Latest news with #Koko
IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Matshela Koko won't challenge court ruling on R1. 56bn Eskom, ABB settlement
Former acting Eskom chief executive Matshela Koko will not challenge the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria judgment dismissing his application to intervene in the dispute between the power utility and ABB South Africa, which agreed to pay almost R1.56 billion in 2020. Image: Bheki Radebe / Independent Newspapers Former acting Eskom chief executive, Matshela Koko, will not challenge the ruling declining his bid to intervene in the R1.56 billion settlement agreement reached by the power utility and ABB South Africa. The Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, last month dismissed with costs Koko's application to intervene in the matter in terms of an earlier judgment delivered in April 2024. At the time, the high court ordered any interested party who has a direct and material interest in its orders on the R1.56bn settlement to apply within 30 days of the last date of publication of the order for leave to intervene and describe the nature of their interest in the relief and the relief sought. The court also ordered that interested parties must show cause, on a date and on such terms as it may determine after receipt of any application why the order should be altered, varied or rescinded. In compliance with the April 2024 order Koko complained that unflattering allegations were made against him in the papers filed in the review proceedings and that he was referred to by name and some paragraphs contain reference to his conduct. He said the settlement agreement for ABB to pay Eskom had negative consequences for him as his bank account was closed and he suffered reputational harm. In refusing Koko's intervention application, Acting Judge Irene de Vos found that he lacked a direct and substantial interest in the subject matter of the review proceedings. "Koko launched an application to rescind an order in circumstances where he largely accepts the order is correct; where he is not mentioned in either the order or the judgment; for purposes of protecting his reputation," the acting judge stated. The contract in question was for the provision of control and instrumentation system for the coal-fired Kusile Power Station project constructed under Eskom's nation building programme to increase its generating capacity. Eskom, ABB and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) later applied to the court to set aside the contract as a result of corruption and bribery that occurred in the award. The SIU has publicly indicated that it intends to claim monies from Koko, who fears such action. He told the court that not having been cited in the review proceedings means he is limited in presenting a defence in potential future proceedings to be brought against him. In response to questions, Koko, who represented himself in the matter, said the judgment could be summarised as a mixed outcome, adding that he lost the battle to intervene in the review proceedings, but emerged with a significant procedural victory in the broader context. He further said he won the war by emerging from the case without adverse findings or direct legal accountability. Koko added that this procedural victory distances him from the ABB contract irregularities and undermines the narrative tying him to corruption, providing him with a solid defence in this specific legal chapter. [email protected] [email protected]
Belfast Telegraph
29-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Popular steakhouse set to open Portrush restaurant following £350k investment
NI's much loved food brand Top Blade is bringing its bold flavour and sizzling reputation to Portrush. Opening this summer, the new restaurant will be serving up steaks just in time for the busy tourism season and the return of The Open to Royal Portrush in July. Director, Aaron Taggart said: 'We've been keen to expand to the north coast for some time but were waiting for the right location. 'Now the timing feels right and the premises are ideal, it's been a stroke of luck that we are coinciding with such a busy summer season and we're looking forward to welcoming so many visitors to this wonderful part of the world. 'This site gives us the opportunity to create something really special, not just in terms of food, but also in setting. 'A seafront restaurant with uninterrupted views of the Atlantic isn't something you come by often! We'll be retaining Koko's existing staff where possible and building a strong new team to deliver the Top Blade experience.' The new venue will be located in the prominent seafront premises currently home to Koko's, which is set to undergo a full transformation to become Top Blade's third restaurant. Backed by a £350,000 investment, the project will create 20 new jobs in the local hospitality sector. Top Blade, already a firm favourite in Belfast and Portadown, is known for its vibrant atmosphere, locally sourced steaks, and no-fuss food done well, (but not well done!). Currently the chain serves up the widest variety of steaks with a staggering 15 options on the extensive menu, the new Portrush site will offer seating for 70 diners to enjoy the unrivalled ocean view, delivering a standout new dining destination right in the heart of the town. Fellow Director John Crawford added: 'This is a big move for us, and we're ambitious about it. With this new opening, we're aiming to serve up to 100,000 steaks a year across our three locations. 'We're proud of our ethos, great steaks, sides and sauces, served with simplicity and flair, and we're confident it'll be a welcome addition to the Portrush dining scene. Watch: AVA Festival returns to Belfast "The timing couldn't be better. With thousands set to descend on the town for The Open and a number of new hospitality businesses already open or opening, it feels like the area is really coming into its own. Top Blade will certainly be a major player on the North Coast food scene. 'Bookings have not yet been released, but tables are set to fill up fast as soon as they do.'
