Latest news with #FelixDlangamandla
Daily Maverick
14-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Inside NAMPO: South Africa's agricultural exhibition in the Free State
Each year, the quiet fields of Bothaville in South Africa's Free State transform into the epicenter of the country's agricultural industry. NAMPO, the largest agricultural exhibition in sub-Saharan Africa, draws thousands of farmers and industry leaders. Daily Maverick's photographer Felix Dlangamandla captured the show.
The Citizen
12-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Listeriosis class action settlement offered but many victims still unknown
Tiger Brands confirmed on Monday that a settlement has been reached in a class action suit related to the 2017 listeriosis outbreak. A Tiger Brands facility in Germiston that is believed to have handled contaminated products. Picture: Gallo Images / Netwerk24 /Felix Dlangamandla Tiger Brands has presented a settlement offer to the victims of the deadly 2017 listeriosis outbreak. A strain of listeria killed 218 people and affected at least another 820 who consumed contaminated processed food. National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) investigations tracked the strain to a Tiger Brands facility in Polokwane, as well as distribution facility in Germiston. Eligible claimants The class action fight for the claimants has been pursued by two firms, namely Richard Spoor Inc and LHL Attorneys. The firms praised the peer-reviewed work of the NICD, spearheaded by Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi. 'These findings have since been confirmed by world-renowned epidemiologists, including Tiger Brands' own experts,' the case attorneys said in a joint statement on Monday. The claimants covered in this case are those who contracted the genotype L1-SL6-ST6-CT4148 of Listeria monocytogenes (ST6), as well mothers of the children affected. Additionally, the legal dependants of any household breadwinners who died of ST6 listeriosis, as well as adults whose legal dependants contracted the illness, are also eligible. The details of the offer have been sent to the claimants' attorneys, but they have not been publicly disclosed to protect their interests. Liability still to be proven This is just the first of a two-step process where the company's liability must still be determined by the courts, only after which compensation can be awarded. 'Before any settlement can be finalised, it must be presented to the High Court, which will determine its fairness as the ultimate guardian of class member interests,' confirmed the attorneys, who labelled the settlement offer an 'effective admission of liability'. The food manufacturers' statement contradicted that position, but stressed that they had adequate product liability insurance cover. 'Only if Tiger Brands is found to be liable will the issue of causation arise, in the second stage of the class action, as well as an assessment of compensation payable to qualifying claimants for damages suffered,' the company stated on Monday. 'The offer is subject to certain conditions and has been made without admission of liability and in full and final settlement of the claims of the claimants,' Tiger Brands explained. Both Tiger Brands and the legal representatives state that this will take at least several weeks to resolve, but they remain committed to the process. 'Tiger Brands' renewed and demonstrable commitment to the victims will ultimately lead to a comprehensive resolution of all claims,' stated the attorneys. Importance of food safety The firms, as well as the NICD, have been praised by the Department of Health for placing 'the sufferings of the victims' at the forefront of the fight. Many of those affected by the outbreak over seven years ago have not come forward, but the department and the NICD are working to assist the attorneys in locating potential claimants. The DoH said the class action highlighted the importance of sticking to guidelines around the handling of processed food. 'Food safety and hygiene practices remain crucial for public health, preventing foodborne illnesses, reducing food waste and avoiding costly food recalls,' stated the department. Those affected by listeriosis who were not part of the class action may still contact Richard Spoor Inc or LHL Attorneys for further information. NOW READ: Not Rasta, but Tiger Brands: Here's who's behind those spaza shop murals
Daily Maverick
09-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
R11bn unfinished Montrose Mega City Development housing ghost town
As Gauteng battles a worsening housing crisis, incomplete housing units near Randfontein in the West Rand remain vandalised and unoccupied. Daily Maverick photographer Felix Dlangamandla went to the ghost town on 7 May 2025. The Montrose Mega City Development, which was once touted as a large-scale solution to the province's housing backlog, has been inactive since January 2024. According to the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements (GDHS), the project was halted following the termination of its contract with SCM Developments, the appointed turnkey developer. The department cited 'financial difficulties leading to its liquidity'. The government planned to build 5,600 housing units during the project's first phase. When Daily Maverick asked about the total amount spent on both phases of the development to date, GDHS spokesperson Terry-Ann van Eck, speaking on behalf of MEC Tasneem Motara, declined to provide figures, although reports suggest R11-billion was spent. 'As the development was in its first phase at the time of termination, detailed financial information on expenditure cannot be disclosed without a formal application under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA).' In response to further queries from Daily Maverick about whether there are any plans to repair or complete the housing units, the department said: 'The Department is actively engaged in negotiations with the landowner to purchase the land outright. This acquisition will enable the Department to take over and continue the development. Upon successful acquisition, a procurement process will be initiated to appoint a new developer to resume and complete the project as originally intended.' It added that it had received 'guidance from the Provincial Treasury on securing the site. A professional security company has now been appointed on the property to prevent further illegal activities, including vandalism and unauthorised access,' said Van Eck.
