Latest news with #LEC
News24
3 days ago
- Business
- News24
Lesotho power utility under scrutiny for irregular purchase of R1.2m cable from SA
Lesotho Electricity Company paid R1.2 million for a four-core cable from a Free State company, including an inflated R70 000 transport charge. The Lesotho Parliament's Public Accounts Committee conducted a surprise visit to the South African company's QwaQwa premises on Friday. The supplier could not produce the required certificates and gave conflicting accounts about delivery dates and transport costs that don't match its own documentation, while the LEC procurement manager allegedly handled the irregular purchase process without the proper checks and balances. The Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC), the state-owned utility responsible for distributing and supplying electricity nationwide, has come under scrutiny for purchasing electrical cable for R1.2 million from a questionable South African company. The transaction was uncovered during a June hearing of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC), where LEC executives faced questioning over the irregular awarding of the contract to a Free State-based supplier. LEC's management defended the purchase, arguing that four-core cable had been unavailable for months and that an emergency procurement was essential to prevent service disruptions. However, in a dramatic turn, the committee conducted a surprise visit on Friday morning to the cable supplier's premises in Bluegumbush, Qwaqwa, South Africa. Footage from the visit showed that the company, HDM Catering & Projects, had no visible ties to the electrical industry. PAC chairperson Machabana Letsie is seen questioning two employees at the site, a man and a woman, who confirmed that they were only engaged in catering services, such as renting out cooking equipment. 'That is all we know,' the unidentified woman said. 'Other services, I have not seen anything.' When Letsie inquired about signage or branding indicating the company's identity or line of business, none was visible. Neo Mokatsa, spokesperson for the National Assembly, who attended the site visit, told GroundUp that the committee later met with the owner of the company, Mmafane Ben Mokoena, who claimed that although the property stored catering equipment for his wife's business, his company was also involved in electrical, civil and mechanical works. 'I do electricity, roads and construction. I also supply electrical materials and everything,' he said. He added that while he focused on the projects aspect of his business, his wife was running the catering side. However, Mokoena failed to produce certificates such as approval from the South African National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) or the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), proving that the cables met safety and quality standards. 'We have never been requested to provide such things,' Mokoena told the committee. Suspicious deal During the meeting, Mokoena described how he was introduced to LEC procurement manager Mpeo Mputsoe by a business associate, identified as Ramahloko from Lesotho. According to Mokoena, Ramahloko told him that LEC needed a 5 000-metre four-core cable, but he couldn't supply it. 'I told him I didn't have a problem. I could buy the material and supply,' said Mokoena. He said he travelled to Lesotho and met Mputsoe, who provided him with specifications. Mokoena claims he sourced the cable from Bloemfontein and delivered it to Maseru on 1 April. PAC member Thabiso Lekitla questioned the unusual process, noting that Mokoena bypassed the standard tendering procedure and dealt directly with a procurement manager. Mokoena said he had handled 'emergency deals' like that in South Africa before and saw no problem with this one. When asked to produce an invoice or related documents showing how and where he acquired and sent the cables to Lesotho, Mokoena claimed the invoice was in his email. When pressed to provide it later, he changed his story, saying he would call the supplier to resend the documentation. Letsie indicated the committee would record the documents as 'unavailable' if they could not be produced. Mokoena appeared irritated when pressed about missing paperwork, accusing the committee of ambushing him. 'I only heard this morning that you are coming. Now I am being harassed,' he fumed. Letsie clarified that no prior notice was necessary for a fact-finding visit, and that the requested documents were only from the past two months. Inflated costs Another red flag was the cost of transporting the cable. The committee revealed that LEC paid R70 000 for cable transportation from Bloemfontein to Maseru. Mokoena initially claimed the cable originated from Cape Town, then altered his statement to say it was from Bloemfontein. However, Letsie said the cable cost had risen from R400 000 to R1.2 million, including the R70 000 transport fee. One document provided by Mokoena showed a transport cost of R14 000, which he later said only covered one leg of the trip. He stated an additional R14 000 was needed for the return trip. He claimed the truck was hired in South Africa. The figures do not match the R70 000 billed to LEC. The committee pointed out the Revenue Services Lesotho border documentation indicating the truck, registered in Lesotho, not South Africa, and bearing its plate number was cleared at Maseru Bridge on 6 May, not 1 April as Mokoena claimed. When confronted, Mokoena stuck to his story, insisting the cables were delivered in April and that Mputsoe signed the delivery documents. Letsie countered that Mputsoe likely signed delivery documents early to facilitate early payment, even though the cables had not yet entered the country. Mokoena did not produce any documents for when the consignment crossed the border to Maseru to support his version of the story. Letsie raised concerns over how the procurement was handled, stating it appeared Mputsoe managed the entire process alone, from placing the order and approving the purchase to receiving the goods. 'This is so odd. Everything was done by Mputsoe himself without checks and balances,' said Letsie. She said Mputsoe had informed the committee that LEC could not source the cable from the original manufacturers due to its unavailability, and that Mokoena was the only supplier who had the cable. Mokoena told GroundUp that he had cooperated with the PAC, but he didn't like being ambushed. He said his lawyers had advised him to not discuss matters related to that case. Speaking to GroundUp, Mputsoe stated that he could only respond through LEC public relations office because company policies prohibit him from speaking to the media. LEC spokesperson Makhetha Motsoari said they are unable to respond to the PAC findings as they are still awaiting a formal PAC report. He said Mputsoe has not been suspended as has been reported. 'He remains in office,' he said.
