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IOL News
2 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
If this doesn't Zondo you, nothing will – and Transnet's in the news again, but for the right reason
A ploy by miscreants to pervert justice The president has had his speech to the country, and sets up an enquiry with members of the judiciary involved. Casting my mind back to the state capture enquiry held by a highly respected judge and involving a substantial cost, I recall that when the NPA requested information from the findings of the 'state capture' they were basically denied access! What now will change when based on that situation, and in the interests of the country, the NPA were hobbled, and that was the final word? Why was that the case, knowing the seriousness of the state of apparent lawlessness and corruption at the highest level in the country and yet those with serious allegations against them, were in fact protected by the lack of support for the request of the NPA? This will another delaying and expensive tactic by the miscreants who have the power seemingly to prevent justice being served. What now South Africa? | Roland Fisher Durban Who benefits? Just follow the money There has been an aggressive global push for digitisation, often driven by unelected technocrats and philanthropic elites. Institutions such as the World Economic Forum, United Nations, and World Health Organization appear to have become platforms for centralised global ideologies, increasingly unaccountable to the public. Figures like Bill Gates, Anthony Fauci, George Soros, and Klaus Schwab have positioned themselves as influential players in crises – real or engineered. Lockdowns were enforced while vaccine profits soared. At the same time, economic damage and psychological strain were widespread. These men do not simply manage global health; they steer narratives and profit from outcomes, sowing division and fear. Behind the scenes, major institutions like the CDC receive significant funding from the Gates Foundation, Pfizer, and other pharmaceutical giants – via the CDC Foundation, which operates outside of Congressional scrutiny. This isn't a theory; it's documented reality. Central banks, meanwhile, are piloting programmable digital currencies, allowing unprecedented control over individual spending. This should deeply concern all freedom-loving citizens. We are told digital ID systems will fight fraud and improve efficiency. While these goals sound admirable, we must question the true intent. The move towards digital control – of identity, currency, even mobility – mirrors China's social credit system and poses a serious threat to personal liberty. Meanwhile, billionaires aren't just investing in tech – they're acquiring farmland, seeds, and water rights. Bill Gates, notably, is now America's largest private farmland owner. Concerns grow over efforts to manipulate food systems, modify crops, and even interfere with Earth's climate. All of this aligns suspiciously with Agenda 2030 – a plan whose stated aims may not reflect its true implications. As citizens, we must remain vigilant. Vaccine mandates, carbon tracking, and digital controls may appear well-meaning but could pave the way for irreversible loss of freedom. When politicians like Leon Schreiber promote digitisation at Home Affairs, we must look beyond the rhetoric. Ask who benefits – and who pays the price. | L Oosthuizen Durban If this doesn't Zondo you, nothing will Herewith my submission to the National Lexicon, a new word: Zondo. Part of Speech: Verb Definition: To deliberately delay or obscure the resolution of an issue or problem by referring it to a formal commission of inquiry, resulting in excessive bureaucracy, prolonged investigations, and voluminous reports that effectively bury the matter without meaningful action or resolution. Etymology: Derived from the Zondo Commission (officially the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture), established in South Africa in 2018 under Chief Justice Raymond Zondo to investigate allegations of corruption. The commission became associated with extensive documentation and prolonged processes, inspiring the term's use to describe burying issues under bureaucratic weight. Usage – Transitive: To subject an issue to excessive investigation to avoid addressing it directly. Example: The government Zondoed the scandal by appointing a commission that produced a 5 000-page report no one read. Infinitive: To Zondo something. Example: They decided to Zondo the controversy, hoping the public would forget by the time the inquiry concluded. Synonyms: Procrastinate, obfuscate, sideline, stonewall, bureaucratize. Antonyms: Address, resolve, confront, expedite. Related Words: Zondoed (past tense), Zondoing (present participle), Zondoism (noun, the act or practice of Zondoing). Example Sentences: Instead of fixing the issue, they Zondoed it with a committee that took three years to produce a report. The company's attempt to Zondo the labor dispute only deepened mistrust among employees. Critics accused the administration of Zondoing the environmental crisis to avoid accountability. Cultural Note: The term originates from South African political discourse, reflecting public frustration with lengthy inquiries that often fail to deliver prompt or effective outcomes. It has gained traction as a critique of bureaucratic inertia in governance and institutions worldwide. | David Robert Lewis Cape Town Transnet in the news for the right reason Eish! A female pilot docking one of the world's largest container ships? It can't be! This could be a social media prank, but it's