Latest news with #ANA
IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
Mystery surrounds Markus Jooste's 'death'. Show us the grave!
Former CEO Markus Jooste's alleged death remains unclear and unconvincing, says a political expert. Image: Armand Hough/African News Agency (ANA) The mystery surrounding the alleged death of former Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste has given rise to conspiracy theories, reflecting a growing lack of trust in law enforcement, according to a respected political analyst. As the dust settles on a R6.3 billion agreement between the South African Reserve Bank and Ibex Holdings, the former Steinhoff empire, a far more unsettling question refuses to go away. No one can say where Jooste was buried. While a statement by the SARB confirmed that both parties reached a settlement allowing Ibex to wind down operations, repay creditors, and conclude all related legal proceedings, the nation is still asking, ''Where is the proof that Jooste is truly dead?'' After the full extent of the Steinhoff scandal came to light, Jooste was fined last March R475 million by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) for accounting fraud. He allegedly took his own life shortly after being informed that an arrest warrant had been issued against him, a death that has since been shrouded in mystery. This ongoing uncertainty has led to growing concerns about the lack of transparency from the authorities and those around Jooste. Political analyst Kenneth Mokgatlhe also raised doubts about Markus Jooste's reported death, saying the details remain unclear and unconvincing. 'Markus Jooste's death remains a mystery, details are very sketchy, and to be honest, I am not absolutely convinced that he died,' Mokgatlhe said. Adding that conspiracy theories reflect a growing lack of trust in the police, Mokgatlhe said: 'The public's engagement with these theories signals a deep loss of confidence in the agencies meant to bring closure to such high-profile cases. ''The police's silence is concerning, and when you consider it alongside the serious allegations made by Commissioner Mkhwanazi, it highlights the glaring weaknesses within SAPS.' Mokgatlhe warned that this situation could have serious political consequences. 'It adds to the ongoing challenges facing the police service and further erodes public faith in the system.' He further stated that the state must confront growing public mistrust by thoroughly investigating Jooste's alleged death and presenting clear evidence to confirm it. 'The government must provide concrete proof to put this matter to rest. Right now, it creates the impression that Jooste is being shielded by powerful political interests,' he said. Mokgatlhe also criticised the perceived racial disparity in how corruption cases are handled in South Africa, arguing that white individuals often escape accountability. 'For instance, look at how Maria Ramos was left unpunished after acknowledging that she manipulated our currency. Nothing happened to her. Look at what happened to Adv. Mkhwebane, when she went after the likes of Absa, she was victimised,' he added. As previously reported by IOL, Western Cape police dismissed the allegations as unfounded, stating that a post-mortem had been conducted and the report filed in the docket for court proceedings. 'The investigation into the death of the late Mr Jooste had been concluded, and the docket was submitted to the National Prosecuting Authority to be placed on the court roll where a formal inquest will be conducted. "The firearm used during the incident was subjected to ballistic tests. Thereafter, returned to the executor as the weapon was registered in the name of the deceased. A report of the ballistic test is filed in the docket for court purposes. The result of both reports will only be disclosed during the formal inquest hearing in court. The date is yet to be determined,' read the statement. Meanwhile, uncertainty continues to surround Jooste's reported death, with little clarity offered by officials. The lack of open communication has intensified public doubt, reinforcing the need for accountability and clear answers to maintain confidence in the justice system. The Star
SoraNews24
a day ago
- SoraNews24
Japanese airline now has an onboard gacha capsule toy machine
