Durban business rises after 40m loss
In July 2021, violent protesters set fire to the country's economy.
R50-billion worth of goods went up in flames, thousands of jobs disintegrated and over 350 people were killed.
Four years later, the scars – on the economy, the landscape and the hearts of the victim's loved ones – are healing.
Although slowly, it's a testament to the resilience of KwaZulu-Natal citizens and a 2019 BMW M4 Competition – like a Phoenix that rose from the ashes - stands proud as a shiny symbol of hope.
Taren Ramsaroop, the owner of Deutsche Auto, tells us why.
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Daily Maverick
4 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
Minister Macpherson to address media as exposé of IDT officials' bribery bid reverberates across SA
Minister of Public Works Dean Macpherson is expected to respond to the details of an explosive exposé by Daily Maverick of an attempted bribery of one of its investigative journalists by the suspended Independent Development Trust CEO and her spokesperson. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has called for suspended Independent Development Trust (IDT) CEO Tebogo Malaka and her spokesperson Phasha Makgolane to face the law 'if they are implicated in bribery'. Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works Dean Macpherson is expected to address the media on Thursday following an explosive exposé by Daily Maverick of an attempted bribery of one of its investigative journalists by the two IDT officials. On Tuesday, Daily Maverick carried video footage and recordings of this blatant attempt to bribe its journalist, Pieter-Louis Myburgh. Suspended IDT CEO Malaka and spokesperson Makgolane attempted to pay Daily Maverick investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh R60,000 in cash over the weekend to suppress an investigation into Malaka's personal dealings and questionable IDT contracts. The IDT, a very important, if lesser known, government body, spends upwards of R4-billion each year on social infrastructure projects, such as building schools and clinics, and falls under the Ministry of Public Works. Macpherson last week released a forensic report into a R836-million oxygen tender awarded to a ghost company that was first exposed by Daily Maverick. The report recommended that Malaka be suspended. Malaka was placed on precautionary suspension on Friday. Now Macpherson's remarks at Wednesday's briefing are expected to set the tone for the government's broader response. The attempted bribe, which took place during a meeting in Stellenbosch, was captured on camera. Myburgh photographed the cash, delivered in a white Dior shopping bag, and recorded video and audio of the exchange. Makgolane also sweetened the offer with promises of R100,000 in monthly payments and influence over IDT tenders. In a statement on the briefing, his department confirmed that Macpherson would respond directly to the 'serious allegations by Daily Maverick that Malaka sought to bribe journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh'. Posting to social platform X yesterday morning, Macpherson said he planned to consult with the IDT board later in the day. The statement also warned that the matter appeared to be part of 'what is now likely a paid-for public campaign aimed at discrediting [Macpherson's] efforts to bring stability and good governance to the entity'. It suggests deeper political and institutional tensions may be at play, especially as Macpherson has been spearheading reform efforts at the IDT. On 22 January, the EFF accused Macpherson of 'brazen and corrupt interference' in IDT affairs, citing an incident where he allegedly instructed staff to process a questionable payment to a construction company. The party claimed that Macpherson had unfairly targeted Malaka and used the PSA oxygen plant tender as a pretext for political interference. EFF secretary-general Marshall Dlamini opened a criminal case of corruption against the minister on 22 January 2025. IDT promises full response While remaining tight-lipped on the details, IDT spokesperson Lerato Modisana said the IDT acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations. The IDT board convened on Wednesday, 6 August, to 'deliberate comprehensively on these matters'. However, Modisana said the IDT was not at this stage in a position to respond to specific media enquiries. The organisation pledged to uphold 'transparency, accountability and good governance' and promised that 'a detailed response will be provided in due course, once the board has fully considered all the relevant facts and implications'. What everyone wants to know Daily Maverick's exposé has garnered significant attention from other media, including radio broadcasts. Readers applauded Myburgh's efforts, while some wondered at the sheer audacity of the brazen bribery attempt. Reader Eddie Maulson summed it up: 'One is gobsmacked at the lack of thought that went into this outrageous attempt at bribery, not to mention the effrontery that these individuals show in their lamentable assumption that they could bribe a man of PLM's integrity in such a crass manner.' A history of red flags Malaka was already under scrutiny, having been placed on precautionary suspension days before the footage emerged on 1 August 2025, following the release of a PwC forensic report into the R836-million PSA oxygen plant project. That report, spurred by Daily Maverick investigations in October 2024, recommended disciplinary action for Malaka, citing her failure to prevent or address serious violations in the project's procurement. The IDT has long struggled with governance and accountability, facing repeated criticism over failed projects and procurement lapses, eroding public confidence in the agency's leadership. DM
