Latest news with #NA
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Ramaphosa says Madlanga commission mustn't take more than one year
The president, however, conceded that the commission's timeframe could be extended if needed. With some South Africans voicing their concern that the judicial commission of inquiry into the police will take too long, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Friday it mustn't take more than a year. Two weeks ago, Ramaphosa announced his decision to establish a commission of inquiry to investigate the serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Among these were claims that police minister Senzo Mchunu – now on special leave – intervened to disband the KZN political killings task team in order to shield individuals linked to politically connected crime syndicates. Mkhwanazi also alleged Mchunu had connections to tenderpreneur Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, a figure who previously held a now-cancelled R360 million police contract. ALSO READ: NA agrees to establish ad hoc committee to investigate Mkhwanazi's allegations The inquiry, to be chaired by outgoing deputy chief justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, will probe allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption in South Africa's criminal justice system. This includes key institutions such as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the South African Police Service (Saps) and the State Security Agency (SSA). According to the terms of reference published this week in the Government Gazette, the commission has been empowered to summon individuals for testimony, among other functions. The commission is expected to deliver a preliminary report in three months and a final report within six months of its formation. [DOWNLOAD]: Judicial Commission of Inquiry into criminality, political interference and corruption in the Criminal Justice System arising from the specific allegations made public by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on 6 July 2025. 🔗 July 23, 2025 Ramaphosa on Madlanga commission timelines Speaking to the media in the Northern Cape on Friday, Ramaphosa said that the political task team in KZN had already made progress and has done 'tremendous work'. 'The killings then started coming down in KZN, so the complaints that have been raised by the KZN police commissioner have to be investigated. 'Those have to be investigated and that is why I set up the commission,' he said. The president reiterated his expectation that the commission's work would be conducted swiftly and conclude its work within a year. 'I expect that this commission, whose terms of reference are now out, will work very quickly and we've put clear timeframes. We would like a report within three months and another report within another three months. READ MORE: 'Same as Phala Phala' – Police committee member not optimistic about Mchunu investigations 'So I'm looking at a period which is no more than a year. In fact, I would like us to get to the bottom of all what the police commissioner of KZN alleged to be addressed and answers to come out within a short space of time,' Ramaphosa said. He also conceded that the timeframe could be extended if needed. 'If they need time to be extended, then we will talk to the judge and see how much time needs to be extended. 'But this is a commission that everyone in the country would like to see quick answers coming from.'
Express Tribune
18 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
PAC shocked by ADB corruption
PML-N-led coalition government in the Centre now has 229 members in the NA. PHOTO: APP The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the National Assembly was left stunned on Thursday by revelations of widespread corruption, theft, and financial mismanagement within the Agriculture Development Bank (ADB). Chaired by MNA Naveed Qamar, the PAC met to review audit objections related to the ADB. Committee members expressed alarm at reports of non-repayment of loans, fraud, and a string of unresolved audit objections plaguing the institution. PAC member Munaza Hassan remarked, "Every other audit objection involves corruption, theft, or embezzlement. What exactly is going on at this bank?" Responding to concerns, the ADB president claimed the situation had improved through the recruitment of better-qualified officers, noting that many former employees held only matric-level qualifications. Hassan retorted that such large-scale irregularities couldn't have been committed by "an imprudent layman". Chairman Qamar condemned the bank's record of lending to defaulters, calling it outright fraud.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Parliament agrees to establish ad hoc committee into Mkhwanazi's allegations
