Latest news with #R1.5-million
The Citizen
29-07-2025
- The Citizen
Hercules cable theft suspects arrested after alert resident tips off police
An armed robbery at a storage site west of Pretoria has led to arrests, after community vigilance and a rapid response from both police and private security helped intercept stolen goods. Three suspects are in police custody after stealing about R1.5-million worth of cables from a municipal storage depot in Hercules. The robbery took place on July 28, when four armed men stormed the depot and held the four on-duty security officers at gunpoint. The security officers were tied up, their mobile phones confiscated, and they were taken to the back of the building, where two of the suspects guarded them. 'The remaining two suspects moved to the front of the building and were later joined by additional accomplices. Two trucks arrived on the scene and began loading electrical cables, with an estimated value of R1.5-million,' said SAPS spokesperson, Captain Johan van Dyk. Van Dyk said thanks to a vigilant community member, who saw the suspicious activity and immediately alerted the Hercules SAPS, two patrol vehicles, along with private security guards, responded swiftly and began searching for the trucks. One of the trucks, accompanied by a silver BMW, was located in Bremer Street. As SAPS officers intercepted the vehicles, the suspects tried to flee on foot. A chase ensued, resulting in the successful arrest of three suspects. After finding and searching the truck, police recovered a large quantity of electrical and copper cables, as well as three pairs of gloves. A search of the BMW yielded seven Mandrax tablets and false number plates. The arrested suspects have been charged with business robbery and possession of suspected stolen property. An investigation is continuing to identify and trace other suspects. Ward 1 councillor Leon Kruyshaar believes the suspects fled into a nearby informal settlement when intercepted by the police, and that the perpetrators are members of a larger syndicate responsible for cable theft in the area. 'As you know, cable theft is quite a continuous issue in our area. They have been stealing cables for the longest time, and not only have they been stealing from our ports, but they've also been stealing the cables underground,' said Kruyshaar. 'There are trenches they dig in the middle of the night and steal them [cables]. Overhead cables as well, the theft of municipal infrastructure is just out of hand in our area, and an arrest like this is exactly what we need. 'The criminals need to know that we are not just going to sit back; eventually, they'll be caught. It takes time, it takes a lot of investigations and so forth, but they are curbing this. 'Probably not at the rate that we want, because the price of copper is currently at R170 a kilogram, so the theft will continue, but we'll do everything we can to stop this.' Kruyshaar expressed his gratitude for the authorities' efforts, as he said that cable theft is an issue that won't stop in his ward. Residents with any information regarding the fourth suspect or anyone else involved with the crime are asked to contact their local authorities. SAPS urges the public to remain alert and to report any suspicious activity or information that may assist ongoing investigations. Tip-offs can be reported anonymously via Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS App. Watch: Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
Daily Maverick
25-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Nomusa Dube-Ncube: a journey from KZN premier to deputy minister amid controversy and challenges
From holding MEC positions to becoming the first female premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Nomusa Dube-Ncube is now the new Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training after Cyril Ramaphosa axed Nobuhle Nkabane and promoted Buti Manamela as Minister of Higher Education. KwaZulu-Natal's first female premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, takes over as new Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training – despite her name appearing on the controversial list of Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) board chairs that led to the removal of Nobuhle Nkabane as Higher Education and Training Minister. President Cyril Ramaphosa swore in Dube-Ncube as deputy minister and Buti Manamela as minister in Parliament on 22 July. Just a day before Dube-Ncube's appointment was announced on 21 July, her home in the suburb of Kloof in Durban was gutted by a fire. The Sunday World reported that the fire also damaged three cars belonging to her. Her family was unharmed. KZN born and bred Dube-Ncube was born and bred in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN); her political career bloomed in the province, and she holds a doctorate in administration from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Before achieving her PhD – with a doctoral thesis titled 'Legislative and institutional arrangements for poverty alleviation in iLembe District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa' – Dube-Ncube was actively involved in politics. She served as the mayor of the North Central council before it was merged into the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality in 2000. She then served as chief whip of the eThekwini council