Latest news with #Ntuli
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Last chance to enter Durban Fashion Fair
THE eThekwini Municipality is inviting fashion designers from across South Africa to apply for the opportunity to showcase their designs at the 14th annual Durban Fashion Fair (DFF). The DFF, one of Africa's influential fashion events, will take place from September 17 to 19, at The Station Urban Event Space. Applications close on Thursday July 31, 2025. Chairperson of the eThekwini economic development and planning committee, councillor Thembo Ntuli, reaffirmed the city's investment in the programme. ALSO read: Durban Fashion Fair model search kicks off this June He said the showcase is part of the city's broader commitment to developing the creative industry and empowering entrepreneurs in the fashion sector. 'As eThekwini Municipality, we invest in fashion because it drives inclusive economic development and job creation. The programme supports radical economic transformation by empowering emerging creatives. This year, 24 emerging designers have received training and mentorship since March, covering both creative and business aspects. These mentees will have the opportunity to showcase at the DFF in September,' added Ntuli. With the theme, 'The Awakening', the DFF 2025 promises to shine the spotlight on bold creativity, while celebrating local talent and amplifying both new and established voices in the fashion space. Over the past decade, the DFF has grown into a vital platform, not only showcasing fashion, but shaping careers. Many past participants have gained access to buyers, business partnerships, and international opportunities. Makhosi Ntshangase of Sista Fellas, a 2019 DFF mentee and Rising Star winner, credits the showcase for successfully launching her career. 'Apart from the equipment I received, DFF was my key to unlocking doors of opportunity. I learnt the business of fashion, networked, and eventually signed a consignment deal with Edgars. I encourage both emerging and established designers to seize this opportunity as it can elevate your brand.' To apply online, visit the website: For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
KZN Premier Thami Ntuli demands answers from MECs over corruption allegations
KZN Premier Thami Ntuli demands answers from MECs Sipho Hlomuka and Nomagugu Simelane over corruption allegations, vowing swift action once investigations into procurement and contract irregularities are complete. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has demanded written explanations from two of his provincial executive members following serious corruption allegations, and has promised action 'without fear or favour' once he receives their formal responses. Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka is accused of interfering in the R2.9 billion National School Nutrition Programme bidding process. Allegations have emerged that a company he helped start in 2017 is involved in the current tender process. In an interview with Newzroom Afrika earlier this week, Hlomuka claimed he had long since distanced himself from the company. Hlomuka denied current involvement with a company linked to the tender, stating: "In 2015, I opened the company, and I've been participating in several government and private services, but currently I don't own any company." "I am no longer part of the company. Hence, I'm not aware of its activities. If it has received any tenders, that information will come out in the investigation. Let's wait for the process,'' he said. Ntuli said he had contacted both MECs as soon as he became aware of the claims. 'Indeed, when I received these allegations, I did call to alert them, I would be writing to them so that they give me full information regarding the allegations. Hence, I'm waiting for their response by tomorrow, latest by Monday,' he said. Asked whether he believes Hlomuka, Ntuli said the investigation would determine whether any laws were broken in the procurement process. "There are two things: whether the process itself was conducted with integrity or whether there were violations of the laws that regulate the process. Then if it did not, the problem starts," Ntuli said. 'The process will even in fact, point to who has to be held accountable for what might have happened.' Ntuli insisted his office would not shy away from taking decisive action. 'I will take appropriate actions. As soon as I receive the reports, that will inform me what exactly to do. I'm not afraid to take a step because the allegations are serious,' he told broadcaster Newzroom Afrika. Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane is also under scrutiny over claims that her family business may have benefited improperly from government contracts. Ntuli confirmed he requested a formal explanation. 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 only matter that I requested the MEC to provide information about was the one that links her family to benefiting from the provincial government,' he said. Asked about a separate claim involving Simelane allegedly influencing the dismissal of a radio Vuma FM presenter, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, Ntuli said he was only aware of it through 'corridor information' and had received no formal complaint. Ntuli added that Simelane denied any involvement. 'There is no one who complained about that issue. That radio personality never complained, and the radio station never submitted anything to that effect.' Ntuli said he would update the public next week. 'Before the end of next week, I will apprise the public of the appropriate action.' 'There is no space for any wrongdoing in our government. Any acts of maladministration, corruption will always find consequences.' Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL News
The Star
6 days ago
- The Star
