough to help young people in Alexandra. 'We haven't seen any youth programmes here in years. The youth are being neglected. Many turn to drugs because it's the only way they know to deal with things. The government doesn't care unless it's election time, and then they just make empty promises.' Health services are also not good enough. 'When we go to the hospital, we often don't get the medicine we need because the hospitals are overcrowded,' Zami added. Skanyiso Shezi said residents are losing trust in the government. 'Politicians only show up when elections are coming. They just pass by, give us free T-shirts and disappear. They don't see what we're really going through,' he said. As part of ActionSA's campaign for the 2026 local government elections, Mashaba rolled up his sleeves and filled some of the potholes in Alexandra, saying that was his way of showing that real change requires action, not just talk. Mashaba said: 'To know that the roads in Alexandra are bad doesn't need an unnecessary national dialogue.' 'ActionSA is ready to take municipalities off the path of decay and set them firmly on the road to recovery and growth,' he said. TimesLIVE
Eyewitness News
13-06-2025
- Eyewitness News
There are more than 20,000 unfinished RDP houses in the Free State
A couple in Bolata village in the eastern Free State have waited 14 years for their RDP home to be finished. Theirs is one of more than 20,000 Breaking New Ground (BNG, formerly known as RDP) houses in the province that are incomplete, says Zimasa Mbewu, spokesperson for the Free State Department of Human Settlements. These projects are 'blocked' mainly because contractors failed to complete the work they have been paid for. Toloko Mofokeng and his wife Monyaduwe Tshabalala were allocated an RDP house in 2011, to be built on a piece of land where they lived. A contractor arrived the same year but left without doing anything. A second contractor left after levelling the ground. A third contractor put in a concrete slab before also abandoning the project. Fourteen years later, the couple live in a shack next to the slab. The shack leaks when it rains and will need to be rebuilt soon. Mofokeng, tired of waiting, says he is considering building his own mud hut on the concrete foundation. Mbewu says the department has scrapped contractors who left work undone and 'blocked' housing projects, including Mofokeng's home, will be completed over the next two years. She declined to name the contractors responsible for Mofokeng's incomplete house, as disputes over payment were still taking place. LONG HISTORY OF HOUSING FAILURES The Zondo Commission found that between 2010 and 2011, under former Premier Ace Magashule, about R1-billion was spent on housing projects in the Free State, many of which were never completed. In 2014, the province entered into a R255-million corrupt tender for the removal of asbestos roofs. That trial is continuing. In 2021, the Auditor General wrote that for three years, the housing department had spent most of the grants received for housing but had delivered 'significantly fewer houses than the target', with no consequences for contractors who failed to meet their targets. In 2024, the Auditor General commended the department on improving internal controls, but the department only reported completing 50 Breaking New Ground houses against a target of 2,065. The Auditor General found there was insufficient evidence that even 50 houses had been built. 'I could not determine the actual achievement, but I estimated it to be materially less than reported,' the Auditor General wrote. This article first appeared on GroundUp. Read the original article here.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Shelves getting bare at Whole Foods? Distributor hit with cyberattack. What to know in Florida
If you're finding shelves a little bare at Whole Foods, there's a reason for that. A major food distributor that supplies items to Amazon-owned Whole Foods and other grocers was hit by a cyberattack. North American wholesale distributor United Natural Foods issued a statement June 9 saying unauthorized activity in its systems forced it to take some of them offline. Here's what you should know. North American wholesale distributor United Natural Foods said June 9 unauthorized activity in its systems forced it to take some of the systems offline. United Natural Foods is the largest health and specialty food distributor in the United States and Canada and the main supplier for high-end supermarket chain Whole Foods, according to The cyberattack was discovered on June 5. "The investigation to assess the impact and scope of the incident remains ongoing and is in its early stages," the company told the Securities and Exchange Commission. United Natural Foods said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission the incident "has temporarily impacted the company's ability to fulfill and distribute customer orders." "As we work through this issue, our customers, suppliers, and associates are our highest priority. We are working closely with them to minimize disruption as much as possible," a statement said. United Natural Foods said it "has implemented workarounds for certain operations in order to continue servicing its customers where possible. The company is continuing to work to restore its systems to safely bring them back online." " 'Temporary disruptions' are expected at the more than 30,000 locations it serves in all 50 U.S. states and all 10 provinces of Canada." A Whole Foods spokesperson said the supermarket chain is working to restock its shelves as quickly as possible and said it apologies for any inconveniences to customers. Cyberattacks targeting the food and agriculture sector have surged over the past five years, with research showing a more than 600% spike in attacks in 2020 alone, according to The FBI published a warning to the private sector about cyberattacks, saying "the food and agriculture sector is among the critical infrastructure sectors increasingly targeted by cyberattacks. "Ransomware attacks targeting the food and agriculture sector disrupt operations, cause financial loss, and negatively impact the food supply chain. "Ransomware may impact businesses across the sector, from small farms to large producers, processors and manufacturers, and markets and restaurants," the FBI said. "Cyber criminal threat actors exploit network vulnerabilities to exfiltrate data and encrypt systems in a sector that isincreasingly reliant on smart technologies, industrial control systems, and internet-based automation systems. "The most common means of infection are email phishing campaigns, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) vulnerabilities, and software vulnerabilities," the FBI said. According to data company scrapehero, there are 525 Whole Foods stores in the U.S., with 35 in Florida. Top states with Whole Foods locations: California: 95 Florida: 35 Texas: 35 New York: 34 Massachusetts: 32 Florida-based grocery store chain Publix is the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. and dominates the Sunshine State in the number of locations. According to its website, Publix has 1,407 grocery stores in eight states. There are 878 stores in Florida. Florida: 878 stores Georgia: 220 stores Alabama: 94 stores South Carolina: 70 stores Tennessee: 59 stores North Carolina: 58 stores Virginia: 24 stores Kentucky: 4 stores Contributing: Anthony Robledo, USA Today This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: United Natural Foods cyberattack threatens Whole Foods groceries
