Latest news with #R18.3
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Amber Heard celebrates the arrival of twins after overcoming infertility
Amber Heard announced that she is now a mom of three after welcoming her twin on Mother's Day. Image: Supplied On Mother's Day, US actress Amber Heard revealed that she is now a mom of three after announcing the arrival of her twin babies. Heard shared a cute picture of their feet and also added that she now has welcomed the arrival of a boy, named Ocean and a girl, named Agnes. She captioned her post, 'Mother's Day 2025 will be one I'll never forget. This year, I am elated beyond words to celebrate the completion of the family I've strived to build for years. 'Today I officially share the news that I welcomed twins into the Heard gang. My daughter Agnes and my son Ocean are keeping my hand (and my heart) full,' the now mother-of-three shared. The 39-year-old further added that when she had her first daughter, who she welcomed in 2021 her world changed forever and she couldn't be happier - now with three children, she is even more happy. Heard continued to add that despite having fertility challenges, she's grateful to have chosen to do this responsibly and thoughtfully. According to 'People', Heard's spokesperson shared that the actress is happy and has now completed her family. "Heard is delighted to welcome the twins and complete her family. Mama and babies are enjoying every minute, and Oonagh is happily running the show,' the spokesperson revealed. In 2024, according to multiple online reports the actress was expecting another baby. However, Heard did not confirm nor deny the claims. Heard has been entangled in a legal battle with her ex-husband, Johnny Depp, after she filed for divorce in 2016 and alleging that she was physically abused by Depp. Depp went on to sue the actress for defamation. In 2022, their legal battle became a publicised court case, and after multiple court appearances, Heard lost the case after the court ruled in favour of Depp. One year later, Heard paid Depp $1 million (which is approximately R18.3 million) in settlement money, officially closing out their defamation case.
The Citizen
30-04-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
DA lays criminal charges against City of Johannesburg top officials
The DA says public funds must be protected and used for service delivery, not misused for personal enrichment. The DA has laid corruption charges against several top officials in the City of Johannesburg. This comes after a report by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) implicated them in misconduct and financial mismanagement at the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC). DA caucus leader in Johannesburg, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku told The Citizen on Wednesday that the charges are related to the procurement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the Covid-19 pandemic. PPE corruption allegations Officials at the JPC have been accused of irregular and wasteful expenditure of more than R18.3 million. 'We have submitted a comprehensive dossier of evidence to the South African Police Service (Saps), including the SIU proclamation, relevant Council reports, previous SIU findings, correspondence, and the City's commissioned legal opinion. We have formally requested that this matter be escalated to the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority for full investigation. Kayser-Echeozonjoku said one of the top officials implicated is Helen Botes, the city's current Chief Operating Officer (COO). ALSO READ: City Power will not pay to replace this cable if stolen by thieves DA demands action against top officials Despite many corruption allegations, the DA has questioned Botes' promotion from the JPC. 'The SIU's investigations uncovered shocking irregularities in procurement and financial management processes at JPC. Their findings point to clear breaches of laws designed to protect the public's money and trust. 'Despite these serious findings being presented to the city and tabled before Council, no meaningful action has been taken.' Kayser-Echeozonjoku said the party was informed that influential politicians are allegedly protecting some of the implicated officials. 'Even more concerning, whistleblowers have come forward to inform us that the implicated officials have allegedly bragged that they are untouchable, no matter how many cases are opened, because of their political connections at the national level,' she said. A letter to Ramaphosa The DA would also write to President Cyril Ramaphosa asking him to commission an investigation into the procurement processes at JPC. 'We have already started drafting a letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, requesting that he urgently considers authorising a full SIU) investigation into all contracts, procurement decisions, financial transactions, and property dealings at the Johannesburg Property Company over the past 10 years,' she said. The SIU has probed many contracts awarded during the Covid-19 pandemic. In some instances, suppliers hiked prices for PPE, making enormous profits. Joburg commission legal opinion The Citizen contacted the City of Johannesburg to comment on the matter, which will be added to this article when it is received. The Citizen understands that the city has commissioned a legal opinion following the SIU's findings. NOW READ: Failing city: Can Joburg be saved?
