Latest news with #Shabalala
The Citizen
3 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
BRT Line 2C delays spark conflicting claims as contractor denies payment issues
Motorists and residents continue to face frustration as the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Line 2C project on Lynnwood Road lags behind schedule, with delays now stretching the project's deadline to the end of June. This comes after multiple deadline extensions, conflicting statements from Tshwane and the contractor, and growing safety concerns on the road. The project, which began in May 2023, was initially scheduled to be completed by November 19 that year. The deadline has since shifted several times, from March to mid-April and now to the end of June. Previously, Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said one of the factors behind the delays has been the contractor's failure to pay workers on site, along with rain delays and changes in scope. However, the contractor for the project, Buhle Shabalala, has denied any issues with wage payments, saying all workers on site have been fully compensated. Shabalala insists the real cause of the holdups lies in waiting for design drawings from the consultants and delays in approvals from the metro. 'It's not true that there were extensions due to non-payment of the workers. All of my workers on site are paid,' Shabalala said. 'The delays were due to heavy rainfall and the time it took to get design approvals from Tshwane. 'There's a large pipeline in one section that required changes to the original design, and that's added time.' He explained that while most sections of Line 2C will be completed by June, one section still awaits approval so that a new pipe installation can proceed. Shabalala also dismissed claims that rubble is being left on site. 'We remove rubble at the end of each workday. The only materials we stockpile are G1 and G5 construction materials.' Responding to growing complaints from motorists about broken barriers and safety hazards, Shabalala said the barriers were damaged during heavy rains two months ago and were replaced when broken. 'We've completed several sections and are currently working on the remaining parts,' he said. DA councillor Dikeledi Selowa confirmed that the latest deadline has been extended to June 23, as reflected in a council report. She said that while the project is back on track, ongoing oversight is crucial. 'The issue is poor project management within the metro. 'These ongoing extensions beyond the initial contract period can potentially lead to extra, unforeseen expenses,' Selowa said. Selowa acknowledged that the contractor has since caught up with wage payments and that progress on the ground is visible. 'We are monitoring the project closely. Once it's completed, we will call for a physical audit verification to ensure that every cent spent from the metro's grant funding delivered value for money.' Selowa also pointed to issues of rubble not being cleared adequately, placing that responsibility on the contractor. The contractor, however, strongly denies neglecting site cleanliness. Mashigo confirmed that the project was 84% complete and gave non-payment of workers, slow progress, rain delays, and changes in project scope as reasons for the delay. The city did not provide an updated comment by the time of publication. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
4 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
uThukela to install 100 toilets in Zwelisha area
uThukela Mayor Inkosi NB Shabalala officially handed over a sanitation infrastructure project in Ward 28 of Alfred Duma Local Municipality on Tuesday (June 3). The project will see 100 Ventilated Improved Pit latrines installed in the Zwelisha area (Ward 28). The mayor expressed the municipality's commitment to extending basic services to all communities. 'We are pleased to bring this vital service to the residents of Zwelisha. The local ward councillor made the request to the municipality and we have responded by allocating 100 toilets for this area,' said Shabalala. Also read: IFP encourages Grade 12 learners to work hard as early as possible The mayor further explained that the allocation of toilets across the district is guided by requests from each ward and the availability of resources across the district's 76 wards. Highlighting the improved technology, Shabalala stated that the new latrines use chemical treatments that enable waste to decompose, eliminating the need to dig new pits when the toilets are full; a significant improvement from the traditional system. The project, valued at R1.6 million, is expected to be completed within six months and will create about 30 employment opportunities for local residents. The contractor is DLV Projects, who confirmed that construction is set to begin this coming Sunday (June 8). Please follow us on our YouTube channel and do not be shy; please subscribe and comment as well. Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join us there! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
08-05-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Kaze defends Chiefs coach Nabi, Shabalala after tough criticisms
Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze has defended head coach Nasreddine Nabi and midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala after tough criticism was dished out following a performance to forget in Saturday's Soweto derby defeat against Orlando Pirates. Chiefs were outplayed in their Betway Premiership clash at FNB Stadium, suffering a 2-1 defeat after taking a second-minute lead via Glody Lilepo's strike, Pirates fighting back through goals by Evidence Makgopa (24th) and Relebohile Mofokeng (69th). That defeat adds to the already huge motivation for Amakhosi to redeem themselves in Saturday's Nedbank Cup final against Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium (3.30pm). The far bigger motivation is Amakhosi will avoid the embarrassment of going to a decade without silverware if they lift the trophy. Shabalala has come under fire for giving the ball away, leading to Makgopa's equaliser at FNB, at a point where Chiefs seemed to have control of the early stages. The Buccaneers registered a league double over Kaizer Chiefs with a hard-fought 2-1 win at a packed and noisy FNB Stadium on Saturday to maintain their outside chance of catching up with log-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who are away to Cape Town City in the late kickoff match. Chiefs' appalling form going into Saturday's final — winning one game in eight in all competitions and one in 10 in the league, with a top eight finish or even one better than last campaign's worst-ever 10th not certainties for the ninth-placed Soweto giants — has seen pressure piled on Nabi. Kazi, at a pre-cup final press conference in Durban, insisted Shabalala does not deserve to shoulder the blame, as Saturday's derby defeat came from the efforts, or lack of, of all the players. 