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Daily Maverick
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Pastor Omotoso continues legal battle over cancelled crusade venue, mayor's statements in East London
The Jesus Dominion International Church in East London and Pastor Timothy Omotoso are continuing legal action against the Buffalo City metro after mayor Princess Faku ordered the cancellation of their booking at the Orient Theatre, where Omotoso was scheduled to lead a 'New Dawn' crusade. Although Pastor Timothy Omotoso has since left South Africa, Stuart Laubscher, the Nelson Mandela Bay metro based lawyer representing The Jesus Dominion International Church in East London said he was still taking instructions from his client and intended to proceed with legal action against the metro and mayor Princess Faku over the cancellation and events leading up to Omotoso's departure from the country. In April, Omotoso was released from prison after Judge Irma Schoeman acquitted him on several charges of human trafficking and sexual assault. The charges stemmed from allegations by several young female congregants, who claimed Omotoso had sexually assaulted them in a church residence in Durban. Judge Schoeman ruled that the State had failed to prove its case, citing, among other issues, its failure to properly cross-examine Omotoso and his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, and to lead corroborating evidence to strengthen the case of each witness. The National Prosecuting Authority has now taken the first steps to attempt to appeal this ruling and has asked for 'clarifications' on the ruling. Following his release from prison Omotoso relocated to East London where his church, Jesus Dominion International, was still active. At the beginning of May the church planned a 'New Dawn' crusade in the city led by Omotoso. For this purpose they rented the Orient Theatre in East London for R14,575. Faku, however, ordered that the booking be cancelled and said publicly that Omotoso wasn't welcome in the city. On 10 May, the second-last day of the crusade, Omotoso was arrested in a joint operation by immigration officials and the police pending his deportation. He was declared a prohibited person in South Africa. He was released from custody though to provide him with a chance to appeal this ruling, but then left the country of his own accord on 18 May. He has been banned from South Africa for five years and should he wish to return after that he must apply for his prohibition to be lifted, according to a statement by the Department of Home Affairs. Laubscher, however, said last week that Omotoso 'didn't have to leave South Africa' but did so of his own accord. He confirmed that he was awaiting instructions on how to proceed in taking legal action against the Buffalo City metro, for cancelling the church's booking and against Faku personally. He said in a letter that their case is that the municipality – including the mayor – acted outside the scope of its power by cancelling Jesus Dominion International's booking at the Orient Theatre and the church now wanted its deposit back. 'Pastor Omotoso was acquitted of all charges in the High Court in Gqeberha. The reason for his acquittal is at this stage of no importance or relevance. Under South African law he is innocent of all charges,' he said. 'The reason they advanced infringes upon our client's rights under the South African Constitution in various ways, which does not need any further explanation as it is glaringly obvious, including but not limited to their rights to religious freedom,' he added. He added that Omotoso's reputation was damaged by Faku's statements and the municipality's actions, and their contention was that the mayor and municipal officials have abused their power. 'There is a substantial claim against the municipality (and other parties) and we are just awaiting instructions to issue summons,' Laubscher said. In a letter addressed to the metro and Faku, Laubscher said the church's booking was cancelled without justification and this constituted a 'misuse of public office and authority'. 'The booking was paid for in full and received by the municipal officials in East London and was summarily cancelled by yourself and this constitutes a breach of contract,' the letter addressed to Faku reads. He added that his client wanted the reasons for the cancellation of the booking 'in writing and not via social media'.
