Latest news with #NokuthulaMbatha
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
How informal recycling provides a lifeline for South Africa's waste pickers
Waste collectors play an important role and save municipalities R300 million to R750 million annually. Image: Nokuthula Mbatha / Independent Newspapers The high unemployment rate, coupled with limited formal sector opportunities, has pushed many individuals, such as Thabiso Leburu* (not his real name), into informal recycling as a means of survival. Leburu, a former ArcelorMittal employee, said this was an opportunity to generate income and feed his family after his contract ended in 2010. Leburu and other recyclers are camping at a dumping site near the Boipatong landfill site, in the Vaal, where they are attending to every vehicle dropping waste. He said this is their daily routine. They recycle wood, plastics, cans, and bottles. The high unemployment rate, reaching 32.9% in the first quarter of 2025, is driving many to seek alternative income through activities such as waste picking. This informal sector, often referred to as 'survivalist entrepreneurs', plays a crucial role in waste management and contributes to the livelihoods of thousands. The Department of Environmental Affairs' report on the determination of the extent and role of waste picking estimates that there are approximately 62,147 reclaimers in South Africa. However, the department did respond at the time of publication. According to the case study by the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (Seri), the sector recovers an estimated 80% to 90% of paper and packaging materials on an annual basis. Diverting these recyclables saves municipalities R300 million to R750 million annually. The organisation said it was also estimated that the South African economy realised a 52.6% recycling rate for paper and packaging waste because of the work of recyclers. Despite their contribution and resourcefulness, informal recyclers remain poor and marginalised. They are often associated with crime, drug abuse, and lawlessness, a perception perpetuated by exclusionary waste management policies and the treatment they receive from South Africans they encounter. Most often, the informal recyclers do not have access to food of nutritional value or any food at all. This means they often find themselves in the struggle to escape the spiral of food insecurity as they are unable to earn a decent living. Leburu, who is the father of six children, said the sector has changed their lives for the better, adding that many could have been exposed to criminal activities. 'That little money I receive in a day could help me to put bread on the table,' said the 54-year-old, adding that he makes between R30 and R400 a day. He said he used to make good money before the closure of the Boipatong landfill site. The landfill site was closed due to non-adherence to licence conditions, leading to increased illegal dumping in the area. 'Sometimes we don't make money at all. And because we cannot let our kids sleep with empty stomachs, we take stale food here. All we want to see is our kids and families being happy,' he said. His friend, who also requested to remain anonymous, said he has been employed and has been in this sector since 2001. He said this is because he has to feed his family of three children. Seri said the sector continues to attract large numbers of people as it offers low barriers to entry due to limited opportunities. This was despite the occupational hazards and health risks associated with informal recycling. The organisation said many recyclers have some education and skills but are unable to find employment outside of the reclaiming industry. Seri added that 25% of reclaimers in South Africa have completed matric, and some have engaged in formal tertiary studies. The organisation visited the landfill in Orange Farm (known as the Palm Springs landfill) where about 300 people from the area and nearby surrounding areas pick and sort waste. The organisation said these reclaimers deal with several challenges on a day-to-day basis, adding that the safety of the landfill was a concern, especially for women. 'Reclaimers wear no protective clothing, have no access to water and toilets, and are exposed to dangerous chemicals and materials.' 'In addition, reclaimers do not have access to safety equipment and are often harassed by security guards and police.' [email protected]
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
SIU investigates Housing Development Agency projects
