Latest news with #BRPs
Zawya
an hour ago
- Business
- Zawya
South African Post Office's (SAPO) Turnaround Strategy Raises More Questions Than Answers, Says Committee Chair
The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade, Ms Sonja Boshoff, has expressed concern regarding the work of the business rescue practitioners (BRPs) on the South African Post Office's (SAPO) turnaround strategy. The BRPs presented the plan on Wednesday, stating that progress Is being made and that, in the long term, their vision is to transform the Post Office into an e-commerce hub and a multipurpose service centre. However, Ms Boshoff said troubling realities remain. Chief among these is the retrenchment of over 4 000 employees, with no clarity as to whether further retrenchments have been halted. 'Service delivery at the Post Office has significantly deteriorated, and the entity continues to survive on state bailouts. Public confidence has been completely eroded, and the long-term sustainability of SAPO remains in serious jeopardy,' Ms Boshoff said. She further raised concern about the request to present substantial portions of the turnaround strategy in a closed session. 'SAPO is a state-owned enterprise funded by public money. The use of in-camera briefings must remain the exception, not the rule. Such briefings should only be permitted in instances of legitimate commercial sensitivity – not as a tool to shield institutional failures from public scrutiny and parliamentary oversight.' The strategy, as presented, offers limited detail in terms of innovation and measurable outcomes. While it references digitisation, a revised branch footprint, and hybrid financing models, these aspects remain vague, lacking clear implementation timelines and funding clarity. Ms Boshoff said it is troubling that no investor has yet shown serious interest in supporting the turnaround of the Post Office. 'Meanwhile, key questions remain unanswered: How many of the retrenched employees have actually received support through the TERS fund? What efforts have been made to engage the private sector in restoring core service functions? On what basis is SAPO still classified as a 'strategic national asset' while continuing to rely on repeated state bailouts? How will the proposed hybrid funding model work in practice, and who will ultimately bear the financial risk?' 'It is imperative that public institutions – particularly those under business rescue and funded by taxpayers – operate with transparency, accountability, and defined performance indicators. A turnaround plan cannot rely on slogans or structural tinkering. It must restore credibility, modernise operations and rebuild trust with the South African public who depend on these services.' Ms Boshoff emphasised that as the committee continues its oversight work, it will insist on greater clarity, stronger accountability and full transparency from all parties involved in the business rescue process. 'The relevance of the Post Office in the broader communications and logistics sector is fast diminishing. This can only be reversed through genuine diversification of its service offering and complete modernisation of its operations,' she concluded. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
IOL News
20 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
Concerns mount over South African Post Office's recovery strategy
Chairperson of the Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade, Sonja Boshoff, has voiced significant concerns regarding the effectiveness of the SAPO's turnaround strategy. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives Chairperson of the Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade, Sonja Boshoff, has voiced significant concerns regarding the effectiveness of the business rescue practitioners (BRPs) leading the organisation's turnaround strategy. Following a presentation by the BRPs on Wednesday, which outlined a vision to evolve SAPO into an e-commerce hub and multipurpose service centre, Boshoff highlighted several troubling realities that raise alarm about the plan's viability. Foremost among her concerns is the recent retrenchment of over 4,000 employees, casting a shadow on the future of many livelihoods. Despite the substantial workforce reduction, ambiguity remains regarding the potential for further layoffs, exacerbating uncertainty among employees and stakeholders alike. 'Service delivery at the Post Office has significantly deteriorated, and the entity continues to survive on state bailouts,' Boshoff stated. 'Public confidence has been completely eroded, and the long-term sustainability of SAPO remains in serious jeopardy.' Her comments underscore a growing sentiment that the turnaround strategy, while ambitious in its goals, lacks the substance and support necessary for meaningful progress. Another point of contention for Boshoff is the BRPs' request to present key elements of the turnaround strategy in closed sessions. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ 'SAPO is a state-owned enterprise funded by public money. The use of in-camera briefings must remain the exception, not the rule,' she argued, stressing that such sessions should only occur under genuine commercial sensitivity rather than as a means to obscure institutional failures from public scrutiny and parliamentary oversight. The BRPs' strategy outlined vague notions of digitisation, a revised branch footprint, and hybrid financing models, yet it fell short on detailing innovation and measurable outcomes. Boshoff emphasised the urgency of clearer implementation timelines and funding structures, as well as addressing the pressing questions surrounding the lack of serious private investment in SAPO's recovery. 