Latest news with #Bhengu
IOL News
23-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
KZN Public Works cracks down on negligent contractors
KwaZulu-Natal Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Martin Meyer's department is cracking the whip on contractors who fail to adhere to contractual work orders KwaZulu-Natal's Department of Public Works has resolved to tackle the persistent issues of poor performance among contractors by enforcing stricter measures against negligent contractors. As a show of their intent, the department had six contractors were blacklisted recently and warned others that if they saw the department as a means to make a quick buck, they must be prepared for their fate to be cemented with accountability. The decision comes in light of alarming reports of inadequate human resources, poor workmanship, and instances of contractors abandoning job sites mid-project. The impact of these failures have proven costly, draining departmental funds and leading to project delays as new contractors must be brought in to complete unfinished work. Steve Bhengu, the department's spokesperson addressed media about the ramifications of such negligence, which has cost the province hundreds of millions of rand. He stated that the reliance on new contractors created a cascading financial burden on the department, further exacerbating the situation. 'Some contractors knowingly accept projects despite their shortcomings and incapacity,' Bhengu stated. 'This pattern reveals a troubling attitude towards accountability, as many operate under the assumption that there will be no repercussions for their actions.' Adding to this sentiment, MEC Martin Meyer condemned the behaviour of these 'dodgy contractors,' strongly asserting that the days of delivering shoddy work and evading consequences were numbered. 'This was their modus operandi from project to project. In several instances, contractors bid for jobs only to subcontract the entire workload,' Meyer warned. In an effort to ensure accountability, the KZN Public Works Department will invoke section 23.4 of the Provincial Finance Management Act (PFMA), paving the way for blacklisted contractors to appeal the decision. Bhengu explained that this process aimed to maintain fairness, permitting contractors a chance to justify why restrictions should not be implemented against them. 'Contractors are important players in our economy, and we consider them our equals. We are prepared to assist them wherever possible,' Bhengu continued. The Department has acknowledged the commitment of those contractors who have met standards and served the public faithfully. To strengthen relationships with compliant contractors, they have initiated the Contractors Imbizo roadshow, facilitating direct engagement across KZN. This initiative also provides contractors with valuable resources in finance, taxes, and registration compliance. The current blacklist could expand as the department tightened its grip on contractor quality standards, which will subsequently prohibit these companies from engaging in any business with provincial departments in the future. DAILY NEWS
TimesLIVE
29-06-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
ANC slams DA's withdrawal from national dialogue
The ultimatum was issued hours after Ramaphosa sacked the DA's deputy minister of trade, industry & competition, Andrew Whitfield, for 'insubordination'. Whitfield flew to the US without Ramaphosa's permission. 'We will also actively mobilise against it to stop this obscene waste of R740m — starting with a call on civil society to join us in demanding that the national dialogue not proceed until President Ramaphosa fires ANC-corruption accused and other delinquents from the executive,' said Steenhuisen. ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu on Sunday said it was surprising that the DA had chosen not to support the national dialogue. [The decision is] not because they oppose its principles but because a DA deputy minister was dismissed, not only for defying the president but also for violating established rules. This response speaks volumes about the DA's character, they are willing to undermine national interests in pursuit of their narrow partisan agenda,' said Bhengu. 'The ANC firmly believes that this dialogue is not merely an event. It is a critical process in pursuit of social compacting, unity, and national renewal. Ours is a nation built on dialogue, negotiation, and consensus seeking.' Bhengu said South Africa has 'time and again chosen the path of dialogue over division'. 'The ANC reiterates that the national dialogue is rooted in this proud tradition. It seeks to bring all sectors of society together to address the pressing socioeconomic challenges confronting our country, including poverty, inequality, and economic exclusion, through inclusive engagement and joint commitment to solutions,' said Bhengu. 'We have also taken note of the DA's threat not to support key budget votes, including those for the ministries of human settlements and higher education. 'Such actions are not only disruptive but undermine the very spirit and functioning of the GNU [government of national unity], to which the DA has committed itself. These ministries are critical for improving the lives of South Africans, particularly the poor and working class. 'At this juncture, it is imperative for the DA to clarify its stance: is it a genuine and principled partner in the GNU, or is it positioning itself as a quasi-opposition within the executive? South Africans deserve clarity and leadership guided by national interest, not short-term political expediency. 'The ANC remains committed to the success of the GNU and will continue to work with all willing partners in advancing the values of our constitution, deepening transformation, and building a better life for all.'
