Latest news with #Sowetan
TimesLIVE
6 days ago
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Ekurhuleni municipal building's R46m budget skyrockets beyond R300m
After eight years, five contractors and more than R300m paid to the City of Ekurhuleni to renovate a municipal building, the structure in Germiston remains unfinished. The project launched in 2017 with a completion date set for 2021 still needs an additional R39m to complete. The plan was to ease severe office space shortages for the municipality but the project has turned into a drawn-out financial nightmare. When Sowetan visited the SAAME building this week, there was no contractor on site. Rubble surrounded the 10-storey structure, unused building materials including cement lay scattered around and there was no sign of any ongoing work. The building remains barricaded with only security guards stationed at the premises. A 71-page forensic report tabled in council in March 2025 outlined a damning paper trail of irregularities, inflated prices for material which cost the city more than R136m and defective workmanship for which the municipality had to fork out R4.8m. The council also lost R70m to unauthorised payments to some of the contractors. The total financial value of these irregularities amounted to R272m. The investigation into the refurbishment of the building was requested by the city manager after noticing 'potential red flags and substandard service from contractors'. According to the report, the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) was hired to manage the project and was paid more than R8.1m. Themane Management Consultants (TMC) was paid more than R163m, while Anita Building Construction, which later renamed itself FM Infrastructure, was paid R94.1m.
The South African
06-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Chiefs news: Priority signing falls through, Moutang claps back
Kaizer Chiefs fans will presumably be bitter by Oswin Appollis' decision to sign with Orlando Pirates yesterday. Both clubs have been trying to sign the 23-year-old since last offseason, but ultimately It was the latter who got their man. It appears, even before the Appollis news, that Kaizer Chiefs' faithful had started to get twitchy regarding their clubs lack of transfer business. Meanwhile, their Sowetan rivals have landed 9 top talents. In an open statement last week, Kaizer Chiefs boss Jessica Jessica Motaung addressed the club's transfer ongoings, saying, 'Great to hear the players come back. I see they have maintained their fitness. That's what I love. I see they are focused and ready to come and face the challenges that they have.' 'Certainly, we are working on the intakes for the new season and I know that the technical team, as well as the sporting department, is working closely to make sure that they are looking at different types of players and signing the players for the next season.' 'Hopefully, we will see some of those signings at the Toyota Cup and in the pre-season. But also, the window is open for a period of time, so we are not closed off and saying the signings we make now are fast and final,' she added. 'Certainly, there is a lot of work being done to make sure that we realise the vision, which is to continue ascending locally and on the African continent in terms of our rightful place and where we should be as Kaizer Chiefs.' 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 South African
30-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs to announce defender with 193 games in SA
30 June is the official end of the expiration of contracts, and new deals can be announced. Kaizer Chiefs supporters are ready to welcome the official news. As reported in previous weeks, Paseka Mako and Orlando Pirates did not reach an agreement over a new deal. Instead, Kaizer Chiefs and the Zebediela-born defender concluded a pre-contract that will officially commence on 1 July. Orlando Pirates to make double signings from Africa? Paseka Mako greets journalists during a Nedbank Cup pre-match press conference. Image: Sowetan In signing Mako, Amakhosi need not worry about whether Mako will settle in the Betway Premiership or a big club. The hard-working left-back has been around the block, no less than 193 matches over nine years in South Africa for Chippa United and Orlando Pirates. Orlando Pirates star 'won't have time to drink alcohol' According to FARPost , Mako put pen to paper for Kaizer Chiefs on a three-year contract. 'The diminutive wingback has agreed to a three-year deal with Kaizer Chiefs, effective July 1,' the outlet said. Chippa United: 52 Orlando Pirates: 141 (excluding 32 matches in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup games). Total: 193 games in the Premier Soccer League. Bradley Cross Happy Mashiane Nkanyiso Shinga (new signing) Kabelo Nkgwesa (newly promoted). 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 South African
25-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
More questions on new Orlando Pirates coach
Orlando Pirates have made a surprise decision. Abdeslam Ouaddou will oversee the Buccaneers in the 2025/2026 Betway Premiership season. The Moroccan coach needed 12 games with Marumo Gallants to win over the Sea Robbers boss, Dr Irvin Khoza. According to the former Orlando Pirates midfielder, James Mothibi, Ouaddou is probably qualified on paper, but the pressure of coaching the Sea Robbers is different gravy. New Orlando Pirates star tipped for Europe The Buccaneers' new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou with his predecessor Jose Riveiro. Image: Sowetan Benedict Vilakazi questions the Khoza 'I think he is a good coach, the only challenge is how he is going to continue where Jose (Riveiro) left off and I'm worried about him handling the pressure that comes with managing big teams like Orlando Pirates,' Mothibi said via Soccer Laduma . 'Will he be able to handle that pressure? Does he have what it takes to handle the pressure? Pirates have a different pressure and heavy pressure but let's hope he can handle that. 'I really don't know him that much. I have no idea of his coaching philosophy,' Mothibi continued. 'I just saw him at Marumo Gallants but good luck to the brother. I wish him all the best to help the team achieve more from next season,' he concluded. 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 South African
15-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
PSL transfer news: Rapoo, Zwane, Saleng, Appollis, Shalulile
There's plenty of transfer action blossoming in the PSL, spearheaded by Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs. The PSL big three have wasted no time in their pursuit of top talent, with each club linked to some serious firepower, such as AmaZulu star Tshepang Moremi. Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are in the race for SuperSport left-back Neo Rapoo . . Midfielder Samkelo Zwane is reportedly exploring options after recording just thirteen appearances (across all competitions) this season. Insiders believe the 23-year-old is eyeing a loan move rather than a permanent exit. is reportedly exploring options after recording just thirteen appearances (across all competitions) this season. Insiders believe the 23-year-old is eyeing a loan move rather than a permanent exit. One of PSL's greatest mysteries remains what the future holds for Monnapule Saleng , who is yet to attract any substantial interest but looks certain to depart the Buccaneers. , who is yet to attract any substantial interest but looks certain to depart the Buccaneers. AmaKhosi are said to be in advanced talks with long-term target Oswin Appollis , a player they've wanted since last offseason. , a player they've wanted since last offseason. Mamelodi Sundowns have offered three-times PSL winner Peter Shalulile a contract extension. A decision from the player has yet to be made. Rapoo is fast becoming one of the PSL's brightest prospects, and such a tag usually (and has on this occasion) ignites interest from one of South Africa's biggest clubs – this time, he has both the Sowetan giants after his services. 'Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are both keen to sign SuperSport United left-back Neo Rapoo ahead of the new season,' an inside source revealed. 'His performances as he led South Africa U20 to the Africa Cup of Nations title earned him interest in Scandinavia and the Gulf but sources as Matsatsansa have confirmed Chiefs and Pirates are both seriously after the player who is seen as future senior national team left-back.' 'With Orlando Pirates having released Paseka Mako and the retirement of Innocent Maela, their interest on the promising full-back comes as no surprise, while Chiefs are looking to remedy a position that has plagued them in the last couple of seasons.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