'How many of the retrenched employees have actually received support through the TERS fund? What efforts have been made to engage the private sector in restoring core service functions? On what basis is SAPO still classified as a 'strategic national asset' while continuing to rely on repeated state bailouts?' she queried, adding to a list of unanswered questions that loom over the Post Office's potential resurgence. Boshoff concluded with a clarion call for the restoration of credibility and trust in SAPO, asserting that public institutions must be held to high standards of transparency, accountability, and defined performance indicators, particularly when employing taxpayer funds. 'A turnaround plan cannot rely on slogans or structural tinkering. It must restore credibility, modernise operations, and rebuild trust with the South African public who depend on these services,' she stated. As the Select Committee continues its oversight, Boshoff reiterated the necessity for stringent accountability and complete transparency throughout the business rescue process. 'The relevance of the Post Office in the broader communications and logistics sector is fast diminishing. This can only be reversed through genuine diversification of its service offering and complete modernisation of its operations,' she concluded, leaving the fate of SAPO hanging in a delicate balance. IOL
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
UK replaces passport stickers with eVisas for some: What you need to know if you're planning your travel
The UK Home Office has started digitizing its immigration system, replacing physical visa stickers with electronic visas (eVisas) for various work and other visa routes. Applicants must create a UKVI account to access their eVisa, while employers need to adjust right-to-work policies. This change aims to streamline the process, reduce travel restrictions, and modernize immigration status verification. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Also Read: UK study visa applications witness a sharp rise despite graduate route cuts Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Create a UKVI account Link their current passport to their eVisa Check their account for accuracy Generate and carry an 'S' share code in case their eVisa is not viewable while travelling Verify that new employees have completed all steps in the pre-travel checklist Conduct right-to-work checks online using the eVisa system Guide applicants with dependants on the differing procedures for family members View their visa status and expiry Share their immigration status with landlords or employers using time-bound share codes Update personal and travel document details Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Non-European nationals granted UK entry clearance through work and specific other visa routes now no longer receive a physical visa sticker in their passports. Instead, applicants will be issued an electronic visa, or eVisa , accessible through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. The move, that kicked off on June 15, is part of the Home Office's plan to fully digitise the UK's immigration to the UK Home Office guidance, this change applies to those applying under the Skilled Worker (including Health and Care), Global Business Mobility, Global Talent, International Sportsperson, Temporary Worker (including Creative Workers and Government Authorised Exchange), Youth Mobility Scheme, and Student visa under these routes will no longer need to hand over their passports at visa application centres for visa vignette placement, reducing travel restrictions and courier delays. They can remain mobile during the processing period, though may still be called for an interview on short with stays under 90 days or dependants of main applicants will continue to receive vignette stickers in their eVisa serves as a digital record of a migrant's immigration status, replacing several physical documents such as biometric residence permits (BRPs), biometric residence cards (BRCs), passport endorsements, and visa vignette stickers. This rollout builds on earlier implementation through the EU Settlement Home Office said, 'Updating your physical document to an eVisa does not affect your immigration status or the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK.'Expired BRPs and BRCs are no longer valid for travel. Travellers must ensure their eVisa is linked to a valid passport before entering the UK. If the eVisa is not properly linked, carriers may refuse under 18 must also have individual UKVI accounts, with parents or guardians managing them where who have other physical evidence of indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or indefinite leave to enter (ILE), such as wet ink stamps or vignette stickers, are advised to apply for a no-time-limit (NTL) eVisa. Individuals eligible under the Windrush Scheme or those applying under the EU Settlement Scheme can also receive an Home Office reiterated that, 'Millions have already received their eVisas since 2018 and more categories will follow as we fully transition to digital status.'Applicants are advised to follow guidance carefully, especially before international travel, and to keep both their passport and immigration details updated in the UKVI system.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
UK replaces passport stickers with eVisas for some: What you need to know if you're planning your travel
