Latest news with #Thuja
The Citizen
02-08-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
‘We are surviving by handouts': UIF beneficiaries say they haven't been paid in three months
Several Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) beneficiaries serviced by the Department of Labour branch in Randburg, Gauteng, claim they have not... Several Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) beneficiaries serviced by the Department of Labour branch in Randburg, Gauteng, claim they have not received their payments for three months. Beneficiaries want answers about UIF non-payment When The Citizen arrived at the branch on Friday, a number of beneficiaries complained about the non-payment problem and claimed that officials were not giving them straight answers to their questions. 'From April, I did not get the money, and when I asked them at the time, they said I must give them a month to sort out the issue. I went there again, but the officials told me that the system was down and they didn't know why the payment had stopped. They ordered me to come back again at the end of July, but I was still not assisted. Instead, I was told to come back after 14 days. 'The money was helpful because my wife is also unemployed, and we are staying with our one-year-old daughter. Now we are only surviving by handouts from family members,' said the 48-year-old Thabo Dube from Thabo Mbeki informal settlement near Cosmo City. ALSO READ: Call for intervention in 'horror show' at Compensation Fund and UIF Another beneficiary told officials that she did not get the June payment, and they keep telling her to come back. 'I went to enquire in June, and they told me to come back, and when I got there, they postponed it again and said I must come at the end of July. This does not make any sense because they don't tell me what is happening, and they refuse to let me see the person who is in charge of managing the branch. 'I stay in Diepsloot and am unemployed, yet I am expected to come here every month-end for nothing.' 'UIF has been a mess for many years' Cosatu parliamentary coordinator Mathew Parks said the UIF has been a mess for many years, and nothing has been done to fix the endless glitches at the entity. 'We have been repeatedly pushing at Nedlac and with the minister for the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) and even the president to address its systemic crises, including calling for it to be placed under administration. We have demanded engagements with business and labour at Nedlac with DEL to ensure a turnaround plan is put in place for the UIF,' he said. ALSO READ: UIF commissioner Teboho Maruping challenges suspension amid disciplinary processes over R5bn Thuja deal Parks said the entity has been allowed to operate under chaos for too long, and it is the workers who suffer. He said Cosatu has been demanding that the crisis at the department be prioritised, but to no avail. At the time of publishing, the department had not responded to The Citizen's questions on the matter.
The Citizen
03-07-2025
- The Citizen
Free State police close in on UIF fraud suspects
Police anticipate arresting as many as 20 suspects in connection with fraudulent UIF payouts. Free State police on Thursday arrested a Bloemfontein Labour House office manager who is believed to be a key role player in facilitating an operation involving fraudulent Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) payments. The 42-year-old's arrest follows an intense investigation by Crime Intelligence into allegations of fraud and corruption within the Department of Labour. It forms part of a takedown operation executed in Bloemfontein, Bethlehem and in Gauteng. Intense multi-unit operation Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele said members of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit acted on intelligence-driven information, supported by Crime Intelligence, the Tactical Response Team, Public Order Police, and the Mounted Unit. 'The starting point was at the Labour House in the Bloemfontein CBD where the arrest of one of the first persons of interest took place,' Makhele said in a statement. 'A sophisticated scam' 'This comes after months of meticulous investigation into a sophisticated scam involving the fraudulent claims of [UIF] payments,' he added. Makhele said the masterminds behind criminal activity allegedly recruited unsuspecting individuals and used their personal information to register fictitious companies. These companies then allegedly submitted false claims to the Department of Labour. The fraudulently obtained funds were shared among the recruiters – or runners – and, in some cases, with the person whose identity was used in the company registration. ALSO READ: UIF commissioner Teboho Maruping challenges suspension amid disciplinary processes over R5bn Thuja deal 'As estimated, the department might have suffered a loss on more than R1.5 million,' Makhele shared. Ongoing operation in the Free State and Gauteng He said the takedown operation, which began early on Thursday morning, marks only the beginning as arrests continue in various towns across the Free State and at identified locations in Gauteng. Police expect to arrest 20 suspects through the operation. Once arrested, the suspects are expected to appear before the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court on 8 July 2025. Crime doesn't pay Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane said the case serves as a warning that crime does not pay. She said police will continue to dismantle criminal networks wherever they exist. 'It is high time that those who exploit government systems for personal enrichment are held accountable for their actions,' Motswenyane said. 'I applaud our investigators for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to justice.' NOW READ: UIF boosts Ters budget to R2.4 billion to save jobs and businesses
Scottish Sun
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I hate my ‘nosy' neighbour so now I'm blocking her view with a bed sheet tent – my hack means I can still get a tan
