Latest news with #Visser
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Limpopo megaproject sued over 'stolen' rocks
Subcontractor removed R12-million worth of white rock from private land Construction vehicles belonging to Tshiamiso Trading 135, photographed while excavating and loading road-building materials from Boetie Visser's old mine dumps. Photo supplied. A subcontractor on the multi-billion-rand Musina Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) project removed R12-million worth of white rock, used to build roads, from a private property without permission. The state-owned company behind the MMSEZ is now being sued by the property owner. But MMSEZ has told the owner to collect the rocks at his own expense, before the end of the month. The subcontractor, Tshiamiso Trading, terminated its contract after receiving R50-million. The company has a track record of receiving controversial government contracts. The state-owned company behind the controversial Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) in Limpopo is facing a R12-million lawsuit after a subcontractor removed approximately 35,000 cubic meters of white rock from a private property without permission. The MMSEZ is a multi-billion-rand megaproject launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2018. More than R100-million has been spent on the project, but there are still no roads, electricity or water connections. It has now emerged that a company subcontracted to build roads, Tshiamiso Trading 135, removed R12-million worth of white rock from an old mine dump owned by Boetie Visser Groep Kontrakteurs, without permission. A subsequent investigation by MMSEZ SOC found that the removal of the road material by Tshiamiso is likely unlawful and criminal. But MMSEZ has not followed the investigator's recommendations and has rejected Visser's requests to be paid for the rocks or for the rocks to be returned. Visser has launched a court case in the Polokwane High Court to claim the R12-million he says is owed to him. But earlier this month, MMSEZ told Visser to collect the rocks at his own expense, denying that they were responsible for the removal of the rocks. Tshiamiso, which has a track record of receiving controversial government contracts, has since cancelled its R200-million contract, after receiving R50-million, citing standing time and ongoing court action. The company's director, Hlamani Bruce Mohlaba, insists the rocks were lawfully removed. Adding to the debacle is that part of the area on which this infrastructure is supposed to be built does not belong to the MMSEZ SOC, and the northern site has not been gazetted to allow for such a development. The MMSEZ has, on several occasions, been accused of bulldozing ahead with development plans, while ignoring legal concerns and the fact that no sustainable plans are in place to secure water on the sites. Unlawful mining In 2022, Tshiamiso was awarded a R200-million contract with MMSEZ to build internal roads and stormwater infrastructure at the MMSEZ's northern site at Artonvilla, north of Musina. They received an additional R100-million contract to build stormwater drainage. On 2 August 2023, the MMSEZ obtained a permit from the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR), which allowed Tshiamiso to start mining for white rock to be used for the roads. An old mine dump was fenced off by Tshiamiso, and the company started removing rocks and taking them to the construction site, about 2km away. But it appears the land, in fact, was owned by Boetie Visser, of Boetie Visser Groep Kontrakteurs CC. In January 2024, Visser contacted the MMSEZ, claiming that Tshiamiso was, without permission, removing crushed stone material that belonged to him. Visser sent several letters to the MMSEZ requesting that they halt the excavation, but Tshiamiso continued. Visser sent a proposal to the MMSEZ on 10 January, offering to sell the high-quality stones to the company. During a meeting between Visser and MMSEZ officials on 22 January, the matter was discussed, and a follow-up meeting was planned to reach an amicable resolution. On 25 January 2024, Visser's lawyer, advocate Elandré Bester, issued a memorandum about the unlawful removal of processed material from his old mine dumps. The memo highlighted that Visser is the lawful owner of the old mine dumps and alleged that the conduct of the MMSEZ and Tshiamiso constituted 'fraud, theft, and larceny'. MMSEZ investigates Officials from the MMSEZ's Legal Services and Infrastructure Development units visited the site on 6 February to investigate. They found it was 'highly unlikely' that Tshiamiso was extracting material from within the permitted area and that it was 'clear that the mining dumps… were outside the designated area of the borrow pit permit'. The MMSEZ investigators also met with Visser, who presented documents to prove he was the owner of the property and had his own mining permit for the white rocks. Visser reiterated his willingness to sell the stones, failing which they should be returned. At that stage, an estimated 35,000 cubic metres, at a value of about R12-million, of crushed stone had already been taken by Tshiamiso. It was agreed that the MMSEZ would provide Visser with feedback three days later, by 9 February 2024. The day after the site visit, Mashile Mokono, the MMSEZ's Senior Manager for Legal Services, compiled a report. It concluded that Tshiamiso could be charged for conducting illegal mining and committing a criminal offence, and said that the company