Live Events You Might Also Like: UK may rethink non-dom inheritance tax as wealthy foreigners exit Create a UKVI account Link their current passport to their eVisa Check their account for accuracy Generate and carry an 'S' share code in case their eVisa is not viewable while travelling Verify that new employees have completed all steps in the pre-travel checklist Conduct right-to-work checks online using the eVisa system Guide applicants with dependants on the differing procedures for family members View their visa status and expiry Share their immigration status with landlords or employers using time-bound share codes Update personal and travel document details You Might Also Like: UK study visa applications witness a sharp rise despite graduate route cuts Non-European nationals granted UK entry clearance through work and specific other visa routes now no longer receive a physical visa sticker in their passports. Instead, applicants will be issued an electronic visa, or eVisa , accessible through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. The move, that kicked off on June 15, is part of the Home Office's plan to fully digitise the UK's immigration to the UK Home Office guidance, this change applies to those applying under the Skilled Worker (including Health and Care), Global Business Mobility, Global Talent, International Sportsperson, Temporary Worker (including Creative Workers and Government Authorised Exchange), Youth Mobility Scheme, and Student visa under these routes will no longer need to hand over their passports at visa application centres for visa vignette placement, reducing travel restrictions and courier delays. They can remain mobile during the processing period, though may still be called for an interview on short notice.(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)Applicants with stays under 90 days or dependants of main applicants will continue to receive vignette stickers in their eVisa serves as a digital record of a migrant's immigration status, replacing several physical documents such as biometric residence permits (BRPs), biometric residence cards (BRCs), passport endorsements, and visa vignette stickers. This rollout builds on earlier implementation through the EU Settlement Home Office said, 'Updating your physical document to an eVisa does not affect your immigration status or the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK.'Expired BRPs and BRCs are no longer valid for travel. Travellers must ensure their eVisa is linked to a valid passport before entering the UK. If the eVisa is not properly linked, carriers may refuse under 18 must also have individual UKVI accounts, with parents or guardians managing them where who have other physical evidence of indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or indefinite leave to enter (ILE), such as wet ink stamps or vignette stickers, are advised to apply for a no-time-limit (NTL) eVisa. Individuals eligible under the Windrush Scheme or those applying under the EU Settlement Scheme can also receive an Home Office reiterated that, 'Millions have already received their eVisas since 2018 and more categories will follow as we fully transition to digital status.'Applicants are advised to follow guidance carefully, especially before international travel, and to keep both their passport and immigration details updated in the UKVI system.
IOL News
7 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Sapo's business rescue plan sparks heated debate in NCOP
Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Mondli Gungubele backed the BRPs. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers A VIRTUAL meeting of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Committee on Economic Development and Trade descended into tense deliberations this week as Business Rescue Practitioners (BRPs) overseeing the SA Post Office (Sapo) requested parts of their briefing to be held behind closed doors, citing commercial sensitivity. The move was met with fierce resistance from legislators who demanded full transparency, given the billions in public funds at stake. The meeting, chaired by the DA's Sonja Boshoff, began with a procedural tussle after BRPs' Juanito Damons and Anoosh Rooplal submitted a letter, dated May 8, but only received by the Committee on June 9, requesting confidentiality for sections of Sapo's turnaround strategy. They argued that public disclosure would compromise Sapo's intellectual property and competitive edge. 'The turnaround strategy is Sapo's intellectual property. If made public before implementation, it could prejudice the entity,' Damons 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Mondli Gungubele backed the BRPs, saying: 'The information is commercially sensitive. Sharing it openly could be detrimental to Sapo's success.' However, the DA's Nicolaas Pienaar slammed the justification as 'lacklustre', questioning why patents weren't sought if the strategy was groundbreaking. 'This is taxpayer money funding Sapo's rescue. The public has a right to know how it's spent,' he argued, warning against 'hiding information from the public'. ANC members, led by Mpho Modise, pushed for a physical meeting, citing frustrations over Sapo's repeated delays and 'unacceptable conduct'. 'We've waited a year for this briefing. Now they want secrecy? No. Everyone must account in person,' Modise declared, proposing a postponement. His motion gained traction after ANC colleague Patrick Mabilo lambasted Sapo's 'outrageous' lack of accountability. 'We've been lenient, but this ends now. If subpoenas are needed, we'll use them,' he said. Hendrik Van Den Berg of the FF+ initially opposed delaying the meeting, urging immediate access to the information. But with technical glitches disrupting proceedings — including Advocate Shamara Ally's audio cutting out during her legal input — the Committee ultimately voted to reschedule for June 18. Ally, the NCOP's procedural advisor, highlighted the dilemma: 'We lack the documents to assess confidentiality claims. Yet Sapo's rescue involves public funds, so accountability is paramount.' She noted media and civil society's intense interest in Sapo's fate, underscoring the need for transparency.
