Category: News

The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team conducted simultaneous search and seizure operations at a house in Bedfordview and offices in Germiston and Edenvale on Wednesday morning.

According to the police, the action is part of the ongoing investigation into alleged tender irregularities that resulted in approximately one billion rand being siphoned from the Gauteng Department of Health.

It also follows the operation that was executed at the Tembisa Hospital premises towards the end of 2022.

“It is as a result of tenders attached to the Tembisa Hospital from around 2016 to early 2022. Over 220 entities and various individuals are subjects of an ongoing investigation in respect of numerous allegations.

“This include schemes that reportedly thrived in infringement of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). These were made possible through tender manipulation, kickbacks, inflated prices and or duplicated invoices amongst other contraventions,” explained the police in a statement.

Various electronic gadgets as well as documentary proof have been seized for further investigation.

No arrests have been effected at this stage pending further investigation.

As part of ensuring that no member of society is left behind in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC, Nonhlanhla Khoza, has donated a specialised tool to Zizameleni Action Group, which is based in Pietermaritzburg.

Khoza officially handed over a BrailleNote Touch Plus 32 tablet and notetaker, worth R100 000, to help the organisation to develop the visually impaired people it serves.

“We are very happy that after we had made a commitment to help the organisation with such a tool, we were finally able to deliver.  This is how we are known as the Department of Social Development. We do not make unfulfilled promises because we are committed to servicing disabled people and ensuring that they have equal opportunities to participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” Khoza said.

Khoza said the donation of the BrailleNote Touch Plus 32 is just one way in which government ensures that it is working towards the betterment of life for all.

“We believe that by providing access to innovative technologies, we can empower disabled individuals to lead fulfilling lives and contribute to the development of our province and country. The Department of Social Development is proud to hand over this important donation of a Braille Machine Plus to make a significant change in the lives of the beneficiaries,” the MEC said.

Khoza said the machine will assist members of the organisation who are visually impaired to read and write with ease.

The BrailleNote Touch Plus is an innovative tool that converts text into Braille, allowing visually impaired individuals to read and write using this tactile system.

The device is essential in ensuring that visually impaired individuals have access to information and can communicate effectively.

Khoza also commended Zizameleni Action Group leader, Nelson Ngidi, for his bravery to approach her with the request to buy the machine to benefit over 30 people the organisation serves in the uMgungundlovu District.

She said the department recognises the daily challenges faced by individuals who are visually impaired, and they are committed to ensuring that all individuals in the province, regardless of their abilities, have equal opportunities to lead fulfilling lives.

“The donation of this Braille Machine is just one of the ways in which we are working to make this a reality. We are confident that the tool will help make a positive difference in the lives of its members [and] we encourage other organisations to follow our lead and support the visually impaired community.”

Moreover, Khoza said she handed over the machine in honour of the late Transport and Community Safety MEC, Bheki Ntuli and late Ukhozi FM Current Affairs Anchor, Bongani Mavuso.

“Mavuso had invited us in his show, Ezangempelasonto, with MEC Ntuli and the disability sector during the commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which we also celebrated as National Disability Rights Awareness Day when Zizameleni Action Group made a request for the machine.

“We honour them today [because] the machine is handed over, and we [had] made a commitment to help disabled people together,” the MEC said.

Ngidi expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the department’s gesture.

“We want to thank the MEC for helping us to get this machine. We have tried over the years to get such machines and different people always indicate that they have no money. We are grateful that MEC Khoza became the first person to respond positively to the request and provided us with this high-tech machine to change our lives,” an elated Ngidi said.

Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, has paid tribute to the102 595 nurses who lost their lives when they became the first line of defence to protect South Africans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Let’s remember these fallen heroes and heroines with pride because they rolled up their sleeves and confronted the ever-mutating pandemic during the various waves,” Dhlomo said on Wednesday.

He made these remarks during the special occasion of the unveiling of the Wall of Remembrance erected by the South African Nursing Council in honour of nurses who lost their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When most employers allowed their workers choose to work from home due to fear of contracting and spreading Coronavirus during the peak of the pandemic, unfortunately South African Nightingales or nurses just like other essential workers, did not have that luxury to work from home due to the nature of their job. They had only one option that is to face the hungry lion,” he said.

