Latest news with #R7.8
The South African
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni headed for 2026 trial
Blake Lively, star of the hit film It Ends With Us , has moved to withdraw her headline-grabbing emotional distress claims against co-star and director Justin Baldoni. This twist comes just months after Lively accused Baldoni of creating a toxic set and causing 'severe emotional harm' to her and her family during filming in late 2024. Court documents reveal that Lively is attempting to drop her claims of intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress. These were the heart of her lawsuit, which painted a picture of humiliation, frustration, and mental anguish on set. But why the sudden change? Baldoni's legal team demanded access to Lively's medical and therapy records to challenge her claims, according to Variety. Instead of handing over these deeply personal documents, Lively's lawyers notified the court she would withdraw the distress claims. Lively wants to drop the claims 'without prejudice'—meaning she could refile them later. Baldoni's team isn't having it. They insist the claims should be dismissed 'with prejudice,' slamming the door on any future attempts. As Baldoni's lawyer put it, 'Ms. Lively cannot have it both ways'. Baldoni is suing Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist for a jaw-dropping $400 million (about R7.8 billion). He claims Lively orchestrated a smear campaign and defamed him, destroying his career and reputation. 'They are trying to shift the narrative,' Lively's lawyers counter, accusing Baldoni of using the courts to silence her after she spoke out about alleged harassment. Baldoni's talent agency, WME, which also represents Lively and Reynolds, dropped him as a client. The agency's decision came as scrutiny over the allegations mounted, putting the production and everyone involved under a harsh spotlight. The case has echoes of our celebrity legal dramas, where privacy, dignity, and public perception collide. Lively's reluctance to hand over her medical records will resonate with many who value personal boundaries, while the sheer size of Baldoni's counterclaim is enough to make anyone's jaw drop. Either way, the legal battle is far from over. The trial is set for March 2026, and both stars are digging in for a long fight. Representatives for both Lively and Baldoni have declined to comment. For now, the world will be watching as this blockbuster courtroom showdown unfolds. 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.
The South African
25-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
DA slams R400 million salaries of CEOs of failing state-owned entities
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has condemned what it describes as 'exorbitant' executive salaries within South Africa's state-owned enterprises (SOEs), calling for immediate reform and accountability in the wake of shocking new data revealing over R400 million spent annually on executive pay – despite ongoing bailouts, service delivery failures, and poor audit outcomes. According to parliamentary responses and publicly available remuneration data, senior executives at public entities are earning salaries that far exceed national guidelines set by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), with little regard for performance or fiscal sustainability. 'This reflects a broken system with weak oversight and eroded public accountability,' the DA said in a statement. The DA highlighted several examples: The Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA) CEO earns R15.5 million annually , making them one of the highest-paid public servants in the country. CEO earns , making them one of the highest-paid public servants in the country. Transnet's CEO pockets R8.5 million , even as the entity struggles with port inefficiencies and increasing reliance on the private sector after receiving a R47 billion bailout in 2023. pockets , even as the entity struggles with port inefficiencies and increasing reliance on the private sector after receiving a in 2023. At the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) , the CEO earns R7.8 million , despite the agency's ongoing infrastructure woes and audit disclaimers. , the CEO earns , despite the agency's ongoing infrastructure woes and audit disclaimers. The Road Accident Fund (RAF) CEO receives R7.1 million, while the fund remains technically insolvent. Other entities named in the report include the CSIR (R6.92 million), SAA (R6 million), Rand Water (R5.4 million), and PetroSA (R5.8 million) – many of which continue to underperform or rely heavily on government support. The DA warned that this level of spending undermines service delivery and public confidence in the government's ability to manage state resources effectively. With only 13 of 40 government departments reporting so far, the total national expenditure on executive pay could be significantly higher than R400 million. 'If such excesses are occurring at senior levels, it is reasonable to infer that similar practices may exist across all employment tiers within SOEs,' the DA said. The party is demanding that the Minister of Public Service and Administration, along with the Minister of Finance, implement the following: A standardised executive remuneration framework for all public entities for all public entities Mandatory justification and public disclosure of any salary exceeding DPSA guidelines of any salary exceeding DPSA guidelines Parliamentary oversight and collaboration to ensure alignment with public service principles They argue that executive pay should reflect performance, especially in entities that have repeatedly failed to deliver on their mandates or required state bailouts. The DA has described the excessive salaries as an 'affront' to millions of ordinary South Africans who continue to endure failing services, from collapsing rail infrastructure to persistent water outages and electricity disruptions. 'The South African public deserves competent and ethical service delivery. These excessive salaries remain not only unjustifiable but an affront to the millions who rely on basic services that are consistently failing.' The DA has vowed to pursue fiscal discipline and performance accountability through legislative channels and continue exposing what it sees as a culture of excess and impunity in state entities. 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.
