Latest news with #ThamsanqaNtuli
IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Calls for investigation into KZN MEC Sipho Hlomuka amid school nutrition programme allegations
Under fire education MEC Sipho Hlomuka Image: Independent Newspapers Archives Pressure is mounting on the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education, Sipho Hlomuka, amid growing calls for an investigation into allegations that he interfered in the awarding of contracts for the school nutrition programme. KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said he had written to Hlomuka and asked for a comprehensive report 'detailing all relevant facts, context, and any recent developments pertaining to the allegations.' 'As the head of a government founded on the principles of accountability, transparency, and ethical governance, I am duty-bound to respond promptly and decisively,' Ntuli said. ActionSA and MK Party have both voiced their concern about the serious allegations of irregularities and corruption, while labour union federation Cosatu has stated that the department must come out clearly and explain how the tenders have been awarded. The allocation of tenders for the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), which will provide meals to schools in the coming year, has come under scrutiny amid allegations by an association of service providers that contracts were awarded to individuals with political connections. Finance MEC Francois Rodgers stated that he has received multiple media queries regarding allegations of tender fraud and bias in the NSNP. 'I have noted media reports indicating that an association of NSNP service providers plans to report allegations of tender fraud to my office for investigation. However, I have not received any formal representations on this matter at this stage.' 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ 'It is my responsibility as KZN Finance MEC to ensure fiscal discipline. Allegations of tender fraud deeply concern me. To this end, my office remains open to anyone with evidence so that this matter may be probed further.' DA spokesperson on education, Sakhile Mngadi, stated that they will submit a formal briefing document to Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube — the custodian of the NSNP at a national level — urging her to intervene decisively. Their recommendations will include transferring future KZN NSNP grant disbursement responsibilities from the province's Department of Education (DoE) to the provincial Treasury to ensure transparency, clean governance, and uninterrupted service delivery to learners. 'In the event that the allegations prove true, MEC Sipho Hlomuka must be removed from office without delay. Corruption cannot be tolerated at the expense of hungry children and the future of our province,' Mngadi said. ActionSA provincial chairperson Zwakele Mncwango said: 'The allegations of interference in the tender process for nutrition programmes by the MEC of Education are grave and require immediate attention.' 'As the head of the provincial government, we urge you to take swift and decisive action to investigate these allegations thoroughly and transparently. The people of KwaZulu-Natal deserve to know the truth,' he said. The MK Party stated that the Department of Education is implicated in many irregularities. 'The MK Party demands the immediate suspension of the rotten and illegal tender process and calls for a full, independent investigation. We demand the immediate resignation of Hlomuka.' Cosatu provincial leader Edwin Mkhize said: 'We are on the side of the people. If people say something is amiss, that is something that must be looked at to ensure that everything done was above board.' The ANC also noted the allegations made against its members involved in the NSNP programme and stated that it understood the process was at the appeal stage, where those who made bids could lodge appeals. The ANC called for that process to be allowed to unfold. Meanwhile, Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane is also under fire, as she has been accused of getting a radio DJ fired. Premier Ntuli said he had also written to her and asked for a comprehensive report on the matter. The matter relates to Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, who was a DJ on radio station Vuma FM. On Sunday, she said in a media statement that she had received a letter last Tuesday stating that her employment was being terminated. She joined Vuma FM back in 2019. Ngobese-Zuma is the founder of the March and March movement which has held protests objecting to undocumented foreign nationals accessing healthcare and other services. According to IOL, it was suggested on social media that the KZN Health department had been behind her dismissal, but the department denied this. 'We categorically state that the Department has no authority, influence, or interest in the employment matters of any media house or entity outside of our jurisdiction. Any suggestion of our involvement in the termination of the presenter is entirely false and without merit. We respect the autonomy of all independent organisations, including Vuma FM, in making their internal staffing decisions,' the department said. THE MERCURY
IOL News
20-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- IOL News
A day of colour and excitement at the 20th Dundee July event
Models showing off designs at the Dundee July Models braved the cold at the Dundee July A taste of fashion at the Dundee July restore all settings to the default values Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Seek to live, currently behind live restore all settings to the default values Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Seek to live, currently behind live There was fashion and glamour at the annual Dundee July THE coal mining town of Dundee in northern KwaZulu-Natal came alive yesterday for the annual Dundee July, a rural horseracing event. KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, attended the 20th edition of the Dundee July, which was hosted by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. The gloomy and cold weather conditions failed to dampen the spirits of the horse-racing enthusiasts who came in large numbers to watch the prestigious traditional horse racing event. This popular event was established in 2005 for the purpose of rural, social and skills development for the people who are from previously disadvantaged communities. At yesterday's event there was colour, rhythm and excitement as locals and guests took part in a spectacular street parade. The Dundee July has grown into a flagship event that blends sport, arts, fashion, and traditional heritage, drawing thousands of spectators, stimulating local economies, and providing a platform for emerging creatives and entrepreneurs. It is a space where tradition meets modern vibrancy — a true showcase of the province's richness and diversity.
