Latest news with #Pretoria-based
IOL News
20 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
'The police don't work!' Really? Let's weigh critique against evidence
Members of the South African Police Service preparing for the 2025 State of the Nation Address at the Castle of Good Hope. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers This pejorative chorus echoes from certain corners of society, often lacking context and driven by subjective, biased, and unfair characterisations. These claims, often border on disinformation- and they do a disservice to apparent facts. A simple search reveals the staggering reality: South Africa's correctional centres are critically overcrowded. As of early 2025, approximately 167,300 inmates are housed in facilities built for just 107,346 - an excess of about 60,000 individuals, resulting in an overcrowding rate of 56%. These aren't minor offenders- they include murderers, rapists, hijackers, and other hardened criminals. Let it be made abundantly clear: these inmates did not walk into custody voluntarily. Complex SAPS intelligence-led driven investigations - were coordinated by diligent, dedicated, hardworking men and women in blue, to bring about watertight cases resulting in these convictions. For instance – just recently, we have witnessed no less than noteworthy – prominent cases being brought before courts – whose outcomes were severe convictions – while others are still awaiting trials and sentences – among them they includes: Sibusiso Ncengwa, convicted for the murder of Sindiso Magaqa, was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by the Pietermaritzburg High Court on 7 July 2025. His co-accused, Sbonelo Myeza and Mbulelo Mpofana, will face trial in October 2025. Six suspects were arrested in connection with the murder of Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes and Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane, executed in Durban on 10 February 2023. Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, a Pretoria-based tenderpreneur, was also arrested in May 2025 following a high-profile investigation. He faces charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering, all linked to a botched hit on actress Tebogo Thobejane. But that's just the surface. 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 ✕ His company, Medicare24, cancelled by the National Commissioner of Police Fannie Masemola upon realizing that there was something untoward – when it was controversially awarded a R360 million health services tender. In July 2025, four suspects - including alleged mastermind KT Molefe and former police detective Michael Tau - were arrested for the murder of DJ Sumbody, gunned down in Woodmead in November 2022. Firearms recovered from the scene are linked to ten other high-profile cases. Meanwhile, SAPS commercial crime investigators made significant strides: At least 12 Eskom employees were arrested for corruption-related offences in 2024/25, working with NAT JOINTS and internal security teams. Eight Transnet-linked individuals, including former executives, were arrested between July 2024 and June 2025: Brian Molefe, Siyabonga Gama, Anoj Singh, and Thamsanqa Jiyane - for a R93 million locomotive tender fraud. Zakhele Lebelo and Phathutshedzo Mashamba - for R10 million in kickbacks. Garry Pita - for irregular payments in the broader procurement scandal. These breakthroughs stem from meticulous investigations into state capture-era contracts - proof that the system works when led and given the support it deserves. We are witnessing progress within state-owned entities - locomotives are transporting people and goods to their various destinations; the restoration of Eskom has brought a halt to loadshedding – whose impact have severely devastated the economy, and energy is fuelling optimism and economic momentum. While internal controls by various state owned entities deserve recognition, we must not overlook the crucial role of SAPS investigators in safeguarding national integrity. Their work against complex white-collar crime is indispensable. To those who peddle cynicism and misinformation: dissent is valid, and holding institutions accountable is necessary. But criticism must be equitable, principled, and evidence-based - not reactive, selective, or prejudicial. 'When criticism is done objectively – with the intention to develop – and empower – will be the first to acknowledge our fallibilities and take corrective measures to improve – service delivery' says the National Commissioner, Fannie Masemola. * Thabo Moetji, South African Police Service (SAPS) Media Liaison. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Maca Scents: How a husband-and-wife duo is redefining affordable luxury in fragrance