The Deputy Minister said nurses are often the unsung and underappreciated heroes and heroines of the health care sector, despite what they endure during difficult times like the unforgettable COVID-19 era.

He described the period as one that was filled with uncertainty, anxiety, loss of hope and fatigue.

“There is no doubt that the pandemic hit the country when it was least expected, when the readiness of health facilities to manage such an overwhelming pandemic was a challenge, especially in rural districts of the country.

“However, nurses found themselves at the forefront of demonstrating a leadership role in crisis management. The four-fold role of professional nurses was highly visible during this period. Utilising a multi-disciplinary, nurse led approach became the best solution in the effective management of COVID-19 pandemic,” Dhlomo said.

The Deputy Minister said nurses made sacrifices under difficult and impossible conditions to save patients’ lives at the cost of their own health and safety.

“They took care or responded to the needs of the patients while following the rules, regulations, ethics and standard of nursing, while working in the isolation units or intensive care units with COVID-19 patients, nurses had to ensure provision of quality care to the patients while taking care of themselves.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the mental health and well-being of nurses and other health care workers, as they treat patients, they also grappled with their own heightened exposure to COVID-19 infection, loss of colleagues and patients they cared for, which resulted in mental health stress,” the Deputy Minister said.

He said burnout became a daily reality for them during the pandemic as there was an increasing concern about the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder amongst them.

“Thus, we have got the responsibility to ensure that supporting the psychological wellbeing of the nurses and other health workers continues to be our priority beyond the pandemic,” Dhlomo said.

Local residents currently housed at the Port St Johns Youth Centre, after severe floods recently damaged private property and public infrastructure in the area, have welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to the area on Tuesday to assess the level of damage caused.

The OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape was affected by torrential rainfall over the past week which caused flooding resulting in loss of life, displacement of communities and damage to infrastructure.

Severe weather which the South African Weather Service had issued early warnings on 22 and 23 March, affected communities in Port St Johns, Ingquza Hill, Nyandeni and King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipalities.

Vuyolethu Goleni, a local resident, told SAnews she was happy that the President came to see for himself the conditions they are living under.

“I am confident that our roads are going to be repaired and those people who lost their houses will be assisted,” Goleni said.

Echoing the same sentiments was Israel Solani who told SAnews he was confident that the damaged roads will be repaired soon.

“We need that road to be repaired as it makes it impossible to move freely to the other side as the remaining part is also not safe as it can collapse at any time,” Solani said.

Visiting the flood ravaged areas on Tuesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said government was doing everything in its power to assist all those affected.

The President said government departments were working together to assist flood victims.

“Government is doing everything in its power to restore all the roads damaged by the floods and to ensure that our people have shelter,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa said the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will assist in rebuilding the damaged bridges.

“What happened here affects all of us. As government we are going to ensure that our people get the necessary help they need. We want investors to help us with the building of a Smart City here,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President’s visit began with a welcoming by senior provincial government officials, after which he was briefed about the situation in the area.

From there, the President conducted a walk about to assess damage on the R61 road which links Mthata and Port St Johns which was severely damaged by the floods.

Whilst there, President Ramaphosa also met with SANRAL officials who briefed him on the damage.

According to the officials, the work to repair the road will start soon.

At the Port St John’s Youth Centre, the President assured residents that various government departments are working together to restore the lives of people affected by the floods.

“Our government is taking care of our people by building shelters and ensuring that they have food. Government is gearing into action to assist the affected communities,” President Ramaphosa said.

Government has activated a Special Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management to provide support and relief to the affected communities.

Teams comprising national, provincial and local spheres of government have been assessing the damage and providing emergency support in the form of shelter, food, blankets and other essentials.

President Cyril Ramaphosa was accompanied by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Thembi Nkadimeng and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane to interact with residents and other stakeholders.

Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan is expected to lead a delegation to China next month to meet with his Chinese counterparts in a bid to resolve the impasse between Transnet and controversial locomotives company CRRC E-Loco Supply.

Tensions between the two companies dates back to 2019 when Transnet moved to halt contracts with several original equipment manufacturers (OEMS), including CRRC, worth some R54.4 billion for the procurement of 1064 locomotives between 2011 and 2014.

The contracts were highlighted to have been irregular and illegal during the State Capture Commission.

