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The Citizen
a day ago
- General
- The Citizen
24 hours in pictures, 4 June 2025
24 hours in pictures, 4 June 2025 Through the lens: The Citizen's Picture Editors select the best news photographs from South Africa and around the world. This aerial photograph shows a stork with two chicks on a nest installed on a high voltage line mast in Bouee, western France, on June 3, 2025. (Photo by Loic VENANCE / AFP) Wiaan Mulder and Ryan Rickelton of South Africa pictured during a warm up match between South Africa and Zimbabwe ahead of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 on June 04, 2025 in Arundel, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images) A train arrives at a station in Colombo on June 4, 2025. (Photo by Ishara S. KODIKARA / AFP) A person places electric candles at a vigil commemorating the Tiananmen Square protest, in Taipei, Taiwan, 04 June 2025. Many people were injured or killed during the protests in Tiananmen Square in Beijing in 1989. Picture: EPA-EFE/RITCHIE B. TONGO The 'Simpecado' float of the Brotherhood of El Rocio of Seville-El Salvador departs Seville on its pilgrimage to the El Rocio hermitage, located in the village of Almonte, Spain, 04 June 2025. Approximately one million people from across Spain make the journey to pay homage to Our Lady of Rocio each year. Picture: EPA-EFE/RAUL CARO A woman wearing big sunglasses with inscriptions reading '1 Lee Jae-myung' watches the inauguration ceremony of South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung outside the National Assembly in Seoul on June 4, 2025. (Photo by Pedro Pardo / AFP) Police and community members look on at a body in the Zamimpilo informal settlemen, 4 June 2025. It is suspected that the victim was killed in crossfire, during a shootout between the police and suspects the day before. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/The Citizen Soldiers of the guard battalion are reflected in a bass horn during a welcome ceremony for Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam (not pictured) with military honors at Bellevue Palace in Berlin, Germany, 04 June 2025. Picture: EPA-EFE/FILIP SINGER Community members march from Main Reef to the home of a 14-year-old Lukhona Fose in Durban Deep, Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg, 4 June 2025, after her mutilated body was found near her home. City of Johannesburg Speaker Nobuhle Mthembu visited Fose's family. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/The Citizen Pope Leo XIV waves from the popemobile as he arrives for his weekly General Audience in St. Peters Square, Vatican City, 04 June 2025. Picture: EPA-EFE/FABIO FRUSTACI People ferry cattle on a vehicle ahead of the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha in Karachi on June 3, 2025. (Photo by Rizwan TABASSUM / AFP) A man swims to cool off at Marina Beach on a hot summer day in Chennai on June 4, 2025. (Photo by R. Satish BABU / AFP) A follower in a prayer posture is photographed during a 'Long Life Offering Ceremony' for the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama (unseen), at the Tsuglagkhang temple at McLeod Ganj, in Dharamshala, India on June 04, 2025. Long Life Offering Ceremonies are conducted as a gesture of deep gratitude and heartfelt wishes for the continued health and longevity of the Dalai Lama. Typically held at the Main Tibetan Temple, these ceremonies include prayers, ritual offerings, and communal celebrations, reflecting devotion and reverence. Picture: Matrix Images / Sanjay Baid Aerial view of 'Interceptor 006' a giant fence to catch thousands of tons of plastic at Las Vacas River in Chinautla, Guatemala on June 3, 2025. The Dutch NGO The Ocean Cleanup, seeks to trap thousands of tons of plastic that each year flow into the Caribbean Sea at Las Vacas River, a tributary of Motagua River. (Photo by JOHAN ORDONEZ / AFP) French soldiers carry coffins during a burial ceremony of six French soldiers who died fighting for France in the World War I, in the National Necropolis of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette in Ablain-Saint-Nazaire, northern France on June 3, 2025. Six young French soldiers from the World War I, who died in 1914 and 1915 but whose bodies have been discovered in recent years, were buried on June 3, 2025, in the National Necropolis of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette (Pas-de-Calais), as witnessed by an AFP photographer. (Photo by Sameer Al-DOUMY / AFP) MORE: 24 hours in pictures, 3 June 2025
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Alex residents ‘tried to hold city power officials hostage'