Defence in Meyiwa Murder Asks for Charges to Be Dropped as Trial Pauses Again
Staff Reporter | Published 7 hours ago The five men accused of killing Senzo Meyiwa, Muzikawukhulelwa Sthemba Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Ncube, Mthokoziseni Ziphozonke Maphisa, and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli appear in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria. Image: Picture: Oupa Mokoena Independent Newspapers The murder trial of soccer star Senzo Meyiwa took another unexpected turn on Thursday, with lawyers for the five accused telling the court they plan to apply to have all charges dropped. This happened right after the state officially closed its case in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria. State Prosecutor George Baloyi stood up and told the court, 'It is precisely three years since the state started leading evidence. We now formally close our case.' This marks the end of the prosecution's side of the trial. Now, it is up to the defence to decide whether the accused will testify or whether they will try to stop the trial completely by arguing that the state has failed to prove anything against them. Defence lawyers said they plan to bring an application under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act. This law allows a judge to dismiss charges if the state has not shown enough evidence to continue with the trial. Charles Mnisi, who represents accused number three, said they were waiting on a decision from the Legal Aid Board to provide funds for the application. That decision is expected by 6 August. Mnisi then asked the judge to postpone the matter to 7 August, and Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng agreed. But Thursday's court session was not just about legal arguments. There was also more drama over the treatment of accused number five, Fisokuhle Ntuli. Earlier in the week, Ntuli told the court he was being mistreated at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Pretoria. He said he was not allowed to speak to his lawyer or family and was denied basic items he needed in prison. Judge Mokgoatlheng ordered that Ntuli be transferred to Leeuwkop Correctional Centre in Sandton. On Thursday, top officials from Correctional Services came to court to explain the situation. They said Ntuli had been moved to the high-security C Max section of the prison after he was allegedly caught with a cellphone during a search on 8 July. Ntuli denied this and said it was not true. His lawyer, Zandile Mshololo, told the court that his rights were being violated. She insisted that the court's transfer order must remain in place and that her client had been treated unfairly. The area prison boss, Emmanuel Khoza, admitted there had been delays and mistakes but said the court's order had made it harder for the prison to manage discipline. He warned that they might appeal the judge's decision. 'We feel disempowered,' he said. 'But we apologise and commit to making sure the court runs smoothly.' Judge Mokgoatlheng did not back down. 'You can bring a formal application if you want the decision changed,' he said. 'But for now, my order stands.' Mnisi also backed the judge, saying courts have the power to run their processes. He blamed the correctional centre for delaying the court each day. 'This court starts late because accused persons are not brought on time,' he said. The five men on trial — Ntuli, Mnisi's client Mncube, plus Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, and Mthokoziseni Maphisa — are all accused of being involved in the murder of Meyiwa, who was shot at the Vosloorus home of his girlfriend, singer Kelly Khumalo, in 2014. All five have pleaded not guilty to murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. With the state's case now closed and the trial postponed again, the spotlight will now be on the defence. If their application to drop the charges succeeds, it could bring the trial to an early end. The court is set to resume on 7 August.
IOL News
7 days ago
- IOL News
Defence in Meyiwa Murder Asks for Charges to Be Dropped as Trial Pauses Again
The five men accused of killing Senzo Meyiwa, Muzikawukhulelwa Sthemba Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Ncube, Mthokoziseni Ziphozonke Maphisa, and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli appear in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria. Image: Picture: Oupa Mokoena Independent Newspapers The murder trial of soccer star Senzo Meyiwa took another unexpected turn on Thursday, with lawyers for the five accused telling the court they plan to apply to have all charges dropped. This happened right after the state officially closed its case in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria. State Prosecutor George Baloyi stood up and told the court, 'It is precisely three years since the state started leading evidence. We now formally close our case.' This marks the end of the prosecution's side of the trial. Now, it is up to the defence to decide whether the accused will testify or whether they will try to stop the trial completely by arguing that the state has failed to prove anything against them. Defence lawyers said they plan to bring an application under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act. This law allows a judge to dismiss charges if the state has not shown enough evidence to continue with the trial. Charles Mnisi, who represents accused number three, said they were waiting on a decision from the Legal Aid Board to provide funds for the application. That decision is expected by 6 August. Mnisi then asked the judge to postpone the matter to 7 August, and Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng agreed. But Thursday's court session was not just about legal arguments. There was also more drama over the treatment of accused