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Business
- Tom's Guide
ExpressVPN is handing out free trials to LinkedIn Premium members and League of Legends gamers
ExpressVPN has announced partnerships with LinkedIn and Riot Games to offer exclusive free-trials of its VPN. A three-month free trial and a 14-day free trial are available but are only here for a limited time. The provider is one of the best VPNs and these are some of the best VPN free trials currently being offered. Privacy and security is prioritized by ExpressVPN. Post-quantum encryption is supported across all platforms and it has undergone over 20 independent audits. It's fast and you can protect up to eight devices on one plan – it's also great for VPN beginners. A three-month trial is being offered to LinkedIn Premium members and a 14-day free trial is being offered to League of Legends players – here's how to get them. ExpressVPN has been named LinkedIn Premium's Perk of the Month for August 2025. Subscribers to LinkedIn Premium can now benefit from full access to its VPN for three months. Following the three-month trial, your ExpressVPN plan will continue as a paid 12 or 24 month plan – this can be selected prior to the free trial starting. LinkedIn Premium members will benefit from four extra free months added onto their ExpressVPN plan of choice once the trial has expired. The free trial is live now and is available to LinkedIn Premium members worldwide. The offer runs until August 31 2025. In a blog post, ExpressVPN said this partnership was "designed to empower LinkedIn Premium members with best-in-class digital privacy." Zac Eller, GM of Global Partnerships at ExpressVPN, said: "We're excited to partner with LinkedIn to bring ExpressVPN to even more professionals around the world." "In today's world, whether you're working remotely, traveling, or browsing online, it's essential to make sure that your privacy and security are protected." "This offer enables LinkedIn Premium subscribers to take greater control of their digital lives with the trusted protection of ExpressVPN." Eligible subscribers can access a unique ExpressVPN check out link. Details of how to claim this exclusive offer can be found on LinkedIn's Premium Perks page. ExpressVPN has also announced a collaboration with Riot Games to become an official partner of this year's League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) Summer Split. We rate ExpressVPN as one of the best gaming VPNs and gamers can try the provider out with a 14-day free trial. The trial can be accessed through ExpressVPN's LEC offer page and you don't have to pay anything up front. If you choose to subscribe following the trial's completion you'll receive free Hextech Chests and Keys. One free Hextech Chest and Key is unlocked with a one-month subscription, three are unlocked with a one-year subscription, and five are unlocked with a two-year subscription. Using a VPN when gaming can benefit you in a number of ways. Your data will be protected from DDoS attacks and you'll see lower ping – improving performance. ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs we've tested, so you won't be slowed down by an unreliable connection. There's also over 3,000 servers to choose from in 105 countries – as well as one in every US state – so you should find a server that's right for you. We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
GMA Network
21-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Firms lining up for Luzon Economic Project, envoy says
A lot of companies have lined up to participate in the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC), Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel ''Babe'' Romualdez has said. ''There are already a lot of companies that are lining up into working on projects and also locally, it will boost the economy in those areas,'' Romualdez told the Philippine media delegation in Washington D.C. The envoy, however, did not specify the companies that expressed intent to participate in the project. He said President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. would meet with the potential investors as part of his official visit to the US. The LEC is a partnership with the United States and Japan, which was announced during the Trilateral Leaders' Summit in the United States in April of last year. This program seeks to connect Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas with high-impact infrastructure projects including ports and railways. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto earlier said this project is envisioned to become a prime location for export-manufacturing firms, positioning the Philippines as Asia's top destination for cutting-edge production and innovation. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
Cision Canada
10-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
OverActive Media's Movistar KOI Crowned League of Legends Champions in Europe, Achieves Top Peak Viewership
OverActive Media locks in fourth European League of Legends title and the LEC's #1 seed for MSI Vancouver and the Esports World Cup Riyadh TORONTO, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - OverActive Media Corp. (TSXV: OAM) (OTC: OAMCF), a global esports and entertainment company for today's generation of fans, today announced that the Company's Movistar KOI has been crowned 2025 League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) Spring Split Champion. This split (season) represents the second of three splits of the 2025 competition under the LEC banner where 10 European teams compete for the title. In front of a sold-out arena and a peak digital audience of more than 509,000 concurrent viewers, Movistar KOI delivered a 3-1 victory to secure its first LEC title under the Movistar KOI banner. According to Esports Charts, the Spring Split generated 32.6 million hours watched and averaged 228,000 viewers per minute. Throughout the split, Movistar KOI matchups delivered the highest peak viewership of the Spring season, occupying the top