City Power said payments should only be made through authorised electricity vendors, not to individuals, and should go toward purchasing electricity units. River Park community members forcefully ask City Power employee to reconnect them after he disconnected them during the cut-off operation in Alexandra in Johannesburg, 29 May 2025. Picture: Nigel Sibanda / The Citizen Electricity supply has been restored to the River Park community in Alexandra following a five-day disconnection that began after residents allegedly attempted to hold City Power officials hostage during a routine meter inspection operation. The utility company announced on Tuesday that power would be switched back on, but residents must now pay R2 000 per household toward electricity purchases as part of the reconnection process — a significantly reduced amount compared to standard reconnection fees. Attack on city power officials leads to area-wide disconnection The crisis began on Thursday, 29 May 2025, when City Power teams conducting scheduled meter audits and disconnection operations in the River Park area encountered violent resistance from residents. 'The safety of our staff was severely compromised, with incidents of intimidation, road blockades, and attempts to hold our personnel hostage, forcing City Power to act decisively by cutting off supply to prevent further risk,' said City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava. The utility responded by disconnecting electricity to the entire area as a safety measure, leaving the community without power for five days while negotiations took place with community leaders and the local ward councillor. ALSO READ: WATCH: What happened when City Power cut illegal connections in Alex City Power gives Alexandra residents conditional power restoration Following meetings with community representatives, City Power agreed to restore the electricity supply effective Tuesday, 3 June 2025. However, the restoration comes with strict conditions and ongoing enforcement measures. 'While we condemn the unlawful behaviour witnessed during the operation, we acknowledge the importance of constructive dialogue and have resolved to give law-abiding residents a fair opportunity to engage,' Mashava stated. The utility will immediately resume meter auditing operations once power is restored, with teams conducting comprehensive inspections to identify households that have tampered with or illegally bypassed their electricity meters. These operations will proceed under law enforcement protection to ensure worker safety. ALSO READ: City Power crackdown on illegal connections met with resistance in Alexandra Reduced service fees offered In what appears to be a compromise measure, City Power is requiring previously disconnected customers to pay only R2 000 per household toward electricity purchases rather than full reconnection fees. Isaac Mangena, the utility's General Manager, emphasised that this amount represents a significant concession. According to Mangena, the R2,000 charge 'is not a penalty or reconnection fee, but rather a minimum charge to begin recovering outstanding service costs'. He noted that standard reconnection costs far exceed this amount, with single-phase meters typically costing more than R14 000 per household to reconnect and three-phase meters used by businesses and backroom rental accommodations costing more than R30 000. The utility stressed that payments should only be made through authorised electricity vendors, not to individuals, and should go toward purchasing electricity units. ALSO READ: City Power allays fear that hackers may cut your power Free electricity program available For residents unable to afford electricity payments, City Power is promoting its Expanded Social Package (ESP), which provides free basic electricity to qualifying households. According to the utility, the programme currently serves more than 10 000 customers and aims to assist vulnerable residents through free electricity provision and waiver of the R200 surcharge. Eligibility for the ESP extends to senior citizens, unemployed persons, women and children, child-headed households, and persons with disabilities who earn less than R7,503.01 monthly. However, applicants must have fully functioning meters to qualify for the program. Those seeking to apply for free electricity must bring their South African Identity Document, City of Johannesburg rates and taxes account, three months of bank statements, proof of residence, and their City Power account or meter number to municipal offices. Zero tolerance warning City Power maintains a firm stance against electricity theft and meter tampering, with Mangena warning that the utility will continue working with law enforcement and local leadership to ensure compliance. The company has issued a clear ultimatum regarding future interference with operations. 'Should our teams encounter violence again this week, we will resolve to switching the lights off again and suspend our services in the area,' the utility warned through Mangena's statement. The company emphasised that paying for electricity services remains the only way to ensure a continued and reliable supply, urging residents to allow utility teams to perform their duties without interference. READ NEXT: How Joburg plans to spend R89 billion
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
East Rand Motor Show in Pictures
