Latest news with #R66
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Hospital security bill soars to R2.5bn amid patient care crisis
The DA noted that PSIRA's annual rate increase stands at only 7.38%, far below the near six-fold rise in overall security spending. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has voiced concern over soaring security costs at Gauteng public hospitals, which have skyrocketed from R655 million in 2022 to R2.54 billion in 2025 — nearly quadrupling in just three years. According to DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC Jack Bloom, the rising security expenditure is diverting much-needed funds from critical healthcare services. 'This squeezes out money needed to improve patient care,' said Bloom in a statement on Monday. Multi-million rand contracts under scrutiny Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko revealed in a written reply to the provincial legislature that the increase is due to 'additional points of service provision' and higher rates regulated by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA). However, Bloom questioned the justification, noting that PSIRA's annual rate increase stands at only 7.38%, far below the near six-fold rise in overall security spending. 'As a percentage of the total Gauteng health budget, security costs have gone up from 1.1% in 2022 to 3.8% of this year's allocation of R66 billion,' he pointed out. Security bills for major hospitals are among the highest. Chris Hani Baragwanath, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg, and Bertha Gxowa hospitals are paying R77 million, R72 million, and R26 million respectively to private security firms each year. In response to Bloom's inquiry, the department stated: 'The security assessment report conducted justifies the additional increase in the number of guards, and it is in line with the PSIRA rates.' ALSO READ: Mpumalanga primary school pupils treated for food poisoning after eating oranges Guards unpaid despite soaring costs Despite these massive outlays, some security workers are not being paid on time. At Tembisa Hospital, guards have gone on a go-slow, protesting after not being paid for three months. At George Mukhari Hospital, Mafoko Security Patrollers recently lost a court case over failing to pay provident fund contributions. Similar allegations have surfaced at Bertha Gxowa Hospital, where workers claim deductions are not reaching the required funds. Although the department insists it uses 'a monthly performance monitoring tool to ensure that security workers are paid on time and according to legislation,' Bloom said, 'this does not appear to be effective.' ALSO READ: Hospital horror: Cops in frantic search for two premature babies snatched from incubators Calls for accountability Bloom suspects widespread corruption. 'Many security companies seem to be grossly over-charging while underpaying their workers,' he said. The DA has vowed to continue pushing the provincial health department to review the escalating costs. 'Hospital patients suffer because of a lack of budget to fix staff shortages, long queues, and broken equipment,' Bloom warned. The Citizen has contacted the Gauteng Department of Health for further comment but had not received a response at the time of publication. NOW READ: Suspect allegedly confesses to Tembisa Hospital fire
The Citizen
20-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
PowerBall and PowerBall Plus results: Tuesday, 20 May 2025
R66 million in jackpots are up for grabs! Here are your PowerBall and PowerBall Plus results for 20 May 2025. Get the PowerBall and PowerBall Plus results as soon as they are drawn on The Citizen, so you can rest easy and check your tickets with confidence. Estimated jackpots for Tuesday, 20 May 2025: PowerBall jackpot: R62 million guaranteed. PowerBall Plus jackpot: R4 million estimated. PowerBall and PowerBall Plus results for Tuesday, 20 May 2025: PowerBall: 00, 00, 00, 00, 00. Powerball: 00. PowerBall Plus: 00, 00, 00, 00, 00. Powerball: 00. The winning PowerBall 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 PowerBall or PowerBall Plus results. We suggest verifying the numbers on the National Lottery website. How much does it cost to play PowerBall? Lottery outlets close at 8.30pm on the day of a draw, which happens 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 PowerBall? PowerBall entries cost R5 per board including VAT. PowerBall Plus costs an additional R2.50 per board. You can also play PowerBall on selected banking apps (T's & C's apply). Visit and go to the How to Play section to find out more.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Robinson Helicopter Company Unveils New R66 Army Training Helicopter at 2025 Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit
New Climb Higher Videos Detail Robinson's Contribution to "American-Made Readiness" and 'Pilots of Tomorrow' for the Future of Army Aviation Still from Climb Higher: "American-Made Readiness and Pilots of Tomorrow" TORRANCE, Calif. and NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC), the world's leading manufacturer of light helicopters, unveiled the new R66 Army Training helicopter at the 2025 Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit (Quad A) in Nashville, Tennessee in Booth #3216. As the only American-designed and manufactured helicopter in its class, the R66 offers a dependable and affordable training solution for the Army's IERW (Initial Entry Rotary Wing) program. The Robinson R66 helicopter offers significant advantages as the U.S. Army's next rotorcraft trainer. The R66 consistently has the lowest acquisition and lowest direct operating cost (DOC) and most advanced safety features in its class. Through vertically integrated manufacturing, more than 85% of all R66 parts are made in Robinson's Torrance, California manufacturing facility. This American-made philosophy ensures consistent parts availability and the highest part quality. Inside the aircraft, the R66 incorporates its signature instructor-friendly cyclic design, providing enhanced instructor oversight for improved control and safety in the learning environment. Designed for real-world training, the R66 exceeds demanding Army training requirements and ensures a smooth transfer of skills to operational environments. The integration of advanced Garmin G500H TXi and GTN750 avionics provides enhanced situational awareness and facilitates digital cockpit habit transfer. The intuitive powerplant, equipped with a power turbine governor and twist-grip throttle, simplifies engine management, crucial for effective training. The R66 helicopter also comes standard with an integrated 4k cockpit camera to further enhance safety and support ongoing training. 'The R66 embodies American-made readiness, built with reliability, quality, and durability at its core, and we are committed to providing seamless American-made support,' said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. 'Pilots worldwide learn critical power management skills and achieve true flight readiness in a Robinson aircraft. This foundation prepares them exceptionally well for future operational demands.' In conjunction with Quad A, Robinson Helicopter Company released the latest installment in its Climb Higher video series, "American-Made Readiness and Pilots of Tomorrow," featuring highly experienced, former Army aviators and Robinson pilots. These videos highlight their direct experience with Robinson helicopters and underscore the platform's effectiveness in preparing the Army's next generation of skilled aviators. The series offers compelling insights into the critical role Robinson aircraft play, from law enforcement missions to training thousands of pilots over the last half century. Visit Robinson Helicopter on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube for more. About Robinson Helicopter Company For more than 50 years, Robinson Helicopter Company has been at the forefront of the helicopter industry by delivering safety-enhancing technologies, including OEM-designed crash-resistant fuel cells, 4K cockpit video cameras, autopilot systems, impact-resistant windshields, and NVG-compatible cockpits. Robinson is committed to developing, manufacturing, and supporting the most reliable and efficient helicopters in the industry. For additional information, visit Contacts: Robinson Helicopter Company Robyn E. Lee-Anne Aranda 310-539-0508 x294 Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Citizen
08-05-2025
- The Citizen
Police seize counterfeit goods worth nearly R2 million in Lenasia
The counterfeit goods were seized from five shops and two kiosks. Police have seized counterfeit goods, including toys and cellphone accessories, worth nearly R2 million at a shop in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg. The fake goods were discovered during a joint operation on Wednesday. Police operation Police said the fake goods were valued at R1.8 million. 'The operation, led by the Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, National Counterfeit Unit, Border Police, SARS, and brand protectors, visited five shops and two kiosks. The seized items include counterfeit clothing items, cellphone accessories and toys.' The South African Police Service (SAPS) has been relentless in its efforts to disrupt and dismantle the illicit trade in counterfeit and contraband goods nationwide. ALSO READ: Police seize counterfeit goods worth millions in Limpopo Foreign nationals arrested In January, police arrested three foreign nationals and seized fake and illicit goods valued at over R5 million in Limpopo. The operation was spearheaded by the National Counterfeit Goods Unit, with support from the Saps Gauteng Drone Team, the Bloemfontein K9 Unit, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs and brand protectors. Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the team executed a search-and-seizure warrant at a shopping mall in Musina's central business district (CBD). 