Pretoria-based Maca Scents was founded by Siya and Trycia Simelane. Image: Supplied. What started as a side hustle and a love for smelling good has blossomed into a thriving fragrance brand gaining traction both locally and beyond. Pretoria-based Maca Scents, founded by Siya and Trycia Simelane, is quietly but confidently disrupting South Africa's perfume industry, offering high-quality, affordable fragrances with a personal touch. At its core, Maca Scents is rooted in an inspiring entrepreneurial journey, a clear sense of purpose, and a deep understanding of what customers really want from their scent experience: authenticity, inclusivity, and lasting power. From distributor to brand builder Before launching his own brand, Siya Simelane spent years distributing perfumes for other companies. But a persistent thought lingered, why build someone else's legacy when you can build your own? 'As a distributor, it always felt like I was helping grow someone else's brand,' Siya said. 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 ✕ 'I always intended on eventually making the shift and building my own. Every time I bounced ideas off my wife, then my girlfriend, she would always say, 'Just do it!' Eventually, I did,' he told Business Report. The pandemic might have been a time of global uncertainty, but for Siya, it offered clarity. With business slowing down, he returned to the drawing board and began mapping out his dream, what would eventually become Maca Scents, officially launched in 2020. A brand for everyone who wants to smell their best Guided by the philosophy that 'everyone deserves to smell their best,' Maca Scents is reshaping the local fragrance market by blending premium perfume oil concentrations with minimalist packaging, all at accessible price points. 'We do our best to maximise the quality of perfume we produce,' Siya said. 'But we keep the packaging classy and no-frills. While navigating an industry defined by exclusivity and luxury pricing, we've found that simplicity is not only sustainable but also speaks to our audience,' he added. Inclusivity is another cornerstone of the Maca Scents brand. Siya's inspiration to cater for people with sensitive sinuses and skin came from his own family. 'My mom struggled with sinus issues, and my wife had both sinus and skin sensitivity. It opened my eyes to how many people are excluded from the fragrance experience.' What sets Maca Scents apart Siya and Trycia Simelane, is quietly but confidently disrupting South Africa's perfume industry, offering high-quality, affordable fragrances with a personal touch. Image: Supplied. Unlike many international and local brands that flood South Africa's shelves with Eau de Toilette (EDT) formulas, Maca Scents prioritises Eau de Parfum (EDP) and Extrait de Parfum, more concentrated and longer-lasting perfume types. 'In 2024, we launched our Intense range, Extrait de Parfum, which has double the oil concentrate of an average EDP. Customers are often surprised by how much longer our scents last compared to their usual buys,' Siya said. To further support the evolving needs of their market, the brand also introduced refillable perfume atomisers, compact, travel-friendly, and reusable options that encourage sustainability while letting customers sample different fragrances. Their home fragrance range and upcoming car diffusers are a natural extension of the brand. 'We recently launched wedding fragrance packages at the Bridal Expo and received incredible feedback. Our goal is to offer a complete, sensory experience,' he said. Building customer loyalty one scent at a time While Maca Scents operates primarily online via the brand maintains strong personal connections with its customers—thanks to on-the-ground activations, markets, and expos in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, North West and KwaZulu-Natal. 'Our customers range from those who love the finer things in life to someone who just wants to smell good while doing a grocery run. We want to be their one-stop shop. Many people don't know the difference between EDT, EDP, and Parfum. We make it a point to explain that, without gatekeeping,' Siya added. Entrepreneurship, family, and the road ahead With over four years under their belt, Siya and Trycia run Maca Scents as a tight-knit, family-driven business. Siya holds a BCom qualification and has a background in sales across industries like lighting, publishing, and electrical supplies. Trycia, a Social Sciences graduate, is an integral part of the operation, managing logistics, testing new scents, and being, as Siya puts it, 'my sounding board, guinea pig and most useful support structure.' Looking to the future, Siya envisions a self-sustaining fragrance house with a respected place in South Africa's beauty industry. 'I see Maca Scents becoming a household name. Once it's strong enough to stand on its own, I'd love to explore new ventures,' he said. Siya and Trycia Simelane, is quietly but confidently disrupting South Africa's perfume industry, offering high-quality, affordable fragrances with a personal touch. Image: Supplied. For now, the duo continues to focus on expanding their reach, exploring retail partnerships, and beefing up their digital marketing efforts, including plans to bring on a dedicated team for social media growth. A legacy of accessibility and quality Maca Scents isn't just about smelling good, it's about making quality accessible and building a brand that reflects both ambition and heart. With its unique blend of affordability, education, and high-performance fragrances, Maca Scents is proving that the scent of success doesn't have to come with a luxury price tag. BUSINESS REPORT
IOL News
4 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Exclusive: Edward Motale tips Pirates to finally end Mamelodi Sundowns' PSL dominance
