Latest news with #R200
The Citizen
33 minutes ago
- Business
- The Citizen
City Power continues to roll out free basic electricity
ity Power is urging indigent customers within the Randburg Service Delivery Centre (SDC) supply areas to register for the free basic electricity (FBE) programme before the deadline on July 31. City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena explained that this initiative primarily targets vulnerable households, including the unemployed, pensioners, child-headed households, and those earning under R7 503.01 or less per month, providing 50kWh of free electricity monthly to help meet essential household needs. Additionally, indigent customers will be exempt from the R70 service charge and R130 network capacity charge, for a total of R200 in savings every month. 'This is part of our continued efforts to provide relief for the most vulnerable members of our community during these challenging economic times,' said Mangena. Customers are encouraged to register by visiting the Randburg SDC weekdays from 08:00 – 16:00. The application form is also available on the City Power website: Customers should bring along the following documents for registration: ID, City Power prepaid meter number, Proof of income, Proof of address, Proof of Sassa grant (if applicable), Latest 3 months bank statements, and COJ rates and taxes account. Mangena added that customers should take advantage of this opportunity to reduce their monthly electricity costs and ease the financial strain on their household. 'This registration drive is crucial in ensuring that eligible households receive the support they need to maintain access to essential electricity services.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
IOL News
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Lucky Mashudu Masinya's journey from Joe Slovo Drive to culinary champion
In an inspiring twist of fate, Lucky Mashudu Masinya, once sleeping under a bridge on Joe Slovo Drive in bustling downtown Johannesburg, has been crowned the 2025 Taste Master South Africa champion on SABC2. In an inspiring twist of fate, Lucky Mashudu Masinya, once sleeping under a bridge on Joe Slovo Drive in bustling downtown Johannesburg, has been crowned the 2025 Taste Master South Africa champion on SABC2. Lucky Mashudu Masinya has marked a momentous milestone is his culinary journey after emerging victorious as the 2025 champion of Taste Master South Africa. From sleeping under a bridge on Joe Slovo Drive in downtown Johannesburg and begging for food to currently being employed as a patisserie lecturer at the Rosebank campus of Capsicum Culinary Studio, Mashinya's journey to success is a testament to the power of perseverance. Reflecting on his incredible journey, Masinya shared, 'I am a Kasi boy who was once homeless and also once lived in a care home. Now, I have won a national competition that I believe will change my life forever. It is never too late to start over. If I can do it, anyone can do it. Never give up - you never know who is watching. ' Taste Master SA, now in its sixth season, showcased the talents of ten contestants over the span of 11 weeks, presenting numerous culinary and baking challenges, both sweet and savoury. Under the meticulous gaze of head judge Zola Nene and various guest judges, Masinya consistently stood out, skilfully blending rustic comforts with fine-dining touches. His culinary creations were not only visually stunning but also rich in flavour, expressing the very essence of his unique life experiences. The emotional high of the competition peaked when Masinya was announced as the winner, resulting in a cash prize of R200 000 from Capitec Bank. 'The moment my name was announced as the winner was totally surreal. My heart dropped and then started beating really fast. My right leg was shaking!' he remarked, recalling the joy of his triumph. 'I have been reliving the moment ever since, it's one of those moments that I'll forever cherish and hold close.' During his competition journey, Masinya found inspiration not only from the challenges but also from the unwavering support of colleagues, students, and friends. 'Every dish that I made on the show reminded me of my family and of home. Food, for me, must feel like a hug,' he commented. Dishes such as creamy chicken pasta, roasted lamb, and indulgent desserts like macarons, tiramisu, and churros with caramel ganache allowed him to translate his memories into intricate culinary experiences. After completing school, Masinya's dream of pursuing a career in patisserie blossomed with a scholarship, enabling him to gain valuable skills and experience. Nearly a decade ago, he revealed that he participated in a remarkable work experience program in London, where he trained alongside culinary icons at The Ritz and Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, meeting renowned celebrities. Masinya's aspirations extend beyond his current success; he says he dreams of opening a dessert bar in Johannesburg, taking inspiration from the acclaimed pastry chef Janice Wong's innovative 2am: dessert bar in Singapore. 'South Africa is big on food, but we are not big when it comes to pastry, chocolates, and desserts. So I'm busy steering the life of Lucky in that direction,' he elaborated. Renee Hill, Managing Director of Capsicum, echoed her pride in Masinya's achievements, stating, 'Lucky's culinary style reflects a sophisticated synthesis of artistry and precision. As a patisserie lecturer, he brings profound knowledge of technical pastry techniques while infusing each creation with rustic warmth and aesthetic flair. He is a real asset to our teaching staff and a wonderful inspiration to our students.' Saturday Star
IOL News
a day ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Driving impressions: why the Suzuki Swift deserves its crown as the top hatchback
