Latest news with #KwaZuluNatal
News24
41 minutes ago
- Politics
- News24
Tender fraud allegations rock KZN education dept, MEC accused of rigging
The NSNP Service Providers Association has called for an immediate suspension of the KwaZulu-Natal school nutrition tender. It cited tender rigging and political favouritism benefitting MEC Sipho Hlomuka's ANC campaign. Opposition parties in KwaZulu-Natal have joined the calls for an urgent probe into the school nutrition programme. Opposition parties in KwaZulu-Natal have called for an urgent probe into Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka after allegations of tender rigging and political interference in tender processes surfaced. Leading the charge against Hlomuka, the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) Service Providers Association called for the MEC's immediate suspension and for an investigation into the current school nutrition tender process in the province. It claimed the school nutrition tender process had been marred by serious allegations of tender rigging, political interference, and gross procedural violations. According to the association, they had obtained concrete evidence confirming that the tender process was being manipulated to serve Hlomuka's political campaign interests. It produced a leaked list of allegedly preselected service providers, received weeks ago, which it claims showed that only individuals and companies that openly supported Hlomuka's bid to lead the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal had been positioned to benefit from the multimillion-rand tender. 'This is not only an abuse of public procurement, but also an exploitation of a constitutional programme meant to feed vulnerable school children – now turned into a campaign war chest for narrow political ambitions,' said the association spokesperson Thabang Mncwabe. Mncwabe said supply chain management procedures were deliberately undermined and that they were demanding an immediate cancellation of the current NSNP tender pending a full, transparent, and independent investigation. The KwaZulu-Natal education department has outright denied allegations of the wrongful awarding of school nutrition tenders. When asked about the claims on the sidelines of a school visit in Phoenix on Tuesday, Hlomuka said he had never sat in on any tender committees. He added that the NSNP's tender process was currently in its appeals period, and that those who felt they weren't considered because of irregularities or corruption could launch appeals. Hlomuka said: That appeal won't be dealt with by the department of education, but will be handled by the Treasury. That means that we would be called in by the Treasury as the department, not Hlomuka. 'I'm sure you have never heard that there is an MEC who sits in [on] tenders. But when people want to achieve their political scores, they would put the MEC [there], as if we sit in tender committees. I have never sat in tender committees. 'Whoever wants to appeal or claim that there is corruption, they can report to the treasurer or any law enforcement and we will take ourselves to account.' According to Mncwabe, the association has called on all current service providers to urgently lodge appeals with the KwaZulu-Natal Treasury to challenge the irregularities. He said: At the end of the day, no one is above the law. The NSNP is a national programme designed to eliminate hunger, not a political tool to buy votes or consolidate power. The MK Party demanded the immediate suspension of 'the rotten and illegal tender process'. 'Let it be clear, our country is not, and will never be, a feeding trough for ANC-linked elites. The people of South Africa have suffered enough and will no longer fund political dynasties while their children starve and services collapse,' it said in a statement. The EFF said it planned to pursue every legal and political avenue to challenge the tenders. 'This is not merely a case of unethical governance, it is criminal looting of funds meant to feed impoverished children,' it said. The provincial DA has meanwhile formally written to KwaZulu-Natal Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa), requesting an urgent investigation into the awarding of NSNP tenders. It alleged that there were companies linked to the wives of senior ANC figures in the province. The DA said it had called on Scopa to subpoena all procurement documents related to the awarding of the NSNP tenders, and investigate the bidding processes followed, including the scoring criteria and the identities of adjudication panel members. ActionSA's provincial chairperson Zwakele Mncwango has written to Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli requesting an urgent investigation. In the letter, the party said it was deeply concerned about the serious allegations of irregularities, corruption, and abuse of power within the departments of health and education. 'These allegations undermine the public's trust in the provincial government and its commitment to good governance, accountability, and transparency,' Mncwango wrote. 'It is particularly concerning that you [Ntuli] have remained silent on these matters, despite your previous rhetoric on issues such as illegal immigration.'
