Latest news with #060
IOL News
21 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
Gauteng department accused of bias as CFO faces prosecution while DDG stays at work
Gauteng MEC Jacob Mamabolo has downplayed accusations that there is bias in his office. Image: Bongani Shilubane / Independent Newspapers The Gauteng Department of Infrastructure and Development faces renewed scrutiny, accused of bias for spending over R5 million to prosecute a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) who has been suspended with pay for more than a year. Meanwhile, a deputy director-general (DDG) facing more serious charges remains at work without suspension. The CFO, whose name is known to the publication, is undergoing a disciplinary process for insubordination, dereliction of duty, and absenteeism. Meanwhile, the DDG, whose name is known to the publication, remains at work despite facing more severe charges. These charges include gross misconduct, maladministration, and financial misconduct related to the controversial Mayibuye Primary School project in Tembisa. The project had been plagued by delays, cost overruns, and corruption allegations. According to a leaked charge sheet, the DDG is accused of causing the improper construction of the school without conducting a wetland study, leading to undue delays and cost overruns. The department allegedly incurred costs of R10,060,519.73 due to the contractor's standing time from December 2018 to March 2020. The DDG is also accused of irregularly appointing a contractor without going through a separate tender process for the construction of a smart school. The charge sheet states that the DDG's conduct was unwarranted, unacceptable, and prejudicial to the administration, discipline, and efficiency of the employer. However, his disciplinary hearing comes with additional controversy, with some DID employees saying he is attending the hearing while he is still at work. The publication has previously reported that the department's CFO had been charged in a different matter but was suspended from attending work, while the DDG is treated differently. A source in a senior position within the department, who spoke on condition of anonymity in case of reprisals, said officials within the department were questioning why this was the case. 'It's politics of favouritism that borders on near corruption at play here because how come a person (CFO) has to stay so long outside of work while another (DDG) is charged with even bigger charges but comes to the office as if nothing is happening?... It shows that it's selective... and it's a matter that is spoken about in the corridors every day,' the source said. Department spokesperson Theo Nkonki did not respond to questions sent to him; however, he referred them to department MEC Jacob Mamabolo, who played down the accusations. 'As far as I know, the department is handling the situation of the DDG, and investigations that will be reported to me afterwards are ongoing. The matter is being dealt with and there is no crisis… we should leave the matter to be investigated so we can move on from there,' Mamabolo said. Responding to the matter of the CFO and whether the DDG was going to be suspended, Mamabolo said that the case was also ongoing, and it was the prerogative of the employer to suspend the DDG if they felt that he would interfere with the investigation. Although it was not clear what the status of the CFO's case was, sources confirmed that it was ongoing and had already cost taxpayers R5 million. The charges against the DDG come after a report by the Public Protector, Kholeka Gcaleka, found irregularities and maladministration in the construction of the school. The report found the school was built on a wetland, endangering the lives of learners and staff members. Build One South Africa (Bosa) at the time welcomed the report and is calling for the recovery of the R82 million spent on the project. Bosa leader Mmusi Maimane had lodged a complaint with the Public Protector in 2020, highlighting the irregularities and corruption surrounding the project. Bosa member of the Gauteng provincial legislature, Ayanda Allie, had written to the office of Premier Panyaza Lesufi, requesting that he delegate a task force team to recover the squandered funds. Allie said that Lesufi's task force will aid in recovering missing funds and holding officials accountable for scrupulous conduct. 'We are of the view that the remedial action is flimsy and deficient and illustrates how far this matter is away from being settled. All effort must be made to recover the funds spent otherwise, shady contractors and compromised government employees get away scot-free,' Allie said. [email protected]
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
'Release the captain': Orlando Pirates fans unhappy with Xoki's contract extension
Some Orlando Pirates supporters are unhappy about the club's decision to trigger a one-year extension in Tapelo Xoki's contract. The 30-year-old defender has served as a regular captain for the team since joining the Buccaneers in 2022 from AmaZulu. While he had two strong seasons initially, some fans believe that injuries and limited playing time impacted Xoki's performance last season. With Xoki and Olisah Ndah sidelined for much of the past season, Orlando Pirates had to rely on Nkosinathi Sibisi and two inexperienced defenders, Mbekezile Mbokazi and Thabiso Sesane. Although Sesane was injured in February, his replacement, Mbokazi, performed impressively and even earned a cap for Bafana Bafana at just 19 years old. Towards the end of the season, Xoki was called back into action but struggled in crucial matches. In the CAF Champions League semi-final, the 30-year-old was held responsible for Pirates' loss to Pyramids in the second leg. In June, it was reported that the former AmaZulu captain would extend his stay with Orlando Pirates, a decision that did not sit well with some fans. @Moshukudumash wrote: 'No , this guy is the biggest threat at our center back , he is easily bullied by psl strikers.' @MduPG wrote: 'Release the Captain & get a faster Defensive player. He can't run with Du Preez on attacks, or chase after Riberio. @Oppenheimer702 wrote: 'It a bad call when you have Sibisi, Mbokazi, Ndah and Sesane. He is currently the worst center back we have!' Orlando Pirates kick off their season in two weeks against Polokwane City in the MTN8. 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.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- New Straits Times
Housewife loses RM26,060 to TikTok 'lucky draw' scam
TANGKAK: A 55-year-old housewife lost her entire life savings of RM26,060 after falling victim to a bogus "lucky draw" scam on TikTok that promised substantial winnings. District police chief Superintendent Roslan Mohd Talib said the victim had come across an advertisement promoting a lucky draw competition and was instructed to contact a WhatsApp number listed in the post. "Over the course of eight days, between July 8 and 15, she was manipulated into making 12 online bank transfers to six accounts believed to be mule accounts," he said in a statement today. Realising she had been deceived, the woman lodged a police report yesterday. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years' imprisonment, whipping, and a fine upon conviction. Roslan urged members of the public to exercise caution when dealing with online offers that appear too good to be true, and to always verify the legitimacy of such promotions. "Scammers often lure victims with promises of unrealistic profits in a short period. We strongly advise the public to carry out checks before making any financial commitments," he said. He said that information on the latest scams was regularly shared via the Commercial Crime Investigation Department's social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. "Victims of scams should immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 to block any further loss of funds," he added.
