Latest news with #Govender
IOL News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Vanessa Govender to launch her new memoir in Reservoir Hills and Chatsworth
Author Vanessa Govender is gearing up for the launch of her book at two venues in Durban this weekend - the Goodwill Manor in Reservoir Hills on Saturday and the Nelson Mandela Community Youth Centre on Sunday. The book, The Village Indian, is her second memoir but the first to dive into the colourful chaos of her mixed race family and adventures in a small South African village with chickens, curry and endless shenanigans. The award-winning former television and radio news journalist, and the author of Beaten But Not Broken and the children's book The Selfish Shongololo, said she chose to focus on her family because they were the heartbeat of the story. "The Village Indian is absolutely a journey of self, mine, my family's and I hope for the reader too. For me, moving to a far flung village after years as a city slicker journalist was like swapping stilettos for gumboots. I had to rediscover myself, who I am when the spotlights are off and the deadlines are gone, and the only breaking news is someone's cow has found its way into the garden. "The Village Indian is about peeling back the layers of ambition, fear and even my obsession with clothes and cars to find joy, the unadulterated kind in the small and simple stuff." She said the plot would resonate with readers because it was "universal". "We are all on a quest to belong, to laugh and heal. Whether you are in a village, a city or a cul-de-sac, whether you are Indian, white, black or coloured, you will see yourself in the moments of doubt, the belly laughs and the quiet victories of owning your space and your story, however messy it may be. The Village Indian is for anyone who sometimes feels like they are fumbling through life but who still show up, with a smile and chutzpah." At the event on Saturday, Govender will be in-conversation with academic and entrepreneur Kanthan Pillay, and the following day in-conversation with author and academic, Kiru Naidoo. Both events start at 2pm. THE POST
Techday NZ
4 days ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
One New Zealand invests NZD $100 million, wins top network award
One New Zealand has been recognised as the "Best in Test" mobile network for the fourth consecutive year following independent benchmarking by umlaut. Umlaut, a global mobile network testing specialist owned by Accenture, conducted detailed assessments of mobile operators across urban, regional, and rural regions. The evaluation combined on-the-ground drive testing with six months of crowd-sourced data from April and May 2025, providing a comprehensive review of New Zealand's mobile network performance. In the 2025 umlaut benchmark, One New Zealand achieved an overall score of 852 out of a possible 1000 (85.2%), ahead of Spark with 787 points and 2Degrees with 789 points. The testing criteria gave particular emphasis to real-life performance indicators including voice call quality, data speeds, and network reliability. Testing results According to the umlaut assessment, One New Zealand led in three core categories. These included voice services, which were measured by factors such as call setup time, continuity of data connectivity during calls, and overall voice quality. The company also ranked highest for data services, which examined web browsing performance, file download speeds, and the experience of streaming YouTube videos. Finally, One New Zealand was noted as the most reliable mobile network in New Zealand, leading on successful voice and data connections as well as call quality. Thaigan Govender, General Manager Mobile Access Networks at One New Zealand, outlined the reasons behind the network's continued recognition: Our fourth consecutive win is the result of smart, data-driven investment decisions that directly reflect how and where New Zealanders use our network and connectivity services. Govender detailed the level of investment and infrastructure development over the past year, noting, "Over the past full year, we've invested over NZD $100 million into our mobile network alone, building or upgrading almost 300 cell sites to 4G and 5G across metro, urban and regional areas, plus working with the Rural Connectivity Group. These improvements materially improve coverage and performance in the places Kiwis live, work, and travel." He continued, "We're stoked to be recognised as best in test for a fourth year running and are motivated to keep improving even further, using real-world data to deliver the best mobile experience in Aotearoa for One NZ customers and wholesale partners." Ongoing development One New Zealand has indicated further developments for the year ahead. Govender said, "We'll keep working to improve the network for our customers – whether that's through coverage and resilience innovation with the recently launched One NZ Satellite or through retiring legacy networks and re-using spectrum as we have planned with our 3G switch off from the end of the year – you can expect things to keep getting better as a One NZ customer." Umlaut's benchmarking methodology is recognised for incorporating a robust set of criteria, drawing on a mixture of controlled test data and metrics collected from real users. The benchmarks assess networks based not only on speed but also on reliability and quality of service in a variety of real-world conditions. The network's performance improvements over the past year are attributed by One New Zealand to substantial network investment. These included significant upgrades and new builds across different parts of the country, with a focus on upgrading cell sites to support the latest 4G and 5G technologies, and collaboration with initiatives aimed at expanding rural coverage. The latest umlaut testing affirms One New Zealand's position as the highest-performing national mobile network during the most recent evaluation period.
