Latest news with #R700k
The Citizen
04-08-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
R21m for dismissals: Unfair firing of two costs Mpumalanga department dearly
Legal fees add nearly R40m more to the total bill for province department The Mpumalanga department of agriculture, rural development, land and environmental affairs has come under fire for spending more than R20 million paying two former employees for unfair dismissal. This information is contained in the department's portfolio committee's recently released report. Mpumalanga department employees dismissed unfairly According to the report, the Labour Court ordered the department to pay R21 million to the two senior officials as their dismissal was found to be both procedurally and substantively unfair. 'The court ordered the department to pay retrospective compensation from the date of dismissal (2009 to 2024) and reinstate the employees,' the report says. The department told the committee that the payments would not affect service delivery because they were drawn from the compensation of employees' allocation. ALSO READ: Municipality granted time to challenge R700k employee payout order According to the document, the department incurred more than R30 million in legal fees associated with the two employees. 'In some circumstances, the department incurred no cost orders as the court did not make an order against the department. The department paid R1 554 000 between October 2024 and March this year, bringing the total amount paid during the 2024-2025 financial year to R39 516 536,' the document reads. Factors that could lead to wrongful dismissals Labour analyst Bukani Mngoma said there were many things that could have contributed to the situation that the department finds itself in. He said it might happen that they were given bad legal advice. 'Sometimes dismissals are wrong and management may know, but they pursue it because it may serve a political consideration, or they want to get rid of an employee who knows too much, or is a stumbling block to doing a corrupt act. ALSO READ: Legal Practice Council administrator accused of corruption loses Labour Court bid 'It is rare that such dismissals are a result of sheer incompetence, as there are too many people involved before an employee is finally dismissed. 'There is no way that in this chain of involvement no-one is picking up that the dismissal will cost the entity heavily,' said Mngoma. Public sector dismissals generally costly Mngoma said dismissals in the public sector were generally costly because of the high salaries employees get compared to those in the private sector. He said the seniority of the employee also made the dismissals even more costly. He added that the other factor was that it takes time before the matter can be finally decided, particularly if the employee was reinstated, because they may need to be paid from the date of dismissal. 'So, the longer the matter has taken, the more expensive reinstatement becomes. I say this because if the employee wins the case but is only compensated, there is a legal capping of 12 months' payment of compensation, irrespective of the period the matter dragged on. 'What I have also noticed is that investigations in the public sector take too long, as they want to get absolute proof as if the matter is in a criminal court.' ALSO READ: Intoxicated doctor loses Labour Court case after claiming white substance was peppermint, not cocaine Tersia Marshall, a DA member in the provincial legislature, has called on the department of public service and administration to consider placing a cap on the number of times it takes government departments to resolve cases of suspended or fired public service employees. Department spokesperson Zanele Shabangu did not respond to questions sent to her on Wednesday.
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
VW debuts new Amarok derivative: Pricing and specs
Volkswagen has added a new member to its Amarok family – the Life 2.0 TDI 4×2. Here is what is included for its R700k price tag. Looking for a new or used Volkswagen? Find it here with CARmag! Under the bonnet is a 2l, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine producing 125kW and 405N.m of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission, giving this version a top speed of 180km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.9l/100km, making it a fairly efficient option for everyday use. Although it's not a 4×4, the Amarok Life 4×2 still comes well-equipped for both urban and light-duty work use. It rolls on 17-inch Combra alloy wheels and includes practical touches like a power tailgate lock, a fixed rear-view camera, and front and rear Park Distance Control. A trailer hitch is also standard, which adds to its versatility. The load box features six tie-down hooks and cargo lights, while VW adds that the cabin focuses on comfort and everyday usability. The seats are trimmed in hard-wearing fabric, and the dashboard houses an eight-inch infotainment display paired with six speakers. Connectivity includes Bluetooth and smartphone mirroring through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Amarok 2.0 TDI 125kW – R 704 700 Other noteworthy features include LED headlights with daytime running lights, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and cruise control with a speed limiter. Safety is covered by airbags for the driver and front passenger. Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post VW Debuts New R700k Amarok Derivative – Pricing & Specs appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
The Citizen
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
A guide for property buyers and sellers: This is why your estate agent asks so many questions
Under Fica, estate agents are obligated to establish and verify the identity of their clients before concluding financial transactions with them. When buying or selling property, estate agents usually ask many questions about your financial position. This can be headache for many people, however, there is a compelling reason why this is done. Paul Stevens, CEO of Just Property, said many people are puzzled when they realise how many personal details are required. But there is a clear reason behind the requests for identification documents, proof of address and financial records. ALSO READ: SA's six most popular provinces where people want to live Fica's role in the property sector The Financial Intelligence Centre Act (Fica) was introduced in July 2003 to fight financial crimes such as money laundering, tax evasion, terrorist activities and financing of weapons of mass destruction. 'How, you may ask, does this have anything to do with me buying or selling my property?' Stevens said that before the introduction of Fica, the real estate sector was susceptible to financial crimes, especially money laundering and terrorism financing risks, because criminals were able to use property transactions as a means to easily integrate illicit funds into the legal economy, while creating a safe and often lucrative investment for themselves. Documents needed when buying property He adds that under Fica, estate agents are obligated to establish and verify the identity of their clients before concluding financial transactions with them. 'This means that without Fica verification an agent may not accept a mandate from a seller, nor may they conclude a sale agreement. If they do not comply, then they face penalties and legal consequences.' Common documents requested: A certified copy of your ID document or passport to prove your identity. A utility bill – not older than three months – or lease agreement to confirm your residential address. Your tax number to prove you are registered with South African Revenue Services (Sars). Confirmation of your bank account. Proof of the source of funds to be used to finance the transaction. 'If you are self-employed or run your own business, you may have to supply the agent with supplementary information.' ALSO READ: More South Africans buying houses for less than R700k. Here's why Sharing of documents Stevens said that personal details of clients will be kept safe as estate agents are bound by strict confidentiality. 'Your documents will only be shared with necessary parties, such as the conveyancing attorney handling the sale of the property or the bank processing your bond.' He highlighted that in 2024, the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) updated its risk assessment guidelines for legal practitioners and estate agents, significantly expanding the risk factors estate agents must consider in property transactions. 'The revised guidelines, based on insights from the Financial Action Task Force and regulatory reports, outline 13 key risk indicators. 'These include clients refusing to provide identification, accepting third-party payments from jurisdictions with weak anti-money laundering controls, and tenants hesitating to grant agents access to rental properties.' Estate agents in Cape Town Stevens added that the Financial Action Task Force and regulatory reports also highlight the connection between financial crimes and high-value properties, emphasising geographic risks. 'For example, estate agents operating in affluent areas such as Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Cape Town's Atlantic Seaboard and Constantia are advised to implement stricter measures to mitigate money laundering and terrorist financing risks.' In accordance with the above and with the rules set down by the Property Practitioners Regulatory Body (PPRA) and Fica, estate agents are obliged to report any suspicious or unusual transactions to FIC. 'Such transactions could include reluctance to provide information, unusual funding sources and transactions that appear to be above the client's means. 'Deposits paid by third parties and purchases made in the name of third parties are also red flags.' NOW READ: Thinking of buying your first home, here are five key issues to consider
