Latest news with #Aucamp
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
DA calls for action to address farm murders after Trump meeting
US President Donald Trump proved to be a political rottweiler of Afrikaners and white farmers falsely claiming genocide in SA. South African Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen speaks during a meeting with US President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on May 21, 2025. Picture: Jim Watson / AFP The DA has reiterated its call for urgent action to address farm murders in the country following President Cyril Ramaphosa's meeting with his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump. This comes after Trump, who proved to be a political rottweiler for Afrikaners and white farmers, shifted the focus from what began as a cordial discussion with President Cyril Ramaphosa but veered sharply off course to farm attacks in South Africa. Ramaphosa met Trump on Wednesday. He was joined by four ministers, renowned businessman Johann Rupert, and golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen. During the bilateral talks, which played out before the media, Trump showed videos of EFF leader Julius Malema to support his false belief in genocide against whites in the country, asking why Malema has not been arrested. Farm murders DA national and agriculture spokesperson Willie Aucamp said farm murders continue and rural safety continues to threaten lives, food security, jobs, and the stability of South Africa's rural economy. 'In his engagement with President Trump, Minister Steenhuisen reiterated that farm murders are a grim reality in South Africa and must be treated as an urgent national priority. ALSO READ: 'There is doubt in Trump's head about genocide in SA,' Ramaphosa says [VIDEO] 'We now welcome the fact that two parliamentary portfolio committees — the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and the Portfolio Committee on Police — have formally recognised that farm murders do happen and must be combated without delay,' Aucamp said. Parliamentary report Aucamp said the adoption of the Joint Parliamentary Committee Report on Farm murders, tabled on Wednesday, reflects many of the policy reforms the 'DA has long championed'. 'These include, among others, key recommendations that align directly with the DA's Integrated Rural Safety Strategy. 'Establishment of a Specialised Rural Safety Unit in Saps, strengthen rural crime intelligence to combat farm attack syndicates and cross-border networks and acknowledge the uniquely brutal nature of farm murders, often involving torture,' Aucamp said. ALSO READ: WATCH: Donald Trump ambushes Cyril Ramaphosa in Oval Office Food security Aucamp added that the murder of farmers and farmworkers affects the 'food security of our nation'. 'These are not ordinary crimes. They are premeditated, cruel and economically devastating. 'We call on the Minister of Police to implement these recommendations without delay. Rural South Africa needs boots on the ground, intelligence in the field, and justice in the courts,' Aucamp stressed. Afrikaner refugees Last week, the first group of 49 Afrikaners left South Africa and arrived in the US under Trump's new refugee policy for them. Ramaphosa at the time said the Afrikaners who had flown to the US as 'refugees' had committed a 'cowardly act' and were clearly unhappy with efforts to redress the inequities of the apartheid past. 'I think that it's a sad moment for them. They may be feeling excited that they left the country, that they've got somebody like President (Donald) Trump,' Ramaphosa said at an impromptu press briefing at the annual Nampo harvest festival near the Free State town of Bothaville. Despite the unsubstantiated claims made by Trump about genocide in South Africa, Ramaphosa said the meeting with Trump was fruitful. After his private lunch meeting with Trump, Ramaphosa told the media that there was 'doubt in Trump's head about genocide in SA'. ALSO READ: 'Older men gossiping about me': Malema reacts to Ramaphosa-Trump meeting after Kill the Boer videos
eNCA
22-05-2025
- Business
- eNCA
DA welcomes R1TN for infrastructure
JOHANNESBURG - The DA has welcomed the R1 trillion allocated for infrastructure development in order to grow the economy. According to Willem Aucamp of the DA this is what the party has been fighting for. "We have a budget that will that will have no VAT increases, no personal tax increases nor corporate VAT increase and that is what the democratic alliance has been advocating for. We do not have an income problem in this country but rather a expenditure problem," he says. Aucamp further welcomed the minister decision to conduct a spending review. He says this will allow for the government to review ghost workers within various departments but also look into projects that do not yield results. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced the allocation during his Budget speech on Wednesday. He said going forward, underperforming programmes will be closed as the 2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) budget process undergoes redesign. New reforms will target infrastructure planning and implementation across provinces and municipalities, the minister explained. "A data-driven approach to detecting payroll irregularities will replace the more costly method of using censuses.
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Container home trend gaining ground in JHB
As Johannesburg's property landscape evolves, container homes are emerging as a practical solution for those looking for ways to maximise space, accommodate family members, and generate rental income. This trend is particularly noticeable in areas such as Johannesburg South, where container structures are increasingly being used as secondary dwellings, granny flats, or backyard rental units. 'From a cost-efficiency perspective, container homes can be an attractive long-term investment, particularly for buyers with budget constraints,' says Nadia Aucamp, broker/owner of RE/MAX All Stars. 'They offer affordability, quicker construction times, and potential sustainability benefits. Additionally, they can serve as rental units or supplementary dwellings, adding value to a property with multiple structures,' she states. However, Aucamp notes that these homes are still seen primarily as supplementary, not primary, residences. 'In most markets, traditional brick-and-mortar homes retain stronger resale value. Container homes are often viewed as temporary or movable structures, which may impact appreciation over time.' That said, growing acceptance and potential regulatory shifts could change this perception. 'As more municipalities begin formalising container housing regulations, and as public awareness grows, we could see improved resale values and broader market acceptance,' Aucamp adds. While interest in container housing is growing in urban pockets like Johannesburg South and the inner city, areas such as Alberton and Germiston have yet to see widespread demand. This may be due to limited buyer awareness or a cautious approach from local authorities. Aucamp cautions that regulatory clarity remains an obstacle. 'While Johannesburg is starting to embrace alternative housing models, approval processes still vary between municipalities. Container homes must comply with the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, which includes zoning, structural safety, and fire compliance.' Financial institutions also typically require full municipal approval before financing properties with container homes. 'Prospective buyers should ensure all municipal by-laws are followed, including obtaining approved building plans. This is especially important for securing financing and ensuring future resale value,' Aucamp emphasizes. Across South Africa, Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, notes that there has been a gradual shift in the way people approach residential property. 'Many are not only viewing them as a place to live, but also as a way to generate income,' he states. 'Container homes offer an innovative response to changing housing needs, both for multi-generational living as well as for passive income streams. As regulation catches up with demand and market sentiment continues to evolve, we anticipate broader adoption and increased interest across the country,' he concludes. Issued by: Kayla Ferguson
