Latest news with #SARS
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
US, Argentina launching new ‘alternative' to WHO
The top health authorities of the U.S. and Argentina are launching what they call an 'alternative international health system' separate from the World Health Organization (WHO). On the first day of his second term, President Trump signed an executive starting the yearlong process of withdrawing the U.S. from the WHO. In February, Argentinian President Javier Milei followed suit. In a joint statement Tuesday, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Argentine Minister of Health Mario Lugones remarked on the decision to withdraw from the global health authority. 'The WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic revealed serious structural and operational shortcomings that undermined global trust and highlighted the urgent need for independent, science-based leadership in global health,' their statement read. 'There are well-documented concerns regarding the early management of the pandemic and the risks associated with certain types of research. Rather than ensuring timely transparency, the WHO failed to provide critical access to information, impairing countries' ability to act swiftly and effectively, with devastating global consequences.' Trump had started the process of withdrawing from the global health body during his first term, but former President Biden reversed the move before it took effect. On a post on the social platform X, Kennedy said he met with Milei to discuss the creation of an 'alternative international health system based on gold-standard science and free from totalitarian impulses, corruption, and political control.' The WHO was responsible for collecting and disseminating data about the spread of the coronavirus during the pandemic, but retrospective observations have identified areas where the international group fell short. The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, established by the WHO to derive lessons from past epidemics for the future, in a 2021 report identified missed steps to mitigate or potentially prevent the COVID-19 pandemic. Their report noted that despite consistent messaging and reporting on global preparedness before COVID-19, the majority or prior recommendations agreed upon by the WHO were never implemented. 'Although public health officials, infectious disease experts, and previous international commissions and reviews had warned of potential pandemics and urged robust preparations since the first outbreak of SARS, COVID-19 still took large parts of the world by surprise. It should not have done,' the independent panel found. 'The number of infectious disease outbreaks has been accelerating, many of which have pandemic potential. It is clear to the Panel that the world was not prepared and had ignored warnings which resulted in a massive failure: an outbreak of SARS-COV-2 became a devastating pandemic.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
a day ago
- Health
- The Hill
US, Argentina launching new ‘alternative' to WHO
The top health authorities of the U.S. and Argentina are launching what they call an 'alternative international health system' separate from the World Health Organization (WHO). On the first day of his second term, President Trump signed an executive starting the year-long process of withdrawing the U.S. from the WHO. In February, Argentinian President Javier Milei followed suit. In a joint statement on Tuesday, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Argentine Minister of Health Mario Lugones remarked on their respective nations' decision to withdraw from the global health authority. 'The WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic revealed serious structural and operational shortcomings that undermined global trust and highlighted the urgent need for independent, science-based leadership in global health,' their statement read. 'There are well-documented concerns regarding the early management of the pandemic and the risks associated with certain types of research. Rather than ensuring timely transparency, the WHO failed to provide critical access to information, impairing countries' ability to act swiftly and effectively, with devastating global consequences.' Trump had started the process of withdrawing from the global health body during his first term, but former President Biden reversed the move before it took effect. On a post on the social media platform X, Kennedy said he met with Milei to discuss the creation of an 'alternative international health system based on gold-standard science and free from totalitarian impulses, corruption, and political control.' The WHO was responsible for collecting and disseminating data about the spread of SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic, but retrospective observations have identified areas where the international group fell short. The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, established by the WHO to derive lessons from past epidemics for the future, in a 2021 report identified missed steps to mitigate or potentially prevent the COVID-19 pandemic. Their report noted that despite consistent messaging and reporting on global preparedness before COVID-19, the majority or prior recommendations agreed upon by the WHO were never implemented. 'Although public health officials, infectious disease experts, and previous international commissions and reviews had warned of potential pandemics and urged robust preparations since the first outbreak of SARS, COVID-19 still took large parts of the world by surprise. It should not have done,' the independent panel found. 'The number of infectious disease outbreaks has been accelerating, many of which have pandemic potential. It is clear to the Panel that the world was not prepared and had ignored warnings which resulted in a massive failure: an outbreak of SARS-COV-2 became a devastating pandemic.'
The South African
a day ago
- Business
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs boss faces financial scandal
Kaizer Chiefs Football Club manager Bobby Motaung finds himself at the centre of a financial storm, with court papers filed to have his estate sequestered. According to a Sunday World report, Pent Up Investment CC has approached the Johannesburg High Court, claiming that Motaung owes the company more than R4.3 million linked to a property deal gone sour. Costas Couremetis, head of Pent Up Investment, alleges that Motaung has failed to settle the outstanding amount from a R9 million judgment issued back in November 2009. In a sworn affidavit, Couremetis detailed Motaung's failure to honour the full judgment amount. 'Pursuant to a failure by Lakeshore (Motaung was listed as the sole director of Lakeshore Trading) to make payment of the purchase price for the property in full, the applicant instituted proceedings… and obtained judgment on or about November 12, 2009 in a sum exceeding R9-million, plus interest and legal costs,' reads the court filing. The affidavit claims that as of January 2024, over R4.3 million remains unpaid. Despite not disputing the debt, Motaung allegedly made no significant effort to settle it. 'In fairness to the respondent, he has not sought to dispute the indebtedness… However, he has clearly not been able to pay the full sum… even after having been given various reasonable and generous indulgences over many years,' Couremetis added. What raised eyebrows, however, is the picture painted of Motaung's lavish lifestyle. 'The respondent has over all of these years lived a very opulent lifestyle, driving a Bentley… living in a large immovable property in… Houghton… wearing very expensive clothing and… watches… portraying the image of a very successful businessman… by virtue of the prominent position which he occupies at Kaizer Chiefs Football Club.' History of legal troubles This latest legal development adds to a string of past controversies. In 2016, a fraud and corruption case linked to the construction of Mbombela Stadium. Where Motaung was implicated, was dropped due to insufficient evidence. The same year, Sowetan Live reported that the South African Revenue Service (SARS) issued Motaung with a tax bill totalling R44.7 million. Then, in 2021, Sunday World revealed that SARS instructed liquidators to recover R90 million from a company. In which Bobby Motaung served as a director. While Motaung has remained tight-lipped in the face of these latest accusations. The unfolding legal battle could have lasting implications. Not only for his personal finances but also for his reputation at one of South Africa's biggest football clubs. Will Kaizer Chiefs' Bobby Motaung reputation still be intact? 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.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Is a family trust the best choice for your wealth protection?