Hospitality Net
10-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
RDP Bringing Its Feature Rich, Customizable PMS with Mobile Guest Experience Suite to HITEC Indianapolis
VAIL, Colo. — Next week, Resort Data Processing (RDP) will showcase its feature-rich property-management system (PMS) for hotels and resorts, timeshares and fractional accommodations, condo hotels, vacation rentals, RV parks, workforce housing, and corporate housing at HITEC North America, to be held June 16 to 19 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. With more than 40 years in business, 200+ configuration settings, and integration into 400+ SAP Crystal reports, attendees will experience innovation and customization like no other in Booth #1211. 2025 is a pivotal year of innovation and growth for RDP and our clients. Our mission is to equip hospitality operators with cutting-edge tools to excel in today's fast-paced, technology-driven landscape. Whether it's our highly regarded Owners Portal, integrated payment processing, tailored report generation, or advanced features like back office and owner management, trust accounting, a commission-free booking engine, guest engagement, and a virtual store for activity bookings, RDP is committed to delivering seamless, guest-focused solutions. Ross Moff, Sales Manager at RDP Serving properties of all sizes with 10 to more than 1,500 rooms across North America, Central America and the Caribbean, RDP is best known for delivering fast performance, strong data security, and remote accessibility for operators and staff. A few of the most popular features to be on display at HITEC Indy include: Kiosk – RDP's self check in and self check out can be configured for use at kiosks located in the lobby or at the front desk. This gives guests the flexibility to complete the check-in process independently on site using dedicated devices, mirroring the mobile self check-in workflow for a consistent and efficient arrival experience. RDP's self check in and self check out can be configured for use at kiosks located in the lobby or at the front desk. This gives guests the flexibility to complete the check-in process independently on site using dedicated devices, mirroring the mobile self check-in workflow for a consistent and efficient arrival experience. Self Check In and Check Out – RDP provides a comprehensive suite of self-service solutions designed to streamline the guest arrival and departure experience while enhancing operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. This process is fully mobile friendly, allowing guests to check in and check out from their own devices. RDP provides a comprehensive suite of self-service solutions designed to streamline the guest arrival and departure experience while enhancing operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. This process is fully mobile friendly, allowing guests to check in and check out from their own devices. Mobile Housekeeping – RDP's mobile housekeeping enables room attendants and inspectors to update room status and access cleaning schedules in real time from mobile devices. It offers customizable daily cleaning boards organized by zones or room types, supports various clean types, and forecasts housekeeping needs based on reservations. The system tracks cleaning performance with detailed reporting for management. RDP's mobile housekeeping enables room attendants and inspectors to update room status and access cleaning schedules in real time from mobile devices. It offers customizable daily cleaning boards organized by zones or room types, supports various clean types, and forecasts housekeeping needs based on reservations. The system tracks cleaning performance with detailed reporting for management. Mobile Housekeeping Checklist – The mobile housekeeping checklist is a customizable digital tool enabling attendants to complete tasks using checkboxes, dropdowns, and comment fields. Inspectors can review and update the checklist during inspections. Completed checklists are stored for management review and reporting, helping ensure consistent cleaning standards and quality control. The mobile housekeeping checklist is a customizable digital tool enabling attendants to complete tasks using checkboxes, dropdowns, and comment fields. Inspectors can review and update the checklist during inspections. Completed checklists are stored for management review and reporting, helping ensure consistent cleaning standards and quality control. Mobile Work Orders – RDP's mobile work orders enable maintenance staff to view, update, and manage tasks in real time using any mobile device with internet access. Maintenance workers can see only their assigned tasks, while managers have full visibility to assign, reassign, and prioritize work orders. The system supports adding notes, tracking time spent, and attaching photos, ensuring efficient communication and accurate record keeping. Integrated asset management allows tracking of equipment details and repair history. Work orders can be created from various sources such as front desk or housekeeping, and costs can be billed directly to guests, groups, or owners. Notifications keep relevant staff informed of status changes, streamlining maintenance operations and improving responsiveness across the property. RDP's mobile work orders enable maintenance staff to view, update, and manage tasks in real time using any mobile device with internet access. Maintenance workers can see only their assigned tasks, while managers have full visibility to assign, reassign, and prioritize work orders. The system supports adding