'Concerning Mdu Shabalala or the youngsters we have, I do not believe we lost the game against Pirates because of Mdu,' Chiefs' assistant coach said. 'I think we lost because we did not do enough to win that game — all of us. From those who started to those who came on from the bench. Gaston Sirino on problems at Kaizer Chiefs. WATCH interview ➡️➡️➡️ — Mahlatse Mphahlele (@BraMahlatse) May 5, 2025 'We have analysed what we did well and what we didn't do well this week, and we know how important Shabalala has been this season and especially at the beginning of the season, how instrumental the player was and how good he is.' Shabalala remains one of Nabi's most trusted troops this season, playing a total of 31 games with four goals and two assists in all competitions, operating in midfield or at left-back. Nabi has undergone a blazing baptism of fire in his first season at Chiefs, where, arriving with his own expensive technical team, he has continually stressed the 2024-2025 campaign is for rebuilding. The lack of promise from Chiefs under the Tunisian has not impressed the club's expectant supporters. Amakhosi are on the verge of completing one of their worst seasons, having lost 13 of 33 matches in all competitions. Kaze called for a level-headed response, though he said Nabi and his fellow coaches have made peace with receiving judgment. 'In football we have learnt that, not only in South Africa, the judgments are quick to come, especially from outside people who have the privilege of commenting on the result when the result is already there,' the Tanzanian said. 'We understand the frustration of the fans and share much of it with them, but coming into this game, to use an analogy, it's like nine months of pregnancy and now it's time to give birth.' Kaze said Chiefs have Wandile Duba, one of their few consistently dangerous players in attack, back from suspension. In the absence of suspended Bradley Cross and injured Rushwin Dortley and Given Msimango, Angolan Inácio Miguel is likely to partner Zitha Kwinika at centreback despite being in the late stages of rehabilitation from a hamstring injury.
The South African
08-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs coach stands firm behind 21-year-old starlet
Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze has come out strongly in support of Mduduzi Shabalala, the 21-year-old midfielder facing increasing scrutiny over his recent performances. Once seen as the rising star of the squad, Shabalala now finds himself under a harsh spotlight as the team prepares for the upcoming Nedbank Cup final. Shabalala kicked off the season on fire, netting four goals and providing an assist in just 10 league games. His early form positioned him as a crucial piece in the Chiefs' puzzle. But the momentum has since cooled. Over the past 16 matches, Shabalala hasn't directly contributed to a goal, a stat that has stirred frustration among fans and critics alike. Adding fuel to the fire, many blamed him for his role in one of the goals conceded during Chiefs' 2-1 defeat in the Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium. Despite the backlash, Kaze refuses to scapegoat the young talent. 'Concerns about Mdu and the youngsters we have, I don't believe or think, we lost the games because of Mdu or any other player, but we didn't do enough to win the game, all of us, from those who started and those who came off the bench,' said Kaze. Kaze emphasized the importance of backing young players during challenging phases. He pointed out Shabalala's early-season impact and his ongoing potential. 'We analysed what we did good and what we didn't do so good this week and we know for example how important Shabalala has been this season, especially in the beginning of the season, how instrumental he was and good he is,' he explained. 'We believe in difficult moments we need to be there for young players and they'll learn from what happens on the field going forward.' Since making his senior debut in May 2022, Shabalala has already featured in 78 matches for the Chiefs, tallying eight goals and five assists. At just 21, he's shouldering expectations that would typically rest on more seasoned players. In a more experienced squad with a well-established winning culture, Shabalala might have had the space to grow. Instead, he's being asked to lead—while navigating the pressures of youth and performance at one of South Africa's most demanding clubs. With the Nedbank Cup final looming, all eyes will remain on Shabalala—not just to deliver, but to prove that he can rise above the noise and become the game-changer the Chiefs still believe he is. Stay tuned with The South African as Kaizer Chiefs coach stands firm behind 21-year-old starlet. Can Shabalala turn things around in the Nedbank Cup final? 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
07-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Nabi protects underfire Kaizer Chiefs star
Kaizer Chiefs supporters no longer treat Mduduzi Shabalala as a developing youngster. As Kaizer Chiefs continue to flounder towards the end of the season, the club's fanbase has been taking shots at every single player on the pitch. Lately, it has been the 21-year-old Shabalala. 'All players are disappointed after the loss in the Soweto Derby, but we don't have time to blame anyone, we need to be positive,' said Nabi as per FARPost . 'We need to give players confidence, and not only confidence, but also analyse why we lost. We played better than Pirates in the first minutes of the match. We had the opportunity to continue and score more goals,' the Kaizer Chiefs mentor added. 'So we analysed our mistakes, but I want to give support to my talented player, Shabalala. I don't want people to attack him. He's young. I agree that his mistakes in this game will help him to learn, and in that way, we will have a big player in the future,' Nabi concluded. 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.
