Latest news with #SCA
The Citizen
19 hours ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Gauteng health maintains court ‘misinterpreted law in waste tender matter
The matter involves a R526 million waste management disposal contract. The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) says it has consistently maintained that the Gauteng High Court misinterpreted the law and followed incorrect procedures in the multi-million rand waste tender The battle between Buhle Waste (Pty) LTD and the department started when the latter appointed and awarded the R526 million waste management disposal contract to Tshenolo Waste and Phuting Medical Waste Management in November 2023. SCA The matter headed to the Supreme Court of Appeal after Gauteng High Court Judge Ahmed Cajee ruled against Buhle Waste's case to interdict the department from proceeding with the R526 million water management tender and dismissed Buhle's leave to appeal. The SCA overturned the Gauteng High Court ruling on 30 November 2023, which had declared that the tender was invalid due to what it deemed an improper extension of the tender validity period. ALSO READ: Court grants Gauteng Health's appeal in the cancer treatment backlog case Judgment welcomed Gauteng health department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said they welcome the judgment delivered by the SCA on 15 July 2025. 'The department has consistently maintained that the High Court misinterpreted the law and followed incorrect procedures, including the granting of relief not properly sought or requested from the court, which subsequently led to the setting aside of the tender. 'From the beginning, the GDoH expressed concern that the High Court had acted beyond the scope of the matter brought before it,' Modiba said. Ruling Modiba added that this position was communicated in the department's prior official statements on the matter released on 30 November 2023 and reaffirmed on 3 March 2024, following the department being granted leave to appeal the matter at the SCA. 'The Supreme Court of Appeal has now confirmed that the department's view, by issuing a finding on the matter that the High Court's decision was procedurally flawed and the matter was not ripe for adjudication. 'The appeal was upheld with costs, and the application by Buhle Waste was dismissed'. Modiba added that the ruling 'affirms the Gauteng Department of Health's commitment to due process, fairness, and the uninterrupted delivery of essential services, including the safe and consistent removal of medical waste across healthcare facilities in the province.' NOW READ: Prasa initiates probe into R18bn contracts after Hawks raid
Watani
a day ago
- General
- Watani
Ancient Coptic city unearthed in Western Desert
An Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) has unveiled a significant discovery in the heart of the Western Desert of the remains of the central residential city of Kharga Oasis, dating back to the early Coptic (Egyptian Christian) period that extended from the first to the 8th century AD—a period during which Egypt was under Roman and Arab rule ; the Arabs conquered Egypt in 640. Located in Ain al-Kharab archaeological site some 5km north of the city of all-Kharga, the unearthed ancient city offers rare insight into Egypt's transition to Christianity. Among the findings are the ruins of residential structures, churches, and cemeteries, also a mural depicting Christ healing a sick person. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, described the discovery as a testament to the depth and diversity of Egyptian civilisation during one of its most transformative periods. 'This find enriches our understanding of religious transition in Egypt,' he said. 'This discovery is considered a valuable window into early Christian life in Egypt,' asserted Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the SCA. 'Kharga Oasis played a key role as a religious and social hub throughout many historical periods,' he said. Mr Khaled explained that the unearthed structures include mudbrick homes with plastered walls, service areas fitted with ovens, and storage spaces containing large fixed pottery jars once used for preserving food and grain. The mission also recovered ostraca, pottery fragments, glass and stone artefacts, burial remains, and a vivid mural illustrating Christ performing a healing miracle. Findings from previous excavation seasons, Mr Khaled added, indicate that the site was used continuously throughout several centuries. Roman-era buildings were later adapted for use during the early Coptic period and again in the Islamic era. Seham Ismail, Director General of Antiquities in Kharga and head of the mission, revealed that the team also uncovered the remains of two churches. One, she explained, is a large basilica-style church featuring a central hall flanked by two aisles, separated by rows of square columns, with service buildings to the south. The second church is smaller, she said, rectangular in shape, with remnants of seven exterior columns and Coptic inscriptions still visible on its interior walls. Additional service structures were found on its western side. According to archaeology expert Abdel-Rehim Rihan, member of the SCA's