should be held liable for damages. The report recommended that the MMSEZ urgently instruct Tshiamiso to cease excavation, enter into negotiations with Visser to purchase the collected material, and produce records of all materials taken. An estimated 35,000 cubic metres of 'white rock' road-building material stockpiled at Tshiamiso Trading's construction site, approximately two kilometres from Mr Boetie Visser's mine dump. Photo supplied Development stalled By 9 February 2024, the MMSEZ had not provided Visser with feedback as promised. This prompted Visser to apply for an urgent interdict in the Polokwane High Court to stop the unlawful removal and ensure the materials were recovered. But on 5 March, the matter was dismissed because of a lack of urgency. Visser is proceeding with the court action against MMSEZ, SLM Engineers (the consulting engineers overseeing the project) and Tshiamiso and wants to be paid R12-million for the materials removed from his land. In May this year, the MMSEZ board chairperson, Dr Nndweleni Mphephu, presented a report to the Limpopo legislature's portfolio committee on economic development. The report revealed that Tshiamiso had terminated its R200-million contract, citing non-payment of standing time and ongoing court action. Tshiamiso had already been paid R50-million by the time of termination. The report also revealed that the land earmarked for the project's northern site did not belong to the MMSEZ. The land belonged to the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform. Additionally, the area designated for the northern site had not yet been gazetted. 'Come and fetch your rocks' Visser has still not received any payment for the materials. 'I have done nothing wrong. They stole my stone, moved it unlawfully, and now I'm left with a bill and legal costs amounting to half a million rand. And I still don't have my stone back,' said Visser. Visser claims that SLM Engineers knew that Tshiamiso had been extracting rocks from the wrong area. In spite of his ongoing court action, Visser, on 15 July this year, received a letter from Tshifhiwa Irish Bologo, acting CEO of the MMSEZ, telling him to collect the rocks at his own expense before the end of the month. 'As you are aware, MMSEZ was not responsible for the removal of the white rock material from your site as that was done by Tshiamiso Trading without any direct or indirect involvement of MMSEZ,' stated Bologo. This left Visser outraged. 'I didn't put it there. They put it there – their contractors. Now I must transport it back at my own expense? … My offer was simple. I said, pay me, and I'll take my stone back. Now they're saying no, take it back at your own cost,' said Visser. In response to a media enquiry, Bologo said 'Visser is currently engaging with MMSEZ on the removal of the white rocks.' Bologo said that 'MMSEZ is not aware of any instructions by SLM to Tshiamiso Trading to collect the white rocks and therefore no action will be taken against SLM.' As for Tshiamiso, Bologo confirmed that the company still holds the R100-million contract for bulk sewer and waste treatment works construction. She confirmed that a new contractor will have to be appointed to complete the internal roads and stormwater infrastructure. In response to questions, Mohlaba, Tshiamiso's director, said: 'The removal of material occurred lawfully. The claims by Mr Visser presently form the subject matter of an application in the high court. A cost order has already been granted against Mr Visser and is in the process of execution. The application is still pending.' SLM Engineering said that part of the matter had been dismissed with costs by the court. 'Thus, in respect of the law, we cannot comment any further at the moment as this matter is before the court,' concluded Sello Matlakal, a director of SLM. (The cost order referred to by Mohlaba and Matlakala relates only to the urgent application that was dismissed for lack of urgency, not Visser's ongoing court case). A controversial contractor Mohlaba is no stranger to controversy. In 2019, Tshiamiso was taken to court by the Greater Tzaneen Municipality, which accused it of 'undue enrichment' after the company was awarded a R26-million contract for the construction of a 5.8km road and stormwater drainage system. Costs escalated rapidly, and construction was halted when Tshiamiso demanded further payments. It emerged in court that Tshiamiso had made errors in its bid calculations, which influenced the procurement process. The court ruled that the municipality's decision to award the tender to Tshiamiso was unlawful and constitutionally invalid from the outset. At the time, Tshiamiso was also entangled in other similar disputes. In 2016, the Makhado Municipality awarded the company contracts for the construction of two roads, where costs escalated and the projects were halted. Tshiamiso is listed as a legal contingency in the municipality's 2022/23 annual financial statements. At the time, the company was suing the municipality for R7.4-million in unpaid standing time, while the municipality lodged a counterclaim for R11.8-million, alleging 'undue enrichment'. The outcomes of these claims remain unknown. During the covid pandemic, Tshiamiso diversified into the medical supply sector. It was one of 42 suppliers contracted by the Limpopo provincial government to deliver masks and infrared thermometers. This article is published in association with the Limpopo Mirror/Zoutpansberger. This article was republished from GroundUp. Read the original here.