Explore the complexities of family trusts in estate planning. Understand the benefits, potential pitfalls, and whether a family trust aligns with your long-term financial goals. Is a Family Trust the Right Move for You? When it comes to estate planning, few decisions are more complex—or more personal—than whether to establish a family trust. High-net-worth individuals often grapple with this choice, prompted by advice from financial advisors, legal professionals, or well-meaning friends. While trusts can serve as powerful estate planning tools, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. The key lies in understanding whether their benefits align with long-term financial and familial goals. Family trusts are often promoted as a silver bullet for wealth protection, but the reality is far more nuanced. A trust can absolutely safeguard generational wealth and provide asset protection—but only if it's properly set up, actively managed, and regularly reviewed to adapt to changing financial and legal landscapes. The Benefits—and the Catch Trusts offer several well-known advantages: they can shield assets from creditors, ensure financial stability for future generations, and maintain privacy over one's estate. They may also serve as an effective tool for estate duty reduction. But they come with strings attached. Dissolving a trust is far from straightforward—it can be legally and administratively burdensome. Too often, we meet clients who didn't fully understand the long-term commitments involved. Once a trust is established, unwinding it can be costly and time-consuming. Loss of control & risk of 'sham trusts' One of the most misunderstood aspects of trust ownership is the required separation of control. According to the Trust Property Control Act, once assets are transferred to a trust, the donor must genuinely relinquish control to ensure compliance. Sars is cracking down on sham trusts—those where founders try to keep one hand on the wheel. If there's no clear separation between the founder and the assets, the trust could be disregarded for tax purposes, and income could be taxed in the founder's hands. That's a costly mistake. Many older trusts have not been reviewed in decades. If your trust deed still reads like it was drafted on a typewriter in 1987, it's probably time for a compliance audit. The Real Cost of Running a Trust Beyond initial setup fees, family trusts come with ongoing legal and administrative responsibilities. Under current regulations, every trust must appoint an independent trustee—someone who manages trusts as part of their day-to-day profession and who must be compensated accordingly. Trusts are also required to: Maintain a dedicated bank account Submit annual financial statements File annual tax returns Maintain full compliance with SARS and the Master of the High Court These obligations aren't optional, and they aren't cheap. You need to budget for annual accounting and trustee fees, and you need to stay on top of your compliance. A poorly managed trust can do more harm than good. Taxation Realities Contrary to popular belief, family trusts are not inherently tax-efficient under current South African tax law. Income retained in a trust is taxed at a steep 45%, and capital gains at an effective rate of 36%. Unlike individuals, trusts do not qualify for personal tax rebates or exemptions, making careful planning essential. Outdated assumptions from the 1990s still influence many decisions today. Trusts can offer tax planning advantages, but only when structured carefully with the right professional advice. So, Is a Trust Right for You? Trusts can be exceptional vehicles for estate planning, but they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. The right decision should be based on your long-term financial goals, family dynamics, and the complexity of your estate. Careful planning and regular reviews are so important to ensure a trust fits one's specific needs. Many people think of trusts as a once-off transaction, but they're actually living legal structures that require care and maintenance. If you don't have a clear reason to set one up—and the commitment to maintain it—you may be better off with a different estate planning route. Her advice? Do your homework. And do not go it alone. Consulting a qualified estate planning specialist is crucial. They'll help you weigh the benefits against the costs, risks, and obligations. That's the only way to know if a trust is truly the right fit for your life and legacy. * Rouchos is a managing director at Bannister Trust and an Estate Planning Consultant at Hobbs Sinclair. PERSONAL FINANCE
The South African
2 days ago
- Business
- The South African
SARS cracks down on PAYE, what it means for you
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is focusing on PAYE compliance. This is not just a routine check. Employers across the country must make sure their PAYE submissions are accurate and current, or they will face serious consequences. SARS is focusing more on improving revenue collection as the country deals with financial challenges. PAYE is now a top priority for recovery and enforcement. SARS is hiring 500 new staff members to help with its campaign. They plan to add a total of 2,000 people. Their goal is to raise R70 billion in extra revenue over the next three years. Most of this money is expected to come from addressing unpaid PAYE taxes. SARS PAYE compliance crackdown: The issue of accountability According to Business Tech, the issue of employer responsibility is very important right now. SARS has made it clear that there will be no tolerance for delays or mistakes with PAYE. Companies that do not comply could face penalties, audits, and even legal action. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has warned that the government will cut spending if SARS does not meet its revenue targets. As a result, collections from PAYE have become very important to help avoid these cuts. SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter has emphasised that this effort is not just about collecting revenue; it's also about rebuilding trust and improving the tax agency's systems. By focusing on SARS PAYE, they want to enhance transparency, accountability, and long-term financial stability. What does this mean for employers? SARS is serious about collecting PAYE, and this is not just a short-term effort. Employers must urgently check their payroll systems and make any needed corrections to stay compliant. SARS now has the resources and systems to enforce these rules effectively. Do you think SARS is doing enough to make sure employers follow the rules for PAYE? Or is this effort to enforce compliance overdue? 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.
