Latest news with #CityPress
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
‘Looting using matric papers': Why did NW printing job price jump by around R100m?
The job has reportedly never cost more than R30m, but is now apparently being done for R128m a year, for five years. There are concerns of possible 'looting' and corruption within the North West education department after it signed a new matric paper printing job that costs four times what it did last year. The department reportedly spent just over R28 million last year to print its question papers, but has now appointed a new provider for the services, Lebone Altron DSV Consortium. That provider, according to a City Press insider, is charging R128 million a year for the service. The department has disputed the amount, but revealed the actual amount is over R100 million. It justified the cost by saying it included not only printing but also other logistics like storage and distribution. Still, insiders insist that these other services were included in the previous deal at a fraction of the price. They smell a rat and claim there is 'a lot of looting using the printing of matric question papers'. 'The material used for printing the question papers is normal, which is found in any printing company. We do not use any special materials, but the money [the department is going to pay] is too much,' said a source. Why don't they use government printers? According to the national education department, eight of the nine provinces, including the North West, have stopped using the Government's Printing Works (GPW) to print their matric papers amid security concerns. 'The GPW in its current structure lacks the capacity to print secure question papers for all nine provincial education departments. This capacity can be extended with time, but the reality is that it is also a major risk for all national question papers to be printed at one venue in the country,' the department said previously. 'Another important factor is that provincial education departments (PED) prefer to have in-house printing facilities, which allows them to manage the process more closely. Hence, printing in Pretoria at GPW is not the most convenient arrangement for most PEDs.' And while leaks have reportedly reduced, the cost of printing, now in private hands, has risen. ALSO READ: Hawks make major breakthrough in matric results 'breach' – One detained Last year, it was reported that the cost more than tripled from less than R1 billion to R3.6 billion. The national education department later clarified that this R3.6 billion included setting the papers, moderation, printing, transport, security, marking and allowances for markers, maintenance of systems, and printing and distribution of statement of results. 'The estimated cost for just the printing and packing of question papers for all candidates writing the October/November examination is R220 million, and this is a fraction of the R3.6 billion quoted,' the department explained. NOW READ: WATCH: Matric results for just R100? Outcry over 'leak' of marks
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- The Citizen
Senzo Meyiwa murder trial postponed as defence seeks more evidence from state
The defence also intends to recall two state witnesses. State Prosecutor George Baloyi is seen at Pretoria High Court on 15 September 2022. Picture: Gallo Images/City Press/Tebogo Letsie The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial has once again been postponed, following a request by the defence for additional information from the state. The trial resumed on Tuesday in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, but was adjourned until next week. The delay comes as the defence seeks access to automatic vehicle locator (AVL) data linked to the cars used in the arrests of the accused. AVL technology shows real-time information about a vehicle's status, including whether it is switched on or off, in motion or stationary, its speed, location, and date. Earlier in the trial, the defence contended that police made multiple stops on different days during which accused one, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, and accused two, Bongani Ntanzi, were allegedly assaulted and coerced into confessing to their involvement in Meyiwa's murder. Senzo Meyiwa murder trial delayed During Tuesday's court proceedings, state prosecutor George Baloyi requested a postponement until next Monday, citing the need for more time to obtain AVL records for several vehicles. 'The challenge is in obtaining the information from the service provider,' Baloyi told Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng. He explained that accessing the AVL records would require Section 205 applications. Section 205 of the Criminal Procedure Act allows investigators the right to access information which is not in the public domain. 'The date of Monday was arranged, keeping in mind that there are these processes that must be followed. 'It's not just a question of calling the service provider to request the AVL. They only release them on the strength of a subpoena, which must be issued by a magistrate,' Baloyi clarified. ALSO READ: Senzo Meyiwa trial: Cop says NPA did not refuse to issue arrest warrant for Kelly Khumalo Constable Yul Craig Liesering informed the court that two of the four vehicles, including a Nissan van, in question had been written off. Brigadier Bongani Gininda, the lead investigator in the Meyiwa murder case, confirmed that the supporting documents verifying this will be provided.' 'We will make it available to the defence to confirm that these vehicles got involved in an accident, who was the driver who then unfortunately passed away and it will be accompanied by a photo album,' he said in reference to the Nissan driven by the late Sergeant Steven Mabena. Gininda also stated that the red Volkswagen (VW) Golf used during Sibiya's arrest was parked outside the court, but was not equipped with an AVL tracker. The AVL records of the Toyota Fortuner that transported Ntanzi to North West have already been presented to the defence and submitted in court. Defence plans to recall witnesses Baloyi also informed the court that defence lawyer, Charles Mnisi, intends to recall two witnesses – police officer Sizwe Zungu and Ntanzi's acquaintance, Msizi Jack Buthelezi. The state is opposing this move. 