USA Today
21-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Olympic track and field standout Nadine Visser in images
Nadine Visser has been a significant part of the Netherlands' success in track and field events for over a decade, with the talented athlete earning accolades at world championships across Europe. While Visser fell short of an Olympic medal, her accomplishments in securing a spot on Team Netherlands at the Summer Games are just one more impressive mark on her resume. Track and field star Nadine Visser Track and field star Nadine Visser Track and field star Nadine Visser Track and field star Nadine Visser Track and field star Nadine Visser Track and field star Nadine Visser Track and field star Nadine Visser Track and field star Nadine Visser Track and field star Nadine Visser Track and field star Nadine Visser Track and field star Nadine Visser Track and field star Nadine Visser Track and field star Nadine Visser Track and field star Nadine Visser Track and field star Nadine Visser Track and field star Nadine Visser Track and field star Nadine Visser Track and field star Nadine Visser Track and field star Nadine Visser Track and field star Nadine Visser Track and field star Nadine Visser Track and field star Nadine Visser Track and field star Nadine Visser Track and field star Nadine Visser
NZ Herald
16-07-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Northland orca expert: Reject Waipiro Bay marina fast-tracking
It would span the equivalent of about 17 rugby fields, with dredging up to 3m deep removing the equivalent of about 21,000 twenty tonne truckloads of seabed. Dredgings will be made into mudcrete to help reclaim the equivalent of about six rugby fields of the area for carparks and shops. The marina design notably includes 14 super-sized 50m boat berths, for which no potential price range has been indicated in economic reports supporting the application. The applicant's economist estimates 30m berths could sell for up to $1.2 million. A spokesperson for Heatley's Azuma Properties and Hopper's Hopper Developments said they were taking a cautious approach regarding wildlife impacts Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop Bishop is considering whether to allow the developers to apply for fast-tracked consenting via an expert panel. A spokesperson for Bishop would not confirm a decision date, stating only that 'advice to inform a decision is expected shortly'. In response to Visser's orca concerns, Bishop's spokesperson said he was able to make an assessment based on feedback from a range of people including locals, the Minister for the Environment, other relevant ministers, local authorities and Māori groups. If referred, the developers can submit a more detailed application, which the spokesperson said would be subject to Environmental Protection Authority checks. Bishop's spokesperson said fast-tracking cut through the 'thicket of red and green tape and the jumble of approvals processes that has, until now held NZ back from much-needed economic growth while still protecting the environment'. Meanwhile the developers' spokesperson said the marina aimed to enhance boating access and services for the eastern Bay of Islands, while contributing to the local economy and community. 'We know how important it is to approach this kind of development with care - especially in a coastal environment like Waipiro Bay. 'Hoppers and Azuma are committed to responsible development and have a strong track record of delivering high-quality marine projects,' the spokesperson said. Visser has written to Bishop outlining her concerns, saying the marina should instead go through the standard Resource Management Act (RMA) process so community views can be properly considered. Her stance aligns with Far North Mayor Moko Tepania, who recently said the RMA allows people to have their say. Visser said the fast-track application 'underplayed' the long-term and irreversible environmental changes that would severely affect orcas and dolphins. She also challenged the application's claim that the marina would not adversely alter marine mammal habitats. Waipiro Bay marina could not be viewed in isolation from other coastal developments across NZ, she said. 'People think of it like it's just a single marina, but that's not the case.' Visser said orcas travelled 100–150 km a day along the coastline. 