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News24
2 days ago
- Business
- News24
IDT mistrust: How minister Zikalala and his ‘comrade chair' nixed probes into CEO
In 2023 and 2024, allegations of procurement irregularities against beleaguered IDT chief executive Tebogo Malaka were swept under the carpet by then-IDT chair Kwazi Mshengu and then-minister Sihle Zikalala. These interventions included quashing a forensic probe facilitated by National Treasury and whitewashing an audit by Zikalala's own department. The evidence suggests a parallel effort to stymie investigations into Malaka, clearing the way for her to be elevated from acting to permanent chief executive. Both men deny the accusation. Documents obtained by amaBhungane suggest that former public works and infrastructure minister Sihle Zikalala and his close comrade, then-Independent Development Trust (IDT) chair advocate Kwazi Mshengu, mounted parallel efforts to shield the parastatal's chief executive from investigations into a R45-million lease scandal. Internal communications, board minutes and draft reports show Zikalala and Mshengu clearing the way for Tebogo Malaka's elevation from acting to permanent chief executive last year despite mounting evidence of impropriety on her part. Allegations include that Malaka concluded a lease agreement with politically exposed Moepathutse Property Investments behind the IDT board of trustees' backs and beyond her delegation of authority. The lease, for a building adjacent to a nature reserve in Irene, Centurion, was intended to provide the IDT with new headquarters, but the IDT never took occupation, leading Moepathutse to sue for R14-million in damages. Moepathutse is directed by former politician Thaba Mufamadi and his relative Vhonani Mufamadi - the brothers of President Cyril Ramaphosa's national security advisor Sydney Mufamadi. Moepathutse has denied wrongdoing or that it had a relationship with Malaka. Part one of this series shows how, soon after taking over as IDT chair, Mshengu led his board in quashing a forensic investigation facilitated by National Treasury, asking Zikalala to have his Department of Public Works and Infrastructure conduct a probe instead. Part two will examine how Zikalala tasked the department's internal auditors – but not to probe allegations against Malaka. Treasury confirmed to amaBhungane that its investigations were 'already at an advanced stage' when Mshengu pulled the plug, but that Mshengu declined to be apprised of findings so far. Zikalala was minister at the time, but has been deputy to the DA's Dean Macpherson since the formation of the government of national unity last July. Macpherson removed Mshengu from the board this year. The IDT is a multi-billion rand implementing agency of the department, responsible for social infrastructure like schools and clinics. Mshengu and Zikalala have denied any correlation between their actions, which they maintain were justified. Malaka, who is fighting to retain her position in the face of amaBhungane exposés, did not respond to detailed questions regarding the allegations against her. Stop-start tender To casual observers, it may appear as though Malaka's troubles began when Macpherson took over as minister, when in fact they started two years ago under a previous IDT board. The controversy is rooted in an early 2022 board resolution to sell the IDT's existing headquarters at an unassuming office park in Pretoria East and procure leased premises instead. Malaka was already acting chief executive at this point. The tender process was seemingly derailed in May that year when Malaka received a protected disclosure from the head of security, Wilhelm Meyer. An IDT affidavit filed as part of subsequent litigation with Moepathutse alleges that on an impromptu visit to Moepathutse's property, Meyer witnessed the chair of the bid specification committee arriving in the same car as someone connected to Moepathutse. This raised concern of an inappropriate relationship. At a subsequent meeting of the bid specification committee, the chair allegedly specified criteria – a canteen, a bicycle shed, showers – that 'surprisingly fit' Moepathutse's property. Meyer's disclosure set off a chain of events still rippling out now. A May 2023 draft report from the board to Zikalala states that Malaka did not voluntarily bring Meyer's disclosure to the board's attention until it demanded answers from her. It also alleges that 'an extensive investigation' Malaka promised Meyer was superficial at best. Nonetheless, the tender was cancelled and a second advert placed in August 2022. Despite the protected disclosure, Moepathutse was recommended as the winning bidder and an unsigned lease agreement provided to the board for approval in January 2023. Board in the dark The board was, however, unaware that Malaka had already signed a letter of award to Moepathutse in November 2022. Moepathutse signed its acceptance on the same day. The rental amounted to R45-million over five years. The board was also unaware that in December 2022, Malaka had proceeded to sign a lease agreement despite her then-finance chief warning it was above their delegation of authority and needed board approval. The board knew nothing of this when it was time to give their approval. 