Latest news with #R280
The Citizen
an hour ago
- General
- The Citizen
Eastern Cape tragedy: What flood victims need and how you can help
Gift of the Givers and others deployed to flood-ravaged Eastern Cape as nearly 10 000 were displaced. A man removes water from a shack after heavy rains fell in Motherwell on June 10, 2025 in Gqeberha, South Africa. Picture: Gallo Images/Die Burger/Lulama Zenzile Humanitarian organisations Gift of the Givers, the SA Red Cross Society, and others have ramped up emergency operations across the flood-stricken Amathole and OR Tambo District Municipalities in the Eastern Cape, where nearly 10 000 residents have been displaced by severe flooding. The towns of Butterworth and Mthatha have been hardest hit, with extensive infrastructure damage and widespread evacuations. According to Gift of Givers project manager, Ali Sablay, the community halls in Butterworth, Mthatha and Nelson Mandela Bay are now housing displaced families as officials work to assess the full extent of the crisis. What aid is needed Sablay told The Citizen, the situation was 'dire' and said there is an urgent need for: Blankets, Mattresses, Drinking water Toiletries. Those who want to assist can contact Gift of Givers on their toll-free number, 0800786911, or donate to the Gift of the Giver foundation's bank account. The affected families have been provided with mattresses, blankets, and hot meals as part of the ongoing relief efforts. Banking details: Gift of the Givers Foundation Standard Bank Account number: 052137228 SA Red Cross The South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) has also mobilised emergency response teams to the area, providing 180 blankets and mattresses worth R280 000. The society appealed for financial and in-kind contributions to expand relief efforts, deploy volunteers, provide psychosocial support, and assist with shelter, logistics, and recovery. Speaking to The Citizen, Eastern Cape Provincial Manager Caroline Gallant said there is an urgent need for: Hygiene kits, C lothing, Mattresses, and and Ready-made food. 'They [victims] only have the wet clothing on their backs. Many were caught unawares and were not able to pack a bag or get clean, dry clothes.' Gallant said monetary donations were also welcome, especially for the rebuild that will follow. Banking details: SA Red Cross Society Standard Bank Account number: 081082746 Donations can be made at Red Cross Offices in Grahamstown, Port Elizabeth and East London. ALSO READ: Nine dead as the Eastern Cape battles devastating floods EC government The Eastern Cape government has also called on those who can assist to drop off any donations at government buildings in the province. 'The affected families have been provided with mattresses, blankets, and hot meals as part of the ongoing relief efforts.' Black Coffee Foundation The Black Coffee Foundation is also on the ground and noted that the affected are in urgent need of: Blankets Warm clothing Non-perishable food Toiletries Sanitary items Baby supplies 'We're calling on our network, partners, and friends of the Foundation to stand with Mthatha. Let's show up with love and action,' it said. Those willing can donate to the foundation's bank account. Banking details: Black Coffee Foundation First National Bank (FNB) Account number: 62922110812 ALSO READ: Where are the kids? Eastern Cape scholar transport recovered, but children still missing [VIDEO] Water crisis in Butterworth Butterworth's water treatment plant has sustained major damage, cutting off the town's primary water supply. In response, Gift of the Givers has deployed two water tanker trucks for seven days, following a request from the Amathole District Municipality Disaster Management and the Mnquma Local Municipality. 'We are on the ground providing water to thousands of residents who have lost everything in the floods. 'Our teams are also distributing food, blankets, and hygiene packs to those in temporary shelters,' said Sablay. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa urges caution as floods claims lives in Eastern Cape National effort and coordination Relief supplies and personnel have been mobilised from outside the province to support escalating operations. The full-scale deployment in Mthatha is expected to begin in the coming days, in coordination with the OR Tambo District Municipality. Gift of the Givers has extended its appreciation to Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, MEC for COGTA Zolile Williams, and local municipalities for their ongoing support. NOW READ: Santaco mourns deaths of pupils in Eastern Cape floods
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates find their Saleng replacement
