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TimesLIVE
a day ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
CRL chair's claims against its executive director are 'defamatory', Forsa says
Freedom of Religion South Africa (Forsa) has strongly denied what it termed false and defamatory allegations made by chairperson of the CRL Rights Commission Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva on Thursday. During a media briefing convened by the commission, Mkhwanazi-Xaluva alleged Forsa and its executive director Michael Swain had accused her, Cheryl Zondi and/or the Cheryl Zondi Foundation of receiving R1.5m from the National Lotteries Commission. Zondi was a witness in the rape trial of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso. Forsa said this donation was reported widely in the media. It said a press release from the National Lotteries Commission of December 13 2018 stated the Cheryl Zondi Foundation had partnered with the Izimvo 447 NPC and received R1.5m to aid their work for those exploited in sacred spaces. 'Neither Michael Swain, nor Forsa, has ever alleged financial misconduct of any kind. Such claims are false and wholly without any factual basis at all,' the organisation said in a statement. Forsa said it was disappointed that Mkhwanazi-Xaluva did not first seek clarity or engage with it before making public accusations and threatening legal action. 'Her subsequent laying of criminal charges against Michael Swain and Forsa is seen as vexatious and unfounded. It appears to be a personally motivated attack designed to intimidate and deter Forsa (or others) from opposing the chair's agenda to push again for state regulation of religion.' Forsa said it reserved all legal rights in its response to this matter and was considering appropriate legal remedies in response to these false and harmful allegations. 'These include a formal demand for retraction as well as amending its extant damages claim for defamation.' Forsa said it was not against any person or institution, including Mkhwanazi-Xaluva or the commission. 'On the contrary, Forsa supports all of its legitimate and constitutional objectives. However, our singular focus is the protection and advancement of religious freedom and related constitutional rights in South Africa.' Forsa said a letter from more than 20 senior religious leaders representing about 12-million South Africans was sent to President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019, raising several concerns, including that Mkhwanazi-Xaluva simultaneously served as CRL chairperson and deputy chair of the Cheryl Zondi Foundation. The commission was a Chapter 9 institution, created to be independent and impartial, accountable only to parliament, Forsa said. 'Thus, its chair must avoid bias, preferential treatment and dual loyalties. Arguably, this includes keeping clear boundaries when interacting with organisations, especially advocacy organisations, linked to matters before the commission.' Forsa said under Mkhwanazi-Xaluva's leadership at the time, the CRL strongly pushed for state regulation of religion. 'A wide diversity of faith communities strongly opposed the CRL's proposal. The 'conflict of interest' concern arose because the CRL chair cited the Omotoso case as a high-profile example to justify the CRL's proposed regulation model (via peer review councils, licensing of religious leaders, etc).' Her appointment as the deputy chair of the Cheryl Zondi Foundation, therefore, created a strong impression of an overlap of interest and influence. 'On the one hand, the chair of the CRL is tasked with impartial interaction with faith communities, constitutional compliance, and safeguarding diverse religious rights. Acting as deputy chair of the Cheryl Zondi Foundation is an advocacy-aligned — not neutral — position.' This raised legitimate concerns about a conflict of interest on the part of the chairperson, Forsa said. 'It must be stressed that this in no way raises any concern or casts any suspicion on Cheryl Zondi or the Cheryl Zondi Foundation.' Since being reappointed, Mkhwanazi-Xaluva has continued promoting proposals for state regulation of religion, including the introduction of peer review mechanisms, Forsa said. It said it had consistently opposed this course of action, repeatedly warning that state regulation of religion was unnecessary, unconstitutional, unworkable and unaffordable. 'In Forsa's public education efforts to point out the dangers to religious freedom of state regulation of religion, we gave the historical background to the current context. One part of this extensive presentation referenced the 2019 letter to the president in good faith and with full transparency.' Forsa said the 2019 letter did not accuse Mkhwanazi-Xaluva of theft or corruption of any kind and did not contain any accusations against Zondi or the Cheryl Zondi Foundation at all.
