Latest news with #R11
The Citizen
4 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Runner tackles Comrades for charity
Among the thousands of athletes who competed at this year's Comrades Marathon was Richard le Roux, participating for his seventh time, all for a good cause. • Also read: Khosa Road Runners cross the finish line at the Comrades Dominique Tibbles, founder of Belly2Brain NPO, said that this year, Richard donned his running shoes and gave his heart and soul for a purpose – running to raise funds for the Belly2Brain annual Cage2Unchange Sandwich Day initiative, held from July 15 to 18 at Cradlestone Mall. During this time, I will be locked in a cage for 67 hours to raise funds for Belly2Brain, to feed 17 000 mouths on July 18,' she revealed. 'Richard became a Belly2Brain volunteer in August last year when we undertook a 5km silent walk against human trafficking. Richard and his son volunteered for the silent walk; since then, Richard and his wife have attended every Belly2Brain outreach, dedicating their time to support the cause – he even offered his 2025 Comrades achievement as a pay-per-km sponsorship for his run in aid of raising funds for the R104 000 budget to purchase the 2 500 loaves of bread, 500kg of peanut butter, and 1 000kg of jam,' she added. She confirmed that Richard successfully completed the race in 11 hours and 31 minutes, raising R11,400 towards the Cage2Unchange budget, which will cover half the bread required, marking a great start to the initiative. 'Belly2Brain is calling on all corporates who are required to fulfil their annual Corporate Social Investment (CSI) spend, as well as individuals, to partner with Belly2Brain and join in the noble effort of feeding 17 000 people this July. Belly2Brain is a registered S18A NPO. The beneficiaries who will collect sandwiches at the end of the spread on July 18 include Cradle of Hope, Hoërskool Nic Diedericks Feeding Programme, Wings of Inspiration, God's Love to Our World for Zandspruit, and Bethany House,' she said. Dominique concluded by urging volunteers to visit the cage between July 15 and 17 at Cradlestone Mall and to keep an eye on their social media pages to stay updated on events taking place around the cage, and to help spread the love on July 18 from 08:00 to 15:00. If you would like to learn more about this cause or wish to donate, call Dominique on 074 183 5929. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
IOL News
6 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
NPA launches recruitment drive to fill 268 vacant positions
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says the NPA's staff complement has expanded by 34% since 2019 and that it has a substantially reduced vacancy rate. Image: Ntswe Mokoena / GCIS Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi on Tuesday said the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) was currently in a drive to fill 268 vacant posts that were at various recruitment processes at the end of May 2025. Responding to questions in the National Council of Provinces, Kubayi said the NPA's staff complement has expanded by 34% since 2019 and has a substantially reduced vacancy rate. 'In the current format, human capacity, the head count is 5,513 permanent employees, an additional 327 appointed on fixed-term contracts, and 3,562 prosecutors who are permanently employed, and 289 are prosecutors who are appointed on contract. 'In the past financial year alone, the NPA has been able to appoint 728 permanent prosecutors and also 685 contract appointments,' she 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 Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Kubayi also said the NPA has moved from an annual performance of 50% in the 2020/21 financial year to 73% in 2023/24. 'The upward performance trajectory saw the NPA making a considerable contribution towards the Medium Term Development Plan for 2019-2024 in terms of improving on conviction rates in all court orders and attaining R11 billion in freezing orders against a target of R10.4 billion.' She stated that the NPA has been allocated R6.1 billion for the 2025/26 financial year, with R5.2 billion to be spent on compensation of employees and over R830 million on goods and services. 'It is projected that the NPA will be able to conclude and utilise this budget effectively. I must indicate, in some of the instances, we are able to pull from the Criminal Asset Recovery Account fund to support some of the work, and the Minister of Finance has been very supportive of the NPA in terms of ensuring financial resources.' Kubayi said prosecutors are undergoing continuous training and development in various aspects. 'Currently in the financial year, we have scheduled 148 training programmes and 10 have already taken place with 60 employees benefiting from this.' The minister added that they were consistently reviewing the capacity and the training needs for all areas, especially in dealing with specialised commercial and corruption-related matters. 'We have done the study that provides a picture of levels of capacity where it resides and amongst the prosecutors. Out of this review study, we'll be able to feel where the gaps are and in the areas where there are complex, organised crime, complex commercial crimes, including corruption, we're able to close those gaps.' Kubayi said there were lessons to be learned from the failed prosecution of Timothy Omotoso and Moroadi Cholota, former personal assistant of former Free State premier Ace Magashule. 'More work can be done, but support and providing oversight over some of the cases. A lot of work is being done and over time where there is shortage of capacity, for example, we are able to source even external capacity to come and support the NPA.' Kubayi also stated that the current workload per prosecutor in lower courts was split between the work of the district court and the regional court. 'The outstanding cases per prosecutor in the district court amount to 80 cases per prosecutor. The outstanding cases per prosecutor in the regional court amount to 53 cases. Apart from the criminal court work, prosecutors in both district and regional courts have dealt on average with 207 decision dockets in the past financial year.'