Orlando Pirates have had to deal with ongoing drama regarding their mercurial winger, Monnapule Saleng. 27-year-old Saleng hasn't played for the Sea Robbers this calendar year. Tshepang Moremi from AmaZulu is a prime target. According to SABC Sport, Pirates are closing in on 24-year-old Tshepang Moremi from AmaZulu. 'SABC Sport has established that Orlando Pirates are pushing to sign winger Tshepang Moremi from AmaZulu, with discussions believed to be advanced and a deal now likely,' the report said. 'It's understood these talks are progressing with ease given the history between the two sides with previous deals during the transfer window as well as the mutual respect that exists among the two clubs,' Molefe added. Paseka Mako, Miguel Timm and Thabiso Monyane are no longer with the Sea Robbers. As a result, numbers 29, 4 and 2 are available to be handed to new signings. Most Buccaneers fans will remember that jersey number 4 once belonged to the great Happy Jele. Who's got big enough footsteps to fill it next? According to Goal, Monnapule Saleng's salary isn't among the very highest in the PSL. It's in the region of R70,000, or R280,000 a month. It's not shabby, but it means he's not in the top percentile of earners in South Africa. Saleng salary details Click for a full Saleng timeline Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
2 days ago
- Business
- The South African
Updated OUTLOOK for July 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants
After last week's payout, July 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants will remain unchanged for next month. As it stands, over 75s who receive July 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants will be benefiting from the highest-paying grant in the country. And it is for this reason that October 2025 increases are uncertain. Nevertheless, the first social welfare payout in the second half of the year will go ahead in just three-weeks from now, on Wednesday 2 July 2025. As mentioned, over 75s can expect R2 330 deposited into their bank accounts. While beneficiaries aged 60-74 can bank on R2 310 to help make ends meet. Although by only a few days, July 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants are paid slightly earlier than usual next month. Image: File As we've been tracking throughout the year, the South African Social Security Agency has rarely been out of the spotlight. It started in January when the High Court ruled that SASSA cannot excluded applicants purely to satisfy budget constraints. Then February was overwhelmed by the National Treasury's inability to nail down an official budget for the year. While this happened, SASSA went ahead with annual increases in April 2025. The Finance Minister confirmed these would be higher than inflation, but that was posited on government's proposed VAT increases. Therefore, in May and June, when a second fiscal budget was overturned, there was plenty of consternation over whether 2025 SASSA grant increases may be reversed. However, the social welfare budget for 2025/26 (R280 billion) thankfully remains, so July 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants can go ahead as usual. It's still unconfirmed whether SASSA Old-Age Grants will increase again in October 2025, like they have done previously? Image: File If you're over 60, applicants secure their July 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants by visiting a branch during office hours (Monday to Friday 08h00 to 17h00). Be sure to bring the following along with you: South African identity document (ID) – smart card or green booklet. Documents proving marital status. Proof of residence (a utility bill with your name on it qualifies). Confirmation of proof of income and/or financial dividends. Any information regarding your assets, including a valuation of property. Declaration of any private pension in your name (if applicable). Valid three months' statements certified by your bank (not more than three months old). Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) membership book, or discharge certificate from your previous employer. A copy of your will, and first and final liquidation and distribution accounts if your spouse has passed away in the last five years. It is imperative that you keep your SASSA profile up to date (especially if you move) so you don't trigger a verification process against you. Image: File The Department of Social Development (DSD) has instigated strict mandatory checks to ensure no one is stealing taxpayer money. These involve double-checking your details with Home Affairs, Correctional Services, and Unemployment Insurance Fund. Likewise, there is a strict identity (via biometrics), means and asset test for all new grant applicants. As many as 200 000 clients have had to verify their details at a SASSA branch and had their grants withheld without review. Critically, the agency only wants those who do not have sufficient means through a private pension, savings and personal assets, to apply for July 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants. As such, SASSA officials will enforce the following income and asset limits on your application: You must earn less than R8 070 per month ( R96 840 per year) if single. per month ( per year) if single. Earn less than R16 140 per month ( R193 680 per year) if married. per month ( per year) if married. Your total assets must not be less than R1 372 800 if single. if single. If married, your total assets must be less than R2 745 600. If you are unsuccessful in applying for July 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants, you have 90 days to appeal by clicking HERE and completing all relevant documents. Can you believe we're already into the second half of the year? Check out these all-important payment dates below. Image: File Be sure to diarise the remaining payment dates for July 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants and beyond: JULY – Wednesday 2 July 2025 AUGUST – Tuesday 5 August 2025 SEPTEMBER – Tuesday 2 September 2025 OCTOBER – Thursday 2 October 2025 NOVEMBER – Tuesday 4 November 2025 DECEMBER – Tuesday 2 December 2025 Likewise, take note of these important SASSA contact details for your region if you cannot get assistance through the main SASSA numbers: SASSA toll-free number: 080 060 1011 SASSA WhatsApp number: +27 82 046 8553 SASSA Eastern Cape: 043 707 6300 SASSA Gauteng: 011 241 8320 SASSA Mpumalanga: 013 754 9446 SASSA Limpopo: 015 291 7509 SASSA North West: 018 388 4006 SASSA Free State: 051 410 8339 SASSA North West: 053 802 4919 SASSA KwaZulu-Natal: 033 846 3324 SASSA Western Cape: 021 469 0235 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
