Latest news with #R700
IOL News
20 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa calls for a cost-effective National Dialogue
Cogta Minister and IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa urges a cost-effective National Dialogue focused on real solutions, not excessive spending, to address South Africa's deepening inequality and unresolved national issues. Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Velenkosini Hlabisa says the upcoming National Dialogue must not be a costly talk shop, but rather a serious, inclusive, and solution-driven process to address South Africa's long-standing social, political, and economic challenges. Speaking in his capacity as part of the cabinet preparatory team for the Dialogue, Hlabisa expressed concern over the excessive budget allocated for the process and called for a comprehensive review of its costs. The IFP views the National Dialogue, set to take place on August 15, 2025, as a continuation of the CODESA talks that ushered in political freedom in 1994 but left many key issues unresolved. 'We are opposed to the excessive cost in relation to the National Dialogue,' said Hlabisa. 'It must not be done at an exorbitant price.' He specifically raised alarm over the reported R700 million earmarked for the Dialogue, calling it unjustifiable in a country grappling with deep poverty and inequality. 'In our meeting, we expressed our disquiet in terms of the figure that was mentioned,' Hlabisa said.
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Entry-level VW Amarok mixes business with pleasure
In a leisure double-cab market increasingly populated by luxury bakkies priced at more than R1m, there is a subsegment of models that offer a mix of business and leisure for less than R700,000. Volkswagen's base Amarok double cab sells for R669,700 and comes with a black front bumper instead of colour-coded to the body as in upper spec versions. It has cloth seats in place of leather, and the floor has a hard-wearing rubber covering rather than carpets. It lacks features such as lane-keeping assist, keyless operation and electrically adjustable seats as found in upper end Amaroks, but overall it's a satisfying level of gadgets that doesn't leave you feeling shortchanged. The base Amarok double cab avoids feeling like a down spec workhorse and comes with a decent array of comforts to serve as a family leisure vehicle. The manually adjusted, cloth-covered seats are comfortable and have good side support, while the steering column adjusts for height and reach to cater for different size drivers. The infotainment system, while offering a smaller 10' screen than the 12' one in higher spec Amarok variants, is large and offers modern conveniences such as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Most functions are touchscreen controlled, with physical buttons reduced to a minimum inside the uncluttered cabin. It is all relatively user-friendly except for the finicky icon-activated aircon and ventilation controls. For a frequently used function such as setting the cabin climate, I would prefer old-fashioned knobs and buttons. Other standard features in the most affordable Amarok double cab include a digital instrument panel, cruise control, trip computer, four-speaker audio system, USB charging ports, reversing camera and remote central locking. It has rain-sensing wipers and automatic LED headlights. Safety spec is also comprehensive with seven airbags, ABS brakes and stability control. With only rear-wheel drive, the bakkie isn't suited to hardcore off-roading, though its elevated 237mm ground clearance and rear diff lock provide some adventure driving capability. It is a practical workhorse with an above average 1,125kg payload capacity, a standard tow hitch and a braked towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes. It has a full-sized steel spare wheel. The next model up is the Amarok Life automatic at R704,700, which adds two pedal convenience and extra features such as front park distance control, LED fog lamps, lumbar support adjustment for the front seats and a lockable tailgate via the remote central locking system (in the base Amarok the tailgate must be separately locked). With outputs of 125kW and 405Nm, the entry level Amarok double cab has enough gusto for easy cruising and overtaking. The manual bakkie lacks the two pedal convenience of an auto, particularly in heavy traffic. The light clutch and positive shifting lever take some of the chore out of driving, however. A benefit of the manual transmission is that it allows you to rev past the diesel engine's slight turbo lag in a standing start. There are driving modes for Eco, Normal and Slippery. With a fuel tank capacity of 80 l, the test vehicle averaged a fairly frugal 8.5 l /100km, though VW quotes an official 6.9 l figure. It's a refined bakkie that cruises without unpleasant acoustic intrusions, with engine and wind noise well suppressed. It rides comfortably on high-profile 17' tyres even with no load in the back. Priced at R669,700, including a five-year/150,000km warranty and five-year/100,000km maintenance plan, the baseline Amarok offers a good combo of workhorse and leisure capability at a lower price point in VW's double cab range, albeit at a premium over most rivals in the segment. It offers most of the important comforts while cutting out expensive frills and tops it off with good performance, decent fuel economy and satisfying refinement. THE COMPETITION Nissan Navara 2.5 DDTi double cab SE Plus manual, 120kW/403Nm — R595,000 JAC T9 2.0 CTI double cab Super Lux auto, 125kW/410Nm — R599,900 Foton Tunland G7 2.0 TD double cab Limited 4x4, 120kW/390Nm - R599,900 GWM P300 2.4T double cab LT auto, 135kW/480Nm — R599,900 Toyota Hilux 2.4 GD-6 double cab Raider manual, 110kW/400Nm — R612,100 Ford Ranger 2.0 SiT double cab XL manual, 125kW/405Nm — R620,000 Isuzu D-Max 1.9 TD double cab LS X-Rider manual, 110kW/350Nm — R652,500 Peugeot Landtrek 1.9 TD double cab Allure, 110kW/350Nm — R653,900 Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 DI-D double cab GLS auto, 135kW/430Nm — R679,900
