Latest news with #R12
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Uproar as Tshwane cuts power to three police stations
'Saps Garsfontein was switched off too, but they have a generator. Mamelodi East is using solar power for backup.' Many were confused about the City of Tshwane's decision to cut power to three police stations in the capital as part of its Tshwane Ya Tima campaign to get outstanding accounts up to date. In June, the mayor was criticised for cutting the power to the Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital due to the Gauteng department of health's failure to settle R1.2 million in overdue electricity charges for March and April. ALSO READ: Power still cut at Pretoria police stations as deputy mayor denies getting special treatment Power restored at Police station Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed the power was restored at the Moot police station on Wednesday night, after the supply was disconnected on Tuesday. 'Saps Garsfontein was switched off too, but they have a generator. Mamelodi East is using solar power for backup,' she added. Muridili said police were working with the department of public works and administration to get the power restored and resolve the matter. Credit control needed DA Tshwane caucus spokesperson Jacqui Uys said the City of Tshwane needs to implement its credit control policy to ensure the financial health and future of the city. 'However, this needs to happen fairly and without bias, following the correct intergovernmental processes. 'Currently, the ANC's patronage networks and the deputy mayor's pocket are benefiting while our communities, who deserve police services, are paying the price,' she claimed. Uys said the power cut at Saps Moot was an indication that the deputy mayor's financial interest was more important than the safety of residents. ALSO READ: Water, power and reporting problems persist in Tshwane The City's debt The deputy mayor and MMC of finance Eugene Modise must provide a clear explanation regarding the special treatment of his company, Mzansi Resorts, which owes the city in excess of R20 million and has not had services cut, in relation to Tshwane Ya Tima which on Tuesday cut power to Saps in the Moot,' she said. Modise denied the allegations and rebuffed the opposition's criticism. 'Mzansi is not indebted to the City of Tshwane and does not hold a municipal account with the city. 'If they believe otherwise, they must produce verifiable proof of any municipal account held by Mzansi with the City of Tshwane,' he said. Instead of undermining the efforts of the #TshwaneYaTima campaign, the DA should acknowledge the strides made in optimising revenue collection to strengthen service delivery, Modise said. Southern Sun disconnected The city continued with Tshwane Ya Tima on Thursday, and further disconnected Southern Sun Arcadia due to a R12 million debt. 'No pay, no power. Accountability is not optional,' he said. Modise said Shoprite also settled a R600 000 payment just as the city was about to pull the plug for over R500 000 owed. 'Responsibility isn't a favour – it's a duty. 'Pay your municipal bills,' he said. NOW READ: 'Engineered dysfunction': City of Tshwane disconnects its own water reservoir for non-payment
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
WATCH: Operation Dudula protests Rosettenville hijacked building and illegal connections
Members of the anti-migrant group operating under the slogan Put South Africa First gather at JC Lucas Park in Rosettenville on Saturday morning to protest what they claim are hijacked buildings and illegal electricity connections in the area. Led by Operation Dudula, protesters carry the movement's banner and wave the South African flag while chanting anti-immigrant slogans through the streets, including Main, Verona, Mabel and Violet. Traffic backed up on Main Street The march causes traffic disruptions along Main Street as the group moves through the area. Officials from Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) and City Power are seen at one of the buildings in question. A strong police presence is also evident, comprising officers from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD). @ Traffic backed up on Main Street The march causes traffic disruptions along Main Street as the group moves through the area. Officials from Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) and City Power are seen at one of the buildings in question. A strong police presence is also evident, comprising officers from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD). Full story on ♬ original sound – Southern Courier Claims of hijacked buildings and illegal connections Siphiwe Shabangu, a national executive committee member of Operation Dudula, alleges that the building being inspected is hijacked by Congolese nationals and the City of Johannesburg is not collecting any municipal revenue from it. 'This building is hijacked. There is only one South African staying here, and he works as a caretaker,' says Shabangu. 'The City is losing revenue. This building owes R12 million in electricity and R20 million in water.' Shabangu also claims that illegal electricity connections are common in such buildings and that many are owned by the government. 'We don't know who the police are protecting. Even at hospitals, police are present. We suspect they are here to arrest illegal immigrants and help restore order,' he says. Officials refused entry During the protest, police refused entry to both the Operation Dudula marchers and City officials on the premises. 'We are here so that South Africans can occupy this building and the City can collect revenue,' Shabangu says. Tensions with law enforcement Shabangu alleges that a police officer, identified as Captain Mathebula, instructs officers to prevent City Power from carrying out disconnections. @ Siphiwe Shabangu, a national executive committee member of Operation Dudula, alleges that the building being inspected is hijacked by Congolese nationals and the City of Johannesburg is not collecting any municipal revenue from it. 'This building is hijacked. There is only one South African staying here, and he works as a caretaker,' says Shabangu. 'The City is losing revenue. This building owes R12 million in electricity and R20 million in water.' Full story on ♬ original sound – Southern Courier 'We want to know if Captain Mathebula works for City Power or is an electrician to interfere,' says Shabangu. 'Police are stopping officials from disconnecting illegal power lines and restoring hijacked buildings. We want law and order to return.'