'An unsigned lease was provided in the board meeting pack, and no reference at all was made by [Malaka] on the fact that a signed lease existed,' the draft report to Zikalala read. It also recorded Malaka's excuse that she was 'not responsible for compiling the board pack'. The board approved the lease agreement in February 2023, in the absence of then chair Zimbini Hill and despite outstanding concerns. The following month, however, after receiving a whistleblower report deemed 'highly relevant' to the lease procurement, it rescinded its approval. It also resolved to initiate a two-part forensic investigation: into the lease procurement itself and into HR-related allegations against Malaka and other managers. It was only after this that the board was furnished with the lease Malaka had signed months earlier without authority. It is this signed lease that Moepathutse is using to back its R14-million damages claim against the IDT. Draft board minutes display trustees' dissatisfaction with Malaka: 'The board is concerned at the level of dishonesty as management never disclosed the signed lease of 2 December 2022. The CFO informed the acting CEO in an email on 2 December 2022 that the signed lease was beyond the delegation of the acting CEO and the CFO… The board cannot ignore the actions of management in how the lease matter was handled.' The draft minutes and report cite evidence that Moepathutse marketed the same building at significantly lower rates than the IDT lease. Michael Sutcliffe, an ANC-aligned veteran bureaucrat then on the board, submitted documentation allegedly showing that Moepathutse had advertised an annual rental of R4 459 932 – 43% less than the IDT's first-year commitment of R7 851 178. Moepathutse said in response to amaBhungane's questions that its price was 'the lowest of the six bids received by the IDT in response to the public tender'. The draft report to Zikalala, which was circulated to all board members and sent to Zikalala after minor edits from the trustees, states that the board had agreed on the terms of reference for the proposed forensic investigation and that the minister was briefed in detail. It is understood that the document submitted to Zikalala did not differ materially from the draft seen by amaBhungane. Board 'dysfunctional' The board now faced a dilemma. It wanted to procure a forensic firm to conduct its probe but felt it could not trust IDT management with the process. Initially, the board considered calling for bids from the department's approved panel of firms, but that panel had expired. Questions also emerged about the board's legal authority to initiate procurement. The board then mandated the company secretary to approach National Treasury about undertaking the investigation as a neutral third party. Treasury confirmed it could do so and the company secretary kick-started the process. Treasury appointed law firm ENS to assist. A dispute later arose over whether the board had actually mandated the company secretary to launch the investigation or merely to explore its feasibility. This would form the basis for a reconstituted board to halt Treasury's investigation, despite records showing that both the board and minister were briefed on the investigation's timeline and costs in September 2023. amaBhungane Moepathutse lodged its high court claim based on the disputed lease contract that same month. Zikalala subsequently intervened with a 'fact-finding mission', citing governance concerns 'arising out of the complaints raised with my office'. Two sources with knowledge of events say that shortly after Treasury's investigation commenced in October, Malaka allegedly refused to cooperate. When investigators complained, board chair Hill wrote to Malaka urging her to co-operate. Malaka lodged a grievance against Hill in turn. Soon after, Zikalala wrote to board members asking them to justify why they should not be removed 'for failure to implement the mandate of the IDT'. Hill resigned on 8 October and was followed by two more trustees. Defending his intervention to amaBhungane, Zikalala said: 'The board members were not aligned and were clearly divided on many issues rendering the board dysfunctional. After observing this state of paralysis and that this board was nowhere near fulfilling its fiduciary duties, I wrote to all board members, not just Ms Zimbini Hill... Three board members responded while others resigned.' Hill's resignation paved the way for Mshengu's entry. Zikalala appointed him as a trustee in November 2023, after which the board elected him as its chair. A former kwaZulu-Natal ANC Youth League chair, Mshengu enjoyed Zikalala's trust. When Zikalala became provincial premier in 2019, he appointed Mshengu as his education MEC. They served together until their defeat in the ANC's 2022 provincial elections, where Zikalala had stood for chair on the 'Ankole' slate with Mshengu as his deputy. Mshengu had also served as a board member on Zikalala's own charitable trust. 'Protect the board' At his inaugural meeting chairing the IDT board towards the end of November 2023, Mshengu set the tone. According to minutes, he shared 'observations' on Treasury's investigation, questioning both its terms of reference and impartiality. The board then resolved 'to consider taking a decision that would protect the board'; 'that the current forensic investigation should be halted'; and that Zikalala should be asked to have his department investigate Moepathutse's appointment 'specifically relating to the relationship between' Moepathutse and Malaka. A treasury spokesperson said in response to amaBhungane questions that it had received a letter from Mshengu that December 'instructing the treasury not to proceed further… 'However, by that point, the National Treasury's investigation was already at an advanced stage. Based on the information collected, evidence obtained from imaged computers, and consultations with relevant officials, the treasury concluded its investigation.' By that time there were already draft reports and contact had been made with the Hawks. Treasury appears not to have wanted its and ENS's work to go to waste. According to Treasury, 'In February 2024, the National Treasury wrote to the board chairperson requesting a meeting to present the findings of the investigation as at the time of termination. The chairperson, however, declined, stating that the board would not accept any investigation reports from the National Treasury, referring to the December letter terminating the Treasury's mandate.' Mshengu defended his actions, telling amaBhungane that when Zikalala and then-deputy minister Bernice Swarts introduced him to the rest of the board, they 'indicated that they had received complaints from Ms Malaka on how the investigation was conducted by National Treasury – which she viewed as having pre-determined outcomes. The ministry then requested the board to look into these allegations'. The matter was considered at the next board meeting. 