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
South Africa's human rights crisis: Calls for action ahead of National Dialogue
Manyane Manyane | Updated 5 hours ago Civil rights organisation, Amnesty International South Africa, has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to redirect the R700 million allocated for the National Dialogue. The organisation advocates for this budget to be invested instead in safeguarding and fulfilling the basic human rights of South African citizens. Ramaphosa formally announced the National Dialogue last month. It is intended to be a platform for reflection on the nation's current state, envisioning its future, and establishing the foundation for the upcoming National Development Plan. The process, scheduled for August 15, 2025, will unfold in phases, including local consultations and sectoral engagements, to provincial and national gatherings, over the period of a year. Ramaphosa also pointed out that this is a chance for South Africans to shape the next chapter of democracy, adding that it is an opportunity to forge a new social compact for the development of the country. While South Africa's transition to democracy years ago was a landmark event, the country continues to grapple with significant challenges stemming from its past and present realities. Despite progress in some areas, deep-seated issues such as poverty, inequality and unemployment persist, often linked to the legacy of apartheid and the slow pace of land reform. Furthermore, corruption and state capture have undermined public institutions and service delivery, impacting basic services like water, electricity, and healthcare. Amnesty International South Africa's executive director, Shenilla Mohamed, said that while nation-building and social cohesion are important, the government should ensure that the budget allocated does not come at the expense of addressing the country's most pressing challenges. 'Most of the country's population lives in dire conditions and does not have access to basic essential services such as water and sanitation,' said Mohamed. 'Repeatedly, we hear people complaining of raw sewerage flowing through townships, inadequate housing, poor medical services, lack of quality education, high rates of gender-based violence, crime, and the list goes on. To address these violations and ensure the fulfilment of basic human rights, we need more government action and increased investment,' she said. Asked to comment on the statement, Ramaphosa's spokesperson Vincent Mangwenya did not respond. Amnesty stated that, despite a progressive legal landscape, rates of sexual and gender-based violence remain staggeringly high, with the number of reported offences in 2023/2024 sitting at 53,285, adding that the South African Police Service continues to fail in ensuring quality investigations. The organisation said that when it comes to basic services, over 3 million people have no access to basic water supply service, while 5.3 million households do not have access to safe and reliable drinking water. 'Decades of corruption and the mismanagement of public funds have weakened the government's ability to safeguard the country's water security, especially in the face of climate change and extreme weather events. Climate change is another threat to a wide range of human rights and will continue to impact the rights to life, health, housing, water, and sanitation. Without proper investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, we will continue to see destruction and loss of life during floods and other extreme weather events. 'There are a number of ways to spend R700 million. We urge the South African government to invest in the protection and fulfilment of people's human rights,' said Mohamed. Meanwhile, political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe said the National Dialogue is a costly distraction meant to give the impression that Ramaphosa's administration is doing something. He said this is all about smoke and mirrors, something that Ramaphosa has mastered and perfected. 'The National Dialogue has no legal and constitutional standing. Its recommendations are not legally binding. To that extent, it is just another talkshop that is meant to cover up Ramaphosa's glaring failures,' he said. Another political analyst, Ntsikelelo Breakfast, said there is no need for the National Dialogue to uncover challenges facing the country, adding that they are well-known. [email protected]
IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
R700 million ‘National Dialogue' ignores evangelical voices
While the President insists the dialogue is meant to be citizen-led and non-partisan, the deliberate exclusion of evangelical voices, such as those of Pastor Bert Pretorius, who represents over 19,900 churches and half of South Africa's Christian population, raises serious concerns about the inclusivity and legitimacy of the initiative, says the writer. On behalf of SAFI (the South African Friends of Israel), I must share how deeply dismayed we are by the shocking absence of evangelical representation on the panel of 'eminent persons' selected for President Ramaphosa's R700 million National Dialogue. While the President insists the dialogue is meant to be citizen-led and non-partisan, the deliberate exclusion of evangelical voices, such as those of Pastor Bert Pretorius, who represents over 19,900 churches and half of South Africa's Christian population, raises serious concerns about the inclusivity and legitimacy of the initiative. This glaring omission undermines the credibility of a process billed as a path toward national unity. Faith-based organisations have always been central to South Africa's moral and political awakening, from resisting Apartheid to fostering reconciliation. Ignoring their contribution today suggests this dialogue is less about unity and more about political optics - perhaps even a thinly veiled prelude to the ANC's local election campaign. South Africans have already spoken through the ballot box in 2024, giving rise to a Government of National Unity. What citizens demand now is implementation, not more rhetoric. With unemployment at 32.9%, basic services failing, and daily life growing more difficult, a taxpayer-funded talkshop feels like a distraction at best and an insult at worst. It's time to govern, not consult. Daniel Jacobi Executive Director, South African Friends of Israel
IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
South Africa's human rights crisis: Calls for action ahead of National Dialogue
Amnesty International South Africa has asked President Cyril Ramaphosa to invest the money allocated for the National Dialogue in the protection and fulfilment of people's rights. Image: Supplied / GCIS Civil rights organisation, Amnesty International South Africa, has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to redirect the R700 million allocated for the National Dialogue. The organisation advocates for this budget to be invested instead in safeguarding and fulfilling the basic human rights of South African citizens. Ramaphosa formally announced the National Dialogue last month. It is intended to be a platform for reflection on the nation's current state, envisioning its future, and establishing the foundation for the upcoming National Development Plan. The process, scheduled for August 15, 2025, will unfold in phases, including local consultations and sectoral engagements, to provincial and national gatherings, over the period of a year. Ramaphosa also pointed out that this is a chance for South Africans to shape the next chapter of democracy, adding that it is an opportunity to forge a new social compact for the development of the country. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ While South Africa's transition to democracy years ago was a landmark event, the country continues to grapple with significant challenges stemming from its past and present realities. Despite progress in some areas, deep-seated issues such as poverty, inequality and unemployment persist, often linked to the legacy of apartheid and the slow pace of land reform. Furthermore, corruption and state capture have undermined public institutions and service delivery, impacting basic services like water, electricity, and healthcare. Amnesty International South Africa's executive director, Shenilla Mohamed, said that while nation-building and social cohesion are important, the government should ensure that the budget allocated does not come at the expense of addressing the country's most pressing challenges. 'Most of the country's population lives in dire conditions and do not have access to basic essential services such as water and sanitation,' said Mohamed. 'Repeatedly, we hear people complaining of raw sewerage flowing through townships, inadequate housing, poor medical services, lack of quality education, high rates of gender-based violence, crime, and the list goes on. To address these violations and ensure the fulfillment of basic human rights, we need more government action and increased investment,' she said. Asked to comment on the statement, Ramaphosa's spokesperson Vincent Mangwenya did not respond. Amnesty stated that, despite a progressive legal landscape, rates of sexual and gender-based violence remain staggeringly high, with the number of reported offences in 2023/2024 sitting at 53,285, adding that the South African Police Service continues to fail in ensuring quality investigations. The group also highlighted the situation of human rights defenders and whistleblowers who have been killed with impunity. 'Yet these are the brave individuals who expose acts of criminality and abuse by government, corporations and people in power. While South Africa is in the process of strengthening whistleblower legislation, there is no legislation for the protection of human rights defenders. A human rights defender is anyone who, individually or in association with others, acts to defend and/or promote human rights at a local, national, regional, or international level.' The organisation said that when it comes to basic services, over 3 million people have no access to basic water supply service, while 5.3 million households do not have access to safe and reliable drinking water. 'Decades of corruption and the mismanagement of public funds have weakened the government's ability to safeguard the country's water security, especially in the face of climate change and extreme weather events. Climate change is another threat to a wide range of human rights and will continue to impact the rights to life, health, housing, water, and sanitation. Without proper investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, we will continue to see destruction and loss of life during floods and other extreme weather events. 'There are a number of ways to spend R700 million. We urge the South African government to invest it in the protection and fulfilment of people's human rights,' said Mohamed. Meanwhile, political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe said the National Dialogue is a costly distraction meant to give the impression that Ramaphosa's administration is doing something. He said this is all about smoke and mirrors, something that Ramaphosa has mastered and perfected. 'The National Dialogue has no legal and constitutional standing. Its recommendations are not legally binding. To that extent, it is just another talkshop that is meant to cover up Ramaphosa's glaring failures,' he said. Another political analyst, Ntsikelelo Breakfast, said there is no need for the National Dialogue to uncover challenges facing the country, adding that they are well-known. 'He is always having a State of the Nation Address (SONA) and he can't tell us that he is not aware of the problems. What is it that he has been talking about? The whole thing is not necessary. We don't need a National Dialogue to understand our problems,' he said.