IOL News
6 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Tshwane's social housing projects face challenges from rent boycotts
Recent evictions at Thembelihle Village, a low-cost housing project in Pretoria's CBD, have left residents without a place to call home after they failed to pay rent. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Media Rent boycotts and disruptive behaviour from non-paying tenants are posing significant sustainability challenges to private social housing projects in the City of Tshwane. MMC for Housing and Human Settlements, Aaron Maluleka, has expressed concern that government-initiated housing projects for individuals earning R11,301 to R22,000 monthly are being undermined by tenants' non-payment of rent and disruptive behaviour. This follows the recent eviction of tenants from Thembelihle Village, Tshwane's pioneering social housing project, amid prolonged disputes over rent and soaring electricity costs. Thembelihle Village, a low-cost housing project launched by the government in 2018, has been plagued by issues stemming from tenants' non-payment of rent and utilities, ultimately leading to the property being placed under business rescue. Yeast City Housing NPC, the manager of Thembelihle Village, recently reported that numerous tenants have defaulted on payments since 2019, causing financial strain on utilities, services, and rentals, with outstanding arrears nearing R60 million. Maluleka stated that the townlands social housing project marks a significant milestone in Tshwane's quest for affordable housing solutions. 'This initiative is not merely about constructing buildings, but it is a transformative effort aimed at creating healthier, sustainable, and inclusive communities,' he said. He explained that by offering subsidised rental fees, townlands provide a critical lifeline for individuals and families within the income band of between R1,850 and R22,000 per month, enabling them to access housing that is both affordable and conveniently located near the city centre. He said: 'As urbanisation continues to rise, so does the demand for affordable housing in urban centres. The townlands social housing project responds directly to this need, granting residents the opportunity to live close to their places of work and economic activities, ultimately contributing to the reduction of the housing backlog in our communities.' The project is a collaborative effort between the Social Housing Regulatory Agency and Housing Company Tshwane to improve the quality of life for Tshwane residents. Maluleka noted that while the social housing project marks a fresh start for many, it is crucial to recognise the challenges private social housing initiatives are currently facing. 'The reports of rent boycotts and disruptive behaviour from individuals who evade their rental obligations are concerning. Such actions undermine the sustainability of social housing initiatives and place undue pressure on both the government and responsible tenants striving to fulfil their commitments,' he said. He said his department advocates for a proactive approach in light of these challenges. 'We urge residents who experience a change in their economic circumstances to communicate with our department. Our goal is to redirect assistance to those who need it most, ensuring that no family is left behind during these trying times. The complexity of housing affordability necessitates transparency and cooperation between tenants and housing authorities, as we work together to build a stronger, unified community,' he said. Maluleka called on the public and stakeholders to support the city's efforts to tackle homelessness and address long-standing housing issues in the municipality. 'The reduction in grant funding for human settlements in metropolitan municipalities diminishes our financial bandwidth, necessitating a sharper focus on essential trading services, including energy, water, sanitation and solid waste management,' he said. [email protected]
IOL News
11-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
South Africa's rental market sees strongest growth as average rental stays above R9 100
The Western Cape continued to attract the highest average rent in South Africa at R11 285 despite a slight dip in growth from fourth quarter of 2024's double-digit figures to a robust 9.6%. Image: Freepik South Africa's residential rental market has kicked off 2025 with a remarkable performance, showcasing the best results in several years. According to the latest PayProp Rental Index, average national rental growth reached 5.6% in the first quarter of this year, marking the strongest quarterly increase since the third quarter of 2017 and pushing the average rent to R9 132. Notably, February saw a staggering year-on-year rental increase of 6%, the highest monthly growth recorded since August 2017, indicating a burgeoning recovery in the sector. This impressive rise comes alongside a favourable inflation landscape as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation fell from 3.2% in both January and February to a low of 2.7% in March. The resulting gap between rental growth and inflation is significant—standing at 2.8% in both February and March—denoting the most marked real-terms rental gain witnessed in the current growth cycle. Landlords are beginning to reclaim losses incurred during previous market slowdowns, spurred by a surge in tenant demand and broad positive growth across provinces. 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 ✕ In contrast to what has been witnessed in previous years, the first quarter of 2025 did not present the usual seasonal spike in rental arrears. The proportion of tenants reported in arrears actually dipped slightly to 17.0%, matching the record low previously established in the fourth quarter of 2023. 