Latest news with #Mkhize
IOL News
31-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Durban and Pietermaritzburg prepare for Comrades Marathon 2025
The eThekwini and Msunduzi Municipalities are conducting their final inspections of their road and other infrastructure in anticipation of the 98th Comrades Marathon on Sunday 8 June. 2025. The eThekwini and Msunduzi Municipalities are conducting their final inspections of their road and other infrastructure in anticipation of the 98th Comrades Marathon on Sunday, 8 June. This is the 49th down run, that will start at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall and finishing 12 hours later at Durban's People's Park. The eThekwini Municipality stated that they are excited to host about 24,000 runners from around the globe and 35,000 anticipated spectators of the marathon, regarded as the Ultimate Human Race. EThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba said hosting a race of this magnitude continues to position Durban as the most preferred sporting destination. Xaba said he is looking forward to welcoming the influx of tourists and roll-out the red carpet for runners and spectators. Xaba said events of this magnitude provide exposure to national and international media platforms, which further profiles destination Durban. 'It is a strong indication that we are among other international cities known for successfully delivering memorable sporting events. We will continue to leverage on such events as they boost the local economy and drive tourism,' said Xaba. Xaba said hosting the event will have a direct spend of R275 million with 1,800 jobs expected to be created. The Msunduzi Municipality Portfolio Chairperson of the Infrastructure Committee, Deputy Mayor, Mxolisi Mkhize held an important meeting with the Comrades Marathon Association and municipal departments to conduct a route inspection within the Msunduzi jurisdiction. Mkhize said that they discussed the urgent work that needed to be done, such as fixing potholes, cutting of the grass, marking the roads and repairing of street lights. This all to ensure route safety for runners and a pleasant experience for tourists coming into the city at this years' down run. Mkhize also touched on the importance of collaboration and working together to ensure the success of the race. The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) announced a change for the 2025 Comrades Marathon with the introduction of two staggered race starts. This approach aims to enhance the race experience for all participants, with a separate start for each of the two groups of athletes in this year's race from the Pietermaritzburg City Hall. According to the CMA General Manager Alain Dalaisthe, the first wave of runners will begin at 5.45am followed by the second wave 15 minutes later at 6am. This staggered approach will help manage the flow of runners and reduce congestion on the course.
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
South Africa grapples with crude oil supply risks as financial strain hits Natref refinery
The South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) is the newly established State-Owned Company formed after the merger of three of the Central Energy Fund (CEF) subsidiaries, Igas, PetroSA and Strategic Fuel Fund. Image: Supplied Banele Ginidza As South Africa grapples with an increasing dependence on fuel imports, the National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (NATREF) refinery in Sasolburg has raised alarm bells over its future sustainability. Sipho Mkhize, chairman of the South African National Petroleum Corporation (SANPC), on Friday outlined the financial strain faced by the only inland crude oil refinery, which is reliant on material transported via the Single Buoy Mooring (SBM) in the Indian Ocean off Durban. The backdrop to this crisis is the shutdown of Durban's local refineries, which has severely reduced SBM utilisation by 80%, leading to soaring operational costs for NATREF. Mkhize warned that if these financial pressures continue unabated, NATREF may have to cease operations, which would place an overwhelming burden on South Africa's petroleum supply chain "These financial strains could force the refinery to close, making South Africa dependent on imports to grow to 85% of its petroleum needs and increasing vulnerability and security of supply risks," Mkhize said. He was speaking at the launch of the SANPC, which has been formed through the merger of three Central Energy Fund (CEF) subsidiaries, i.e. iGas, the Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF), and PetroSA. 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. 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. