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IOL News
2 days ago
- General
- IOL News
How South Africans can unite to combat plastic pollution
Litter seen at Lagoon Beach in Milnerton. Image: David Ritchie / Independent Newspapers South Africans must play their part in conserving the environment by not littering, but instead recycling, because a cleaner, healthier, and more just environment is possible; however, only if every sector of society takes part in the effort to Beat Plastic Pollution, this is according to environmental activists. The activists were speaking ahead of World Environment Day, which is commemorated on June 5 annually, and this year's theme is #BeatPlasticPollution. World Environment Day, established in 1972, is the largest annual event organised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to promote environmental action and address issues such as ozone depletion, toxic chemicals, desertification, and global warming. It was first celebrated in 1974. The World Economic Forum estimates that more than eight million tonnes of plastic enter the world's seas annually, with a significant portion of that plastic washing up on the coasts of countries such as South Africa. In 2022, a study by Plastic SA revealed that South Africa generates an estimated 2.6 million tons of plastic waste annually. Only about 40% of this plastic is recycled, and a significant portion of it ends up in the ocean, negatively impacting marine life. Desmond D'Sa, an environmental activist with the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), said plastic pollution manifests differently across South Africa's diverse socio-geographic contexts. In eThekwini Municipality, for instance, recurring incidents of flooding due to blocked stormwater systems highlight the immediate infrastructural risks of mismanaged plastic waste. He said high volumes of household plastic waste, limited public awareness, and over-exploited landfill sites are prevalent in urban areas, whereas in rural communities, inadequate waste collection services lead to open burning or illegal dumping of plastics. He added that in coastal regions, marine plastic pollution threatens ecosystems, fisheries, and tourism. Thus, there is a critical need for context-specific interventions, such as urban stormwater catchment clean-outs and litter traps, community-based waste management initiatives in rural areas, and integrated river-to-sea waste monitoring systems in coastal zones. 'Awareness and education are vital in combating plastic pollution. Effective strategies in the South African context include school-based environmental education programmes, mass media and social media campaigns, community clean-up events, particularly when paired with incentives and local leadership support, faith-based and traditional authority engagement, to embed environmental messages within cultural practices. 'Over the years, SDCEA has carried out numerous initiatives, including beach clean-ups, community clean-up campaigns, and the removal of waste from rivers and riverbanks,' D'Sa said. He added that environmental activist organisations play a role in raising awareness, advocating for stronger legislation, and mobilising communities, however, they are often faced with challenges including, lack of funding and donor fatigue, especially for grassroots groups, inadequate access to institutional platforms to influence policymaking, and high operational demands with minimal staff or resources. He highlighted that plastic pollution excessively impacts marginalised communities, particularly those residing in informal settlements, peri-urban areas, and along riverbanks or landfills. Exposure to waste burning, water contamination, and uncollected refuse compounds social vulnerability and health risks. Addressing this injustice requires equitable access to municipal waste services and infrastructure, inclusion of vulnerable communities in the design and implementation of waste policies, community health and environmental risk assessments in plastic-polluted areas, and corporate accountability under EPR frameworks, including financial support for clean-ups and community development, D'Sa said. He added that South Africa's pathway to sustainability must be underpinned by a circular economy, a zero-waste culture, and just environmental governance. 'In relation to plastic pollution, the vision should include a national ban on non-recyclable single-use plastics, a fully integrated and formalised recycling economy, inclusive of informal actors, behavioral transformation, fostered through education and consistent messaging, and stronger regulatory enforcement and industry accountability. 