You may have said goodbye to Japan, but you don't have to say goodbye to capsule toys just yet. The word 'gacha' has three different, but related, meanings in Japanese. Originally, it indicated a clunking noise. That's exactly the sort of noise that capsule toy machines make when you turn their handle to claim your capsule, so gacha then became a way to refer to the machines, and the meaning of gacha has now expanded to include the underlying system of a prize that's randomly awarded from a pool of possibilities. So when you hear that Air Japan, a low-cost carrier that's part of the ANA Group, has started doing in-flight gacha, you might assume it's that third definition of gacha that's in play here, since who would put an actual capsule toy machine onboard an airliner? Air Japan, that's who. Air Japan launched its Airplane Gacha promotion on July 25, bringing some randomized Japanese pop-culture fun to flights flying from Narita Airport to Bangkok or Singapore. The machine is stocked with prizes including flight tags and stickers, designed by Air Japan cabin attendants, featuring things such as the skylines of the airline's destination cities and illustrations of its in-flight bento box meals. Now, obviously you don't want passengers lining up in the aisles in the middle of a flight, so instead of being in a fixed spot of the aircraft, the Airplane Gacha is instead mounted to a cart like the one used for in-flight food and drink service, with cabin crew wheeling it to the row of those wishing to play. Having passengers fiddle with a bunch of 10 and 100-yen coins would also probably cause problems, so to prevent that a single-use token is provided to passengers who spend 2,000 yen (US$13.80) or more on in-flight purchases during the flight. On its own, 2,000 yen would be a steep price for a gacha machine, especially when the prizes are such simple things as tags and stickers, but again, the gacha token comes as a free extra in addition to the items purchased in-flight. Also, while most of the capsules contain just the tags or stickers, during the promotion period 10,000 yen vouchers for future Air Japan flights will be given to two Airplane Gacha-playing passengers. ✈️✨ 機内ガチャ、ついにスタート！✨✈️昨日から、AirJapanでは客室乗務員を中心に企画した特別な機内イベント「AirJapanガチャ」が始まりました！ 🌍✈️世界中で大人気のガチャガチャが、なんと飛行機の中に！ 空の上で楽しめる、ワクワクいっぱいの体験をぜひお楽しみください。… — ANA Group News (@ANA_Group_News) July 26, 2025 The Airplane Gacha promotion runs from July 25 to August 31, with the exceptions of the Narita-to-Bangkok flights on August 20, 23, and 27 and the Narita-to-Singapore flights on August 18, 21-25, and 28. Source: Air Japan via Travel Watch Top image: Air Japan Insert images: Twitter/@ANA_Group_News, ANA, Instagram/ ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
New York Post
6 days ago
- New York Post
US carriers shamed in surprising new list of the world's ‘cleanest' airlines
Whether you're a frequent flyer or tentative traveler, no one wants to be on a dirty plane. From tissues left in the seat-back pocket, gross complimentary blankets, crumbs on the tray table and germ-ridden windows, there's plenty to be wary of when boarding a plane. But a handful of airlines really prioritize the cleanliness of the cabins. 3 Taiwan-based Eva Air was named the cleanest airline in the world for 2025. Heorshe – Skytrax, an international air transport rating organization, released its list of the World's Cleanest Airlines for 2025, based on passenger surveys examining the standard and quality of cleanliness of aircraft cabins. Passengers were asked to score seat areas, tables, carpets, cabin panels and lavatories in the survey, which was conducted from September 2024 to May 2025 on a voluntary basis. The top three cleanest airlines were all based in Asia, with Taiwan-based Eva Air rewarded as the cleanest airline in the world, moving up from its No. 3 spot in last year's rankings. In second place was Japanese-based All Nippon Airways (ANA), followed by Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific in third. 'We believe a pristine cabin environment is fundamental to our passengers' comfort and peace of mind,' a spokesperson for ANA told Condé Nast Traveler. 'We are dedicated to continuously enhancing our cleaning protocols to ensure every ANA journey is a pleasant and fresh experience.' Rounding out the top five were Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines in fourth and fifth place, respectively. Aside from the top three, 10 more Asia-based carriers made it into the top 20 — marking 13 total carriers in Asia. 3 Japanese-based All Nippon Airways (ANA) was named the second cleanest in the world. YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images Notably, not a single U.S. airline made it onto the global list of the world's cleanest airlines. However, Skytrax also listed the cleanest airline by region, and Delta Air Lines was named Cleanest Airline in North America 2025. According to Reader's Digest, Delta works hard to maintain a clean cabin with specialized cleaning teams that perform a thorough cleaning process between every single flight. The airplanes also reportedly get deep cleanings overnight that include vacuuming, shampooing the carpets and detailing the seats and tray tables. 3 Hainan Airlines just missed the top five, coming in at No. 6. VanderWolf Images – Here is Skytrax's complete top 20 list of cleanest airlines in the world for 2025:
India.com
22-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Top 10 Best Airlines In The World 2025: IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet Miss List — No. 8 Will Surprise You! Check Full List Here
photoDetails english 2935348 Top 10 Best Airlines In The World: Choosing the right airline can truly change your travel experience, especially on long international flights. A good airline offers more legroom, better food, friendly service, and enjoyable entertainment. All of this can make your journey much smoother and more comfortable. But a poor airline? It can make those long hours in the air feel even longer. Every year, millions of passengers share their travel experiences. The Skytrax Awards compile those reviews to rank the best airlines in the world. These awards are among the most trusted in the aviation industry. So, let's take a quick look at the top 10 best airlines in the world, as voted by passengers in the 2025 Skytrax Awards. Notably, airlines like IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, and Air India Express did not make it to this list. Updated:Jul 22, 2025, 05:55 PM IST Qatar Airways 1 / 10 Qatar Airways has once again been crowned World's Best Airline at the 2025 Skytrax Awards. Based in Doha, the airline is celebrated for its luxurious cabins, exceptional service, and global reach—flying to over 170 destinations across six continents with unmatched comfort and hospitality. Singapore Airlines 2 / 10 It is ranked second globally in 2025. Singapore Airlines is known for innovation and comfort. Its $850 million upgrade includes a redesigned A380 cabin. With a modern fleet of A350s and 777s, the airline consistently delivers outstanding service, efficient operations, and a relaxing in-flight experience. Cathay Pacific 3 / 10 Cathay Pacific, based in Hong Kong, secured the third spot in the 2025 Skytrax Awards. It also won Best Economy Class Airline and Best Inflight Entertainment. The airline features Michelin-starred meals, refreshed cabins, and onboard Wi-Fi, making it a strong favorite for long-haul travelers. Emirates 4 / 10 The Emirates, headquartered in Dubai, serves cities on six continents with top-notch comfort and reliability. Known for spacious cabins and excellent customer service, the airline is also committed to sustainability—investing in fuel efficiency, emission reductions, and wildlife conservation efforts to build a greener future in aviation. All Nippon Airways (ANA) 5 / 10 ANA, based in Tokyo, operates a wide network with 42 international and about 50 domestic destinations. It continues to earn praise for its high service standards, timely flights, and passenger comfort. ANA's consistent Skytrax rankings reflect its strong reputation in both Japan and worldwide. Turkish Airlines 6 / 10 The airline is established in 1933. Turkish Airlines flies to 130 countries and operates over 480 aircraft. Nearly half state-owned, it's celebrated for great onboard service, delicious catering, affordable pricing, and impressive entertainment options, making it one of the most well-connected and traveler-friendly airlines in the world. Korean Air 7 / 10 Korean Air, ranked seventh in 2025, is expanding fast after its merger with Asiana Airlines. Based in Seoul, the airline is strengthening its role as a full-service leader in Asia. It offers reliable performance, quality service, and an ever-growing network of global destinations. Air France 8 / 10 Air France climbed to eighth place in 2025 and has remained Best Airline in Western Europe for five consecutive years. A key member of the Air France-KLM Group, it offers elegant lounges, refined First Class service, and a smooth travel experience across its global network. Japan Airlines (JAL) 9 / 10 Japan Airlines has earned a 5-Star Skytrax rating for eight years running. Known for spotless cabins, on-time performance, and exceptional in-flight service, JAL continues to lead in both domestic and international travel, especially with the addition of the advanced Airbus A350-1000 to its fleet. Hainan Airlines 10 / 10 Hainan Airlines is expanding its reach with the new Airbus A321neo and now operates more than 1,700 routes. Known for safety, comfort, and growing global presence, the Chinese carrier continues to rise as a key player in the international aviation industry. (Image Credit: Wikipedia/ Social Media)
IOL News
22-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