IOL News
4 days ago
- IOL News
Gas Motor Show investigates viral altercation involving gender-based violence
The image shows a man, on the right, assaulting a woman at the event on Saturday. Image: Video screengrab AN INVESTIGATION has been launched by the organisers of the Gas Motor Show after a viral video captured an altercation involving three women and a man, which raised serious concerns about safety and gender-based violence at the event. The footage shows two women hitting each other. One of them falls to the ground. A third woman then helps the woman get back up. The woman who had fallen, then attacks a man in the crowd and the woman who had helped her, then hits her. The man then punched the woman and she fell to the ground. The show's head of safety and security, Percy Govender, said preliminary investigations revealed that the group were under the influence of alcohol and the altercation stemmed from jealousy. The woman falls to the floor. Image: Video screengrab 'These types of videos are edited and show what people want to show. The woman in the video had seen her ex-boyfriend with another woman at the show. She hit the man and cussed at him. He walked away but then he came back and punched her during the altercation. 'They should take responsibility for their behaviour. If she saw her boyfriend or former boyfriend with another person, and she got angry, there is a place and time to sort it out. She hit him in front of all his friends or people at the event. That exacerbated the anger in him. 'No matter the situation, it is not right to raise your hand for a woman. Crimes against women and children are taken seriously. But are we suggesting that it is acceptable for a female to assault and embarrass a male. They were not underage, they were adults. 'There were over 100 police officers at the event. We were told that intoxicated people had gone to the police station to open cases, but they were told to return when they were sober, as police cannot open cases where the complainants are intoxicated. It is unclear if they had returned to open cases,' Govender added. He said the event was controlled by private security, as well as 90 SAPS officers and 30 metro police officers. 'Safety and security is our primary concern, and the event was well controlled and policed. There was no compromise in the deployment of safety and security personnel. With crowd dynamics, it is totally impossible to have police everywhere when people are dancing. 'Nobody came to the event's operational centre to report they were assaulted. It is shocking that people will video gender-based violence incidents and not intervene or do something about it. Over the weekend, about 20 000 people flocked to the event, and this was the first case of this nature that we have dealt with,' Govender added. Yash Ori, marketing manager for the show, said they were conducting this investigation with the thoroughness and seriousness it deserved. 'Once our findings are complete, we will share the full details of what occurred and the steps we are taking to prevent similar incidents. An internal investigation is currently underway to determine exactly what transpired, and we are committed to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. 'We take a zero-tolerance stance on all forms of violence, particularly gender-based violence. The safety and wellbeing of our patrons remains our highest priority,' she added. Ori said due to them taking all safety matters into consideration, they had escalated this year's event to a medium-risk classification, which enabled a substantial metro police and SAPS presence throughout the venue. 'We had strict security measures and are deeply saddened and troubled by the incident. We will provide regular updates on the progress of both our internal investigation and any related legal proceedings. We believe in complete transparency because we have nothing to hide, and our primary concern is ensuring our patrons and guests have a safe, enjoyable experience. 'Our event had sold out for three consecutive years and has become one of South Africa's premier entertainment experiences. While we are proud of this achievement, we will never compromise on safety or allow success to overshadow our responsibility to our community,' she said. THE POST
The Citizen
14-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Youth unites for heartfelt outreach initiative
ISIPINGO-BASED non-profit organisation Seva Bhakti Foundation, together with law enforcement, call on youth to join them as they venture out to the Durban CBD to hand out warm meals and beanies to at least 500 homeless individuals on Youth Day, June 16. Also read: Plumbers revamp Isipingo school's ablution facilities Seva Bhakti means 'to give back selflessly with love,' which according to Mandy Govender, one of the project's directors, describes the NPO's vision and team perfectly. 'We are inviting and encouraging young people to take part, not just by volunteering, but also by helping to raise funds and assisting in the preparation of food. As we mark a day that honours the strength and courage of South African youth, what better way to celebrate than by giving back? We want to help our youth understand the harsh realities of homelessness, and in doing so, foster compassion, gratitude, and purpose,' said Govender. She emphasised that the foundation hopes to show youth a better path than drugs and destructive choices. Youth from areas including Isipingo, Amanzimtoti, Bluff and Chatsworth are part of the outreach initiative. 'What I love most is seeing the youth come together with the same energy we had when we began our seva (selfless service) journey. I was just 19 when I started. We raised funds to help children, the elderly, and even cancer patients. Watching this next generation step up truly warms my heart,' added Govender. She urges parents to encourage their children to take part, youth to lead the charge with kindness and selflessness, and the community to support the initiative either by volunteering, donating or spreading the word. For more information, contact Mandy Govender on 083 706 2334 or youth ambassador Kamion Moodley on 081 516 7625. For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Daily Maverick
09-06-2025
- Daily Maverick
Nafiz Modack convicted of corruption — trial for multiple murders continues
