Latest news with #Sandton
Zawya
14 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Energy Intensive Users Group of Southern Africa (EIUG) and VUKA Group Forge Ahead with 3-Year Partnership for C&I Energy + Storage Summit
We are thrilled to share that the Energy Intensive Users Group of Southern Africa (EIUG) and VUKA Group ( are continuing their dynamic partnership to co-host the EIUG Conference and C&I Energy + Storage Summit ( for the next three years, building on the success of last year's inaugural event. This collaboration is a bold step toward shaping a sustainable and resilient energy future for South Africa's commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors. Driving Sustainable Energy Solutions For over 25 years, EIUG has been a steadfast advocate for energy-intensive industries, championing competitive and sustainable energy frameworks. By partnering with VUKA Group for the C&I Energy + Storage Summit, we're creating a powerful platform to address the challenges and opportunities in South Africa's rapidly evolving electricity industry. This partnership aligns with the South Africa Climate Act and Just Energy Transition principles, empowering C&I power users to achieve energy independence, security, and sustainability while reducing their carbon footprint. C&I Energy + Storage Summit 2025, brough to you by VUKA Group, will take place from 4- 5 November 2025 at The Maslow Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa. Register today ( What to Expect at the Summit The C&I Energy + Storage Summit is your opportunity to engage with the future of energy. This year's event will: Explore scalable solutions: Dive into power generation options, credible technologies, and the financial and business cases for independent generation and storage. Navigate industry changes: Unpack the implications of South Africa's Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) initiatives, including the anticipated wholesale market establishment. Foster collaboration: Connect service providers, off-takers, and consumers for mutually beneficial commercial opportunities. Offer practical insights: Participate in technical masterclasses, project showcases, and networking sessions designed to equip you with the tools to lead in this transformative era. A Commitment to Change This partnership is more than a collaboration — it's a commitment to driving meaningful progress. By bringing together stakeholders from across the energy landscape, including Eskom, bilateral Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and potential players in a future wholesale energy trading market, we aim to influence a resilient, sustainable, and forward-thinking energy ecosystem. Join Us We invite all industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to join us at the C&I Energy + Storage Summit and EIUG Conference. Together, we can shape the future of South Africa's energy landscape and ensure it thrives for both businesses and the planet. Register for the Summit: Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group. For speaking opportunities, contact Boipelo Mothlowa: For sponsorship enquires, contact Marcel du Toit: For media enquires, contact Natalie Simms: About VUKA Group: As part of the Power and Energy Portfolio of VUKA Group ( this Summit aligns with VUKA's mission to connect industries, spark innovation, and fuel economic growth. VUKA Group is a premier organiser of conferences, exhibitions, and events across Africa, delivering tailored platforms for networking, knowledge sharing, and business development in energy and related sectors.
News24
a day ago
- Politics
- News24
Madlanga promises transparency as Judicial Commission starts probe into political interference in law enforcement
Commission preparing to hear evidence on alleged infiltration of police, prosecution, intelligence, and judiciary by criminal networks. First witness consultation scheduled as public encouraged to share relevant information. Ramaphosa promises transparency and swift action as Mchunu steps aside and hearings prepare to go public. Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga has announced that the work of the judicial commission of inquiry set to investigate allegations of political interference within law enforcement has officially commenced, with the first consultation with a witness expected imminently. Madlanga briefed the media in Sandton on Monday, outlining the commission's current status and the steps ahead. Madlanga who was appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa to lead the inquiry established to investigate serious corruption allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanaz,i explained that this initial consultation will guide the commission on what further information to pursue. 