There were no objections from any political parties and the committee was unanimously established. The National Assembly (NA) has unanimously agreed to establish an ad hoc committee into the explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi regarding security matters that have implications for the country's national security. The joint committee meeting in Parliament between the Portfolio Committee on Police and the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development took the decision on Wednesday. Ad hoc committee It also recommended that the committee should identify any legislative or policy failures that may have contributed to the policing crisis. The decision to establish an ad-hoc committee follows a directive from National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza earlier this month asking the committees to come up with an appropriate approach to oversight concerning the allegations. The committees had considered other options, including conducting a full investigative inquiry under the Powers, Privileges and Immunities Act and exercising their conferring powers in terms of National Assembly Rule 169 — which dictates how committees can or must consult or meet with each other. ALSO READ: Police minister Mchunu 'now under criminal investigation' Oversight Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said following the committees' consideration of the matter, as part of their recommendations, they identified various issues arising from the allegations as falling within the NA's accountability and oversight function. 'The issues include the alleged unlawful decision by Minister Mchunu to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), the alleged unlawful removal of 121 case dockets from the PKTT on the direction of the Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, the alleged moratorium by Minister Mchunu on filling vacancies within the Saps' Crime Intelligence Unit. 'It also includes whether Minister Mchunu misled Parliament about the nature of his relationship with Mr Brown Mogotsi, whether the award of a R360 million contract to Mr Matlala's company for the provision of healthcare services to Saps was irregular and the alleged interference by IDAC in police matters, including jurisdictional issues, among others,' Mothapo said. ANC Support ANC MP Mogodu Moela said the ANC supports the ad hoc committee and that Mkhwanazi's allegations 'cannot be left unexamined.' Moela said it 'paints a disturbing picture.' 'Parliament has the authority to get to the bottom of these claims. We cannot allow a culture of impunity to take root. We will not shield wrongdoing.' There were no objections from any political parties and the committee was unanimously established. Moela said the ANC will also support the judicial commission of inquiry established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to probe Mkhwanazi's allegations. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa appoints Gwede Mantashe as acting police minister Final report The report, which will be submitted to the NA for consideration, also emphasised the need for the NA to ensure an expeditious process. The ad hoc committee would also sit and determine their terms of reference. The committees have recommended that the ad hoc committee process be concluded within 90 days from it being formed. Allegations Mkhwanazi alleged political interference in police operations, claiming that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya had meddled. These allegedly include issuing letters to disband a task force, halt crime intelligence appointments, and withdraw case dockets to Sibiya's office. Both Mchunu and Sibiya have been placed on a leave of absence. ALSO READ: Fake commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazis pop up online
Time of India
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Renault Triber facelift teased, launch tomorrow: What to expect
Renault India has dropped the first teaser of the upcoming 2025 Triber facelift. The model is set for a launch tomorrow and is expected to feature some cosmetic updates along with the addition of new features. Here's a quick look at what we can expect from the refreshed Triber. Renault Triber Facelift launch tomorrow: What to expect Like said before, the sub-4-metre MPV will get a host of upgrades in terms of design and appearance. While the dimensions are likely to stay unchanged, the teaser gives us a quick look at its front fascia along with a glimpse of its rear section. Up front, the new Triber will sport a reworked gloss black grille featuring Renault's latest logo. You can also expect the new Triber to get refreshed headlamps along with integrated DRLs. The front bumper has been redesigned as well, complete with a blacked-out finish and a contrasting silver skid plate. Kia Carens Clavis first drive review: Game-Changer for electric MPVs? | TOI Auto On the rear side, expect to see redesigned taillamps, which might be connected with an LED light bar. Other highlights might also include a refreshed bumper. The teaser also reveals large Triber badging at the centre of the boot lid. Renault could introduce a new set of alloy wheels to freshen up the look at the side. Under the hood, the facelifted Triber is likely to retain the current 1.0-litre 3-cylinder NA petrol engine that produces 72 hp and 96 Nm of torque. It will continue to be offered with both a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT gearbox. Stay tuned to TOI Auto for all the latest updates from the automotive industry and do follow us on our social media handles on Facebook, Instagram and X. Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India .