until she was appointed ambassador to the Czech Republic. During her rise through the ranks, she was supported by the ANC Women's League. She was elected to the KZN legislature in May 2009 and appointed by former premier Zweli Mkhize as the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta). During this period, Dube-Ncube was very involved in governance matters; and encouraged councillors in KZN to use every budgeted cent, bearing in mind that accountability was the ultimate goal. Rotating through departments, she was appointed MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs in May 2019 by the newly elected premier, Sihle Zikalala. On 17 November 2020, Dube-Ncube was appointed MEC for Finance, replacing Ravi Pillay. Issues with the DA When she was still Cogta MEC, the Democratic Alliance (DA) demanded that Dube-Ncube be suspended, alleging Dube-Ncube awarded Brand Partners a communications tender at the Nkandla municipality in December 2017. The letter issued by the DA's Zwakele Mncwango said the contract was worth more than R7.5-million. In a Timeslive article, it was mentioned that Sibusiso Justin Ncube, her deceased husband, was a director of the Brand Partners and had allegedly raked in millions in contracts and tenders. Dube‑Ncube sued Mncwango for R1.5-million for defamation, over his allegation that the Brand Partners tender constituted 'massive corruption'. Then the EFF wasted no time firing shots at Dube-Ncube when she was appointed as KZN premier following Zikalala's resignation after he lost the contest for provincial ANC chair. The EFF's Vusi Khoza reminded Dube-Ncube that under her leadership as Cogta MEC, municipalities collapsed and traditional leaders went unpaid. He also criticised her stint as economic development MEC, pointing out that youth unemployment remained high. Khoza demanded answers about R250-million in drought-relief funds that went missing under her watch. The Hawks and NPA have been probing the matter since 2019, with Dube-Ncube reportedly under investigation. She has, however, dismissed these allegations. When she was premier, Dube-Ncube faced backlash over a collapsing R2.1-billion programme meant to feed more than 2.4 million learners in KZN. Supply delivery was so poor that it triggered a special inquiry into provider accountability and distribution processes. In 2023, Mail & Guardian reported that former ANC KZN chair Siboniso Duma upstaged Dube-Ncube by lifting the Rugby World Cup trophy during the Springboks' victory tour. After her appointment as premier, Duma frequently appeared on government platforms, subtly reminding everyone that he, not Dube-Ncube, was elected as ANC provincial chair. The ANC Women's League stepped in, criticising Duma and triggering a tense clash with the provincial ANC leadership – a conflict many saw as inevitable. Dube-Ncube appeared unfazed. Dube-Ncube was succeeded as premier by Thami Ntuli of the Inkatha Freedom Party following the 2024 provincial election. The Seta list The controversial Seta board chair appointments included the likes of Gwede Mantashe's son Buyambo and former ANC KZN deputy chairperson Mike Mabuyakhulu. Dube-Ncube was listed as the chair for the banking sector Seta (BankSeta). Former minister Nkabane was pressured to withdraw the appointments after MPs labelled them 'corrupt' and amid a public outcry. Spokesman for the Presidency, Vincent Magwenya, told Newzroom Afrika that Dube-Ncube could not 'be held responsible for being proposed and suggested to be appointed to the Seta board. The fact that she is a member of the ANC does not necessarily disqualify her in terms of her leadership experience and the prerequisite qualifications that are required. She has a long government experience, having served in various provisional executive portfolios and having been the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, and so the President does have a great deal of confidence in her ability to discharge her duties.' ANC Chief Whip Sedukanelo Louw said the party welcomed Dube's appointment, recognising her as a committed servant of the people. 'It is important for us to refrain from criticising her appointment, as we must acknowledge that she possesses the necessary skills and experience to perform her duties effectively. […] Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the lives of our community members, advocating for their needs, and addressing the challenges they face,' Louw said. DM
The Citizen
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Mixed Fortunes (and Andrew) at the Durban July
Andrew Fortune's story is well known in racing circles. Preparations for Hollywoodbets Durban July horseracing event at at Greyville in Durban on 30 June 2023. Picture: Nigel Sibanda A highlight of Hollywoodbets Durban July day at Greyville was jockey Andrew Fortune's win in the Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes – which reminded the country of the veteran rider's astonishing career journey. Always a showman and hugely popular with racing fans, Fortune outdid himself as he stood up in the irons and saluted the capacity crowd as his mount Double Grand Slam (15-10 favourite) cruised to victory in the Grade 1, R1.5-million, 1 600 metre contest. As trainer Justin Snaith and owner representatives led the four-year-old filly into the winner's circle before the main grandstand, Fortune waved his crop like an orchestra