true. Not only is she female pilot but a black one, too. From the rural Qando village in the Eastern Cape, Owelthu Mtsewu-Sisilana made history when she docked the fully-laden, 400m-long MSC Nichola Mastro in the Port of Ngqura without a hitch recently. Of course, she didn't do it alone. To give you an idea of the size of the ship, it is long as 4 football pitches! A huge responsibility lay on her shoulders and she couldn't fail or she would have made news headlines in a bad way. The ship's captain was also on the bridge with her and gave her the necessary information about the ship. She also had a student pilot (another woman) and, of course, four tugs to guide the ship into the harbour and dock it safely. It took three long hours to manoeuvre the mammoth ship into the harbour and dock it. She breathed a sigh of relief when it was all over and admitted it was a nerve-wracking experience. But she had proved a woman could do it. The sailors were so surprised to see a woman harbour pilot that they couldn't help themselves and kept referring to her as 'sir'. Transnet has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. At least, now we hear it is doing something good – empowering women in jobs once reserved for men. | T Markandan Kloof DAILY NEWS
Newsweek
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Gavin Newsom's Warning to Donald Trump Over Plan for Texas Republicans
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a warning to President Donald Trump and Texas Republicans amid growing attempts at redrawing Texas's congressional districts to further favor Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterms. A spokesperson for Newsom told Newsweek his office is "closely tracking what Texas does" and "exploring potential options." Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment via email. Why It Matters Democrats are increasingly optimistic about their chances of retaking control of the House of Representatives next November. Trump's approval rating has struggled in many recent polls, and the party in the White House historically loses seats during the midterms. Texas Republicans, however, are eyeing a plan to limit losses by redrawing the state's Congressional boundaries to benefit the party. Trump on Tuesday said he would like to see five new GOP seats in Texas, according to reporting by Jake Sherman of Punchbowl News. If Republicans move forward with that plan, it could cost Democrats seats in Congress, fueling calls for Democrats to do the same in their states. What to Know Newsom on Tuesday responded to a post on X from Sherman about the Texas plan by simply writing, "Two can play this game." Currently, Democrats hold 43 of California's Congressional seats, while Republicans hold only nine seats. Trump, meanwhile, received 38 percent of the state's votes. On the other hand, in Texas, Republicans currently hold 25 seats compared to Democrats' 13 seats. Texas is closer than California, with Harris receiving 42 percent of the vote last November. California Governor Gavin Newsom attends a campaign event on July 4, 2024 in South Haven, Michigan. California Governor Gavin Newsom attends a campaign event on July 4, 2024 in South Haven, Texas, there are currently two Democrats representing Trump-won districts in the southernmost part of the state, a Hispanic-heavy area that shifted toward Republicans over the past decade. They may also target Democratic seats in suburbs of cities like Dallas and Houston. Meanwhile, in California, there are four GOP-held seats that Trump only narrowly carried, and two Democrats representing Trump-won districts, which could see new boundaries. Notably, California has an independent redistricting commission that could be a roadblock to redrawing the state's maps. When reached by Newsweek, a state GOP spokesperson pointed to an X post from commentator Rob Pyers that noted the potential legal challenge. "California's congressional maps are drawn by an independent redistricting commission that was enshrined in the state's constitution by voters in a 2010 proposition that passed by over 20%, so any changes to this will require first going to voters to abolish the commission," Pyers wrote. Newsom told The Tennessee Holler last week that Republicans are playing by a "totally different set of rules," and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, calling for a special session for redistricting made him question "that entire program," referring to the independent commission. What People Are Saying Trump told reporters on Tuesday: "No, no. just a very simple redrawing. We pick up five seats. But we have a couple of other states where we will pick up seats also." Representative Laura Friedman, a California Democrat, wrote to X: "Absolutely. California can lead the nation in fighting back against their crass & selfish strategy to undermine democracy. They are publicly putting their partisan fingers on the scale and overriding the wishes of the public. California can balance those scales." Sara Sadhwani, a commissioner on the independent redistricting board, told The San Francisco Chronicle: "In this national context, I can understand the governor's inclination to want to retaliate. However the people of California have made it clear at the ballot that the governor does not have that power." What Happens Next The Texas legislature will meet on July 21 to begin its special session and address redistricting. Whether California or other Democratic states respond will be seen over the coming years. There are other ongoing redistricting battles in states like Ohio and Utah that could have key implications for the midterms.