The South African
13-07-2025
- The South African
Two suspects arrested for kidnapping and murder in Eastern Cape
Two suspects, aged 32 and 33, were arrested in Qumbu, Eastern Cape, for kidnapping two men, one of whom tragically lost his life. The suspects abducted the victims in Qumbu Central Business District. They accused the victims of stealing a sling bag containing two cell phones and cash. After an intensive search, the police located the first victim at his home in Marambeni earlier in June 2025. The 20-year-old victim was found with severe injuries and was hospitalised. The decomposing body of the 22-year-old second victim was found by a community member in dongas (erosion channels) in Mahlungulu. He was found with his hands and legs bound by a rope. The first suspect, Tembalethu Ncudu (32), was arrested on 4 June 2025 and appeared at Qumbu Magistrate's Court on the same day. Taxi owner Sifiso Nene (33) from Mahlungulu, the second suspect, was arrested on 15 June 2025. Both suspects are facing charges of kidnapping and murder. They are currently in custody awaiting their formal bail application, which will be filed on Monday, 14 July 2025, at Qumbu Magistrate's Court. Two suspects made their court appearance before the Praktiseer Magistrate's Court in Tubatse on Friday, 11 July 2025, due to suspected hijacking of a motor vehicle and for being in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Members of the Tubase tracing team were summoned to Extension 10, Burgersfort, after receiving information about suspicious motor vehicles in the area. Upon arrival, the suspects saw the police and immediately fled the scene, leaving the white polo Volkswagen, suspected to be hijacked, behind. 'The vehicle was tested and it was confirmed to have been reported hijacked during June 2025 in the Tubatse policing area,' read the police statement. Motau was arrested at Extension 10 and was charged with possession of a hijacked vehicle. Mongadi was arrested at a tavern in Riba Cross and is currently facing charges of possessing an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. 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 Citizen
10-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Hang out for charity on the ZO wash line
Hang out for charity on the ZO wash line The countdown is on for the ZO's most heart-warming tradition – the 12th annual Hang out with Madiba charity drive. This Mandela Day on Friday, 18 July, the ZO team is once again stringing up washing lines and calling on the community to donate winter clothing, blankets, toiletries and non-perishable foods between 7.30am and 12 noon. The drop-off points will be the newspaper's offices at 3 Baines Road, Empangeni, and in the open space between the Civic Centre and East Central Arterial in Richards Bay where washing lines will also be erected. Clubs, schools and businesses are encouraged to erect their own charity lines on the day. By spending 67 minutes of your time collecting these items from your home and making a charitable delivery at the lines, or volunteering at the lines, you will be warming someone's cold winter. These 67 minutes honour the 67 years Nelson Mandela spent fighting for justice, equality and freedom. Let his legacy of kindness live on by hanging out for a good cause. The donations will be distributed via the ZO's charity arm Dice (Do I Care Enough?) to needy organisations and communities. Clothes collected on the day supply Dice and the city's Disaster Management unit for an entire year. The ZO has again partnered with the City of uMhlathuze, Rotary Clubs of Empangeni and Richards Bay, as well as Concord Access Solutions to ensure this winter is warmer for the needy. You CAN make a difference! Dice operations manager Karen Dalton shared the NPO's top needs: · Men's and teen boys' clothing, especially size small · Winter warmth: blankets, beanies, scarves for winter · Toiletries: soap, toothpaste, sanitary pads and toilet paper · Non-perishable items: packet soups, 2-minute noodles, porridge, maize meal, samp and beans, tea and sugar, or anything in the grocery cupboards at home, like canned goods There will be donation boxes at the drop-off points on Madiba Day. The Dice team also requests that the clothing be clean and in good condition, to avoid time-consuming efforts to mend or wash clothes. Unable to get to the ZO charity line on Madiba Day? Call Dave Savides on 060 9719249 or Karen Dalton on 035 7990500 or email [email protected]. Let us know how you are spending your 67 minutes! Share a selfie or a photograph of your moments at the ZO charity lines in Empangeni or Richards Bay and tag us on Facebook, Instagram or X using the hashtags: #ZOHangout and #MyHangOut Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
