Latest news with #Sibiya
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Madlanga commission to cost taxpayers R147.9m over six months
'The estimated budget for the commission over six months is R147.9m.' On Monday the commission chairperson, acting deputy chief justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, said work had started and they were treating the matter with urgency. The commission is set to begin in August, with the first interim report to be submitted to President Cyril Ramaphosa within the first three months. Madlanga said the inquiry would sit in Gauteng at a soon-to-be-announced venue, as the commission was still procuring premises. The commission comes after serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that police minister Senzo Mchunu and deputy police commissioner for crime detection Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya worked in cahoots with criminals. Mchunu and Sibiya have since been placed on 'leave of absence'. Mkhwanazi alleged Mchunu and Sibiya were connected to criminals who run a drug syndicate from Gauteng and they were influenced by criminals to disband the political killings task team which was doing a good job. The commission will also probe: the Tshwane, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni metropolitan police departments; the National Prosecuting Authority; the SAPS; and the judiciary.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
Court hears final testimonies in brutal Sibongile assault trial
The trial of six Sibongile men accused of the kidnapping and murder of Mzwanile Sibiya resumed in the Dundee Regional Court last week, drawing a packed gallery. The accused — including a police officer, teacher, municipal worker, hospital employee, and two plumbers — were arrested on November 24, 2023. It is alleged that Sibiya and two others were kidnapped, assaulted with sticks and iron rods in public, and accused of theft. Sibiya later died from his injuries. State prosecutor Mr SA Mncadi previously detailed the severe injuries sustained by one survivor, Siphesihle Msibi, who suffered multiple fractures and abrasions. A forensic report confirmed that Sibiya died from blunt force trauma. During earlier bail hearings, Captain Norman Zwane confirmed that all six men were local residents and posed no flight risk. Bail was granted at R5000 each, under strict conditions. This week, defence advocate Mdu Masuku continued cross-examining Zwane and Captain Nkosi regarding Msibi's statement. A trial-within-a-trial focused on discrepancies in Msibi's statement, which was taken while he was hospitalised at Madadeni Hospital. The matter has been remanded to August 12 for closing arguments from both sides. HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at [email protected]. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394.
The South African
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
KZN South Coast to host first Coastal Seafood Flavours Festival
The KZN South Coast is set to launch its first-ever Coastal Seafood Flavours Festival at St Michael's Beach on Saturday, 26 July 2025. The festival honours the region's rich fishing heritage and supports the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment's (DFFE) 'Fishing for Freedom' campaign. Visitors can expect an immersive experience celebrating South Africa's marine culinary culture, with a spotlight on regional seafood excellence. 'We are delighted to expand our tourism offerings with this exciting new festival that celebrates the flavours, natural wonder, and people of the KZN South Coast,' commented Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). 'This is a family-friendly event that will unlock the incredible potential of our seafood tourism, while introducing visitors to all the natural assets and outdoor adventure the KZN South Coast has to offer.' Sibiya added. Backed by the DFFE and the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, the seafood festival is one of two such events taking place in the country, the other being in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape, later on this year. At its heart, the Coastal Flavours Seafood Festival is about showcasing South Africa's vibrant marine food culture and elevating local seafood tourism. Festivalgoers can expect a packed program blending food, fun, and beach vibes: Seafood cooking demos Celebrity chef cookouts Local seafood market and artisanal stalls Restaurant tastings and showcases Junior cookout competition Family fun walk Live music and entertainment Beach sports and outdoor adventures Date: Saturday, 26 July 2025 Venue: St Michael's Beach, KZN South Coast Tickets: Adults: R100 Kids: R20 Seafood Brunch: R950 (Tickets available via TicketPro. A variety of food stalls will also be on-site.) 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.