UPI
14 hours ago
- Politics
- UPI
U.N. ambassador nominee Waltz downplays 'Signalgate' controversy
1 of 4 | Former National Security Advisor Mike Waltz speaks during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on his nomination to be ambassador to the United Nations at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo July 15 (UPI) -- U.N. ambassador nominee Mike Waltz denied any sensitive information was shared during a controversial mobile app chat in March while undergoing a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Tuesday. The hearing was the first Congressional appearance by Waltz since his controversial participation in a Signal app chat that inadvertently included a journalist while discussing a pending military operation in March against Houthi targets in Yemen. Waltz was the Trump administration's national security adviser when the chat occurred, but no mention of the Signal chat occurred until past the hearing's first hour. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., raised using the Signal app to discuss classified matters, which since has been dubbed "Signalgate." Waltz said no classified information was shared during the discussion that accidentally included The Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg. "That engagement was driven by and recommended by the CyberSecurity Infrastructure Security Agency [and] by the Biden administration," Waltz said, as reported by ABC News. Waltz said Signal is an encrypted app that was authorized by the CSISA and recommended by the Biden administration. "We followed the recommendation," Waltz said. "But there was not classified information shared." Coons responded by saying he had hoped Waltz would express "some sense of regret" over the matter that he said included "very sensitive, timely information about a military strike on a commercially available app." Waltz told Coons they have a "fundamental disagreement" because no classified information was shared during the Signal chat. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said the Defense Department's inspector general and the Air Force have separate investigations ongoing in the matter and have not drawn any conclusions. "There are two investigations going on at the Pentagon precisely to determine in an objective and independent way whether classified information was shared," Kaine said. Waltz declined to comment because the investigations are ongoing. The U.N. ambassadorship is the last vacancy to be filled by the Trump administration, and Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, called Waltz one of the nation's "most well-qualified" U.N. ambassador nominees when introducing him to the committee members, CBS News reported. Lee said Waltz is skilled at negotiations and has a lot of policy experience to guide him while dealing with the United Nations and representatives of its member nations. "With Waltz at the helm, the U.N. will have what I regard as what could and should be its last chance to demonstrate its actual value to the United States," Lee told the committee. This week in Washington President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media on the South Lawn of the White House before boarding Marine One on Tuesday. Trump will announce $70 billion in artificial intelligence and energy investments in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, the latest push from the White House to speed up development of the emerging technology. Photo by Al Drago/UPI | License Photo
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ghislaine Maxwell to spill beans on Epstein list? Netizens fear for ‘her life'
Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein's lover and accomplice, is willing to speak to Congress about the truth of the Epstein Files, the Daily Mail reported, citing sources. Ghislaine Maxwell, who used to work for Epstein, was convicted in 2022. (US District Court for the Southern District of New York via AFP) Maxwell, 63, is now the only person in the case who is doing time. She got 20 years for child trafficking. A source has now told the publication, 'Despite the rumours, Ghislaine was never offered any kind of plea deal. She would be more than happy to sit before Congress and tell her story,' adding, 'No one from the government has ever asked her to share what she knows. She remains the only person to be jailed in connection with Epstein, and she would welcome the chance to tell the American public the truth.' A source also said, 'Congressional hearings have been held into everything from JFK's assassination to 9/11. The Epstein Files rank up there with those cases. Ghislaine would be willing to speak before Congress and tell her story.' Also Read | Trump feared Ghislaine Maxwell amid Epstein files row, considered pardoning her Maxwell, who used to work for Epstein, was convicted in 2022. Netizens fear for Maxwell The internet has expressed fears for Maxwell's life due to her reported desire to come forward. 'Ghislaine Maxwell found dead', wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter) – joining a growing flow of people making a supposedly prescient prediction that Epstein's accomplice will 'kill herself'. This stems from the conspiracy theories swirling around Epstein's own suicide, with recent reports casting doubt on the veracity of the footage released by the US government. Another user mused along the same lines, whether Maxwell would be alive by the end of the week. 'I'm getting out in front of this …. Ghislaine Maxwell did not commit suicide later this month,' yet another chipped in. Many other such posts stating Maxwell didn't kill herself have begun to do the rounds on social media. 