Latest news with #R108
IOL News
4 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Parking panic: Woman charged R110k for 2-hour parking at shopping mall
Yaditi Kava, a 39-year-old woman from Slough, England, received the shock of her life after being charged £4,586 (just over R110,000) for a two-hour visit to the Queensmere Observatory Shopping Centre. But even our most expensive car parks can't compare to what happened to a woman in the UK, who was charged more than R110,000 for a two-hour stop at a shopping centre. Yes, you read that right - R110,000. As a Capetonian living in Blouberg, I find it baffling that one of our nearby centres charges more than the V&A Waterfront. While I love its open design and spacious feel, the steep parking fees always leave a sour taste. If you've ever grumbled about paying R20 for a quick visit to your local shopping mall, you're not alone. The incident, reported by the BBC, has sparked global attention and has many of us side-eyeing those mall exit barriers even more. Ms Kava had taken her two daughters shopping after work on a Friday evening and decided to have dinner before heading home. When they returned to the parking area, the payment machines inside the centre were closed, so she opted to pay at the exit gate. In a rush and with tired children in tow, she tapped her card at the boom gate and was prompted to enter her PIN. She didn't think much of it as the large display read '4,5', which she assumed meant £4.50 (R108). So, when Yaditi Kava thought she was paying £4.50 (R108) for parking, she was instead charged £4,586, which is around R110,000 The barrier lifted, but her phone buzzed almost instantly with a payment notification that made her heart stop. The error, she later learned, was due to a faulty card machine. The centre's managing company, Savills, described the incident as 'an isolated anomaly' and assured her a refund was being processed. But getting that money back wasn't straightforward. It took Ms Kava three full weeks to recover the funds. During that time, she was left without the savings she had put aside for legal fees amidst a divorce, and even considered cancelling her daughter's birthday celebration due to the stress and financial strain. Feeling desperate and getting nowhere with mall management, she contacted a UK consumer rights programme. According to her, 'It was a godsend - one call from the programme's host and the next day the money was in my bank.' Savills told the BBC they had remained in regular contact with Ms Kava throughout and were investigating the system to prevent future mishaps. While the incident happened in the UK, it hits close to home for many South Africans frustrated with mall parking fees. Whether it's R20 for two hours or a five-figure blunder, it raises a broader question - why do we put up with such inflated costs just to do our shopping? Parking should feel like a service, not a penalty. And while Ms Kava's case may be rare, it's a reminder of how quickly a simple errand can spiral when systems fail, and just how important it is to check that machine before you tap. IOL Lifestyle
Eyewitness News
07-06-2025
- Health
- Eyewitness News
Gauteng DSD: No jobs in HIV and AIDS programme will be lost despite R108m budget shortfall
JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng's Department of Social Development is facing a R108 million shortfall in its HIV and AIDS programme budget, but officials insist no jobs will be lost. Treasury has slashed funding to R332 million in 2025, down from R440 million, forcing the department to restructure operations while trying to protect services for vulnerable groups. The commitment? To keep social workers, community carers and child and youth care workers employed and to continue funding non-profits supporting those affected by HIV. The department said all psycho-social services — including those offered to orphans, vulnerable children and HIV-positive households — will continue uninterrupted. Those who deliver them — including auxiliary social workers and registered community carers — will remain on payroll. Food relief, however, will now be handled centrally through distribution centres run by the sustainable livelihoods unit as part of a move to streamline resources. The department argues this shift will still prioritise households with no income and is part of a longer-term strategy to capacitate communities instead of relying on ongoing aid. And while incentive grant funding for work opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) has dropped dramatically since 2023, social development says job numbers have been maintained, thanks to reallocation from its main budget.