COACH Abdeslam Ouaddou;s experience of playing in top leagues is expected to help him at Orlando Pirates. | Orlando Pirates Image: OP/Facebook ORLANDO Pirates legend Edward Motale is confident that the Soweto giants have done enough in the current transfer window to not only mount a serious challenge against Mamelodi Sundowns, but to bring an end to the Pretoria-based side's dominant reign at the top of South African football. The Buccaneers have not lifted the league title since the 2011/12 season, but after pushing closer to the top during the previous campaign than they have in recent years – even though they ultimately finished 13 points behind champions Sundowns – there's a renewed sense of optimism in Orlando. A large part of that comes from their activity in the market, with several new signings boosting hopes that they can go all the way this time. Pirates will also head into the new campaign under new leadership following the departure of head coach Jose Riveiro to Egyptian giants Al Ahly at the end of last season. Moroccan tactician Abdeslam Ouaddou has already taken over, and he has inherited a team that reached the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League and also played in the Nedbank Cup final. 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. 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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 ✕ Despite missing out on silverware in the final stretch – with only the MTN8 trophy to show for their efforts – the team showed significant progress, and expectations are once again high for the upcoming season. Motale, a former Bucs defender who played a key role in the club's historic 1995 CAF Champions League-winning side, believes that Pirates have what it takes to not only compete with Sundowns but to finally surpass them. 'The club knows where they went wrong last season,' Motale told Independent Newspapers. 'Before the coach left, he even admitted that they were too confident in certain matches and dropped points against so-called smaller teams – that's where they lost the title. 'The fact that they've already acknowledged what cost them shows a team that's learning and growing. That gives me the belief that this season they won't just be challengers – they will go all the way and win the league.' The Sea Robbers recently concluded a pre-season tour in Spain, which gave new coach Ouaddou a valuable opportunity to assess his squad in competitive conditions. The trip also allowed him to experiment with combinations and get a clearer picture of the team's depth heading into what could be a demanding campaign. Motale praised the value of the tour, saying it gave many players a chance to prove themselves while also helping the coaching staff make informed decisions ahead of their MTN8 title defence. 'I saw the last two matches of the tour,' Motale continued. 'You can't judge too much from only a few games, but it was important for every player to get game time. 'It was also an opportunity for the coach to see who fits where, to try out combinations. 'I don't think he'll struggle with a large squad. In fact, I suspect that even in those four matches, he has already figured out a few preferred combinations and maybe even his best starting eleven. 'He played at the highest level, and when someone has that kind of experience, it doesn't take long to spot your top players. He'll know who to go with.' The Buccaneers will kick off the defence of their MTN8 title against Polokwane City on August 2 at the Orlando Stadium, with the league season set to begin soon after.
The South African
16-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Johan Ackermann gets Bulls top job
The Vodacom Bulls have confirmed the appointment of Johan Ackermann as head coach ahead of the 2025/26 season. The former Springbok lock and three-time South African Coach of the Year joins the Pretoria-based franchise after a coaching stint with the Junior Springboks during the ongoing World Rugby U20 Championship. Ackermann, 54, returns to Loftus Versfeld with a strong coaching résumé that includes domestic, international, and overseas experience. He replaces Jake White as head coach and will formally begin his role following the U20 final in Italy. Speaking from Italy, where he is assisting the SA U20 team, Ackermann described the Bulls job as a significant moment in his coaching career. 'The moment I received the call, I got goosebumps. It's a privilege and an honour to coach a team with such tradition and passionate supporters,' he said. 'The Bulls are already in a strong position; my focus is on building on that and helping them grow further.' Willem Strauss, president of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, said Ackermann's ties to the Bulls and his coaching credentials made him the ideal candidate. 'Johan's blood is blue,' said Strauss. 'He played for the Bulls, made his Test debut at Loftus, and is a Carlton League legend. His management of people and ability to build team culture are well known.' Blue Bulls Company CEO Edgar Rathbone said the appointment aligns with the franchise's long-term goals. 'Johan Ackermann is a proven leader and developer of talent. His coaching track record speaks for itself. He's someone who understands the values of this union and can build on the foundations already in place,' said Rathbone. Ackermann made 13 Test appearances for South Africa between 1996 and 2007, and became the oldest Springbok debutant at age 37. After retiring from playing in 2008, he began his coaching career with the Lions, where he progressed from forwards coach to head coach in 2013. During his tenure, the Lions reached consecutive Super Rugby finals and established a high-tempo, structured playing style. Ackermann also coached the South Africa 'A' side in 2016 and 2017. He then spent three years coaching Gloucester Rugby in England, guiding the club to a European Challenge Cup final and an English Premiership semi-final. More recently, he worked in Japan with NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes and Urayasu D-Rocks. Ackermann returned to South African rugby in early 2025 as part of the Junior Springbok management team and has been involved in their campaign at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy. DO YOU THINK JOHAN ACKERMANN WILL SUCCEED AT THE BULLS? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Star