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Power still cut at Pretoria police stations as deputy mayor denies getting special treatment
Despite being criticised for putting residents' safety at risk, the City of Tshwane said it needs to optimise revenue collection. Many are confused about the City of Tshwane's decision to cut power to three police stations in the capital as part of its 'Tshwane ya Tima' campaign to get outstanding accounts up to date. Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili has confirmed that the power was restored at the Moot police station on Wednesday night after the power supply was disconnected on Tuesday. 'Saps Garsfontein was switched off too, but they also have a generator. [At] Mamelodi East, they are using solar power for backup,' she added. City of Tshwane cuts power at police stations Muridili said police are working with the Department of Public Works and Administration to restore the power and resolve the matter. In June, the City of Tshwane mayor was criticised for cutting the power to the Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital due to the Gauteng Department of Health's (GDoH) failure to settle R1.2 million in overdue electricity charges for March and April. ALSO READ: Power cut to police station sparks DA backlash over alleged favouritism DA Tshwane Caucus spokesperson Jacqui Uys said the City of Tshwane needs to implement its credit control policy to ensure the financial health and future of the city. 'However, this needs to happen fairly and without bias, following the correct intergovernmental processes. Currently, the ANC's patronage networks and the deputy mayor's own pocket are benefiting while our communities, who deserve police services, are paying the price,' she said. Deputy mayor accused of getting special treatment Uys said the power cut at the Moot police station is an indication that Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise is being treated differently from others. She also said it seems that the deputy mayor's own financial interest is more important than the safety of residents. 'The deputy executive mayor and MMC of finance, Eugene Modise, must provide a clear explanation regarding the special treatment of his company, Mzansi Resorts, who owes the city in excess of R20 million and has not had services cut, in relation to 'Tshwane Ya Tima' who on Tuesday cut power to Saps in the Moot,' she said. Modise denied the allegations and hit back at the DA. 'Mzansi is not indebted to the City of Tshwane and does not hold a municipal account with the city. If they believe otherwise, they must produce verifiable proof of any municipal account held by Mzansi with the City of Tshwane,' he said. Modise said instead of undermining the efforts of the 'Tshwane ya Tima' campaign, the DA should acknowledge the strides made in optimising revenue collection to strengthen service delivery. Power cut at Southern Sun Arcadia The city continued with the 'Tshwane ya Tima' campaign on Thursday and further disconnected Southern Sun Arcadia due to a R12 million debt. 'No pay, no power. Accountability is not optional,' he said. Modise said Shoprite also settled a R600 000 payment just as the city was about to pull the plug for more than R500 000 owed. 'Responsibility isn't a favour – it's a duty. Pay your municipal bills,' he said.