The Herald
an hour ago
- General
- The Herald
Oldest royal, ‘moving encyclopedia' Princess Ntombibomvu Zulu, dies at 102
The Zulu royal family is mourning the loss of its eldest member after the death of Princess Ntombibomvu Sithuli Zulu, 102, at Nkonjeni hospital on Tuesday. She was a daughter of the late king Solomon kaDinuzulu, the great grandfather of king Misuzulu kaZwelithini. The death of Princess Ntombibomvu, who was the only surviving child of king Solomon, was confirmed by the king's spokesperson Prince Thulani Zulu. 'The Zulu royal family is saddened after the passing of Princess Ntombibomvu Zulu' said Prince Thulani. Her death comes after Queen Thoko MaNtombela Zulu died earlier this month. Queen Thoko was a wife of the late Prince Mcwayizeni Zulu, who was a regent before Zwelithini ascended to power. Prince Thulani said the passing of Princess Ntombibomvu came at a time when they are in mourning. Hr described Princess Ntombibomvu as one of the pillars of strength in the royal family. 'She was a moving encyclopedia,' he said. Princess Ntombibomvu will be laid to rest in Ulundi on Saturday. TimesLIVE
News24
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News24
Former Smoke & Mirrors actor Khayalethu Xaba talks new roles and career growth
His dramatic exit from hit telenovela, Smoke & Mirrors, shocked the show's viewers, but it wasn't the last time he'd grace the small screen. Actor Khayalethu Xaba, who played the role of Mpendulo on the show, is now starring in Mzansi Wethu's telenovela, Homecoming, which is being recorded in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal. Taking a break from filming to speak with us, he's eager to explain why he decided to take on the role of Vusi. He tells Drum that he was drawn to the role because, unlike all his previous characters who were based in Johannesburg, this one offered something different. He also shares his journey and how he continues to grow as an actor. ead more | 'I've grown so much' - House of Zwide's Nefisa Mkhabela talks industry lessons 'I decided to take the role firstly because of where he's based in Bergville, KZN. All of my previous characters have been either street smart or cheese boys from the suburbs. I've never played a boy from the villages. Most importantly, though, as a storyteller, it's important to know your audience, and right now I feel like I'm talking to people, especially those in the hoods and villages, even the ones in the suburbs. The challenges I usually have with characters resonate with young men,' he says. The heartthrob shares that he is also entering into a new dimension of comedy. 'I'm also dabbling in stand-up comedy, but I'm new in the space. I still have a lot to learn in the space. I don't just want to be an actor who thinks he's funny. I want to be a comedian. Everything I'm doing now has been a childhood dream of mine since I was five and ten years old, ' he reveals. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Khayalethu Xaba 🇿🇦 (@ Although he was aware of the pitfalls of the industry, he remained undeterred in his pursuit of his childhood dream. 'I only became aware of the challenges of the industry just before I got my first gig, but I realise that every career has its pitfalls. I didn't let that stop me from pursuing my childhood dream.' As a young actor, he cherishes having mentors who have walked the path before him. 'One of our mentors is Sdumo Mtshali, because we worked together before. He has always supported me and showed me the ropes. Another one is Bonko, who told me that his door is always open for me to talk to him to get guidance on whatever I need help with. These are my two mentors, who have been instrumental in helping me with my career so far,' he concludes.
News24
a day ago
- Climate
- News24
Wednesday's weather: Heavy rain in KZN; foggy morning for most parts
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of disruptive rainfall, which may lead to localised flooding in KwaZulu-Natal while foggy conditions are expected in most parts of the country. Impact-based warnings - Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive rainfall along the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Expected impacts include localised flooding of susceptible formal/informal settlements, roads, low-lying areas, and bridges; slippery roads possibly causing minor vehicle accidents and difficult driving conditions, particularly on dirt roads. In the SAWS' colour-coded weather warning system, yellow indicates a moderate risk of impact that requires caution and awareness, while orange indicates that higher-risk impact is expected, requiring increased attention and preparation. SAWS uses the numbers to indicate the likelihood of weather-based impacts occurring. Levels 2 and 6 are high, and Level 4 is low. The weather in your province Gauteng: Morning fog patches in the south and central areas, clearing to a partly cloudy day. Cold conditions persist, but it will be slightly warmer in the north. Mpumalanga: Fog patches expected along the escarpment in the morning, with a partly cloudy and cold day ahead. Cool conditions in the east accompanied by isolated showers, except in the extreme west. Mbombela: 11°C — 20°C Ermelo: 6°C — 14°C Emalahleni: 6°C — 16°C Standerton: 7°C — 15°C Skukuza: 14°C — 23°C Limpopo: Morning fog along the escarpment, then partly cloudy and cool conditions