Latest news with #NWC
Zawya
14 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
NWC completes two water pipeline projects in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia's National Water Company (NWC) has announced that it has completed two pipeline projects in the Al Bayan district in eastern Riyadh at a total cost of over SAR101 million ($27 million). The scope of work included the expansion of main water pipelines and sub-networks with a total length of over 229 km. NWC said these projects are part of an integrated plan to develop a system of water projects for residents in several areas of Al Bayan district. The aim is to provide potable water and increase coverage to improve the quality of life by elevating the quality of water services and securing supply amid the extensive urban development in the capital, it stated. Once operational, these two projects will cater to the drinking water needs of more than 64,000 residents, it added.- TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
The South African
4 days ago
- Politics
- The South African
Mbalula: Mchunu will not step aside from ANC duties
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has made it clear that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, currently on special leave from government, will not step aside from his roles within the African National Congress (ANC). Mbalula addressed the media yesterday on the sidelines of the ANC National Working Committee (NWC) meeting in Cape Town, where the NWC reviewed ANC structures in the Western Cape. Despite being placed on special leave, Mchunu attended the meeting. Mbalula stated that the ANC's step-aside rule only applies to individuals who face criminal charges. 'The President has put Senzo aside with immediate effect. You can question how that has happened, but he is aside. We have an acting minister chairing the meeting inside. I repeat, Senzo will not step aside in relation to the ANC. He is an elected member, and he has the right to state his side of the story under the Audi Alteram Partem principle,' Mbalula explained. An independent judge and a judicial commission appointed by the president will evaluate the matter, Mbalula added. 'Once we listen to that and assess the facts, we can pass judgment. Let's allow the process to follow,' he said. Mbalula dismissed concerns about the Constitutional Court challenge launched by the MK Party against President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to place Mchunu on special leave. He stressed that Ramaphosa acted correctly in handling the allegations of political interference levelled against Mchunu by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. 'What the president has done to process these allegations is the right thing to do in a constitutional democracy. We, as the ANC, support that decision. The concerns raised by the General are receiving full attention,' Mbalula said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Mbalula defends ANC's step-aside rule from criticism amid Mchunu allegations
Minister Senzo Mchunu, was placed on leave of absence by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula defended the party against criticisms that it has selectively applied its step-aside rule when it comes to the allegations raised against former Minister Senzo Mchunu, who was placed on leave of absence by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week. Mbalula, came out to address the media during a short interval at the Cape Sun Hotel, where the ANC's National Working Committee (NWC) met with the Provincial Executive Committee. This forms part of the ANC's ongoing efforts to strengthen its organisational capacity and engage directly with structures of the movement across regions and districts. Mchunu, who was also present at the ANC's NWC meeting, faces allegations of corruption and malfeasance from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ The ANC has previously said it welcomes Ramaphosa's decision to establish a judicial commission of inquiry to probe the allegations against Mchunu. However, there were some senior members of the party who questioned the step-aside rule and its effectiveness, saying it only applied to some. The rule requires members of the party who are facing serious allegations to step aside from their positions. The rule has seen some ANC officials having to vacate office until they were cleared of any wrongdoing. A senior member said there was commotion among ANC corridors in Luthuli House because some felt Ramaphosa was selective in the application of the step-aside rule. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mblalula and ANC Western Cape Provincial Chairperson, Cde Vuyiso 'JJ' Tyhalisisu. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers Mbalula said there is no such thing as selective application of the step-aside rule. He said once members are arrested or appear in court, then the rule is applied. 'When last did you see people supporting each other going to court with ANC t-shirts? You get arrested, you stand on your own. Step-aside rule applies. Those who vulgarise things shamelessly will say that the rule doesn't apply to Senzo Mchunu, but the president did put him aside, with immediate effect. 'Argue the question of how that has happened, but he is aside. We've got an acting Minister (Gwede Mantashe) who is chairing the meeting today. I've explained, and I'm repeating it again today - Senzo will not step aside in relation to the ANC. He is an elected member. Deputy Secretary-General of the African National Congress Nomvula Mokonyane, Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, ANC National Chairperson, Gwede Mantashe, ANC President, Cyril Ramaphosa, and Deputy President, Paul Mashatile facing the provincial ANC branches in the Western Cape. Image: Theolin Tembo/Independent Newspapers Deputy Secretary-General of the African National Congress Nomvula Mokonyane seen speaking to ANC National Chairperson, Gwede Mantashe. Seated in front of them are ANC President, Cyril Ramaphosa, and Deputy President, Paul Mashatile. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers 'He's got an opportunity now, in terms of the audi (alteram partem) principle, to also state his side of the story. Once we listen to that, it is also evaluated in terms of facts by a competent, independent judge, and a judicial commission like the president appointed, then we can pass judgment. 'Let's allow the process to follow; this is what all South Africans look forward to. Even we're looking forward to that. 'The principle of our jurisprudence allows that somebody's story must also be listened to, and that is there is any wrongdoing by him, and all of that, the ANC, in terms of its renewal process, this kicks in,' Mbalula said.'There are many ANC members who are step-aside, who have appeared in court, who have been arrested. 'We are the only party in South Africa that practices things even beyond the jurisprudence. Even Magashule failed to challenge the step-aside rule.' ANC National Chairperson, Gwede Mantashe sitting alongside ANC President, Cyril Ramaphosa, and Deputy President, Paul Mashatile. Image: Theolin Tembo/Independent Newspapers ANC President, Cyril Ramaphosa, during an interval at Sunday's report back. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers Magashule referred to former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule, who went to court to overturn his suspension for failing to step aside after being criminally charged. 'It was affirmed by the Constitutional Court that there was nothing unconstitutional about the step-aside rule because it is entrenched in the ANC constitution itself. 'There is nothing like selective justice, and selective application of the step-aside rule. If you are arrested, you appear before the courts, even before you appear. Once you are arrested, you step aside.' Mbalula also touched on how the NWC's visit to the Western Cape structure is their fifth in a series of visits to provinces, as they seek to strengthen their organisational branches in the region. He said that they have been receiving reports from their visits. President Ramaphosa was in the Boland Region on Saturday as part of their efforts. 'All of us were in different regions (of the province). We interacted with branches that gave us reports, and we are currently processing those reports. Tomorrow (on Monday), the working committee will meet to reflect on the reports and chat on the way forward to strengthen our organisation here in the province.'