'Hope lies in the resilience and ingenuity of local communities, the momentum of youth-led climate and waste movements, and technological innovations in waste recovery and biodegradable materials. Some of the persistent concerns include the pace of political and institutional change, ongoing inequality in environmental exposure and service delivery, and corporate influence that delays or dilutes progressive policy action,' D'Sa said. In Durban's inner city alone, over 500 informal recyclers recover around 150 tonnes of cardboard daily, reducing landfill pressure and supporting climate change mitigation. Similar to this, the informal waste sector remains the backbone of South Africa's plastic recycling system. Waste pickers are responsible for collecting a significant proportion of recyclables but operate without basic protections or recognition, he said. He recommended that the role of waste pickers be formalised through registration systems, cooperatives, and municipal contracts. That they be provided with access to protective gear, sorting facilities, and fair compensation, and that funding streams to support environmental activism and community-led waste programmes be established. While several legislative instruments aimed at mitigating plastic pollution, such as the National Environmental Management Waste Act (Act No. 59 of 2008), the Plastic Bag Levy, and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations introduced in 2021 have been implemented, he said, there are loopholes. 'There is inadequate enforcement capacity at the municipal level that impedes implementation, the lack of uniformity across municipalities results in fragmented waste management approaches; inadequate monitoring and compliance mechanisms for EPR schemes; and the informal sector remains excluded from formal planning, despite playing a significant role in recycling,' D'sa said. Lisa Makaula, advocacy officer at The Green Connection, said plastic pollution in South Africa has been mostly due to industry use of plastic materials, much of which ultimately end up in oceans via rivers, threatening marine life. The biggest problem is single-use plastics, like shopping bags and plastic wrapping. 'Stronger regulatory frameworks are required to reduce plastic production and ensure the limited use of plastic products. However, the public must play their part by not littering and implementing recycling methods instead. 'A key part of The Green Connection's work has been advocating for proper governance and ensuring that environmental laws are followed, especially given that plastics come from oil, which is a fossil fuel that contributes to climate change. Industry and citizens have been part of plastic recycling as well as plastic reduction, and beach clean-ups, but more needs to be done,' Makaula said. The production of more plastic will ultimately mean more extraction and production of oil, which increases the risk of oil spills that could negatively impact the livelihoods of those dependent on healthy oceans. Rivers polluted by plastic waste impact the health of our environment, disproportionately affecting marginalised communities who might be dependent on these resources, she said. Makaula said there are fewer resources for environmental NGOs that work with communities, which means that fewer resources go into plastic clean-ups and recycling initiatives that can help improve the livelihoods of affected communities. 'Often, without NGOs, communities struggle to access information about proposed projects that could affect them. Our vision for South Africa is a clean, safe, plastic-free, marine environment with climate adaptation measures in place to ensure communities do not bear the brunt of pollution and natural disasters,' she said. [email protected]
IOL News
07-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Lucky Montana fights back against SARS's asset attachment claim
Former Prasa CEO and Member of Parliament Lucky Montana challenges SARS over R46 million tax claim. Image: David Ritchie/ Former Prasa CEO Lucky Montana has publicly challenged the SA Revenue Service's (SARS) application to attach his assets, claiming the tax claim against him is unfounded and politically motivated. The dispute revolves around an R46 million tax assessment SARS sought to recover from Montana. The tax authority's application, filed in the Pretoria High Court, also seeks to declare Montana insolvent. SARS alleges that Montana owes this amount in taxes, penalties, and interest from assessments dating back over a decade. The case is currently before the court, and the proceedings are expected to shed light on the validity of SARS's claims. Montana, the former CEO of the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa), vehemently denies owing money to SARS. In a detailed statement issued before Tuesday's court hearing, Montana described the case as a 'personal attack' aimed at humiliating him. 'I don't owe SARS,' Montana declared firmly. 'This matter is aimed at humiliating me and tarnishing my reputation just before the court hearing.' 