
Gauteng govt to inject additional R138m to complete construction of Sebokeng DLTC
To date, more than R80 million has been spent on the project, yet the facility has remained non-operational a decade since construction began.
Despite having a contracted security company in place, the centre has been vandalised.
The first thing that catches the eye when glancing at the Sebokeng DLTC is the overgrown grass surrounding the vandalised double-storey building.
Inside, piles of rubble have remained untouched for years, and the air is thick with the smell of dust.
Although the initial projected cost was R63 million, more than R80 million has already been spent on the construction of the facility.
Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said more money would still be needed to complete the construction.
"For the financial year 2025/2026, the budget allocation is R54.5 million and R84 million for the financial year 2026/2027."
The Development Bank of Southern Africa has now been appointed as the implementing agent.
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Daily Maverick
2 days ago
- Daily Maverick
Deputy President Paul Mashatile caught between luxury property, a shiny diamond and a hard place
The ANC's National Executive Committee broke for an hour on Sunday to deliberate on allegations of impropriety swirling around Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane. The ANC's National Executive Committee (NEC) deliberated on the fate of two of its most senior members, Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, over the weekend and is expected to provide an update on the Integrity Commission's reports on their conduct soon. Opening a shopping centre in Durban days before the NEC conference, Mashatile continued to boldly deny that there was anything irregular about two luxury properties – worth R63-million – that he had declared in Parliament's Register of Members' Interests. Speaking at the official opening of the Inkosi Simingaye Shopping Centre at KwaXimba near Cato Ridge in Durban on 31 July, he responded to a question about the properties by saying 'people must read'. 'There is nothing in Parliament that I said that I own a house. I said I live there,' he insisted. On Sunday, the NEC broke for an hour, asking Mashatile and Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane to excuse themselves while the Integrity Commission presented cases on allegations of corruption. Outing himself Mashatile was outed by News24 after the public release of Parliament's Register of Members' Interests in late July. Mashatile had declared ownership of the two properties – a multi-bedroom mansion in Constantia, Cape Town, worth R28-million, and another in Waterfall, Midrand, worth R37-million. News24 has had eyes on Mashatile's luxury lifestyle for ages and in 2024 first reported that a company, belonging to Mashatile's son-in-law, Nceba Nonkwelo, had bought the Constantia house in 2023. Mashatile lives in the house when he is in Cape Town. Nonkwelo is married to Mashatile's daughter, Palesa. Whether or not the declaration in the register was a Freudian slip, this annual ritual of holding public representatives to account has uncovered a tidy stash belonging to the deputy president. Diamonds are not forever Over and above his eye for property bling, Mashatile has admitted to receiving a diamond from grifter Louis Liebenberg, currently behind bars, awaiting trial on various criminal charges. Liebenberg had boasted that he had given the deputy president a diamond as a gift. In the meantime Mashatile has paid a R10,000 fine imposed by the Joint Committee on Members' Ethics for failing to declare the gift. Mashatile had stated that he wanted to have the diamond 'weighed' to check its value before declaring it. And besides, it had been a gift for his wife, Humile. This response – doing the deed out in the open – was not appreciated by the committee. Liebenberg also gifted former president Jacob Zuma about R1-million to sue News24 journalist Karyn Maughan and prosecutor Billy Downer. Simelane and the ghost of VBS Daily Maverick and News24 first sniffed out that former Minister of Justice, now Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane had taken out a R575,600 loan she obtained from VBS corruption-accused fixer Ralliom Razwinane in 2016. Simelane later told the portfolio committee for justice and constitutional development that she had had no improper relationship with Razwinane or his company, Gundo Wealth Solutions. Gundo had been appointed by the Polokwane Municipality to provide investment brokerage services for three years in March and April 2016. Between 16 September 2016 and 5 May 2017, Polokwane invested R349-million in five transactions with VBS and withdrew its money between 16 March and 3 July 2017, earning R12.7-million in interest. As Kyle Cowan and Pauli van Wyk wrote in October 2024: 'Since the publication of the existence of the loan by Daily Maverick and News24, Simelane has steadfastly maintained there was no conflict of interest then – between Gundo being a service provider to Polokwane while she was mayor and getting a loan from them – or now – with her oversight of the National Prosecuting Authority that is pursuing cases against dozens of VBS fraud- and corruption-accused persons and companies.' Simelane was shifted to Human Settlements when the heat reached the kitchen. She will know her new fate soon. DM


