Latest news with #R130
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Mpumalanga man claims R2 million for police assault, awarded R130,000
A man claimed R2 million form the police after he was locked-up for two days in a police cell. He also claimed he was severely assaulted by the SAPS Image: File A damages claim of R2 million by a Mpumalanga man against the police for unlawful arrest and detention and 'severe' assault resulted in the court only granting him compensation of R130,000. This, after the Mbombela High Court found that Lwazi Mdluli exaggerated somewhat about the injuries he had suffered at the hands of the police. Mdluli claimed R1 million from the police for his suffering in being locked up in a police cell for two days, as well as another R1 million for the assault he said he endured. He told the court that in January 2023, near Newscom Trust in Mpumalanga, he was travelling in his car with his wife and daughter. He was stopped by the SAPS at Kabokweni Police Station on allegations that he had committed robbery and attempted murder. Mdluli testified that the officers blocked his car, and when he got out, he was pushed to the ground. He said he was assaulted several times on the face with open hands by four police officers and was trampled upon with booted feet. He said he was taken to the police vehicle, where he was instructed to touch a firearm in the vehicle. When he refused, the officers continued to assault him. Mdluli described how, at one point, his hands were cuffed behind his back along with his feet. His face was covered with a plastic bag. When the bag was eventually removed, water was poured into one of his ears, and he was slapped several times with an open hand on the ear. 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 He claimed his nightmare ordeal did not end here, as he was taken to the police cells, where he was accused of breaking into the house of a police officer and stealing his firearm. He was taken to court, but he never appeared before a magistrate, as he was told he could go home. Mdluli testified that it humiliated him to have been assaulted in the presence of his wife and 15-year-old daughter. The assault took place in public, and members of the community gathered and took pictures and videos of the incident. Those pictures were posted on Facebook, thus injuring his dignity. On the conditions of the cells, he testified that, whilst in custody, he had to take a cold shower, and he did not have toiletries. The cells were filthy, and he was detained with five other inmates. They had no privacy in using the ablution facilities. Although he was provided with two meals a day, they were not of the same standard that he was used to at home. Mdluli said he was used to having three meals per day. The court commented that his evidence was riddled with exaggerations, and if regard is had to his injuries, it cannot be found that the assault was grievous to the extent testified to by Mdluli. He was awarded R80,000 in damages for being detained for two days and R30,000 for the assault he had to endure.
IOL News
03-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Malatsi's insights on Starlink and South Africa's digital sovereignty
Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi said the country's current cloud market's value is expected to surge to beyond R130 billion in 2028, and that major international players such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are key contributors to this growth. Image: X / IOLGraphics Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, used his address at the Sentech Africa Tech Week to explain the country's approach to its digital sovereignty and the recent gazette he issued to bring the country in line with international best practice. The conference is currently under way at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town and has featured talks by mayco member for Economic Growth James Vos, Sentech CEO Tebogo Leshope, Topco Media CEO Ralf Fletcher, Data and also AI Specialist Manav Daby, among others. Malatsi delivered his address to tech innovators, and leaders where his speech focused on 'South Africa's Strategic Approach to Data Sovereignty'. Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi, right, seen talking to Sentech CEO, Tebogo Leshope, at the Sentech Africa Tech Week taking place in Cape Town. Image: Supplied 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 He said the country's current cloud market's value is expected to surge to beyond R130 billion in 2028, and that major international players such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are key contributors to this growth. 'This growth does not only represent our increased technological capacity, but it represents jobs for young people, skills development for the future economy, and improved service delivery. 'Looking forward, our strategic approach to data sovereignty will focus on maintaining the competitiveness of the local cloud market, while staying responsive to the rapidly evolving needs and capacities of this sector,' Malatsi said. The conference is currently underway at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town and has featured talks by Mayco Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, Image: Supplied He said he understood that the country's regulatory role is critical for private sector investment. "We are consistently driving to maintain the resilience and relevance of cyber security mechanisms so that we can earn and invest trust in our national digital ecosystem. 'Data sovereignty means little without cyber resilience. Having our data physically located within our boundaries is only one piece of the puzzle. We must also ensure that it is encrypted, it is monitored, and recoverable in the face of threats.' Speaking on the sideline of the conference, Malatsi said the recent policy directive proposal to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) requires it to investigate whether to open up applications for individual electronic communications network services (ECNS) licences. The directive coincided with engagements between Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump during a trip to the US - including controversial suggestions that Elon Musk's Starlink should be given priority in the country. 