History and Antiquities Commission, al-Kharga Oasis some 600km southwest Cairo, saw large incoming waves of Christians in the 3rd century AD, apparently fleeing to Kharga from Roman persecution. The numbers swelled to the point where the Alexandria Church installed a Bishop in Kharga. Christians were able to practise their faith and worship freely there, far from the eyes of the Roman authorities. They left behind towns, churches, cemeteries, and monasteries. The famous Bagawat necropolis in Kharga, believed to be the cemetery of the recently discovered city, is considered one of the oldest and best-preserved Christian cemeteries in the world. It dates back to the 3rd to 7th centuries AD and contains hundreds of mud-brick tombs, some with elaborate frescoes depicting biblical scenes. Comments comments Tags: Ancient Coptic city in Kharga OasisSanaa' Farouk
See - Sada Elbalad
2 days ago
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egypt Marks Suez Canal 69th Nationalization Anniversary.. Reaffirms Commitment to Global Supply Chain Sustainability
Taarek Refaat Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) reaffirmed the canal's strategic role in global trade and its commitment to sustainable and secure navigation, as Egypt marks the 69th anniversary of the nationalization of the Suez Canal. In remarks delivered during a commemorative ceremony, Rabie highlighted the canal's ongoing adherence to international conventions governing free maritime navigation, while underscoring Egypt's unwavering sovereignty over the waterway. 'We are committed to upholding our pivotal role in ensuring sustainability across global supply chains, and we operate in accordance with international charters and treaties, without compromising Egyptian sovereignty,' Rabie stated. The Suez Canal was nationalized on July 26, 1956, a landmark moment in Egypt's modern history that asserted national control over one of the world's most vital maritime corridors. Rabie praised the generations of Egyptian leaders and workers who have managed and modernized the canal since that time. 'We salute the pioneers who led the nationalization and laid the foundations of development. We continue their mission with more dedication and achievement,' he said. The SCA chief noted that canal operations are governed by a robust legal framework, particularly the Navigation Regulations and the 1888 Constantinople Convention, which guarantees freedom of navigation through the canal for all vessels in both peace and wartime. Under Egypt's stewardship, the canal has seen continuous upgrades to maintain its status as the shortest, fastest, and safest maritime route between East and West. Rabie pointed to recent development projects that have enhanced the canal's capacity, navigational safety, and competitiveness. Rabie also extended his gratitude to all SCA personnel and canal pilots, relaying personal appreciation from President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. He emphasized the professionalism of the canal's pilots, describing them as exemplary ambassadors of Egypt. 'Our pilots have consistently risen to the challenge, demonstrating exceptional dedication under all circumstances. Their professionalism ensures the safety and sustainability of navigation through the canal,' he added. As global shipping continues to face mounting challenges, from geopolitical disruptions to climate-related vulnerabilities, the Suez Canal remains a critical artery for international trade, handling over 12% of global commerce annually. Egypt's reaffirmation of its commitment to international maritime norms, coupled with continued investment in canal infrastructure, is seen as a signal to global partners that the Suez Canal will remain a reliable, neutral, and efficient trade route in an increasingly complex world. read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language
SowetanLIVE
3 days ago
- Politics
- SowetanLIVE
State's corruption case against Mabuyakhulu and others in failed jazz festival project back on the table
A bid by the state to appeal against the discharge of ANC heavyweight Mike Mabuyakhulu and others charged with corruption in relation to the failed 2012 R28.5m North Sea Jazz Festival project is back on the table. The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ordered the decision of KwaZulu-Natal high court judge Mahendra Chetty, dismissing the state's application for special leave to appeal, be referred to the SCA for reconsideration, and oral argument, including on the merits, if requested by the court. Mabuyakhulu — the ANC's provincial task team co-ordinator — and 15 others, including former economic development department head Desmond Golding, event organisers Ceaser Mkhize, Mabheleni Ntuli, Basil Ninela and his wife Brenda, Nothando Zungu, Ntokozo Ndlovu and Njabulo Mkhize — faced fraud, money-laundering and corruption charges relating to the festival. The state alleged the service providers were irregularly paid and the politicians received kickbacks. In May 2023, Chetty, in an application at the end of the state's case, effectively acquitted the accused without them having to put up a defence. This, he said, was because there was not a shred of evidence against them. In a 100-page