Latest news with #R1.5-million
Daily Maverick
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Judge's sexual harassment hearing pits the old guard against a brave new world
The prolonged Judicial Conduct Tribunal probe into a complaint of sexual harassment lodged against Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge (64) is drawing to a close. Gender expert Dr Lisa Vetten is expected to give evidence on the nature of the power dynamics in this case on 20 June. The complainant, Andiswa Mengo (41), worked as a judge's secretary in the division. It took three years for the complaint to reach the tribunal. In June 2023, a preliminary Judicial Conduct Committee hearing found a prima facie case of gross judicial misconduct and recommended the appointment of the tribunal. The tribunal's chairperson, retired Judge Bernard Ngoepe, has made no secret of his need to fully understand the new language of texts and emojis and its subtexts of bananas, eggplants, dripping syringes and ripe peaches. Ngoepe has not been shy about asking how this modern technology all works. In so doing, he has also educated many of those watching the hearings livestreamed on several platforms who are lay users and need just as much educating. At first Ngoepe was of the opinion the hearings should not be public because they would tarnish the image of the judiciary, but the opposite is true. He also has to determine whether the relationship could have been consensual, as alleged by Mbenenge, who has admitted to the relationship but denied many of the allegations. The advocacy project Judges Matter has been at the forefront of documenting each step of the process and also set out what Ngoepe's options might be. Judges found guilty of misconduct face a range of potential outcomes, from minor corrective measures to impeachment. This is what happened to former Western Cape judge president John Hlophe, who was impeached in March 2024. The tribunal had ordered 'drunk driving' former judge Nkola Matata, who was also impeached at the same time as Hlophe, to pay a R1.5-million fine. According to Judges Matter, for less serious offences, punishments might include 'an apology, reprimand or corrective training, with the judge potentially paying for these measures'. A gross misconduct finding could lead to impeachment with the Judicial Service Commission recommending removal from office, requiring a two-thirds vote by the National Assembly. Clash of wor(l)ds Mbenenge's team of legal heavyweights, advocates Muzi Sikhakhane and Griffiths Madonsela, are old-style patriarchs who might view the entire matter as 'woke', but they are up against an equally pugnacious team. This includes the evidence leader, advocate Salomé Scheepers, and Mengo's counsel, advocate Nasreen Rajab-Budlender. What has played out at the tribunal since it kicked off in January is a microcosm of the greater clash between the old and the new, including the law and language and 'culture' itself. What has also been highlighted is the kind of professional conduct that is legislated and enforceable in the public workplace in South Africa. Some of the women who have testified and appear to have 'thrown' the male old guard include legal forensic linguist Dr Zakeera Docrat. She gave expert testimony with regard to the context of the WhatsApp messages between Mbenenge and Mengo, and the meaning of a range of emojis. The old boys had no idea whom they were dealing with and seemed startled to learn quite late into Docrat's testimony that she speaks, reads and understands isiXhosa. She had made no attempt to show this off. Then these guys wanted to know her 'route' to this 'legal forensic linguist' qualification. Where did she get this qualification? What is it actually? And so forth. Docrat had nothing to prove and rattled off her illustrious academic career, which includes the goal of ensuring justice is attainable for speakers of all 12 languages in South Africa. What to do? Sikhakhane and Madonsela objected to Vetten's late addition as an expert gender witness, claiming this was irrelevant and that the matter was too far down the line for new arguments. Ngoepe, aware that all eyes are on him and that the new territory here may make many feel out of their depth, allowed Vetten's evidence to be heard. The entire tribunal and the public nature of the hearing has highlighted the issue of sexual harassment of women in the workplace. But was Mbenenge's conduct so gross that it warrants impeachment? Mbenenge, as Judges Matter has noted, 'is highly regarded as a senior lawyer. As judge president, he is credited with transforming the Eastern Cape High Court division through unifying the disparate seats and attracting some of South Africa's finest legal minds to serve as judges of that court'. Mbenenge is the second-most senior judge president and the sixth-most senior judge in judicial leadership in South Africa. This is the first major case of sexual harassment to reach the formal complaints process of the Judicial Service Commission and the first time a judge is being formally investigated by a tribunal for sexual harassment. DM This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Rare E30 BMW 333i auctioned off for a record R3.5-million
