Latest news with #R56
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
‘You call this leadership?': DA's Liam Jacobs grills SAFA president Danny Jordaan over travel expenses
Democratic Alliance's (DA) member of the portfolio committee on Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, has grilled SAFA president Danny Jordaan on whether he is a responsible leader, over costly travel expenses. Image: Facebook/Liam Jacobs Democratic Alliance (DA) MP and member of the portfolio committee on Sports, Arts and Culture, Liam Jacobs, who's known for his tough line of questioning, grilled SAFA President Danny Jordaan over his leadership and travel expenses. The clash occurred during a briefing on SAFA's 2023/24 annual report, which included audited financial statements and governance issues. Jacobs began his questioning by asking Jordaan, 'Do you believe in the concept of democracy? Can you please put your microphone on when you respond?' Jordaan replied, 'I'm a product of a struggle for democracy...' Jacobs continued, asking whether Jordaan respected the concept of democracy and if he understood the importance of term limits. Jordaan, who appeared caught off guard, said, 'You're asking me a question that is self-evident,' He added, 'I understand it. I was here as a member of Parliament.' Jacobs then pressed Jordaan on his long tenure as SAFA president. 'Are you aware that you are one of the longest-serving presidents of any football association on the planet?' Jordaan responded, 'It's not true,' prompting Jacobs to fire back, 'Twelve years, almost...' As tensions rose, Jordaan interjected, 'I'm still busy with my interrogation here... They must ask the questions and answer. Just order. Now he's engaging me now.' Committee Chairperson Joe McGluva intervened, urging members to allow questions to be asked and responses to follow in an orderly manner. Fellow committee member PA Marlon Daniels objected to Jacobs' conduct, particularly pointing his finger at Jordaan. 'What I witnessed here is not right. It is absolutely rude for a child to have that kind of conduct toward someone old enough to be his father,' Daniels said. McGluva then asked Jacobs to apologise for the gesture if it had occurred. 'I apologise for that,' Jacobs said. Daniels also withdrew the remark calling Jacobs a 'child.' 'I'm terribly sorry. I forgot I'm not at home where I deal with my children like that. So I withdrew...' Meanwhile, Jacobs continued with his line of questioning. 'Do you consider yourself a responsible leader?' Jordaan initially appeared hesitant but ultimately responded, 'The response was yes, Honourable Jacobs.' Jacobs then raised concerns over Jordaan's travel expenses, saying, 'In my hands, as I sit here, I have got something I know you don't think I have.' He mentioned trips, including a R131,000 trip to Ivory Coast and London, two visits to Qatar costing R56,000 and R31,000, and a trip to Vietnam for the Oceania Congress from September 29 to October 3, 2023.' 'What are we as South Africans doing in Vietnam at an Oceania Congress of an organisation that only has 13 members thousands of kilometres away?' Jacobs asked. He also mentioned trips to Cameroon for R105,574 and Morocco for R82,833, questioning the value of such spending amid SAFA's financial strain. However, Jordaan defended the Vietnam trip, saying it was related to South Africa's bid to host the FIFA Women's World Cup. 'You may know, or you may not know, that South Africa made a bid for hosting the Women's World Cup. The CEO was with me. Tumi Tlamini was with me,' Jordaan said. 'Do you have their costs there? Do you have their flight tickets there? This is a campaign.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Farmers warn of imminent price spikes for beloved food item: 'This is being exacerbated now'
If you're planning to fire up the grill in South Africa anytime soon, you might want to brace your wallet. The cost of a traditional braai — a beloved local cookout — is climbing faster than general inflation, and farmers say extreme weather is to blame. As Business Tech explained, the latest South African Braai Index, a monthly snapshot of food prices, revealed that the cost of a typical braai basket rose by 4% in April compared to March — and is up 4.03% year over year. While meat prices have wobbled, the real culprits behind the April spike were vegetables, with tomatoes jumping 26% and carrots climbing 20% in just one month. Over the long term, maize meal — a cookout staple — has surged by 21% compared to last year. Business Tech cited South Africa's Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy, which said rising maize costs stem from shrinking supply in Brazil, poor harvests in Argentina, and strong export demand. Domestically, low stock levels and delayed planting seasons due to erratic weather have only added pressure. Even beef, which saw a temporary price dip earlier this