The Citizen
6 days ago
- The Citizen
Watch: Husband accused of Mbombela doctor's murder denied bail
Sifiso Vusimuzi Sibanyoni, the estranged husband of the late Dr Nondumiso Nkosi-Sibanyoni of Rob Ferreira Hospital, was denied bail in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court in Mpumalanga today. Lowvelder reports that Magistrate Patrick Morris postponed the matter to September 5 for further investigation. Before the judgment was delivered, Sibanyoni's legal representative, Tshepiso Radebe, informed the court that his client was comfortable with the proceedings continuing in English. In his ruling, Morris began by outlining Sibanyoni's personal circumstances, as presented during his bail application. Sibanyoni is 39 years old, matriculated in 2005, and holds a nursing certificate from Ekufundeni Nursing College. 'The applicant said he is self-employed in a diesel sales business and generates approximately R80 000 in a good month,' Morris said. He added that Sibanyoni was arrested on July 8, following a lengthy investigation into the November 2023 murder of his wife. According to the judgment, Sibanyoni is a South African citizen with no previous convictions, no pending cases, and has never been released on parole. 'He stated that he was at home when the crime was committed and does not know the witnesses,' Morris said. @lowvelder Sifiso Vusimuzi Sibanyoni, the estranged husband of the late Dr Nondumiso Nkosi-Sibanyoni of Rob Ferreira Hospital, was denied bail in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court today (Friday, August 1). Magistrate Patrick Morris postponed the matter to September 5 for further investigation. Before the judgment was delivered, Sibanyoni's legal representative, Tshepiso Radebe, informed the court that his client was comfortable with the proceedings continuing in English. In his ruling, Magistrate Morris began by outlining Sibanyoni's personal circumstances, as presented during his bail application. Sibanyoni is 39 years old, matriculated in 2005, and holds a nursing certificate from Ekufundeni Nursing College. 'The applicant said he is self-employed in a diesel sales business and generates approximately R80 000 in a good month,' Morris said. He added that Sibanyoni was arrested on July 8, following a lengthy investigation into the November 2023 murder of his wife. According to the judgment, Sibanyoni is a South African citizen with no previous convictions, no pending cases, and has never been released on parole. 'He stated that he was at home when the crime was committed and does not know the witnesses,' Morris said. The court also heard evidence submitted in an affidavit by Sibanyoni's girlfriend, Thuli Zanele Shangase, who claimed that he was with her on the evening of November 19. She said they were informed the following morning at 05:50 that Nondumiso had been shot and killed. Investigating officer Constable Sindisiwe Precious Nyaka, a member of the Mpumalanga Provincial Organised Crime Unit, testified that she was on duty when she received information about a shooting at the Virgin Active Riverside parking lot. 'I found a woman lying motionless on the parking lot and saw spent cartridges around her. She had been shot in the left shoulder and face,' Nyaka said. Her investigation revealed that Nondumiso and Sibanyoni were in the process of divorcing, and that she had demanded half of his assets in the divorce settlement. Nyaka also confirmed that the deceased had obtained a protection order against Sibanyoni. One of the conditions was that he should not threaten to kill her. Other conditions prohibited him from assaulting her or calling her a witch. Nyaka told the court that she had been approached by individuals who provided information linking Sibanyoni to the murder. These informants allegedly claimed that Sibanyoni had previously paid more than R70 000 to hitmen to kill his wife, but they disappeared with the money without carrying out the act. 'This, according to the witnesses, made him anxious. He then approached new individuals and asked them to kill his wife first, saying he would only pay them afterwards to avoid being scammed again,' Nyaka testified. Magistrate Morris found that releasing Sibanyoni on bail would pose a risk of interference with witnesses and ruled that it was not in the interest of justice to release him. His bail application was accordingly denied. Outside court, there was an emotional reaction from supporters and observers. Dr Nhlahla Thabethe, a close friend of the deceased, said she was overwhelmed with relief following the outcome. 'I am so grateful, shaking and trembling out of happiness. I recall all the sleepless nights and all the prayers that have now been answered. I can see that South Africa is taking a huge turn when it comes to gender-based violence and femicide,' she said. Protesters gathered outside the court, chanting and singing in celebration after hearing that Sibanyoni's bail had been denied.