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Currently, the nation imports around 75% of its fuel; a closure of the refinery could push this figure to a staggering 85%, significantly increasing the risk of supply vulnerabilities and security risks. In response, Mkhize disclosed plans for converting the existing SBM into a Multi-Buoy Mooring (MBM), which would enhance flexibility in liquid bulk handling within the Durban Precinct. This strategic move aims to alleviate the throughput bottlenecks currently crippling the NATREF refinery. Additionally, Mkhize stated that SANPC will seek directives to obtain leases for sites linked directly to the refinery from the Transnet National Port Authority (TNPA) to bolster operations further. Mkhize said the SANPC would reach out to the Ministers of Minerals and Petroleum Resources, Transport, and Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment for the applications aimed at laying a foundation for a national energy champion that will be capable of delivering long-term value. "SANPC is not just another company. It is a national asset. It is the embodiment of the government's vision for a modernised, integrated, and impactful energy sector player," he said. "South Africa needs a strong and agile energy company to be able to respond to the energy challenges faced by the country as well as advancing the key components of the National Development Plan." Mkhize also emphasised the importance of establishing a State-owned independent terminal operator, which would manage port facilities to ensure equal access to berths. This strategy aims to counteract the agenda of International Oil Companies (IOCs) and prioritise supply security, thereby enhancing system integrity. The SANPC's recent acquisition of the dormant SAPREF refinery, capable of producing 180 000 barrels of oil per day, signals a pivotal moment for South Africa's energy landscape. If revitalised, this facility could contribute significantly to national energy production or serve as the foundation for constructing a mega refinery with the capacity to process between 450 000 to 600 000 barrels daily. This shift would further diversify energy sources and reduce the country's reliance on imported oil. Mineral Resources and Petroleum Minister Gwede Mantashe reiterated the urgency of addressing the declining local refining capacity. He noted a significant shift since 2009, with fuel imports rising 11% year-on-year, predominantly driven by a diminishing local refinery output against a backdrop of growing demand for refined products. In 2022, local refining accounted for less than 35% of consumed finished products, a sharp decline from the approximately 80% in 2010.
IOL News
21-05-2025
- IOL News
Judge criticises accused for multitasking during Zandile Gumede's corruption trial
Former mayor of eThekwini, Zandile Gumede, arriving at the Durban High Court on Wednesday afternoon. Image: Nomonde Zondi Since he is typically working and his sound is muted when listening to court proceedings, the judge is not pleased with an accused who participates virtually in a R300 million corruption trial against Zandile Gumede, a former mayor of eThekwini municipality, and 21 other people. Zithulele Mkhize, who is the 13th accused in the matter and the sole director of accused 14 Uzuzinekele Trading 31 CC, has been attending court proceedings virtually since June 2024 due to illness, which prevented him from attending court physically. According to a medical report, he is not supposed to sit for a long time. When the State raised concerns about Mkhize not being physically in court, it stated that his counsel, advocate Willie Lombard, had not applied for his client to continue attending proceedings virtually. It also indicated that Mkhize had been examined at Addington Hospital by a State doctor, and in that report, it does not say that Mkhize must not be in court. 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. 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. Advertisement 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. 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 ✕ 'It also appears that he drives a car most of the time and is relieved by a driver,' counsel appointed by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), advocate Reshma Athmaram, said. At that moment, Judge Sharmaine Balton looked at the screen where all the accused attending virtually appeared, and she said Mkhize was sitting comfortably in a chair doing his work. She called him a few times, but he did not hear her. She stated that he muted the court proceedings. Everyone started laughing. In the end, Judge Balton asked each of the other accused to raise their hands. Mkhize didn't at first, but he did in the end. Additionally, Balton said she was not a medical practitioner, but Mkhize did not look like someone who was sick. She said on other occasions, he sits in his chair, adding that for someone who is told to minimise his seating, he has never appeared to lie down. 'He can come to court and bring a comfortable chair and sit at the back by Mrs Gumede. If he needs to stand up, he can do so,' Judge Balton said. On Wednesday afternoon, when the matter commenced, Mkhize appeared virtually, and this time, he was wearing a white gown and was lying in his bed. Judge Balton ordered him to come to court physically on Thursday until Lombard puts in an application for him. 'The application would be launched, it is in draft final stages,' Lombard said. A new witness, who is a former municipal official, started giving her evidence. The media was told not to reveal her identity, current place of work, or designation. The witness told the court that among the people she reported to is the fifth accused, Sandile Ngcobo, the former deputy head of Supply Chain Management. She also said the third accused, Sipho Nzuza, who is a former city manager, had appointed her as a member of the Executive Acquisitions Committee (EAC) in 2016. The accused are facing multiple charges, including money laundering, racketeering, corruption, and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act and the Municipal Systems Act relating to a R300 million Durban Solid Waste (DSW) tender. The trial continues on Thursday morning.
