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The South African
5 days ago
- Business
- The South African
Billions allocated to rescue Johannesburg's infrastructure
The City of Johannesburg has committed over R13 billion in multi-year funding to stabilise struggling municipal entities, improve service delivery, and support long-term economic growth. Finance MMC Margaret Arnolds revealed the allocations during the city's 2025/26 budget speech on Wednesday, pledging to move Johannesburg 'from planning to progress.' Johannesburg's municipal entities are under significant strain. Years of underinvestment, ageing infrastructure, and revenue shortfalls have created essential services backlogs. Furthermore, Arnolds said the new budget responds to that challenge, reflecting a 'statement of intent' from the city and its residents. 'This budget was built through public dialogue, regional forums, and sectoral engagements,' she said. 'And in every hall, every meeting, every township, the message was clear: We want a city that works.' City Power, which owes Eskom over R1 billion, will receive R4.6 billion over the next three years. The allocation aims to help stabilise the city's power grid. 'This infrastructure will not only support economic continuity, but also enhance household financial stability,' said Arnolds. In addition, Johannesburg Water will receive the largest allocation, R5.6 billion, to address a R27 billion infrastructure backlog and reduce water losses. 'Through intentionally increasing infrastructure investment, the city will begin to claw back on water losses that eat away at resources that could potentially be available to re-invest in infrastructure for the future,' Arnolds noted. The water utility loses over R2 billion annually due to leaks and illegal connections and is owed nearly R500 million by government departments and state-owned entities. Furthermore, the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has been allocated R2.8 billion, with R400 million earmarked for expanding stormwater infrastructure in flood-prone areas like Orange Farm and Ivory Park. The goal is to boost urban resilience and improve access between townships and economic hubs. 'These investments are part of the broader spatial transformation agenda, creating inclusive, walkable neighbourhoods and connecting marginalised communities to the city economy,' said Arnolds. 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.
The South African
25-05-2025
- The South African
Drug mule busted at OR Tambo
An alleged drug mule travelling from São Paulo, Brazil, was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport. He was found in possession of R 1,4 million worth of cocaine wrapped around his legs. The 39-year-old man, a Brazilian national, landed in Johannesburg and was in transit to Benin. His trip was foiled however after he was intercepted by police officers at the airport. 'He was pulled aside and during a body search, cocaine was found wrapped around his legs. He has been arrested and is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court on a charge of drug trafficking', said SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe. Mathe said the police are intensifying their efforts to clamp down on the illicit trade of drugs. Between January and March 2025, 23 306 suspected drug mules were arrested after being found in possession of drugs. According to Mathe, this number includes drug traffickers that SAPS has managed to intercept at the OR Tambo in the past months. 'Most of these drug traffickers are coming into the country from Brazil and are found to have swallowed these drugs. Mathe said SAPS conducts intelligence operations and they have yielded positive results. More than 20 drug smugglers have been identified and arrested in the last six months. All of them were arrested as they enter the airport. According to Mathe, law enforcement is doing their best to root out illegal substances in the community. She said in the period between January to March 2025, a total of 3471 suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs. She said the statistcs include six Mozambicans who were arrested in Standerton, Mpumalanga last month. They were arrested along three South Africans after police discovered that they were running a secret drug laboratory in the area. 'Drugs, high performance vehicles and machinery all to the tune of R27 million were confiscated in this operation. Including R3 million in cash that was found in the boot of a Mercedes Benz', she continued. According to her, the police destroy drugs that are seized from various operations on a regular basis. She said destroying the illegal substances ensures that police permanently remove drugs from circulation. Mathe said R5.2 billion worth of drugs have been destroyed by police in the last three years. This is an achievement she was pleased to announce, she said. DO YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO IS ADDICTED TO ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES? 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.
The South African
24-05-2025
- The South African
Brazilian man caught smuggling cocaine at OR Tambo airport
Police arrested a 39-year-old Brazilian man at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday morning after he arrived from São Paulo. The suspect landed at 09:00 and was en route to Benin when police intercepted him. During a body search, officers found cocaine wrapped around his legs. Police immediately arrested the suspect and will bring him before the Kempton Park Magistrates' Court on a drug trafficking charge. The arrest forms part of broader efforts by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to intensify the fight against the drug trade. Between January and March 2025, police intercepted more than 20 traffickers at OR Tambo International Airport and arrested 23 306 suspects for drug possession. Many of these traffickers had ingested drugs before arriving from Brazil. In the same period, police arrested 3 471 individuals for drug dealing. They apprehended six Mozambican nationals and three South Africans in Standerton, Mpumalanga, after dismantling a clandestine drug laboratory during a major operation. The operation led to the confiscation of assets valued at R27 million, including high-performance vehicles, industrial machinery, and R3 million in cash found in the boot of a Mercedes-Benz. Police shut down another clandestine drug laboratory in Westonaria, Gauteng, and arrested two additional suspects. On 7 March 2025, SAPS led a drug destruction operation in the Western Cape. Officers destroyed narcotics worth R340 million. SAPS has destroyed R5.2 billion worth of drugs in the past three years. 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
16-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Court dismisses R27 billion damages claim against Department of Science and Innovation