Since then, Transnet, together with the Special Investigating Unit, have entered into litigation with CRRC and the company has not provided rehabilitation for at least 161 locomotives which are currently non-operational and have caused revenue losses for Transnet.

This despite reaching an agreement with South Africa’s state owned company to do so in December last year which would enable the “rehabilitation of non-operational 22E locomotives [and provide] long-term material and reliability support to Transnet”.

In a statement, Transnet explained the importance – not only to the company but to the economy – of resolving the impasse.

“The intervention by the Minister follows the impasse between the two [State Owned Companies] earlier this year, and a meeting held with the President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, on Tuesday…during which the declining performance of the freight rail division was raised sharply as a key challenge and a constraint to the performance of the economy.

“The CRRC locomotives directly impact the performance of three key railway corridors…North, North East and Cape corridors. These corridors account for approximately 50% of Transnet Freight Rail’s revenue and support three mining sector segments: export coal, chrome and manganese,” Transnet said.

Transnet said that furthermore, CRRC E-Loco Supply must also normalise its relationships with the South African Reserve Bank (SARD) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in order for it to continue doing business in South Africa.

“Up to now, the Chinese OEM has declined to do so.

“Minister Gordhan remains hopeful that talks with his Chinese counterparts will yield positive results in the interests of both SOCs and relations between the two countries,” Transnet said.

Eastern Cape Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Lillian Mene, has commended the arrest of four dangerous suspects in connection with the mass shooting at a birthday party in KwaZakhele, Gqeberha.

The suspects were arrested on Monday in Peelton location in King Williams Town.

They were arrested by the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, in conjunction with the Provincial Tracking Team.

The arrests come after the lead investigator received information on the whereabouts of the four outstanding suspects believed to be linked to the birthday mass killing in KwaZakhele. Eight people were shot dead and three others seriously wounded on 29 January 2023, when two armed men entered a property in Makanda Street and opened fire at those attending the birthday party.

According to information received, the four fugitives, aged between 30 and 34, were found hiding in Peelton.

“The first suspect to be arrested, Mzwandile Mahambehlala (33), is currently in St Albans Prison and due to return to court on Monday, 3 April 2023 for a formal bail application, whilst the latest suspects will be transported to Gqeberha where they will be detained, and are expected to appear before New Brighton Court on Thursday, 30 March 2023,” Mene said.

The Proudly South African Buy Local Summit & Expo is featuring more than 200 high quality home-grown goods and service providers, who are showcasing everything from pharmaceutical and health products to stylish furniture and electronics for home and office use, delicious food and drink products, as well as jewellery and textiles.

This Proudly South African flagship event kicked off on Monday, March 27 at the Sandton Convention Centre. It offers an informative, jam-packed programme under the theme, ‘Growing the Economy and Creating Jobs through Localisation’.

The summit was opened by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel, who  gave the keynote address.

A diverse range of industries and sectors are being featured in a not-to-be-missed showcase, which goes beyond mere product sales and makes a crucial contribution to strengthening local and international trade and the growth of economies.

These sectors include, but are not limited to, agro-processing (Krugersdorp’s Qaboha Farming); automotive (Toyota); mining, and beneficiation (African Millennium Jewelleries, Bokoena’s Fashion Jewellery, Luxity Fine Jewellery Pty Ltd, Mmako Designs, MMH Jewellers CC, Ndalo Jewellery, Nolo M Jewellery Designs, Revelea Jewellery, Sibeko Jewellers, The Jewellery Village, TM Jewellery Pty (Ltd).

The plethora of manufacturing companies range from PG Bison, a proudly South African company driven to inspire and enable beautiful spaces with its comprehensive range of wood-based panel products to cement and lime provider PPC Ltd and tyre giant Goodyear. There’s also leather goods manufacturer Wendy M (Pty) Ltd; water tank manufacturer and supplier SBS Tanks; glue manufacturer Makoya Adhesive; clothing company Chepa Streetwear; bottled water manufacturer Beige Butterfly and DermoProf skincare and more.

Ziyakhala Manje unpacks South Africa’s events industry, which has one of the biggest jobs value chains in the country, accounting for approximately 9% of total output, employment and GDP. The industry will be featured both on the conference programme as well as on the expo floors and will have representatives from organisations including the DStv Delicious Festival, Joy of Jazz, RiSA, Makhelwane Festival and Back to the City, among others.

