Latest news with #R28
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
‘Looting using matric papers': Why did NW printing job price jump by around R100m?
The job has reportedly never cost more than R30m, but is now apparently being done for R128m a year, for five years. There are concerns of possible 'looting' and corruption within the North West education department after it signed a new matric paper printing job that costs four times what it did last year. The department reportedly spent just over R28 million last year to print its question papers, but has now appointed a new provider for the services, Lebone Altron DSV Consortium. That provider, according to a City Press insider, is charging R128 million a year for the service. The department has disputed the amount, but revealed the actual amount is over R100 million. It justified the cost by saying it included not only printing but also other logistics like storage and distribution. Still, insiders insist that these other services were included in the previous deal at a fraction of the price. They smell a rat and claim there is 'a lot of looting using the printing of matric question papers'. 'The material used for printing the question papers is normal, which is found in any printing company. We do not use any special materials, but the money [the department is going to pay] is too much,' said a source. Why don't they use government printers? According to the national education department, eight of the nine provinces, including the North West, have stopped using the Government's Printing Works (GPW) to print their matric papers amid security concerns. 'The GPW in its current structure lacks the capacity to print secure question papers for all nine provincial education departments. This capacity can be extended with time, but the reality is that it is also a major risk for all national question papers to be printed at one venue in the country,' the department said previously. 'Another important factor is that provincial education departments (PED) prefer to have in-house printing facilities, which allows them to manage the process more closely. Hence, printing in Pretoria at GPW is not the most convenient arrangement for most PEDs.' And while leaks have reportedly reduced, the cost of printing, now in private hands, has risen. ALSO READ: Hawks make major breakthrough in matric results 'breach' – One detained Last year, it was reported that the cost more than tripled from less than R1 billion to R3.6 billion. The national education department later clarified that this R3.6 billion included setting the papers, moderation, printing, transport, security, marking and allowances for markers, maintenance of systems, and printing and distribution of statement of results. 'The estimated cost for just the printing and packing of question papers for all candidates writing the October/November examination is R220 million, and this is a fraction of the R3.6 billion quoted,' the department explained. NOW READ: WATCH: Matric results for just R100? Outcry over 'leak' of marks
IOL News
23-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Former Standard Bank employee debarred after targeting clients and borrowing over R28,000
A former Standard Bank employee has been debarred from working in the financial sector after he sent a client to loan him R1,000. A former Standard Bank employee has been debarred from working in the financial sector after it was discovered that he used clients' information to borrow over R28,000. Thapelo Jan Baloyi was appointed by the bank as an independent contractor in October 2022. He worked as a financial planner at the Secunda branch in Mpumalanga. Baloyi's problems began in July 2024 when a client, identified as TG, lodged a complaint with the bank's forensic department. TG reported that Baloyi had contacted her via phone and WhatsApp, requesting to loan R1,000. Subsequently, he provided his personal bank account details for the transfer. TG, sensing the impropriety, refrained from making the deposit but was immediately concerned about Baloyi's potential access to her Stanlib Investment account held at Standard Bank. An investigation was conducted, and the forensic department established that Baloyi contacted TG in July 2024 asking to borrow R1,000 and when TG told him she will report the matter to the police, he deleted the messages. In his defence, Baloyi said he had sent the messages to the wrong person. Forensic auditors discovered further troubling incidents. Between April and June 2024, Baloyi asked for R2,500 and R1,000 from two other clients. He also faced allegations of receiving R25,000 from another client in December 2023, which he promised to repay with R5,000 interest within six months—a commitment he failed to honour. During the hearing, Baloyi confirmed that the R25,000 was paid into his account, and he hasn't repaid it. In July 2024, Baloyi's activities escalated when he allegedly solicited at least R17,000 from a client with the promise that he will help her daughter to get a job at the bank. Although attempts were made by Baloyi to have the daughter employed, the client's daughter remained unemployed, and the money has not been refunded. It was also found that he was conducting a consulting business with some of the bank's clients and also failed to return the bank's laptop, effectively committing theft. The culmination of these events led Standard Bank to terminate Baloyi's contract in August 2024.