'The truth is, this case goes back to 2018. The papers in this specific leg of the SARS application are from May 2023, but I want it to be clear—I owe no outstanding amounts to SARS, and I will not be paying SARS any money.' Montana recounts that in 2018, SARS initially contacted him regarding an outstanding tax amount of R1.6 million, which he agreed to pay. 'I informed SARS that I was in the middle of a property sale and would settle the amount once the transfer was complete. I later paid R1.49 million from the proceeds of that sale,' he said. Following this, he said SARS conducted a decade-long retrospective assessment (2009-2019), claiming Montana had undeclared income of R23 million. 'SARS claimed I owed roughly R8 million, but I have made it clear I do not owe them this,' Montana emphasised. 'I have objected to the assessment and believe their calculations are incorrect. I have evidence and legal advice to support my position.' Montana criticised SARS for 'vindictive' actions, including raising taxes on six vehicles financed through hire purchase, which he argues was inconsistent with tax principles. 'SARS said the funds to settle these vehicles did not originate from my account. But standard practice is that dealership settlements are routine, and my legal advisors say SARS's treatment of this is incorrect,' he stated. 'Some of my vehicles were financed and sold at a loss, which should not result in additional tax liabilities.' He also pointed out that SARS targeted him during periods when he was unemployed. 'I understand my tax obligations, and I pay taxes when legally required to,' he declared. 'But this case is not about tax; it's about abuse of power, illegality, and victimisation by an institution that is supposed to serve the people.' He firmly stated, 'I will not be bullied or victimised. If necessary, I am prepared to defend my legal rights to the Constitutional Court. This is a fight for justice, not just for myself but for all South Africans who believe in the rule of law.' Furthermore, he emphasised his commitment to lawful compliance. 'I understand my tax obligations, and I pay taxes when legally required to,' he declared. 'But this case is not about tax; it's about abuse of power, illegality, and victimisation by an institution that is supposed to serve the people.' He firmly stated, 'I will not be bullied or victimised. If necessary, I am prepared to defend my legal rights to the Constitutional Court. This is a fight for justice, not just for myself but for all South Africans who believe in the rule of law.' Cape Argus
IOL News
06-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
South Africa's battle against illicit trade: Urgent actions required to mitigate economic losses
Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade (TRACIT) has asked the government to make illicit trade a deterrent. Image: David Ritchie / Independent Newspapers The government has been requested to prioritise illicit trade and make it a deterrent as South Africa continues to grapple with the pervasive effects of illegal activities across sectors. These include alcohol, foodstuffs, agrichemicals, pharmaceuticals, counterfeiting, mining, and wildlife trafficking. This was revealed in the South Africa Illicit Economy 2.0 Report, launched by the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade (TRACIT) in conjunction with Business Unity South Africa (Busa). TRACIT is an independent, business-led initiative that works to mitigate the economic and social impacts of illicit trade by reinforcing enforcement mechanisms and mobilising private sector collaboration across sectors most affected by illicit activity. The report recommended that the government strengthen criminal penalties and appoint an Interagency Anti-Illicit Trade Coordinator in conjunction with the private sector, such as Business Against Crime South Africa, Busa, and affected stakeholders. Illicit activities have been undermining businesses, depleting tax revenues, undermining international trade, and exacerbating social and economic inequalities. The South African Revenue Service estimated that illicit trade costs the country's economy R100 billion annually. In terms of lost tax revenues, Business Leadership South Africa estimated that South Africa loses around R250 million a day. TRACIT director of programmes, Estaban Giudici, said the South African government must prioritise efforts to combat illicit trade and the underlying conditions that facilitate it. 'Left unaddressed, illicit trade and its associated criminal activities will continue to rob the government of essential tax revenue and deter investments in the country,' said Giudici. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ According to the report, the persistence and growth of illicit trade in South Africa are fuelled by systemic enablers that undermine enforcement and foster an environment conducive to illegal activities. Organised crime, corruption, and structural weaknesses remain key drivers, with the lingering impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic compounding the challenges. TRACIT director-general, Jeffery Hardy, said: 'The Covid-19 pandemic provided ample opportunities for illicit traders to adjust and expand their operations during a time when government-imposed lockdowns, bans, and other restrictions disrupted legal markets and created shortages. 