In 2011, alleged underworld figure Nafiz Modack paid a corrupt, high-ranking police official to recover his vehicles using state resources. Nearly 14 years later, the top cop's plea agreement was used to convict Modack of corruption charges. Alleged underworld figure Nafiz Modack has been acquitted on charges before, but for the first time on Friday, 6 June 2025, he was convicted by a court on corruption charges. The corruption occurred in 2011, and nearly 14 years later, thanks to a plea agreement by former Brigadier Kolindhren Govender, a court could convict Modack. Several cases, including the murder of late Anti-Gang Unit Lieutenant Colonel Charl Kinnear, remain to be resolved. Govender entered into a plea and sentencing agreement on 2 December 2019 and pleaded guilty to 51 counts of corruption and a count of contravening the South African Police Service Act. Among the reasons that this case took so long to resolve was that some of the final witnesses testified only last year. According to investigators, since Modack has been behind bars since April 2021, he no longer poses a threat to or can intimidate witnesses. The central point of this corrupt relationship was that Govender instructed police officers under his command to recover missing vehicles belonging to Modack. On Monday, 9 June, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Western Cape spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said police recovered vehicles, including two exotic vehicles, which were handed over to Modack without following due process. The NPA did not comment on how many vehicles were recovered through the corrupt scheme. None of the recovered vehicles, he added, were processed through SAPS records, nor were any police dockets or inquiries opened and registered in any of the incidents. At the time of the offence, Modack was the sole owner of the businesses AMG Auto and Peuxon Properties. Court papers dating back to the time of the corruption said: 'In and during November 2011 Brigadier Govender commenced accepting gratification from Modack. Regular payments in a total of R146,600 were paid to Govender in return for special treatment and favours.' Govender pleaded guilty to 51 charges of corruption that relate to a corrupt relationship he had with Modack. He was handed five years' imprisonment, of which four-and-a-half years were suspended. The sentence was ordered to run concurrently with the six-year sentence that was handed down on a different matter. Payments for special treatment Senior State prosecutor advocate Louis van Niekerk successfully argued that Brigadier Govender received R146,000 from the two firms' accounts between November 2011 and August 2013. Van Niekerk also contended that the 51 payments Modack made had no legitimate purpose. He stated: 'Modack made regular payments to Brigadier Govender as a high-ranking South African Police Service (SAPS) member in return for special treatment and favours. Police were not allowed to do private work or preferential work for members of the public. 'Members of the public were not allowed to reward members of the SAPS. Modack never gave statements for any of the recovered vehicles. There were no statements by the arresting officer. There were no SAP13 recordings. No dockets were registered. His version was that they were his vehicles,' Van Niekerk explained. The court concluded that, given the evidence in totality, Modack was guilty of corruption relating to the recovery of motor vehicles. The case has been postponed until 8 July 2025 for Modack's sentencing. Murder charges In another case, Modack is on trial for a range of charges, including multiple murders and attempted murders. He was arrested in April 2021 in connection with the murder of Kinnear. Kinnear was assassinated outside his house in Bishop Lavis in September 2020. At the time of his demise, he was investigating Modack. Modack and former rugby player and debt collector Zane Kilian are the two main accused in Kinnear's assassination. The State contends that they also conspired in an attempt to murder lawyer William Booth in April 2020. In that case, Modack and Kilian, with the other accused, are collectively facing 124 charges, including murder, attempted murder, corruption, gangsterism, extortion, the illegal interception of communications, money laundering and contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. Modack and his co-accused pleaded not guilty to the charges in January 2024. In March 2024, a State witness, who can be referred to only as 'Mr A' to protect his identity, implicated Modack as the person who allegedly ordered a hit on Nicolaas Heerschap, the father of Hawks officer Nico Heerschap. He said Modack told him he was proud of the hit. In January 2025, Western Cape High Court Judge Robert Henney dismissed several charges against Modack and his 14 co-accused, but not the principal charges of murder and attempted murder. Another pending case against Modack, his wife Rehana, and police officers is firearm licence fraud, which will be heard in Gauteng. In addition, Modack also faces charges in a massive tax fraud case involving more than R46-million, and his mother is allegedly the criminal enterprise's manager. Investigators told Daily Maverick that once all these cases had been concluded, Modack would be apprehended in connection with a probe into R50-million vehicle and property asset finance corruption. Another cop in Modack's web Modack had an alleged corrupt association with other police officers before Govender. Former AGU Sergeant Ashley Tabisher lost his job as a result of this alleged corrupt relationship with Modack. Tabisher faces charges of corruption for allegedly warning Modack about Anti-Gang Unit operations. It is alleged Tabisher received R10,000 from co-accused Amaal Jantjies. He was eventually released in December last year. Tabisher intends to bring an application to be acquitted on all charges. Furthermore, evidence presented in the Kinnear murder trial heard in the Western Cape High Court in April suggested that Modack was allegedly deceived by a middleman while trying to bribe former top cops Major General Jeremy Vearey and the late Kinnear. Modack's bank statements reveal that he made R600,000 in payments that he allegedly thought would go to Vearey and Kinnear. The payments were made for the return of his firearms that had been confiscated by the Anti-Gang Unit in 2017. Modack did not receive the confiscated firearms and Vearey, who had no involvement in the bribery scheme, did not receive a cent as Modack had apparently been duped by a middleman. DM