13-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Pretoria Sangoma predicts Cabinet reshuffle for Mchunu, not suspension
A Pretoria-based sangoma claims President Cyril Ramaphosa will not suspend embattled Police Minister Senzo Mchunu but will instead implement a broader Cabinet reshuffle, which may include two other under-fire ministers. Solly Mathebula, known as 'Mkhulu Mahlasela' from Mamelodi, said his bone-throwing reading shows that Ramaphosa will opt to reassign Mchunu to a different portfolio rather than suspending him following allegations of interference in police operations. 'The bones are saying that Ramaphosa will not suspend Mchunu,' he said. Political parties have been calling on Ramaphosa to show Mchunu the door after the allegations. 'He will move him to another department to avoid interference with the investigations. This way, he keeps him active while ensuring the investigations continue.' Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation at 7pm on Sunday. Mkhulu Mahlasela's predictions come after Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi last week accused Mchunu of protecting criminal networks and interfering in police investigations. He alleged that Mchunu disbanded the Political Killings Task Team in March, withdrawing 121 active dockets, many linked to political killings. Mkhwanazi presented WhatsApp messages, SA Police Service (SAPS) documents, and cellphone records as evidence of a coordinated effort to dismantle the task team. He also implicated Brown Mogotsi, a 'comrade' of Mchunu, in communicating with suspects, including business tycoon Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, who secured a R360 million police contract in 2024. However, the controversial contract was later scrapped. According to Mkhwanazi, Mogotsi informed Matlala that the unit was disbanded and that SAPS crime detection head Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya had assumed control of the dockets. Financial links allegedly connect Mchunu, Mogotsi, and Matlala to political events and fundraisers. 'This was no accident,' Mkhwanazi said. 'It was a calculated move to shield a criminal syndicate embedded in law enforcement and politics.' Since its formation in 2018, the task team handled 612 cases and secured more than 100 convictions. Mkhwanazi said efforts to disband it escalated after experts linked weapons to high-profile assassinations. In a December 2024 letter to Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Fannie Masemola, Mchunu claimed the unit had 'outlived its usefulness.' However, Masemola later denied authorising its closure. Mkhulu Mahlasela, who has been reading the bones for more than 15 years, said Mchunu is not the only Cabinet minister likely to be moved. He predicted that Higher Education Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane will also be reassigned following backlash over the controversial appointments to SETA boards. This comes after the appointment of politically connected individuals to SETA boards, including the son of Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe, Buyambo and former KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dr Dube-Ncube, were appointed during the now-reversed process. 'Nkabane will be reshuffled,' said Mkhulu Mahlasela. 'Ramaphosa won't fire her either, but will just assign someone else temporarily while investigations continue.' Social Development Minister Sisi Tolashe, responsible for the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), may also face consequences due to issues related to delayed social grant payments. 'The bones say Ramaphosa will act on SASSA issues. There's fraud happening inside the department involving tenders and constant social grants payments delays," said Mkhulu Mahlasela. SASSA, however, previously denied claims that grants have been suspended. In a July 7 statement, the agency said the delays were due to a mandatory national review process targeting beneficiaries with potential undeclared income. 'There has been no suspension of social grants,' SASSA said. 'Grants are delayed only until recipients complete the required reviews.' SASSA CEO Themba Matlou added that the process ensures grants are not issued to the deceased or those no longer eligible. Mkhulu Mahlasela further warned that Mkhwanazi 'needs to be protected' following his explosive allegations. He says the bones say that Ramaphosa may elevate Mkhwanazi to a higher position within SAPS to silence him. 'Ramaphosa is very intelligent… If he does not renew Mkhwanazi's contract, it will raise red flags,' he said. 'He will promote him to a much higher position, not to reward him, but to silence him.' Mkhulu Mahlasela also accused Sibiya of interfering with police investigations and withholding crucial information. 'Sibiya is hiding a lot… His name appears in many of these allegations,' he said. Meanwhile, the nation awaits Ramaphosa's response following mounting calls for accountability. [email protected] IOL