throughout the province. Isolated showers are anticipated in the east. Polokwane: 9°C — 17°C Phalaborwa: 15°C — 23°C Tzaneen: 11°C — 17°C Musina: 15°C — 21°C Lephalale: 12°C — 20°C Mokopane: 10°C — 18°C North West: A partly cloudy and cool day with isolated showers and thundershowers expected in the western areas. Klerksdorp: 6°C — 19°C Potchefstroom: 6°C — 18°C Mahikeng: 7°C — 19°C Rustenburg: 7°C — 19°C Vryburg: 7°C — 19°C Free State: Cloudy start with morning fog in the eastern areas, clearing to partly cloudy skies. Cold to cool temperatures with isolated showers and thundershowers, except in the northern parts. Bloemfontein: 6°C — 18°C Welkom: 8°C — 18°C Bethlehem: 4°C — 15°C Northern Cape: Morning fog along the northern coastal areas, followed by partly cloudy and cool to warm conditions. Isolated showers and thundershowers likely in the east and central areas during the afternoon. Coastal winds: Moderate to fresh south-easterly. Upington: 9°C — 23°C Kimberley: 8°C — 20°C De Aar: 7°C — 17°C Alexander Bay: 8°C — 19°C Springbok: 11°C — 22°C Calvinia: 5°C — 24°C Sutherland: 4°C — 19°C Western Cape: Morning mist or fog patches in the northern and southwestern regions, transitioning to a fine and cool-to-warm day. Isolated showers and thundershowers may occur in the extreme northeastern areas in the afternoon. Coastal winds: Moderate to fresh southerly to south-easterly, with light to moderate north-easterlies along the south coast in the morning. Western half of the Eastern Cape: Morning fog in parts of the interior, leading to a fine and cool day. Partly cloudy skies with isolated afternoon thundershowers possible in the north. Coastal winds: Light north-easterly, becoming south-westerly by the afternoon. Eastern Half of the Eastern Cape: Foggy morning conditions in the interior, followed by fine and cool weather. Northern regions may experience isolated afternoon thundershowers. Coastal winds: Light to moderate north-easterly. Gqberha: 9°C — 21°C Makhanda: 7°C — 22°C Cradock: 5°C — 19°C Graaff-Reinet: 5°C — 21°C East London: 13°C — 22°C Port St Johns: 11°C — 21°C Mthatha: 7°C — 21°C Komani: 5°C — 19°C Qonce: 6°C — 23°C KwaZulu-Natal: Foggy patches in the interior in the morning, giving way to partly cloudy and cool weather, with colder conditions in the west. Isolated showers and rain expected, becoming scattered along the north coast. Coastal winds: Moderate to fresh southerly to south-westerly, turning north-easterly in the extreme south and moving up to Richards Bay by late afternoon. South-easterly winds expected in the north from late morning. * This weather report was written with the support of Toqan AI.
News24
a day ago
- Automotive
- News24
Drift culture takes centre stage as Red Bull Shay' iMoto heads to Durban
The popular Red Bull Shay' iMoto event returns but this year makes its debut in Durban. 2024 winner Chadwin 'Boksie' Hadjie will defend his title in this year's round. There are 16 drivers competing for the 2025 title. The sound of tyres shredding will be amplified at the Suncoast Casino on 10 August, when the popular Red Bull Shay' iMoto event makes its debut on the golden coast of Durban. South Africa's top spinners will not just be put to the test but have the opportunity to place their name in the spinning hall of fame. This growing culture of Spinning in South Africa has been a passion for many car enthusiasts as the unique sport has taken off and become recognised as a motorsport genre. Very recently, SA RedBull spinning athlete Samkeliso 'Samsam' Thubane wowed the crowd, and the likes of F1 driver Max Verstappen, with his skills in Austria. Spinning creates a car culture where you can express yourself freely, turning your everyday vehicle into a fine-tuned weapon performing in an open space. It's a different art form, and this event is like performing at Madison Square Garden. This will be the first time Red Bull Shay' iMoto will be held in KwaZulu-Natal. Last year, Cape Town local Chadwin 'Boksie' Hadjie took the title before a roaring home crowd. The 16 drivers will compete head-to-head, with a combination of returning champions with a lot riding on their shoulders and hungry new up-and-coming drivers ready to dethrone the champions. Drivers from various backgrounds participated in this event, from generational spinners performing since birth to newcomers inspired by the previous Shay' iMoto events. Shay' iMoto is not about who can make the most smoke or who can hold the longest drift. The judges are looking for control, style, drama, and crowd reaction. Spinning has evolved from just a few cars doing burnouts to an artistic performance. Sunset Casino is not just a different location but will bring a local aura to the event with coastal views. High expectations will be expected from this event with old age rivalries, high stakes, and the sound of screaming fans. Tickets are available via Computicket. The 2025 Red Bull Shay' iMoto Champion will start a new era of South African motorsport in KwaZulu-Natal. The Drivers for 2025 Bradleigh McGregor (Skopas) Chadwin Hadjie (Boksie) Dylan Brough (Vaatjie) Jade Sheomangal (Jabu) Jean Panjaro (Panjaro) Kaylin Oliphant (Kaylin) Mphiti Samuel Kgwahla (Makgasa Fire) Nevelan Naidoo (Nevelan) Prince Ndaba (Prince) Raees Weir (Raees) Robin Fortuin Sadhil Parag (Sadz) Sphesihle Ndlovu (Sphesihle) Yusuf Fakir Zameer Cassim (Lockdiff) Swikhodo Nembambula (Ziko)
