Latest news with #R900
IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Mashatile, Ministers under fire for R200 million travel bill, including R900,000 Japan stay
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has thrown its support behind a new bill aimed at reining in unchecked benefits for ministers. Image: Supplied Ministers in the Government of National Unity (GNU) have spent more than R200 million in travel expenses since assuming office last year, ActionSA revealed. The party said this figure was compiled through its GNU Performance Tracker, following the latest replies to our parliamentary questions submitted to every Minister, including the President, Deputy President, and the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture. This painted a damning picture of executive indulgence at a time of deep economic crisis, ActionSA said in a statement. This week, the party revealed that Deputy President Paul Mashatile and his staff have incurred over R2 million in travel-related expenses for transport and accommodation since last year This included spending over R900,000 on just four nights' accommodation in Japan. In a written reply, Mashatile said all these occurred due to his international trips: to Ireland, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and, recently, Japan. He stood in for President Cyril Ramaphosa on other trips. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ In addition to this, Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, and his department have spent about R6.6 million on international travel. Among the most shocking items is a R164,556 payment for a trip to Burkina Faso that never took place. 'Not only is this spending exorbitant, but it is riddled with red flags, gaps, and inconsistencies,' it added. ActionSA said the public paid for flights and accommodation for an event that was ultimately abandoned, a textbook case of wasteful expenditure, as defined by the Public Finance Management Act. Defending his ministry, McKenzie said it would not be right to expect ministers not to fly business class on long flights. In a statement, ActionSA MP Alan Beesley condemned these as wasteful expenditures, saying that it was enough to build a decent home for a family in need for each night they spent in luxury. 'South Africans deserve leadership that puts people before perks and not an R200 million travel spree by the world's largest cabinet,' Beesley said.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Durban's Clarence Primary School unveils new state-of-the-art coding and robotics facility
ANC MP and Whip for Communications and Digital Technology Imraan Subrathie, KZN Education department uMlazi district director Busi Mahlambi, Clarence Primary School principal Bheki Shandu, South African Muslim Charitable Trust trustee Shabir Chohan and eThekwini councillor Nkosenhle Madlala at the opening of the coding and robotics facility at the school. Image: Tumi Pakkies Independent Newspapers Clarence Primary School (CPS) in Greyville, Durban, has taken a significant leap into the future of education with the launch of a state-of-the-art coding and robotics facility, funded through a R900 000 donation from the South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT). The 120-year-old school, which serves over 1,100 learners from diverse backgrounds, now boasts a fully equipped coding and robotics centre within its media centre, aligning it with the national shift toward 21st-century, skills-based education. SAMCT representative Shabir Chohan, speaking at the launch of the centre on Monday, said the donation was made to support the school's goal of future-proofing its learners. 'Technology is advancing at an incredibly rapid pace globally, and there is, therefore, a clear and pressing need to future-proof learning in South Africa now,' said Chohan. 'There can be no question that teaching learners about robotics and coding at an early age has become an imperative.' Chohan said the SAMCT was moved to assist after learning of the school's financial difficulties in implementing technology-focused learning. 'We were pleased to be able to partner with the school, bringing this initiative to life, given that technology is fast becoming a cornerstone of education and a vital skill for learners' future careers.' 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ Clarence Primary School principal Bheki Shandu hailed the project as a 'milestone' in the school's journey. 'This day highlights an important shift, a milestone in the life of CPS, which is turning 120 years old in two months.' He said the facility would help prepare learners for the future by fostering essential skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. 'Coding and Robotics mark a significant advancement in preparing learners for the digital age,' said Shandu. 'More so, by learning to code, learners will also learn computational thinking which enables them to develop cognitive skills and to solve problems quicker and smarter.' Shandu acknowledged the challenges teachers may face in adapting to the new curriculum but expressed full confidence in his staff. 'The dynamic team of CPS educators has demonstrated in many ways that it is up to the challenge.' He also stressed the importance of collaboration to overcome financial constraints. 'Lack of resources coupled with persistent budget cuts and declining school fees collection rates place the onus on us as principals to create our own platforms of collaboration and innovation in all educational fronts.' The initiative, he said, was timely. 'Your generous sponsorship arrived at the perfect time, as the digital revolution is impacting all generations, and our role as educators is to bridge these gaps with dedication and enthusiasm,' Shandu said.