The Suzuki Swift is fitted with Suzuki's new 1.2-litre three cylinder engine that delivers 60kW and 112NM of torque. Image: Supplied Currently sitting in second place on the vehicle sales charts, it's not for nothing that Suzuki has been hitting the lights out with their refreshingly cheerful portfolio. Chief among those is the Swift that's dominating the passenger car market. Popular among first-time buyers It also helps that the brand is selling their cars in the price and categories that South African consumers are spending their money on, starting in the sub R200 000 region, with the most expensive evening out under R550 000. The B-segment hatchback Swift has also proven popular with first-time buyers, and I know of quite a few people who have bought one for their children going on to study further after school. We spent some time in the flagship 1.2 GLX, priced at R271 900, and it's easy to understand why they are proving so popular and walked away with the 2025 'Best Budget Car' title in the Consumer Awards. Engine Replacing the previous four-cylinder engine, the Swift is now fitted with Suzuki's new 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol mill that delivers 60kW and 112NM of torque. The test unit was fitted with a five-speed manual transmission, although there is a continuously variable transmission (CVT) available as well. 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 The Suzuki Swift is grippy and light on its feet with quick and direct steering. Image: Supplied Exterior It's a good-looking little car as well, with the oval radiator grille with a black finish and muscular bumper dominating the front. The blacked-out A/B pillars provide a 'floating roof' element, while the rear, with integrated hatch spoiler and 3D LED tail light clusters, has become a common sight on our roads. Fitted with 15-inch diamond-cut alloys, our test unit was a Grey Metallic, but I would opt for the blue or red, which provides a better view of the car's profile and also underscores its fun factor. Interior Inside there's a good old-fashioned analogue instrument cluster with a central colour LCD display allowing you to see consumption (instantaneous and average), range and several other helpful information. The seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible and is also linked to the rearview camera. The rear seats provide a 60:40 split, while boot space is said to be 265 litres and 580 litres with the rear seats folded. Inside there's a good old fashioned analogue instrument cluster with a central colour LCD display. Image: Supplied Driving I found the manually adjustable black fabric seats to be comfortable and had no issues over longer distances, while they also provided decent support in tight and fast corners. The little three-pot motor proved to be rev-happy and responsive, albeit with some engine thrum in the cabin when pushed hard, but at the national speed limit or pottering around in the suburbs, it's hardly audible. Weighing in at less than a ton, the Suzuki Swift is grippy and light on its feet with quick and direct steering, making it easy to steer on the open road or in shopping mall parking bays. I do think, though, that loaded with four people and luggage, there's likely to be a lot of gear changing. Fortunately, the clutch is light and gear changes are slick and easy. With short bits of enthusiastic driving combined with regular runs, consumption stood at 5.1l/100km, not too far off the claimed 4.4l/100km. Safety Seeing as the Swift is likely to be many people's first car, safety is paramount, and it doesn't disappoint with six airbags (front, side and curtain), ABS brakes with EBD, Brake Assist Function, Electronic Stability Programme and rear ISOFIX anchors. After a few days, there's nothing not to like about the Suzuki Swift. It doesn't pretend to be something that it isn't. It's good looking, extremely easy to drive, has everything you need in terms of practicality and specification and with a reputation of reliability and frugalness, it deserves to be a top seller. It comes with a two-year/30,000km service plan and five-year/200,000km promotional warranty.
Eyewitness News
a day ago
- Business
- Eyewitness News
Morero says hefty funds to repair Lilian Ngoyi Street will also be used to upgrade corridor
JOHANNESBURG - Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has defended the hefty cost of repairing Lilian Ngoyi Street in the CBD, explaining that the funds will also be used to upgrade the entire corridor. The busy street was severely damaged by an underground gas explosion two years ago, and the metro has pledged to complete the repairs by the end of August. Nearly R200 million has been set aside for the project, raising questions about the high cost of restoring just a portion of the two-kilometre stretch. Morero has clarified that the budget covers more than just road repairs. 'We took a view to refurbish the entire Lilian Ngoyi so that we achieve what we call the complete street programme to ensure that we can extend the pavements, bring in trees and street furniture so that the entire street is complete. That is why the costs might have gone as high as R194 million.' Morero has assured residents that repairs will be completed by the specified deadline. 'We've done a whole new program. Instead of addressing where the explosion happened, we are addressing the whole street. We are completing the repairs by the end of August, and we are on track. On the 1st of September, I will be there to reopen the road.'
Eyewitness News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
ActionSA's Trollip: Deputy ministers are redundant doormen and doorwomen for their ministers
CAPE TOWN - ActionSA said the country could save more than R1 billion of taxpayers per annum if President Cyril Ramaphosa could get rid of all deputy ministers in his Cabinet. The party has announced a Constitutional Amendment Bill to change the size and structure of the Cabinet. Among other things, the party wants all 43 deputy minister posts scrapped. This follows the president's decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave for alleged interference in police investigations. President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting minister, despite there being two deputy ministers in the portfolio. ActionSA MP Athol Trollip said this makes their case. "There's absolutely no executive authority that a deputy minister has, so I'm saying they're redundant doormen and doorwomen for their ministers. In fact, all we've seen in this new GNU government is that deputy ministers spend most of their time travelling abroad and have spent nearly R200 million between them on travelling abroad. If they had so much to do at home in their departments, they wouldn't be overseas so much."