#courtcase #murder #baildenied ♬ original sound – Lowveld Media The court also heard evidence submitted in an affidavit by Sibanyoni's girlfriend, Thuli Zanele Shangase, who claimed that he was with her on the evening of November 19. She said they were informed the following morning at 05:50 that Nondumiso had been shot and killed. Investigating officer Constable Sindisiwe Precious Nyaka, a member of the Mpumalanga Provincial Organised Crime Unit, testified that she was on duty when she received information about a shooting at the Virgin Active Riverside parking lot. 'I found a woman lying motionless on the parking lot and saw spent cartridges around her. She had been shot in the left shoulder and face,' Nyaka said. Her investigation revealed that Nondumiso and Sibanyoni were in the process of divorcing, and that she had demanded half of his assets in the divorce settlement. Nyaka also confirmed that the deceased had obtained a protection order against Sibanyoni. One of the conditions was that he should not threaten to kill her. Other conditions prohibited him from assaulting her or calling her a witch. Nyaka told the court that she had been approached by individuals who provided information linking Sibanyoni to the murder. These informants allegedly claimed that Sibanyoni had previously paid more than R70 000 to hitmen to kill his wife, but they disappeared with the money without carrying out the act. 'This, according to the witnesses, made him anxious. He then approached new individuals and asked them to kill his wife first, saying he would only pay them afterwards to avoid being scammed again,' Nyaka testified. Morris found that releasing Sibanyoni on bail would pose a risk of interference with witnesses and ruled that it was not in the interest of justice to release him. His bail application was accordingly denied. Outside court, there was an emotional reaction from supporters and observers. Dr Nhlahla Thabethe, a close friend of the deceased, said she was overwhelmed with relief following the outcome. 'I am so grateful, shaking and trembling out of happiness. I recall all the sleepless nights and all the prayers that have now been answered. I can see that South Africa is taking a huge turn when it comes to gender-based violence and femicide,' she said. Protesters gathered outside the court, chanting and singing in celebration after hearing that Sibanyoni's bail had been denied. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. 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The Citizen
6 days ago
- The Citizen
Court denies Sifiso Sibanyoni's bail in high-profile Mbombela murder case
Sifiso Vusimuzi Sibanyoni, the estranged husband of the late Dr Nondumiso Nkosi-Sibanyoni of Rob Ferreira Hospital, was denied bail in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court today (Friday, August 1). Magistrate Patrick Morris postponed the matter to September 5 for further investigation. Before the judgment was delivered, Sibanyoni's legal representative, Tshepiso Radebe, informed the court that his client was comfortable with the proceedings continuing in English. In his ruling, Magistrate Morris began by outlining Sibanyoni's personal circumstances, as presented during his bail application. Sibanyoni is 39 years old, matriculated in 2005, and holds a nursing certificate from Ekufundeni Nursing College. 'The applicant said he is self-employed in a diesel sales business and generates approximately R80 000 in a good month,' Morris said. ALSO READ: Suspect arrested in connection with Dr Nondumiso Sibanyoni's murder He added that Sibanyoni was arrested on July 8, following a lengthy investigation into the November 2023 murder of his wife. @lowvelder Sifiso Vusimuzi Sibanyoni, the estranged husband of the late Dr Nondumiso Nkosi-Sibanyoni of Rob Ferreira Hospital, was denied bail in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court today (Friday, August 1). Magistrate Patrick Morris postponed the matter to September 5 for further investigation. Before the judgment was delivered, Sibanyoni's legal representative, Tshepiso Radebe, informed the court that his client was comfortable with the proceedings continuing in English. In his ruling, Magistrate Morris began by outlining Sibanyoni's personal circumstances, as presented during his bail application. Sibanyoni is 39 years old, matriculated in 2005, and holds a nursing certificate from Ekufundeni Nursing College. 'The applicant said he is self-employed in a diesel sales business and generates approximately R80 000 in a good month,' Morris said. He added that Sibanyoni was arrested on July 8, following a lengthy investigation into the November 2023 murder of his wife. According to the judgment, Sibanyoni is a South African citizen with no previous convictions, no pending cases, and has never been released on parole. 