'For South Africa to restart and grow its economy, it must formulate policies and implement programs that deter and preclude illicit traders from consolidating roots in the post-pandemic economy.' The report stated that illicit traders in South Africa exploit vulnerabilities throughout supply chain networks to facilitate illegal commerce. These supply chains vary significantly, from maritime shipping routes and free trade zones to postal and courier services, as well as online marketplaces. South Africa's weak performance in the e-commerce protection frameworks indicator of the TRACIT 2025 Illicit Trade Index underscores significant gaps in consumer protection and platform accountability. Key deficiencies include inadequate regulations establishing platform liability for third-party illicit sales, insufficient transparency measures such as seller verification, limited proactive risk management by online marketplaces, and weak consumer recourse mechanisms. According to the report, the rapid expansion of e-commerce platforms has created fertile ground for illicit trade, particularly in emerging categories such as electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and pharmaceuticals. It added that existing frameworks, including the Medicines and Related Substances Act, have not sufficiently evolved to address digital commerce, resulting in critical vulnerabilities. Online and informal digital marketplaces frequently facilitate counterfeit medicines and other unregulated products, posing severe health and safety risks due to unverified quality and efficacy. The report also suggested that a strong government commitment to securing parcel delivery infrastructure is essential to prevent criminal exploitation and the trafficking of illegal goods through global postal networks. TRACIT added that enforcement agencies often lack the technical expertise and tools required to detect and respond to illicit flows, particularly in industries where goods are easy to smuggle, conceal, or duplicate. 'For example, tobacco products remain a primary concern. Their small size, durability, ease of transport, and especially high profit margins make them a favourite among smugglers. Similarly, counterfeit pharmaceuticals, substandard alcohol, and falsified consumer goods also continue to flood informal markets, driven by weak regulation, high demand, and gaps in enforcement,' reads the report. The report stated that illicit cigarettes currently account for nearly 60% of the South African market. It added that the illicit share has grown significantly, starting at 5% in 2009, peaking at 60% in 2021, and slightly declining to 58% in 2022. 'That same year, the government lost an estimated R18 billion in revenue — R15 billion in excise duties and R3 billion in VAT. Over the 20 years from 2002 to 2022, cumulative losses in excise and VAT revenue amounted to R119 billion (adjusted to 2022 prices).' Hardy added that South Africa stands at a crossroads, adding that now is the time for bold policies and strong enforcement to dismantle illicit networks. 'That's why this year we've gone a step further and proposed a structured Public-Private Partnership to support South African and regional authorities in their fight against illicit trade,' he said.
IOL News
06-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Former Prasa CEO Lucky Montana defends against SARS asset attachment
Former Prasa CEO and Member of Parliament Lucky Montana challenges SARS over R46 million tax claim. Image: David Ritchie/ Former Prasa CEO Lucky Montana and Member of Parliament has publicly challenged the South African Revenue Service's (SARS) application to attach his assets, claiming the tax claim against him is unfounded and politically motivated. The dispute revolves around an R46 million tax assessment SARS sought to recover from Montana. The tax authority's application, filed in the Pretoria High Court, also seeks to declare Montana insolvent. SARS alleges that Montana owes this amount in taxes, penalties, and interest from assessments dating back over a decade. The case is currently before the court, and the proceedings are expected to shed light on the validity of SARS's claims. Montana's Defence and Public Statement Montana, who served as the CEO of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), vehemently denies that he owes SARS any money. In a detailed statement issued before Tuesday's court hearing, Montana described the case as a 'personal attack' aimed at humiliating him. 'I don't owe SARS,' Montana declared firmly. 'This matter is aimed at humiliating me and tarnishing my reputation just before the court hearing.' 