The Citizen
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Cape country towns booming thanks to agriculture and tourism
The property market in several sought-after country towns including Swellendam, Bonnievale, Ladismith, Barrydale, Struisbaai, Riversdale, and Pearly Beach has seen a significant surge in transactions this year, according to Jaco Badenhorst, sales manager for Seeff Country and Karoo. Agents have reported a sharp increase in sales driven by buyers looking to relocate due to healthy local economies and low crime rates. The limited stock for sale has made the market highly competitive. Well-priced properties are attracting multiple offers and selling quickly, often within days of being listed. Lightstone data shows that over 8,000 transactions worth almost R9.5bn were concluded across the Cape countryside last year with about 90% of transactions below R1.5m. Freehold houses in the more popular towns averaged at between R1.8m to R2.5m. Semigration, retirement, and remote working are big drivers of the demand. Growth in local industries such as the major R4.5b Overberg Wind Farm Project near Swellendam is another boost while more buyers are also turning their holiday homes into their permanent residence, he says. Aside from the lifestyle aspects, Badenhorst says the attraction includes the ability to buy a lot more for your money in the country towns. Many people sell up in the big cities, and move to the small towns and start a small business, he adds. The towns mostly offer good infrastructure, access to schools, and proximity to bigger commercial centres. Properties are still overwhelmingly freehold houses, but the sectional title market is growing with new lifestyle and retirement estates coming into the market. There are also plenty of vacant plots in many areas, along with a mix of small holdings, agricultural farms, commercial properties, guest houses, and more. Towns such as Swellendam, Barrydale, and Riversdale have active agriculture, tourism, and small business sectors, which may appeal to new residents. An influx of workers and professionals has boosted demand for rental homes in and around Swellendam and Bredasdorp. Badenhorst says many landlords are reporting full occupancy, and rental prices are beginning to reflect the increasing demand. Val Anderton and Marinda Roux, agents with Seeff Swellendam say they have seen an increase in enquiries from Gauteng and Pretoria as young families look to relocate due to the excellent schools and wholesome environment to raise children. While the average price is in the R2.4m to R3.4m range, they are seeing interest in higher priced properties. Rentals are also in high demand. There's also growing interest in estates such as the new Oewerlust Estate, selling from R2.417m is for example also attracting investment buyers. The Barrydale area is very active in the R2.5m range with buyers coming from all over, especially the Cape, some downscaling or retiring, and others working remotely, says Beate Joubert, an agent with Seeff. Large homes suitable for conversion to guest houses are also in demand. Coastal towns such as Still Bay and Gansbaai are also seeing a rise in people moving to the areas. Adel Regtien, an agent with Seeff Still Bay says the town has always been a popular holiday and retirement destination and has grown significantly over the years, with an increasing number of permanent residents choosing to settle in the area thanks to its proximity to the Garden Route and its location just a few hours from Cape Town. Badenhorst says property values in high-demand areas will keep rising as more buyers seek country living. Another coastal hotspot, Gansbaai has also seen a significant surge in activity and prices over the past few years, according to Anet Rossouw from the Seeff. The average property price has climbed to approximately R2.25m – an increase of over R1m in just four years. This coastal gem is drawing strong interest from across South Africa, she adds. Nearly 60% of buyers are from Gauteng, with a further 10% from other provinces, and the remaining buyers primarily from the Western Cape in search of weekend getaway homes. Everyone wants a spot by the sea, says Rossouw, but it is becoming increasingly difficult given the growth in demand. It's now nearly impossible to find an average three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a double garage for under R2.3m. With rising demand and limited supply, time is of the essence for buyers. Badenhorst says potential buyers should come prepared so as not to lose out on opportunities. Have your finances in order and work with an experienced agent who can help you move quickly when the right property becomes available. Issued by Gina Meintjes
The Citizen
22-05-2025
- The Citizen
Court seizes assets in alleged R5m Mpumalanga PPE fraud case
While many people were affected by Covid-19 in 2020, a Mpumalanga Department of Health official allegedly financially benefited from personal protective equipment (PPE) funding. Mpumalanga News reports that this has resulted in a high court preservation order for the forfeiture of a property and three vehicles, amounting to millions of rands, against the people involved. Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson Colonel Magonseni Nkosi says a former secretary in the provincial health department, Sanele Sanderson, allegedly colluded with two service providers in faking the purchasing and delivery of the PPE. 'The director's secretary engaged herself in alleged fraudulent activities that led to the department suffering a loss of about R5m in 2020,' says Nkosi. 'As a result, the service providers unlawfully benefited from the products that were never delivered,' he adds. He says Sanderson's alleged actions resulted in the service providers receiving payment and buying a residential property worth R1.5m in Barberton. The house was registered under the name of a company called Zanderson Establishment, of which the sole director was Sanderson's daughter, Yolanda Sanderson. 'The property was later sold for the same amount. Shortly afterwards, the family bought another residential property in Sunninghill, Johannesburg. The house was then registered in [the name of] a company named SS Umoya, directed by the former secretary, Sanele Sanderson,' says Nkosi. He says investigations conducted by the Hawks resulted in the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, sitting in Mbombela, ordering the forfeiture of the Sunninghill house and three vehicles on Tuesday. 'The forfeited house is estimated to be valued at R1.5m and the three vehicles, owned by the two service providers, a Toyota Quantum, a Hyundai light delivery vehicle and a VW Golf, are estimated to have a combined value of R1m,' Nkosi adds. The provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Nico Gerber, says criminal investigations are ongoing. 'Benefits derived from proceeds of crime will be traced, restrained, forfeited and sold to recoup the state's losses. 'This is a clear example of law enforcement entities working in collaboration with one another. The Asset Forfeiture Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority and the Asset Investigation Section of the Hawks collaborated and ensured the successful forfeiture. This must send a stern message that we will seize assets, no matter how they are disguised, if bought through proceeds of crime. Crime must not pay,' he adds. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
