Latest news with #R5.4bn
TimesLIVE
16-07-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Zondo commission of inquiry cost R1bn — Mbalula
The ANC has revealed the Zondo commission of inquiry into state capture has cost the country R1bn and resulted in 51 individuals and 27 entities facing criminal charges with R11bn in 'stolen assets' recovered. The commission, formed in 2018 by former president Jacob Zuma, was established to investigate allegations of state capture, corruption and fraud in the public sector. It concluded its hearings in 2021 and the final report was submitted in 2022. Concerns have been raised that the report has 'gathered dust', with no action taken against those implicated as there haven't been any arrests. Briefing the media on Tuesday, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said the commission yielded a substantial return despite its significant cost. 'More than R14bn in assets are frozen, R5.4bn has been recovered and more than 60 individuals and entities are facing criminal prosecution,' Mbalula said. 'The commissions have not only exposed wrongdoing but have informed meaningful legislative and structural reforms.' President Cyril Ramaphosa has established a commission of inquiry to look into allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi against senior law enforcement officials, including police minister Senzo Mchunu, over alleged political interference in criminal cases. Mchunu and deputy national police commissioner Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya were placed on special leave pending the outcomes. The move was criticised by the public and political parties, citing previous commissions that produced no arrests. Mbalula said calls for immediate arrests or prosecutions without the process 'reflect disregard for constitutionalism and due process and would ironically mirror the very abuses of power we seek to correct' 'It must be understood that in a constitutional democracy, justice is not a spectacle. The separation of powers doctrine limits the executive's direct intervention in investigations or prosecutions. 'The demand for arrests, politically driven prosecutions, or trial by media undermines the foundation of the rule of law. South Africa's hard-won democracy does not permit leaders to act as judge, jury and executioner. Instead, the president has correctly entrusted independent institutions to do their work and has created an enabling environment for them to succeed.' He called on the public and political parties to respect the process. 'The commission must be allowed to conduct its work thoroughly, independently and without fear or favour. 'The ANC views the settings of commissions of inquiry, while not a substitute for law enforcement, as essential instruments in the pursuit of justice, truth and reform, especially where systemic failure, conflict of interest or possible political interference has paralysed existing institutions.'
Zawya
10-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Microsoft adds $273mln to SA investment with youth and SME benefits
Microsoft has announced plans to invest R5.4bn by the end of 2027 to expand its cloud and AI infrastructure in South Africa, responding to growing demand for Azure services in the region. This latest investment builds upon the company's R20.4bn investment over the past three years, which established South Africa's first enterprise-grade data centres in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The investment is aimed at startups, large multinationals, SMEs and government entities to utilise cloud and AI solutions for enhancing operational efficiency, optimising service delivery, and fostering innovation within South Africa's economy. "Beyond blazing a trail in the local technology space, the longstanding presence of Microsoft in South Africa is a vote of confidence in our country and in our economy,' President Cyril Ramaphosa said welcoming the announcement. 'The strategic investment announcements made by Microsoft today stands as further testimony to this enduring confidence." Brad Smith, Microsoft's vice chair and president, stated that Microsoft had been a dedicated partner to South Africa for over 30 years. 'This latest investment is part of our broader focus in helping South Africans build a future where technology drives prosperity and young workers have the skills they need to thrive." Addressing the skills gap According to the World Economic Forum, 60% of companies in the Global South identify critical skills gaps as key barriers to digital transformation by 2030. To address this challenge, Microsoft has committed to skilling one million South Africans by 2026. The company is now expanding this initiative by funding certification exams for 50,000 young people in high-demand digital skills over the next 12 months. These Microsoft Certifications will cover areas such as AI, Data Science, Cybersecurity Analysis, and Cloud Solution Architecture. Building on 30 years of investment In 2024 alone, the company trained more than 150,000 people in digital and AI skills, with 95,000 becoming certified and 1,800 securing employment through Microsoft's Skills for Jobs programme. Additionally, Microsoft has provided over $100m in donated and discounted software to South African educational institutions, nonprofit organisations, public libraries, and museums over the past year. Microsoft believes South Africa can lead Africa's transition from being consumers to producers of AI technology. A recent UN report highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure investments and regulatory frameworks – specifically in connectivity and AI governance. Sustainability commitments The expanded AI infrastructure in South Africa will operate under its AI Access Principles, ensuring broad access to AI technology that serves the public good. Microsoft used the opportunity to update on progress in its sustainability journey. Since announcing goals to be carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste by 2030, the company has: - Become one of the world's largest carbon-free energy buyers with a 34GW contracted renewable energy portfolio across 24 countries - Developed 90 water replenishment projects in over 40 locations worldwide - Exceeded its land protection goal by protecting over 64km2 – more than 40% above its initial target The company continues to address sustainability challenges as it grows its infrastructure globally and locally, reinforcing its commitment to South Africa's economic growth and digital future. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