Companies in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector include Bliss Brands, makers of laundry, household, and personal care products as well as  Switch Energy Drink and fashion brand distribution business Skye.

The Buy Local Summit & Expo includes a fashion activation known as The Busy Corner showcasing local fashion ranges from a number of the country’s leading designers and retailers including SB Kids by Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala and her husband Siphiwe, Biji La Maison by Biji Gibbs, Ledikana, Rubicon, and NN Vintage by Mafikizolo’s Nhlanhla Mafu.

Nearly 50 food and beverage manufacturers and providers will be in attendance from Absolute Coffee and The Freshly Squeezed Juice Guy to Mopani Queens and Spices 4 Africa as well as The Salad Lab, Veg On The Go, Tolokazi Beer, and more. Each and every delegate and consumer who will walk the floor of the Expo will be spoilt for choice.

Eustace Mashimbye, Proudly SA CEO, said: “Aspiring and established SMEs and entrepreneurs will have access to the Business Solutions Hub, an area dedicated to entities and organisations that exist to regulate, legislate, and advise small businesses. The entities will be on site to resolve disputes, attend to queries and accept applications. These include CIPC, CIPS, CGCSA, the dtic, SEFA, SEDA, SARS, SABS, NEF and The BBBEE Commission.

“Members of Proudly South African share a commitment to an uplifting ethos that promotes social and economic change and progress. They make a meaningful contribution to building South Africa’s economy, alleviating unemployment, and retaining existing employment opportunities.”

“The conference floor is abuzz with panel discussions and presentations from representatives of various labour-intensive sectors.

“The ongoing electricity crisis was the focus for seasoned broadcaster Jeremy Maggs on day one, as a facilitator of the panel discussion aimed at unpacking the country’s energy status quo, as well as the localisation and industrialisation opportunities that exist in the Renewable Energy industry. The panel aims to bring out feasible solutions to the crisis that can also create jobs within the country.” 

Partners of the 2023 Buy Local Summit & Expo include ABSA, Sasol, Aspen, Sizwe IT, Southern Sun, GCIS, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, SA Breweries, the dtic, Brand South Africa and Trade and Industry KZN (TiKZN).

A full programme and day visitor registration is available at  www.buylocalsummit.co.za and all participating exhibitors information can be found at https://buylocalsummit.co.za/exhibitors/.

The State’s first witness in the R37.7 million Estina dairy farm tax fraud trial is expected to continue his testimony in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court today.

This is another matter from the main R280 million Estina farm fraud and corruption case, which implicated the former Minister of Mineral Resources, Mosebenzi Zwane.

National Prosecuting Authority Investigating Directorate (NPA ID) spokesperson, Sindisiwe Seboka, said the accused on trial are known Gupta associates Kamal Vasram and Saliesh Indurjeeth, who have pleaded not guilty.

“The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court heard evidence from the State’s first witness, Piet Swart, a SARS investigator [on Monday]. Swart testified about the customs clearance submission, which relates to nine shipping containers that carried different dairy equipment purportedly from Gateway Limited in the UAE.

“[Vasram and Indurjeeth] face charges of fraud, contravention of Section 54(1)(A) of the International Trade Administration Act and contravention of Regulation 22 of the Exchange Control Act – charges arising from a joint investigation by SARS and the Investigating Directorate,” Seboka said.

Meanwhile, the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court has sentenced a 47-year-old man to 12 years’ imprisonment for crimes related to fraudulent tax returns.

NPA spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, said 47-year-old Harisu Bukari and his company were charged with some 19 counts of fraud, two of forgery and uttering after claiming undue VAT refunds worth over R2.7 million.

Mjonondwane explained that Bukari’s company was “was not legally entitled to claim VAT refunds” from the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

“A business entity is compelled under certain conditions to register for VAT with SARS. Once registered, the entity is then referred to as a VAT Vendor and it must levy VAT on the supply of goods and services. This is referred to as Output Tax. The VAT Vendor is also entitled to claim VAT on various expenses incurred, be it capital or operational expenses, provided it is for the furtherance of the business as permissible by the VAT Act. This is referred to as Input Tax.

“Every VAT Vendor must submit periodic returns to SARS, accounting for both Input and Output Tax. The form rendered periodically is referred to as a VAT 201 return. SARS places upon the bona fides and honesty of each VAT Vendor to calculate and administer the amount payable to SARS or refundable to the VAT Vendor on a basis of trust between SARS and the VAT Vendor.