The South African
29-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Here is the FINAL Betway Premiership log for the 2024/25 season
The 2024/25 Betway Premiership season is officially in the books after the final clash of the season was completed on Thursday. The final fixture – between SuperSport United and Golden Arrows – had been abandoned at half-time back in February due to load shedding with the score deadlocked at 1-1. The match was completed at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Thursday with only the 45 minutes of the second half played. The final scoreline read 1-1 and saw Matsatsantsa rise to 14th place in the log, thus avoiding the promotion-relegation playoffs. They leapfrogged Cape Town City FC, pushing the Citizens into a fight for their top-flight survival. Mamelodi Sundowns became the first team to win the Betway Premiership under the Betway sponsorship. It was an eighth consecutive PSL title – and a 15th overall since the PSL era kicked off in thee 1996/97 season – for the Tshwane giants. The PSL entered into a new three-year partnership with Betway in the beginning of the 2024/25 season, replacing DStv and MultiChoice, with the new deal reportedly worth up to R900 million . Orlando Pirates finished second, eight points behind Masandawana, but a full 13 points ahead of third-placed Stellenbosch FC. Joining those three sides in next season's MTN8 will be Sekhukhune United, TS Galaxy, AmaZulu, Polokwane City and Richards Bay. Mamelodi Sundowns vs Richards Bay Orlando Pirates vs Polokwane City Stellenbosch FC vs AmaZulu Sekhukhune United vs TS Galaxy For Kaizer Chiefs it was another season to forget. The Glamour Boys could do no better than a ninth-place finish, a yawning 41 points behind Mamelodi Sundowns. Amakhosi won eight of their 28 matches, lost 12 and drew eight for a points tally of just 32. They finished just five points ahead of the bottom side in the standings. Kaizer Chiefs scored only 25 goals in their 28 matches and conceded 32 – not the recipe for success. Perhaps most embarrassing for Kaizer Chiefs was the fact they finished a record 29 points behind bitter rivals Orlando Pirates. 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
23-05-2025
- The South African
More than 325 suspects nabbed in Operation Shanela
More than 325 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela in Tshwane on Thursday, 22 May 2025. A multidisciplinary team involving various stakeholders held the operation on the Sinoville and Kameeldrift policing precincts. The operation, led by the District Commissioner of Tshwane, Major-General Samuel Thine, apprehended a total of 328 suspects for various criminal offences. Tshwane District detectives arrested 280 suspects, including 85 suspects linked to gender-based violence-related cases, four for murder, two for attempted murder, four for armed robbery, and three for rape. A roadblock in Kameeldrift led to the detention of 47 undocumented foreign nationals. During the operation, police patrolled at 18 identified crime hotspots where they arrested one suspect. 'One suspect was arrested for possession and dealing in dagga after being found with one shopping bag full of dagga and [an] additional 14 ziplock bags of dagga and an undisclosed amount of cash,' said the police statement. Additionally, six second-hand goods dealers were inspected and fined a total of R19 000 for contraventions of the Second-Hand Goods Act. A 35-year-old man was arrested for illegal mining, illegal processing of presumed precious minerals and contravention of immigration laws. Roseman Moyo (35) appeared before the Lenyenye Regional Court on Wednesday, 21 May 2025. Moyo will remain in custody until 18 June 2025 for bail application and further police investigations. He was found with a shovel, pickaxe, hammer, phenduka, head lamp, and a bag containing presumed precious minerals. He was also found mining without a permit. Police investigations are currently taking place. In other related news, a 33-year-old suspect was arrested for allegedly dealing in illicit gold around Sandringham. Police spotted the suspect's vehicle on Swindler Road and Lee Street, where they searched it. 'During the search of the vehicle, police discovered 5 grams of illicit gold and R8100 cash,' said the police statement. The suspect also led the police to another property at Sandler Street, where they seized 600 grams of illicit gold valued at R900 000 and R300 000 cash. The suspect will appear at the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Monday, 26 May 2025. 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 Citizen
23-05-2025
- The Citizen
Gold, cash worth more than R1m seized in Joburg gold trade bust
Stellar police teamwork between the Hawks and Johannesburg and Benoni K9 units led to the arrest of a 33-year-old man in Sandringham, Johannesburg on Thursday, as well as over 600 grams of gold and a large amount of cash being confiscated. The arrest was made after police received a tip-off about someone allegedly dealing in illicit gold. After spotting the suspect's vehicle on the corner of Swindler Road and Lee Street, police followed the suspect to a property in Sandler Street where he was stopped and searched. During the search of the suspect and his vehicle, police allege they found R8 100 in cash and 5 grams of gold. A search of the property led to the discovery of 600 grams of gold and R300 000 cash. It is estimated that the gold is worth around R900 000. The suspect is expected to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Monday. Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, of the Gauteng Hawks, praised the team for their dedication and excellent teamwork. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
