Latest news with #R14.8
The South African
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Robert Pattinson returns as Batman in highly anticipated sequel
The highly anticipated sequel, The Batman 2 , is set to begin production on January 1, 2026, at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in London. The original film, starring Robert Pattinson and released worldwide in 2022, was a major success. It grossed approximately R14.8 billion globally (equivalent to $772.3 million). Fans have eagerly awaited this follow-up, which promises to dive deeper into Gotham's recovery from the catastrophic flood caused by the Riddler in the first film. Director Matt Reeves, who co-wrote the script with Mattson Tomlin, described the new film as exploring a 'more complex and greyer world'. It tackled themes such as societal division, power struggles, and moral ambiguity. This indicates that the story will be darker and more intense, raising the stakes for both the characters and the plot's tension. MATT REEVES' GRITTY STORYTELLING Reeves aims to deliver a character-driven narrative with compelling visual storytelling. This can enhance the gritty atmosphere that cinema lovers have come to appreciate in international blockbusters. The main cast will return, including Robert Pattinson as Batman, Colin Farrell reprising his role as The Penguin, Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth, and Jeffrey Wright as Commissioner Gordon. Reports say Barry Keoghan is expected to reprise his performance as the Joker. However, Warner Bros. has yet to confirm this casting officially, according to Super Hero Hype. James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, addressed fans' concerns over delays, emphasising the importance of quality and patience. Gunn said, 'Matt is committed to making the best film he possibly can. People should get off Matt's nuts and let him write the screenplay in the amount of time he needs. It's going to come out when he feels good about the screenplay.' This statement underlines the emphasis on craftsmanship over rushing the production. This is something many film enthusiasts can respect, given the local industry's emphasis on quality storytelling. Pre-production is actively ramping up in London. Key departments like production design, stunt coordination, costume, makeup, and VFX are already hiring to prepare for the shooting schedule. Warner Bros. Pictures has scheduled the film for release on 1 October 2027. For fans, this means there is plenty to look forward to in nearly two years. The Batman 2 will begin filming in early 2026 with a strong cast and creative team returning. The film's darker, more complex narrative will explore Gotham's recovery and deeper societal issues. It promises an intense cinematic experience for fans when it releases in late 2027. WHICH CHARACTER'S RETURN ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 'THE BATMAN' 2? 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.
IOL News
01-08-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Mchunu discloses staggering R15. 5 billion in civil claims against SAPS
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says the SAPS paid R528 million in 2023/24 for wrongful arrests and detentions. Image: GCIS Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has disclosed that the police are facing civil claims amounting to R15.5 billion for shooting incidents and wrongful arrests and detentions that were recorded in the 2023/24 financial year. Mchunu also said the police have paid R528 million after being ordered by courts and also made settlements during the same period. He released these figures before he was placed on special leave. He was responding to written parliamentary questions from IFP MP Russel Cebekhulu, who noted 'the significant financial strain that civil claims against the State place on public resources, particularly those arising from police misconduct'. Cebekhulu had wanted to know the total number of civil claims made against the SAPS, specifically from wrongful arrests and killings by police officers, as well as the value of the claims and amount paid out. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading In his reply, Mchunu said there were 15,067 claims received for wrongful arrest and detention, and 180 for shooting incidents. He said the amount claimed for wrongful arrest and detention stood at R14.8 billion and R741m for shooting incidents. Mchunu hastened to state that the number of new claims and the amount claimed were not the amounts paid by the State during the 2023/24 financial year. He stated that the State paid a total of R466m for wrongful arrest and detention. This was made up of R445m for payments as a result of court orders and R20m in payments by settlements for wrongful arrest and detention. The amount paid for shooting incidents was R62m, made up of R57m in court order payments and R4.6m settlements. Last December, Independent Media quoted Mchunu as saying the SAPS was saddled with R56.7 billion in contingent liabilities arising from 46,621 unlawful arrests and detention claims instituted in the period from 2018 until October 2024. 'It is the contingent liability, which is a liability that may be incurred by an entity, depending on the outcome of an uncertain future event, such as the outcome of a pending lawsuit,' he said at the time. National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola previously confirmed to the Police Portfolio Committee that they have more civil claims. 'Our contingent liability is quite high when it comes to real claims but when we pay, the amounts are down,' said Masemola. In her 2023/24 report, Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke flagged civil claims against the SAPS, which was a defendant in several lawsuits. 'The outcome of the matters could not be determined, and no provision for any liability that may result was made in the financial statement,' she said. Asked by Cebekhulu about measures implemented to reduce the number and severity of civil claims arising from police conduct, Mchunu said the SAPS has established national and provincial steering committees to manage the civil claims. The focus was to change 'attitudes and behaviours' of SAPS employees to prevent unlawful actions. 'The national steering committee has developed and is implementing an internal communication plan, which regularly sensitises members on the root causes of civil claims and the actions that are required to prevent them from occurring. 'This committee also identifies, monitors, and engages the top 10 contributing police stations with regard to civil claims,' he said. Mchunu also said there was conducting of training on legal prescripts and mandates as well as the distribution of circulars to members as part of the internal communication plan to provide guidance and standardisation on how to affect arrest and the interpretation of the 48-hour rule regarding detention.
The Citizen
31-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Ngodwana shutdown delivers community impact
Each year, Sappi's Ngodwana Mill pauses for a strategic shutdown – not to halt progress, but to make the mill safer, improve performance, and create opportunities close to home. The recent shut was one of the largest in Ngodwana's history, shaped by a full year of planning. Mill teams were joined by 455 additional workers, including general labour and skilled artisans sourced through the Integrated Community Forum (ICF). Their care and discipline meant the entire operation was completed without a single lost time injury. Yet its reach went far beyond mill maintenance. Over R14.8 million was channelled into local SMEs, unlocking short-term jobs and long-term value for community-based contractors. These businesses weren't just participants – they were central to the shutdown's success. Indumiso AG Trading, active at Ngodwana since 2019, provided cleaning services across several departments and employed 101 people, 21 of whom were women. Founder Alpheus Zulu had transferred 50% ownership to Gloria Zulu in 2023, marking a step toward inclusive growth. Helping families put food on the table is our greatest joy,' said Gloria. Other local service providers have gained momentum through Sappi's SMME development programme. Principal C. Jalla's business now plays a key role in maintaining overhead cranes and hoists under a long-term contract. 'Efficient and safe service is our priority,' he noted. Regional Sourcing Manager Lesiba Lamola added, 'This isn't just good business. It's transformational for communities.' Ngodwana's shutdown reinforces a broader belief: when operations thrive, local communities should grow stronger. Subscribe to Umphakathi and engage through the ICF – your community's channel for jobs, business opportunities, and structured dialogue. Visit: Asibambisane, let's build together.