IOL News
16-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Youth Day 2025: ANC calls on young South Africans to continue the struggle for equality
ANC commemorates Youth Day 2025 with a tribute to the fearless Class of 1976 and a call for today's youth to lead the fight against modern struggles. The African National Congress (ANC) has marked Youth Day 2025 with a stirring tribute to the 'militant and fearless Class of 1976,' while calling on today's youth to pick up the baton and lead the charge against poverty, inequality, and socio-economic exclusion. ANC National Spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said the party joins millions of South Africans in commemorating Youth Day, a solemn and powerful day etched in the collective consciousness of our nation. Bhengu reminded the country that June 16, 1976, marks an unforgettable day when 'a vicious regime declared war on schoolchildren who dared to dream of freedom.' 'The bravery of the Class of 1976 is a lasting reminder of the power of youth to drive profound political and social transformation,' she said.
IOL News
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Truck drivers raise concerns about employment and working conditions at safety symposium
South Africa's truck drivers gathered for the two-day truck driver's symposium held at the Birchwood Hotel on Thursday where they discussed various issues and challenges affecting the industry. The hiring of foreign nationals instead of South Africans, burning of trucks and working long hours for minimal pay were some of the issues that were highlighted by various truck drivers who gathered at the Birchwood Hotel for the Truck Drivers Safety Symposium which took place on Thursday and Friday. Vusi Bhengu who represents the All-Truck Drivers Forum and Allied South Africa (ATDF-ASA) urged government to implement stricter regulations to ensure local truck drivers are prioritised by the South African trucking industry. "Our challenges in this industry are many and one of them is them is that we are pushed and forced to work long hours for minimal pay which leads to fatigue and accidents on the roads. Another big problem which recently led to the torching of trucks across the country, is the employment of foreigners at the expense of local truck drivers," said Bhengu.
IOL News
23-04-2025
- IOL News
Confession in Durban High Court: The Murder of Wandile Aphiwe Ngcobo
Wandile Aphiwe Ngcobo who was killed in her home at uMlazi Image: supplied The Durban High Court on Wednesday has learned that 17-year-old Wandile Aphiwe Ngcobo's killer confessed to a civilian after he went to rob her home to sell valuables and get money to buy drugs. The two accused Sfundo Bongani Bhengu and Bongani Freedom Jali were smoking drugs when they decided to go and rob the home of Wandile, who was home alone on that fateful day, May 28, 2024. Wandile's body was gagged and bound in her home at uMlazi. The duo allegedly took a television and Wandile's cellphone. They sold the TV for R3000 and her cellphone for R700. A State witness Nkululeko Sticks Mbatha told this court that he was called by Gugu Nzuza, the girlfriend of Nzuza. Mbatha said he received a call from Nzuza in the morning and she asked him if he had access to a car because Bhengu had made a mess. He stated that Nzuza informed him Bhengu would be calling. 'I did not have a car with me but I organised from Sihle Ntombela,' she said. Mbatha said he called Nzuza again when Bhengu did not call to request for his number. He said he and Ntombela decided to change the number plates of the car and they went to Bhengu. He said because Bhengu could not give the exact address they met halfway and they went to Wandile's home. They also picked up Jali who was standing on the road. Mbatha pointed to the home in a picture provided to him. He said some boys were chilling by the container by Wandile's home and when Bhengu alighted from the vehicle they ran away. 'He had a firearm,' he said. He said Bhengu had his face covered because he was wearing a cap and a surgical mask. He said when Bhengu went inside the property he came carrying a black bag. State senior prosecutor advocate Krishen Shah showed Mbatha a picture of a Puma bag and asked if Bhengu carried a similar bag, Mbatha confirmed that it was indeed the bag. Mbatha said Bhengu also came back with the TV and the four of them - Jali, Ntombela, Mbatha and Bhengu - drove to town to sell the TV. Mbatha said he was the driver. He said they found a buyer in town and after that Bhengu gave him money. 'Although I can't remember how much it is, it was more than R500,' he said. He said they also went to a petrol station and Bhengu paid between R300 and R400 for fuel. Additionally, he said there was a quarrel between Bhengu and Jali and he asked what it was about and told them not to fight. 'Bhengu said Jali wanted a big share of the money when he did not do much. He said he also needed money for cleansing as he killed someone where he got the television,' Mbatha told the court. He mentioned that following the confession, the atmosphere in the car became tense. 'We went quiet for about a few seconds to a minute,' he said. Adv Shah asked Mbatha why they changed the number plates of the vehicles with Ntombela. Mbatha said he had committed a crime. 'Can I be honest with you? Whenever someone calls frantically and says they need transport because they have done something. You need to change number plates to avoid being implicated,' he said. Mbatha further described Jali as someone who was under the influence, who was sluggish during the entire time they went to sell the TV. Before Mbatha was sworn in Judge Garth Harrison warned him, as he is a section 204 witness. He should frankly tell the truth and could be discharged of being an accessory to robbery, theft, and murder. The trial continues.