IOL News
15-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
KwaZulu-Natal government signs landmark yacht manufacturing agreement with Italian company
KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli signed a landmark agreement with Italian marine industry leader Navigo International. Image: KZN Provincial Government The deal signed between the provincial company and an Italian yacht management company could help unlock billions of rand in the province's ocean economy while positioning KwaZulu-Natal as an ideal location for yacht building. This is according to the provincial government which said KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli had signed a landmark agreement with Italian marine industry leader Navigo International. The province has described this as a new era for KZN's ocean economy. It said the partnership marks a bold step in unlocking the province's R100 billion maritime potential, leveraging its 820 km coastline, world-class ports, and emerging marine manufacturing sector. The highlights of the agreement include: Superyacht Manufacturing Hub : KZN to co-develop and export luxury vessels in partnership with NAVIGO, competing with global players like Italy and France. : KZN to co-develop and export luxury vessels in partnership with NAVIGO, competing with global players like Italy and France. Skills & Jobs : Thousands of jobs are expected in shipbuilding, marine engineering, and coastal tourism, with training at UKZN, DUT, and Transnet Maritime School. : Thousands of jobs are expected in shipbuilding, marine engineering, and coastal tourism, with training at UKZN, DUT, and Transnet Maritime School. Port Upgrades : Durban and Richards Bay ports will expand as superyacht repair and refit centres, attracting high-net-worth tourism. : Durban and Richards Bay ports will expand as superyacht repair and refit centres, attracting high-net-worth tourism. Global Marketing : KZN-branded yachts will feature at the Monaco Yacht Show, Dubai Boat Show, and other elite maritime events. : KZN-branded yachts will feature at the Monaco Yacht Show, Dubai Boat Show, and other elite maritime events. Inclusive Growth: SMEs and coastal communities will benefit through supply chains, boat repair cooperatives, and eco-tourism ventures. Premier Ntuli declared that the agreement is about launching KZN into the global superyacht industry. 'We are turning our ocean into jobs, innovation, and sustainable growth,' he stated. The premier's office said the province has the potential to be a "giant" in the ocean economy. It noted that KZN is strategically located as a gateway to the Indian Ocean trade routes, with existing infrastructure such as Dube TradePort, Richards Bay IDZ, and major port expansions. 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 ✕ Ad loading 'We are building on the R85.5 billion pledged at the KZN Investment Conference. We are not just building boats — we are building a new economy. From uMlazi to uMhlanga, this sector will create intergenerational wealth while preserving our coastal heritage,' he added. Musa Zondi, the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, said Navigo's interest in KZN marked a significant endorsement of the province's strategic vision. 'What we envision together is not just economic growth, but growth with a purpose, growth that upskills young people, growth that partners with local business. Growth that places KwaZulu-Natal on a global map as a yachting and refit destination.' Commenting on the agreement, Dr Sabelo Gwala, Special Advisor to the Premier, said the agreement is a fulfilment of a long-held ambition. 'Today marks a decisive shift from vision to reality in KwaZulu-Natal's blue economy. For too long, the potential of our oceans has been spoken about in conferences and policy documents — but Premier Ntuli is transforming rhetoric into tangible action. This partnership with Navigo International is the foundation of a new industrial ecosystem that will redefine our coastline.' THE MERCURY
IOL News
11-07-2025
- IOL News
Thami Ntuli's urgent warning to KwaZulu-Natal businesses on undocumented workers
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli addresses officials during the inspection of a bakery in Umbilo, Durban. The purpose of the visit was to address concerns raised by intelligence reports regarding the employment of undocumented workers. Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Newspapers KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli issued a strong warning to businesses not to hire undocumented workers who are in the country illegally during Operation Engangeni Ngesango Iyafohla on Friday. Ntuli was speaking during an unannounced raid on two companies, an accessories store and a clandestine bakery in Umbilo. Ntuli, in his role as the executive authority for Community Safety and Liaison, said people were now showing confidence in the police and were tipping off government officials and police on possible criminal acts and labour law transgressions. When the Department of Labour officials raided the accessories store, they discovered that 37 staff members were not registered with the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). The store's owner declined to speak to the media and did not wish to provide his name. Labour officials had taken down the details of all the workers. The owner was also warned by the government and given two weeks to comply with labour laws regarding the UIF. They were issued with compliance notices. Ntuli said that police were conducting similar raids daily throughout the province. A bakery was uncovered in a large building where biscuits were made. Here, Ntuli addressed staff about their rights as workers, adding that the conditions at the bakery were not hygienic or clean. 