year, is now spiking again. A beef carcass that used to sell for R56 per kilogram is now going for as much as R74 — a staggering 32% jump. South Africans aren't just losing access to a favorite national pastime — they're staring down a deeper issue: the growing cost of putting food on the table. As senior agricultural economist for trade research at the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), Thabile Nkunjana told The Money Show, via Business Tech, "This is being exacerbated now." Grain crops, which are essential for both human consumption and livestock feed, have been hit hard by extreme swings in weather — from droughts to downpours — disrupting supply chains and making feed more expensive. As feed prices rise, so do meat prices, especially when farmers can't afford to bring underfed livestock to market. It's a local snapshot of a global trend: As our planet continues to overheat, the cost of basic foods is becoming more volatile — and for many, unaffordable. On a larger scale, countries are working to stabilize food systems by investing in drought-resistant crops, encouraging regenerative agriculture practices, and implementing early-warning systems for extreme weather. What is the biggest reason you don't grow food at home? Not enough time Not enough space It seems too hard I have a garden already Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Locally, South Africa is exploring smart agriculture tech to help farmers adapt — such as using predictive tools to manage planting cycles and protect against future crop losses. Nonprofits like the Southern Africa Food Lab are also working on community-based solutions to improve food access. For consumers, there are still ways to save: Buying locally and in-season, reducing meat consumption, and cutting down food waste can help stretch budgets and reduce strain on the planet. Because while the price of a braai may be going up, smarter systems and shared solutions could help keep it within reach for everyone. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The South African
12-05-2025
- Politics
- The South African
Zimbabwean white farmers' payout sparks legal fight with war vets
Zimbabwe's promise to compensate white farmers evicted under Robert Mugabe's land reform is facing resistance from some war veterans once hailed as heroes of that revolution. More than twenty years ago, Zimbabwe's government under Robert Mugabe initiated a sweeping and often violent land reform campaign. The campaign evicted about 4 500 white farmers and reallocated their land to an estimated 300 000 black families. Officials defended the program as a necessary step to address colonial-era land inequalities. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has pledged to pay just over US$3.5 billion (R63 billion) to more than 4 000 white farmers. The aim is to rebuild relations with Western countries that condemned the land seizures. The compensation only covers improvements made to the farms, not the land itself. Since the plan was launched in 2020, little has happened. The government has only paid US$3 million (R56 million), covering 378 farms. According to Zimlive , five former liberation war veterans have gone to court to block the government's compensation deal. These war veterans include Joseph 'Ginger' Chinguwa, Godfrey 'Zvabhendazvabhenda' Gurira, Joseph 'Hitler Bazooka' Chinyangare, Reuben Zulu, and Digmore Ndiya. The war veterans believe that the deal with white farmers is unconstitutional without new legislation from Parliament. The human rights lawyer and former finance minister Tendai Biti is representing the war veterans. They've taken their case to the High Court, seeking to have the entire deal declared unconstitutional. In an affidavit submitted to the court, war veteran Chinguwa noted that Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has publicly acknowledged a Global Compensation Agreement involving US$3.5 billion (R63 billion) in payments. Chinguwa said the big issue for war veterans was the lack of detail. The government, he argued, hadn't explained how it calculated the US$3.5 billion (R63 billion). He asked whether the valuation included dams, buildings, or anything else permanently attached to the land. The war veterans continue arguing: '…in our respectful view, anything permanently affixed to the land is part of the land… This would include, for instance, dams, buildings, fruit, coffee or tea plantations.' Chinguwa maintained that the government ought to have tabled a clear Act in Parliament. It should have outlined the compensation formula, the scope of land and improvements involved, and the list of intended recipients. 'None of this was done. To this day, the Global Compensation Agreement is a closely kept secret. In a country governed by the rule of law and constitutionalism, this is clearly unconstitutional…' 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.
