Latest news with #MEC
The Citizen
4 hours ago
- Business
- The Citizen
No NPO crisis
The Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) has rejected false and alarming claims made by some political parties and groups alleging there is a non-profit organisation (NPO) funding crisis. • Also read: NPO appeals process for funding underway According to the MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, these claims are said to be not only misleading but also deliberately distorting the facts to create unnecessary panic within the sector and among the communities that the department serves. Mazibuko made it clear that while the department experienced funding challenges in the previous financial year, these challenges have been effectively addressed, and the ongoing narrative of a crisis is a gross misrepresentation of facts. She said the department has adjudicated about 2 000 applications from NPOs. 'So far, over 1 200 letters of award have been issued to successful organisations. Notifications to unsuccessful applicants are underway, with a formal appeals process in place. Appeals must be lodged within seven days of receiving a rejection notice and are being handled by a dedicated team led by the Deputy Director-General. 'The department has also signed Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with many of the approved NPOs, and over 300 SLAs have already been paid. A brief payment delay occurred due to technical issues at Treasury – a challenge not unique to Gauteng. Several other provinces also only effected NPO payments last week for the same treasury-related reasons.' According to the MEC, payments are now being processed daily, and the department is on track to complete payments to all approved NPOs by the end of the first quarter of the current financial year. 'The department's ongoing engagement with the NPO sector through meetings and media platforms keeps NPOs informed and supported. These efforts have ensured stability, with no protest action directed at the department's offices.' The MEC further issued a clear warning that compliance is not an option. 'NPOs are expected to meet all legislative and regulatory requirements, including municipal by-laws, departmental programme registration, and full compliance with the NPO Act. The Department will not be held responsible for the consequences faced by organisations that fail to comply. The GDSD remains focused and unwavering in its commitment to work with compliant NPOs to deliver critical services to the people of Gauteng. We will not be derailed by misinformation or political grandstanding,' she concluded. If you are affected as an NPO or NGO, please send an email to randfonteinherald@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Truck driver arrested after being found more than 20 times over legal alcohol limit
KwaZulu-Natal Road Traffic Inspectorate officials have arrested two alleged drunk drivers including one who was found to be more than 20 times over the legal limit. The transport and human settlements department said the RTI team working with police arrested a truck driver for drinking and driving in Van Reenen along the N3 on May 17. He blew 2.0mg/1000ml, which is 20 times more than the legal limit of 0,10mg /1000ml. He was arrested and charged by Ladysmith police and is expected to appear in court on August 18. A second driver who was also arrested on Friday for allegedly driving under the influence in Van Reenen is being held in the Ladysmith police cells. The driver allegedly blew 0.32 mg/1000ml which is three times more than the legal limit. MEC Siboniso Duma said nine victims of a horrific accident involving a truck in Empangeni along the N2 were recently buried. 'Families lost their loved ones and breadwinners, with children becoming orphans as a result of one reckless truck driver. 'In my meeting with senior management last Monday, I mandated our RTI team to strengthen their no nonsense, zero tolerance and Alufakwa campaign on our roads. We undertake to clamp down on bad behaviour in all corners of our province. 'In particular, we are paying more attention to trucks because, more than any vehicle, trucks can damage more vehicles at once and their accidents can lead to serious injuries because of the impact.' He said road networks being constructed, rehabilitated and repaired should not be playgrounds for 'irresponsible drivers'. Duma said road accidents cost the South African economy more than R164bn annually, an equivalent to 3.4% of the country's GDP. In addition, the Road Accident Fund (RAF) paid out more than R45.6bn in claims in the 2023-2024 financial year.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Kanakia Group partners with Hines, Mitsubishi, and Sumitomo for 1.5 million sq ft premium office project in Mumbai's BKC