'I was informed by the police that the owner had fled from the bakery along with some employees. It means he knows that he was doing something wrong. Nine people were arrested for not having proper documents. From what we had seen, this was a massive operation that could be supplying the entire province,' Ntuli said. He was also concerned about employees working long hours and being paid salaries that are below the minimum wage. 'We urge those living in the province and country to acquire the proper documentation. If this place is found not to follow procedure, the inspection team will decide whether to shut down operations here,' Ntuli said. The warehouse did not have adequate signage on the exterior of the building, which was also a concern for government officials. 'We have so many people looking for a job. We urge owners not to flout the laws of the country. In the past, some owners were arrested. Situations like this unsettle people. Police are hard at work because of the leadership in the province,' Ntuli said. [email protected] Nine people were arrested at a bakery in Umbilo fot not having documentation to be in South Africa. Image: Zainul Dawood
IOL News
11-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Innovative strategies for economic growth in Durban and KZN
The KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development Council met on Friday to share insights and innovative strategies to revitalise and strengthen the province's economy. Image: Pixabay The KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development Council met on Friday to share insights and innovative strategies to revitalise and strengthen the province's economy. This strategic forum convenes key stakeholders from government, business, labour, academia, and civil society, united by a shared commitment to advancing the province's economic development, explained Sinenhlanhla Mthembu, spokesperson for the KZN Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) department. This meeting is part of the provincial government's broader drive to promote a collaborative, inclusive, and sustainable approach to economic growth. Thamsanqa Ntuli, the premier of KZN, presided over the full sitting to provide strategic guidance focused on unlocking economic opportunities, fostering job creation, enhancing public safety, and cultivating an environment conducive to investment. 'Economic development remains central to KwaZulu-Natal's broader developmental agenda, which is anchored on three core priorities: driving inclusive growth and creating jobs, reducing poverty and addressing the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state,' Mthembu said. The Economic Council serves as a critical platform for stakeholders to engage constructively, share insights, and co-create innovative strategies to revitalise and strengthen the province's economy. ETHEKWINI Meanwhile, the eThekwini Municipality Economic Development and Planning Committee convened on Thursday, where several key developmental reports were tabled and supported, pending final approval by the Executive Committee and Full Council. These initiatives are aligned with the city's long-term vision to stimulate investment, create employment, and enhance infrastructure across the municipality. According to a statement issued by the municipality, the committee has recommended that Durban Tourism initiate a comprehensive feasibility study on the potential introduction of a tourism levy in eThekwini. 'Durban Tourism will be expected to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including the national Department of Tourism, South African Tourism, local tourism boards, industry associations, community organisations and the private sector,' stated the municipality. Following the consultation process and completion of the feasibility study, Durban Tourism is expected to present its findings and recommendations to the committee. To ensure that Durban remains competitive, investor-friendly, and forward-looking, eThekwini Municipality implemented several initiatives, such as the Economic Development Incentive Policy, which offers rebates and incentives to attract and retain investment. The municipality has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development through the implementation of the Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings and Infrastructure Programme. As a sub-project of the national Energy Efficiency and Demand-Side Management initiative, the programme aims to reduce energy consumption, lower operational costs, and promote low-carbon technologies across municipal facilities. The committee also noted a report from the Climate Change Sub Directorate during a meeting on Thursday. This initiative not only supports eThekwini's climate goals but also contributes to job creation, skills development, and long-term cost savings. The municipality considers the programme a replicable model for future energy efficiency rollouts across its property portfolio, reinforcing Durban's position as a leader in sustainable urban development. [email protected]