'They live as long as humans do. Think about how much coastal development we've seen in our lifetimes, and you'll understand what orca are facing. There's a cumulative impact.' Visser said the proposed Waipiro Bay marina would permanently destroy a nationally important area for NZ's fewer than 200 orca, which are ranked as 'nationally critical' — the Government's highest threat level. She said orca needed relatively undeveloped places to rest, socialise, raise young and feed. Developers are seeking the option of fast-track consenting to develop a $100 million-plus marina to the left of the yachts moored in the foreground Waipiro Bay. Waipiro Bay was one of those key places, making it significant in an increasingly crowded marine environment. Visser said the wider Bay of Islands, including Waipiro Bay, was declared a marine mammal sanctuary in November 2021. The sanctuary restricts human and boating interaction within 300 metres of marine mammals. Visser said the marina's public boat ramp would dramatically increase vessel traffic in Waipiro Bay and surrounding areas, raising the risk of harmful boat interactions including boat strike which she had already documented in the Bay of Islands. Dr Ingrid Visser's decades of work looing out for orcas was regonsied with a Kiwibank Local hero of the Year Award in 2024 However, the developers' spokesperson said orca pods successfully navigated Whangārei Harbour's Marsden Cove marina, another Hopper development. Orca often hunted stingray there, offering onlookers memorable experiences. 'Their presence and co-habitation is something we value,' the spokesperson said. The developers reiterated that Waipiro Bay marina was designed to be functional and beneficial to the local community and economy. ■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
NZ Herald
16-07-2025
- Science
- NZ Herald
Northland orca expert Ingrid Visser co-authors global study on orcas sharing prey with people
Northland orca expert Ingrid Visser has co-authored a special study about orcas sharing food with humans. Photo / NZME Listening to articles is free for open-access content—explore other articles or learn more about text-to-speech. Access to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Subscribe now to listen. Northland orca expert Ingrid Visser has co-authored a special study about orcas sharing food with humans. Photo / NZME Northland orca expert Ingrid Visser has been involved in a global study that shows killer whales attempting to share prey with people. The authors of the study found 34 instances of wild killer whales approaching humans and offering food including freshly acquired fishes, mammals and even invertebrates. The orcas were documented undertaking the unusual practice in four oceans for more than two decades. The whales approached people, dropped the item and awaited a response. Visser said these cases provide opportunities for orcas to practise learned cultural behaviour, explore or play and in so doing learn about and potentially develop relationships with people.
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- The Citizen
Wanted man slips through the cracks
Wanted man slips through the cracks – again The fugitive wanted in connection with the disappearance of Sodwana Bay skipper John 'Matambu' Dercksen was reportedly apprehended for shoplifting – and let go after a court hearing. According to reports, the theft and subsequent arrest of Tomas Frederik 'Ferdie' Visser occurred in the Heidedal area of Bloemfontein on 17 March – one year and one day after Dercksen disappeared without trace. ALSO READ: R100k reward to catch fugitive linked to missing Sodwana skipper His hearing was held on 18 March; the charge was withdrawn and he was released. 'It was R151 for two packets of smoked Viennas and a tin of beans, so they didn't run his ID number, thinking it was just a petty theft,' said Cherie Eilertsen, Dercksen's sister. 'I'm encouraged that we now know where he is… And he's got to surface every two to three days to steal something to eat. 'I'm not focusing on the fact that they released him because there's a lot of good that's come from this; he's living rough, nobody's helping him, he's having to steal. 'We now need to bring him in.' Visser has been wanted in connection with Dercksen's disappearance in March last year. He was apprehended in Mozambique five days after Dercksen went missing, presumed murdered, but 'botched' extradition proceedings saw charges against him withdrawn. Although he was sent back to prison to see out the remainder of a previous sentence for which he had been parolled – and broken parole conditions – Visser managed to escape – while doing community service – from the Tonga Community Correction office in Mpumalanga at which he was being held. He has been on the run since, but a warrant of his arrest was issued earlier this year in connection with a sexual assault case in Nelspruit. An anonymous angler earlier this year posted a R100 000 reward for information leading to Visser's arrest. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