The Citizen
12-05-2025
- The Citizen
Over 300 arrested in west of Pretoria this weekend
Over 300 arrested in west of Pretoria this weekend Police arrested 325 suspects for various crimes during an Operation Shanela this past weekend in Hercules and Pretoria West. Tshwane District detectives effected 243 arrests for various crimes, including 76 for gender-based violence-related (GBV) offences, 14 for assault in domestic violence cases, 2 for murder, 2 for attempted murder, 14 for armed robbery and 2 for rape. A roadblock in Hercules, supported by mobile operations teams, resulted in the detention of 41 illegal immigrants who are now undergoing immigration processing. Two suspects were also arrested for employing illegal immigrants. A total of 428 people and 247 vehicles were searched. This led to 27 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol. Traffic law enforcement activities resulted in the issuing of 50 AARTO infringement notices, totalling R28 500 in fines for violations under the Road Traffic Act. Liquor inspections were conducted at 12 establishments, resulting in 3 premises being closed and the confiscation of 53 690 ml of alcohol. Spokesperson, Captain Johan Van Dyk, said these results were achieved through strategic planning, targeted deployment, and enhanced law enforcement visibility across key areas, particularly focusing on compliance with liquor regulations and apprehending wanted suspects. 'Law enforcement teams searched 21 identified hotspots and premises, which led to 1 arrest for possession and dealing in drugs, with several sachets containing various substances being confiscated, with 6 individuals being arrested and fined for public drinking and 1 suspect being arrested for possession of suspected stolen property when multiple hand radios were found in his possession without a reasonable explanation,' Van Dyk said. The effort was led by the District Commissioner of Tshwane, Major-General Samuel Thine, who expressed his appreciation to all SAPS members and law enforcement partners for their dedication and extended his heartfelt wishes to all the mothers across Tshwane and beyond. 'We salute the mothers of our communities for their unconditional love, strength and guidance. Your contributions to building safe, nurturing homes and shaping future generations are deeply valued. May this day be a reminder of how truly appreciated and cherished you are. Happy Mother's Day,' Thine said. Ward 1 councillor, Leon Kruyshaar, who was at the roadblock scene on the R80, said the operation was successful. 'We were dealing with a lot of people that night, and it's my job to do the oversight on behalf of the government, and I must honestly tell you, it's a very professional output what they're doing, all the departments, law-enforcement agencies and so-forth, I'm very proud of them. The highway is very busy, we have a lot of people passing through,' Kruyshaar said. The multi-disciplinary operation was carried out by an integrated law enforcement team. This included the Department of Home Affairs, Tshwane Metro Police Department, Gauteng Traffic Police, Gauteng Traffic Wardens, and Community Policing Forums from the respective stations. Watch here: Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
eNCA
09-05-2025
- Business
- eNCA
How Joburg plans to address the housing crisis
JOHANNESBURG - Joburg mayor Dada Morero delivered his first state of the city address this week. Johannesburg's housing crisis has been on the city's agenda for a while. On Friday, the Southern Farms Housing Project was announced. The R28 billion project promises to deliver 43,000 new housing opportunities. Johannesburg Human Settlements MEC Mlungisi Mabaso discussed the programme with eNCA. Today, we celebrated a momentous occasion with the vibrant communities of Eldorado Park, Freedom Park, and Orange Farm in Region G as we officially handed over the Southern Farms Housing Project. — Executive Mayor of the City Of Joburg (@DadaMorero) May 9, 2025
IOL News
08-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Someone won the R28million Powerball Plus jackpot. Was it you?
IOL Someone has won over R28million in the Powerball Plus jackpot. One person has won over R28 million in the Powerball Plus jackpot draw from the May 6, 2025, draw. According to National Lottery Ithuba, the person won R28,558,423.50. The winning ticket was purchased via a banking app, with a wager of R67.50. The person opted to select their winning numbers manually. Ithuba CEO Charmaine Mabuza said: It's truly fulfilling to witness the PowerBall Plus doing exactly what it was designed to do -offering players a second chance to win big. "This win highlights the convenience and security of playing the National Lottery through banking apps. We are thrilled for the winner and remain committed to delivering a world-class lottery experience through continuous innovation and accessibility.' Winners have 365 days from the date of the draw to claim their prize. Ithuba urged all players to check their tickets via the National Lottery website, mobile app, social media channels, or at retail outlets, as there are winners in other divisions too. "One participant matched five numbers in Division 2, winning over R180,000, while 18 others matched four numbers plus the PowerBall in Division 3, each taking home over R6,000." Ithuba reminded its players that all winnings are tax-free and are paid out within 72 hours of a valid claim. IOL News