'After last year's first-quarter arrears spike, this stable start to 2025 is encouraging,' said André van Rooyen, head of sales at PayProp. 'That said, with rents rising quickly, it's vital for agents to recheck affordability at lease renewal and make sure tenants can afford escalations.' Despite inflation figures staying subdued, rising electricity tariffs and fuel prices pose potential threats to the overall affordability of renting as the year progresses. Even amidst strong overall demand, nearly 80% of rental agents surveyed in PayProp's latest State of the Rental Industry reported highlighted affordability concerns as a primary driver behind tenant relocations. Currently, the rent-to-income ratio remains manageable at 28.8%, comfortably below the recommended threshold of 30%. Nonetheless, owners of high-end properties may need to strategically adjust their pricing to avoid narrowing their tenant pool excessively. The performance across provinces has been mixed, with some regions soaring ahead while others lag behind. Limpopo continued to shine as one of the fastest-growing markets, recording a stellar 10.9% increase in rents. This surge brought the province's average rent to R8 899, solidifying its position ahead of Mpumalanga and amplifying its influence in the rental landscape. The Free State made a strong comeback, more than doubling its growth rate from the fourth quarter of 2024 to a brisk 7.6%, with average rents now reaching R7 453, allowing it to surpass the Eastern Cape. In contrast, Gauteng and Mpumalanga appeared to be facing challenges. Gauteng's rental growth fell to just 2.9%, the weakest in over a year, raising eyebrows regarding its ability to retain its third-place rank for average rent, which currently stands at R9 201. Mpumalanga showed slight growth at 1.1%, yet it remained the lowest in the country, with a mere R91 increase year on year. Meanwhile, the Western Cape continued to attract the highest average rent in South Africa at R11 285 despite a slight dip in growth from fourth quarter of 2024's double-digit figures to a robust 9.6%. KwaZulu-Natal showcased steady growth at 4.5%, and interestingly, it now sits just R31 behind Gauteng, making it one to watch in upcoming rankings. Northern Cape has emerged positively, with rents rising 3.3% following a lacklustre 2024, while the Eastern Cape showed a modest bounce back to 4.4%, though still retaining the honour of the country's second-lowest average rent. As the economy moves into the next quarter, the data revealseda market filled with potential but also considerable challenges. 'As we enter the next quarter, the data signals a market with real momentum – but also real challenges,' said van Rooyen. 'While landlords and agents are benefiting from stronger demand and healthier returns, it's critical that we remain focused on tenant affordability and long-term sustainability.' BUSINESS REPORT
The Citizen
06-06-2025
- The Citizen
Bribe-taking NC police officer sentenced to six years
Ex-constable Johannes Shuping was sentenced to six years for soliciting bribes to tamper with a police docket. The Kuruman Regional Court in Northern Cape has sentenced a former police officer to six years' imprisonment for soliciting R10 000 to make a court docket disappear. Ex-constable Johannes Shuping was sentenced after the court convicted him on two counts of corruption from an incident that dates back to 2018. Shuping, then a detective at Kathu police station, re-arrested the complainant, Buti Moepadira, despite his case already being before the court. Former Saps officer jailed for corruption After Shuping arrested Moepadira, the accused offered to 'make the docket disappear' in exchange for R11 000. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the complainant was detained at the Kathu police station due to lack of accommodation in Kuruman. ALSO READ: Police sergeant abuses power, gets 20 years for raping victim inside police station While in detention, Shuping allowed Moepadira to use his cellphone to arrange the payment. 'A R6 000 cash payment was delivered to the accused by the complainant's brother. Shuping continued to demand the outstanding R5 000, prompting Moepadira to report the matter to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks),' Senokoatsane said. In response, the investigating officer launched a sting operation using marked banknotes, as permitted by Section 252A of the Criminal Procedure Act. Caught in Hawks sting after demanding R11k bribe During the operation, Moepadira's brother handed over the remaining R4 000 to the accused. Although the former officer fled the scene, police arrested him a week later at his workplace. 'At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of marked R200 notes, which matched the serial numbers recorded during the operation,' Senokoatsane said. ALSO READ: Bodies of three missing constables identified by families In aggravation of the sentence, Prosecutor Kagontle Redemption Barnett argued that Shuping had grossly abused his position of authority and violated the public trust. As a law enforcement official, he had a duty to uphold the law, but he chose to violate both the Constitution and his oath. A severe punishment will deter similar misconduct and help restore public confidence in the criminal justice system, Barnett emphasised. Six year direct imprisonment The Kuruman Regional Court agreed and sentenced Shuping to six years' direct imprisonment on each count. The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently, resulting in an effective six-year prison term. The NPA welcomed the conviction and sentence. ALSO READ: Drunken argument over being called 'inkwenkwe' ends in cop getting 15 years for murder 'This outcome reaffirms that no one is above the law and underscores the importance of protecting the integrity of the criminal justice system by holding those who abuse their power accountable,' Senokoatsane said.