number five, Fisokuhle Ntuli. Earlier in the week, Ntuli told the court he was being mistreated at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Pretoria. He said he was not allowed to speak to his lawyer or family and was denied basic items he needed in prison. Judge Mokgoatlheng ordered that Ntuli be transferred to Leeuwkop Correctional Centre in Sandton. On Thursday, top officials from Correctional Services came to court to explain the situation. They said Ntuli had been moved to the high-security C Max section of the prison after he was allegedly caught with a cellphone during a search on 8 July. Ntuli denied this and said it was not true. His lawyer, Zandile Mshololo, told the court that his rights were being violated. She insisted that the court's transfer order must remain in place and that her client had been treated unfairly. The area prison boss, Emmanuel Khoza, admitted there had been delays and mistakes but said the court's order had made it harder for the prison to manage discipline. He warned that they might appeal the judge's decision. 'We feel disempowered,' he said. 'But we apologise and commit to making sure the court runs smoothly.' Judge Mokgoatlheng did not back down. 'You can bring a formal application if you want the decision changed,' he said. 'But for now, my order stands.' Mnisi also backed the judge, saying courts have the power to run their processes. He blamed the correctional centre for delaying the court each day. 'This court starts late because accused persons are not brought on time,' he said. The five men on trial — Ntuli, Mnisi's client Mncube, plus Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi, and Mthokoziseni Maphisa — are all accused of being involved in the murder of Meyiwa, who was shot at the Vosloorus home of his girlfriend, singer Kelly Khumalo, in 2014. All five have pleaded not guilty to murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. With the state's case now closed and the trial postponed again, the spotlight will now be on the defence. If their application to drop the charges succeeds, it could bring the trial to an early end. The court is set to resume on 7 August.
IOL News
22-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Urgent motion revived by National Assembly to address statutory rape of young girls
The portfolio committees of Social Development, Basic Education, Health, Justice, and Police were mandated to receive submissions on the statutory rape of young girls, review legislation, and if necessary, recommend amendments to enforce mandatory reporting of statutory rape by teachers and nurses. Image: Photographer: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers The National Assembly of South Africa unanimously agreed to revive a motion to investigate statutory rape of young girls and review existing laws for potential amendments. Initially introduced by the EFF in August last year, the motion was read by ANC chief whip Mdumiseni Ntuli to continue the work of committees that were unable to conduct public hearings. Ntuli said the portfolio committees of Social Development, Basic Education, Health, Justice, and Police were mandated to receive submissions on the statutory rape of young girls, review legislation, and if necessary, recommend amendments to enforce mandatory reporting of statutory rape by teachers and nurses. The committees were mandated to report to the House by March 31, 2025, but the actual hearings could not be conducted before the deadline. 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 Ntuli said there was a need for the work of the committees to be pursued as initially intended. He said the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities should lead the statutory rape related work and reporting to the National Assembly by November 30. DA chief whip George Michalakis said it was high time Parliament dealt with this issue of statutory rape, which cuts across various departments, decisively. 'Statutory rape of young girls in this country has become a crisis that needs to be dealt decisively by this Parliament,' Michalakis said. MK Party MP Hazel Mbele said the motion should not just be up for debate but it should be declared a national emergency. 'Right now in our townships, rural villages and even our schools, our children are raped, groomed and destroyed and the system is looking away,' Mbele said. She also said while the Sexual Offences Amendment Act criminalised sex with minors, the law was good as its enforcement. 'How many teachers have we seen walk free after impregnating learners? How many sugar daddies are still driving fancy cars while 15-year-old girls carry their babies and their trauma?' Mbele asked. EFF MP Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi said the motion, that was tabled by former MP Busisiwe Mkhwebane without notice and was adopted, had brought to the attention of the House the alarming crisis of statutory rapes, a crisis highlighting distressing reality that young girls were coerced into premature motherhood and adulthood. 'These victims are often unaware that they are violated and are in urgent need of protection and justice,' Mkhaliphi said. ANC MP Oscar Mathafa said research showed that South Africa has extremely high rate of teenage pregnancies as one in four girls fall pregnant before they turn 20, and that out of 122,302 that gave birth in 2023/24, 2,616 were aged between 10 and 14. He said the statistics were a disjuncture to the Sexual Offences Amendment Act that prescribes that girls under the age of 12 can't give consent to sex. Mathafa said there was need for a collective effort to address teenage pregnancies with families being involved, and parents and guardians should report to authorities. 'The times of mediatory discussion among perpetrators and family members of victims cannot continue,' he said. Cape Argus
