Latest news with #R400
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
6 affordable travel options for the South African pocket
While travelling is often viewed as a luxury reserved for the wealthy people, especially as the rand continues to plummet on global markets, there are some countries suited to our pocket. The following list was put together by The South African: Namibia: With Africa home to some of the most beautiful countries in the world, Namibia is a haven where dunes meet the sea. Visa-free for South Africans, it is regarded as one of the most affordable countries for South Africans to visit. Its captivating scenery offers sand dunes that glow at sunset, and self-drive safaris. Thailand: Offering a 30-day free visa, it remains affordable, with bungalows on the beach costing in the region of R400 a night, and delicious street food for about R50. Travellers enjoy activities such as island hopping, buzzing markets, and breathtakingly beautiful golden temples. Vietnam: Moving with the times, Vietnam offers E-visa, which is easily accessible online. This holiday destination provides affordable hostels, cheap food and amazing adventures. Georgia: Also known as Europe's best-kept secret, this holiday destination delivers Alpine hikes, Soviet-era charm, and winemaking villages. With a 360-day visa-free policy, Georgia is tucked away between Europe and Asia, and hosts a variety of hidden gems. Indonesia: While Bali is always a crowd favourite, Indonesia boasts volcanic sunrises and is a sought-after spiritual retreat. With incredibly cheap meals reported to be the same price as a South African cappuccino, scooters serve as transportation, and a 30-day visa-on-arrival makes it a holidaymaker's paradise. Turkey: After applying for an easy E-visa online, Turkey is home to a rich culture and heritage. It is ancient yet modern, with endless mezze and hot air balloons in Cappadocia. Regions such as Fethiye and Antalya offer Mediterranean bliss for a fraction of the price. Source: 6 affordable countries South Africans should visit in 2025 Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer
IOL News
2 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Bolt Invests over R400 000 to support emerging mobility entrepreneurs in SA
Launched in December 2024 in partnership with business academy Pranary, the program attracted over 578 applications nationwide, with Gauteng submitting the highest number. Image: Supplied. E-hailing company Bolt said it concluded its first Accelerator Program in South Africa, awarding €20,000 (over R400 000) in funding to ten participants. Bolt said that the initiative marked a significant step in the company's efforts to support entrepreneurial growth within its driver and courier community. Launched in December 2024 in partnership with business academy Pranary, the program attracted over 578 applications nationwide, with Gauteng submitting the highest number. Women made up 7% of the applicant pool. "When we empower everyday entrepreneurs with the tools to build, we don't just ignite businesses, we transform communities and shape the future of Africa's mobility. True innovation thrives in an ecosystem where ideas are nurtured, collaboration is championed, and every voice has a seat at the table. At Bolt, we're building more than a platform, we are cultivating a movement," said Lerato Motsoeneng, Bolt's Senior General Manager for South Africa. After a rigorous selection process, 120 drivers and couriers were chosen to join the Bolt Academy, where they received training in key areas such as market analysis, value proposition design, customer validation, and basic financial modelling. Twenty participants advanced to the final phase, where they worked closely with industry experts and mentors to refine their ideas. Their journey culminated in a live pitch event, with a panel evaluating their concepts on innovation, feasibility, and community impact. Each of the ten selected finalists received €2000 (over R40,000) in seed funding and will participate in six weeks of additional mentorship to further develop their ventures. At the awards event, three individuals received special recognition for their groundbreaking contributions to innovation and entrepreneurship. The awards highlighted excellence across three key categories: Kamogelo Modise received the Most Innovative Idea award for Lupa Township Delivery A sustainable, cost-effective, zero-emission bicycle delivery network designed to bridge the delivery gap in township communities through a community-driven model. Vutivi Shivambu was awarded the Most Scalable Idea for Liftsearch A ride-sharing platform that connects verified passengers with verified drivers, offering safe, affordable, and convenient long-distance travel to and from rural villages. Shannon Adams won the Best Pitch award for platform that links tourists with vetted drivers who also act as tour guides, enhancing travel experiences with local insights and safe transportation. Sandras Phiri, CEO of Pranary, emphasised the importance of practical application. 'These participants didn't just sit through lectures, they built real businesses,' he said. 'Our mentorship approach brought in active founders and investors to guide them in creating ventures that are not only viable but needed. These entrepreneurs are addressing genuine challenges in the transport space.' The Gauteng Department of Economics (GDED) is Bolt's strategic partner in creating a vibrant economy in Gauteng. Mpho Nawa, the acting Head of Department at GDED, lauded the Accelerator Program as a game-changer and said it was an example of initiative that impact our communities. 'The initiative signifies our commitment to playing a leading role in supporting initiatives that empower communities and create rising stars. This partnership would help with job creation and unlock further economic growth and diversification in townships, leading to more investment from various sectors. This will help us develop a vibrant and competitive economy in the townships, especially in the digital sector. As a Government that cares we recognise the pivotal role that innovation plays in uniting our country. This partnership with Bolt marks a significant step in supporting township businesses," Nawa said. The Accelerator Program reflects Bolt's broader aim to empower its driver and courier community with opportunities beyond the ride, helping them become active contributors to the country's evolving mobility landscape.