The 10th edition of the East Rand Motor Show took place at Benoni Northern Sports Grounds. 1971 Volkswagen Beetle with a suspension dropped on show at the 10th annual East Rand Motor Show at Benoni Northern Sports Ground, Ekhuruleni, 1 June 2025. Hot cars including classics, supercars, hot rods, muscle cars, custom-builds, bikes on show. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/ The Citizen. The 10th edition of the East Rand Motor Show returned to the Benoni Northern Sports Ground in 2025. The Citizen's photo Journalist Nigel Sibanda shows us some of his favourite rides. 1971 Volkswagen Beetle with a suspension dropped on show at the 10th annual East Rand Motor Show at Benoni Northern Sports Ground, Ekhuruleni, 1 June 2025. Hot cars, including classics, supercars, hot rods, muscle cars, custom builds, and bikes on show. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/ The Citizen 1971 Volkswagen Beetle with a suspension dropped on show at the 10th annual East Rand Motor Show at Benoni Northern Sports Ground, Ekhuruleni, 1 June 2025. Hot cars, including classics, supercars, hot rods, muscle cars, custom builds, and bikes on show. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/ The Citizen Benoni resident, Blaine Kotze, inside a Ford GT4 at the 10th annual East Rand Motor Show at Benoni Northern Sports Ground, Ekhuruleni, 1 June 2025. The Ford GT40 is a highly iconic mid-engined racing car developed by Ford to challenge Ferrari in endurance racing. Hot cars, including classics, supercars, hot rods, muscle cars, custom builds, and bikes on show. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/ The Citizen. Philip Du Plessis' Alexus V-8 Engine Kit Car, which he modified by changing the body and doors, took him 2 years to build. It is on display at the 10th annual East Rand Motor Show at the Benoni Northern Sports Ground, Ekhuruleni, on 1 June 2025. Hot cars, including classics, supercars, hot rods, muscle cars, custom builds, and bikes on show. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/ The Citizen. A Rolls-Royce at the 10th annual East Rand Motor Show at Benoni Northern Sports Ground, Ekhuruleni, 1 June 2025. The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I, introduced in 1955, was a luxury car that marked a significant step forward from its predecessor, the Dawn/R-Type. Key features include a lengthened chassis, a powerful inline-six engine, and the introduction of a wider range of luxury options as standard. Hot cars, including classics, supercars, hot rods, muscle cars, custom builds, and bikes on show. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/ The Citizen. Inside a Rolls-Royce at the 10th annual East Rand Motor Show at Benoni Northern Sports Ground, Ekhuruleni, 1 June 2025. The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I, introduced in 1955, was a luxury car that marked a significant step forward from its predecessor, the Dawn/R-Type. Key features include a lengthened chassis, a powerful inline-six engine, and the introduction of a wider range of luxury options as standard. Hot cars, including classics, supercars, hot rods, muscle cars, custom builds, and bikes on show. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/ The Citizen. ALSO SEE: WATCH: It's confirmed! Red Bull Shay' iMoto 2025 is coming to Durban
The Citizen
29-05-2025
- The Citizen
WATCH: What happened when City Power cut illegal connections in Alex
City Power was forced to abandon a cut-off operation in Alex Community members shaking off City Power official from ladder as he disconnects the power. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/ The Citizen Tensions boiled on the streets of Riverpark in Alexandra after community members threatened City Power officials who had come to disconnect the power. City Power had planned a cut-off to 'crack down on illegal electricity connections in Riverpark, Alexandra. The area had been identified as a high-risk area plagued by widespread illegal connections and growing resistance from customers who openly refuse to pay for electricity. 'Most of the residents in that area have bypassed meters or connected directly to the network, leading to infrastructure overload, frequent outages, and heightened risk of fire hazards', the utility said. However, when officials came to remove the illegal connections, residents pounced. The Citizen was on the scene when residents shook a ladder holding a City Power employee, warning that if they cut the power they would not leave the ladder. Others blew whistles and shouted threats until the officials backed down and headed out of the area. WATCH: Alexandra residents threaten a #CityPower official during a crack down operation on illegal electricity connections in the area.#TheCitizenNews 📹: Molemo Tladi — The Citizen News (@TheCitizen_News) May 29, 2025 Disgruntled community members A community leader, Ashford Sedzumo, told The Citizen that earlier this week City Power had cut off their electricity. Residents who were affected were told to pay R2 000 but allegedly had their power cut off again. They believed they had a 'positive' agreement with the utility after the community shut down City Power's offices on Wednesday, preventing vehicles from leaving the premises and officials from assisting with outages. 'We are very angry with these people, I don't know what they are taking us for. Just yesterday, we had a march to their offices and stayed there for two and a half hours. Our leaders came back with positive results', said Alex resident Tsietsi Khungoane. 'These people [City Power officials] said they will work closely with us, and they will come back to tell us when the right time is to cut off illegal connections. 'All of a sudden, we are surprised they are here today. They told no one, they just came here with cars escorted by Metro Police and SAPS.' Another resident, Tlaleng Mmoa, claimed City Power had 'manipulated the situation' and reneged on an agreement. 'There was an agreement that said City Power will come on the 9th of June. When they come on that date, everyone who is illegally connected should have bought electricity worth R 500, and they won't cut off their power. Instead, they will put normal boxes for them so they can carry on buying electricity,' she said. No option but to disconnect City Power was firm in its decision to cut the power. 'Despite ongoing engagement with community leaders, non-compliance and electricity theft remain persistent, leaving us with no option but to disconnect power supply to safeguard the network and protect lives,' it said. NOW READ: City Power crackdown on illegal connections met with resistance in Alexandra
