Latest news with #R34
eNCA
a day ago
- Business
- eNCA
Gupta Compound in Saxonworld sold for over R30 million
JOHANNESBURG - The notorious Gupta compound in Saxonwold has been sold. Business Rescue Practitioners accepted an offer of R34 million. This sale follows just three weeks after the compound went under the hammer with one of the houses selling at significantly lower price. The house, known as Property 3, which once served as staff quarters, sold for just R3.3-million which was a decrease from its original amount of R5-million. The Gupta brothers, Rajesh, Atul and Ajay who once called the compound home, were identified as central figures in South Africa's state capture. They remain fugitives after fleeing the country in 2016.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Why the SANDF defends its R34m Cuba charter flight for student repatriation
SANDF justifies R34m Cuba charter as vital for safely returning 212 students, rejecting DA claims of waste and stressing logistical, security, and protocol needs. Image: Phando Jikelo / Independent Newspapers The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) said the chartered flight to Cuba was primarily to repatriate 212 South African military students who had completed their medical and engineering studies under a long-standing bilateral defence training agreement. The defence force emphasised that while the flight coincided with a graduation ceremony attended by SANDF officials, the ceremony was not the purpose of the trip. The Department of Defence stated: 'The officials' presence formed part of formal military protocol, fulfilling representational and logistical responsibilities associated with the safe coordination and return of deployed personnel.' This response follows the Democratic Alliance's statement on 6 August 2025, which revealed that the Department of Defence spent nearly R34 million on a charter flight operated by Cobra Aviation between OR Tambo International Airport and Havana from 13 to 20 July 2025. The DA claimed that the aircraft was equipped with a business-class cabin featuring luxury amenities typically reserved for senior generals and command personnel, while the majority of passengers were students who had already completed their training. The DA also questioned the transport of 19 Cuban nationals on the outbound leg, suggesting that SANDF resources were used to subsidise bilateral logistics. DA spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans Chris Hattingh described the expenditure as 'outrageous and unjustifiable,' citing ongoing SANDF operational challenges such as non-operational submarines, shortages of boots and uniforms, unpaid suppliers, and deteriorating strategic partnerships. The SANDF explained that the chartered aircraft was procured through the RT61 transversal contract in full compliance with National Treasury supply chain regulations. The defence force said a chartered flight was 'the most efficient method to return a large group over a long-haul route,' given the complexities of scheduling, baggage volume, and security risks involved with individual commercial bookings for more than 200 personnel. 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 ✕ The Department of Defence highlighted that 'broader operational factors ,including the need for group coordination, security management, medical equipment handling, and direct routing ' justified the choice of a consolidated charter service over commercial flights. Regarding the return of Cuban nationals on the outbound leg, the SANDF noted this was part of a 'longstanding bilateral movement coordination' and did not increase the charter cost. The Department acknowledged public sensitivities around such arrangements and committed to 'reviewing procedures to ensure greater transparency and public confidence in future deployments.' The SANDF further clarified that it currently lacks strategic airlift capability necessary for such long-range personnel movements. 'In the absence of appropriate air assets, external charter remains the most viable logistical solution,' the Department said. The SANDF reaffirmed its accountability to the South African public and welcomed 'robust engagement through the appropriate Parliamentary oversight mechanisms.' SANDF reiterated its commitment to managing public resources diligently while fulfilling constitutional and international obligations. 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IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
KZN Legislature tackles financial challenges in Nongoma Municipality
Members of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature and officials from Nongoma Local Municipality at a meeting on Thursday. Image: Supplied The new leadership in the Nongoma Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal is expected to turn things around from poor financial controls dating back to 2023. The KZN Legislature Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Portfolio Committee held a meeting with municipal officials on Thursday, to address challenges highlighted by the Auditor-General of South Africa (A-G). Marlaine Nair, the portfolio committee chairperson, said the committee had resolved to hold meetings with municipalities that have received adverse audits, disclaimer audits, and qualified audit reports from the A-G in the last financial year. She said that Nongoma's 2023/24 audit reflects areas of concern that require attention. 