Latest news with #EWN
The South African
3 hours ago
- Politics
- The South African
Liam Jacobs reacts to Helen Zille snub: 'Systematised oppression'
Former Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Liam Jacobs has responded to comments made by Helen Zille. In a recent interview, the former leader of the party alluded to the 24-year-old enjoying the 'limelight.' Last month, Liam surprised South Africans with his shock defection to the Patriotic Alliance. This came after he accused his former party of not electing people of colour into leadership roles. On his Facebook account, Liam Jacobs reposted a recent EWN interview with Helen Zille. In the clip, the former DA leader broke her silence on Liam's shock exit. Responding to her comments, Liam posted: 'I've said it once and I'll say it again. Unfortunately, the entire reasoning of that EWN clip misses everything I spoke of in my statement after leaving. 'It misses how deeply systematised oppression is within the structures of that party. It also misses the core question of representation and its ethical implications. It also misses the inherent anti-meritocratic practices within the party.' I've said it once and I'll say it again. Unfortunately, the entire reasoning of that EWN clip misses everything I spoke… Posted by Liam Jacobs on Monday 28 July 2025 Speaking to EWN this week, Helen Zille broke her silence on DA MP Liam Jacob's decision to suddenly leave the party for another he had publicly criticised. She said: 'I like Liam, and I got on well with Liam. I don't want to clap him in any way. Helen hinted that there were no hard feelings on her end. She continued: 'It takes many years in politics to know that getting bashed about is part of what you bought into. And to know that you mustn't take yourself too seriously, and to know that you're going to get clapped from every single angle. You just have to dust yourself and get on with it.' The DA federal council chair alluded to Liam Jacobs's age and somewhat inexperience in politics. She added, 'Young people come in and get into the spotlight and enjoy the limelight. But the minute you get the spotlight, the next thing is that you're going to have your head cut off. And you're going to have to survive it. It takes some hard knocks to get to that point. 'I say to young people that when you get disillusioned, when you get angry, just remind yourself that there has never been a single person who left the DA who wasn't sorry afterwards'. Meanwhile, PA leader Gayton McKenzie has appointed Liam Jacobs to replace Kenny Kunene as Gauteng MMC for Transport. This follows Kunene's resignation amid being allegedly implicated to criminally accused businessman, Katiso Molefe. Gayton said of his protege: 'We want him to get the experience, help fix potholes and continue the good work Kunene has been doing.' He added: 'This is your chance to show people you don't just complain and point out mistakes. This is your chance to show people you can lead. You have shown people your heart, people have fallen in love with you. Don't disappoint them. This is your moment.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Eyewitness News
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Madlanga Commission to cost R148m over six months
JOHANNESBURG - The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System is set to cost almost R148 million over six months. The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development confirmed the amount to EWN in a written email. During a briefing in Sandton on Monday, acting deputy chief justice and chairperson of the commission, Mbuyiseli Madlanga, informed the media he was not in a position to talk about the cost, directing all questions to the department. READ MORE • Madlanga inquiry: Application for evidence to be heard in-camera won't be granted easily • Madlanga Commission of Inquiry to work hard to meet deadlines set by Ramaphosa • Judicial commission of inquiry probing criminality in justice system to begin in August The judicial commission was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to probe allegations of corruption and collusion within the criminal justice system, made public by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The estimated cost of the Madlanga commission of inquiry into the criminal justice system has been set at R147.9 million. The budget will form part of the standard operating procedure to be tabled to Cabinet by Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi for approval. According to the department, the budget and SOP will cover organisational, structure and reporting formats, information security and storage, monitoring and implementation mechanisms, compensation structures for commissioners, employees, legal professionals, and researchers, administrative costs, including office leases, digital infrastructure, and security arrangements. The department will also oversee the procurement process for the commission's operations, adding they've applied to National Treasury for a deviation from standard procurement processes and is currently awaiting a response. According to the commission, they are in the process of procuring a building in Gauteng as a venue for the commission over the next six months.
![[WATCH] 'We never supported Tiffany' – Community activist disputes Jayden-Lee Meek's mom's version of events](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia-cache.primedia-service.com%2Fmedia%2F1aenahq5%2Fwhatsapp-image-2025-07-25-at-185406.jpeg%3Fwidth%3D1200%26height%3D630&w=3840&q=100)
Eyewitness News
4 days ago
- General
- Eyewitness News
[WATCH] 'We never supported Tiffany' – Community activist disputes Jayden-Lee Meek's mom's version of events
Simphiwe Nkosi 25 July 2025 | 16:59 Jayden Lee Meek Tiffany Nicole Meek Picture: EWN
Eyewitness News
4 days ago
- Business
- Eyewitness News
Hawks raid Johannesburg City Power in connection with probe into suspicious payments
One of the three contracts allegedly under investigation by the Hawks into City Power involves a payment where the power utility inflated prices by more than 1,000% to purchase electricity infrastructure. News24 previously reported that the financially struggling entity was initially quoted R8 million for the infrastructure. However, documents seen by EWN reveal that R100 million was paid. Another case under scrutiny concerns City Power's decision to hire a private company to perform managerial duties at a cost of R55 million, despite already having senior managers appointed for those responsibilities. EWN witnessed Hawks officials entering and exiting the premises of City Power offices on Thursday afternoon. They were seen carrying stacks of documents. The ailing power utility has come into sharp focus following a series of allegations, including multiple allegations of fraudulent payments and nepotism involving its CEO, Tshifularo Mashava.
Eyewitness News
22-07-2025
- Business
- Eyewitness News
Frustrated passengers say pilots' strike at FlySafair affecting their pockets as well
JOHANNESBURG - Frustrated passengers said the strike by some pilots at FlySafair has not only affected their plans but also their pockets. They have told EWN that the reduction in available flights has resulted in high demand and higher prices. ALSO READ: FlySafair has had to reduce the number of active flights this week to meet the number of pilots available for work amid a salary-related strike. A mother travelling with her daughter from holiday said their travel home has been affected by the strike. She said her second-born, who stays in Cape Town, was unable to book a FlySafair flight to meet them at home in KwaZulu-Natal. She says this has left them all frustrated. 'They were sold out, all of them. Even if they were there, they were very expensive, so we were trying to get to see whether next week will be better, but I'm not sure whether the strike is off now.' She said this delays their plans because the fee hike was not budgeted for. 'It was like R3,500 and we would have got it for a better price, maybe R2,000.' FlySafair said the number of flights scheduled daily will remain at a reduced rate until the strike is resolved.