notes, tracking time spent, and attaching photos, ensuring efficient communication and accurate record keeping. Integrated asset management allows tracking of equipment details and repair history. Work orders can be created from various sources such as front desk or housekeeping, and costs can be billed directly to guests, groups, or owners. Notifications keep relevant staff informed of status changes, streamlining maintenance operations and improving responsiveness across the property. Owner's Portal – RDP's Owner Portal is a robust online platform that empowers property owners with direct access to essential management tools and information. Through the portal, owners can view a visual reservation calendar for their units, make or manage reservations, and access detailed owner statements. The system supports unique rates per owner, online bill payment, and the ability to track work orders and maintenance for each unit. RDP's Owner Portal is a robust online platform that empowers property owners with direct access to essential management tools and information. Through the portal, owners can view a visual reservation calendar for their units, make or manage reservations, and access detailed owner statements. The system supports unique rates per owner, online bill payment, and the ability to track work orders and maintenance for each unit. Embedded Payments — RDP Pay, powered by Fullsteam, enables operators to streamline payment processing between guests and owners, reducing friction and providing smoother customer experiences. Faster check-in and check-out means a more trustworthy payment portal, giving operators access to more impactful transactional data and extensive insight into their property's financial performance. — RDP Pay, powered by Fullsteam, enables operators to streamline payment processing between guests and owners, reducing friction and providing smoother customer experiences. Faster check-in and check-out means a more trustworthy payment portal, giving operators access to more impactful transactional data and extensive insight into their property's financial performance. Simplified Reporting — RDP provides hundreds of standard reports generated via SAP's Crystal Reports Designer. Operators can create visually appealing reports and guest correspondence that perfectly aligns with the brand. Operators can modify any standard report or create unlimited new ones to fit their specific requirements. — RDP provides hundreds of standard reports generated via SAP's Crystal Reports Designer. Operators can create visually appealing reports and guest correspondence that perfectly aligns with the brand. Operators can modify any standard report or create unlimited new ones to fit their specific requirements. Accounting – RDP streamlines revenue and expense reporting by providing a more accurate picture of an owner's or property's financial performance. It supports built-in features for Accrual and Trust accounting to maintain advanced deposits and bill payouts, owner commissions, credit-card commissions, travel agent payables, work order fees etc. – RDP streamlines revenue and expense reporting by providing a more accurate picture of an owner's or property's financial performance. It supports built-in features for Accrual and Trust accounting to maintain advanced deposits and bill payouts, owner commissions, credit-card commissions, travel agent payables, work order fees etc. Commission-Free Booking Engine — RDP offers a commission-free booking engine through its Internet Reservation Module (IRM) designed to enhance direct bookings and streamline operations. Benefits include zero fees; real-time synchronization of availability, rates, and guest data; fully responsive design; branding customization; and 24/7 booking capability. With this feature, operators can enhance their direct booking capabilities, provide superior guest experiences, and improve operational efficiency. — RDP offers a commission-free booking engine through its Internet Reservation Module (IRM) designed to enhance direct bookings and streamline operations. Benefits include zero fees; real-time synchronization of availability, rates, and guest data; fully responsive design; branding customization; and 24/7 booking capability. With this feature, operators can enhance their direct booking capabilities, provide superior guest experiences, and improve operational efficiency. Virtual Store & Activities — Once a guest books a reservation online via RDP's customizable commission-free Booking Engine, they will be prompted to add individual activities and items with surcharges included. Through a combination of images and text, operators can capture the best attributes of each item or activity (Spa Treatments, Ski Lessons & Rentals, Lift Tickets, Boat Rentals, Robes, Golf Tee Times, Water Park Tickets, etc.) and then up-sell products or activities that guests feel they cannot go without. — Once a guest books a reservation online via RDP's customizable commission-free Booking Engine, they will be prompted to add individual activities and items with surcharges included. Through a combination of images and text, operators can capture the best attributes of each item or activity (Spa Treatments, Ski Lessons & Rentals, Lift Tickets, Boat Rentals, Robes, Golf Tee Times, Water Park Tickets, etc.) and then up-sell products or activities that guests feel they cannot go without. Integration with Flybook – The interface between RDP and Flybook enables seamless integration of lodging and activity management operations. Via this integration properties can efficiently manage reservations for accommodations and activities. In response to growing demand for interoperability, RDP is expanding its open API offerings. Hoteliers and developers can easily integrate third-party solutions including point-of-sale, telephony and communication, guest services and in-room technology, accounting and finance, guest communication and marketing, and distribution and booking channels. RDP's newest integration partners include Fetch, Toast, Ideas, Salesforce, Vytio, Hapi and Flybook. We are eager to see our existing customers and meet new prospects at HITEC Indy , Moff said. Our message to attendees is this: 'No request or customization is too complex for RDP to handle.' We want everyone in this market segment to stop by Booth #1211 and see what we can do today and hear about the exciting things coming tomorrow, with full platform migration support and training services provided to existing clients. For more information about RDP's technology roadmap or to schedule a demo, visit