1991 E30 BMW 325iS Evo 1 had bidders in a frenzy before being sold for R1.5-million. In the mid-1980s, BMW South Africa took it upon themselves to manufacture a limited number of the 145kW E30 BMW 333i. As a homegrown high-performance model to rule the road and possibly with a thought of hitting local racetracks too. But it was only with the advent of Opel producing their own homegrown 125kW Kadett Superboss in the early 1990s, which was 100% made to dominate local racing, that the first 145kW E30 BMW 325iS Evo 1 became a reality to take on this hot-hatch and regain their racing crown. BMW 333i sets new record Who would have thought back then that these cars would be such collector's items today, but a showstopping 1987 E30 BMW 333i in rare Henna Red with power steering stole the spotlight a recent Creative Rides auction. It hammered down at a staggering R3.5 million (including buyers commission) – a new high for the model. Also commanding fierce bidding was a 1991 BMW 325iS Evo 1, which had buyers in a frenzy before settling at an equally impressive R1.5 million. Creative Rides roared into 2025 with a triumphant start to the year, delivering stellar results in both its showroom sales and much-anticipated March online evening auction. The exclusive event drew in an impressive crowd of over 200 collectors, enthusiasts, as well as online spectators and bidders to set a new benchmark for participation. The auction featured 33 hand-picked collector cars, with BMWs emerging as the undisputed stars of the night as already mentioned. ALSO READ: South Africa's own: Story behind the BMW 333i and 325iS Cadillac gets in on the action Another noteworthy highlight was the unrestored Estate Late Cadillac 62 Series Convertible, which achieved a remarkable R500 000, showing that American classics continue to hold their ground among collectors. The excitement didn't end with the gavel. In the days following the auction, Creative Rides successfully concluded numerous showroom deals. Creative Rides continues to attract the attention of serious collectors and sellers alike. Most importantly, numerous rare and exciting collector cars and private collections have recently been consigned to Creative Rides and will be showcased and offered for sale throughout 2025: promising another record-breaking year for the brand. ALSO READ: WATCH: Rare BMW e30 333i sells for R3 million on auction Strong collector's market 'We're thrilled by the response to our first major auction of the year,' said Creative Rides CEO Kevin Derrick. 'The turnout, the energy, and the prices achieved, especially for the BMWs, show just how strong the market is for quality collector cars.' Creative Rides plans to break more records and deliver even more automotive icons to passionate buyers across the country during the rest of the year.
The Citizen
02-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Unpacking KwaDukuza budget red flags with the iLembe Chamber
Concerns over KwaDukuza municipality's proposed 2025/26 budget are mounting, with the iLembe Chamber of Commerce warning that key risks could impact the municipality's financial stability. According to the chamber, one of the biggest issues is the ongoing shortfall in KwaDukuza's electricity department, with a projected deficit of R160.3-million for 2025/26. Despite plans to introduce smart metering and upgrade infrastructure, the chamber noted that no clear targets for reducing electricity losses had been set in the new budget. In the past financial year, 25.67% of electricity distributed was lost through technical failures and theft, costing the municipality R321.2-million. This continued inefficiency not only erodes revenue but also threatens the municipality's sustainability. The chamber warned that KwaDukuza's financial health remains heavily dependent on high revenue collection rates and the successful rollout of revenue-enhancement strategies. Worryingly, the municipality's ongoing reliance on internal reserves to fund capital projects poses a long-term risk to its financial future. Chamber CEO Cobus Oelofse said the projected 161.8% increase in cash reserves for 2025/26 appeared 'unrealistic' and would likely come at the cost of critical spending. 'Chasing cash reserve targets without investing adequately in capital projects, repairs and maintenance puts essential services at risk,' said Oelofse. Capital investment plans also face major setbacks. The budget outlines a 76% drop in capital expenditure, reflecting falling national government grants and limited borrowing capacity. This despite deputy mayor Sicelinjabulo Cele's call for more infrastructure investment at last week's mayoral imbizo at Umhlali Prep. Oelofse said declining capital spend, combined with missed infrastructure project targets and procurement delays, raised serious doubts about the municipality's ability to deliver on its own plans. Repairs and maintenance spending also remains critically low, budgeted at just 2.6% of the value of municipal property and equipment – far below the 8% national benchmark. The chamber also expressed disappointment over governance and security plans. Despite the major theft from KwaDukuza's bank account earlier this year, the budget shows no significant investment in strengthening internal audit capacity or IT security. Outsourced internal auditing has been reduced, and there is no mention of an IT system audit. It was also noted that ratepayers would bear the cost of ongoing fraud investigations, with the investigation budget jumping from R1.5-million to R12-million. The chamber warned that without urgent changes, the budget risks weakening essential services and undermining public trust. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
