Latest news with #Potgieter
The Citizen
6 hours ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
SA engineers unlawfully jailed in Equatorial Guinea are ‘safely back home'
Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham were detained for more than two years after being accused of drug trafficking. South African engineers Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham returned home on Saturday night after being detained in Equatorial Guinea for more than two years. Picture: X/@RonaldLamola Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, the two South African engineers who spent more than two years in jail in Equatorial Guinea, have finally returned home. According to their families, the men were able to return to South Africa after receiving a pardon from Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. 'Fabricated' drug charges Potgieter and Huxman had been detained since 9 February 2023 and were facing drug trafficking charges. They were arrested while working in the country for the company SBM Offshore. The families had maintained that these charges were fabricated. In July 2024, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention found that the men's imprisonment was unlawful and a breach of human rights. ALSO READ: Families of SA engineers detained in Equatorial Guinea hopeful following Lamola's visit 'Frik and Peter safely back home' 'We are overwhelmed with relief and joy. The last two years and four months have been unimaginably painful for both of our families. Today, we are finally able to say: Frik and Peter are safely back home,' said family spokespersons Shaun Murphy and Francois Nigrini. The families thanked everyone who worked to secure Potgieter and Huxman's release, including SBM Offshore, the South African and UK governments, civil society organisations and the media. They also expressed gratitude to former Minister of International Relations Naledi Pandor and the current Minister, Ronald Lamola. ALSO READ: Families of SA engineers jailed in Equatorial Guinea turn to Parliament Lamola thanks Equatorial Guinean government Lamola was with the families when the two men landed back on South African soil. 'South Africa expresses its sincere gratitude to the government of Equatorial Guinea for considering and ultimately granting this presidential pardon, allowing Mr Huxham and Mr Potgieter to return home to their loved ones,' he said. 'The coordinated collaboration between the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the families of the two men, and their employer, SBM Offshore, also played a significant role in facilitating their release.' The families claimed Potgieter and Huxham were arrested as a form of retaliation after South African courts ordered the seizure of a yacht and two luxury villas in Cape Town belonging to Equatorial Guinea Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue. NOW READ: Engineers' detainment in Equatorial Guinea sparks questions on government's inaction
The Citizen
10 hours ago
- The Citizen
Free after 2 years in foreign prison: SA engineers back on home soil
After enduring more than two harrowing years behind bars in Equatorial Guinea, Frik Potgieter, from George, and Langebaan resident Peter Huxham have finally returned to South African soil. The two men, who were detained in Equatorial Guinea on 9 February 2023, have returned safely to South African soil following a presidential pardon granted by the President of Equatorial Guinea. Their families confirmed their release last night (21 June). 'This brings an end to an ordeal of anguish, uncertainty and unwavering efforts by many to secure their freedom,' said family spokespersons Shaun Murphy and Francois Nigrini. 'We are overwhelmed with relief and joy. The last two years and four months have been unimaginably painful for both our families. Today, we are finally able to say: Frik and Peter are safely back home,' the families' spokespersons said. Shock after drug charges Potgieter and Huxham are both engineers who were working for the Dutch company SBM Offshore in Equatorial Guinea when they were arrested at their hotel in Malabo on drug-related charges after it was alleged that a cocaine shipment was discovered on the same international flight the men were on. They were convicted and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment. In addition, they were ordered to pay $5M USD (R93,7m at the time of publishing) each in damages, with additional fines to be shared between them. Potgieter and Huxham vehemently denied all charges from the outset and were shocked that any allegations related to drugs would be brought against them. Their arrest in 2023 came two days after the high court in Cape Town authorised the attachment of a R300m superyacht, Blue Shadow, owned by Equatorial Guinea's vice-president Teodorin Nguema Obiang. The court order related to civil matter between Obiang and another South African. The long fight for freedom In July 2024, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention found that the Potgieter and Huxham's imprisonment was unlawful and violated numerous international human rights obligations. The UN also called for their immediate release at the time. The families expressed deep gratitude to all those who supported them throughout the ordeal. This includes Frik and Peter's employer, SBM Offshore; the South African and UK governments; international diplomatic partners; parliamentarians; legal teams; Hostage International; civil society organisations; and members of the media. They also extended their thanks to former Minister of International Relations, Dr Naledi Pandor, and current minister Ronald Lamola, who both travelled to Equatorial Guinea as presidential envoys on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa. Thousands of individuals across the globe signed petitions, supported media advocacy campaigns, offered emotional support and kept the families in their thoughts and prayers. 'Their return home is the result of collective efforts over many, many months, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who played a role in securing their freedom,' said the families. 'This has been a long and difficult journey. We want to thank every person who stood with us – your support carried us through our darkest moments.' The families have now asked for privacy as the men begin the process of recovery and healing. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- The Citizen
Two suspects shot dead as officers prevent planned hit on SAPS member