Mumbai-based real estate developer, Kanakia Group and Hines, a global real estate investment manager, have partnered with two Japanese conglomerates, Mitsubishi Estate Co Ltd and Sumitomo Corporation to develop a commercial project near India's costliest business district Bandra Kurla Complex. According to the statement, the commercial office space project is spread across a prime 3-acre land parcel. The proposed development will offer 1.5 million sq ft of office space. The project is being designed by the renowned American architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF). According to the statement, the partnership brings together Kanakia Group as the land partner and Hines, MEC and Sumitomo as institutional investors and development partners, leveraging their global expertise in real estate and infrastructure to create a commercial hub in one of Mumbai's most strategically connected locations. Also Read: Mumbai Real Estate: Top 4 land deals worth nearly ₹5,000 crore closed in BKC, India's costliest commercial district According to the company statement, Kanakia Group's broader strategy is to shift towards an asset-light model and significantly reduce its debt to below ₹1,000 crore. Currently, Kanakia Group has over 8.6 million sq ft of upcoming projects with a Gross Development Value (GDV) of ₹12,825 crore, the statement said. Also Read: Real estate developers acquire 2,335 acres for ₹40,000 crore in 2024; Tier 1 cities hold 72%, Tier 2 cities 28% share 'We are delighted to partner with Hines, MEC, and Sumitomo on this prestigious trophy office project in the heart of Mumbai. This site holds special significance for us, and we are confident that Hines will bring a world-class product that will set new standards in India. We will continue to explore similar partnerships in the future to drive sustainable value creation," Rasesh B. Kanakia, chairman, Kanakia Group, said. "This project marks a significant milestone in our journey in India,' said Amit Diwan, senior managing director and head of India at Hines. Also Read: Mumbai Metro Line 3 inauguration: How the BKC-Worli Link is set to boost the city's real estate market 'It reflects our commitment to deepening our presence in Mumbai and highlights our strategic partnerships with MEC and Sumitomo. This project with Kanakia Group in Mumbai, which brings significant local knowledge and expertise that we greatly value. Hines and Kanakia teams have worked on this project jointly for over a year already, and the project is progressing very well," Diwan said. 'Given India's strong demographic tailwinds, along with the right fundamentals and market conditions, we have been seeing more investor interest in the country and continued demand for office and residential,' it said.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Kanakia, US-based Hines, Japanese firms partner for $1 bn project in Mumbai
Mumbai-based Kanakia Group has entered into a joint venture with Hines, a real estate investment manager in the US, and two Japanese companies for an office project with a gross development value (GDV) estimated to be around $1 billion, according to a source. The consortium will develop a premium office project in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), India's costliest office hub, by investing Rs 3,000 crore, said the source. Mitsubishi Estate Co. (MEC) and Sumitomo Corporation are the Japanese partners in the venture. The proposed project will offer 1.5 million square feet (msf) of premium office space with amenities like zones for retail and food and beverages. American architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) will design the project. 'This site holds special significance for us, and we are confident that Hines will bring a world-class product that will set new standards in India. We will continue to explore similar partnerships in the future to drive sustainable value creation,' said Rasesh B Kanakia, chairman of Kanakia Group, in a statement. Kanakia has more than 8.6 msf of projects with a GDV of Rs 12,825 crore. The consortium's project is expected to benefit due to its strategic location and connectivity via BKC Connector Road, Santacruz-Chembur Link Road extension, upcoming Mumbai Metro lines, and the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train terminus. 'This project marks a significant milestone in our journey in India. It reflects our commitment to deepening our presence in Mumbai and highlights our strategic partnerships with MEC and Sumitomo. Hines and Kanakia teams have worked on this project jointly for over a year already, and the project is progressing very well,' said Amit Diwan, senior managing director and India head at Hines. 'Given India's strong demographic tailwinds, along with the right fundamentals and market conditions, we've been seeing more investor interest in the country and continued demand for our office and residential projects,' said Diwan. 'This project is an excellent addition to our India portfolio, and we look forward to delivering the highest quality development that Hines is known for.' Hines has assets worth $90.1 billion under management as of December 31, 2024, with a portfolio of 108 msf across 30 countries. Sumitomo entered the Indian real estate market in 2016 by participating in a high-grade apartment development project, Krisumi City, in Gurugram. Mitsubishi expanded its business to India in 2023 with a business park development in Chennai. JLL is the transaction advisor for the consortium's deal. BKC has offices of multinational and Indian companies. As of December 2024, the area's weighted average quoted rents ranged from Rs 250 to Rs 400 per sq ft per month. However, it has also seen deals with a monthly per sq ft rent of over Rs 800 (Tesla and BNP Paribas).