'During the operation, more than 2 000 counterfeit and illicit items, including sneakers, clothing, cell phone accessories, perfumes, and consumables, were confiscated. Illicit goods In December last year, Gauteng police seized counterfeit and illicit goods worth more than R66 million in Johannesburg. Four Malawian nationals were also arrested for contravening the Immigration Act. Van Wyk said more than 190 000 counterfeit and illicit items were seized, including clothing, shoes, belts, cosmetics, cigarettes and liquor. She added that officers also confiscated bottles of 'illicit poison' which were found inside the storage facilities, among other consumable items. Police said they will continue to combat the illicit trade in counterfeit goods, 'protecting legitimate businesses and consumers who are subjected to sub-standard products that pose health and safety risks.' NOW READ: BMA officials intercept stolen motorbike, cellphones and cars at Kosi Bay
Express Tribune
10-03-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Robinson unveils R88, a 10-seat single-engine helicopter for multiple missions
Listen to article Robinson Helicopter has introduced the R88, a 10-seat single-engine turbine helicopter, marking a significant expansion beyond its traditional light helicopter models. The clean-sheet design will require a new type certificate, with first flight expected as early as this year and certification projected later this decade. The company has begun taking orders for the $3.3 million aircraft. Specifications and capabilities The R88 features a 275-cubic-foot cabin designed to accommodate up to eight passengers or 1,800 pounds of payload with full fuel. It is intended for aerial firefighting, air medical transport, utility work, and passenger transport, with a reconfigurable cabin for various missions. The aircraft will be powered by a Safran Helicopter Engines Arriel 2W engine, producing 1,000 shaft horsepower. The R88 expands upon the company's existing lineup, which currently includes the five-seat R66 powered by a 300-shp Rolls-Royce turboshaft engine. David Smith, Robinson Helicopter's president and CEO, described the R88 as a single-engine alternative offering cabin capacity and performance comparable to some twin-engine helicopters. Design and structural changes The R88 maintains Robinson's two-blade teetering main rotor system, similar to previous models, but with modifications to enhance performance and reduce noise. It will also include impact-resistant windshields certified to Part 29 transport helicopter standards as a standard feature. Unlike previous Robinson models, the R88 will not use the company's signature teeter bar single-post cyclic control system. Instead, it will adopt traditional dual cyclic controls due to the aircraft's wider cabin geometry. The structure will be based on a welded steel frame with aluminum skin, incorporating carbon-fiber composites where appropriate. The aircraft will also feature dual hydraulic controls for pitch and roll. Mission and operational features The R88 will have an external cargo hook rated for human external cargo (HEC) operations, capable of lifting up to 3,000 pounds. It will also include a fold-down rear entry door for easier medevac stretcher loading, along with sliding rear doors. The helicopter's range is estimated to exceed 350 nautical miles, with a flight endurance of more than 3.5 hours. Additional options for the aircraft include a utility basket, wire-strike protection kit, pop-out floats, and high skids for firefighting water tank compatibility. Avionics and systems The R88 will feature a fully integrated Garmin avionics suite with touchscreen G500H TXi displays, a crew alerting system, and GTN navigation and communication units. A four-axis Garmin autopilot will be standard, providing level mode, hover assist, limit cueing, and speed protection. The aircraft will also include a health usage monitoring system and data recording with a built-in datalink. The Safran Arriel 2W engine will require certification but is based on an existing model. It will be derated to operate below its maximum power rating. Each R88 will include a Safran service program covering unscheduled removals for five years or 2,000 flight hours. Production and certification timeline The first flight test article of the R88 is currently under construction. Robinson Helicopter aims to complete first flight testing within the next year, but the timeline remains dependent on integration with Safran's engine and the Garmin avionics suite. Company executives estimate that certification will take between 2.5 and 4 years, based on past certification timelines for other Robinson models. The company has already opened the order book, with potential buyers directed to R66 dealers for deposits. Robinson Helicopter, headquartered in Torrance, California, expects the R88 to attract new customers while also offering an upgrade path for existing Robinson operators.