Two armed suspects were fatally shot following a shoot-out involving various law enforcement agencies last week. Mornè Potgieter of Ithemba Security Services said intelligence was received on Monday, May 19, indicating that known cash-in-transit suspects were allegedly planning to assassinate a police officer in the Amajuba District SAPS. 'Members of the SAPS KZN Crime Intelligence Unit (MDOC Durban), SAPS Operation Valumgodi Task Team, KZN Surveillance, Ithemba Security Tracing Team and Amajuba CCPA responded swiftly and worked tirelessly to trace the suspects' whereabouts,' said Potgieter. On Wednesday, May 21, officers arrived at a confirmed location only to find that the suspects had already fled the area. On Thursday, May 22, at approximately 16:00, the team arrived at a second identified location in the Uitval area. 'Operational members tactically approached the target house, where they were met with gunfire. Officers returned fire and fatally shot two suspects,' he explained. Once the scene was secured, the team was able to enter the premises, where they located two unlicensed firearms along with balaclavas and gloves believed to have been used during robberies and murders. A white Isuzu single-cab bakkie was also found on the property, which was positively linked to a case in Greenwood Park and believed to have been used in multiple cash-in-transit robberies in KwaZulu-Natal. Both dead suspects are believed to have been involved in several violent crimes, including cash-in-transit heists, armed robberies, murders and stock theft. The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and request an add on our WhatsApp (082 874 5550). At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
How stay-at-home moms can secure their financial future
For women who step away from earning an income to focus on their families, this can mean facing retirement with little to no financial security, mounting anxiety, and limited options. Image: Pexels Many South African women choose to take time away from the workforce to raise children, which is often an undervalued role. This decision, while rooted in love and commitment, can come with serious long-term financial implications. According to the 10X Investments Retirement Reality Report 2023/2024, just 6% of South Africans are on track to retire comfortably. For women who step away from earning an income to focus on their families, this can mean facing retirement with little to no financial security, mounting anxiety, and limited options. Kim Potgieter, a certified financial planner who works closely with women, says it's essential that stay-at-home mothers plan intentionally for their financial futures – even if they're not currently earning. 'I've seen how easily a lack of planning can leave women financially vulnerable,' she says. 'Without a strategy in place, years spent caring for others may leave you unprepared to care for yourself later in life.' 5 things stay-at-home moms should do for financial security 1. Find a financial planner you trust A sound financial plan should reflect the dreams, values and priorities of both partners – not just the income earner. Potgieter stresses the importance of both spouses attending planning meetings. 'Even if you're not earning, your voice matters. Be present, ask questions, and understand where the money is going, what's being saved, and how those plans support your joint vision. 2. Stay involved and share financial responsibility Just because you're not earning doesn't mean you forfeit your say in financial decisions. Managing a household and raising children is a full-time job, and your contribution is vital. Potgieter often hears women say, 'I'm not contributing financially, so I don't feel I have a say' – a mindset she encourages women to shift. 'Money should be a shared responsibility. Decide together who does what, and make sure both partners stay informed. I've seen long-term plans unravel simply because one person was left out of the loop.' 3. Keep investing – even if it's a small amount All too often, the income-earning partner builds wealth in their name, while the stay-at-home partner manages day-to-day spending. Potgieter advises women to keep contributing to investments in their own name, no matter how small the amount. 'This keeps your financial identity alive and ensures that both partners are building future security.' If the household budget can't accommodate two separate investments, discuss ways to share contributions more equitably so both partners benefit in the long run. 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 ✕ 4. Invest in yourself Even without a salary, you are your most valuable asset. Potgieter urges women to keep learning, upskilling, and maintaining their networks. 'Whether it's a short course, a part-time project or a creative hobby, stay connected to your talents and ambitions.' She recalls a client, Nicola, who redefined her career after years at home with her children. 'She wove her passion for wellness into her physiotherapy practice and found a new purpose in midlife. That's the power of investing in yourself.' 5. Spend with intention 'Budgeting isn't about depriving yourself – it's about aligning your money with your values,' says Potgieter. She encourages women to question expenses: 'Do we really need that luxury holiday? Could we opt for a more affordable school?' Living intentionally ensures you meet your current needs while still planning for the future. Even without an income, continue contributing – however modestly – to your long-term savings. Financial independence is not just for working women; it's a right every woman deserves. 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USA Today
01-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Aldrich Potgieter Tee Times, Live Stream, TV Coverage
Aldrich Potgieter Tee Times, Live Stream, TV Coverage | Valero Texas Open, April 3-6, 2025 Before Potgieter tees off in San Antonio, TX, let's analyze his recent performances to help you place your best bets. How to watch Aldrich Potgieter at the Valero Texas Open Date: April 3-6, 2025 April 3-6, 2025 TV: Golf Channel Golf Channel Location: San Antonio, TX San Antonio, TX Course: TPC San Antonio (Oaks) TPC San Antonio (Oaks) Live Stream: Watch LIVE with Fubo! What time does Aldrich Potgieter tee off? Round 1 Tee Time: 10:10 AM ET 10:10 AM ET Round 2 Tee Time: 3:30 PM ET ESPN+ is the new home of PGA TOUR LIVE. Sign up now to access 4,300+ hours of live coverage from 35 PGA TOUR tournaments this year. Aldrich Potgieter's last five tournaments Date Tournament Finish Score Earnings March 27-30 Texas Children's Houston Open MC E $0 March 20-23 Valspar Championship MC +6 $0 March 13-17 THE PLAYERS Championship MC +1 $0 March 6-9 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard MC +8 $0 February 20-23 Mexico Open at VidantaWorld 2 -20 $763,000 Recent stats for Potgieter Potgieter has finished below par twice and posted two better-than-average rounds over his last eight played. He has not finished any of his last eight rounds with a top-10 score on the day. Potgieter has posted a score within three shots of the day's best in one of his last eight rounds. Aldrich Potgieter odds to win Golf odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Tuesday at 5:18 PM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.
