Latest news with #R15m
TimesLIVE
4 days ago
- Business
- TimesLIVE
'Millions wasted': Lesseyton sports field not built to spec, says public protector
There were procurement irregularities in the awarding of a R22.7m tender to Thalami Civils JV for the construction of the Lesseyton sports field by the Enoch Mgijima local municipality. Public protector Kholeka Gcaleka released the report on the findings of the investigation into allegations of improper conduct and maladministration by functionaries of the municipality relating to the construction of Lesseyton sports field in 2018. The Lesseyton sports field gained national notoriety in October 2021 after its unveiling was posted on social media and users immediately began questioning whether its R15m price tag constituted value for money. According to the specification dated March 9 2018, the construction was supposed to include the construction of a grassed athletic track, soccer/rugby field, netball, tennis and volleyball courts and grandstands. However, these facilities have not been constructed. Investigations found that the soccer/rugby field was not constructed according to the specifications and the electricity has not been connected. In the investigation, Gcaleka observed that the ward councillor signed the completion certificates and accepted the construction of the sports field as satisfactory, despite the municipality not receiving any value for money. According to the findings, the total amount of the awarded bid exceeded the budgeted amount of R18.7m that was approved by the department of co-operative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) in the 2017/18 financial year. The awarded tender exceeded the budgeted amount by more than R4.7m without evidence that the municipality sought additional funding or approval from the municipal council, as required under the Municipal Finance Management Act. Further, the report found that the tender advertisement had two different closing dates and was not placed on three different publicly accessible platforms as required by the municipal supply chain management policy. The advertisement period for the tender was shortened from 30 days to 14 days, and the reason provided was that the construction of the sports field was an emergency. Gcaleka found that the municipality's definition of emergency in this regard was not in line with the definition in terms of the municipal supply chain management policy. The evidence suggests that two bid evaluation processes took place with the first process resulting in the first bidder being the preferred bidder, whereas the second process used a different formula provided by the bid adjudication committee and culminated in Thalami Civils, which was the fourth-highest scoring bidder, winning the tender. She also found that the allegations of irregularities in the management of the contract and a lack of proper oversight on the construction project by the local and provincial governments, resulting in no value for money paid, were substantiated. The public protector observed that the ward councillor signed the completion certificates and accepted the construction of the sports field as satisfactory when the municipality did not get any value for money as evident in this investigation. Gcaleka recommended that the municipal manager of the municipality ensure the reconstruction of the Lesseyton Sports Field in accordance with the bid specifications dated March 9 2018.
The Citizen
22-05-2025
- The Citizen
Bail granted in high-profile LTT kidnapping case
LIMPOPO – Family, friends, businessmen and members of the Somalian congregation celebrated on Friday when Adulmani Mohammed (54) was granted bail by the Louis Trichardt Magistrate's Court. Mohammed had been in custody since January 8, following his arrest in connection with the October 16, 2023 kidnapping of Louis Trichardt businessman Eddie Gouveia. Gouveia was abducted by a group of men while closing his shop. He was eventually found safe at Nkuzana village on January 24 and reunited with his family. A total of 12 suspects were arrested in the case. Throughout Mohammed's court appearances, large crowds gathered in his support. Members of the Somalian community, including religious leaders, family, and fellow businesspeople, consistently filled the courtroom and picketed outside, demanding his release. During Friday's hearing, bishops handed over a memorandum to the court, pledging their full support and stressing that Mohammed was not a flight risk. Mohammed was released on R10 000 bail, under strict conditions. These include no contact with the victim, no interference with witnesses; weekly check-ins at the Mpumalanga Police Station between 06:00 and 20:00; and to surrender all travel documents and a prohibition on applying for new ones. Police previously confirmed that Gouveia's captors demanded a R15m ransom during his abduction. Mohammed's case has been postponed to June 10, while the bail application for co-accused Khumbulani Nyathi was postponed to June 19. Following the court's decision, supporters held an impromptu meeting outside the courtroom and successfully raised the bail money, bringing an end to Mohammed's five-month incarceration. He was warmly received by his supporters upon release. One family member, Roba Mohammed Sied, who had publicly stood by Mohammed since his arrest, expressed relief and solidarity. 'We've maintained all along that Mohammed is not guilty. We're not here to declare guilt or innocence – we're here to support him and ensure justice takes its course. We hope he adheres to the bail conditions so justice can prevail.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Increasing web searches for homes in Bryanston and Sandton
With the world at their fingertips, most buyers embarking on a search to find the home of their dreams, and within their budget, begin their journey by scouring the internet, viewing properties for sale. Says Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding Property group: 'A recent assessment of web searches on our website reveals some notable trends regarding locations attracting high interest. 'While Cape Town retains top spot for searches on the Pam Golding Properties website, Gauteng locations such as Bryanston and also Sandton overall account for an increasing number of web searches. 'In fact, for the six-month period August 2024 to January 2025, seven of the top 20 searches were for suburbs in Gauteng, with Bryanston and Sandton (as a whole) in second and third place behind Cape Town. Notably, Gauteng locations accounted for nearly a third of all the top 20 searches during this period.' Adds Dr Golding: 'This is compared with the first quarter of 2024, when Gauteng accounted for only five of the top 20 searches on our website, with Bryanston in fifth place and Sandton seventh.' Says Nelson Ferreira, regional head in Gauteng for Pam Golding Properties: 'Sandton's reputation as a premier business and luxury hub plays a significant role in the uptick in enquiries, particularly in the luxury market from R15m plus, where viewing interest has increased. This is not only among South African buyers and returning expats, but also international purchasers predominantly from African countries, and from Europe. There has also been a notable increase in offers submitted on properties priced around R11m to R15m. 