three peak-viewed broadcasts across the split¹. Combined with the sold‑out LEC Roadtrip live event in Madrid this April, the team's surge in audience engagement, positions OverActive Media to maximize performance payments under its commercial agreement with the LEC. The championship caps a dominant run that reinforces OverActive Media's reputation as one of the most competitive and consistent organizations in esports. Since entering the LEC in 2021, the Company has now collected four European titles (2021 Spring, 2021 Summer, 2023 Spring, 2025 Spring) while continuing to grow a global fan base alongside premier commercial partners Telefónica's Movistar, Samsung, Kappa and Razer. "This is a huge win for our organization and for everyone who believes in what we're building," said Adam Adamou, CEO of OverActive Media. "To bring home our fourth LEC title, our first under the Movistar KOI banner, is an incredible moment. I'm so proud of our players, coaches and staff, and to our fans - your energy carries us. This win is more than a trophy, it's proof that OverActive Media's global vision is working, bringing together talent, infrastructure and community to build something that lasts. We can't wait to bring this team to Canada and continue this run on the international stage." With the win, Movistar KOI locks in the League's top seed for the 2025 Mid-Season Invitational in Vancouver taking place from June 27-July 12 and the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, a landmark international event boasting more than US$70 million in total prizing across titles. OverActive Media now joins a select group of organizations fielding multiple qualified teams for the EWC, following the recent qualification of its Toronto Ultra Call of Duty and Call of Duty Warzone rosters. As an established EWC Foundation Partner, the Company is also eligible for incremental commercial and operational support across its entire competitive portfolio. The roster will represent the region and the KOI brand on the international stage, beginning in Canada, home to OverActive Media and star midlaner Joseph "Jojopyun" Pyun, the first North American player ever to earn a starting position, and now a championship inside the LEC. Spanish jungler Javier "Elyoya" Prades Batalla was named Playoffs MVP after anchoring his fourth LEC victory since joining OverActive Media in 2021, further cementing his status as one of Europe's elite competitors. Movistar KOI will convene for a high-performance boot camp at OverActive's Toronto headquarters before travelling to MSI Vancouver and the Esports World Cup Riyadh. ABOUT OVERACTIVE MEDIA OverActive Media Corp. (TSXV: OAM) (OTC:OAMCF) is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, with operations in Madrid, Spain and Berlin, Germany, is a premier global esports and entertainment company for today's generation of fan. OverActive Media owns team franchises in professional esports leagues, including the Call of Duty League, operating as the Toronto Ultra, the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC), operating as Movistar KOI, the VALORANT Champions League (VCT) EMEA, operating as Movistar KOI in other professional esports leagues and competitions. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMAITON This press release contains statements which constitute "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of OverActive with respect to its partnership with Ecoembes and the anticipated benefits of that partnership as well as future business activities and operating performance. Forward-looking statements are often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and includes information regarding the anticipated financial and operating results of OverActive in the future. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but instead OverActive management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although OverActive believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the OverActive. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements include the following: the potential impact of OverActive's qualifying transaction on relationships, including with regulatory bodies, employees, suppliers, customers and competitors; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; changes in applicable laws and regulations both locally and in foreign jurisdictions; compliance with extensive government regulation; the risks and uncertainties associated with foreign markets; the ability of the Company to continue to execute on its existing partnerships and business strategy; the ability of the MAD Lions and Call of Duty Leagues to maintain viewership; the successful completion of the Company's new venue; and other risk factors set out in OverActive's most recent annual information form and its other filings with Canadian securities regulators, copies of which may be found under OverActive's profile at These forward-looking statements may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of OverActive and general market conditions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although OverActive has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended and such changes could be material. OverActive does not intend and do not assume any obligation, to update the forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable law.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
OverActive Media's Movistar KOI Crowned League of Legends Champions in Europe, Achieves Top Peak Viewership