conductor, milking the applause and cheers for all he was worth. ALSO READ: Somizi arrives in a chopper, stealing the show with eight outfit changes at the Hollywoodbets Durban July From drug addiction to champion jockey Fortune might be in trouble with the stipes for this bit of fun, but they'd have to be hard-hearted to punish the 57-year-old harshly. His story is well known in racing circles. From drug addiction, recovery, to becoming champion jockey, to retiring and being assistant trainer to his wife, to having his weight soar to 80kg, to returning to the saddle with an epic loss of 30kg-plus. Since his amazing return to riding a few months ago, he has registered nearly 40 winners. The Grade 1 trophy on Durban July day was a pinnacle no-one would have contemplated. Sympathy was due current champion jockey Richard Fourie, who has routinely partnered Double Grand Slam, but is contracted to ride for Ridgemont Stud, sponsor of the Garden Province. Fourie was booked aboard Ridgemont's Mon Petit Cherie – who was runner up to Double Grand Slam. READ MORE: 'Shrewdies' to make July Quartet pay big It was Fourie's third second-placing at the meeting, with the biggest disappointment being his narrow defeat on Hollywoodbets Durban July favourite Eight On Eighteen, beaten just 0.25 lengths by The Real Prince. The champ did have the consolation of a win in the Splashout Golden Horseshoe, a Grade 2 juvenile feature, aboard Anotherdanceforme for PE trainer Alan Greeff. By contrast, legendary golfer and racing nut Gary Player would have been a happy chap after the spectacular day at Greyville. He is a part owner – with Drakenstein Stud and Dave MacLean – of Double Grand Slam. He is also a part owner of King Pelles, the four-year-old who dominated the Grade 3 Gold Vase and is now a clear favourite for the Gold Cup later in the month. And he part-owns Gold Vase runner up Holding Thumbs, who runs in his black and white colours.
The Citizen
05-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
‘Shrewdies' to make July Quartet pay big
Confederate at 40-1, Atticus Finch at 28-1 and My Best Shot at 25-1 might be decent calls. There is almost always a surprise package among the top four finishers in the Durban July, making winning Quartet, Trifecta, Swinger and Exacta bets pay handsomely. On Saturday at Greyville, the July Quartet is predicted to have a pool of R10-million. Three days before the race, the TAB pool was already nearing R1.5-million, so there's a fair chance it will exceed the target. In 2024, all four horses at the head of the July pack were priced in double figures by the bookmakers: winner Oriental Charm at 10-1, runner-up Cousin Casey at 25-1, third-placed Royal Victory at 10-1, and fourth-placed Flag Man at 14-1. The Quartet on that occasion paid a princely R24,359.60. The year before, third-placed Bless My Stars was a 33-1 shot and fourth Do It Again 16-1; in 2022, winner Sparkling Water and second Jet Dark were both surprisingly good value at 16-1 apiece; and in 2020, fourth-placed Golden Ducat at 33-1 helped swell all dividends. This week's 129th running of Africa's greatest race sees one horse, Eight On Eighteen, dominating the betting, meaning other well-fancied runners are comparative long-shots. Second and third favourites Oriental Charm and Immediate Edge are quoted at 8-1 by Betway. But, of course, they will be included in most Quartet selections and won't be pushing out the dividend. Confederate is excellent value So, in search of the real 'roughie' – or 'shrewdie' – to make Saturday's Quartet pay, we must look to deeper reaches of the betting boards. Confederate at 40-1, Atticus Finch at 28-1 and My Best Shot at 25-1 might be decent calls. In particular, Fabian Habib-trained Confederate seems excellent value on a line of form through Fire Attack, who he beat in the SA Classic but who has since had a Grade 1 win and has attained a merit rating eight points higher than him. The gelding has never been out of the first two in nine starts and has New Zealand champion jockey Warren Kennedy – on a mission back on home turf – to help him overcome a widish draw. Every punter is on a budget of some sort, so, to keep the Quartet cost down below R1,000, say, some runners more fancied than the above three will have to be left out. It's a hard game. Suggested Quartet on the Durban July, Race 7, at Greyville on Saturday 5 July: Floating banker 11; with 1,4,6,9,10,14,16 (R840)
Daily Maverick
12-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Drama, deals, disregard – how another 12,000 Nelson Mandela Bay ratepayers were denied a capital budget
