Latest news with #Swart
Daily Maverick
5 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Joining the dots — SAPS infighting casts a long shadow
The lid seems to have been blown open on an intricate web of criminality in both the SAPS and among those with links to law enforcement. Over the past four years, a complex and deeply troubling pattern has emerged in South Africa's law enforcement landscape – one that links assassinations and sabotage to interference from within the ranks of the South African Police Service (SAPS). It also links a web of politically connected businesspeople with influence and links to top politicians. What began as seemingly isolated murders of high-profile people has morphed into a deeply embedded saga of political interference, organised crime and internal warfare in the police's Crime Intelligence branch. The narrative is no longer about individual cases, but about a systemic corrosion that implicates law enforcement at the highest level. Most recently, almost three years after the assassination of popular musician and nightclub owner DJ Sumbody – real name Oupa John Sefoka – and his two bodyguards in November 2022, credible breakthroughs have emerged. On Monday, 21 July, the SAPS arrested four suspects in connection with the trio's murder. Crucially, ballistic analysis by the SAPS has confirmed that a firearm used in Sefoka's killing was also used in the murder of engineer Armand Swart in April 2024, indicating a clear operational link. The four arrested suspects, including businessperson Katiso 'KT' Molefe, were charged in 2024 with Swart's murder and were out on bail. Two of the alleged hitmen have also been linked to the attempted murder of actress Tebogo Thobejane in October 2023. Molefe was apparently linked to the Sefoka and Swart cases via ballistics, telecommunications metadata and corroborated witness testimony. These developments validated earlier findings of the now disbanded Political Killings Task Team, which had flagged similar connections in 2023. (Graphic: Yeshiel Panchia) A wolf in police clothing: July 2025 On 6 July, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi held a bombshell press briefing, accusing Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, deputy national commissioner for crime detection, of obstructing investigations. Mkhwanazi released screenshots of alleged WhatsApp communications between Brown Mogotsi, an influential North West businessperson with alleged links to top-echelon ANC members, including Mchunu, and tenderpreneur Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, who remains in police custody for his alleged involvement in the failed hit on Thobejane. The messages suggested advance knowledge of the task team's shutdown and details of sensitive case dockets. Mkhwanazi alleged that a Crime Intelligence faction had aligned with political interests and organised crime, compromising informants and derailing prosecutions. He claimed that South Africa's intelligence apparatus had been captured – not by foreign forces, but from within. Crime Intelligence arrest: June 2025 On 26 June, Crime Intelligence chief Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo and six senior officers were arrested on charges of fraud and nepotism. The case involves the irregular promotion of Dineo Mokwele, the daughter of Hawks Brigadier Mapome Mohajane, to the rank of brigadier – despite her having no policing background whatsoever. However, Khumalo's arrest was not met with uniform applause and may have been one of the last nails in the coffin for the most explosive public showing of police infighting in recent memory. Matlala arrested: May 2025 By mid-2024, Matlala had emerged as a central figure in overlapping webs of procurement corruption and questionable transactions at Tembisa Hospital – the same network of payments that whistle-blower Babita Deokaran flagged before her assassination in 2021. Nevertheless, he later scored a R360-million police health services deal while under investigation. The contract has since been cancelled. On 14 May, Matlala and three others were arrested on charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering. The attempted murder charge related to the drive-by shooting of Thobejane, with whom Matlala was publicly associated – she was his ex-girlfriend. This week, a fifth suspect was arrested in connection with the failed hit. Sibiya's 'docket grab': March 2025 At his press briefing, Mkhwanazi alleged that Sibiya had removed sensitive case dockets from KwaZulu-Natal and centralised them in Pretoria, a move that was condemned by KwaZulu-Natal police leadership. Among the cases were at least five files with imminent arrest warrants. Mkhwanazi said the seizure was designed to interrupt prosecutions involving politically connected suspects. Alongside these claims, there have also been claims that Crime Intelligence officers irregularly used state funds to purchase private properties under the cover of intelligence operations, resulting in a probe by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption. The probe prompted a series of arrests of SAPS procurement staff, who allegedly funnelled money to politically connected vendors under the guise of Crime Intelligence operations, though the attorneys for the accused have stated that the arrests are based on factionalist motives. Task team disbanded: December 2024 Another aspect of Mkhwanazi's stand-off was his protest against the disbanding of the Political Killings Task Team, which was closed down by Mchunu in a directive late in 2024. The unit, established in 2018 to tackle politically linked assassinations, had compiled detailed evidence pointing to an organised hit network with political ties. Mkhwanazi alleged that its sudden shutdown was aimed at derailing imminent arrests. Despite the disbanding, SAPS Spokesperson