'The truth is, this case goes back to 2018. The papers in this specific leg of the SARS application are from May 2023, but I want it to be clear—I owe no outstanding amounts to SARS, and I will not be paying SARS any money.' Key Points in Montana's Response Historical Context: Montana recounts that in 2018, SARS initially contacted him regarding an outstanding tax amount of R1.6 million, which he agreed to pay. 'I informed SARS that I was in the middle of a property sale and would settle the amount once the transfer was complete. I later paid R1.49 million from the proceeds of that sale,' he explained. Disputes Over Assessments: Following this, he stated that SARS conducted a decade-long retrospective assessment (2009-2019), claiming Montana had undeclared income of R23 million. 'SARS claimed I owed roughly R8 million, but I have made it clear I do not owe them this,' Montana emphasised. 'I have objected to the assessment and believe their calculations are incorrect. I have evidence and legal advice to support my position.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Alleged SARS Overreach Montana criticised SARS for 'vindictive' actions, including raising taxes on six vehicles financed through hire purchase, which he argues was inconsistent with tax principles. 'SARS said the funds to settle these vehicles did not originate from my account. But standard practice is that dealership settlements are routine, and my legal advisors say SARS's treatment of this is incorrect,' he stated. 'Some of my vehicles were financed and sold at a loss, which should not result in additional tax liabilities.' He also pointed out that SARS targeted him during periods when he was unemployed. 'Between 2016 and 2024, I was not earning an income, yet SARS assessed me as if I was still earning at the CEO level. I told them this directly, both in writing and in meetings,' Montana asserted. Legal Actions and Court Proceedings Montana recounted that SARS obtained a default judgment of R46 million against him 'without properly serving me or giving me a fair chance to defend myself.' He said, 'I have consistently rejected this default judgment and reserved my rights to challenge it. How the judges of the Tax Court allowed such an injustice to pass is beyond me.' Montana questioned how SARS intends to recover the alleged R52 million. 'I do not have assets or funds to pay such an amount,' he said. 'The assets SARS is targeting do not even come close to covering what they claim I owe. This is more about humiliating me than recovering taxes.' Montana's Broader Perspective Montana emphasised his commitment to lawful compliance. 'I understand my tax obligations, and I pay taxes when legally required to,' he declared. 'But this case is not about tax; it's about abuse of power, illegality, and victimisation by an institution that is supposed to serve the people.' He firmly stated, 'I will not be bullied or victimised. If necessary, I am prepared to defend my legal rights to the Constitutional Court. This is a fight for justice, not just for myself but for all South Africans who believe in the rule of law.'
American Press
02-05-2025
- American Press
UPDATE: Breaux gets life sentence in 1988 cold case rape
Dartanyan Breaux An Air Force veteran convicted of aggravated rape last month in a 1988 cold case was sentenced Friday to life in prison. Jurors unanimously convicted Dartanyan Breaux on April 10 of climbing through a young woman's window during the Fourth of July weekend 37 years ago, then beating and raping her. Judge David Ritchie ruled Breaux's sentence will be served without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. During the trial, the victim told jurors she had lived alone in a four-unit apartment on Gauthier Road when the rape happened. She said as she saw her attacker's three-strip Adidas sneaker come through the window, she ran to the kitchen to call police. She heard the dial tone just before she saw the man run towards her. 'I tried to get to the front door. I did open it and screamed but he shut it.' She said the man then threw her to the ground and started punching her. 'He was on top of me, punching my face,' she told jurors. 'Then he dragged me to the bathroom, closed the door and locked it.' Her case sat dormant for more than three decades until the Federal Bureau of Investigation-managed Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) sent a match notification to the Louisiana Crime Lab in 2023. 'Thanks to advancements in DNA technology, justice has finally been served in a case that has haunted a survivor for more than three decades. The successful prosecution of this cold case reinforces our unwavering commitment to seeking justice, no matter how much time has passed. We are grateful that the victim now has the closure she so rightfully deserves, and that this predator is finally being held accountable for his heinous crimes.' said District Attorney Stephen Dwight.