'The trustees who had an advantage of being seized with the matter before my arrival unanimously disavowed that they had agreed to the appointment of National Treasury and the terms of reference. 'According to the trustees, the company secretary was mandated to check if either National Treasury or [the department] can do the investigation and advise the board. The company secretary, however, proceeded to appoint treasury without reverting to the board and to have the board consider and approve the terms of reference.' Mshengu said the decision to terminate Treasury's mandate was informed by a 'contamination of the process' and that the investigation 'was never squashed but was referred' to the department. He said his relationship with Zikalala was public knowledge and that he had declared it to the interview panel before his appointment. He had met Malaka for the first time when he became a trustee. Either way, the end of the treasury investigation proved a lifeline for Malaka. As we explain in part two, Zikalala would go on to whitewash the investigation entirely, endorsing Malaka for permanent chief executive on the basis that his inquiry 'found no wrongdoing' against her. It never, in fact, investigated her.
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Climate
- Miami Herald
Hurricane season 2025: What is the Saffir-Simpson intensity scale?
ORLANDO, Fla. - With the hurricane season starting soon, you are certain to hear about categories and other terms used to describe hurricane strength. Tropical systems tracked by the National Hurricane Center will be classified as depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes based on their intensity. The NHC will label a system a tropical depression when it has sustained winds below 38 mph but shows the characteristics of organization and rotation of a cyclone that could develop into a stronger storm. When it reaches 39 mph sustained winds, it is labeled a tropical storm. It isn't until sustained winds of 74 mph or greater are reached that a system will be named a hurricane. At that point, the NHC uses the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale of intensity to categorize it on a scale of 1-5. Category 1: Sustained winds between 74-95 mph. Examples of Category 1 hurricanes that hit Florida include Hurricane Erin in 1995, Hurricane Irene in 1999, Hurricane Nicole in 2022 and Hurricane Debby in 2024. The NHC states, "Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days." Category 2: Sustained winds between 96-110 mph. Examples of Category 2 hurricanes that hit Florida include Hurricane Frances in 2004 and Hurricane Sally in 2020 (although its eyewall made landfall in Gulf Shores, Alabama). The NHC states, "Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks." Category 3: Sustained winds between 111-129 mph. Examples of Category 3 hurricanes that hit Florida include Hurricane Jeanne in 2004, Hurricane Wilma in 2005, Hurricane Idalia in 2023 and Hurricane Milton in 2024. The NHC states," Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes." Category 4: Sustained winds between 130-156 mph. Examples of Category 4 hurricanes that hit Florida include Hurricane Charley in 2004, Hurricane Irma in 2017, Hurricane Ian in 2024 and Hurricane Helene in 2024. The NHC states, "Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months." Category 5: Sustained winds greater than 157 mph. Examples of Category 5 hurricanes that hit Florida include Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and Hurricane Michael in 2018. The NHC states, "A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months." _______ Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Pink Villa
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
ASTRO's Cha Eun Woo and Jessica Jung attend model Irene's wedding, ex-Girls Generation member catches bride's bouquet
Model and broadcaster Kim Irene tied the knot with her businessman partner John, in a lavish ceremony on May 23, 2025. Photos and videos from the Christian wedding, Korean rituals, and after-party flooded social media. Fans were thrilled to spot some popular faces from the K-pop industry, like Cha Eun Woo and Jessica Jung, among the guests. The celebrities, known to be close friends of Irene's, made time for her big day despite their busy schedules. The 37-year-old model looked nothing short of a dream in a custom Miss Sohee white strapless fish-cut gown as she walked the aisle. The guests at Irene's wedding seemed to have had a gala time, as evident from their social media updates. However, in all their posts and stories, the guests were careful to protect the non-celebrity groom's identity, as they either cropped him out or covered his face with stickers. Among the star-studded attendees of the event, was ASTRO member and True Beauty fame Cha Eun Woo. He exuded effortless charm in a casual beige shirt and black trousers, complemented by black-framed glasses. During Irene's pre-wedding photoshoot, he posed with her, sharing a warm side hug that captured their friendly bond. Cha Eun Woo arrived with a green bag, making fans curious as to whether it contained a special wedding present for the bride. Besides him, former Girls Generation member Jessica Jung, also made her much-anticipated appearance at the auspicious occasion. She donned a strapless black gown with a white bow detail at the bustline lining, giving off sophisticated and elegant vibes. The artist even caught bestie Irene's tossed bouquet, creating a lovely moment. Jessica Jung celebrated with Irene from the latter's bachelorette bash to the wedding after-party. It showcased their deep and meaningful bond that goes way beyond the industry's surface-level friendship. They grooved along with the other guests in the after-party and enjoyed themselves with delicious food and drinks. Overall, the marriage party can be said to be a joyous one, with happiness all around, both from the hosts and the guests. Here's to wishing the new spouses lifelong happiness and prosperity.