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The South African
3 days ago
- The South African
Police bust R400m counterfeit goods [video]
Police in KwaZulu-Natal have uncovered counterfeit luxury goods valued at approximately R400 million at a freight depot in Edwin Swales, south of Durban. Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said police discovered the counterfeit goods on Tuesday 27 May during a routine cargo profiling operation. 'Police were conducting a routine cargo profiling when they found two containers which contained counterfeit designer clothes, jewellery and kitchenware,' said Netshiunda. 'Both containers were fraudulently declared as furniture.' Read the full version of the ' Police seize counterfeit luxury goods worth R400 million in KZN' article. Investigators believe a supplier in an Asian country sent the containers to South Africa. The sender intended to deliver the cargo to Alberton and central Johannesburg in Gauteng Province. Street vendors typically sell the counterfeit goods marked with the trademarks of world-renowned luxury brands at significantly reduced prices. Looking for quick updates? Watch News in a Minute videos on The South African's YouTube page for all the key stories you need to know! Catch all the latest videos on news, lifestyle, travel, sports and more – there's always something to watch! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky to stay connected and get your news on the go!
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Mother of Peace launches R400K oyster mushroom campaign
NON-PROFIT organisation and children's home, Mother of Peace, has launched a R400 000 fundraising campaign to expand its oyster mushroom farm, a crucial step in strengthening its income-generating initiatives and moving closer to long-term sustainability. Also read: Become familiar with Mother of Peace-Illovo Caring for over 60 children who have been abandoned, orphaned, or removed from unsafe environments, Mother of Peace operates without government funding. The home relies on public donations and self-initiated projects to cover expenses such as food, education, staff salaries and municipal costs. The home's James Gradwell said the income-generating projects help bridge the funding gap, but it is still never enough. 'That's why this farm is so important. It has the potential to make us completely self-sufficient,' said Gradwell. The oyster mushroom farming project, which has already undergone a successful pilot phase, is ready to scale. Oyster mushrooms are in high demand and serve as an excellent meat alternative. Mother of Peace has already secured relationships with local markets, ensuring a steady customer base once full production begins. 'We've done our research and are currently preparing the climate-controlled growing room. With expert guidance from Ugan Pillay, an experienced mushroom farmer, we're confident this project will thrive,' said Gradwell. Also read: South Coast Sun 23 May 2025 Pillay, who has over 15 years of experience in oyster mushroom farming, transitioned into training after the pandemic forced him to close his own farm. He now aims to establish South Africa's first government-accredited mushroom training facility in partnership with Mother of Peace, offering valuable skills development to caregivers and youth at the home. To support the fundraiser, Mother of Peace sells vegetables and about 800 chickens each month to the community. Equipment is also on hand to launch a bakery, adding another potential income stream. 'Every rand or dollar goes directly into this initiative. This is more than a farm – it's a foundation for our children's future. With your support, it can grow into a powerful force for good, making our home fully self-sufficient for years to come. It's a small farm with a mighty impact,' said Gradwell. If 400 people or businesses donate R1000 each, the target would be reached sooner, and a Section 18a tax certificate to the value of the donation will be issued. To donate towards the project, go to or call Gavin Gradwell on 082 200 9614 for more information. The R400 000 raised will be used for: • Preparing climate-controlled growing rooms for year-round production. • Purchasing growing materials, tools, and pasteurisation equipment. • Packaging, transportation to markets, and buyer logistics. • Installing a full security system to protect both the farm and the children. • Repairing an existing walk-in fridge. • Building a reverse osmosis water treatment plant for clean growing water. • Conducting training workshops for staff and youth. For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
4 days ago
- IOL News
PICS: Gucci slippers, Le Creuset pots and Louis Vuitton dupes discovered in Durban port bust
iol Police in KZN seized counterfiet Le Creuset pots and Gucci slippers at a depot in Edwin Swales on Tuesday afternoon. Police in KwaZulu-Natal have seized counterfeit goods with a street value of R400 million. The raid was made on Tuesday afternoon at a freight depot in Edwin Swales, south of Durban. KZN police spokesperson Robert Netshuinda said SAPS members were conducting a routine cargo profiling when they found two containers that contained counterfeit designer clothes, jewellery, and kitchenware. "Both containers were fraudulently declared to be carrying furniture.
