Latest news with #R14
TimesLIVE
5 days ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Our MINI Countryman SE gains Thule gear
South African motorists love vehicular accessories, and the game has come a long way. A set of rear louvres, plastic side window shields and sheepskin seat covers in an executive sedan might have signalled peak accessorisation in the olden days. In 2025, for buyers of crossovers and SUVs, it seems bicycle racks and roof-mounted storage solutions are must-have add ons. The items convey to fellow road users that the driver enjoys a more exciting, more adventurous lifestyle than the average pronoun. There are many brands offering such fixtures, including the manufacturers' own catalogues of in-house equipment. Swedish brand Thule is arguably the most recognisable aftermarket supplier, with a strong cachet and premium aura. A nice pairing for our similarly premium MINI Countryman SE, which recently gained the fitment of a Thule Force 3 (M) top-box, priced at R14,999. The 'M' is for medium. The latest storage solution from the brand piqued our interest because it is purportedly designed for 'eco-friendly' explorers who want to mitigate the increase in fuel consumption that usually comes with the fitment of a roof-mounted luggage compartment. Obviously, fuel consumption is of zero consideration to us in the electric MINI, but range maximisation is. To that end, the aerodynamic optimisation of the Thule unit is of particular significance. You will note the shape of the cargo box is sleeker than other offerings on the Thule menu, with a flatter, lengthier profile promising to reduce drag. Long-standing readers may recall it is not the first time this author has saddled on Thule gear while conducting a long-term test. There was the 12-month Volkswagen Polo GTI in 2020, upon whose ceiling we strapped a Thule Force XT (M). Aside from not being able to use the sunroof, we noted the considerable wind noise intruding at freeway speeds. However, it was a small price to pay for the flexibility of added space, which came in handy on an impromptu trip to Cape Town with five occupants and their luggage. The MINI has no sunroof in any case, so no hassles there. At freeway speeds the Force 3 does not appear to produce a considerable din, but we will measure the decibels for a reference, with the box on and after it is removed at the end of August. A trek to Cape Town would be a stretch, but the MINI's range of more than 400km will lend itself nicely to the exploration of provinces slightly beyond Gauteng. A jaunt down the N3 to the Drakensberg region seems like a decent prospect, with the opportunity to use the fast-charging facilities on offer in Harrismith. Last month we got a sense of the MINI's long distance capabilities on a 425km round trip from Johannesburg to Wolmaransstad and back. Charging infrastructure was not an issue. The Countryman SE attracts curiosity with its swanky alloys, gleaming black coat and privacy glass, and the added Thule headwear captures attention even further. It has the vibe of a European alpine tourer. Image: Brenwin Naidu Interestingly, the international Thule press release photography for the Force 3 saw the use of a Countryman as the demonstrator on which the box was fitted. Its 400l capacity coupled with the 460l boot of the MINI means packing light will not be necessary. More on that in the next update. LONG-TERM UPDATE 5 | MINI Countryman SE ALL4 ODOMETER ON DELIVERY: 4,621km CURRENT ODOMETER: 7,500km PRAISES: The Countryman is billed as the most adventurous MINI. The Thule kit complements the persona. GRIPES: Accepting that keeping black paint clean in dusty, wintry Johannesburg is impossible.
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
City Power meter checks begin: Avoid R14k fine by allowing access
City Power has announced that it will be commencing with meter audits across the Roodepoort Service Delivery Centre (SDC) supply areas from Monday, July 14. According to the entity's spokesperson, Isaac Mangena, the programme, which will run until August 31, is part of their ongoing efforts to modernise and streamline operations. 'Its primary objective is to enhance the accuracy of electricity billing while promoting greater transparency and operational efficiency in the delivery of our services.' Mangena adds that it is crucial that all customers are properly metered, ensuring that they are paying for the electricity they use daily. 'Customers who refuse meter audits and normalisation, particularly where meters are faulty or have been tampered with, leave us with no option but to disconnect them, with a fine of over R14 000 imposed for single-phase connections, along with additional reconnection fees. Three-phase connections may incur penalties exceeding R30 000. 'We urge customers to allow our metering technicians to complete their work efficiently. 'If residents are unavailable, our technicians will leave a 'No Access' letter by the customer's premises with the company name and contact details. In addition, we will provide the SDC name and the team leader's contact details. 'Customers are urged to immediately make arrangements for the audit.' Mangena adds that the entity is aware of safety concerns during this process, as criminals could attempt to disguise themselves as entity employees to gain access to properties. 'We urge customers to verify the credentials of City Power employees and contractors by contacting our Security Risk Management Control Room, their SDC, or by checking with their ward councillor to confirm if any work is scheduled in their area,' he says. 'All City Power employees and contractors are required to carry and produce their official ID cards while on duty.' These ID cards are colour-coded according to the different sections within City Power and display important identifying information, including: • The photo and personal details of the employee or contractor • The contractor's verification number (badge number) and expiry date • A firefly hologram for added security • Contact details for our Security Risk Management Control Room At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
6 days ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Volvo Q2 operating profit slumps as tariffs take hold
Sweden-based Volvo Cars reported a steep fall in second quarter adjusted operating profit on Thursday and said demand remains under pressure as tariffs hits. Its quarterly operating profit excluding items affecting comparability fell to 2.9bn Swedish crowns (R5,318,468,482) from 8.0bn (R14,654,936,000) a year ago. "Demand remains soft and volatile, impacted by weakening consumer confidence and the introduction of additional tariffs, which continue to pose challenges for the automotive sector," the company said in its earnings report. Its gross margin, a metric investors and analysts are looking at closely to assess the impact of the tariffs, fell to 13.5% compared to 18.2% in the first quarter, adjusted for one-offs it fell to 17.7% Volvo Cars is the first European carmaker to report in what is expected to be a gloomy reporting season as weak demand for EVs and growing competition from China hits at the same time as US tariffs mount.