The Housing Development Agency is facing a Special Investigating Unit probe into widespread corruption in several projects across the country. Image: Nokuthula Mbatha / Independent Newspapers The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is probing widespread corruption in several projects across the country funded by the Housing Development Agency (HDA). According to the proclamation signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the SIU investigation will focus on serious maladministration in the HDA's affairs in projects for provincial Human Settlements departments in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape, and the Western Cape. This includes the identification, acquisition, holding, development, and release of state, communal, and privately owned land for residential and community purposes by the agency, in its name, or for and on behalf of the provincial departments or by the departments in their name. The unit will also investigate whether the contracts were awarded in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable, or cost-effective and contrary to applicable legislation, manuals, guidelines, practice notes, circulars or instructions issued by the National Treasury or the relevant provincial Treasuries applicable to the HDA and the departments. 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 ✕ The SIU is tasked with uncovering any related unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure incurred by the HDA and the departments, or losses suffered by the agency, departments, or the state concerning the allegations. In addition, the probe will look into any irregular, improper, or unlawful conduct by the applicable service providers of the HDA and the departments or any other person or entity, relating to the allegations. Ramaphosa gave the SIU the green light to investigate serious maladministration in connection with the agency's affairs and the departments, improper or unlawful conduct by employees, unlawful expenditure of public money and other offences referred to in the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act committed in connection with the affairs of both the HDA and the departments. The investigation will also tackle unlawful or improper conduct by any person, which has caused or may cause serious harm to the interests of the public or any category thereof, which took place between April 2016 and last month or which took place before or after the date of the proclamation but is relevant to, connected with, incidental or ancillary to the matters mentioned or involve the same persons, entities or contracts investigated under the proclamation's authority.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Corruption probe: SIU investigates Housing Development Agency projects
The Housing Development Agency is facing a Special Investigating Unit probe into widespread corruption in several projects across the country. Image: Nokuthula Mbatha / Independent Newspapers The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is probing widespread corruption in several projects across the country funded by the Housing Development Agency (HDA). According to the proclamation signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the SIU investigation will focus on serious maladministration in the HDA's affairs in projects for provincial Human Settlements departments in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape, and the Western Cape. This includes the identification, acquisition, holding, development, and release of state, communal, and privately owned land for residential and community purposes by the agency, in its name, or for and on behalf of the provincial departments or by the departments in their name. The unit will also investigate whether the contracts were awarded in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable, or cost-effective and contrary to applicable legislation, manuals, guidelines, practice notes, circulars or instructions issued by the National Treasury or the relevant provincial Treasuries applicable to the HDA and the departments. 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 ✕ Ad loading The SIU is tasked with uncovering any related unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure incurred by the HDA and the departments, or losses suffered by the agency, departments, or the state concerning the allegations. In addition, the probe will look into any irregular, improper, or unlawful conduct by the applicable service providers of the HDA and the departments or any other person or entity, relating to the allegations. Ramaphosa gave the SIU the green light to investigate serious maladministration in connection with the agency's affairs and the departments, improper or unlawful conduct by employees, unlawful expenditure of public money and other offences referred to in the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act committed in connection with the affairs of both the HDA and the departments. The investigation will also tackle unlawful or improper conduct by any person, which has caused or may cause serious harm to the interests of the public or any category thereof, which took place between April 2016 and last month or which took place before or after the date of the proclamation but is relevant to, connected with, incidental or ancillary to the matters mentioned or involve the same persons, entities or contracts investigated under the proclamation's authority.
IOL News
29-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Are SASSA beneficiaries losing money by switching to personal bank accounts?