21-05-2025
- The Citizen
High court orders that assets be seized after alleged R5m Covid-19 PPE fraud uncovered
While many people were being affected by the prevalence of Covid-19 in 2020, a Mpumalanga Department of Health official financially allegedly benefitted illegally from personal protective equipment (PPE) funding. This has resulted in a high court preservation order for the forfeiture of a property and three vehicles amounting to millions of rand against the involved individuals. The Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, said a former secretary in the provincial health department, Sanele Sanderson, allegedly colluded with two service providers in faking the purchasing and delivery of the PPE. 'The director's secretary engaged herself in alleged fraudulent activities that led to the department suffering a loss of about R5m in 2020,' said Nkosi. 'As a result, the service providers unlawfully benefitted from the products that were never delivered,' added Nkosi. ALSO READ: Alleged Mpumalanga fraud and corruption accused released on bail He said Sanderson's alleged actions resulted in the service providers receiving payment and buying a residential property worth R1.5m in Barberton. The house was registered under a name of a company called Zanderson Establishment, of which the sole director happened to be Sanderson's daughter, Yolanda Sanderson. 'The property was later sold for the same amount. Shortly afterwards, the family bought another residential property in Sunninghill, Johannesburg. The house was then registered in a company named SS Umoya, directed by the former secretary, Sanele Sanderson,' said Nkosi. He said investigations conducted by the Hawks resulted in the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, sitting in Mbombela, ordering the forfeiture of the Sunninghill house and three vehicles on Tuesday, May 20. 'The forfeited house is estimated to be valued at R1.5m and the three vehicles, owned by the two service providers, a Toyota Quantum, a Hyundai light delivery vehicle and a VW Golf, are estimated to have a combined value of R1m,' Nkosi explained. The provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Nico Gerber, said criminal investigations in this matter were ongoing. 'Benefits derived from proceeds of crime will be traced, restrained, forfeited and sold to recoup the state's losses. This is a clear example of law enforcement entities working in collaboration with one another. The Asset Forfeiture Unit of the NPA and the Asset Investigation Section of the Hawks collaborated and ensured the successful forfeiture. This must send a stern message that we will seize assets, no matter how they are disguised, if bought through proceeds of crime. Crime must not pay,' warned Gerber. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Doctor baffled by R2. 7 million electricity bill due to meter reading error
The eThekwini Municipality stated that the high electricity bill that a Reservoir Hills doctor received of R2.7 million was due to an incorrect meter reading that was submitted. Image: Supplied The eThekwini Municipality stated that the high electricity bill that a Reservoir Hills doctor received of R2.7 million in April 2025 was due to an incorrect meter reading that was submitted. Doctor Terence Govender said his average monthly bill was R8 500 and was left bemused by his latest bill. For March, Govender was billed R2.7 million in total. His bill for April totalled R91 000. This included water of R1 680, electricity of R55 000, cleansing and solid waste of R256, interest on arrears of R23 641, and VAT of R8 636. The total bill for March and April amounted to R2.8 million. eThekwini Municipality's Spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana, said they have noted the recent inquiry regarding an unusually high electricity bill reflected on a customer's account. The municipality stated that it wanted to provide clarity on the issue after investigating the matter. According to the municipality, the circumstances that led to this situation were: The cause of the high bill was an incorrect reading submitted to e-services by the customer. On March 25, 2025, the customer submitted a meter reading through the municipality's e-services platform. The reading submitted was 20364, which has fewer digits than the 6-digit reading, which ought to have been submitted. The municipality has also been advocating for customers to submit their readings on e-services as an alternative and appreciate the use of it. Subsequently, a routine meter reading was conducted on May 6, 2025, by municipal staff and captured the correct reading of 204020 units. However, this reading is currently pending final billing, and in the next billing, the adjustment of the R2m will be corrected. Sisilana said the municipality acknowledges the inconvenience this has caused and wishes to reassure both the customer and the public that this matter is receiving urgent attention. 'The customer will be contacted and will be educated on how to read their meter and submit on e-services. However, all necessary adjustments have been made already and will reflect actual consumption and correct the billing anomaly in the next bill of June 2025,' Sisilana said. She said that if residents have queries, the municipality's Revenue Management Unit (RMU) remains available for direct engagement. Krisendra Bisetty of Bisetty Attorneys said he is handling approximately 60 cases of high bills in eThekwini. 'I also have a client who owns a petrol station in Westville who has a R1.5m bill. I recently got a Sydenham woman's R1.5m water bill reversed in two days. She tried for two years without success,' Bisetty stated. In January 2025, a Tongaat homeowner, Arumoogum 'Reggie' Pillay, won his case at the Durban Regional Court after being billed approximately R322 900. Ish Prahladh, chairperson of the eThekwini Residents and Ratepayers Association (ERRA), said residents throughout the municipality were also experiencing similar challenges. Asad Gaffar, eThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement (ERPM), said there is also no clear political will to change the management of the city and the department to address this serious crisis. 'The city has put its citizens into a predicament, and quite frankly, they simply just don't care. It is about time that the residents and ratepayers of eThekwini unite and stand united in a defiance campaign against this city,' Gaffar said. [email protected]
