Latest news with #Simelane
The Herald
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald
Theft and vandalism in municipalities: SAHRC releases policy brief to tackle ‘water mafias'
'Many municipalities confirmed the prevalence of water mafias and construction mafias. When I recently had discussions with mayors, they also confirmed the presence of water mafias in municipalities,' he told Simelane. Boshoff said they know the only reason for the appointment of some 'service providers' in municipalities was for them to benefit financially. ' They are appointed to provide water tankers, for example, and there is a reluctance by municipal officials to appoint staff members or fill vacant positions in municipalities to perform the services. As Environment Month draws to a close, the SAHRC put a spotlight on water. The commission was concerned that the right to access clean water, a constitutional entitlement, is under threat. The SAHRC published a policy brief delving deeper into systemic sabotage of essential water infrastructure, particularly by water mafias.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
SA politicians with clouds hanging over their heads
A look at politicians dogged by controversy, including Ramaphosa, Mashatile, Simelane, Mantashe and others. Pictures: The Citizen and Gallo Here are some prominent politicians who are under a cloud: President Cyril Ramaphosa He has faced scrutiny over his business dealings, most notably the Phala Phala farm scandal, where $580 000 (about R10 million) in cash was stolen from his Limpopo game farm in 2020. The incident was concealed until June 2022. He was later accused of money laundering, tax evasion and violating foreign currency regulations. However, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) declined to prosecute. ALSO READ: Phadi to serve MK party, despite removal as provincial convener [VIDEO] Paul Mashatile – deputy president He has long been haunted by corruption allegations, including the R1.3 billion Alexandra renewal project. More recently, questions have emerged about his lavish lifestyle, allegedly funded by government contractors. The DA has laid criminal charges, leaving the NPA to decide on prosecution. John Steenhuisen – minister of agriculture and DA leader Steenhuisen was implicated in allegations of misusing DA funds during his 2020 campaign for party leadership. ALSO READ: WATCH: Floyd Shivambu 'a total failure as a politician' – analyst The accusations were made by expelled member Tsepo Mhlongo, who also implicated Manny de Freitas. While De Freitas was found guilty and expelled, no action was taken against Steenhuisen. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa – minister of electricity and energy As former mayor of Tshwane (2010-2016), Ramokgopa was linked to a controversial contract awarded to PEU Capital Partners. The irregular contract was set aside by the courts. Thembi Simelane – minister of human settlements ALSO READ: Police close to breakthrough in IFP deputy chief whip's 'assassination' Simelane has been accused of taking questionable loans from companies connected to the looted VBS Bank while serving as Polokwane mayor. Additionally, she faces DA-laid charges for allegedly defrauding Eskom of R700 000 during her time at consulting firm Vitrovian. Nobuhle Nkabane – minister of higher education and training Nkabane stands accused of ignoring corruption allegations in the Construction Education and Training Authority, despite whistle-blower evidence. She was also accused of misleading parliament regarding Sector Education and Training Authority appointments. Aaron Motsoaledi – minister of health ALSO READ: ANC denies it approached Zuma and MK party to join GNU [VOICE NOTE] Motsoaledi was implicated in a 2019 bribery scandal involving the murder of businessman Louis Siemens, with claims he received R150 000 to fast-track a hospital licence. He has denied the allegations. Gwede Mantashe – minister of mineral and petroleum resources Mantashe is linked to the Bosasa corruption scandal, accused of accepting home security upgrades. The Zondo commission recommended further investigation. Blade Nzimande – minister of science, technology and innovation ALSO READ: Late ANC stalwart Solomon Mahlangu's niece joins Zuma's MK party Nzimande was accused of accepting kickbacks from National Student Financial Aid Scheme service providers when he was higher education minister. He denied the claims, calling them a politically motivated smear campaign.
TimesLIVE
4 days ago
- Health
- TimesLIVE
KZN premier to create 20 posts for unemployed doctors
Addressing the unemployed doctors on Wednesday, Premier Thami Ntuli — who adjourned a cabinet meeting to attend to the matter with Simelane — explained that problems with budget processes at national level, which trickled down to provinces, were the main reason for the delay in employing them and called for patience until the processes were concluded. Simelane said the posts announced by the national government were still in their hands and the provincial department could advertise them only after getting the go-ahead from head office. 'We want to make it clear those 800 posts form part of a national process, which is being handled at the level of the ministers of health, finance and parliament. KwaZulu-Natal, like all other provinces, will receive a portion of those posts. Once national has finalised that process and informed us how many posts we will receive, we will immediately advertise them.' She said her department became aware last year they wouldn't have sufficient funds in this financial year to employ doctors completing their community service and brought it to Ntuli's attention. Ntuli and Simelane then took it to the president, who referred it to his cabinet. 'As part of that, the president engaged his own cabinet to say 'go and look for extra funding for the province' (but) because they can't deal with just one province they then said it's for national, so the 800 that was spoken of by the minister of finance is in relation to national government. The national department of health will decide what KZN gets,' she said. Simelane said the department had approached Ntuli for help in addressing the unemployment challenge. 'In the meantime, we spoke to the premier to ask if he could give us anything and that amounted to the 20 posts we will be advertising because that is what the province has. The premier is going to approve this today [Wednesday] and we will advertise in the next seven days.' She said the financial struggles facing the department were rooted in the broader fiscal challenges in the country which have resulted in significant budget cuts in provinces. KwaZulu-Natal has lost more than R63bn in the past five years from its baseline budget, with the health department losing R14bn. 'That has greatly affected our ability to expand our staff complement. Nonetheless, we continue to prioritise engagements with the National Treasury and other stakeholders to unlock resources.' Ntuli said the challenges were inherited but the province was working hard to resolve them. 'We have to be honest with you; we don't have magic (but) we have to subject ourselves to a process that will deliver the expectations we put forward.' Simelane appealed for calm while the department continued to liaise with doctors and healthcare workers on various pertinent matters.