'We are mindful that South Africans are eager to see the first witness take the stand. We share that eagerness and are moving with the necessary urgency to make it happen,' he said. However, Madlanga emphasised that allegations alone do not mean evidence hearings can start immediately. We must first carry out consultations and assess the information gathered. This may require follow-up consultations to strengthen the case where necessary. He assured the public that the commission is treating the matter with the seriousness and speed it deserves, aiming to begin formal hearings by August 2025. Madlanga also highlighted the importance of public participation, encouraging members of the public to submit any relevant information they may have, once the commission's infrastructure is in place. Currently, the commission is finalising the procurement of a building in Gauteng where the hearings will be held. While this process is ongoing, Madlanga confirmed that it will not delay the commission's preparatory work, which is progressing at full speed. The first consultation has already been scheduled, and appointments of senior professionals who will assist the commission are underway. These experts were carefully selected based on their experience, and Madlanga introduced his fellow commissioners and senior team members during the briefing. Among the senior team are senior counsels Sesi Baloyi and Sandile Khumalo and several senior counsel advocates. Madlanga expressed confidence in this team's ability to deliver on the commission's mandate. Regarding the timeline, Madlanga said the commission will work within a set schedule but remains open to extensions if necessary. He reminded the media and public that the commission's terms of reference cover a broad scope of investigation, including key law enforcement and criminal justice institutions such as the police services, prosecuting authority, intelligence agency, judiciary, correctional services, and any relevant executive members. The commission's mandate focuses on investigating the infiltration of these institutions by criminal syndicates. Madlanga said the commission intends to submit an interim report within the first three months, which may include recommendations for concrete actions based on the evidence gathered. He also outlined that the commission hearings will generally be open to the public and live streamed, ensuring transparency, except in cases where the chairperson may direct otherwise. Lastly, Madlanga addressed ongoing litigation in the Constitutional Court challenging the establishment of the commission and requests to halt its processes. He confirmed that the commission will respect any court decisions, whether interim or final. With these foundational steps underway, the judicial commission is moving decisively to uncover the truth behind the serious allegations and restore public confidence in the criminal justice system. At the time Ramaphosa addressed the nation on the establishment of this judicial commission, he said: These allegations, if proven true, threaten to undermine public confidence in the ability of the South African Police Service to protect citizens and combat crime and corruption. He said the commission will investigate claims that criminal networks have infiltrated law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and other elements of the justice system. Areas of focus include the facilitation of organised crime, manipulation of investigations, and targeting of whistleblowers and officials. Ramaphosa said the commission will also investigate the possible involvement of current or former senior officials across the SA Police Service (SAPS), the National Prosecuting Authority, the State Security Agency, the judiciary, and metro police departments in Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane. Mkhwanazi alleged that the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team in KwaZulu-Natal by then-Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu in March effectively shut down 121 active dockets, many involving politically motivated murders. He claimed the move was deliberate, aimed at protecting a criminal syndicate deeply entrenched in politics, law enforcement, the judiciary, and business. Mkhwanazi presented WhatsApp messages, SAPS documents, and cellphone records as evidence of coordinated efforts to dismantle the task team. He implicated Mchunu's associate, Brown Mogotsi, in communicating with businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, who was awarded a R360 million SAPS contract that has since been cancelled. Ramaphosa responded by stating that the newly established judicial commission will assess prima facie evidence involving individuals in law enforcement and intelligence agencies. The commission will have the authority to recommend suspensions and refer matters for criminal investigation and prosecution based on the nature of the allegations and evidence uncovered. Ramaphosa stressed the urgency and thoroughness required and confirmed that the commission will issue interim reports after three and six months, with a final report to be submitted to the President, the Speaker of the National Assembly, and the Chief Justice. In the meantime, Mchunu has been placed on a leave of absence. Professor Firoz Cachalia, chair of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council and a law professor, is set to take over as Minister of Police in August. For now, Gwede Mantashe is serving as the acting minister.
News24
2 days ago
- Business
- News24
Transformation ‘a journey': Absa says it's making strides, but work remains
Absa's head office in Sandton. Supplied/Absa Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once.