'The protection of the country's data is sacrosanct, and that is the case for every country in the world. What we equally have to do is ensure that we keep abreast with international best practice in this case. 'We (also) have to ensure that we are properly equipped to respond to the threats that exist in this space, where there are constant efforts by nefarious elements, globally, to intercept state data to gain unauthorised access to it, and to ensure that in the unlikely event that such happens, we can retrieve it promptly, quickly and protect citizens from any potential harm.' Sentech CEO, Tebogo Leshope. Image: Supplied Leshope, who separately was addressing how satellite technology is used for innovation, said: 'Innovation nowadays happens on top of a base… All the other innovations happening on top of satellite technology include connecting cars, connecting human beings and all those opportunities that come with that. 'If you fall behind on the base of it, you won't be able to participate first on the innovation side, and you won't be able to leverage that particular solution. 'So that is how far behind you can become. All the future innovation and development that is going to happen there, which will be to the benefit of your communities, you are going to miss out. Now we can connect our communities far cheaper with those solutions, but if you don't have a base, and you're not part, you lose out on that, and you remain on the most expensive terrestrial options.' Cape Argus
IOL News
03-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Malatsi addresses Starlink concerns, insists the country's data must be protected
Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi, right, seen talking to Sentech CEO, Tebogo Leshope, at the Sentech Africa Tech Week taking place in Cape Town. Image: Supplied Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi used his address at the Sentech Africa Tech Week to not only explain the country's approach to its digital sovereignty but that the recent gazette he issued is to bring the country in line with international best practice. The conference is currently underway at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town and has featured talks by Mayco Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, Sentech CEO, Tebogo Leshope, Topco Media CEO, Ralf Fletcher, Data and also AI Specialist, Google Cloud, Manav Daby, among others. The minister delivered his address to tech innovators, and leaders where his speech focused on 'South Africa's Strategic Approach to Data Sovereignty'. He mentioned how through collaboration between the public and private sector, South Africa has quickly become a leading hub for data centres and cloud computing. 'To fully unlock the potential of data as a national asset, that further drives our competitiveness, economic growth and public service delivery, the government is committed to a regulatory framework that creates that environment for growth, and does not stifle innovation. 'At the same time, we acknowledge the responsibility of protecting our national and public interest in aspects of our data. The past few years have demonstrated the growing confidence that global cloud leaders have placed in South Africa, and our strategic approach to data sovereignty,' Malatsi said. He said that the country's current cloud market's value is expected to surge to beyond R130 billion in 2028, and that major international players such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are key contributors to this growth. 'This growth does not only represent our increased technological capacity, but it represents jobs for young people, skills development for the future economy, and improved service delivery. 'Looking forward, our strategic approach to data sovereignty will focus on maintaining the competitiveness of the local cloud market, while staying responsive to the rapidly evolving needs and capacities of this sector,' Malatsi said. The conference is currently underway at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town and has featured talks by Mayco Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, Image: Supplied 'Our approach is based on four basic pillars - firstly, by acknowledging that not all data is equally sensitive and requires the same level of regulation (that) we are implementing in a risk-based approach. So it is this distinction between general commercial data and critical sovereign data that our national policy on data and clouds allows for the free-flow of this data, while (still) protecting our national interest. Malatsi said government is serious about creating a regulatory strategy which will help pursue by aligning data regulations with international best practices. 'Thirdly, we realise the importance of developing world-class digital infrastructure so that we can demonstrate to the rest of the world that we are truly open for business and that we can take them also beyond the boundaries of Cape Town. 'We believe the expansion of local data regions and data centres is crucial for this purpose. He said he understood that the country's regulatory role is critical for private sector investment. 'And lastly, we are consistently driving to maintain the resilience and relevance of cyber security mechanisms so that we can earn and invest trust in our national digital ecosystem. 'Data sovereignty means little without cyber resilience. Having our data physically located within our boundaries is only one piece of the puzzle. We must also ensure that it is encrypted, it is monitored, and recoverable in the face of threats.' Malatsi, speaking on the sideline of the conference said the recent policy directive proposal to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) requires it to investigate whether to open up applications for individual electronic communications network services (ECNS) licences. The directive coincided with engagements between Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump during a trip to the United States - including controversial suggestions that Elon Musk's Starlink should be given priority in the country. 