ruling, which took three hours to read, Chetty went through each charge against each accused, noting the paucity of evidence against them, that in some instances the allegations were a 'stretch too far', and that a 'sniff of suspicion' was not enough in a criminal trial. In terms of law, the state can only seek to appeal against what it considers to be a misdirection by the trial court on questions of law, not questions of fact. In considering the application for leave to appeal to the SCA Chetty had ruled even if his judgment revealed he might have been mistaken in his assessment of the evidence the state could not appeal against this. He was not convinced there were reasonable prospects the SCA would find he had committed a mistake in law and it would lead to the accused in the matter being convicted. Mabuyakhulu, who was economic development and tourism MEC at the time, was charged with taking a bribe of R300,000 in return for the award of the contract to what became a joint venture. Chetty's ruling came after their lawyers applied for their discharge, in terms of section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act, without having to put up a defence. This is done at the discretion of the judge at the close of the state's case in circumstances where the state has failed to prove its case and cannot secure a conviction without the accused having to testify and possibly incriminate themselves. On Friday, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, KwaZulu-Natal NPA spokesperson said: 'The NPA welcomes the opportunity to argue its case before the SCA that the honourable judge Mahendra Chetty erred in law in discharging the accused, that there are reasonable prospects of success on appeal, and that there are compelling reasons for the appeal to be heard by the SCA. Prosecutors will continue to vigorously challenge any decision considered to be wrong in law using available legal remedies.' TimesLIVE
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
State's corruption case against Mabuyakhulu and others in failed jazz festival project back on the table
A bid by the state to appeal against the discharge of ANC heavyweight Mike Mabuyakhulu and others charged with corruption in relation to the failed 2012 R28.5m North Sea Jazz Festival project is back on the table. The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ordered the decision of KwaZulu-Natal high court judge Mahendra Chetty, dismissing the state's application for special leave to appeal, be referred to the SCA for reconsideration, and oral argument, including on the merits, if requested by the court. Mabuyakhulu — the ANC's provincial task team co-ordinator — and 15 others, including former economic development department head Desmond Golding, event organisers Ceaser Mkhize, Mabheleni Ntuli, Basil Ninela and his wife Brenda, Nothando Zungu, Ntokozo Ndlovu and Njabulo Mkhize — faced fraud, money-laundering and corruption charges relating to the festival. The state alleged the service providers were irregularly paid and the politicians received kickbacks. In May 2023, Chetty, in an application at the end of the state's case, effectively acquitted the accused without them having to put up a defence. This, he said, was because there was not a shred of evidence against them. In a 100-page ruling, which took three hours to read, Chetty went through each charge against each accused, noting the paucity of evidence against them, that in some instances the allegations were a 'stretch too far', and that a 'sniff of suspicion' was not enough in a criminal trial. In terms of law, the state can only seek to appeal against what it considers to be a misdirection by the trial court on questions of law, not questions of fact. In considering the application for leave to appeal to the SCA Chetty had ruled even if his judgment revealed he might have been mistaken in his assessment of the evidence the state could not appeal against this. He was not convinced there were reasonable prospects the SCA would find he had committed a mistake in law and it would lead to the accused in the matter being convicted. Mabuyakhulu, who was economic development and tourism MEC at the time, was charged with taking a bribe of R300,000 in return for the award of the contract to what became a joint venture. Chetty's ruling came after their lawyers applied for their discharge, in terms of section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act, without having to put up a defence. This is done at the discretion of the judge at the close of the state's case in circumstances where the state has failed to prove its case and cannot secure a conviction without the accused having to testify and possibly incriminate themselves. On Friday, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, KwaZulu-Natal NPA spokesperson said: 'The NPA welcomes the opportunity to argue its case before the SCA that the honourable judge Mahendra Chetty erred in law in discharging the accused, that there are reasonable prospects of success on appeal, and that there are compelling reasons for the appeal to be heard by the SCA. Prosecutors will continue to vigorously challenge any decision considered to be wrong in law using available legal remedies.'