TimesLIVE
07-05-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Barrick's quarterly profit beats as gold price surge offsets lower production
Barrick Mining reported a first-quarter profit on Wednesday that beat analysts' estimates, driven by a surge in gold prices that helped offset lower production. Gold prices surged above $3,100 (R56,696) per ounce in the first quarter of 2025, driven by rising safe-haven demand amid growing uncertainty over tariffs that could fuel inflation and impact global economic growth. Bullion has gained around 29% so far this year, after rising more than 27% in 2024. Operations at Barrick's Loulo-Gounkoto complex, its largest mine in Mali and a key contributor to its gold output, have been suspended since January after the government seized about three metric tons of gold following accusations related to the company's tax non-compliance. For 2025, the company continues to expect total gold production between 3.15-million ounces and 3.50-million ounces, with Loulo-Gounkoto output excluded from its outlook. "We expect to update our guidance to include Loulo-Gounkoto when we have greater certainty regarding the timing for the restart of operations," Barrick said.
The Citizen
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
SAA hit by ‘significant' cyberattack disrupting internal operations
SAA has appointed independent digital forensic investigators to determine the root cause of the hack. An SAA plane at OR Tambo International Airport. The airline is seemingly delaying filing its financial statements. Picture: Gallo Images South African Airways (SAA) was the target of a 'significant' cyberattack that disrupted several internal operational systems. The attack, which began on Saturday, temporarily disrupted access to the airline's website, mobile application and several internal operational systems. Flight operations SAA said interventions minimised disruption to core flight operations. 'They also ensured the continued functionality of essential customer service channels, such as the airline's contact centres and sales offices. Normal system functionality across all affected platforms was restored later the same day.' ALSO READ: Cybercrime: A global risk surpassing load shedding in potential impact SAA said it has appointed independent digital forensic investigators to determine the root cause and full scope of the incident and explore the possibility that the disruption resulted from external cybercrime activities. Data 'Regarding the potential impact on data, the preliminary investigation is currently assessing the full extent of the incident and actively working to determine if any data was accessed or exfiltrated. 'SAA is committed to notifying any affected parties directly, in accordance with regulatory requirements, should the investigation confirm a data breach,' the airline said. SAA said it will continue to work closely with law enforcement and investigators, 'reaffirming its unwavering dedication to operational excellence and the integrity of its systems'. MTN hacked In April, mobile network operator MTN fell prey to a 'cybersecurity incident' that resulted in 'unauthorised access to personal information' of some of its customers in 'certain markets'. However, MTN said it found no evidence of compromise of any of its critical infrastructure platforms or services. 'Our core network, billing systems and financial services infrastructure remain secure and fully operational.' Ramaphosa hacked President Cyril Ramaphosa has also come under attack. In May 2022, a hacking group called SpiderLog$ obtained the details of a loan Ramaphosa took out from one of South Africa's top four banks in the 2000s. SpiderLog$ used Ramaphosa's data to draw attention to glaring vulnerabilities in South African security systems, especially those used in government departments, including defence and state security. Cost of data breaches In 2024, The Citizen reported that the average cost of a single data breach case in South Africa was a whopping R53.1 million. According to IBM research, stolen or compromised credentials were the most common initial attack vectors in South Africa, accounting for 17% of all cyberattacks. These types of attacks averaged a total cost of R56 million per breach. According to Interpol's 2024 African Cyberthreat Assessment Report, the rapid growth of cybercrime is further illustrated by the estimation that in 2023, the average number of weekly cyberattacks per organisation in Africa increased 23% year–on–year; this average was the highest in the world. ALSO READ: MTN hit by 'cybersecurity incident', some customer details compromised