A growing number of SASSA beneficiaries are opting to receive their grants through personal bank accounts. Image: Nokuthula Mbatha/ Independent Newspapers. The North West Legislature's Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development has raised serious concerns over the growing trend of social grant beneficiaries opting to receive their payments through personal bank accounts, a move that could be costing them a portion of their much-needed support. During an oversight meeting held with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the Department of Social Development, Committee members were briefed on the migration from the traditional SASSA Gold Cards to the newly introduced Postbank Black Cards. The migration was prompted by a South African Reserve Bank (SARB) directive following a security breach involving the Gold Cards. However, it emerged that SARB has now suspended the migration process indefinitely. Beneficiaries are currently permitted to continue using their existing SASSA Gold Cards beyond the original May 31 deadline, a shift the Committee believes must be communicated to avoid panic and confusion. "People were rushing to switch cards, some even under pressure. Now, they need clarity and reassurance that their current cards are still functional. You need to ensure that this is communicated widely,' urged Committee Chairperson, Hon. Karabo Magagane. The Committee expressed deep concern over SASSA's revelation that 43,945 grant recipients have chosen to bypass both the SASSA Gold Card and the Postbank Black Card systems, instead opting for direct bank payments. While this may offer perceived convenience, the Committee fears that the associated transaction fees at commercial banks are quietly eroding the actual value of the grants. 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 ✕ Ad loading 'These beneficiaries may not realise that they are losing money to transaction fees and service charges, funds that are meant to support their most basic needs,' Hon. Magagane cautioned. Further compounding the financial strain, Committee members highlighted the informal deductions being imposed by some local retailers. Local tuck shops reportedly charge R10 for every R100 withdrawn, a surcharge that further reduces the amount of money recipients receive. 'This completely defeats the purpose of a social grant. A grant is supposed to alleviate poverty, not get eaten up by unnecessary charges,' one member stated. The Committee also slammed the limited number of Postbank conversion sites in the North West. Currently, only 12 sites are operational across the province, a situation described as 'grossly inadequate,' particularly for elderly beneficiaries living in remote areas. "Many of our elderly citizens live far from these centres and are not in a position to travel long distances just to access a card. This could be a driving factor behind the shift to personal bank accounts," said Hon. Magagane. In response to the pressing challenges, the Committee pledged to intensify its engagement with SASSA and Postbank, the two State-Owned Entities tasked with grant disbursement, to push for more accessible service points, better communication, and increased public awareness. "We are committed to ensuring that no beneficiary is left behind. We will push for ongoing awareness campaigns, improved accessibility, and sustained outreach efforts so that every grant recipient understands their options and the implications of each," Hon. Magagane said. The Committee is expected to reconvene in the coming weeks to assess progress and implementation of the proposed solutions. IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
IOL News
28-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Johannesburg's R89 billion budget: Can it meet service demands?
Finance MMC Margaret Arnolds tabled the City's budget In Braamfontein, Johannesburg on Wednesday. Image: Nokuthula Mbatha Independent Newspapers Johannesburg Finance MMC Margaret Arnolds unveiled the R89 billion budget for the upcoming financial year, signalling the city's intent to meet rising service demands despite persistent fiscal hurdles. The budget has increased from R83 billion. Delivering her speech in Braamfontein on Wednesday morning, Arnolds' budget outlined a city leaning heavily on water and electricity charges, which continue to be Johannesburg's most significant revenue streams. With property rates and refuse collection fees also increased, the city is turning to its ratepayers to bolster financial stability. The City of Johannesburg faces two chronic challenges: unreliable revenue collection and infrastructure decay. These realities continue to undermine service delivery in one of Africa's largest metros. Arnolds clarified that the budget is fully funded. This assurance comes at a critical time, with residents increasingly vocal about service delivery shortfalls, load shedding, and water interruptions. The revenue surge was largely driven by higher service charges. Electricity and water tariffs are expected to rise significantly, placing pressure on both households and businesses already grappling with inflation and economic strain. 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 ✕ 'Revenue for 2025/26 reflects a 9.3% increase compared to the previous year. This increase is primarily driven by service charges, which account for the largest share of the City's revenue base,' she said. According to Arnolds, electricity service charges are budgeted at R25.6 billion, water and wastewater charges will generate approximately R20 billion. Property rates are expected to generate R18.1 billion, and fuel levy allocations from National Treasury will amount to R4.57 billion. Increased property rates and refuse collection fees further contribute to the city's projected income, she said. While these moves are necessary to keep the city functioning, they risk deepening inequality in communities already under economic stress. As Johannesburg enters the new fiscal year, the question remains: can this ambitious budget restore public confidence and deliver real change on the ground? Arnolds is betting R89 billion that it can. 'The Joburg we want is not separate from the Africa we want - it is the foundation, the test, and the opportunity. Through this budget, Johannesburg is reaffirming its place as a World Class African City,' she said. IOL Politics