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 ✕ 'After four consecutive years of unqualified audit opinions, the municipality has now received a qualified opinion, which indicates a weakening of internal controls and governance processes,' she said. Nair said this is accompanied by notable compliance challenges, including R65 million in unauthorised expenditure written off, R45 million in unresolved irregular expenditure, as well as persistent weaknesses in procurement and financial management. Nair stated that financial sustainability is also under pressure; according to the A-G report, the municipality faces a growing debtor book, with R79 million in outstanding debt, most of which is over 90 days. Additionally, government departments owe over R34 million, placing further strain on cash flow and the municipality's ability to maintain consistent service delivery. Nair said that Thursday's engagement was not just about identifying shortcomings, but also about finding practical solutions and supporting the municipality in getting back on track. 'We are here to work together towards improving public confidence, ensuring responsible financial management, and ultimately strengthening service delivery for the people of Nongoma,' she said In July 2025, the Inkatha Freedom Party took charge of the municipality after a vote of no confidence was passed in the municipal council against the National Freedom Party (NFP) leadership. Mbekezeli Zondo was elected as the new mayor, with Sinethemba Mbongwa elected speaker and the EFF's Mthokozisi Luvuno voted deputy mayor. At the meeting on Thursday, the Nongoma Municipality stated that it has capacitated its Supply Chain Management systems and taken steps to resolve the findings in a turnaround plan. Staff from the expenditure unit will also undergo Municipal Standard Chart of Accounts (MSCOA) training by August 31, 2025. A cash flow committee is expected to be established by the end of August 2025. The municipality stated that in its turnaround strategy, it has limited the outsourcing of municipal services, including the hiring of cars and trucks. Members of the portfolio committee commended Nongoma Municipality for implementing the turnaround strategy to improve performance.
Eyewitness News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
DA pursuing urgent review after 'uncovering evidence' SANDF spent R34m on charter flight to Cuba for graduation ceremony
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is demanding answers after it obtained evidence the party says shows the South African Defence Force spent R34 million on a charter flight to transport over 200 SANDF personnel to Cuba. The passengers, including senior generals and students, allegedly went to Havana to attend a graduation. This ceremony was of no operational or strategic value to South Africa, says MP Chris Hattingh, DA spokesperson on Defence and Military Veterans. Documents in the party's possession 'confirm' that the trip was undertaken via Cobra Aviation with two legs between OR Tambo and Havana from 13–20 July 2025. Hattingh tells John Maytham the DA obtained the documentation from a source in the Defence Force. "I am convinced the figures are accurate - I've got the documents in front of me and it's official SANDF documentation, as well as from the contracting company in their colours." Chris Hattingh, DA Spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans "They asked for a charter aircraft with at least 25 business class seats. They also specified what they need inside, for instance soft cushions and a variety of hot and cold meals on board, gourmet snacks, continental breakfasts...: Chris Hattingh, DA Spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans
The Citizen
7 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Lotto and Lotto Plus results: Wednesday, 6 August 2025
A total of R34 million in jackpots is up for grabs tonight. Here are your Lotto and Lotto Plus results for 6 August 2025. Get the Lotto and Lotto Plus results as soon as they are drawn on The Citizen, so you can rest easy and check your tickets with confidence. Estimated Lotto and Lotto jackpots for Wednesday, 6 August 2025: Lotto: R23 million R23 million Lotto Plus 1: R3 million R3 million Lotto Plus 2: R8 million Lotto and Lotto Plus results for Wednesday, 6 August 2025: Lotto: 00, 00, 00, 00, 00, 00. Bonus: 00. Lotto Plus 1: 00, 00, 00, 00, 00, 00. Bonus: 00. Lotto Plus 2: 00, 00, 00, 00, 00, 00. Bonus: 00. The winning Lotto numbers will appear after the draw. Usually within 10 minutes of the draw. You might need to refresh the page to see the updated results. While great care has been taken to ensure accuracy, The Citizen cannot take responsibility for any error in the results. We suggest verifying the numbers on the National Lottery website. For more details and to verify the PowerBall results, visit the National Lottery website. When do South African National Lottery ticket sales close? Lottery outlets close at 8.30pm on the day of a draw, which takes place at 9pm. The terms and conditions may differ from other service outlets. Visit for more information. You can find the historical winning numbers for PowerBall and Lotto draws here. How much does it cost to play Lotto? Lotto entries cost R5 per board including VAT. Lotto Plus costs an additional R2.50 per board. You can also play Lotto on selected banking apps (T's & C's apply).