In this second report in our series on wards in Nelson Mandela Bay receiving a zero capital budget, Ward 39 is a large residential area that includes suburbs and the peri-urban area of Theescombe. Some of its residents pay the highest rates in Nelson Mandela Bay, and yet its capital budget was reduced from R1.5m to nothing. When Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe joined the residents of Ward 39 at their integrated development plan meeting, she presented them with the 2024 budget instead of the 2025/6 budget. In that 2024 budget, the ward had a capital budget of R1.5-million – but ward councillor Margaret de Andrade and her ward committee soon pointed out to Lobishe that she was presenting the wrong budget. 'I told her there is a zero under capital budget in the new budget,' De Andrade said. 'We received nothing but R100,000 for a humanitarian fund that is almost impossible to access.' The R1.5-millon referred to by Lobishe had, in any event, already been spent on resurfacing part of a crucial road, adding traffic calming measures and fixing a busy sidewalk. This is the second ward in the metro, with mostly ratepaying residents, whose budget has been cut to zero. Ward 8, covering Lorraine, a densely populated area, also had its capital budget reduced to zero. The Nelson Mandela Bay council was to meet for the third time on Thursday to try to pass the budget. But according to a letter seen by Daily Maverick, even the National Treasury has become worried about the numbers – the metro's collection rate is at 73% and the budget is based on a collection rate of 76%. This means that there is a shortfall of R1.3-billion. Grants totalling R900-million from the national government that could have been used for capital projects were returned unspent in the past two financial years. For the current financial year, the metro has only spent 38% of its R1.9-billion capital expenditure budget. While the four wards that received zero capital budgets are wards with Democratic Alliance councillors, De Andrade, who sits on the budget and treasury subcommittee, said many ANC councillors were unhappy with the budgets for their wards. 'Hugely disrespectful' De Andrade, who has been a councillor for 19 years, said she had not had to deal with a zero capital budget before. Water leaks, sewage spills and street lights can still, in theory, be fixed under operational budgets for the metro. 'I want a million rand,' she said. 'We have a track record of looking after a capital budget of a million rand. You can't give me zero.' She said they had asked for specific evidence for this decision. She said over the medium term, the situation didn't look much better as the ward would receive only R500,000 for the next financial year. 'That is just stupid. I can tar maybe 500 metres with it.' Below are the projects the ward presented to the municipality to be taken into account for the Integrated Development Plan and the budget: Walker Drive needs to be resurfaced as it is riddled with potholes; Riverstone Road needs an upgrade and drainage; there needs to be a taxi rank constructed for Kragga Kamma; the railing of the low water bridge in the Kabega Road dip should be fixed. Parts of the ward are in urgent need of high mast lights. A substation needs fencing. Kragga Kamma Road, which carries around 5,000 vehicles a day, needs pedestrian walkways and cycle tracks to cut down on accidents. Walker Drive needs a stormwater upgrade, and several gravel roads in the peri-urban areas need tarring. Trees growing into powerlines have to be cut and old electrical infrastructure must be replaced. The ward also has illegal cables running over busy Kragga Kamma Road that often set the area on fire. De Andrade also asked for this to be dealt with. 'I think our ratepayers accept that 80% of their rates go to other areas, but it is hugely disrespectful to give us no capital budget,' De Andrade said. She said that after receiving advice from a city official, she managed to get R500,000 in unspent money to cut trees before the end of the financial year. She said that as she had her meetings about the zero capital budget, acting city manager Ted Pillay had told her to agree to this budget so that 'they can get it through' as they needed the new electricity tariffs to be approved — they would then adjust the budget in August. The electricity department projects a loss of R1.3-billion for the coming year and needs rates to ensure that it doesn't default on its payments to Eskom. In the current financial year, the municipality has already spent R600-million more on purchasing electricity than it received from sales to the public. 'But I said no,' De Andrade said. 'Councillors are delaying the approval of the budget because we want to see the capital budgets in print before we vote.' Municipality's response Municipal director of communications Sithembiso Soyaya said a mistake had been made in presenting the wrong budget to Ward 39 residents. 'During engagements in Ward 39, it was brought to the municipality's attention that the previous year's budget figures may have been presented during an initial consultation session. This matter is currently under internal review, within the relevant framework, and corrective measures will be implemented to ensure such administrative oversights do not recur. 'The concern has been noted and considered during the revision of the draft budget, and the updated, corrected figures should be reflected in the final 2025/26 budget being presented to Council on Thursday. 'The municipality remains committed to ensuring that communities receive accurate, up-to-date information in all budget consultation processes. 'On the response by the city manager, we wish to clarify the context and emphasise that any amendment to the municipal budget must follow a legally compliant process, as provided for in Section 28 of the Municipal Finance Management Act, which allows for a formal adjustment budget to be adopted by council under defined conditions. 'No informal or arbitrary changes can be made outside this regulated process. The municipality upholds these legislative requirements and remains committed to full compliance with the law.
