Latest news with #WitsUniversity
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Concern over US 'dumping' dangerous criminals in Eswatini
Immigration expert Prof Loren Landau of Wits University agreed with Phage that South Africa should be concerned. 'On moral and practical grounds, South Africa should be unsettled by this move. It is a further effort to make Africa a source of raw materials, cheap labour and 'waste processing' for the US,' he said. 'While it may have little effect on South Africa in the short term, it also further allies Eswatini with the increasingly authoritarian US president. This will have implications for democracy, human rights, and the region's solidarity.' Sowetan approached the department of international relations & co-operation to enquire if South Africa is concerned about the possibility of some of these individuals entering the country. 'Our state authorities such as the Border Management Authority have embarked on significant reforms to safeguard our borders and citizens,' said spokesperson Chrispin Phiri. On Thursday the Swaziland Solidarity Network released a statement condemning the US decision to 'dump' the five men in their country. 'According to the US department of homeland security, these are convicted murderers, rapists and gang members and they must be removed so that 'they can never hurt another American victim'. By implication, this means they must now hurt Swazis,' said spokesperson Mfanafuthi Tsela. 'This is a deliberate act of collusion by two corrupt governments to dump America's most violent criminals in one of the world's poorest nations.'
IOL News
4 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Wits University Awards Kaizer Motaung Honorary Doctorate for His Impact on Sport and Society
Wits University has conferred an honorary Doctor of Commerce degree on football legend and Kaizer Chiefs founder, Kaizer Motaung, in recognition of his lifelong contributions to sport, education, and the upliftment of disadvantaged youth across South Africa. Motaung, a towering figure in South African football, founded Kaizer Chiefs Football Club in 1970 at just 27 years old. Today, 55 years later, the club stands as one of the most successful and beloved teams in the country, and Motaung's legacy continues to inspire both on and off the pitch. At the graduation ceremony, Wits University Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Zeblon Vilakazi praised Motaung's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a national icon. 'Dr Motaung's life story is a message on its own. He took a chance, he created something, and his actions spoke louder than any speech. He represents the spirit of innovation, determination, and community.' Motaung, who received an honorary doctorate in Social Sciences from the University of Cape Town in 2022, expressed his gratitude for the latest honour. 'I am very proud and happy to be part of this community. I may no longer be the 'Chincha Guluva' that people remember on the field, but I know that Kaizer Chiefs still plays a big role in the spirit of this country,' he said. Reflecting on a recent Kaizer Chiefs victory after a decade-long trophy drought, Motaung highlighted how football can influence national mood. 'A few weeks ago, we lifted a cup, and the entire country celebrated as if it was the World Cup. I am proud to have contributed to moments that bring joy to ordinary people.' Beyond football, Motaung has played a significant role in shaping the sport's structure in South Africa. He was involved in both the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cup bids and helped establish the Premier Soccer League. He continues to advocate for integrity and sustainability in the sport, voicing concern about the ease with which clubs are bought and sold. 'We need to put in place strict rules to protect the league's stability. It cannot be that anyone with access to money can simply buy a place in the league. That is something we must address,' he said. Motaung also took the opportunity to thank the loyal Kaizer Chiefs supporters. 'To the Amakhosi faithful, thank you for your passion, your loyalty, and your unwavering dedication.' Encouraging young people, Motaung urged them to take bold steps in pursuit of their dreams. 'Do not fear taking calculated risks. Life rewards those who are willing to take the stairs, one step at a time.' As he accepted the honorary doctorate, Motaung walked up the graduation stage, symbolically taking yet another step in his storied life. His journey continues to serve as a beacon of hope, leadership, and excellence in both sport and society.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Labour law expert questions constitutionality of Police Minister's paid leave
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu accepts his special leave by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Image: IOL Graphics Labour law expert, Advocate Bo Dlamini, says President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to place the embattled Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on paid leave may be unconstitutional and wasteful. This comes as taxpayers are set to bear a heavier financial burden following the announcement that Mchunu, who has been placed on special leave, will continue to earn his full annual salary of R2.69 million. This is in light of a presidential commission of inquiry announced by Ramaphosa, which could take between three to six months to conclude. Despite being off duty, Mchunu will continue to earn his full annual salary of R2.69 million, which translates to approximately R224 166.67 per month. During the inquiry period, Professor Firoz Cachalia from Wits University has been appointed to act as the interim Minister of Police. While Cachalia's exact remuneration package has not been officially confirmed, it is expected that he will receive a ministerial-level salary during his acting term. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Dlamini said since ministers are not appointed under the Public Service Act, it is unclear where the president based his decision to give Mchunu a leave of absence, saying it was even worse that the leave may take up to a year, which is unusual for ministers and it can constitute a wasteful expenditure. He further stated that although ministers' appointments are not regulated by labour laws, the president, in a supervisor-subordinate relationship, could have suspended the minister instead of granting him a leave. 'Ramaphosa was supposed to suspend Mr Mchunu and appoint an independent tribunal to investigate the two violations of the Constitution within three months and make a report with recommendations,' said Dlamini. He said Mchunu may have violated Section 207 of the Constitution, which deals with roles of the National Commissioners and Provincial Commissioners in controlling and managing the SAPS, adding that this clause clearly forbids Mchunu from disbanding the political task team unit which could have been done by the National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Fannie Masemola. Dlamini further stated that there is another piece of prima facie evidence that Mchunu lied in Parliament by stating that he didn't know Brown Mogotsi, but later on admitted knowing only as a "comrade". Dlamini said another minister should have been appointed to act in Mchunu's place to protect taxpayers' money instead of appointing a new acting minister who will enjoy added benefits while Mchunu enjoys the same perks sitting at home. With the Police Ministry already bloated with two deputy ministers and costing taxpayers millions of rand in salaries and ministerial perks, there has been a public outcry over the president's decision to place Mchunu on a long paid leave and appointing acting Minister outside the Cabinet. This means taxpayers will foot the bill for four political heads of one department. Opposition parties also questioned the president's decision to appoint commissions instead of utilising the existing crime fighting state institutions such as the Special Investigations Unit. Addressing the nation on Sunday, the president defended his decision to appoint a non-Cabinet member to act by quoting Section 91(3)(c) of the Constitution, which allows the president to appoint not more than two ministers outside the National Assembly. However, the same Section is silent on appointing acting minister outside the National Assembly. Deputy ministers could not also be appointed to act since they are not part of the Cabinet. Cape Times
IOL News
4 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Taxpayers to fund Mchunu's R2. 69 million salary during suspension
Taxpayers will continue to fund Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's full salary of R2.69 million while he is suspended amid a presidential inquiry into serious corruption allegations Taxpayers will face an increased financial burden as Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, currently on special leave, is set to continue receiving his full annual salary of R2.69 million. This decision comes in light of a presidential commission of inquiry announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which could take between three to six months to conclude. Despite being off duty, Mchunu will continue to earn his full annual salary of R2.69 million, which translates to approximately R224 166.67 per month. During the inquiry period, Professor Firoz Cachalia from Wits University has been appointed to act as the interim Minister of Police. While Cachalia's exact remuneration package has not been officially confirmed, it is expected that he will receive a ministerial-level salary during his acting term. If Cachalia serves as acting minister, he is expected to earn a monthly salary equivalent to that of a full Cabinet minister, approximately R224 166.67. This means he would receive around R672 500 over three months, and up to R1.35 million if the inquiry stretches to six months. This effectively means the Ministry of Police will cost the state nearly R1.35 million in salaries over three months, and up to R2.69 million if the inquiry extends to six months. A minister's total remuneration includes a basic salary component that is equal to 60% of the total package, which constitutes the pensionable salary. Each public servant is paid R120 000 per annum, including in their basic salary. The Presidency said that this amount is subject to the Income Tax Act. An employer's pension benefit contribution is equal to 22.5% of pensionable salary.
TimesLIVE
5 days ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
‘No shortcut to success,' says Dr Kaizer Motaung after Wits honour
Kaizer Motaung has always been a man of few words but big on action. But when Wits University honoured the Kaizer Chiefs boss with an honorary Doctor of Commerce accolade at the institution's Great Hall on Tuesday, he spoke like someone who did not want to stop talking, regaling the media and audience with how he started the Chiefs brand 55 years ago. This was a second honorary doctorate to Motaung, 80, after the University of Cape Town bestowed the title Doctor of Social Science Honoris Causa on him in July 2022 for his contribution to football and social development in the country. In November 2023 the South African Hall of Fame inducted Motaung 'for his enduring commitment and positive influence on countless lives through sports and community engagement'. Speaking to the media with Wits vice-chancellor professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Motaung beamed with happiness at the latest honour at the institution he always regarded as one of the best in the country.
