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IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Corruption allegations threaten the ANC's renewal campaign in KZN
Under fire education MEC Sipho Hlomuka Image: Independent Newspapers Archives The African National Congress (ANC) in KZN faces a potentially catastrophic blow to its image and ongoing renewal campaign, as fresh allegations of corruption against key leaders surface. Siphamandla Zondi, a prominent political analyst, offered a stark assessment, asserting that the continuing association of the party with corruption diminishes its prospects for recovery following the dismal performance in the 2024 elections. Zondi's comments emerged in the wake of serious accusations against KwaZulu-Natal MEC of education, Sipho Hlomuka, and Health MEC, Nomagugu Simelane-Mngadi. Both leaders are now at the centre of investigations that could significantly tarnish the party's reputation and deepen public distrust. 'The responses to these allegations can either make them stick in the court of public opinion or diminish them. 'But this is damaging indeed," Zondi remarked. Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ He underscored the urgency for the ANC to dissociate itself from any acts of corruption and to ensure accountability amongst its leaders, especially given that the party's own renewal programme mandates such actions. Zondi insisted that the ANC should promptly initiate an internal investigation into the allegations and refer the two MECs to its integrity commission. 'It is in the interest of the two MECs to have their names cleared, and it is in the ANC's interest to clear its own name quickly,' he stated, emphasising the critical importance of a swift response to uphold the credibility of the government. Political turbulence surrounded Hlomuka and Simelane, after claims surfaced that their personal business affiliations may have improperly influenced government contract awards. In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Hlomuka contended that he had distanced himself from the implicated company, insisting he was no longer part of it and was unaware of its ongoing activities. 'If it has received any tenders, that information will come out in the investigation,' he added, urging patience for the forthcoming revelations. Provincial Premier Thami Ntuli has demanded thorough explanations from both MECs following the serious corruption allegations. Asserting the need for transparency, Ntuli confirmed that he had proactively reached out to both executives for clarification as soon as he became aware of the claims. 'I would be writing to them so that they give me full information regarding the allegations,' he noted, awaiting their responses by today. Hlomuka's spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi confirmed that the premier had written to the MEC requesting him to give explanation on the allegations regarding school nutrition. Mahlambi alluded that the MEC has also responded to the letter. 'The MEC (Hlomuka) has responded to the letter from the Premier, however, we must give both the MEC and Premier space to process the responses as per premier's request. "What we also need to indicate is that the current tender or contract that is in place now is not disturbed,' said Mhlambi. Further complicating matters for the ANC, Health MEC Simelane faces scrutiny over her family's potential improper gain from government contracts. The implications of her alleged business ties could further erode public confidence in the party's commitment to ethical governance. Zondi reiterated the need for the party to reconcile these allegations with its core promise of ethical governance, which he stated was crucial for any hopes of renewal. 'Defending its own is to assume their innocence without verification,' he cautioned. 'It has caused the party many problems in the past.' With mounting pressure from within and outside the party, the ANC's response to the allegations against Hlomuka and Simelane will be pivotal in shaping its future. Simelane-Mngadi rubbished the allegations against her, threatening to take legal action against people who have implicated her in the Ithala corruption loan scandal. It was alleged that the MEC used her position of power as the chairperson of the Agriculture and Rural Development portfolio committee some years ago to get funding for a family company in Ithala and in government. The allegations surfaced on social media platforms a week ago. However, in statements she issued last week, she reiterated that the allegations were false and malicious, saying she was exploring the legal route. 'I'm exploring legal action to protect my name and my integrity and take to task those who deliberately and nefariously wish to impugn my good name. In our system of government, the separation of powers is clear, MPLs, including committee chairpersons, have no role in Supply Chain Management or operational decisions of departments. Therefore, I could not have influenced any procurement processes."These facts are easily verifiable, and their deliberate distortion shows that this is not an attempt to inform the public, but rather a well-calculated political smear campaign,' concluded Simelane-Mngadi. ANC in the province fail to comment by the time of publication. DAILY NEWS
IOL News
17-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
KwaZulu-Natal celebrates US Independence Day with a focus on economic partnerships