'He stated that he was at home when the crime was committed and does not know the witnesses,' Morris said. The court also heard evidence submitted in an affidavit by Sibanyoni's girlfriend, Thuli Zanele Shangase, who claimed that he was with her on the evening of November 19. She said they were informed the following morning at 05:50 that Nondumiso had been shot and killed. Investigating officer Constable Sindisiwe Precious Nyaka, a member of the Mpumalanga Provincial Organised Crime Unit, testified that she was on duty when she received information about a shooting at the Virgin Active Riverside parking lot. 'I found a woman lying motionless on the parking lot and saw spent cartridges around her. She had been shot in the left shoulder and face,' Nyaka said. Her investigation revealed that Nondumiso and Sibanyoni were in the process of divorcing, and that she had demanded half of his assets in the divorce settlement. Nyaka also confirmed that the deceased had obtained a protection order against Sibanyoni. One of the conditions was that he should not threaten to kill her. Other conditions prohibited him from assaulting her or calling her a witch. Nyaka told the court that she had been approached by individuals who provided information linking Sibanyoni to the murder. These informants allegedly claimed that Sibanyoni had previously paid more than R70 000 to hitmen to kill his wife, but they disappeared with the money without carrying out the act. 'This, according to the witnesses, made him anxious. He then approached new individuals and asked them to kill his wife first, saying he would only pay them afterwards to avoid being scammed again,' Nyaka testified. Magistrate Morris found that releasing Sibanyoni on bail would pose a risk of interference with witnesses and ruled that it was not in the interest of justice to release him. His bail application was accordingly denied. Outside court, there was an emotional reaction from supporters and observers. Dr Nhlahla Thabethe, a close friend of the deceased, said she was overwhelmed with relief following the outcome. 'I am so grateful, shaking and trembling out of happiness. I recall all the sleepless nights and all the prayers that have now been answered. I can see that South Africa is taking a huge turn when it comes to gender-based violence and femicide,' she said. Protesters gathered outside the court, chanting and singing in celebration after hearing that Sibanyoni's bail had been denied.#courtcase #murder #baildenied ♬ original sound – Lowveld Media According to the judgment, Sibanyoni is a South African citizen with no previous convictions, no pending cases, and has never been released on parole. ALSO READ: Doctor fatally shot in Mbombela 'He stated that he was at home when the crime was committed and does not know the witnesses,' Morris said. The court also heard evidence submitted in an affidavit by Sibanyoni's girlfriend, Thuli Zanele Shangase, who claimed that he was with her on the evening of November 19. She said they were informed the following morning at 05:50 that Nondumiso had been shot and killed. Investigating officer Constable Sindisiwe Precious Nyaka, a member of the Mpumalanga Provincial Organised Crime Unit, testified that she was on duty when she received information about a shooting at the Virgin Active Riverside parking lot. 'I found a woman lying motionless on the parking lot and saw spent cartridges around her. She had been shot in the left shoulder and face,' Nyaka said. Her investigation revealed that Nondumiso and Sibanyoni were in the process of divorcing, and that she had demanded half of his assets in the divorce settlement. Nyaka also confirmed that the deceased had obtained a protection order against Sibanyoni. One of the conditions was that he should not threaten to kill her. Other conditions prohibited him from assaulting her or calling her a witch. ALSO READ: Husband accused of Mbombela doctor's murder received R1.5m in insurance payout Nyaka told the court that she had been approached by individuals who provided information linking Sibanyoni to the murder. These informants allegedly claimed that Sibanyoni had previously paid more than R70 000 to hitmen to kill his wife, but they disappeared with the money without carrying out the act. 'This, according to the witnesses, made him anxious. He then approached new individuals and asked them to kill his wife first, saying he would only pay them afterwards to avoid being scammed again,' Nyaka testified. Magistrate Morris found that releasing Sibanyoni on bail would pose a risk of interference with witnesses and ruled that it was not in the interest of justice to release him. His bail application was accordingly denied. Outside court, there was an emotional reaction from supporters and observers. Dr Nhlahla Thabethe, a close friend of the deceased, said she was overwhelmed with relief following the outcome. 'I am so grateful, shaking and trembling out of happiness. I recall all the sleepless nights and all the prayers that have now been answered. I can see that South Africa is taking a huge turn when it comes to gender-based violence and femicide,' she said. Protesters gathered outside the court, chanting and singing in celebration after hearing that Sibanyoni's bail had been denied.