23-04-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates transfer news: Mofokeng, Ramontoeli, R46 million fumbled
Today's Orlando Pirates transfer wrap looks at Relebohile Mofokeng, a new teenage prodigy and a huge mistake made with Lyle Foster. Burnley paid €7m upfront for Lyle Foster in January 2023, with a further €4m of add-ons triggered because of their promotion to the EPL. Foster's move amounted to something approaching a staggering R225 million. One of the existing cash-rich EPL sides might be keen to take a punt on Foster's fighting qualities, especially at a price around €13 million (R280 million). It makes you think, could Pirates have held out for more than the €1.2 million they received for him in 2019? Also, why didn't they put a sell-on clause into that deal? Typically, sell-on clauses hover around the 10-20% mark. If Foster's move to Burnley was approximately R232 million, 20% of that would equal R46.4 million. That's quite an easy payday which the Orlando Pirates board overlooked. Click for the story It seems ridiculous to discuss the 'next Mofokeng' given that the original Mofokeng is still only 20 and not close to being the finished article. However, there is a name we should be watching closely. 'There is an exciting player who has been signed by Orlando Pirates, and soon people will be talking about him. His name is Rethabile Ramontoeli, and he plays as a winger and as an attacking midfielder. He is the next Relebohile Mofokeng, that one, I can promise you,' a source told Soccer Laduma . Click for the full story Relebohile Mofokeng has racked up a staggering 41 appearances in the 2024-2025 season across all competitions. Arguably the club's most important operator, he's produced 10 goals and 13 assists in those matches. It's a stellar output for any player, let alone one who's just exited his teens. Is there a succession plan for he inevitably leaves for a wealthier league abroad? Money can buy good players, but some stars are priceless. Pirates have unearthed a new teenager, but he's unlikely to make an impact for some time. Click for the full story Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
23-04-2025
- Business
- The South African
REVEALED: How Orlando Pirates fumbled R46.4 million on Foster
Orlando Pirates made a critical mistake when they sold Lyle Foster to French Ligue 1 side Monaco in the summer of 2019. Burnley paid €7m upfront for Lyle Foster in January 2023, with a further €4m of add-ons triggered because of their promotion to the EPL. Foster's move amounted to something approaching a staggering R225 million. One of the existing cash-rich EPL sides might be keen to take a punt on Foster's fighting qualities, especially at a price around €13 million (R280 million). It makes you think, could Pirates have held out for more than the €1.2 million they received for him in 2019? Also, why didn't they put a sell-on clause into that deal? Typically, sell-on clauses hover around the 10-20% mark. If Foster's move to Burnley was approximately R232 million, 20% of that would equal R46.4 million. That's quite an easy payday which the Orlando Pirates board overlooked. Click for the journey A host of other Premier League clubs would jump at the chance of signing the hard-working South African for around double what Burnley paid tos secure his services. Foster scored five goals and provided three assists in 24 top-flight appearances in 2023-2024; 22 were starts. It's no exaggeration to say he was arguably their best player, and to produce those numbers in a side struggling at the basement is a superb achievement. Burnley have won promotion to the promised land of the Premier League after guaranteeing a top-two finish in the 2024-2025 Championship table with two games to spare. Lyle Foster made 27 appearances under new boss Scott Parker with two goals and five assists. This was the ultimate response to relegation heartbreak in 2023-2024 when they finished 19th with 24 points. He'll be eager to build on his numbers from their ill-fated campaign last time out. It could put him in the shop window to enable a move to a more fashionable side. Relebohile Mofokeng has racked up a staggering 41 appearances in the 2024-2025 season across all competitions. Arguably the club's most important operator, he's produced 10 goals and 13 assists in those matches. It's a stellar output for any player, let alone one who's just exited his teens. Is there a succession plan for he inevitably leaves for a wealthier league abroad? Money can buy good players, but some stars are priceless. Orlando Pirates have unearthed a new teenager, but he's unlikely to make an impact for some time. Click for the story Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