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Scott Disick Celebrates 42nd Birthday By Gushing Over His 'Unbelievable Children'
Reality star Scott Disick is ringing in his 42nd birthday by celebrating his three children, 15-year-old Mason, 12-year-old Penelope, and 10-year-old Reign. The sweet moment happened when he shared a photo of his youngest son as he sat near some birthday balloons meant to celebrate the reality star. Related: Kourtney Kardashian Gets Showered With Love From Her Blended Family on Mother's Day The picture was a huge hit on Instagram, where Disick wrote "Another birthday and another day to be grateful for my unbelievable children." The post also lead to an interesting conversation during a recent episode of Khloé Kardashian's podcast Khloé in Wonder Land, after Koko asked her sister Kourtney Kardashian's former boyfriend how he was handling his dating life now that his kids have gotten older. The mother of two dove right into the drama with Disick, asking him how he was juggling dating while raising his three kiddos. 'Like that's separate. Or is it? Do you discuss that with them? Do they ask? Because they're older, I imagine they're asking," Koko said. 'Yeah, they ask me… they'd like me to be with somebody, I think. And they do voice to me that they'd like me to be with someone," Disick explained. "And I kinda say until I find the right person, I don't really want to bring another person around unless it's like the end-all be-all person." "Just cause I don't want them to get attached to somebody else, but I have to do my thing too, or I'll never meet anyone," he continued, noting that they're all getting older, and it won't be too much longer until they're dating as well. "So for the next five, six, seven years, if my attention is on them, I have the rest of my life to be a single guy. Right now, I like that my focus is on them. And if I was with somebody else, yeah, I'd still be a good dad, but I would have somebody that I'd be putting on a pedestal near them.' Apparently that struck a cord with Koko, who is also a single parent. "But because I feel the same, I feel like my kids are… yes mine are younger than yours but they're just my top priority," she explained. "And I don't care about dating. I don't know what will happen in a couple years or next year, I don't know." While we have to imagine that both Disick and Koko will soon be on the hunt for love once more, it's nice to see them both so committed to ensuring that their kiddos remain their first priority. Up Next: Scott Disick Celebrates 42nd Birthday By Gushing Over His 'Unbelievable Children' first appeared on WeHaveKids on May 28, 2025
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
B Praak delivers another beautiful melody in the form of 'Duniya' from Jombieland
The makers of Punjab's first-ever zombie comedy, "Jombieland" delivered the latest track from the movie, "Duniya". Brought to life by the soulful voice of , the tunes for the track have been scored by Avvy Sra, with lyrics penned by Kharaa. Binnu Dhillon and are a part of the music video, that talks about a persistent tale of love amidst ruins. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A statement released by the makers read, "We approached B Praak with the song and shared the unique concept of the film, being the first of its kind in Punjab. He was truly impressed by the composition and the story behind it, and he immediately came on board with great enthusiasm." Recently, the makers unveiled a new character poster of Kanika Mann as Koko from "Jombieland". Talking about the film, Kanika shared, "When I first heard the script, I was both surprised and thrilled. A zombie comedy in Punjabi cinema? That's never been done before. What really pulled me in was how unique and entertaining the story is. Koko is bold, witty, and fiercely independent - a character I couldn't wait to play." The 'Daana Paani' actress further shared titbits about her role saying, "Koko is a fiery, free-spirited village girl who doesn't believe in following the rules. She's deeply in love with Jeeti but isn't afraid to speak her mind or stand up to anyone - even during a zombie outbreak! What I loved most is how she balances humor, emotion, and fear while still staying true to herself. She's the kind of character who'll make you laugh and root for her at the same time. " Helmed and penned by Thaparr, "Jombieland" features Angira Dhar, Guri, Dhanveer Singh, Jassa Dhillon, and G Khan in key roles, along with others. The movie is part one of a planned trilogy, expected to be released in multiple languages including - Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. Produced by Neeraj Ruhil and Subhav Sharma under Next Level Productions, "Jombieland" is slated to reach the cinema halls on June 13.
India.com
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Kanika Mann On Her Comeback To Punjabi Cinema With Jombieland
Kanika Mann is all set to make a striking comeback to Punjabi cinema with her latest film, 'Jombieland.' She recently opened up about what attracted her to this unique project set against the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse. Speaking about the project, Kanika told IANS, 'The film is a delightful blend of comedy, horror, action, and romance set in a zombie apocalypse. With its quirky characters and thrilling survival story, it promises to be an entertaining experience for a wide audience. Whether someone loves horror, enjoys comedy, or is drawn to a heartfelt love story, there is something for everyone. The film's unique mix of genres ensures that it appeals to various tastes, making it a fun watch for all.' The 'Guddan Tumse Na Ho Payega' actress added, 'Being a part of this film was an incredible experience. Although I didn't have to prepare for the zombie aspect, as my character is a regular girl, I focused on bringing Koko to life as envisioned by the director. The film's script and the team's dedication were what drew me to this project. It is my first Punjabi film as a lead, and I am thrilled to return to the Punjabi industry with such a strong script and talented team. I genuinely hope audiences enjoy watching the film as much as we enjoyed making it.' Kanika Mann will play the role of Koko in Punjabi cinema's first ever zombie comedy, 'Jombieland.' The film also stars Binnu Dhillon, Angira Dhar, debutant actor-singer G Khan Guri, Dhanveer Singh, and Jassa Dhillon. 'Jombieland' is being celebrated as India's first dedicated Punjabi zombie comedy, or zom-com, crafted by writer-director Thaparr. The film takes viewers to a lively village that is suddenly plunged into chaos when a dangerous virus sparks a zombie outbreak. At the heart of the story are Jeeti and Koko, a couple whose love faces opposition from their families. But as the undead threat grows, their battle shifts from winning approval to simply staying alive. The film will be released in Punjabi on 13th June.