OverActive Media locks in fourth European League of Legends title and the LEC's #1 seed for MSI Vancouver and the Esports World Cup Riyadh TORONTO, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - OverActive Media Corp. (TSXV: OAM) (OTC: OAMCF), a global esports and entertainment company for today's generation of fans, today announced that the Company's Movistar KOI has been crowned 2025 League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) Spring Split Champion. This split (season) represents the second of three splits of the 2025 competition under the LEC banner where 10 European teams compete for the title. In front of a sold-out arena and a peak digital audience of more than 509,000 concurrent viewers, Movistar KOI delivered a 3-1 victory to secure its first LEC title under the Movistar KOI banner. According to Esports Charts, the Spring Split generated 32.6 million hours watched and averaged 228,000 viewers per minute. Throughout the split, Movistar KOI matchups delivered the highest peak viewership of the Spring season, occupying the top three peak-viewed broadcasts across the split¹. Combined with the sold‑out LEC Roadtrip live event in Madrid this April, the team's surge in audience engagement, positions OverActive Media to maximize performance payments under its commercial agreement with the LEC. The championship caps a dominant run that reinforces OverActive Media's reputation as one of the most competitive and consistent organizations in esports. Since entering the LEC in 2021, the Company has now collected four European titles (2021 Spring, 2021 Summer, 2023 Spring, 2025 Spring) while continuing to grow a global fan base alongside premier commercial partners Telefónica's Movistar, Samsung, Kappa and Razer. "This is a huge win for our organization and for everyone who believes in what we're building," said Adam Adamou, CEO of OverActive Media. "To bring home our fourth LEC title, our first under the Movistar KOI banner, is an incredible moment. I'm so proud of our players, coaches and staff, and to our fans - your energy carries us. This win is more than a trophy, it's proof that OverActive Media's global vision is working, bringing together talent, infrastructure and community to build something that lasts. We can't wait to bring this team to Canada and continue this run on the international stage." With the win, Movistar KOI locks in the League's top seed for the 2025 Mid-Season Invitational in Vancouver taking place from June 27-July 12 and the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, a landmark international event boasting more than US$70 million in total prizing across titles. OverActive Media now joins a select group of organizations fielding multiple qualified teams for the EWC, following the recent qualification of its Toronto Ultra Call of Duty and Call of Duty Warzone rosters. As an established EWC Foundation Partner, the Company is also eligible for incremental commercial and operational support across its entire competitive portfolio. The roster will represent the region and the KOI brand on the international stage, beginning in Canada, home to OverActive Media and star midlaner Joseph "Jojopyun" Pyun, the first North American player ever to earn a starting position, and now a championship inside the LEC. Spanish jungler Javier "Elyoya" Prades Batalla was named Playoffs MVP after anchoring his fourth LEC victory since joining OverActive Media in 2021, further cementing his status as one of Europe's elite competitors. Movistar KOI will convene for a high-performance boot camp at OverActive's Toronto headquarters before travelling to MSI Vancouver and the Esports World Cup Riyadh. ABOUT OVERACTIVE MEDIA OverActive Media Corp. (TSXV: OAM) (OTC:OAMCF) is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, with operations in Madrid, Spain and Berlin, Germany, is a premier global esports and entertainment company for today's generation of fan. OverActive Media owns team franchises in professional esports leagues, including the Call of Duty League, operating as the Toronto Ultra, the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC), operating as Movistar KOI, the VALORANT Champions League (VCT) EMEA, operating as Movistar KOI in other professional esports leagues and competitions. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMAITON This press release contains statements which constitute "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of OverActive with respect to its partnership with Ecoembes and the anticipated benefits of that partnership as well as future business activities and operating performance. Forward-looking statements are often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and includes information regarding the anticipated financial and operating results of OverActive in the future. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but instead OverActive management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although OverActive believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the OverActive. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements include the following: the potential impact of OverActive's qualifying transaction on relationships, including with regulatory bodies, employees, suppliers, customers and competitors; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; changes in applicable laws and regulations both locally and in foreign jurisdictions; compliance with extensive government regulation; the risks and uncertainties associated with foreign markets; the ability of the Company to continue to execute on its existing partnerships and business strategy; the ability of the MAD Lions and Call of Duty Leagues to maintain viewership; the successful completion of the Company's new venue; and other risk factors set out in OverActive's most recent annual information form and its other filings with Canadian securities regulators, copies of which may be found under OverActive's profile at These forward-looking statements may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of OverActive and general market conditions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although OverActive has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended and such changes could be material. OverActive does not intend and do not assume any obligation, to update the forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable law. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. ¹ Source: Esports Charts, SOURCE Overactive Media Corp. View original content: Sign in to access your portfolio