IOL News
22-07-2025
- General
- IOL News
Sea View Cemetery: A community's struggle for dignity and housing
Living side-by-side with gravestones is a way of life for residents of the Sea View settlement in Durban Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers LIVING in shacks atop gravesites is the lot of a desperate community of 400 people inhabiting the Sea View Cemetery on Coedmore Road in Durban. Their plight caught the attention of the KwaZulu-Natal Human Settlements Department that is attempting to have them relocated to formal houses and restore respect for the deceased. Spokesperson for the department, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, said the Sea View situation underscored the desperation of some communities that resorted to inhabiting sacred spaces. Those who call the cemetery home have built their dwellings in all the available space. In some instances tombstones are found in some shacks. It's common practice for inhabitants to walk on graves, children play on them, and some even sleep on them. 'The MEC, Siboniso Duma, has stated that it is incorrect for people to live on top of graves,' Sibiya revealed, emphasising the significant cultural implications of such a situation. "We must remember the spirit of ubuntu, as cemeteries are regarded as sacred spaces." 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 ✕ This sentiment reflects a broader call for dignity and respect towards those who have passed away, while also confronting the pressing housing crisis faced by many South Africans. The emergence of shacks around the Sea View Cemetery, particularly in the adjacent Kennville informal settlement, has prompted urgent action from the government. Sibiya acknowledged the acute land scarcity problem that complicates these efforts, yet affirmed that the integrity of cemeteries cannot be compromised. In pursuit of sustainable housing solutions, local traditional leaders in Inanda have offered land for new construction, although critical funding of approximately R1.7 billion is needed for essential bulk infrastructure improvements. Construction is already underway on a separate site in Cornubia, with an investment of R500 million allocated for housing development. Over the weekend, MEC Duma directed their Head of Department, Max Mbili, along with the eThekwini Municipality, to expedite the profiling of families residing in Sea View Cemetery, so that they could be relocated to the Cornubia site. Duma was mindful that since the dawn of democracy in 1994, efforts to provide housing for the needy people of Sea View had evolved significantly but with many complex challenges. 'After 1994, the government prioritised housing for those living in the area since 1981,' Duma said. He noted there were past initiatives led by prominent figures in the early 2000s, aimed at relocating families from this community to improved housing in Welbedacht, Chatsworth. However, the MEC lamented the unfortunate reality that some families returned to the vicinity, perpetuating new informal settlements. Sibiya said the current conditions at Sea View Cemetery were troubling, with families crammed into makeshift shacks. 'It's a troubling situation that we are working to address,' he said. Sea View resident Doris Zeka, 50, said she moved from Kokstad to th e cemetery about 30 years ago. She said many residents were from the Eastern Cape. Zeka acknowledged that living in a cemetery was 'not okay', but they were desperate. 'We don't have the means to leave and rent elsewhere,' Zeka said. She said her informal structure is built around a grave, and they placed a table on it. 'We want to leave because of the heat. It's too hot here,' Zeka said. On service delivery, she said they have illegally connected electricity, which officials disconnected at times. Zeka said the last time officials visited the area was last year, and they took photographs. Another resident, Buyelwa Ncedo from Tsolo, Eastern Cape, said she arrived in the area in 1995. She said that relatives of those buried in the graves they built on top of, realised it was a hopeless situation. 'They got tired because they realised there was no way they could see their relatives' graves,' Ncedo said. She said they had never attacked them or taken any action against them because they realised the place had become their home. The eThekwini Municipality's spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana, clarified that the Sea View Cemetery did not fall under municipal jurisdiction; the urgency of the situation has prompted outreach efforts. 'It is important to clarify that the Seaview Cemetery is not owned or managed by eThekwini Municipality,' said Sisilana. DAILY NEWS
The Citizen
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Family of five including two children killed in horror KZN crash
A three-year-old child and two-month-old baby were among those killed. The accident occurred on Sunday in the Dokodweni, Gingindlovu area. Picture: KZN Transport Department. A family of five people, including a three-year-old child and a two-month-old baby, were killed in an accident in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The accident occurred on Sunday in the Dokodweni, Gingindlovu area. A further seven occupants sustained injuries, with four children, all under the age of 14, sustaining serious injuries. Accident IPSS Medical Services spokesperson Samanthan Meyrick said the seriously injured patients were stabilised on scene before being transported to nearby facilities for further care. 'Our heartfelt condolences go out to the friends and family of the deceased.' The KZN Transport and Human Settlement Department's spokesperson, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, said they are saddened by the latest crash. 'After what has been a relatively safe winter holiday, we have just received a report from our dedicated team from Road Traffic Inspectorate informing me about a horrific accident on R66 Nyezane in Gingindlovu. ALSO READ: Soccer star's 'special treatment' after deadly crash concerns grieving mom [VIDEO] 'Although the RTI teams, the South African Police Service, and emergency services are still busy with recovery and rescue operations, we wish to indicate that five passengers unfortunately died on the scene, three adults and two children,' Sibiya said. Investigations Sibiya said that according to the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), a Hyundai Grand i10 was transporting eight passengers. 'They were travelling from Nongoma to Durban. Three other passengers from the same vehicle survived. In a second vehicle, a white Ford Ranger LDV, there were four passengers who survived. They were travelling towards Gingindlovu.' Condolences Sibiya said preliminary reports indicate that the Ford Ranger LDV lost control and collided head-on with the Hyundai Grand i10. 'We pause to pay our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. We request motorists to be patient as both lanes remain closed. We will send more updates as the night progresses. 'As we count down to the reopening of schools, I have mandated RTI to strengthen road safety measures,' Sibiya said. The exact cause of the crash is being investigated. ALSO READ: 13 killed, scores injured in Mpumalanga and KZN accidents