The Citizen
12 hours ago
- The Citizen
Lillydale power puzzle: Eskom's payment demand for electricity that does not exist
Lillydale power puzzle: Eskom's payment demand for electricity that does not exist Eskom has sent a mysterious bill to Swikoxeni Waste Management (PTY) LTD, demanding the payment of R49 330 despite the premises having no installed electricity at all. The company is situated on a piece of land between Justicia and Lyllidale trusts in the Bushbuckridge municipality. ALSO READ: Bullets fly as robbers storm church near Hazyview It uses a solar panels to generate electricity to power lights at night and the company owner says he was very shocked to receive the bill. Since I received the bill a few days ago, I started to have sleepless nights. There is not a single Eskom pole on the premises. But Eskom has the guts to send me a bill of almost R50 000. This is ridiculous. I do not doubt that other people may be experiencing the same challenges as well,' said Bethuel Mashele, the owner of Swikoxeni Waste Management. The letter of demand, a copy of which Mpumalanga News is in possession of, says the payment is due on August 22. Despite the due date being just over 15 days away, the letter contains a threat demanding that the money should be paid immediately. 'Total outstanding debt must be settled immediately. This is subject to disconnection without further notice,' reads the letter. Mashele said he was mystified as to what there was to disconnect. 'Maybe this means Eskom will come and disconnect the electricity that is not connected. I am stunned and confused about this bizarre payment demand,' said Mashele. When contacted for comment, Eskom's communication and stakeholder management practitioner, Lazarus Muthimba, simply appreciated that the matter had been brought to Eskom's attention 'Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. Please be informed that the customer will be contacted by our customer services team in order to resolve the matter,' said Muthimba.
The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
Gayton's family diamond mine plummets: 'No longer profitable'
Gayton McKenzie's diamond mine business – now managed by his son Calvin Le John – has reportedly taken a turn for the worse as prices have plummeted and the demand is at an all-time low. The Minister of Sport, Art, and Culture's son made the revelation in his first interview last week. In it, he discussed his acquisition of PSL club Siwelele FC, previously SuperSport United, for R50 million. The transaction was funded by selling shares to the mines. Since being sworn in as minister, Gayton has transferred all his businesses into his firstborn's name. According to Calvin Le John, Gayton McKenzie made most of his fortune from his slate and diamond mine business. Speaking to Robert Marawa, the Minister's firstborn revealed that Siwelele FC was bought after shares in the diamond mine were sold to a consortium for R90 million. However, Le John claimed that the business was no longer profitable. He said, 'Lab diamonds are now a big factor in the industry. I'm trying to divest as quickly as I can because I see a storm coming. Gayton McKenzie's son Calvin Le John reveals how he sold shares to the family's diamond mines. Images via 947/ X: @gaytonmck 'Diamond prices are at it lowest in years. It's circumstances that we're dealing with . There are a lot of diamond miners that have left the country. Diamond miners are literally living hand to mouth'. After his prison release over an armed robbery sentence, Gayton McKenzie worked as a consultant at various gold and diamond mines. With the help of a mentor, he founded his own mine – Central Rand Gold Mine – with pal and political party right-hand man, Kenny Kunene. He later owned gold, diamond, and slate mines in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Before handing over the reins to his son, Gayton McKenzie had multiple businesses in the entertainment, transport, publishing, mining, and property sectors. According to Parliament's 2025 Register of Members' Interests, Gayton was the director of several businesses, which he claims he has since deregistered from. They include the Taboo Tradio group of nightclubs and entertainment, ZAR Productions in the film and television industry, record label Nu Money Records, and an investment holdings company called Hustler's Empire. He also had his fingers in the pie of logistics, solar trading, microbreweries, ICT, and health and wellness enterprises. He said in a recent Facebook Live: 'We are a fairly wealthy family. My son [Calvin Le John] took over the ownership of all the family businesses before I was appointed as a minister. As ministers, we are not allowed to be involved in any private business. '… All our family businesses have been given to him. He grew up in money'. 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.