The South African
22-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs: Four players sold abroad in four years
Since 2022, Kaizer Chiefs have sold Njabulo Blom to St Louis, Siyabonga Ngezana to FCSB, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe to Al-Ittihad and Yusuf Maart to SV Ried. ADVERTISEMENT This impressive influx of cash helped Kaizer Chiefs balance its books and sign new players such as Rushwin Dortley, Inacio Miguel and Glody Lilepo. According to Transfermarkt, the leading global source for player market values, the deals have generated around R70 million for the club known as Amakhosi. KAIZER CHIEFS PLAYER SALES IN FOUR YEARS Striker's father reveals what Amakhosi asked him Njabulo Blom – St. Louis City SC (USA) – €300,000 (± R6 million) Since 2022, the first sale was the homegrown talent Njabulo Blom, aged 23, who was transferred to St. Louis City SC in Major League Soccer for an estimated €300,000, equating to about R6 million. ADVERTISEMENT French-based star waiting for Kaizer Chiefs bosses 2. Siyabonga Ngezana – FCSB (Romania) – €600,000 (± R12 million) In July 2023, Siyabonga Ngezana was transferred to Romanian Liga I side FCSB (formerly Steaua Bucharest) for an estimated €600,000, or around R12 million. A solid defender and academy product, his sale marked the club's strategic move to develop and sell talent at peak value. 3. Thatayaone Ditlhokwe – Al-Ittihad (Libya) – €810,000 (± R16.2 million) ADVERTISEMENT Botswana international Thatayaone Ditlhokwe was sold in 2023 to Libyan giants Al-Ittihad for an estimated €810,000 (around R16.2 million). His departure added another profitable sale, despite limited impact at Kaizer Chiefs. 4. YUSUF MAART – SV RIED (AUSTRIA) – €1,000,000 (± R20 MILLION) The biggest of the lot was just a week ago. Yusuf Maart joined Austrian Bundesliga side SV Ried for an estimated €1,000,000 (approximately R20 million). His move was both a financial win and a significant loss on the pitch. However, Kaizer Chiefs are rumoured to be close to signing Feisal Salum from Azam FC, with the funds, possibly one or two more players. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE CLUB'S TRANSFERS SO FAR THIS WINTER? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 ADVERTISEMENT Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. ADVERTISEMENT
TimesLIVE
21-07-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Thembisa residents protest against new electricity tariff surcharge
Residents of Thembisa in Ekurhuleni took to the streets to protest on Sunday night and Monday morning, complaining they cannot afford the latest electricity tariff surcharge. Several major routes in Thembisa were blocked off with stones and burning tyres. The new electricity tariff surcharge of R126 a month was implemented from the beginning of July. WATCH | Protestors in Tembisa block the mayor's convoy as he prepares to address them regarding increased electricity tariffs in the area. Video: @Muchave1Muchave — Sowetan LIVE (@SowetanLIVE) July 21, 2025 Mithe Mokgotadi, 55, who said he has lived in Thembisa his whole life, told Sowetan: 'In May I was billed R12,000 and this month I've been billed R3,000. That is for everything, from rates to water. And on top of that, I still need to make payment for electricity. 'Paying R250 gets you at least 64 units, but that is not enough. It can last you three days at most, and so I have to keep buying electricity. 'I live in a house where there is more than five of us and I don't have a job. I only sell apples and some vegetables from home to make do with what I have. But it's not enough, because in a month I spend at least R3,000 on electricity — and now they want to make matters worse by increasing the tariff. 'At this point they want us to turn to crime and making illegal connections because we are really struggling — but they don't see that. They are mugging us of the little we have.' WATCH | Tembisa resident Josephina Siboni (62) says she does not understand the newly introduced tariffs and what they mean. She says when buying electricity, the units do not reflect accordingly. Video: @Koena_xM — Sowetan LIVE (@SowetanLIVE) July 21, 2025 Another resident, Enos Mohlari, 60, said he applied to fall into the indigent category in April and is baffled why he has been billed. 'Just a few days ago, I received a statement saying that I owed the municipality more than R3,000 — I am being forced to pay,' he said. 'My hands are tied because I don't have the money to pay these bills. I don't work at all, but they're billing me amounts that I don't have in my account. And now they want us to pay more for electricity. It's not fair, the units we get barely get us by.'
