Latest news with #R108
Eyewitness News
3 days ago
- Health
- Eyewitness News
Gauteng DSD: No jobs in HIV and AIDS programme will be lost despite R108m budget shortfall
JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng's Department of Social Development is facing a R108 million shortfall in its HIV and AIDS programme budget, but officials insist no jobs will be lost. Treasury has slashed funding to R332 million in 2025, down from R440 million, forcing the department to restructure operations while trying to protect services for vulnerable groups. The commitment? To keep social workers, community carers and child and youth care workers employed and to continue funding non-profits supporting those affected by HIV. The department said all psycho-social services — including those offered to orphans, vulnerable children and HIV-positive households — will continue uninterrupted. Those who deliver them — including auxiliary social workers and registered community carers — will remain on payroll. Food relief, however, will now be handled centrally through distribution centres run by the sustainable livelihoods unit as part of a move to streamline resources. The department argues this shift will still prioritise households with no income and is part of a longer-term strategy to capacitate communities instead of relying on ongoing aid. And while incentive grant funding for work opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) has dropped dramatically since 2023, social development says job numbers have been maintained, thanks to reallocation from its main budget.
IOL News
4 days ago
- IOL News
How Kim White Towne's family is fighting to bring her home after her murder in the US
Kim White Towne's family is fighting to repatriate her remains after she was allegedly murdered in the US by her husband. They have launched a BackaBuddy campaign to cover the costs, with Lauren Delcarme writing on behalf of the family: 'The process of repatriating a loved one's remains is both complex and costly. Expenses possibly include cremation, documentation, and international transport. The estimated cost to bring Kim home ranges from $4 000 to $6 000.' Towne, 32, died on 25 May, with her husband Alexander Towne simply telling emergency services in a 911 that he doesn't think 'she's with us any longer.' Inside their home in West Virginia, authorities found the lifeless body of his wife, Kim. She had been strangled, while their toddler son was in another room. Kim, originally from Parklands, had visible upper body trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene. Delcarme wrote further as part of the campaign to repatriate her body: "We are reaching out to our community and beyond to ask for your support in raising the funds needed to reunite Kim with her family and homeland. Your generous contribution will go directly toward covering the costs of her repatriation and memorial in South Africa." At the time of writing, they have raised R102 134, about 95% of their R108 000 goal. Of the incident, Kim's brother Jason White says: 'Kim was in love. Then she found out she was pregnant. In Dubai, having a child outside of marriage is a big issue, so they got married in December 2021.' After the wedding, the couple relocated to South Africa, first settling in Milnerton before moving to Gordon's Bay. When their baby turned three-months old, Alex returned to the US to secure Kim's visa, which would allow her to move and join him there.
The South African
7 days ago
- General
- The South African
BackaBuddy campaign launched to repatriate body of Cape Town woman murdered in US
A BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign has been launched to assist the family of Kim White Towne, a 32-year-old Capetonian who was murdered by her American husband in Chantilly in the state of Virginia. The campaign aims to raise funds for the repatriation of her remains to South Africa so that she can be laid to rest among her loved ones. Towne's tragic death, reportedly at the hands of her husband during a domestic dispute, has left her family devastated and facing a financially overwhelming situation. The campaign, organised by Lauren Delcarme, is titled 'Bring Kim Home' and, at the time of publishing, has already raised R88 404 of its R108 000 target. 'Kim was a vibrant and cherished member of our family whose warmth, kindness and gentle spirit touched everyone she met,' said Delcarme on the campaign page. 'Her sudden and untimely death has left us in profound grief, and we are faced with the heartbreaking task of bringing her home to South Africa.' Delcarme noted that the costs of repatriation are substantial and include cremation, legal documentation, and international transport, among other formalities. The family is appealing to the public for any contributions to help reunite Kim with her family in Cape Town. Kim White Towne, originally from the Blouberg area, had moved to the US to build a life with her husband, with whom she shared a young son. The BackaBuddy page has been flooded with messages of support and heartfelt condolences from friends, family, and even strangers moved by the family's plight. Those wishing to contribute can visit the official BackaBuddy campaign via and search for 'Bring Kim Home' or donate directly to the listed banking details on the campaign page. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
TimesLIVE
7 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Embassy offers help to family of Kim White Towne, alleged GBV victim in US
International relations and co-operation minister Ronald Lamola has offered assistance to the family of Capetonian Kim White Towne, who was allegedly murdered by her American husband. 'Our embassy in Washington DC is providing full consular assistance to the family,' he said while sharing his condolences. Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for the minister, said: 'The circumstances surrounding the tragic death remain under active investigation by the relevant US authorities. Out of respect for the investigative process, the sensitivity of the matter and the privacy of the grieving family, the government will not provide further detailed commentary at this time.' Towne, 32, from the Blouberg area, had moved to Chantilly, Virginia, with her husband Alexander Towne. They had a child together but their relationship was tumultuous and she had moved home for a while before returning to him, according to posts by family members on social media platforms. She was killed on May 25 when he allegedly strangled her during an argument. A BackaBuddy campaign has been launched to help her family pay for the formalities involved with repatriating her remains. So far donations of R84,484 have been pledged, with a goal of R108,000. Organiser Lauren Delcarme said: 'Kim was a vibrant and cherished member of our family whose warmth, kindness and gentle spirit touched everyone she met. 'Her sudden and untimely death has left us in profound grief, and we are faced with the heartbreaking task of bringing her home to SA, where she can be laid to rest among her loved ones. The process of repatriating a loved one's remains is complex and costly. Expenses possibly include cremation, documentation and international transport. We are reaching out to our community and beyond to ask for support in raising the funds needed to reunite Kim with her family and homeland.' Friends are sharing their memories of her, recalling her as 'an amazing person who was always smiling and bringing joy', and who showed 'warmth, humour and kindness' to everyone she knew.
IOL News
19-05-2025
- IOL News
UK man gets two-year suspended term for stealing R108 million gold toilet
A 37-year-old man was given a suspended two-year jail term Monday for his role in stealing a £4.5 million (R108 million) solid-gold toilet from a stately English home. The fully functioning 18-carat artwork was stolen in a five-minute raid on an exhibition at Blenheim Palace -- the birthplace of Winston Churchill -- near Oxford in September 2019. Frederick Doe, 37, was handed a suspended 21-month sentence after being found guilty in March of conspiracy to transfer criminal property, and ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid work. Judge Ian Pringle said Doe had been a "foolish" middleman in the plot. "You had a limited function, you had no personal gain, you had no wider involvement and you were involved for a short period," he said. The toilet artwork dubbed "America" was created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan and had been on display as one of the star attractions at an exhibition in the 18th-century home.