![[Watch] Malaysian Influencer MSPUIYI Reveals Her USD45,000 Annual Skincare Investment](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.therakyatpost.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F05%2FUntitled1-13.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![[Watch] Malaysian Influencer MSPUIYI Reveals Her USD45,000 Annual Skincare Investment](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fall-logos-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ftherakyatpost.com.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
Rakyat Post
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Rakyat Post
[Watch] Malaysian Influencer MSPUIYI Reveals Her USD45,000 Annual Skincare Investment
Subscribe to our FREE At just 26, Malaysian social media sensation MSPUIYI has lifted the curtain on her meticulous beauty regimen, revealing she spends a whopping USD45,000 (RM190,575) annually on skincare – all without going under the knife. In a candid revelation that's both fascinating and eye-opening, the influencer, whose real name is Siew Pui Yi, shared how she's maintained her youthful appearance through a combination of preventive care and regular treatments since her early twenties. Her monthly routine reads like a luxury spa menu: regular whitening injections, bi-monthly facial treatments, and yearly laser lifting procedures combined with collagen injections to maintain her signature cherubic cheeks. The breakdown of her annual beauty budget is equally impressive: USD20,000 (RM84,600) on facial treatments, USD12,000 (RM50,760) on medical aesthetics, and USD13,000 (RM54,990) on stem cell therapy – all self-funded, without sponsorships until recently. Inside the Six-Figure Beauty Regime That Keeps Her Looking 23 The investment appears to be paying off. Recent skin assessments suggest her skin age hovers around 23, despite her chronological age of 26. 'There's many advertisements or marketing on achieving the perfect camera-ready face – in long hours but it really takes a lot of work and dedication. I'm just a more detailed informant,' she shares, pulling back the curtain on the effort behind her flawless appearance. It's a testament to the old adage that beauty requires dedication, though perhaps not everyone's version comes with such a hefty price tag. Her transparency offers a rare glimpse into the real cost of maintaining a public image in the digital age, where one's face is quite literally one's fortune. For MSPUIYI, who has built her career on her image, it's simply the cost of doing business. From DJ Decks to Beauty Empire Beyond the filtered world of Instagram, where MSPUIYI commands an audience of 25 million followers, lies a multi-faceted entrepreneur who's turned her digital influence into an empire. By day, she's the force behind beauty brands Kiseki Skincare and MSPUIYI Cosmetics; by night, she takes to the decks as a DJ, adding her own beat to Malaysia's vibrant nightlife scene. The social media star, whose hourglass figure has become as famous as her business acumen, isn't just about surface appeal. Her involvement in the She partnered with READ MORE : READ MORE : Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
What's On
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
10 bucket list UAE staycations every resident should do
From glamping spots that unroll along the Ras Al Khaimah mountains to ritzy resorts that have become statement pieces in Dubai's skyline, here are 10 tried-and-tested UAE staycations we think every UAE resident should do. The splashy new one: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai Completing the oceanic-inspired trilogy Jumeirah first began creating with Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the Shaun Killa-designed resort resembles an avant-garde superyacht. Inside, the facilities mirror the wow factor, with almost a dozen restaurants ranging from haute Japanese fare at Kinugawa beach club to a taste of the Italian dolce vita at Rialto and Mediterrasian dining with a view at Kira. The three-floor Talise Spa offers next-level wellness and rejuvenation, while the Marsa Marina and promenade is a lovely spot to watch the yachts bobbing on the water. Insider tip: Splash out on a suite to get access to the exclusive adults-only Iliana pool club. Rates from Dhs1,575. The family one: Sandy Beach Resort, Fujairah A firm favourite with long-standing UAE residents, Sandy Beach Resort has long been the base of choice for families seeking a no-frills beach retreat, party people descending on the sand for the regular Snoopy Beats music festival, and watersports enthusiasts alike. Facing Fujairah's famed Snoopy Island, its stripped-back approach is part of the charm, and after checking in to one of the rooms or bungalows, head straight to the shorefront for a dip in the infinity pool, snorkel around Snoopy Island or sundowners with your toes in the sand. Insider tip: If you're serious about discovering the underwater world, head down to the Sandy Beach Dive Academy where PADI courses start from Dhs1,100. Rates from Dhs445. The nature one: Anantara Sir Bani Yas, Abu Dhabi Sir Bani Yas island makes for the sort of stuff staycation dreams are made of, with its beautiful beaches, expansive desert and nature reserve home to 14,000 animals. There's three Anantara resorts to choose from on the island. The wallet-friendly Desert Islands offers a traditional hotel experience and is best suited to families looking for a solid base to enjoy the island's best bits. Luxurious beach escapes are best enjoyed at Anantara Al Yamm resort, a 30-key all-villa sanctuary designed like a sleeping village. While recently reimaged Al Sahel resort with its pool villas overlooking local wildlife offers a unique safari-style staycation