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Staff and management at Mbombela school at loggerheads over alleged mismanagement
A whistleblower close to the school says management has created a toxic workplace, but the department have given the school their backing. The working conditions at a high school in Mbombela have some questioning the methods of the new administration. Information shared from those close to the school depicts a tense atmosphere, characterised by alleged favouritism and intimidation. However, the department has backed the school's management, saying that matters have improved considerably since the full-time appointment of a new principal less than two years ago. Whistleblower concerns Since the start of the year, a source inside Lowveld High School has documented several major concerns they shared with The Citizen. The whistleblower, who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal, said concerned staff members feel trapped as all avenues of complaint involve officials with aligned interests. Principal Elmon Thela officially took office in January 2024, but the whistleblower noted concerns over the appointment, which was signed off by an official currently facing accusations of tender irregularities. Mpumalanga head of department Lucy Moyane was this week placed on precautionary suspension for her alleged role in a R2 million laptop procurement deal. The source said that approaching the highest office in the province's education structure, the MEC, would be futile, as management claims to have the department's backing. 'Management is creating a toxic environment where they are suggesting that they can harm people,' the source said, explaining that staff are allegedly threatened with reminders about the province's high level of unemployment. Staff absenteeism The source explained that heavy workloads and assigned tasks, some outside their core responsibilities, were causing staff to feel dejected. Attendance registers provided to The Citizen show a high level of absenteeism, which the whistleblower attributes to a decline in mental health. 'Staff morale is at an all-time low, with teachers especially being absent from school. 'An air of viciousness and toxicity reigns, and this translates to at least seven teachers being absent from school daily. 'Management has created an environment where there is fear. If you are seen not to be doing what they want you to do, you are targeted. If you raise issues, you are targeted,' they explained. Complaints are directed not only at the principal and his management team but also at the SGB chairperson, who has been blamed for enabling the current situation. 'We need a thorough investigation. Things are not right at the school,' the source said. Unions sidelined Recruitment is another area of concern, with the source alleging that interview processes are compromised due to the lack of an interview committee. The whistleblower claimed that a minority union is given preferential access, while the two unions with the largest staff representation are kept in the dark. 'There have been numerous interview processes this year. We are aware of three currently where there has been no union involvement. As a consequence of this, appointments are being made irregularly,' the source stated. This preferential treatment, the sources said, is visible in general human resources issues where the absenteeism and dress code of some staff are ignored, while others are closely scrutinised with snide remarks. Full support from the department The Mpumalanga education department has fully supported the school's management, stating that results have drastically improved. 'The information at the disposal of the department states to the contrary the allegations levelled against the school in question,' department spokesperson Gerald Sambo told The Citizen. 'Since the introduction of the current principal, there has been impressive stability in the school. Almost all stakeholders are satisfied with the positive inroads that the school is making,' 'The results of the school are improving, as well as the conditions for learning and teaching. The challenges which were there are now a thing of the past,' Sambo explained. The spokesperson noted that the school's matric results had improved from 89.6% in 2022 to 96.4% in 2024, the principal's first full year in charge. 2024's matric class featured 253 students, 85 of whom earned passes that would allow them to study at a tertiary facility. 'To suggest that this is outstanding will be an understatement. All that is needed is to support the principal and his management,' said Sambo. 'Any person who has a different view or challenge is encouraged to contact the Department,' Sambo concluded. NOW READ: R2 million laptop saga triggers disciplinary action in Mpumalanga education department