Business Mayor
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Mayor
Research heavyweights join Nzimande's working group
Professor Blade Nzimande, minister of science, technology and innovation. A 12-person working group will determine the implications of the US withdrawal of funding for key public research and innovation projects in South Africa. Professor Blade Nzimande, minister of science, technology and innovation, appointed the team this week. The move follows US president Donald Trump's decision to halt US funding to SA, amid allegations of a 'white genocide' and that Afrikaner farmers are being deliberately targeted and killed. In February, all US state departments were ordered to suspend aid to SA. The North American nation reportedly allocated nearly $440 million (R7.8 billion) in assistance to SA in 2023. In a statement, the department says the working group on science, technology and innovation (STI) funding will also analyse the current geopolitical risks related to STI and how SA should position itself to deal with the current situation. Additionally, it will propose policy and strategic responses to enhance the long-term security and sustainability of the STI system and the role of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. 'The working group is expected to provide the minister with its first draft report within four weeks after assumption of the task, and the final report to the minister is expected on 30 June,' it says. The working group comprises: Dr Derrick Swartz: Nelson Mandela University – working group chairperson. Professor Ari Sitas, acting director of the Institute of African Alternatives in Cape Town. Professor Sarah Mosoetsa, CEO of the Human Sciences Research Council. Dr Mlungisi Cele, CEO of the National Advisory Council on Innovation, Professor Francis Petersen, chair of Universities South Africa. Professor Thokozani Majozi, president and chair: Academy of Science of South Africa. Professor Sibusiso Moyo, deputy vice-chancellor for research at Stellenbosch University. Professor Ntobeko Ntusi, CEO, South African Medical Research Council. Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, CEO, National Research Foundation Professor Sibongile Muthwa, vice-chancellor of Nelson Mandela University SA. Professor Xolisa Mtose, vice-chancellor of the University of Zululand. Dr Thulani Dlamini, CEO of the Council for Industrial and Scientific Research.
The Citizen
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Zondo questions Zuma's release from prison on medical parole
Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in July 2021 for defying a Constitutional Court order to appear at the Zondo Commission. Former chief justice Raymond Zondo has questioned former president Jacob Zuma's release from prison on medical parole after defying a Constitutional Court order in 2021. Zondo delivered the keynote address on Tuesday, the second day of the 15th Commonwealth Regional Conference for heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa. The four-day event is taking place in Cape Town. Zuma jailed Zuma, who was sentenced to 15 months in July 2021 for defying a Constitutional Court order to appear at the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into allegations of state capture, was released on medical parole in September 2021 by former correctional services commissioner Arthur Fraser. The former president served just two months of the sentence. Zondo chaired the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture from 2018 to 2022. WATCH Raymond Zondo speaking about Jacob Zuma's jail term Former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has questioned the release of former President Jacob Zuma, commending the judiciary for initially imprisoning him and handing down the Nkandla judgment Zondo stated that the judiciary rightfully declared Zuma's release unlawful, following… — News Live SA (@newslivesa) May 6, 2025 ALSO READ: WATCH: Zondo question Zuma's release from prison on medical parole Judiciary commended During his address, Zondo commended the judiciary for initially imprisoning Zuma and handing down the Nkandla judgment. 'I've already mentioned the SIU (Special Investigating Unit), but I think I deserve to mention the Judiciary, because it is the Judiciary that issued the Nkandla judgment that, in the view of many, turned the tide,' Zondo said. Nkandla Zuma paid back R7.8 Million – a portion of the tax money spent on installing non-security features at his Nkandla homestead in rural KwaZulu-Natal – seven years after renovations first started. The saga began with renovations estimated at R60 million at Nkandla. However, inflated pricing quickly ballooned this figure to R246 million, as later discovered by former public protector Thuli Madonsela. ALSO READ: Court rules Zuma's medical parole was unlawful, orders his return to prison By the time the Nkandla renovations were completed, project costs had skyrocketed, and close to R100 million was spent on a chicken run, cattle kraal, Calvert, visitors' centre, swimming pool and amphitheatre. Presidents not spared Zondo said even presidents are not spared from accountability. 'It is the judiciary that sent out a very good message that, whether you are president or a former president, if you have done wrong, we will send you to jail. It is the Judiciary that make sure that when some irregularities were done to release a former president from prison, which is the Judiciary which declared that that release was unlawful. 'But it was the executive which wanted us to believe that coincidentally, when he came back, there was this plan that certain prisoners should be released, and he just fitted into that plan. Some of us did not believe that,' Zondo said. Zuma parole The matter Zondo referred to relates to the case in which the Constitutional Court dismissed the Correctional Services Department's appeal against the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruling that Zuma's medical parole was unlawful in July 2023. In November 2022, the SCA dismissed with costs Zuma's appeal against the setting aside of his medical parole by the Pretoria High Court. Zuma and the Department of Correctional Services had appealed the high court's ruling in December 2021, which set aside Fraser's decision to grant him medical parole. Go back to jail The SCA basically ordered Zuma to go back to prison. The former president reported to the Estcourt Correctional Services facility in August 2023 following a decision on his incarceration. ALSO READ: 'Need for Zuma to make more submissions about prison sentence bizarre' – Manyi National Commissioner of Correctional Services Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale said Zuma was admitted into the facility and underwent processing. Zuma remission However, Zuma was released two hours later after he became eligible for remission. Thobakgale at the time said the process of remission was to avoid overcrowding of prisons and factored in the category of crimes committed and time already served in facilities. The then Minister of Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, said President Cyril Ramaphosa had remitted prisoners across the country and had not given Zuma special treatment. 'It is not a specific decision about former president Jacob Zuma, it is about all the offenders across the country. 9,488 inmates will be released into correctional supervision. Zuma will benefit from this. 'This 'special remissions' process was started the same day as the announcement of Zuma benefiting from it. He would also fall under the first 'category' of those released.' Ramaphosa satisfied Lamola said Ramaphosa was satisfied with the decision. 'The first issue the president is concerned about is respect for the rule of law. The president believes the rule of law has been served in this matter,' Lamola said. NOW READ: Zuma's lawyers argue for acquittal due to lengthy delays in the arms deal case [VIDEO]