experience. Insider tip: The wildlife drive is a must for an out-of-Africa experience of spotting cheetah, giraffes, ostriches and Arabian Oryx. Rates from Dhs575. The desert one: The Ritz-Carlton, Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah One of two luxurious Ritz-Carlton resorts in RAK, this desert retreat blends Bedouin traditions with five-star luxuries to create a retreat that feels worlds away from the city. Set amongst the beauty of a protected desert reserve, picturesque scenery and rich local heritage backdrop villas that come with private pools and gourmet dining that includes a seasonal Zuma pop-up and signature restaurant led by a Michelin-pedigree chef.. When you can tear yourself away from your villa, the desert activities range from horse riding and camel treks to wildlife drives, archery and stargazing. There's also the unique sensory Rainforest spa experience, where 16 different hydrothermal stations offer deep cleansing, muscle relaxation and stress reduction. Insider tip: Snag bicycles when you check-in and enjoy a sunset cycle along the track that wraps around the whole resort. Rates from Dhs1,862. The adventure one: Jais Explorer Camp, Ras Al Khaimah Picture this: a weekend out in the wild with a group of your closest friends or family exploring the mountainous area surrounding you. Wild goats are your neighbours, dinner is cooked up by your crew on the barbecue, and after toasting marshmallows you'll bed down in bunk beds in cosy containers out in the wild. That's what you'll find at Bear Grylls Explorer Camp, where your rustic retreat also means learning survival skills from lighting a fire to keeping calm under pressure. Insider tip: The camp operates seasonally, so May is the last month to make the most of unleashing your inner adventurer. Rates from Dhs400. The gourmet one: Atlantis The Royal, Dubai This glittering example of all-out Dubai luxury has become an international hospitality headliner thanks to its dazzling architecture, opulent interiors and expansive leisure offering. But it's the culinary array that makes it stand out. Some of the world's finest culinary minds have assembled at Atlantis The Royal, including Heston Blumenthal, Costas Spiliadis, Nobu Matsuhisa and Gaston Acurio. Soon, they'll also be joined by another culinary icon – New York's impossible-to-get-into Carbone, cementing the resort's status as the ultimate foodie destination. Insider tip: Don't miss sundowners at Seascapes, a secret bar on the beach where you can enjoy cocktails with your toes in the sand. Rates from Dhs2,271. The wellness one: Zoya Health & Wellbeing Resort, Ajman Priding itself as the region's first fully integrated wellness retreat, Zoya is Ajman's answer to an array of health and wellness concerns. Fusing holistic wellness with best-in-class medical practitioners, but yourself in the safe hands of the experts who can devise programs based on your goals, be it weight management, health optimisation or anti-ageing. The minimalistic space has been designed with peace and relaxation in mind, whether you're here simply to chill out in the natural surroundings or embark on a six-night detox program complete with body composition analysis, IV drips and massages. Insider tip: Their 'wellcation' package is the best place to start for those unsure of what they need, with full-board dining, oxygen therapy and a 30-minute massage included. Rates from Dhs470. The heritage one: The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah In the UAE's cultural capital, The Chedi Al Bait embodies Arabian splendour. The 65-room hotel in the heart of the city is spread across seven heritage houses, each lovingly resorted as part of an ambitious preservation project. The former homes of distinguished local families have been enhanced with luxury touches befitting of a five-star hotel, while keeping the brand's historic design DNA. The resulting hotel is a refined take on traditional Emirati hospitality, where guests can take a trip through history at the museum, cosy up with a book in the library, and be pampered at the traditionally-inspired spa. Insider tip: Book one of the Khalid Ibrahim suites with a private plunge pool for the ultimate heritage-inspired sanctuary. Rates from Dhs579. The romantic one: Naama Beach Villas & Spa, Fujairah Unrolling against the backdrop of the Hajar Mountains and the Indian Ocean, Naama Beach Villas & Spa is upping the luxe for romantic retreats in Fujairah. The 44 villas are all finished in calming shades of caramel and cream and all come with private pools and jacuzzis – and even a steam room or sauna depending on your villa category, so you don't have to leave your digs should you not wish. Further relaxation awaits at the inviting main pool which gazes out to the sea, or the ESPA where wellness lovers can enjoy treatments like a salt stone massage. Insider tip: Those looking to up the ante can enhance their stay with a private dining experience in the gardens, by the beach, or served in-villa. Rates from Dhs4,140. The unique one: Casa Mikoko, Umm Al Quwain Part of the rustic, Zanzibar-inspired Kite Beach Centre is Casa Mikoko, a glamping experience of five chalets nestled within the UAQ mangroves. The chalets all come with thoughtful amenities like a tea and coffee bar, hairdryer and slippers, so it mirrors a hotel-style experience. Three of the five come with their own plunge pools, serving as a delightful spot to start the day. And all boast an African-inspired aesthetic and views over the calm waters that gives staycationers a tropical and instant on-holiday feel. Insider tip: Book one of the chalets with private pools and live like you're staying in the Maldives with an Instagrammable floating breakfast. Rates from Dhs1,200.