'The protection of the country's data is sacrosanct, and that is the case for every country in the world. What we equally have to do is ensure that we keep abreast with international best practice in this case. 'We (also) have to ensure that we are properly equipped to respond to the threats that exist in this space, where there are constant efforts by nefarious elements, globally, to intercept state data to gain unauthorised access to it, and to ensure that in the unlikely event that such happens, we can retrieve it promptly, quickly and protect citizens from any potential harm.' Sentech CEO, Tebogo Leshope. Image: Supplied Leshope, who separately was addressing how satellite technology is used for innovation, said: 'Innovation nowadays happens on top of a base… All the other innovations happening on top of satellite technology include connecting cars, connecting human beings and all those opportunities that come with that. 'If you fall behind on the base of it, you won't be able to participate first on the innovation side, and you won't be able to leverage that particular solution. 'So that is how far behind you can become. All the future innovation and development that is going to happen there, which will be to the benefit of your communities, you are going to miss out. Now we can connect our communities far cheaper with those solutions, but if you don't have a base, and you're not part, you lose out on that, and you remain on the most expensive terrestrial options.' [email protected]
The Citizen
31-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Test your IQ with Mensa
THE next test for membership of Mensa, the high IQ society, will be held on Saturday, June 7 at 09:45 near Pinetown. Mensa International is the largest and oldest high-IQ society in the world. Founded in 1946, it is a non-profit organisation open to people who score at the 98th percentile or higher on a standardised, supervised IQ or other approved intelligence test: that is, in the top 2% of the population. The test is in multiple-choice format and comprises two sections. The first one tests general reasoning, and the second tests visio-spatial abilities. You may join Mensa by passing either section. The test is conducted by a registered psychologist and takes about two hours. Also read: WATCH Bee therapy creates a buzz in Hillcrest Results are confidential and simply comprise notification of whether you passed Mensa's criteria for membership or not – you will not be given an 'IQ score'. Candidates may leave with their results at the end of the session. Mensa is in effect a social club for people who sometimes enjoy the company of others who think a little quicker or see a slightly bigger picture than the average. The word 'Mensa' is Latin for 'Table' and signifies that they are a round-table organisation, where all members' values are equal. There are branches in all four major centres in South Africa. Meetings vary between social gatherings and ones of a more mentally stimulating nature. Should you write and pass the test, you will be offered membership, which currently costs R680 per year, with discounts for under 18 and over 65. Contact to book your place. It costs R130 (R100 for students and pensioners). Candidates must be 16 years or older. Candidates need to book a place, and pay beforehand, by EFT. They will need to bring their ID on the day, and there is safe parking at the venue. Mensa KZN is active on social media. For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Little Rangers Program ignites passion for Wildlife
The Lion & Safari Park is turning young visitors into wildlife champions with its exciting Little Rangers Adventure Club. This hands-on programme, designed for children aged 5 to 12, offers a thrilling mix of adventure, education, and conservation. It's quickly becoming a hit among South African families eager to swap screen time for real safari experiences. Just 13 kilometres from Lanseria Airport, the Lion & Safari Park invites children to step into the shoes of real rangers, according to IOL. Kids get to track animals, feed giraffes, attend lion talks, and take part in conservation activities—all in a safe and engaging setting. It's a chance to learn about South Africa's incredible wildlife up close. 'At Lion & Safari Park, we believe that a love for wildlife starts young,' says Shandor Larenty, Group Wildlife and Conservation Manager. 'We've seen how the Little Rangers programme sparks curiosity and passion in children. It's our way of nurturing the next generation of conservationists through unforgettable, hands-on experiences.' The programme runs every weekend throughout the year, making it easy for families to enjoy the great outdoors together. Each session lasts 90 minutes, from 9:00 to 10:30 am, and costs R130. To join, parents pay a one-time sign-up fee of R300, which includes a safari vest, a field guide, and the first Cub Scout badge. Children earn badges by completing fun, conservation-themed activities. These include art in the park, paw and spoor tracking, and age-appropriate bush survival skills. Each badge brings them closer to becoming a Little Game Ranger, the highest tier in the programme. Along the way, kids move through levels from Cub Scout to Safari Star, Wildlife Warrior, and finally Little Game Ranger. Each level unlocks exclusive discounts and benefits. The ultimate prize? A free birthday party at the park, complete with venue and setup, for those who reach the Little Game Ranger level. This unique reward motivates kids to learn and engage with nature actively. 'The badges and tiers give children a sense of achievement,' Larenty explains. 'They build knowledge, confidence, and excitement about wildlife and conservation. It's inspiring to see young faces light up when they earn a new badge.' The Little Rangers Adventure Club offers South African families a wonderful way to connect with nature and instil a lifelong respect for wildlife. It's a perfect blend of fun and learning, encouraging children to become true ambassadors for the environment. 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.