Brigadier Athlende Mathe said during a media briefing on 22 July that elements of the Task Team were still working on previous cases, leaving the final status of the team uncertain. Swart assassination: April 2024 Swart was shot dead outside his workplace in Vereeniging, with intelligence suggesting the hit was intended to silence a whistle-blower who had blown the lid on Transnet corruption – but they got the wrong man. Molefe, the businessperson who was arrested this week in connection with the murder of DJ Sumbody, had previously been arrested in connection with Swart's murder. As mentioned, a firearm has been linked to both murders. Thobejane hit: October 2023 In October 2023, Thobejane survived a targeted drive-by shooting on the N1 near Grayston Drive in Sandton. She was shot in the foot, but a female passenger was seriously injured. State servant silenced: August 2021 Deokaran was gunned down after flagging irregular payments involving R850-million at Tembisa Hospital. Companies later exposed in reporting by News24 included several linked to Matlala. Though hitmen have been convicted for her murder, the masterminds have not been found. Deokaran's assassination was the origin point. Some of the tenders she flagged were later tied to Matlala, who would re-emerge through links to the Thobejane shooting. The sequence of events that has followed – docket seizures, the task team disbandment, arrests in police ranks, including Crime Intelligence – suggests a coherent pattern of disruption. The suspects didn't just know how to operate outside the law – they seemed to understand how to disable or influence it from within. These are not isolated events, and the pattern suggests an ability to not just evade the law, but to subvert the systems meant to enforce it. Whether the system can confront itself remains uncertain. President Cyril Ramaphosa's promised commission of inquiry, along with investigations by parliamentary committees, may be the last chance to break this corruption cycle. DM
The Star
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Spotlight on the judges: Behind the scenes of the Tshwane Tourism Awards
Staff Reporter | Published 3 hours ago With the highly anticipated Tshwane Tourism Awards set to take place on 16 August 2025 at Batter Boys Village, excitement is building across the capital. This prestigious event will honour excellence in local tourism, shining a spotlight on the people and places that make Tshwane a world-class destination. But behind every award handed out on the night is a process that is as rigorous as it is fair. The Tshwane Tourism Awards are not a popularity contest. They are rooted in credibility and guided by a structured, evidence-based approach. Each participating business was asked to complete a detailed self-assessment aligned to four core categories: Community Contribution & Sustainability; Internal Environment & Team Culture; Industry Collaboration & Engagement; and Business Growth & Improvement. Finalists were then invited to submit supporting documentation, including policies and performance records, project photos and testimonials to provide tangible evidence of their achievements. This is the material currently under review by an independent panel of judges, all highly respected professionals in tourism, academia and industry operations. Our finalists include some of the absolute best in our city (and even the country!) so judging is done independently, professionally and confidentially. We are proud to introduce the four judges who have been selected and were so kind to offer their time, expertise and discernment to this year's awards: Dr Swart is a certified meeting professional with a degree in leadership performance and change. She chairs the Executive Development Programme for Women in Tourism and has co-authored five books and over 70 peer-reviewed publications. A sought-after speaker and leader in hospitality education, she was named one of the 100 Most Powerful People in African Hospitality and a Top 5 Woman in Leadership in Africa. In 2024, she received AAXO's award for Outstanding Contribution to the Industry. Sibulele brings over two decades of experience in tourism and destination marketing. Formerly with KZN Tourism Authority and now a senior leader within the City of Tshwane, he has championed destination branding, partnership engagement, and the inclusion of youth and SMMEs in the tourism space. His passion lies in building platforms that empower emerging tourism talent and grow the domestic travel economy. Dr Sifolo is a leading researcher and academic, holding a Doctorate in Business Administration with a focus on tourism supply chains and stakeholder engagement. She is an NRF Y2-rated researcher, a judge for national entrepreneurship awards, and an expert advisor on regional innovation initiatives. Her work advocates for inclusive tourism models, value chain integration and sustainable development across Africa. With over 20 years in senior tourism roles, Sean is a seasoned strategist with experience in hospitality standards, destination management, and operations. Currently with TGCSA, he helps maintain and promote service excellence in graded establishments across South Africa. He has worked with leading brands like Legacy Hotels and Tourvest, and is well respected for his mentorship and commitment to quality and growth in the industry. These four judges bring a balance of academic rigour, practical insight, and industry leadership to the process, ensuring that every finalist is assessed fairly and every winner has earned their moment in the spotlight. As Tshwane prepares to celebrate its tourism champions, we extend our sincere thanks to this panel for their professional contribution, and to all our finalists for their courage, effort and excellence. We look forward to welcoming you on 16 August — it's time to shine.