UPI
22-05-2025
- Climate
- UPI
NOAA predicts above-normal hurricane season this year
1 of 2 | Residents of Atlantic Beach, N.C., walk on the beach as Hurricane Irene approaches (2011). The NOAA on Thursday said the Atlantic storm season could produce as many as 19 named storms, including up to 10 hurricanes and five major storms. File Photo by Rob Hobson/UPI | License Photo May 22 (UPI) -- The Atlantic storm season could produce as many as 19 named storms, including up to 10 hurricanes and five major storms, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The NOAA says there is a 60% chance of an above-normal storm season that could produce between 13 and 19 named storms and between six and 10 hurricanes. The hurricanes could produce between three and five major hurricanes with wind speeds of at least 111 mph, the NOAA predicts. Storm impacts could extend well inland of coastal waters. "As we witnessed last year with significant inland flooding from hurricanes Helene and Debby, the impacts of hurricanes can reach far beyond coastal communities," Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm said. An above-average Atlantic Ocean temperature, weak wind shear and potentially higher West African monsoon activity are among factors contributing to the prediction for an above-average number of storms. "The high-activity era continues in the Atlantic Basin, featuring high-heat content in the ocean and reduced trade winds," NOAA storm forecasters said. "The higher-heat content provides more energy to fuel storm development, while weaker winds allow the storms to develop without disruption." NOAA forecasters also say there is a 30% chance of a nearly normal number of named storms, which are those with wind speeds of at least 39 mph, while hurricanes have wind speeds of at least 74 mph. There is a 10% chance of a below-average number of storms. The Atlantic storm season traditionally runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, but storms could occur before and after those dates. From 1991 to 2020, the Atlantic Basin averaged 14 named storms, including seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes. The Atlantic Basin includes the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf. The first named storm typically forms in mid to late June, according to the NOAA. The first hurricane usually forms in early to mid-August, while the first major hurricane often forms in late August or early September, but such storms could form well outside of those timeframes. The NOAA reported 27 weather events that produced at least $1 billion in damages and totaled $182.7 billion in damages in 2024, which were higher than the five-year average of 23 such weather events totaling $149.3 billion in damages. Hurricane Helene made landfall near Perry, Fla., on Sept. 26 with sustained wind speeds of 140 miles per hour, which was the strongest storm on record in Florida's Big Bend region. Helene inflicted $78.7 billion in damages, was the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since 2017. The major hurricane caused 176 direct fatalities and at least 250 in total. Hurricane Milton made landfall near Florida's Siesta Key on Oct. 9 and caused $34.3 billion in damages.