'He must still expatiate on the reason for requesting the recall of those witnesses, but the information that he is going to receive will enable him to make a call as to whether or not he is still going to persist with that application,' Baloyi said. Zungu had previously testified that he 'partied' with all five accused at a Vosloorus hostel just hours before Meyiwa's death on 26 October 2014. READ MORE: 'That is the law': Judge intervenes as lawyers squabble in Senzo Meyiwa murder trial His testimony forms part of the state's attempt to establish the whereabouts of the accused on the night the former Bafana Bafana captain and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper was shot dead. The incident occurred at the home of Meyiwa's then-girlfriend, singer Kelly Khumalo's mother. The defence has requested the AVL records of the car Zungu used on the day in question. The trial is scheduled to resume on Monday. Five men charged in Senzo Meyiwa murder trial Five men — Sibiya, Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Ntuli — are on trial for Meyiwa's murder. The accused have been charged with murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of ammunition. All five men have pleaded not guilty. NOW READ: Senzo Meyiwa murder trial won't be affected, says police after investigator escapes armed robbery
Eyewitness News
26-05-2025
- Eyewitness News
Mchunu says no sight of letter from fake doctor Lani demanding R2m payout over 'unlawful arrest'
JOHANNESBURG - Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says he hasn't had sight of a letter from controversial social media content creator Matthew Lani demanding a R2-million payout for what he says was his unlawful arrest. Lani was arrested at the Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg, in October 2023, following a social media frenzy about his qualifications. He made headlines for parading as a medical doctor, giving unsolicited medical advice on TikTok. Wits University dismissed claims he was a graduate at the institution's medical school, while the health department confirmed he hadn't completed matric. Publication, City Press says a letter of demand dated 21 May has been served by Matthew Lani's lawyers to Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu. According to the publication, the demand for the money is listed as compensation for damages for his alleged assault and what Lani believes was an unlawful arrest. The letter was also directed at national police commissioner Fannie Masemola, giving them both 30 days to respond. Mchunu addressed the reports while on 702's Nguni programme, Siyaxoxa ku-702 . 'It may be that the letter has arrived at my office and has been referred. It has to through a number of internal processes, including being submitted to the legal department, before it arrives in my hands. It may be that the office has received it. I will deal with it once it has landed on my desk.' Last year, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) decided not to prosecute Lani for impersonating a medical doctor, citing a lack of evidence.
The Citizen
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
The Mommy Club ladies ready for an explosive reunion
The Johannesburg mommies are ready to settle the scores before a new chapter begins. The ladies of The Mommy Club are ready to face the music as they gear up for the reunion. Showmax has released the official trailer for the highly anticipated Season 3 reunion. Premiering in two parts on 17 and 24 May 2025, the reunion promises frank confessions and a whole lot of accountability. Hosted by Ntombee Ngcobo-Mzobe, the episode will clear the air on everything that unfolded both on and off screen. From betrayals and backstabbing to friendships tested and personal growth, nothing will be off-limits. ALSO READ: 'I was never a pushover or an instigator': Johandri Johnson on her 'Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad' journey Happy Simelane: 'Nothing to hide' Hermajesty says she's stepping into the reunion with full transparency. 'It's time to put everything on the table — the truths, the tension, and every unspoken word. There's a lot that needs to be unpacked,' she said. Mrs J said she was shocked to hear what had been said behind her back and is looking forward to addressing things. 'I would like to use the reunion as an opportunity to address what needs to be addressed fully. As mothers, I hope we can iron out our differences and see if there's a way forward,' she added. Noksie, on the other hand, says she feels calm, centred, and ready to reclaim her narrative. 'Some people owe me apologies… While I'm ready to own my part, I won't ignore the intentional hurt that was sent my way.' 'The Mommy Club' no-show Another mom, Pheladi Madungandaba, was reportedly a no-show at the reunion shoot. According to City Press, sources revealed that Madungandaba did not attend because she wants nothing to do with the show and was angered by an episode titled Mogwanti Wa Pitori, which featured her picture on the thumbnail. NOW READ: 'After judging us, please pray for us': Uzalo actor Vusi Mdiniso denies rumours he's homeless
The South African
14-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Proteas coach comments on Kagiso Rabada drugs ban
Proteas superstar Kagiso Rabada has already served his one-month ban after testing positive for a recreational drug. This past weekend the City Press publication has revealed that Rabada tested positive for cocaine, specifically a metabolite called benzoylecgonine, and he has since participated in an education and awareness programme to prevent further substance abuse. Having served his suspension, Rabada was just named in the Proteas' squad for the World Test Championship Final against Australia, taking place from 11-15 June at Lord's in London. At the squad unveiling, coach Shukri Conrad said there were never any doubts that the Proteas star would be included. 'The important thing is that KG is a big player wherever he goes in the world. He's a massive player for us, but not for one minute did I sit worrying about whether he potentially will be available or not,' he commented. 'For me, it was more of, whether KG is alright and close ranks around him and ensure that he's in a good space because at the end of the day we care for all our players but he served his sentence and all that I'm interested in now is KG producing performances that we know he's capable of. 'I've been engaging with KG ever since I've learnt about it. I don't know why it's an elephant in the room, because I'm just thankful that the process that was followed was in line with what the world standards are,' Conrad added. 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.