Have YOU got nosy neighbours? Scroll down for four easy tips to create privacy in your garden EYE SPY I hate my 'nosy' neighbour so now I'm blocking her view with a bed sheet tent – my hack means I can still get a tan Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A WOMAN has revealed she's had to take drastic measures to stop her ''sad and nosy'' neighbour from peeking into her garden. The furious woman and TikToker only known as @buddalove claimed that before the neighbour moved in ''life was great''. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The woman claimed that 'life was great' before the neighbours moved in Credit: TikTok / @buddalove 2 The neighbours have now also started looking over the fence by standing ''on something'' for a better view Credit: TikTok / @buddalove However, now the property next door has become home to a ''single mum, living with her mum'', as well as a child. According to the frustrated woman, who's also managed to take a snap of the neighbours peeking from their windows, they spend ''every evening staring at us and looking over when sitting with hubby quietly to a drink''. Although the TikToker has allegedly ''reported'' the ''annoying'' issue, the nuisance hasn't stopped. The furious woman also added that she's tried knocking on their door to see what the issue is - however, she doesn't want to cause any further problems for herself. Budda Love explained: ''I would love to knock on her door but I don't wanna get done for harassment. ''I do shout out every time when I catch them! Madness. ''Life was great until she moved in.'' It's not just windows that the family take a sneak peek through - according to the social media users, the neighbours have now also started looking over the fence by standing ''on something'' for a better view. ''We started doing rituals against them so they watch a better show,'' she chuckled in a recent video. But while some suggested buying a pergola or planting trees, the woman revealed that she's come up with a new solution - and one that means she can sunbathe in peace. Kate Lawler locked in bitter row with neighbour after controversial move - whose side are YOU on- To block their view as much as possible, Budda Love has since resorted to 'wasting' her bed sheets - which she's set up as a DIY tent. Fuming, she said: ''F****g sad, nosy neighbours. Wasted my clean sheets.'' How to create privacy in your garden CREATING privacy in your garden can be achieved in a number of ways depending on your budget, and the size of your space. Here are some effective ways to enhance privacy in your garden: 1. Fencing Install a tall, solid wooden or vinyl fence. This is one of the most straightforward ways to gain immediate privacy. Or use lattice panels, trellis, or slatted fencing to add a decorative touch while still offering privacy. 2. Hedges and Plants Fast-growing evergreen shrubs or trees like Leylandii, Thuja, or Bamboo along the boundary of your garden can help with privacy. Grow a dense hedge using plants like Boxwood, Privet, or Laurel. It may take time to grow, but it provides a natural and green privacy screen. Use climbers like Ivy, Clematis, or Wisteria on fences or trellises to create a lush, green privacy barrier. 3. Outdoor Curtains Hang outdoor curtains around pergolas, gazebos, or patios for an easy-to-adjust privacy solution. 4. Sound Barriers A water fountain or small waterfall can help drown out noise, adding to the sense of privacy. Or install fencing designed to reduce noise if privacy from sound is also a concern. Social media users react The video - which many said they could relate to - has since taken the platform by storm, amassing close to a whopping 300k views and 294k likes in just two days. More than 130 people also flooded to comments, where many suggested their solutions - some more hilarious and bizarre than others. One joked: ''You should take the sheets away, turn your chairs round to face sit there and watch them watching you all evening.'' Another chimed in: ''I can relate!'' Someone else chuckled: ''you should start doing random things in your back garden like wear black robes with a hood and start doing pretend satanic rituals with candles and freak them out lol.'' A fourth advised: ''get rid of the concrete, plant some trees nobody overlooks you then.''
The Irish Sun
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I hate my ‘nosy' neighbour so now I'm blocking her view with a bed sheet tent – my hack means I can still get a tan
A WOMAN has revealed she's had to take drastic measures to stop her ''sad and nosy'' neighbour from peeking into her garden. The furious woman and TikToker only known as @ Advertisement 2 The woman claimed that 'life was great' before the neighbours moved in Credit: TikTok / @buddalove 2 The neighbours have now also started looking over the fence by standing ''on something'' for a better view Credit: TikTok / @buddalove However, now the property next door has become home to a '' According to the frustrated woman, who's also managed to take a snap of the Although the TikToker has allegedly ''reported'' the ''annoying'' issue, the nuisance hasn't stopped. The furious woman also added that she's tried knocking on their door to see what the issue is - however, she doesn't want to cause any further problems for herself. Advertisement read more on homes Budda Love explained: ''I would love to knock on her door but I don't wanna get done for harassment. ''I do shout out every time when I catch them! Madness. ''Life was great until she moved in.'' It's not just windows that the family take a sneak peek through - according to the social media users, the neighbours have now also started looking over the fence by standing ''on something'' for a better view. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous ''We started doing rituals against them so they watch a better show,'' she chuckled in But while some suggested buying a Kate Lawler locked in bitter row with neighbour after controversial move - whose side are YOU on- To block their view as much as possible, Budda Love has since resorted to 'wasting' her bed sheets - which she's set up as a DIY tent. Fuming, she said: ''F****g sad, nosy neighbours. Wasted my clean sheets.'' Advertisement How to create privacy in your garden CREATING privacy in your garden can be achieved in a number of ways depending on your budget, and the size of your space. Here are some effective ways to enhance privacy in your garden: 1. Fencing Install a tall, solid wooden or vinyl fence. This is one of the most straightforward ways to gain immediate privacy. Or use lattice panels, trellis, or slatted fencing to add a decorative touch while still offering privacy. 2. Hedges and Plants Fast-growing evergreen shrubs or trees like Leylandii, Thuja, or Bamboo along the boundary of your garden can help with privacy. Grow a dense hedge using plants like Boxwood, Privet, or Laurel. It may take time to grow, but it provides a natural and green privacy screen. Use climbers like Ivy, Clematis, or Wisteria on fences or trellises to create a lush, green privacy barrier. 3. Outdoor Curtains Hang outdoor curtains around pergolas, gazebos, or patios for an easy-to-adjust privacy solution. 4. Sound Barriers A water fountain or small waterfall can help drown out noise, adding to the sense of privacy. Or install fencing designed to reduce noise if privacy from sound is also a concern. Social media users react The video - which many said they could relate to - has since taken the platform by storm, amassing close to a whopping 300k views and 294k likes in just two days. More than 130 people also flooded to comments, where many suggested their solutions - some more hilarious and bizarre than others. One joked: ''You should take the sheets away, turn your chairs round to face sit there and watch them watching you all evening.'' Another chimed in: ''I can relate!'' Advertisement Someone else chuckled: ''you should start doing random things in your back garden like wear black robes with a hood and start doing pretend satanic rituals with candles and freak them out lol.'' A fourth advised: ''get rid of the concrete, plant some trees nobody overlooks you then.''
The Irish Sun
30-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
Aldi's £19 middle aisle buy helps give instant privacy to your garden and helps sun-trapped spaces stay cool this summer
Aldi is selling a £19.99 middle aisle bargain that will add instant privacy to your garden and help you keep cool. With temperatures set to reach 1 The tarp adds privacy, and will also keep you cool Credit: Aldi However, there's nothing worse than sitting outside with a glass of wine and a good book, only to realise that your Putting up a large fence around your garden may seem like the obvious choice to keep away prying eyes, but this can be expensive - and can sometimes lead to For a simple solution, Aldi's neighbours . The middle aisle bargain will land in stores on Thursday, July 3 and comes in two different shapes, triangle or rectangle. Read more garden stories Shoppers can choose from a beige or navy colour, and the tarp is water repellent, so you don't have to worry about taking it inside during bad weather. The 415 x 415 x 415cm tarp can also be used to shade your garden from the sun, meaning you can relax in the garden without getting too hot. However, shoppers better set their alarms to avoid missing out on the bargain, as with all Specialbuys, once they're gone, they're gone. More Privacy Screens Most read in Fabulous The fence, which has been slashed from its original price of £11.25, features a stylish green leaf design, that will blend in to your garden's greenery. And the purse-friendly buy isn't the only privacy screen you can buy on Shein at the moment. I hate my new build garden being overlooked so found a 5 METRE privacy fence to block out nosy neighbours for under £30 The e-commerce site's B&Q's is another y perfect for keeping your garden secluded. The stylish screen comes in a realistic leaf design, perfect for blending in to your greenery. Plus, the product has been made with premium wood and weather resistant plastic, making it extra durable - so you don't have to worry about it coming down in windy or rainy conditions. How to create privacy in your garden CREATING privacy in your garden can be achieved in a number of ways depending on your budget, and the size of your space. Here are some effective ways to enhance privacy in your garden: 1. Fencing Install a tall, solid wooden or vinyl fence. This is one of the most straightforward ways to gain immediate privacy. Or use lattice panels, trellis, or slatted fencing to add a decorative touch while still offering privacy. 2. Hedges and Plants Fast-growing evergreen shrubs or trees like Leylandii, Thuja, or Bamboo along the boundary of your garden can help with privacy. Grow a dense hedge using plants like Boxwood, Privet, or Laurel. It may take time to grow, but it provides a natural and green privacy screen. Use climbers like Ivy, Clematis, or Wisteria on fences or trellises to create a lush, green privacy barrier. 3. Outdoor Curtains Hang outdoor curtains around pergolas, gazebos, or patios for an easy-to-adjust privacy solution. 4. Sound Barriers A water fountain or small waterfall can help drown out noise, adding to the sense of privacy. Or install fencing designed to reduce noise if privacy from sound is also a concern. A product description reads: "Bring refreshing greenery to your outdoor décor with this artificial hedge panel. "Designed for versatility, it works as a fence screen, wall décor, or garden hedge. "Its durable construction offers UV protection, while the breathable design ensures proper airflow. "Perfect for balconies, patios, or terraces, it combines beauty and practicality without the need for ongoing maintenance." However, the privacy screen is only available online, so you will have to order it via the B&Q website instead of heading to your local store if you are keen to snap up the bargain.