Daily Maverick
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
It's ANC business as usual for Senzo Mchunu, despite being put on special leave
As South Africa grapples with explosive allegations of criminal syndicates and political meddling in the SAPS, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is yet to face any accountability from the ANC. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu will continue attending parliamentary meetings and doing party work despite being placed on special leave by President Cyril Ramaphosa. As an ordinary MP, Mchunu will continue to enjoy several benefits, including a monthly salary of about R100,000 and free flights. On Tuesday, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said that Mchunu remained an ordinary MP and would continue executing his duties as a senior member of the ANC. He is a member of various structures in the party, including the National Executive Committee (NEC), the party's highest decision-making body in between conferences, and the National Working Committee (NWC). Mchunu did not attend the party's most recent NWC meeting on Monday, 14 June. Mbalula said it dealt with crucial issues, but Mchunu's was not among them. 'Comrade Senzo is a member of the NWC. He's a member of the NEC. There's no curtailment on those roads. We, in fact, expected him to attend the meeting yesterday, and he gave me an apology, and I told him that I need to sit down with him, that this absence of leave, we are not affected by it as the ANC. 'His absence of leave is in relation to his point of deployment. So we will straighten up issues. He will come to meetings. He must execute his task as a leader of the ANC,' said Mbalula. Allegations of serious misconduct Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on immediate leave of absence after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged serious misconduct on the part of Mchunu, including disbanding a specialised task team investigating political killings. Regarding media reports that Mchunu had been summoned to appear before the ANC's Integrity Commission, which deals with offences and conduct that tarnish the image or integrity of the party, Mbalula said this was 'disinformation' as Mchunu had yet to appear. 'There has not been any decision arrived at on this matter. Until comrades appear before the Integrity Commission, as and when they appear, the Integrity Commission will deal with the matters.' The commission, led by veteran anti-apartheid activist the Rev Frank Chikane, has been criticised for being toothless as it only makes recommendations on how disciplinary matters should be handled, while the final say lies with the NEC. Mkhwanazi made astounding accusations about fellow police officers and other state officials, including that: A high-level criminal syndicate in South Africa extends into the South African Police Service (SAPS), the police ministry, Parliament, official prison structures, the judiciary and other law-enforcing authorities; A drug cartel headquartered in Gauteng controls that syndicate; At the end of last year, Mchunu issued a directive to disband the Political Killings Task Team to shield politically connected members of a criminal syndicate from prosecution; and Mchunu was in cahoots with organised crime accused Vusi 'Cat' Matlala. Mchunu denied the accusations. Commission of inquiry On Sunday, Ramaphosa announced the creation of a judicial commission of inquiry into Mkhwanazi's allegations. While its terms of reference have not yet been made public, he said it would investigate allegations relating to the infiltration of law enforcement, intelligence and associated institutions within the criminal justice system by criminal syndicates. The ANC rallied behind the establishment of the commission, saying it was a sustainable path for rebuilding public institutions. Mbalula said Ramaphosa's 'approach is not driven by the need for applause but by the imperative of transformation and accountability within the bounds of legality. 'The African National Congress stands resolute in defence of constitutional governance. We reaffirm our support for the commission of inquiry, for the president's leadership and for all lawful and transparent processes aimed at restoring the integrity of the state. In the end, the strength of our democracy will be judged not by the absence of a crisis but by how we respond to it.' The NEC was due to meet this coming weekend to discuss a range of issues, including the fragile Government of National Unity, preparations for the party's national general council, and the SA Communist Party contesting elections independently. However, Mbalula said the meeting had been postponed. In the meantime, the NWC will engage with party regions in the Western Cape on Saturday, followed by a meeting with the provincial executive on Sunday. DM
Zawya
10-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi's NWC to implement 38 water, sanitation projects for $533mln
Riyadh – The National Water Company (NWC) started executing 38 water and sanitation projects in the Asir region of the Southern Cluster at a combined value of SAR 2 billion. These projects include the construction of lines and networks exceeding 2,534 kilometers long, according to a press release. They align with NWC's strategic plans to develop infrastructure in the water and environmental services sectors and expand the coverage of the services it provides to its customers. Meanwhile, the company began implementing 27 water projects in Asir region across several districts, including Abha, Khamis Mushait, An Namas, Ahad Rafidah, and Mahayel Asir, among others. NWC will also implement transmission lines and networks with a total length of 2,177 kilometers, as well as construct 16 water reservoirs with a total capacity of 54,500 cubic meters. It will install pumping stations with a total daily capacity exceeding 15,000 cubic meters. Moreover, the company started to carry out 11 sanitation projects in the Asir region, including pipelines and networks exceeding 357 kilometers in length. The company will also implement a treatment plant with a total design capacity of 9,300 cubic meters per day in Al Qahma Center and Al Haridah Center, as well as lift stations with a total design capacity of over 106,000 cubic meters on a daily basis. NWC recently announced the implementation of 23 water and environmental projects in Madinah.