Malay Mail
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Thirteen youths under investigation for wheelchair vandalism at Sengkang and Boon Lay polling stations
SINGAPORE, May 2 — Thirteen youths, aged between 13 and 20, are under police investigation for their suspected involvement in damaging government property at designated polling stations during the recent election period. According to AsiaOne, the incidents, which occurred in separate locations, led to the destruction of multiple wheelchairs belonging to the Elections Department. Police investigations are ongoing, and authorities have vowed to take swift action. The first case reportedly took place on Monday, when a call for assistance was received around 10:55pm at Block 51A Sengkang West Avenue. Three wheelchairs were found damaged at an open space set up as a polling station. Investigations led officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division to identify five individuals who are believed to have used the wheelchairs for a race. One suspect is also accused of throwing a wheelchair into the air. AsiaOne reported that the second incident occurred yesterday, at a sheltered basketball court at Block 176B Boon Lay Drive, also designated as a polling station. Officers from Jurong Police Division identified eight individuals suspected of damaging a wheelchair. In a statement, police emphasised their commitment to taking firm action against those who damage public property, particularly 'during the sensitive election period'. In both cases, the suspects face allegations under the Vandalism Act. Under Section 3 of the Vandalism Act, offenders found guilty of vandalism could face a fine of up to S$2,000 (RM6,575), imprisonment for up to three years, and between three to eight strokes of caning.
Hans India
01-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Adani Power clocks 21% growth in FY25 PBT
Ahmedabad: Adani Power on Wednesday reported a 21.4 per cent jump in consolidated continuing profit before tax (PBT) at Rs13,926 crore in FY25, compared to Rs11,470 crore in FY24, due to improved EBITDA and lower finance costs. The Adani Group company registered a 10.8 per cent rise in consolidated continuing total revenues at Rs56,473 crore in FY25 compared to Rs50,960 crore in FY24, supported by higher sales volumes, offset partially by lower tariff realisation. Continuing revenues exclude one-time prior period income recognition. Continuing EBITDA for FY25 grew 14.8 per cent to Rs21,575 crore, according to the company. For Q4 FY25, consolidated continuing total revenue was higher by 5.3 per cent at Rs14,522 crore compared to Rs13,787 crore in Q4 FY24, primarily due to higher volume, offset by lower tariff realisation. Consolidated continuing PBT for Q4 FY25 stood at Rs3,248 crore vs Rs3,464 crore for Q4 FY24 on account of higher depreciation due to new acquisitions, apart from slower demand growth and lower merchant tariffs. In Q4 FY24, the company's profit after tax (PAT) had non-recuring items like higher refund received from government authorities and gain on sale of unutilised assets. These were at lower level this quarter, with PAT at Rs2,599.23 crore. In a significant achievement, the company reached 102.2 billion units (BU) power generation in FY25, up by 19.5 per cent from 85.5 BU in FY24. Consolidated power sale volume stood at 95.9 BU in FY25, up by 20.7 per cent from 79.4 BU in FY24 due to robust power demand and higher operating capacity. For the January-March quarter (Q4), consolidated power sale volume stood at 26.4 BU in Q4 FY25, up by 18.9 per cent from 22.2 BU in Q4 FY24 due to growing power demand and higher operating capacity, said the company. 'Adani Power has posted ever-higher operating and financial performance for FY 2024-25, aptly demonstrating the strength and resilience of the Adani Portfolio companies. As we progress quickly in the next phase of capacity expansion, we are prioritising capital and cost efficiencies to sharpen our competitive edge and extend our sectoral leadership across key parameters,' Adani Power Limited CEO SB Khyalia said.