eThekwini councillors approve new waste management strategy
eThekwini councillors approved the Cleansing and Solid Waste (CSW) Turnaround Strategy on Monday. This strategy is expected to be robust in waste collection in the municipality. Image: Bongani Mbatha/African News Agency (ANA) eThekwini councillors approved the Cleansing and Solid Waste (CSW) Turnaround Strategy on Monday. The strategy has been developed in alignment with National Treasury's Metro Trading Services Reform Framework (MTSRF). The waste management directorate will change from a traditional unit to a CSW business directorate with a single point of accountability. This will enable the executive director of the Waste Management Directorate to have the necessary responsibility and authority to improve its services and to be held accountable in this regard. As per the requirements by National Treasury, the strategy document is coupled with the Cleansing and Solid Waste Directorate's Institutional and Governance Roadmap and the Business and Investments Plan to improve all aspects of the solid waste business. According to the report, the institutional reforms focus on improved management and governance, while the Business and Investment Plan focuses on the Waste Business Development Plan. The Directorate is also required to develop a Performance Improvement Action Plan which is due in April 2026. The plan represents a critical opportunity not just to clean up the city, but to restore the dignity of service delivery that residents so rightly deserve, said Hlengiwe Shozi, DA Councillor at the council meeting. 'For far too long, eThekwini's waste management system has failed its people with broken promises, irregular collections, and communities forced to live among illegal dumping and overflowing bins. If this plan is to succeed, it must go beyond paper. It must be backed by action, urgency, and accountability,' she said. Shozi said although recycling is mentioned in the strategy, there are no clear timelines or measurable targets and she urged DSW to prioritise this to reduce the burden on landfill sites. 'Recycling is not only good for the planet — it's an economic opportunity. Let's stop treating it like an afterthought,' Shozi added. She also suggested that the poor quality of refuse bags being distributed be looked into. Patrick Pillay, leader of the Democratic Liberal Congress (DLC), said the monitoring and implementation of this strategy lies with the eThekwini committees. Pillay urged councillors in the committees to be proactive to ensure the strategy is a success story. 'Despite all the fancy words used to describe the strategy our residents need service delivery. They want to live in a clean environment,' he said. Sunitha Maharaj, Minority Front councillor, said that one of the biggest challenges for CSW has always been service delivery protests. 'What we do not support is any move to impose tariff increases on the public to keep the unit financially viable. We say this because of the lack of accountability and transparency by the municipality previously in terms of reporting progress challenges and corrective measures,' she said. Maharaj was concerned about the municipality having the capacity or if there is a political will to realise the reform goals. She said the Supply Chain Management must be held accountable for delays and must ensure that contract management is strengthened on awarded contracts to the most responsive tenderer. Nkosenhle Madlala, ANC eThekwini councillor, said waste management in the city has gone through some serious challenges including the mushrooming of informal settlements overnight that were not budgeted for in CSW. He said the strategy gives the municipality a chance to turn things around and restore confidence in local government. 'Let us commend the turnaround we have seen in terms of the cleanliness of our streets. We moved a long way from where we were to where we are now in terms of the cleanliness of our city but we are not masking any challenges. A lot still needs to be done and we are happy this strategy is here,' he said. Henricus van der Ryst, Freedom Front Plus councillor, said that National Treasury should look at informing people about waste management at grassroot level such as primary schools. He was concerned about the funding burden placed only on some paying residents. Saneli Zuma, ActionSA councillor, said there was a culture of negligence from both residents and businesses who continue to discard waste irresponsibly, as well as illegal dumping in and around township areas. 'Let us not allow this to become yet another strategy adopted in council that never sees the light of day," she said. [email protected]