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
My Vote Counts asks for extension and transparency in IEC appointments
My Vote Counts believes the notice and deadline for the IEC vacancies are too short. Chiawelo residents register to vote at Hitekani Primary School in Soweto, 19 November 2023, on the first day of the Electoral Commission of South Africa's (IEC) voter registration weekend. Picture: Nigel Sibanda / The Citizen Civil society watchdog, My Vote Counts, has questioned the short notice given by the Office of the Chief Justice to call for nominations for the filling of vacancies for three commissioners of the Electoral Commission of South Africa. Transparency and more time needed for IEC appointments My Vote Counts has asked for the process to be transparent and for sufficient notice and publicity to be given. It also wants an extension of the notice to enable a proper nomination process, including sufficient time for public scrutiny of the candidates to fulfil the transparency requirement. The Chief Justice chairs the panel that makes the commissioners' appointments. Other members of the panel are the chairpersons of the South African Human Rights Commission and the Commission for Gender Equality, and the Public Protector. The Office of the Chief Justice only issued a general notice inviting nominations of candidates to be appointed to the commission on Thursday last week, with a deadline of Friday. The issue was only gazetted on 15 April, but no publicity was given to the matter until last Thursday's General Notice. Although the posts to be filled are not specified in the notice, save for a judge who would serve, it is understood that the vacancies were meant to fill positions of commission chair Mosotho Moepya and commissioners Dr Nomsa Masuku and Judge Dhaya Pillay, whose terms will expire on 1 November. ALSO READ: 'Can you imagine our system being hacked': MPs sceptical of IEC's e-voting proposal IEC vacancies The IEC's deputy chief executive for outreach, Mawethu Mosery, confirmed that the commission had three vacancies – one for a judge and the other two for ordinary citizens. He would not say whether the three would be leaving, except to say they were also eligible for a second term. Mosery said the IEC has five commissioners, two of whom are on their second and last terms of office. With the terms for the remaining three commissioners expiring, the process to fill the vacancies has to kick off. This meant the commissioners could be reappointed for a second term but the process is open to any eligible person. My Vote Counts wants deadline extended Many in the civil society movement believe the notice and deadline were too short. The Cape-based My Vote Counts on Wednesday wrote to Chief Justice Mandisa Maya requesting an extension to the deadline. In the letter signed by My Vote Counts' executive director Minhaj Jeenah and the organisation's political system's lead Boikanyo Moloto, Maya was asked to extend the deadline. ALSO READ: ActionSA opposes My Vote Counts' party funding case – Here's why It added that the information on the notice did not seem to have been publicised widely, with no media statement or social media communication from Maya's office or the IEC. The NGO is also concerned that there has been almost no coverage of the nomination process in the media. Only a single article was published online on 16 April, followed by an advisory on the judges' website on 8 May. 'The IEC plays a crucial role in our democracy, the Commission's independence and impartiality lie at the heart of the public trust it enjoys. Trust cannot be maintained in the absence of transparency and openness. As such, it is important that competent and impartial people are appointed,' Boikanyo said in the letter. My Vote Counts also suggested that the appointment process should be widely publicised so that the public can scrutinise, monitor and engage with it. 'Given the fact that we are six months away from the conclusion of the three commissioners' term, we are requesting an extension of the deadline for the submission of nominations of electoral commissioners to 15 June. Further to this, that your office widely publicises the process, creates public awareness, thus allowing for meaningful participation,' Boikanyo said. ALSO READ: IEC official accused of stealing election ballot boxes sees discharge application rejected In early 2022, the NGO and others managed to force former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo to extend the deadline after the process was similarly given a short deadline. At the time, although some publicity was given in the gazette and two Sunday newspapers, Zondo agreed to extend the deadline from 18 February to 25 February 2022.