Business Mayor
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Mayor
8 Best Video Games Based On TV Shows: Ranked
Introduction sequence for 'Star Trek Voyager Elite Force,' Gamenaut Youtube The massive success of TV shows based on video games, including The Last of Us and Fallout , has gone a long way in turning gaming into a major player in the entertainment industry. Unfortunately, despite the golden era of TV featuring some of the best TV shows in history, very few of them have been adapted into eye-catching video games. The growing demands of the gaming industry for better graphics, immersive gameplay, and longer games have proved too hard for most TV-based video games. A few developers have still managed to turn TV shows into impressive video games that fans actually enjoyed playing. While they may not compete with the best video games ever developed, these are the best TV-show-to-video-game adaptations. Irene, Clementine, and Lee Evrett after killing a walker in Walking Dead Season 1 (2012), Telltale Games Although the game is technically based on the comic series, its popularity has been fueled by the success of the AMC series. Set in the same world as the TV series, The Walking Dead: A Telltale Series follows the story of a young girl called Clementine, who travels through zombie-infested USA with the help of Lee Everett and later, by herself. Featuring an episodic structure and a few familiar characters that mirror the TV series, the game's worldbuilding is decent, with enhanced player interaction where every action a player takes impacts the success or failure of their protagonists' mission. Doctor Who jumping over a roof in Dalek Attack (1992), Alternative Software LTD Released in 1992, Dalek Attack remains one of the best TV-based video games, although the passage of time makes it feel out of place when compared to modern platformers. However, in its day, it was on par with any well-scripted platform game. Based on the British TV series, Doctor Who , this game allows players to choose between the second, fourth, fifth, and seventh Doctors and take on Daleks and other enemies that the Doctor faces in the series. Its ability to bring the Time Lord to life for fans makes it a nostalgic part of the Doctor Who universe, despite its dated graphics and mechanics. Read More NYT Mini Crossword today: puzzle answers for Sunday, April 21 RELATED: 10 Best TV Shows Based On Video Games South Park: The Stick of Truth (2014), Ubisoft Series creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone worked closely with Obsidian Development to turn The Stick of Truth into a faithful adaptation of the popular sitcom. Played from a third-person perspective, the game allows players to take on the identity of the New Kid and travel around South Park, fighting different types of enemies in a bid to secure the Stick of Truth. The game's sharp writing and fidelity to the show's animation style have seen it turn into one of the most faithful video game adaptations of South Park. Captain in Star Trek Prodigy: Supernova (2022), Paramount+ Australia From a meticulously detailed gameworld to characters voiced by their TV counterparts, Star Trek Prodigy: Supernova is by far one of the most faithfully adapted video games based on a TV show. The game was developed by Martin Korda in collaboration with Lisa Boyd, one of the TV show's writers. Set between the first and second halves of the animated TV series, it follows Dal R'El and Gwyndala on a mission to save Protostar and a group of new aliens from being destroyed by a supernova. Introduction sequence for Star Trek Voyager: Elite Force (2000) , Activision Famous for being the first successful Star Trek video game adaptation, Star Trek: Voyager: Elite Force is another retro video game based on a TV show that lived up to the hype. Set in the sixth season of the TV series, the game is a first-person shooter game that imagines the player as part of the elite Hazard Team tasked with protecting the USS Voyager during a deadly attack in a starship graveyard. It is one of the best recreations of the Star Trek universe, in a video game with a universal appeal that even non-Trekkies could enjoy. RELATED: 3 Times Western Video Games Got Japanese Culture Totally Wrong A complete crew manning the bridge in Star Trek Bridge Crew (2017), Ubisoft Set on USS Aegis, Star Trek: Bridge Crew is a faithful VR adaptation of the franchise as a whole. Published by Ubisoft, the game pays homage to the spirit of collaboration seen throughout the franchise. It is a cooperative multiplayer game of three or four players, where players take on the roles of a captain, tactical officer, engineer, or helm officer. The game offers a true Trekkie experience, from the visuals to the starship sound. While niche, the fidelity of this VR adaptation is unmatched, with its gameplay making players relive the experience of flying a Federation starship. Buffy fighting a vampire in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2002), Fox Interactive Fox's Buffy the Vampire Slayer is another TV series with lots of disappointing video game adaptations, but this Xbox exclusive game remains one of its most faithful recreations. Set in the third season of the TV series, the game features Buffy Summers as she takes on demons, zombies, and vampires on multiple levels across Sunnydale in her quest to reach the safety of the Sunnydale High School library. It was written in collaboration with the show's creators, which explains its deep combat sequences that combine both martial arts and mystical aspects. RELATED: The 10 Most Expensive Video Games Ever Made: Ranked Marge and Homer Simpson in The Simpsons: Hit & Run (2003), Fox Interactive The Simpsons holds a special place in TV, and while most of its video game adaptations failed to live up to the show's legacy, this one has aged just as well as the show. Utilizing a GTA -style open world, The Simpsons: Hit & Run extends Springfield in colorful fashion and fits perfectly into the show with the familiar faces and voices of the show's actors. The game also retains the spirit of the show with dry humor and flashy cars animated in the same style as the show. Read More Forza Horizon 5 is coming to the PS5 this spring NEXT: BioWare's 10 Best Games: Ranked Mentioned In This Article: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Doctor Who South Park Star Trek Prodigy: Supernova Star Trek Voyager: Elite Force Star Trek: Bridge Crew The Simpsons The Walking Dead More About:Video Game News Video Game Reviews Video Games