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) MEC Reverend Musa Zondi delivered a message of support at the commemoration of the United States of America's 249th Independence Day in Durban. Image: EDTEA KZN / Facebook During the commemoration of the United States of America's 249th Independence Day, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) MEC Reverend Musa Zondi emphasised the significant investments made by American businesses in South Africa, especially in KwaZulu-Natal. On Tuesday evening, Zondi delivered a message of support on behalf of the KZN government at the commemoration event at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Durban. 'On behalf of the Honourable Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Honourable Thami Ntuli, and the people of our province, I extend warm wishes of peace, prosperity, and enduring friendship to the government and people of the United States of America,' Zondi said. He highlighted the significant investments made by American businesses in South Africa, particularly in KZN. These contributions, he noted, have fostered economic growth and aided families in a province struggling with high unemployment. 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 ✕ Ad loading 'Through AGOA, billions of Rands' worth of exports have found their way into American markets, creating a vital trade lifeline. From vehicles to agricultural goods, from our ports to your cities, the connection is real. And beyond commerce, there is the cultural influence - music, film, innovation, that continues to inspire,' Zondi said. He also called for the reaffirmation of sub-national diplomacy, emphasising the importance of strengthening partnerships between provinces like KZN and US states and cities. 'In this regard, we support the revival of the Friendship City Agreement between Durban and Los Angeles. This partnership holds potential for renewed collaboration in port development, maritime education, creative industries, and green logistics. We also hope to expand US investments in key provincial sectors,' Zondi said. US Consulate General in Durban, Consul General Rebecca E Gonzales, with Amajuba District Municipality Mayor Thembelihle Mthembu. Image: Amajuba District Municipality / Facebook Amajuba District Municipality Mayor Thembelihle Mthembu expressed his honour at the chance to participate in the celebration. 'As we celebrated the rich history and enduring spirit of independence that the United States embodies, it is important to reflect on the long-standing and fruitful relationship between our two countries,' Mthembu said. 'Over the decades, the United States has been a vital partner in global development, with its contributions in various sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and governance positively impacting the lives of millions of people around the world, including here in South Africa.' Mthembu said honouring the invitation was more than an expression of diplomacy but an important strategic opportunity for Amajuba. 'As the Amajuba District Municipality continues to focus on its sustainable development goals, it is essential to strengthen our ties with key international stakeholders and agencies who can contribute to our progress. The United States, with its wealth of resources and expertise, remains an invaluable partner for fostering growth, innovation, and prosperity within our region,' Mthembu said. He also said the invitation represents an opportunity where they hope to forge stronger collaborations that can attract investment, improve skills development, and address key socio-economic challenges within Amajuba. 'We look forward to building on this gesture of goodwill and engaging with relevant partners to bring positive, lasting change to our community,' Mthembu said.
IOL News
26-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
MEC Zondi challenges ANC's claims on Ithala Bank customers
KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development and Tourism MEC dismissed ANC claims that it has secured a victory for Ithala Bank customers. Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Media KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development and Tourism MEC Reverend Musa Zondi has accused the ANC in the province of misleading the financially constrained Ithala Bank customers for political point scoring. Reverend Zondi was reacting to the ANC's claim that it had won a significant victory for bank customers — namely, that the bank would no longer be liquidated and that customers would soon be able to access their frozen funds. In a media briefing on Tuesday, the party stated that it successfully convinced Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to guarantee all depositors. Initially, the minister had agreed to guarantee depositors up to R100,000. The party said this meant that the Prudential Authority (PA) had been removed from the bank's administration, and a liquidation case was off the table. However, this was dismissed by Zondi as a lie and political point-scoring by the ANC. Zondi said that as the main shareholder in the bank, the provincial government knew nothing about what the ANC had told the public, and urged the party to refrain from playing with the feelings of the distraught Ithala Bank customers. In his report to the Cabinet on Wednesday, he said that the PA had appealed the recent Pietermaritzburg High Court judgment, which declared that the bank could restart operations without requiring new deposits, which was the reason why the bank's customers had yet to access their money. 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 ✕ Ad Loading 'As the KwaZulu-Natal government and as a line manager for Ithala, we know nothing about the so-called groundbreaking agreement between the ANC and the Finance Minister about saving the bank from liquidation. We wish to inform Ithala Bank customers that the matter is still in court and has no new communication from either the Minister or the PA about the matter,' said Zondi. He called on the ANC to show Ithala Bank customers proof of a banking licence or exemption certificate, which he said are the key things that are required by the bank to resume its operations like before. 'The MEC said there are about R3.2 billion of depositors, which are held by the PA. 'Has the PA issued a new exemption certificate or banking licence to Ithala Bank? Has the PA withdrawn its liquidation case in the Supreme Court of Appeal? The ANC must answer these questions,' said Zondi. ANC spokesperson Fanle Sibisi had asked to be sent questions earlier in the day, but has yet to respond to those questions.