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Gauteng health gets R67bn to rescue public health
New hospitals, surgical backlogs, and expanded mental health services headline the 2025-26 Gauteng health budget. The Gauteng Department of Health has been allocated a R67 billion budget for the 2025-26 financial year to improve service delivery, strengthen infrastructure, and address pressing health needs across the province. Gauteng MEC for health and wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, presented the department's post-budget speech media briefing at the provincial legislature on Tuesday. 'This budget affirms our commitment to strengthen services, improve infrastructure, and address priority health needs across the province,' said Nkomo-Ralehoko. Infrastructure, digital expansion, and forensics According to Nkomo-Ralehoko, R1.7 billion has been earmarked for hospital maintenance and new capital projects. Of this, R100 million will go toward upgrading laundry services and operating theatres, with refurbishments already underway at Carletonville and Bheki Mlangeni hospitals. '[Projects include] the Daveyton new hospital, Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital with 287 new mental health beds, and the upgrading of Johan Heyns Community Health Centre into a district hospital to meet the needs of the community,' she added. The department is scaling up its hospital digitisation programme at Chris Hani Baragwanath to 36 more facilities 'This project is a catalyst for skill transfer for 100 young people in the local communities, bringing economic opportunity and community ownership.' Forensic Pathology Services will implement biometric tagging and fingerprint integration for enhanced traceability. Two LowDox machines, valued at R14 million, will enhance non-invasive forensic diagnostics. ALSO READ: Gauteng health MEC warns against denying foreign nationals health care access Mental health, maternal care and human resources A total of R484.1 million is allocated for mental health services this year, increasing to R1.4 billion over the medium term. 'We added 400 long-term care beds, bringing total capacity to 1 930 and expanded occupational therapy and psychosocial rehabilitation services at Tara Hospital,' the MEC stated. Primary Health Care receives R38.4 billion, with maternal and child health prioritised to reduce preventable maternal and perinatal deaths. To address staffing shortages, the department is investing in nurse training. 'We have prioritised the training of nurses in our colleges, 500 professional nurses, 200 midwifery undergraduates, and 90 postgrads in midwifery will be trained by December. 'Given our resource constraints, we will fill all critical posts in a phased-in manner,' said Nkomo-Ralehoko. ALSO READ: 'Remedial work at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital on track,' says Gauteng Health Surgical backlog, HIV and TB programmes According to the MEC, a major innovation this year is the Treatment Time Guarantee (TTG), which will provide patients with a timeline for their surgical procedures during their first booking. In honour of Mandela Day, observed on 18 July, clinical teams will perform around 1 000 surgeries on cataracts, prostate cancer, cleft palates, and colostomy reversals. In the fight against HIV and TB, R5.4 billion is budgeted. Currently, 95% of people living with HIV know their status, and 76% of those are on treatment. In addition, the department aims to re-engage more than 326 000 people in treatment and test 900 000 for TB by December. ALSO READ: New board members across Gauteng hospitals Cost management and looking ahead Efforts to reduce medico-legal claims have seen contingent liabilities drop from R24.7 billion in 2019-20 to R7.2 billion in 2024/25. 'We are shifting focus from paying for errors to preventing them,' said the MEC. Concluding her address, Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasised accountability and impact. 'This budget is for impact and delivery… to ensure dignity and care remain central to our service.' NOW READ: Gauteng Health dismisses linen shortage claims at Bheki Mlangeni Hospital
IOL News
16-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Nedbank scores legal victory in R15 million loan dispute
The court found there were no reasonable prospects that Baba's appeal would succeed and ruled that he must repay the loan, along with interest and legal costs. Nedbank has won a court case won in an ongoing legal battle after the Western Cape High Court dismissed an attempt by Moussa Baba to appeal a judgment holding him liable as surety for a R15 million property loan. The court found there were no reasonable prospects that Baba's appeal would succeed and ruled that he must repay the loan, along with interest and legal costs. Baba had signed as surety and co-principal debtor when Bestinver Company South Africa bought property in Hyde Park backed by a R15 million loan from Nedbank. When Bestinver defaulted on repayments in 2020, the bank called in the loan. Because of the surety agreement, Baba was responsible for the full amount, plus interest and attorney-and-client costs. In trying to overturn that ruling, Baba argued that the loan had effectively been paid off when R14 million was deposited into Nedbank's attorneys' trust account. That money had been paid by Elite Vision, a company owned by the Baba family. After Bestinver bought the property, the company went into liquidation and another Baba family owned company, Elite Vision, agreed to buy the house.