Durban High Court dismisses man on R27 billion claim against Department of Science and Innovation Image: File The Durban High Court has dismissed a man who is demanding R27 billion in damages from the Department of Science and Innovation. The man represented himself and used jargon and acronyms that the court found difficult to comprehend. Melusi Christopher Ntuli applied for a summary of judgement in this court against the department. A summary judgement is issued by the court without going to trial. His particulars comprised four separate claims and when totaled together they amounted to R27bn. Additionally, the court said his claim for judgement summary was some 921 pages. It also said Ntuli's claim appeared to revolve around two devices: a chargeless electric engine and a PSDC motor. 'The claims are based on the unconstitutionality, illegality, marketing, and infringement of the intellectual property rights (IPRs) due to the respondents' (the department) Grassroots Innovation Programme (GIP),' Ntuli said in his affidavit. Ntuli claims that his intellectual property rights have suffered reputational damages. He said the IPRs have a damaged reputation and has suffered the sum of R5bn. The other claim is that the department had no legal grounds for using the IPRs and therefore it has suffered a loss and damaged reputation of R2bn. Ntuli also said the department was not entitled to promote the electric engine through GIP and said the IPRs have suffered R10bn on damaged reputation. Another claim is R10bn for infringed rights of intellectual property. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ 'From this whistle-stop tour through the plaintiff's claim, it is clear that he seeks unliquidated damages from the defendant,' Judge Robin Mossop said. He said a claim is liquidated if it is fixed either by agreement or by an order of court, or is capable of swift and easy computation. 'There is no such agreement in this instance on the amounts claimed by the plaintiff, nor have the amounts been determined by a court. It is impossible to calculate how the amounts claimed have been calculated,' Judge Mossop added. Judge Mossop said that if he understood the papers drafted by Ntuli correctly about his claims, it appears that he invented the devices. He said it appeared that Ntuli held intellectual property rights to the devices and that the department had accepted the use of these devices into its programme called GIP. Judge Mossop said he did not understand what a PSDC motor is and what GIP is for, as neither of these was explained. Mossop said the department raised its defences properly. Janse van Rensburg, a State attorney, said Ntuli's claim was not liquidated and said this court lacked jurisdiction to deal with this matter, as Ntuli stated that the department was based in Pretoria. Moreover, Judge Mossop advised Ntuli to seek legal assistance. 'It seems to me that it would be beneficial for him (Ntuli) if he acquires legal advice to help him deal with the difficulties that he is inevitably going to face. If he cannot afford such assistance, I have arranged for my registrar to provide him with the local address of Legal Aid South Africa,' Judge Mossop said. Ntuli was given leave to defend the action, and Judge Mossop said costs were reserved for decision by the trial court.
TimesLIVE
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Ex-girlfriend testifies Sean ‘Diddy' Combs forced her into ‘drug-fuelled sex parties'
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' former girlfriend Casandra Ventura, the star prosecution witness at his sex trafficking trial, testified on Tuesday that the rapper and hip-hop mogul forced her into drug-fuelled sex parties he organised. Ventura, a rhythm and blues singer known as Cassie, said she took part in Combs' parties, known as 'Freak Offs', for about a decade, at first to please him and later because he blackmailed her with videos of the encounters. 'The 'Freak Offs' became a job where there was no space to do anything else but to recover and try to feel normal again,' Ventura, 38, told jurors in a Manhattan federal court. She said performances could last one to four days, with Combs giving her drugs to keep her awake and micromanaging her appearance. 'If I wasn't doing my nails, I was getting a tan,' Ventura said. 'After a while that wears down on you, on your confidence and self-worth.' One casualty was her music career, with a 10-album contract signed in 2006 with Combs' Bad Boy Records label yielding only one album, Ventura testified. Jurors were also shown a widely seen 2016 surveillance video from the hallway of a Los Angeles hotel where Combs, wearing only a towel, threw Ventura to the ground, kicked her and dragged her away. Ventura said the incident occurred after Combs had given her a black eye during a 'Freak Off'. 'All I could think about was getting out of there safely,' Ventura said. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to five felony counts of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. If convicted on all counts, he faces a minimum 15 years in prison and could face life behind bars. Combs' lawyers have said prosecutors wanted to improperly criminalise his 'swingers' lifestyle, where he and his girlfriends invited men to join them for sex. 'This case is about voluntary choices made by capable adults in consensual relationships,' defence lawyer Teny Geragos told jurors on Monday. The trial began on Monday, and could last two months. Combs is being housed in a Brooklyn jail when not in court. Wearing a brown dress and later adding a camel-coloured coat, Ventura said she began dating Combs in her early 20s in what she thought was her 'first real adult relationship'. Ventura said she loved Combs at the time, and wanted to make him happy. However, she said Combs changed as time passed as he began frequently beating her, and leaving her with black eyes and bruises all over her body. 'He would bash my head, knock me over, drag me, kick me, stomp me on the head if I was down,' Ventura said. The grey-haired Combs, clad in a grey sweater, often crossed his arms as Ventura testified. Ventura fought back tears when she described 'Freak Offs' in graphic detail. She said she was 22 during her first 'Freak Off', and the only parts she enjoyed were when she and Combs were alone. Often they weren't alone, Ventura testified, with Combs paying male escorts, including one nicknamed 'The Punisher', $1,500 (R27,458) to $6,000 (R110,00) to take part. Ventura said she didn't want to participate when others were involved, but was afraid of making Combs angry. 'His eyes were black,' she said. 'The version I fell in love with was no longer there.' Ventura also said Combs controlled much of her life and career. 'Control was everything, from the way I looked to what I was working on that day, who I was speaking to,' she said. Ventura will resume testifying on Wednesday. Combs has apologised for his conduct in the video. His lead lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, has said the video depicted the aftermath of a dispute over infidelity. Agnifilo said at a hearing last Friday that Ventura had a history of domestic violence, signalling he may use it during cross-examination to undermine her credibility. Ventura filed a civil lawsuit in November 2023 accusing Combs of rape and serial sexual abuse. They settled after one day. Jurors may hear testimony from two or three of Combs' other female accusers, and former employees who prosecutors said helped arrange and cover up Combs' criminal conduct. Ventura married personal trainer Alex Fine in September 2019. They have two daughters, and Ventura is pregnant.