IOL News
20-06-2025
- IOL News
KwaMashu man sentenced to 10 years for stabbing mother over headsets
The Ntuzuma Regional Court has sentenced a man for stabbing his mother 13 times over a headset dispute, leaving her left arm paralysed. Image: Nomonde Zondi A 35-year-old man from KwaMashu has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Ntuzuma Regional Court for stabbing his mother 13 times after she did not buy him R200 headsets. On Friday, Siboniso Vincent Vundla pleaded guilty to his alternative charge of assault with an intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and he pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of his mom Thuleleni Gertrude Vundla. In his plea read by his attorney from Legal Aid, Sakhile Zondi, Vundla said on September 3, 2023, he was at home with his mom. He said they argued with her because she did not purchase the headsets for him, despite his giving her the money. 'She told me it was too expensive,' Vundla said. 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 ✕ He said he was due to start working at home, and he needed the headsets urgently. His mom wanted him to borrow the headsets from his cousin. He said he was angry and they argued about this with his mom, who hurled insults at him while she was busy sewing clothes. Vundla said that because of his anger, he went to the kitchen to take a knife and came back to stab his mother countless times. 'I was annoyed that my mother was not making efforts to help me, and she was acting as if she was not interested in me,' Vundla added. He said he intended to stab his mother, and he was not acting in self-defense. In asking the court to be lenient on his client, Zondi said Vundla was remorseful of his actions and he apologised to his mother. Additionally, Zondi said Vundla has acknowledged that he has a problem and is willing to seek help so he can better control his anger. He added that Vundla has two children, with the youngest being four years old. 'He is single and unemployed. He has been in custody from the day he was arrested on September 3, 2023,' he added. Zondi said his client had a previous conviction, but it does not relate to this matter, as he was driving at high speed. He also urged the court not to forget the principle of Ubuntu (humanity). The State regional prosecutor, Kaystree Ramsamujh, read the victim impact statement of Thuleleni. Thuleleni said Vundla was the only boy among four girls; she said his upbringing was good, and they were close. She said that when Vundla turned 19, he started to change and abuse her, together with his siblings. 'Living with him was stressful; there was no peace at home. He would demand things to be done for him,' Thuleleni said. She said Vundla would have killed him on the fateful day had she not taken the knife from him, which also injured her hand. She said her left hand had been paralysed because of the incident. Ramsamujh said society needed to be protected from people like Vundla. She said Thuleleni could no longer sew clothes as she was a dressmaker. 'One would expect the accused to have the utmost respect for his mother.' She said the medical records showed that the stab wounds were in vital parts of Thuleleni's body, like the neck, adding that there were no compelling circumstances that would allow the court to deviate from the minimum sentences. Magistrate Sibongise Cele said Vundla betrayed the trust of his family as he was the only male in the house. He said that at one stage, Thuleleni had applied for a domestic order against Vundla, but he failed to respect it. 'You have deprived your mother of a source of income that she was dependent on. Not only did you stab her once, but 13 times. She was lucky to survive the incident,' Magistrate Cele said. He sentenced him to 10 years and suspended two years, meaning he would spend eight years in prison. Magistrate Cele further declared Vundla unfit to possess a firearm.
IOL News
28-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Infighting erupts among beneficiaries of R200 million land claim in KwaDukuza
A file picture showing a KwaZulu-Natal North Coast sugarcane farm. Beneficiaries of a settled land claim for prime land in KwaDukuza have yet to benefit from the property due to disputes. Image: Karen Sandison Independent Newspapers Prime land worth about R200 million that was handed over to community members in a land claim in KwaDukuza is now the subject of infighting among the beneficiaries. Members of the Zwelabantu Dube Communal Property Association (CPA) are embroiled in a dispute amid allegations of improper conduct and financial mismanagement of the land. Some members of the CPA said since the claims were settled in 2009, the community has not benefited, and the land has instead been stolen through illegal occupation and the sale of valuable seaside land. Recently, the Portfolio Committee on Land Reform and Rural Development visited the area as part of its tour of CPAs in the province. The committee expressed concerns that the government had invested millions of rand into the claim, calling for an investigation into the affairs of the CPA. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development acquired the property for the Zwelabantu Dube CPA. The claim was lodged by Inkosi Zwelabantu Dube on behalf of 687 Dube community members on 10 November 1998, as the community was dispossessed of the claimed farm in the 1950s. The chairperson of the committee, Nkosinathi Zondi, said there are two land claims that were submitted and successfully settled in 2009. He said one of the properties was worth R200 million. One of the claims was for the New Guilderland farm, which includes prime land such as beachside land, timber, and sugarcane farms. Zondi said during the finalisation of the claims process, they were informed by the then-landowner that there were development plans for the land. These plans included a possible airport, golf courses, retirement villages, and seaside homes. 'The government purchased this land for R200 million. The agreement stipulated an 80-20% split on the development, with the community receiving 20%. However, the development never materialised. When inquiries were made about the situation, the developer informed the community that they were struggling to get funding,' Zondi said. He said infrastructure should be built before any development could take place. 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 ✕ However, it has come to light that on the land close to the beach, 135 housing sites have been sold without bulk infrastructure. Zondi mentioned that the community had not benefited in the last 10 years. 'There were houses on that land used by workers, and there were also forest and sugarcane farms. However, hundreds of people are living in these houses, between 200 and 300, without paying rent. Furthermore, these individuals have damaged the houses.' He said since the new committee took over in 2022, it is only now that some work is being done to benefit the community. 'Next year, we are looking to resuscitate the farming that has collapsed. A lot of this has been done wrong by the previous committee,' said Zondi, adding that the land issue has led to tensions between the new committee and the traditional leadership. In a statement, the Portfolio committee said it had been briefed that the problem includes disputes among community beneficiaries regarding land sales, litigations, and land invasions. 'The committee also learned of questionable exchanges of money involving dubious land sales by some individuals, who they believe require further scrutiny. Additionally, the constant change of CPA leadership has contributed to instability within the CPA.