IOL News
06-06-2025
- IOL News
How Kim White Towne's family is fighting to bring her home after her murder in the US
Kim White Towne's family is fighting to repatriate her remains after she was allegedly murdered in the US by her husband. They have launched a BackaBuddy campaign to cover the costs, with Lauren Delcarme writing on behalf of the family: 'The process of repatriating a loved one's remains is both complex and costly. Expenses possibly include cremation, documentation, and international transport. The estimated cost to bring Kim home ranges from $4 000 to $6 000.' Towne, 32, died on 25 May, with her husband Alexander Towne simply telling emergency services in a 911 that he doesn't think 'she's with us any longer.' Inside their home in West Virginia, authorities found the lifeless body of his wife, Kim. She had been strangled, while their toddler son was in another room. Kim, originally from Parklands, had visible upper body trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene. Delcarme wrote further as part of the campaign to repatriate her body: "We are reaching out to our community and beyond to ask for your support in raising the funds needed to reunite Kim with her family and homeland. Your generous contribution will go directly toward covering the costs of her repatriation and memorial in South Africa." At the time of writing, they have raised R102 134, about 95% of their R108 000 goal. Of the incident, Kim's brother Jason White says: 'Kim was in love. Then she found out she was pregnant. In Dubai, having a child outside of marriage is a big issue, so they got married in December 2021.' After the wedding, the couple relocated to South Africa, first settling in Milnerton before moving to Gordon's Bay. When their baby turned three-months old, Alex returned to the US to secure Kim's visa, which would allow her to move and join him there.
The South African
03-06-2025
- General
- The South African
BackaBuddy campaign launched to repatriate body of Cape Town woman murdered in US
A BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign has been launched to assist the family of Kim White Towne, a 32-year-old Capetonian who was murdered by her American husband in Chantilly in the state of Virginia. The campaign aims to raise funds for the repatriation of her remains to South Africa so that she can be laid to rest among her loved ones. Towne's tragic death, reportedly at the hands of her husband during a domestic dispute, has left her family devastated and facing a financially overwhelming situation. The campaign, organised by Lauren Delcarme, is titled 'Bring Kim Home' and, at the time of publishing, has already raised R88 404 of its R108 000 target. 'Kim was a vibrant and cherished member of our family whose warmth, kindness and gentle spirit touched everyone she met,' said Delcarme on the campaign page. 'Her sudden and untimely death has left us in profound grief, and we are faced with the heartbreaking task of bringing her home to South Africa.' Delcarme noted that the costs of repatriation are substantial and include cremation, legal documentation, and international transport, among other formalities. The family is appealing to the public for any contributions to help reunite Kim with her family in Cape Town. Kim White Towne, originally from the Blouberg area, had moved to the US to build a life with her husband, with whom she shared a young son. The BackaBuddy page has been flooded with messages of support and heartfelt condolences from friends, family, and even strangers moved by the family's plight. Those wishing to contribute can visit the official BackaBuddy campaign via and search for 'Bring Kim Home' or donate directly to the listed banking details on the campaign page. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
TimesLIVE
03-06-2025
- TimesLIVE
Embassy offers help to family of Kim White Towne, alleged GBV victim in US
International relations and co-operation minister Ronald Lamola has offered assistance to the family of Capetonian Kim White Towne, who was allegedly murdered by her American husband. 'Our embassy in Washington DC is providing full consular assistance to the family,' he said while sharing his condolences. Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for the minister, said: 'The circumstances surrounding the tragic death remain under active investigation by the relevant US authorities. Out of respect for the investigative process, the sensitivity of the matter and the privacy of the grieving family, the government will not provide further detailed commentary at this time.' Towne, 32, from the Blouberg area, had moved to Chantilly, Virginia, with her husband Alexander Towne. They had a child together but their relationship was tumultuous and she had moved home for a while before returning to him, according to posts by family members on social media platforms. She was killed on May 25 when he allegedly strangled her during an argument. A BackaBuddy campaign has been launched to help her family pay for the formalities involved with repatriating her remains. So far donations of R84,484 have been pledged, with a goal of R108,000. Organiser Lauren Delcarme said: 'Kim was a vibrant and cherished member of our family whose warmth, kindness and gentle spirit touched everyone she met. 'Her sudden and untimely death has left us in profound grief, and we are faced with the heartbreaking task of bringing her home to SA, where she can be laid to rest among her loved ones. The process of repatriating a loved one's remains is complex and costly. Expenses possibly include cremation, documentation and international transport. We are reaching out to our community and beyond to ask for support in raising the funds needed to reunite Kim with her family and homeland.' Friends are sharing their memories of her, recalling her as 'an amazing person who was always smiling and bringing joy', and who showed 'warmth, humour and kindness' to everyone she knew.