Business Insider
19-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
U.S. names former Chad envoy as new Consul General in Nigeria
A new Consul General of the United States Mission has arrived in Nigeria, ushering in a renewed phase of U.S.-Nigeria relations, and bringing fresh perspectives to the bilateral relationship, amid mutual complexities. Rick Swart has been appointed as the new U.S. Consul General to Nigeria, taking over the post on July 16. He brings over two decades of diplomatic experience, having previously served in Chad, Congo, and several other countries. The U.S.-Nigeria relationship faces challenges, including policy disagreements and Nigeria's global partnerships. Rick Swart, a veteran diplomat appointed by President Trump to further the US interests in the West African country, officially assumed duty on July 16, taking over from JoEllen Gorg, who served in an interim capacity following the departure of former Consul General Will Stevens in November 2024. In his first official announcement, made in Lagos on Friday, Swart expressed his enthusiasm for his new role,"I am honored to serve in Nigeria. I am excited about the opportunity to travel across the region, meet the people, and experience the culture, while advancing our shared goals of making our two countries safer, stronger, and more prosperous through mutual understanding and cooperation." The new Consul General also acknowledged the efforts of his predecessor, JoEllen Gorg, saying "I thank JoEllen for her remarkable leadership and outstanding work in promoting our close partnership with the Nigerian people in the region, which has laid a solid foundation for our continued collaboration." He further emphasized his commitment to collaboration, stating, " I look forward to working closely with Ambassador Mills and the team at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja to further advance our shared objectives between Nigeria and the United States, particularly in areas of economic development, security, and cultural exchange." Consul brings deep field experience A career member of the U.S. Foreign Service, Swart brings over two decades of experience to his new role. He previously served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Chad and held diplomatic posts in Congo, Burundi, Iraq, Geneva, London, Manila, and Dubai. As Consul General, Swart will lead diplomatic efforts to expand trade and investment ties, promote mutual prosperity, and strengthen people-to-people connections between the United States and Nigeria. He will work closely with the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, David Greene Mills, and the team in the U.S. Embassy in Abuja to further shared objectives. The US-Nigeria relationship is under strain due to President Trump's immigration policies and Nigeria's growing ties with BRICS nations. However, the appointment of Rick Swart as Consul General could mark a turning point, signaling a new direction for bilateral relations. The ongoing construction of a $537 million US Consulate General in Lagos reinforces this potential shift, symbolizing the enduring partnership between the two countries.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Major rejection: Advocacy group turns down $20 million offer to organize anti-Trump protests; calls it 'ineffective'
Adam Swart (Image: Crowds on Demand official website) The CEO of an advocacy group revealed that his organization declined an offer reportedly worth around $20 million to help organize a national protest against US President Donald Trump . Adam Swart, the founder and CEO of Crowds on Demand, said in an interview on Tuesday that groups associated with the 'July 17th Movement' had approached them for support, as reported by Fox News. 'Interests aligned with the organizers of the July 17th movement have approached us and, in fact, we rejected an offer that probably is worth around $20 million,' Swart said. The protests, scheduled for Thursday, are being led by Good Trouble Lives On, a group that describes itself as a peaceful, nonviolent protest organization focusing on social change. The group aims to demonstrate against Trump and what it describes as "the most brazen rollback of civil rights in generations" on its official website. The date also marks the fifth anniversary of the death of Representative John Lewis, a prominent civil rights activist, who often referred to peaceful protests as creating "good trouble." Swart explained that his company which specializes in providing crowds for events and demonstrations declined the offer because they believed the protests would not be impactful. "I mean this is a nationwide thing, right? It's not to say I would have made 20 million dollars personally, but the value of the contract would have been worth around that amount nationwide to organize huge demonstrations around the country," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Indonesia melirik jet tempur J-10 milik China. Mengapa para pakar memperingatkan untuk hati-hati? CNA Indonesia Baca Undo "But personally, I just don't think it's effective," Swart added. 'I'm not trying to seem virtuous by turning it down, I just believe it would be ineffective and make everyone involved look bad.' Responding to reports about the rejected offer, Harrison Fields, special assistant to President Trump and principal deputy press secretary, issued a statement. 'President Trump's America is so successful that blue-haired basement dwellers are paid to stage fake protests against the administration's remarkable achievements,' Fields said. 'Paid agitators should find real jobs instead of selling out for gift cards and meager paychecks that aim to divide the nation and obstruct America's greatest comeback. Nothing screams a party in disarray more than one that clearly lacks organic support and is forced to astroturf everything. ' Recent incidents involving left-wing protests including violent demonstrations in Los Angeles, where American flags were burned and police officers assaulted, as well as the 'No Kings Day' rallies held across the country have come into limelight.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EPA proposes historic renewable fuel blending standards