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Housing societies in dilemma over NA tax in absence of govt resolution
1 2 3 4 5 6 Pune: Nearly ten months after the state cabinet announced abolition of non-agricultural (NA) tax for urban housing societies, confusion prevails over it due to absence of a formal govt resolution (GR) in this regard. The managements of housing societies across the state said they are not sure whether they should continue paying the tax till official guidelines are issued in this regard. The state cabinet, under Eknath Shinde-led govt, had approved scrapping of the NA tax in October 2024, ahead of the state assembly elections. The move was aimed at providing relief to societies in urban areas like Pune and Mumbai, where residents have been paying both property tax and NA tax. Housing societies have now approached the state government to issue a formal GR in this respect. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune "We have informed the housing societies that the NA tax has been scrapped. However, many have received payment notices post-October. There is widespread confusion on the issue. We urge the govt to issue a GR in this regard immediately," said Suhas Patwardhan, chairperson, Maharashtra State Housing Federation. The NA tax, which dates back to the British era, is levied on properties situated on agricultural land within the municipal corporation or council limits, excluding those located in designated gaothan areas. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo The abolition was a long-standing demand of housing society federations. Despite the cabinet decision, lack of an official GR has left societies in a dilemma. Some have stopped paying tax based on the cabinet announcement, while others continue to pay to avoid potential penalties. Senior revenue department officials acknowledged the delay, attributing it to the timing of the assembly elections. "The law and judiciary department deferred the issue of GR last year, citing code of conduct during elections. Later, it was left to the new govt to issue the GR," a revenue department official told TOI. A senior official confirmed on Saturday that the GR is likely to be taken up in the next cabinet meeting and could be notified before August 15. "We understand the practical difficulties societies are facing. Clear directives will be issued through the GR shortly, which would give clarity to those who have paid NA tax and those who have not," the official added. In the meantime, housing societies remain divided in their approach. "We are aware that the tax has been scrapped, but without an official GR, we are hesitant to stop payment," said a senior committee member of a housing society in Kondhwa. "We have not received any directive from the state govt. Until the GR is issued, we cannot provide clear instructions to officials or societies," said a senior district administration official. The housing federation said that the issue affects thousands of housing societies and called on the govt to issue a resolution in this regard without any further delay. "This is a critical issue for middle-class homeowners. The longer the delay, the more confusion it will create. The govt must act swiftly," said Patwardhan. Pune: Nearly ten months after the state cabinet announced abolition of non-agricultural (NA) tax for urban housing societies, confusion prevails over it due to absence of a formal govt resolution (GR) in this regard. The managements of housing societies across the state said they are not sure whether they should continue paying the tax till official guidelines are issued in this regard. The state cabinet, under Eknath Shinde-led govt, had approved scrapping of the NA tax in October 2024, ahead of the state assembly elections. The move was aimed at providing relief to societies in urban areas like Pune and Mumbai, where residents have been paying both property tax and NA tax. Housing societies have now approached the state government to issue a formal GR in this respect. "We have informed the housing societies that the NA tax has been scrapped. However, many have received payment notices post-October. There is widespread confusion on the issue. We urge the govt to issue a GR in this regard immediately," said Suhas Patwardhan, chairperson, Maharashtra State Housing Federation. The NA tax, which dates back to the British era, is levied on properties situated on agricultural land within the municipal corporation or council limits, excluding those located in designated gaothan areas. The abolition was a long-standing demand of housing society federations. Despite the cabinet decision, lack of an official GR has left societies in a dilemma. Some have stopped paying tax based on the cabinet announcement, while others continue to pay to avoid potential penalties. Senior revenue department officials acknowledged the delay, attributing it to the timing of the assembly elections. "The law and judiciary department deferred the issue of GR last year, citing code of conduct during elections. Later, it was left to the new govt to issue the GR," a revenue department official told TOI. A senior official confirmed on Saturday that the GR is likely to be taken up in the next cabinet meeting and could be notified before August 15. "We understand the practical difficulties societies are facing. Clear directives will be issued through the GR shortly, which would give clarity to those who have paid NA tax and those who have not," the official added. In the meantime, housing societies remain divided in their approach. "We are aware that the tax has been scrapped, but without an official GR, we are hesitant to stop payment," said a senior committee member of a housing society in Kondhwa. "We have not received any directive from the state govt. Until the GR is issued, we cannot provide clear instructions to officials or societies," said a senior district administration official. The housing federation said that the issue affects thousands of housing societies and called on the govt to issue a resolution in this regard without any further delay. "This is a critical issue for middle-class homeowners. The longer the delay, the more confusion it will create. The govt must act swiftly," said Patwardhan.