“The NPA applauds Advocate Mzuhleli Mcosini and investigators from SARS’ Criminal Investigations unit for ensuring that the accused faces the full might of the law for abusing the trust that SARS placed on him as a VAT Vendor and hope that the sentence imposed will serve to deter citizens from avoiding tax liability through criminal conduct,” Mjonondwane said.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) believes that South Africa’s implementation of structural reforms, combined with fiscal consolidation, could help boost private investment, employment and growth.

IMF officials held a series of meetings with South Africa this month as part of their routine economic surveillance function, as prescribed in the IMF’s Articles of Agreement.

The IMF said restoring energy security will require attracting private sector participation in the electricity market and addressing Eskom’s operational and financial deficiencies.

“Similarly, stronger-than-expected private sector participation in the energy sector could improve the growth outlook,” National Treasury said in a statement following the meetings.

The IMF noted that the country’s large external asset position, diversified economy, sophisticated financial system, and flexible exchange rate regime are sources of strength, supported by the Reserve Bank’s pro-active monetary policy, have kept inflation expectations anchored.

“They note that these features provide a favourable base for growth,” Treasury said.

The IMF acknowledged that government has made important headway on domestic revenue mobilisation, removed licensing requirements for embedded power generation and completed the spectrum auction.

In addition, the IMF recognised steps taken to improve third-party access to the country’s ports and freight network.

It also noted the anti-corruption measures that have been announced in response to the judicial recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into allegations of State Capture.

“Nevertheless, [the IMF highlighted] various downside risks to South Africa’s economic outlook, including external risks that could emanate from a deeper and more protracted global slowdown, further weakening of commodity prices and a shift in global investors’ sentiment away from emerging markets.”

“Domestically, they noted downside risks that delay addressing the energy crisis, and Eskom and Transnet’s operational and financial weaknesses, slower-than-expected progress or reversal in reforms and policies. These include fiscal consolidation and increased political uncertainty,” Treasury said.

Greylist

Exiting the greylist, according to the IMF, will require South Africa to continue to implement the agreed Financial Action Task Force (FATF) implementation action plan promptly.

“International experience suggests that the adverse impacts of greylisting increase the longer a country remains on the list.

“Therefore, the mission encourages stakeholders to continue working together to exit the list as quickly as possible and closely monitor the impact of the greylisting on capital flows and the financial system,” the IMF said.

Treasury took note of the main findings from the IMF staff following their consultations.

In addition, it said it is aware of most of the risks to economic growth and is working on mitigating measures to address these, as detailed in the 2023 Budget Review.

A director who unsuccessfully facilitated the undue processing of permits for Gupta associate Ashu Chawla and others in Ethiopia and in the United Arab Emirates has been dismissed from the Department of Home Affairs.

Major Kobese, the Director for Appeals, was found guilty on three counts of gross misconduct in the execution of his duties in a disciplinary hearing that lasted five months.

“The first allegation involved him having exerted pressure on the officials of the department to process and issue visas and permits in breach of the applicable laws and/or regulations and/or standard procedures applicable within the department.

“The second allegation involved him having allowed outside and/or private individuals and/or interests to unduly control and influence him in the execution of his duties, which in many instances resulted in some visa applicants getting preferential treatment in respect of their applications.

“The third allegation involved him having engaged in grossly inappropriate conduct including paying a bribe,” the department said.

The dismissal is effective from Wednesday.

The department said the visas that he wanted issued, were not issued because officials based in these missions refused to be part of his shenanigans.

The Chairperson of the Disciplinary Hearing found that “given the core responsibility of Kobese, as a senior manager, to maintain the highest standards of ethical conduct and a high level of integrity and his complete lack of remorse, the conclusion which I ineluctably arrive at is that the employment relationship has been destroyed and dismissal is the appropriate sanction.”

Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, said the department is unflinching in its commitment to ensuring that it brings to a speedy end irregular practices and decisions by Home Affairs officials within the system.

“The outcome of this disciplinary hearing shows that there are many officials who continue to do their work diligently even when placed under pressure by their managers. It also shows that we are rooting out all forms of corruption, malfeasance and irregularities we find at Home Affairs,” the Minister said.