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins at an ethanol production facility in Atlantic. (Photo by Cecilia Lynch/USDA) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Friday released its renewable fuel standards draft rule which, if finalized, would set record high levels of biofuels to be blended into U.S. transportation fuels. Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw said the draft rule, which proposes a total 24.02 billion gallon blending level in 2026, is a 'very strong starting point for further discussions.' Shaw said the association will need time to evaluate the proposal, specifically as it relates to changes in credits for imported fuels and feedstocks. According to the proposal, EPA is considering 'several regulatory changes' to the RFS program that would reduce the number of Renewable Identification Numbers, or RINs which is the measuring unit for renewable fuel, for imported renewable fuels and renewable fuels produced from imported feedstocks. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports imported biodiesel feedstocks, like used cooking oil, tallow and canola oil have all increased over the past several years due to the high cost of domestic feedstocks. According to the same report, in the 2023 and 2024 marketing year, the U.S. consumed nearly 30% of biofuel feedstocks exported globally. The news to prioritize domestic feedstocks was welcomed by Iowa Soybean Association President Brent Swart, who said biomass-based diesel supports 'roughly 10% of the price per bushel of soybeans.' 'Biomass-based diesel has long provided significant value to soybean farmers, helping us weather difficult economic times and supporting our state's thriving agriculture industry,' Swart said in a statement. The EPA program sets overall standards and specific standards for different types of biofuels. The draft rules propose biomass-based diesel standards equivalent to 5.61 billion gallons in 2026 and 5.86 billion gallons in 2027. These figures are a significant jump from 2025 targets from EPA, which set an annual volume requirement of 3.35 billion gallons for biomass-based diesel. 'This is a significant step toward putting the market back on track,' Swart said. 'It is also a long overdue recognition that Iowa farmers, soybean processors and the state's biodiesel producers, can contribute even more (to) America's energy output.' Swart said the announcement 'provides added certainty' for soybean farmers during the growing season and he thanked the Trump administration for supporting 'farmers' critical role' in U.S. energy policy. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said USDA and EPA have 'never been more aligned' on the demand for domestically grown biofuels. 'This is the highest ever Renewable Volume Obligation and it sends a strong signal to the U.S. biofuels industry that President Trump has their backs and gives them the incentive to invest in American products for American consumers and to export around the world,' Rollins said in a statement. Iowa is the leading producer of biofuels in the nation. According to Iowa Soybean Association, the soybean oil used to produce biodiesel in Iowa in 2024 was equivalent to more than 30% of the soybeans grown in the state. An IRFA report found that in 2024, the state produced 4.61 billion gallons of fuel ethanol, and the industry provided a market for nearly 60% of Iowa's 2024 corn crop. The same study, however, showed a decline in economic impact from the biofuels industry, and IRFA said entry to the ultra-low carbon fuel market would be the 'most cost-effective and impactful' way to revitalize biofuels and corn markets. The EPA proposal additionally waives the 2025 cellulosic biofuel volume requirement and reinstates the values through 2026 and 2027, due to a shortfall in the production of the fuels made from nonfood-based renewable feedstocks, like cellulose or lignin. The draft rule also removes renewable electricity as a qualifying renewable fuel under the program, which follows a move from the Trump administration to block state-specific mandates on emissions that encouraged the use of electric vehicles. U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst celebrated the move and the EPA announcement in a statement, saying it brings RFS 'back on track.' 'By eliminating the electric vehicle mandate and restoring the RFS' original focus on liquid transportation fuels, prioritizing domestically grown crops over foreign imports, setting record-high volumes to revitalize the biofuel industry, and adopting safeguards to prevent small refinery waivers from gutting the program—it is clear the Trump administration is committed to championing rural America,' Ernst said. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig similarly applauded the move, including the proposed regulation changes to steer producers away from foreign-made feedstocks. 'President Trump is once again demonstrating his commitment to showcasing how Iowa-made biofuels can be central to his effort to make America energy dominant,' Naig said in a statement. 'Biofuels are a win for drivers and American farmers – they save drivers money at the pump, directly support corn and soybean prices, expand markets for farmers, and support rural jobs and communities.' EPA will host a public hearing on the rules July 8. Shaw said IRFA plans to work with EPA through the commenting period and to secure a final rule from the agency. 'Agriculture is hurting, having just endured the largest two-year drop in net farm income in history,' Shaw said. 'We need forward leaning RFS blending levels to maximize American energy dominance.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