'Ghislaine Maxwell is willing to reveal the full Epstein List in front of how long before she tragically gets suicided in her sleep by a bullet to the back of her head?,' one user asked. Another commented, 'According to sources speaking to the Daily Mail, Ghislaine Maxwell is willing to reveal everything she knows about Jeffrey Epstein to Congress. Note: Ghislaine Maxwell did NOT commit suicide.' Yet another exclaimed, 'I GUARANTEE SHE'LL DIE BEFORE WE HEAR ANYTHING FROM HER'. Maxwell's reported preparedness to appear before Congress comes at a time when there is a lot of outrage over the Department of Justice saying there is no Epstein 'client list'. The videos from inside New York's Metropolitan Correctional Centre, which the DoJ says prove that Epstein killed himself in jail in 2019, while he was held on sex trafficking charges, have also raised more questions. Critics have pointed out that the video does not show the door or the inside of Epstein's jail, adding that a crucial minute is missing from the footage. Wired reported that their analysis of the metadata of the video shows it was edited, and now reports have surfaced that FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino may quit over claims of the tape being doctored. Trump's otherwise loyal MAGA base has also seen an internal rift over the issue, with many going after Attorney General Pam Bondi – even seeking her ouster – a move that prompted the president to take to Truth Social and ask his 'boys and gals' to lay off her. However, the damage seems to have been done with one Trump supporter telling NBC News, 'It's not even about Pam Bondi to me. It's like, look, Trump, we elected you because you were supposed to be different'. Maxwell, who continues to protest her innocence, is fighting to have the Supreme Court hear her case, with US government lawyers slated to submit their response on July 14 to her plea for her matter to be taken up by the nation's top court. While Trump's former ally, Elon Musk, had claimed in a now-deleted X (formerly Twitter) post that Trump's name was in the Epstein files, prompting the apparent cover-up, the source has denied the same while speaking to the Daily Mail. 'President Trump was photographed with Epstein several times, and they ran in the same circles, but Trump was one of the first to break all contact with Epstein because they fell out over a business deal and Epstein's treatment of women. There are no big shocks about President Trump in the Epstein Files. But there are a lot of powerful men involved and a lot of money, and it will come down to following the money,' they said. The Department of Justice has said it won't be prosecuting anyone else pertaining to the Epstein case. Epstein's victims have alleged that they were passed around as sex toys to his wealthy friends and business associates, who used to visit his homes, including the private island Epstein owned – Little Saint James.
Politico
2 days ago
- Business
- Politico
Cole: Hill GOP likely to pursue funding topline above White House request
House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole is planning for Hill Republicans to land on a government funding topline number that is above the White House's request, and he's been talking with his Senate counterpart about the matter as Capitol Hill girds for another major spending fight. In a brief interview Monday, the Oklahoma Republican said he was expecting 'a tough budget' and he didn't rule out the possibility of another stop-gap spending measure to keep the government funded if a larger agreement can't be reached by Sept. 30. House GOP leaders are still discussing funding toplines and plans with the Trump administration, and Cole said he has been talking 'back and forth' with Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins on the same topic. Notably, Cole said Hill Republicans will likely pursue a funding topline above what the White House has requested. That could clash with demands from House GOP hardliners who said they secured 'fiscal' assurances in exchange for shoring up the votes to pass the party-line megabill. 'We certainly are going to cut spending, but we probably are not going to be cutting at the level that [Office of Management and Budget] might have suggested,' Cole said. 'They've been very helpful in this process. I'm not being critical of them, but at the end of the day, we have to maintain some critical capabilities.' At the same time, Cole laid out the reality that the Senate's appropriations process, which includes bipartisan input on bills from the outset, will also yield a higher topline number than the House, necessitating cross-chamber negotiations on a final product. 'They have to get to 60,' said Cole. 'We usually cooperate at the end. So again, if you want to cut spending, you'll have plenty of opportunities to do it.' Privately, other Republicans are wary that going too far above the White House's topline funding request could push the Trump administration to lean harder into unilaterally cutting funding that's already been approved by lawmakers. That could include OMB chief Russ Vought seeking significant cuts known as 'pocket rescissions,' which don't need Congressional sign-off if sent to Capitol Hill within a certain number of days ahead of a government funding deadline. It's a move that Collins — and the Government Accountability Office — have warned would be illegal. But in the interview Monday, Cole acknowledged that House GOP leaders are only just now turning back to full-time appropriations planning after slogging through weeks of pushing through Trump's 'big, beautiful bill.' House Republicans are voting on their defense appropriations bill this week and leadership is starting to whip the bill Monday night. Cole said he felt 'pretty good' about its chances of passing with enough GOP support.