The Citizen
20-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Simelane and Dixon to continue careers with the Stormers
Simelane has extended his contract, while Dixon's contractual dispute has also been resolved. Exciting centre prospect Wandisile Simelane has signed a contract extension with the Stormers, while Springbok loose forward Ben-Jason Dixon's contractual dispute with the Western Province Rugby Union has been resolved. Simelane, who joined the Cape-based team from the Lions in the early part of last year, will continue to play for the Stormers for the foreseeable future after impressing in the midfield during this last season's United Rugby Championship campaign. 'Looking forward to seeing where this team can go' Director of Rugby at the Stormers, John Dobson, said he was looking forward to seeing Simelane continue to grow and develop in the Cape. 'Wandi has got incredible natural talent which has marked him as a dangerous player from a young age. What we have been particularly impressed with is his willingness to learn and develop his game,' Dobson said. 'He has an incredibly high ceiling and we are looking forward to seeing what he can do and add to our team going forward.' Simelane said that the decision to extend his contract was an easy one given the unique environment in Cape Town. 'At the Stormers, players are encouraged to express themselves and make the most of their abilities. 'I feel that I have grown as a player since moving here and I'm looking forward to seeing where this team can go,' he said. Ben-Jason Dixon, centre, will continue to play for the Stormers. Picture: Gallo Images Dixon matter resolved Dixon meanwhile will continue to play for the Stormers until the end of the 2027 season following the end of an arbitration process this week. Dixon sought arbitration to resolve a particular clause in his contract, which runs until June 2027. The independent process found Dixon's contract is binding, with no revisions applicable. Dixon said that with the matter now resolved, he is looking forward to making an impact on the field once again. The loose forward made his Springbok debut last season, but has suffered a few setbacks this year due to injuries. 'I'm really grateful that both sides had the chance to bring everything to the table through arbitration and get clarity going forward. With this behind us, I'm looking forward to getting back to doing what I love … giving my best for the Stormers.'
IOL News
20-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Stormers, Springboks flank Ben-Jason Dixon bury the hatchet after contract arbitration
Springbok flank will stay at the Stormers following a dispute over a clause in his contract. Dixon has been out of action for a few months because of a wrist injury and was not considered for the Springboks' match against the Barbarians, Italy and Georgia. However, the Stormers announced on Friday that Dixon will remain with the Cape side for at least the next two years following the outcome of an independent arbitration. The independent process found Dixon's contract is binding, with no revisions applicable. T he Stormers were involved in a bit of a standoff with Dixon , who was reportedly looking to get out of his current contract. The two parties were in disagreement over the interpretation of the wording of a release clause in his current deal, which runs until 2027. While the weather in Cape Town has been rather unpleasant, it seems like the animosity between the Stormers and Springboks loose forward Ben-Jason Dixon is a thing of the past. Stormers director of rugby John Dobson said that with the arbitration behind them, he looks forward to seeing Dixon give his all for the team, as he has done throughout his career. 'Ben-Jason is one of the most committed rugby players around and has been a vital cog in our team for some time. With this now settled, we know that he will continue to give everything on and off the field for us,' he said. Dixon said that with the matter now resolved, he is looking forward to making an impact on the field once again. 'I'm really grateful that both sides had the chance to bring everything to the table through arbitration and get clarity going forward. With this behind us, I'm looking forward to getting back to doing what I love — giving my best for the Stormers.' Meanwhile, centre Wandisile Simelane has signed a contract extension with the Stormers after first arriving in the Cape on-loan from the Bulls. The fleet-footed centre has been a regular in the Stormers' backline in the United Rugby Championship this season, and Dobson expects to see Simelane continue to grow as a midfield force. 'Wandi has got incredible natural talent which has marked him as a dangerous player from a young age. What we have been particularly impressed with is his willingness to learn and develop his game. 'He has an incredibly high ceiling and we are looking forward to seeing what he can do and add to our team going forward,' he said. Simelane said that the decision to extend his contract was an easy one given the unique environment in Cape Town. 'At the Stormers, players are encouraged to express themselves and make the most of their abilities. 'I feel that I have grown as a player since moving here and I'm looking forward to seeing where this team can go,' he said. @JohnGoliath82
