Latest news with #Jooste
IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Smoke, mirrors, and a dead CEO: Who's hiding what in the Markus Jooste death mystery?
Former Steinhoff chief executive Markus Jooste. Steinhoff's Asian business has secured new funding and rebranded under the name Greenlit. Photo: Armand Hough/African News Agency (ANA) The Silence of Authorities: Investigating the Death of former Steinhof CEO Markus Jooste Image: Aemand Hough It has been over a year since the mysterious death of former Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste. Yet, questions surrounding the circumstances of his demise remain unanswered, sparking concerns about the authorities' lack of transparency. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has maintained silence on the investigation, offering no updates or explanations about the case. Officially, Jooste was said to have died by suicide last year, but details remain scarce. Reports indicate that Jooste succumbed to a gunshot wound at his Cape Town residence in Hermanus, but crucial questions linger: Were witnesses present? Was a proper investigation conducted? And what do the post-mortem reports reveal? A day before his death, Jooste was under intense scrutiny from the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), which had imposed a R475 million administrative fine on him for accounting irregularities linked to his former company, Steinhoff. The fallout from the scandal had already shaken South Africa's financial sector, with allegations that Jooste's actions had jeopardised billions of rand in public funds. The Progressive Civics Congress (PCC), a social justice organization, has expressed frustration over the lack of progress. Deputy Secretary Sipho Shange expressed concern over 'the unresolved questions surrounding Jooste's death' and the broader implications for public accountability. 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. 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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. Next Stay Close ✕ 'Jooste was involved in compromising the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) funds, amounting to R200 billion belonging to the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF),' Shange stated. 'The Steinhoff scandal was a national issue, yet we have no answers about what happened to those pension funds. 'The public deserves transparency and accountability—and the silence from authorities raises suspicion.' Shange further criticized the silence of labor unions, which traditionally advocate for workers' rights and oversight in such matters. He argued that their inaction may have contributed to the ongoing economic crisis, asserting that the loss of investment confidence and subsequent budget deficits have directly impacted ordinary citizens. Adding to the concerns, Mary de Haas, a renowned crime expert and violence monitor, pointed out the broader issues of accountability and the integrity of investigations. She said provincial police commissioners have the authority to expedite inquiries but have seemingly done little to resolve the case or uncover the truth. 'Questions about whether Jooste truly died by suicide or was murdered remain unanswered,' de Haas said. 'The only way to find out is through the post-mortem report, but access to such crucial documents is often denied or delayed. Without it, we are left to speculate.' De Haas also highlighted the broader pattern of disappearances and unexplained deaths linked to political and financial scandals in South Africa, raising fears that some cases might be deliberately obscured to protect powerful interests. As of the last official update to IOL early this year, Western Cape then acting police spokesperson Colonel Andre Traut confirmed that the case remains under investigation, with no new developments reported. 'The docket concerning Markus Jooste's death is still open, and we are awaiting further findings,' Traut stated. Once a prominent business mogul, Jooste's career was marred by scandal, culminating in the exposure of fraudulent activities that cost the South African economy nearly R200 billion. His death has left many questions about the stewardship of public funds and the accountability of those entrusted with South Africa's economic stability. As the 13-month mark passes, the public, civil society, and victims of financial misconduct continue to demand answers. However, the silence from authorities only deepens suspicion, highlighting the urgent need for transparency in uncovering the truth behind Markus Jooste's death and safeguarding public trust. National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe and the Western Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Novelwa Potane did not respond to IOL. IOL Politics
The Citizen
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘Malo': A New Intimate Janice Honeyman show
Carmen Jooste stars in the show alongside a troupe of energetic talent. Carmen Jooste stars in Malo, now on at CirK in Cresta. Picture Supplied Most South African performers would give both their left feet to star in a Janice Honeyman production. And a brand new cast of young and energetic performers are lined up to do exactly that. It's a new, acrobatic, and original musical production called Malo that opened on 3 May at the CiRK theatre at Northcliff's Cresta Shopping Centre. Carmen Jooste stars in the show alongside a troupe of energetic talent. The story takes place in a circus. But not just any circus. It's a tired old European-style big top. It's the tale of Malo the Clown and his devotion to Melodia Luna, the celestial Moon-Maiden. She descends to Earth to help the circus troupe reclaim its sparkle. It's a song and dance and acrobatics of note, all in an intimate theatre setting. 'It shows the challenges of the evil ringmaster taking advantage of Melodia and just showing us that journey. It has romance, it has amazing themes that it explores,' Jooste shared. And if the rehearsals are anything to go by, audiences are in for a treat. Jooste plays Elastic, a bendy circus performer who contorts her way through the production. 'Elastic is there to create the atmosphere of the circus 'In traditional circuses, the contortionist has always been part of the magic, and that's what I bring to the stage. Then, there's the romance, drama, and some dark moments too,' Jooste said. 