IOL News
06-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Royal AM's salary disclosure: FUSA concerned MaMkhize made players 'a laughing stock'
Shauwn Mkhize FILE - Royal AM Shauwn Mkhize hasn't given up the fight to save het football club. "As FUSA, we believe it is not appropriate to expose players' salaries in this manner. This is especially concerning when some of those players are unemployed and actively seeking jobs," FUSA's Taelo Motloung told Kickoff . All these players were paid on February 14 this year and Mkhize asked the court to hear the case on May 20, just before the conclusion of the league season. In an urgent court order in the Joburg High Court to declare the expulsion unlawful, the KwaZulu-Natal businesswoman attached proof of payment of the players' income , with the word 'salary' reflecting as a reference on each and every transaction, which gives the amount of money the players were earning at the club. The non-payment of salaries and financial sustainability of the club were some of the arguments used by the PSL when they eventually expelled the club after the SARS curator failed to find a buyer for the club Mkhize revealed her players' salaries in the latest effort to overturn their expulsion from the Premier Soccer League (PSL) , after South African Revenue Service (SARS) had put the club under curatorship because of an outstanding R40 million tax bill. The Footballers Union of South Africa (FUSA) has slammed Royal AM boss Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize for revealing the club's players' salaries. "By disclosing their salaries, she risks scaring away other clubs from signing them. Clubs may assume they cannot afford such salaries, which compounds the issue. "As a club owner, such actions are unacceptable, unless there is a minimum wage regulation in our football. If that were the case, what she did would not be a problem. However, the manner in which she did it suggests her intent was to deter other clubs and potential suitors, or to publicly expose the players. "While FUSA advocates for transparency and fair treatment of our members, we understand that players may feel embarrassed by this revelation, though not to the extent of seeking counseling. In overseas leagues, players' salaries are not kept secret, and since they are public figures, people should be aware of what professionalism in football entails," he adds. According to the papers, veteran defender Thabo Matlaba was Royal AM's highest-paid player, taking home R121,000. A player known as Mnguni S was the lowest-paid player with a net pay of R2,000. In terms of the law, as of March 1, 2024, the minimum wage in South Africa is R27.58 per hour, or R4,779.38 per month for a 40-hour work week. However, there is no prescribed minimum wage agreement for professional footballers in the Betway Premiership and the second-tier ABC Motsepe League. Motloung says Mkhize has made her players 'a laughing stock' after revealing their salaries. "This is the kind of information that should be exposed. It would not be inappropriate to disclose players' salaries if we had a minimum wage in this country,' he said. 'For instance, if the Motsepe Foundation Championship had a minimum wage of R20 000 or R30 000, and the PSL had a minimum wage of R50,000, we wouldn't criticise MaMkhize's actions. "But because there is no minimum wage, players are made to look foolish in the eyes of jealous neighbours and relatives, who might say: 'Look, these people are bragging about their sons who only earn R5 000 a month.'" "In this case, I believe it should be the player who reveals their salary, not the chairman. MaMkhize has made her players a laughing stock. What has she accomplished by doing this?" @JohnGoliath82
The Citizen
06-05-2025
- The Citizen
Woman's body found in KZN gumtree plantation
Mtubatuba, KZN, police are investigating a murder case after a woman's body was discovered in a gumtree plantation in Ndlovu Village on Friday. Zululand Observer reports that the deceased is estimated to be 26 years old and, according to the police, upon their arrival at the crime scene, they found a man who reported that he was the one who had discovered the body. uMkhanyakude Cluster police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Sbusiso Mkhize says, on closer inspection of the body, it was revealed that the deceased had one gunshot wound to the head. Through the bystanders who later gathered at the crime scene, the deceased was identified. 'The motive for the killing has not yet been established, and the suspect is unknown at this stage. The body was later taken to the government mortuary,' says Mkhize. The crime scene was visited by all relevant parties. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
