Latest news with #R132
IOL News
02-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
The legacy facing NFVF's next CEO
Navigating Instability: The Future of the National Film & Video Foundation Image: Liam Daniel Industry insiders have warned that whoever steps into the role of CEO at the National Film & Video Foundation (NFVF) will be inheriting a legacy marred by allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and ongoing legal battles, raising questions about its future stability and credibility within the South African film industry. The NFVF's leadership cycle has spiralled into chaos in less than a year. Vincent Blennies, who was appointed as the CEO of the foundation just last week, has abruptly resigned, citing personal reasons. His departure comes less than a year after the resignation of his predecessor, Acting CEO Thobeka Mayinje, who left amid an investigation into multiple allegations. Sources within the organisation suggest that these upheavals are symptomatic of deeper, systemic issues. Earlier this year, reports by IOL revealed troubling allegations against the NFVF, including the improper appointment of council members without adequate consultation, the allocation of funds to individuals with internal connections, and allegations of conflicts of interest influencing project decisions. Industry players' calls to audit the foundation also intensified, with industry stakeholders demanding greater transparency and accountability. Despite these concerns, Skhumbuzo Mvelase, the foundation's council spokesperson, defended the organisation amid the resignation of the CEO. When questioned about the ongoing instability, Mvelase stated: 'The CEO, Mr Vincent Blennies, resigned for personal reasons. The council, which appoints the CEO, respects his decision.' However, sources within the NFVF warn that the next CEO will have to grapple with significant challenges. 'The next leader will inherit a foundation plagued by long-standing issues, including questions about governance, transparency, and the equitable distribution of funds,' said one insider. 'Rebuilding trust within the industry will be paramount.' On allegations of lack of adequate funding following reports of nepotism, Mvelase highlighted that the NFVF disbursed R132 million in April to support film production, festivals, and distribution initiatives and that current funding calls remain open for industry applicants. Industry voices echo this concern. Cape Town-based writer and director Weeam Williams expressed her apprehension. 'Any individual stepping into the CEO role will inherit substantial issues related to corruption, nepotism, and ongoing legal proceedings. 'This situation has caused deep frustration among filmmakers who feel excluded from decision-making processes. The structure of the NFVF needs a complete overhaul to restore credibility.' Williams added that industry stakeholders have repeatedly attempted to engage with the NFVF through mediation but have yet to receive a response. 'Our goal, through organisations like the African Film DAO, is to find an amicable resolution that promotes transparency, merit-based funding, and a truly representative governance structure,' she said. Following Blennies' resignation, the Foundation issued a statement confirming that he stepped down from his role as CEO on May 27, 2025, just a month after his appointment in April. 'Rest assured that we, as your Council, are addressing the matter with the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture (DSAC) and continue to work towards ensuring stability and growth within our organisation. 'Council encourages staff to keep a positive outlook, despite our challenges, and rest assured that we will communicate all relevant updates timeously.'
BreakingNews.ie
11-05-2025
- BreakingNews.ie
Death of garda at checkpoint marks ‘desperately sad day', says Commissioner
The Garda Commissioner has said the death of an officer at a speed checkpoint in Dublin marked 'a desperately sad day' for the force. Garda Kevin Flatley (49) died after being hit by a motorbike as he was recording vehicles' speeds on the R132 at Lanestown on Sunday afternoon. Advertisement After the collision, involving a Yamaha R1 motorbike, an off-duty doctor came to Garda Flatley's aid. 'All assistance that could be rendered was rendered as quickly as possible, but tragically, to no avail and Kevin passed away,' Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said. President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris extended their sympathies and shock at the garda's death. Garda Kevin Flatley who was killed at a checkpoint in Dublin after being struck by a motorbike. Photo: Garda Press Office The Commissioner said the dangers road policing officers faced were 'just extraordinary' and that this marked the 90th death of a garda killed on duty. Advertisement He had served as a garda for 26 years and had been with the Roads Policing Unit since 2018. He said Garda Flatley was a 'very faithful public servant' who was 'very professional, proficient' and his death was 'a terrible loss for us all'. 'We're all very, very shocked by this, and I don't want to get drawn into the wider road safety debate, but this is just the very hard edge of it, when we have a Garda member killed in a road traffic collision,' he said. Assistant Commissioner with responsibility for the Dublin Metropolitan Area Paul Cleary said Garda Flatley was 'very much involved' in his local community and local GAA club in Balbriggan, where he lived. Advertisement 'A very well-liked person, very well respected and a huge, huge loss to our Garda family.' He said he and the Commissioner would likely speak to his family in the coming days. He paid tribute to the gardaí and emergency service workers who attended the scene. The motorcyclist, a man aged in his 30s, is understood to be in a serious condition in Beaumont Hospital. Advertisement Commissioner Harris appealed to anyone who saw the motorcycle from 12pm onwards to contact investigating gardaí and aid their inquiries. An appeal for witnesses and those with relevant dash-cam or video footage has also been made. The scene was preserved on Sunday pending a technical examination, with traffic diversions in place. Commissioner Harris said he visited the site and remarked on the extent of the debris field. Advertisement The scene near the R132 at Lanestown after Garda Kevin Flatley was killed at a checkpoint. Photo: Garrett White/PA Leading tributes on Sunday, President Michael D Higgins said Garda Flatley had 'dedicated his career to public service and to keeping people safe'. 'The loss of a Garda has a deep impact on society due to this strong connection and my thoughts are with his family and all those who knew and cared for Garda Flatley across his life.' Mr Martin said the death of an on-duty garda would be 'keenly felt' by those who knew him, but also in communities across Ireland and by all gardai. 'Our thoughts and prayers go to all those in mourning following this terrible tragedy,' he said. Tánaiste Mr Harris said Garda Flatley was 'a long-serving and much-respected member' of An Garda Síochána, who was 'devoted' to his job. 'There is no greater example of that than today when he was working to keep the public safe on our roads,' he said. 'It is also a tragic reminder of the risks that gardaí take everyday in the service of our country and its people.' Chief Constable Jon Boutcher expressed his 'heartfelt' condolences on behalf of the PSNI. 'The loss of an officer is felt across the entire policing family and our thoughts are with his family, friends and An Garda Síochána colleagues at this difficult time,' he said. 'Kevin's death is a stark reminder of the risks that police officers face every day as they work to protect the public and keep people safe. The scene on the R132 at Lanestown. Photo: Garrett White/PA 'His dedication, service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.' The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) said it was a 'devastating and 'dark day' for the Gardai. 'We are in shock and numbed at the news this afternoon,' AGSI general secretary Ronan Clogher said. 'No Garda shift is ever routine, but this one has ended in the most horrendous of circumstances.' AGSI president Declan Higgins said support would be provided to gardaí and their families, as he appealed to the public to help with appeals for information. 'I would ask the public to respond to calls for any information as they work on this investigation. 'There will be tough days ahead and we really ask for the public's support.' Ireland Garda killed at Dublin checkpoint named as Kevin F... Read More Speaking generally about road safety in Ireland and not specifically about Sunday's collision in Dublin, Mr Harris called for a societal 'reset'. Mr Harris said it was not an option to withdraw members from roadside speed detection duties. 'We have to keep our enforcement effort going,' he added.
