Latest news with #R427
IOL News
11-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Residents of Marulani Lodge protest unexpected waste management charges
Residents of Marulani Lodge in Pretoria East are outraged after receiving waste management bills from the City of Tshwane, even though they already pay a monthly levy to a private contractor for waste collection services. Marulani Lodge residents in Pretoria East are outraged after receiving their first-ever waste management bill from the City of Tshwane despite already paying a monthly levy that covers waste collection by a private contractor. At the centre of their complaint was an unexpected R427,40 waste management charge on their April municipal account statements. Residents have expressed disappointment that they were not consulted about the new waste management charges. They are demanding that the City correct their accounts, believing the waste management charges were made in error. Anja Swanepoel, one of the residents, was surprised to see a R427,40 waste management charge on her municipal account as her complex already pays for private waste removal through their monthly levies. She has since emailed the City, requesting the charge be removed and an updated invoice issued before she settles her account. 'I wrote Tshwane an email. I didn't get a reference number but I got an automated email reply. I am sure they are not going to rectify the account and it is just going to be one of those things that will lie there until we pay,' she said. She expressed concern that her rates and services that used to be around R530 have suddenly doubled. Swanepoel said the situation is particularly worrying for the many elderly residents, who rely on social grants and can't afford the new charges. 'I am renting out my unit and I can't charge my tenant that additional amount because it is ludicrous. For the old people it is quite bad because they rely on their pension funds and that additional R427 takes away part of their livelihood,' she said. Resident Magdel du Preez was also caught off guard by the extra charge. She said: 'We were not warned or informed about it. It is an extra for a service I don't get. It is affecting people in our complex and also I heard people in other complexes are running into the same problem.' Former DA MMC for Finance and DA councillor, Jacqui Uys, said in a video message that her party councillors have been contacted by many residents who had previously cancelled the City's waste collection services. To the residents' surprise, she said, the City had reinstated waste collection charges on their accounts last month. 'I have written to the chief financial officer to inquire why residents who have followed the correct procedure to cancel this service are now seeing it back on their accounts without any consultation or the service being delivered. I have asked what is the policy that was used to do so and I am awaiting his feedback,' she said. She advised affected residents to submit individual queries to the municipality, saying once a query is logged and unresolved, residents can proceed to file an official dispute with the City by completing a specific form. She advised residents to pay the undisputed amount on their account while the dispute is being resolved to avoid service disconnection. Municipal spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said: 'The City's Environment and Agriculture Management Department issued notices in November 2024 to all Homeowners Associations, requesting submission of evidence of private waste collection for verification.' He said those who did not provide the required documentation were subsequently billed from April 2025 for waste charges equivalent to one bin. 'Clients may submit proof of private waste collection for review. Upon verification, the charge may be reversed accordingly,' Mashigo said.
IOL News
09-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
KWV 1930 Muscadel auctioned for R17,000 at historic KWV Auction
A rare bottle of KWV 1930 Muscadel achieved an impressive R 17 000 at the second KWV Auction, held on the evening of 7 May in the winery's historic Cathedral Cellar. This iconic lot, sealed before the Second World War and meticulously stored in KWV's cellars, underscored the evening's fervent bidding climate and included a total of 116 exceptional wine and brandy lots sourced from the revered producer's private cellar. With a total hammer price of R427 300 (pending audit), the auction not only highlighted KWV's commitment to excellence but solidified its status as one of South Africa's most esteemed creators of collectible fine wines and auction portfolio celebrated the winery's rich heritage and distinguished pedigree, igniting passionate bidding and enthusiastic participation from collectors and enthusiasts alike. KWV CEO John Loomes expressed pride in the successful auction, remarking, 'It is a privilege to witness another milestone in KWV's 107-year journey — and to honour a legacy built on crafting wines and brandies that people choose to include in their most cherished memories. This vision culminated in such a remarkable result tonight, one that will resonate far beyond our cellar walls and make a lasting impact in communities.' The evening's events were expertly moderated by Strauss & Co, who showcased bottles with impeccable provenance and fascinating narratives. Highlights included wines from KWV's premium ranges—The Mentors, Roodeberg, and Cathedral Cellar—as well as matured vertical collections and tribute lots dedicated to South Africa's iconic grape, Pinotage. Notably, collectors keenly competed for aged white wines, particularly the vertical collection of The Mentors Chardonnay (2011, 2013, and 2015 vintages), underscoring the allure of well-matured whites. Equally notable was the interest in The Mentors Limited Edition Malbec and Nebbiolo collection, alongside strong bidding for KWV's XO Pinotage Single Varietal Brandy and rare Pinotage lots. Commenting on the evening's star attractions, Cape Wine Master and Master of Ceremonies Bennie Howard noted, 'The Pinotage items were the stars of the evening - a shining example of how KWV continues to showcase the exceptional quality and diversity of South African wine and brandy, which we are so proud to celebrate.' Other unique lots included a historic array of Cape fortified wines from the 1940s to the 1970s, comprising vintage Ports, Muscadel, White Port, and Hanepoot Jerepigo. At the close of the auction, it was reiterated that all profits from the KWV Auction 2025 will be directed toward Nation Builder, a cause committed to enhancing nonprofit organisations throughout South Africa. The previous auction contributed to the development of over 100 registered NPOs, a legacy that this year's event aims to build upon. Nation Builder CEO Ivan Swartz expressed gratitude for KWV's unwavering support. 'We are incredibly grateful to KWV and its team for their generosity and for taking the call to make a real, lasting impact so seriously. It's a privilege to partner with a pioneering company of such stature.' As collectors and enthusiasts basked in the glow of a successful auction, the KWV event not only celebrated fine wines but also embodied a commitment to community development, further intertwining the legacy of the brand with a mission to uplift South African society.