'It's not your average musical. This is something completely new.' It's not your average musical Rehearsals are several weeks in, and while there's still a lot to pull together, she said, the pressure creates a different kind of positive energy. 'Everyone is focused. Everyone shows up. And that's what makes it special.' Working with Honeyman, she said, had been one of the highlights of her performing career so far. 'Just reading the script gave me goosebumps,' she said. 'Janice is brilliant. She knows exactly how to bring a story to life. Just reading her script and reading her writing has given me such inspiration and I get goosebumps when I just read it. Her vision is clear and every note she gives makes you better. You're constantly learning.' Also Read: Candlelight show's a must go … mostly Honeyman's Midas touch is usually synonymous with large-scale pantomimes come the festive season but this production trades the grand for a somewhat more immersive environment. CiRK theatre is not huge, it's a space where performers are up close. 'It's incredibly intimate,' Jooste said. 'You feel the audience with you every second. Also, you can hear them breathe. You look them in the eyes. It changes the whole dynamic. You share something real with them.' For the whole family Jooste said that the show's for the whole family. 'I think kids, grandmas, parents, anyone can enjoy the show. It has humour. It has drama. Then there's the amazing aerial displays, amazing acting. It's for everyone.' Now 21, Jooste has become something of a regular on the CiRK stage. She lept into the performing arts straight after school, building on a decade-long foundation of competitive rhythmic gymnastics that saw her represent South Africa abroad several times. 'When I stopped competing, something felt missing,' she said. 'I took an aerial class just to try something new, and I never left. I found that piece in life's puzzle I didn't know I was looking for.' Now Read: A Million Ways To Die, NFOH reincarnated Malo runs from now to 15 June 2025 at The CiRK, Cresta Shopping Centre. Performances are Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm, with limited Friday night shows at 7pm. Tickets range from R220 to R320 and are available at
The Citizen
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Vehicle jamming surges in east of Pretoria, motorists warned
Motorists in the east of Pretoria are urged to remain vigilant due to a rise in vehicle remote jamming in shopping mall parking lots and other public spaces. Drivers are advised to double-check that their vehicle doors are secure before leaving, as criminals use remote jamming devices to prevent cars from locking properly. Recent reports indicate that such incidents have been reported in Mooikloof. According to the spokesperson for Bull Security, French Jooste, there is a very big spike in vehicle remote jamming incidents in the shopping mall parking areas around the east of Pretoria. 'These criminals will sit in the parking area waiting for you to get out of your vehicle. The moment you walk away, they will jam the signal from your remote locking device, which then prevents your vehicle from locking,' Jooste explained. 'If you notice that you are struggling to lock your vehicle, inform security immediately and never leave valuables inside your vehicle, as this is an open invitation to criminals,' Jooste said. 'The device used to jam the signal can be as simple as an electric gate remote or more complex. Your car won't be able to detect the remote signal in the 'noise', and it won't lock. You will think your car is locked, and when you walk away, your vehicle remains unlocked. This happens quickly, especially when you are busy, in a rush or are distracted by your phone or kids,' Jooste said. He said to be safe, rather lock your car manually. 'Some cars have keyless entry, but spend some time locating the sensor on the door handle that activates the keyless entry. Holding the handle away from the sensor allows you to still pull on it without unlocking the door. Don't forget to check your boot,' he said. Jooste added that when you get to any shopping centre parking area, ensure you are not distracted when locking your car. Remaining vigilant is crucial. 'Parking in a visible location will help deter would-be thieves, and if there are security cameras, it will also be a deterrent, although some criminals are brash enough to know that video footage is inconclusive at best.' He urged all motorists to remain vigilant and ensure that their vehicles are locked and report any unusual activity to the centre management or security immediately. ALSO READ: Local organisation demands action against GBV Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
30-04-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Racist misinformation spread by Twatterbaas about SA condemned
The Twatterbaas account has been spreading misinformation on X about the country, which seems to have been picked up by US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. As South Africa tries to quell the tensions with the United States, an influential, right-wing X account has been posting racist tropes that have reinforced misinformation about the country. The government said it has taken note of the reports which claim that Sebastiaan Jooste, a 46-year-old former farmer, is behind the social media account 'Boer' (@twatterbaas) on X. The account is accused of spreading racist views, hate speech and false information. Misinformation by @twatterbaas The account is thought to have influenced US President Donald Trump and his South African-born billionaire donor, Elon Musk. On Tuesday, the X account was unmasked by News24. The report stated that 'Boer' (@twatterbaas) is run by Jooste, who, for the past year, pretended to still be a farmer. He has instead been running a 4-star guest house in Gordon's Bay, near Cape Town. The report revealed that nearly 300 interactions between Jooste and Musk since June 2024, with Jooste addressing or reposting Musk's posts 274 times. In turn, Musk has interacted with Jooste's @Twatterbaas account 20 times. The Citizen has reached out to 'Boer'. His comments will be added once received. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa to meet Trump face-to-face to resolve diplomatic fallout Racism 'condemned' Acting Government Communication and Information Systems spokesperson Terry Vandayar said they have taken note of the reports about 'Boer'. 'Appreciating that law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate incidents of misinformation, the government strongly condemns deliberate acts of misinformation and promotion of racial hatred. 'South Africa is the first country to protect freedom of expression, it is a constitutional right, but this does not offer protection for hate speech or deliberate misinformation. Law enforcement will not hesitate to act against those who violate the laws of the country, regardless of their colour and creed,' Vandayar said. Lies about white genocide Vandayar refuted claims that there is a 'white genocide' in South Africa. 'On allegations about farm murders at a genocidal scale, crime statistics released by Saps showed that in the third quarter of 2024/25 only one farmer, who happens to be white, was murdered. 'While every murder is one too many, claims of an increased scale of farm murders are a lie. Law enforcement agencies are actually winning the fight against farm murders,' Vandayar added. ALSO READ: 'Clearing the air': Inside Dirco's meeting with US officials Trump taking aim at SA Since the start of his second term, Trump has singled South Africa out for criticism. The US president cut financial aid to South Africa, citing the country taking Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and 'strengthening ties with Iran, which supports terrorism globally'. Trump said 'terrible things' were happening in the country after the passing of the Expropriation Act, which he believes is pushing Afrikaans farmers out of the country. The US president has since offered them refuge in his country with an expedited pathway to US citizenship. According to Trump, 'any farmer' who is 'seeking to flee' South Africa 'for reasons of safety' can now apply to become a US citizen – rather than a refugee. Tensions between the two countries were further heightened following former South African ambassador to the US Ebrahim Rasool's recent remarks on Trump. Rasool was expelled by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio after he claimed in a webinar that Trump is leading a global white supremacist movement. On at least one occasion in March 2025, a post by Twatterbaas of a video of EFF leader Julius Malema singing the controversial song 'Kill the boer' was quoted by Musk, who added a label of 'white genocide', was picked up and reposted by Trump on his own social media platform, Truth Social. Jooste's Twatterbaas account has, through posts focusing on white farmers and what he deems to be racially motivated government policies, racked up hundreds of millions of views on X. These posts were promoted by Musk, who has the largest following on the platform at nearly 220 million users, according to News24. ALSO READ: Musk takes fresh 'genocide' swipe at Malema Ramaphosa to meet Trump With relations between the US and South Africa at an all-time low, President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to meet face-to-face with Trump to discuss the diplomatic fallout between the two countries. A phone call this week between Ramaphosa and Trump appeared to have made strides towards resolving the simmering tensions between the US and South Africa. 'President Trump and I also agreed to meet soon to address this and various matters regarding relations between South Africa and the United States. We both spoke about the need to foster good relations between our two countries,' said Ramaphosa. NOW READ: The day Ramaphosa and Trump meet
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Yahoo
Podcast: How to Wage War on Poaching, According to a Former South African General
For years, South Africa's wildlife has been under attack. Some of the country's most iconic species, including rhinos, elephants, and lions, are being systematically slaughtered by poachers, who are funded and supported by criminal gangs. These animals are killed for their parts — their horns and tusks and claws and bones — which are then sold on the global black market. Rhinos have been among the hardest hit animals, especially in Kruger National Park. The situation had become a national crisis by 2012, when 425 of the park's rhinos were poached, their horns chopped off and the carcasses left to rot. (Around 75 percent of that population has been lost to poaching since 2011.) This ongoing bloodshed required the country to take 'a bold step,' says Gen. Johan Jooste, a former South African army general who was appointed Chief Ranger at Kruger Park in late 2012. 'We had no other options. The world was saying to South Africa, 'Look what is happening. You can't even protect your own wildlife.' And it was a bold step at the time,' Jooste tells Outdoor Life in this week's podcast. 'It was also an intervention of necessity.' Jooste's main directive over the next few years was to transform the park's ranger corps into a highly trained paramilitary unit. (He details his experience at Kruger in the book Rhino War that he co-wrote with journalist Tony Parks.) Although his appointment as a former military officer was controversial, and some people still criticize the hard-handed approach — which introduced lie detectors, surveillance equipment, dogs trained to subdue poachers, and military-grade weapons — he says the situation he walked into was, by definition, a kind of war. 'If I look in the dictionary, it says a war is two opposing forces using armed force, and that is what happened there,' says Jooste, who continues to combat poaching in his current role at Global Restoration Partners. 'I have never regretted that [approach]. It has caused [discomfort] among academics and in all their writings, but they don't know what I do, and they know nothing about what happened at that stage in the African bush in our beloved Kruger.' Read Next: Hunting for Poachers Amid South Africa's Bloody Wildlife War To hear more about South Africa's bloody wildlife war, and the critical role that Gen. Jooste and anti-poaching rangers still play in the ongoing crisis, listen to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