News24
6 days ago
- News24
Chinese fraud fugitive arrested in Sandton after Interpol Red Notice
A 57-year-old Chinese fugitive was arrested and has appeared in court following a global search initiated by Interpol, police said on Thursday. Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the man had been linked to a fraud case in China and had been evading police in that country and in South Africa. Van Wyk said the Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) Pretoria extradition team arrested the man in Sandton on Tuesday. 'According to a preliminary report, Interpol circulated a Red Notice to all member countries to locate and provisionally arrest the Chinese national. 'The suspect reportedly applied for a visa at the United States of America embassy in Sandton when his fugitive status was flagged, leading to his arrest on Tuesday,' van Wyk said. The man made his first appearance in the Randburg Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.
News24
6 days ago
- Politics
- News24
McKenzie on Kunene's visit to DJ Sumbody murder accused: ‘He was set up'
The PA's deputy president and Johannesburg MMC for transport, has been suspended for one month. Businessman Katiso Molefe was arrested in connection with DJ Sumbody's November 2022 murder but Kunene claims he was only at his house during the police raid to facilitate an interview. PA leader McKenzie has ordered an internal investigation by lawyers to protect the party's integrity. Kenny Kunene was set up and had nothing to do with the murder case of Oupa John Sefoka, popularly known as DJ Sumbody in 2022. This is according to Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie, who added that Kunene 'would never get involved with murderers'. However, McKenzie said he was left with no choice but to suspend his deputy for a month. Kunene was found at the Sandton home of businessman Katiso 'Kat' Molefe during a police raid on Monday. Molefe was arrested in connection with Sefoka's murder. Kunene told eNCA on Tuesday that he was at Molefe's house to facilitate an interview with a young journalist. McKenzie said Kunene's presence at the time of the raid was an unfortunate incident which led to him making the 'difficult decision' to suspend the 'sushi king'. Taking to social media platform Facebook on Tuesday, McKenzie announced in a video that an internal investigation would be launched and Kunene would be required to step down temporarily from his position as deputy president of the PA, to allow for the investigation to proceed without interference. 'Kenny Kunene will be investigated and I'm going to tell you who will investigate him – lawyers of good character,' he said. While he is being investigated, I will remove him as an MMC [in the Johannesburg metro]. I'm also going to tell him to stay away from politics for a month until the investigation is completed. That is the most difficult thing I have ever had to do in my life. Gayton McKenzie Kunene denied any wrongdoing, insisting that he had no relationship with Molefe and that he was only at Molefe's house accompanying a journalist who was going to interview him. I was there to take the journalist to interview him. Since I took office, I have not been able to focus on my Africa News Global [website], which has not been active as I have not been able to focus on it since I took office. Kenny Kunene 'There was an opportunity to interview Mr Molefe, he is interesting because he has been accused of having masterminded a murder. There are interesting things surrounding him and it would have been a great exclusive for the young journalist to interview him. I've never been to his house before and I don't even have his contact details. Kenny Kunene Meanwhile, the DA in Johannesburg has called on Johannesburg executive mayor Dada Morero to take urgent action against Kunene and remove him permanently from his position as transport MMC. 'A political party has no power to suspend an MMC in government. The mayor appoints or removes MMCs. The PA must not play with the intelligence of the residents. Is Kenny removed as a councillor or not? The Speaker hasn't indicated any letter from his party to remove him,' DA Johannesburg caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku posted on X. She told Newzroom Afrika: What is concerning to me is that during the day, the MMC of transport has the time to visit a murder suspect, to take a journalist to a murder suspect's house. It is very concerning that one of the members of the executive, who has no time to explain to residents why potholes are not fixed, has the time to visit a murder suspect. That is why we are concerned. Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku Despite Kunene's explanation, McKenzie stressed the importance of transparency and accountability, especially given the seriousness of Sefako's murder case. McKenzie said he would be writing to the Johannesburg council to formally inform the metro of his decision to remove Kunene from the transport portfolio. He also reiterated that the suspension did not imply guilt but was a necessary step to protect the PA's integrity and ensure that the investigation proceeded without any perceived bias or interference. The popular DJ was gunned down in a drive-by shooting in November 2022. The case had remained a high-profile investigation with few public developments, until Molefe's recent arrest.