'Due to its vibrant lifestyle, lucrative business opportunities and upscale living environment, this area has always appealed to international property buyers for various reasons. This includes those relocating permanently or with three-to-five-year contracts in the area, while other global investors are purchasing apartments to rent out and build a property portfolio in Southern Africa.' Meanwhile, says Ferreira, for savvy investors and local first-time buyers, the recently adjusted R1.21m threshold for transfer duty has significantly improved the time taken to sell properties pegged below this price point. A leafy green suburb within Sandton, Bryanston remains a sought-after address because of its central locality, top government and private schools, and close proximity to Sandton CBD just 8km away. It is also only some 17km to Midrand, and for commuters to Tshwane, offers easy access to the highway. Bryanston is dissected by Winnie Mandela Drive, one of Johannesburg's busiest arterial roads, which effectively separates east from west Bryanston. Says Ferreira: 'The suburb caters for every kind of buyer, from those entering the market to couples, families upscaling and high net worth purchasers seeking luxury living, as well as those relocating back to Johannesburg as a result of a return-to-office trend. 'Bryanston offers a wide range of residential properties, including full title homes priced between R3m and R40m, estates with residences in the price band between R3.5m and R30m, and sectional title townhouses ranging from R900 000 to R8m.' There are several distinct property segments in Bryanston – each in high demand, albeit currently with an oversupply. Development market Comments Ferreira: 'Reflecting the ongoing demand and desirability of the area, developers are actively acquiring freehold properties from 1 900sqm to 4 200sqm, resulting in a wide range of both estate-style clusters and sectional title developments being built. Developers are especially interested in stands that have been rezoned as they offer strong prospects for redevelopment, renovation and resale. Currently, the going rate for rezoned land – whether vacant or with an existing home – is approximately R1 000 per square metre. 'In addition, some individual purchasers are looking to acquire properties where there is potential to subdivide and sell a part of the land, as well as combining households, with a cottage or flatlet sought after for multi-generational living. As a result, many homeowners who are unable to realise the full value of their properties are opting to subdivide. A single stand can potentially be split into five stands, allowing for the construction of five modern cluster homes. Subdivision is driven either by existing homeowners unlocking value or developers aiming to build multiple homes or high-density apartments for resale.' Full title homes Typically set on large stands from approximately 1 900-4 300sqm, making them highly attractive to developers, full title homes are available in both Bryanston East and Bryanston West – with the East more developed with newer builds, while the West comprises mainly older or more existing, mature homes,' says Ferreira. 'In Bryanston West, entry-level pricing for full title homes starts at approximately R3m, which generally comprises a four-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom house. Homes in this area range up to R15m, offering substantial opportunity for renovation. In the East, full title prices begin at around R5m and extend up to R40m, with a similar range of stand sizes creating significant potential for investors, particularly developers. Sectional Title units 'The sectional title segment of the market is extremely attractive to first-time buyers because of its affordability, security features, and the opportunity to live in one of Sandton's most sought-after suburbs. What makes this sector particularly competitive is that sellers of existing units must compete with these brand-new, sectional title developments with studios starting at around R900 000, two-bedroom apartments ranging from R1.2m to R1.7m, and three-bedroom apartments or townhouses priced between R3.3m and R4.7m.' Ferreira says buyer preferences in Bryanston East vary – some are seeking freehold properties of 2 000sqm or more, with a minimum of four bedrooms and within gated communities, while others typically prioritising a spacious yet secure lock-up-and-go lifestyle are looking for secure cluster homes on approximately 1 000sqm of land, with 400-600sqm under roof. Cluster and Gated Estates 'Another standout segment is the cluster and gated estate market, where buyers can enter from around R3m, while premium properties can exceed R20m. These estates offer excellent security, lower levies – especially compared to various sectional title units, and larger stand sizes ranging from 400-1 200sqm. Homes in this market segment tend to sell quickly due to strong demand and the appeal of estate living.' With excellent amenities, including top-tier shopping centres, green parks and the exclusive, limited-membership Bryanston Country Club, Bryanston is home to some of Sandton's most prestigious schools including Bryneven Primary, Bryanston High School, Brescia House, The British International Collega, St Stithians College, Michael Mount School and Brynandale Primary as well as close proximity to Redhill. Issued by: Gaye de Villiers on behalf of Pam Golding Properties
Daily Maverick
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Premier Soccer League's Andile Ncobo granted bail in R15m fraud and money laundering case
The general manager of the Premier Soccer League and his wife have appeared in court facing charges of fraud and money laundering exceeding R15m. Andile Ncobo, who is also a former Fifa and South African referee, and his wife Salome Ncobo, appeared in the Bellville Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 6 May 2025 in connection with fraud and money laundering charges involving more than R15-million. Prosecutor Denzel Combrink said the Ncobos were arrested on the morning of Monday, 5 May after the Hawks issued a warrant for their arrest. The arrest follows a lengthy investigation by the Hawks, beginning in 2012. Western Cape Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi said the couple handed themselves over to the Hawks on Monday. 'This stems from when they acquired funds from PetroSA to the total amount of R13-million after they claimed that a school, Gangatha Junior Secondary School [Eastern Cape], needed funds for infrastructure. PetroSA then deposited money into their bank accounts.' Vukubi said the money was allegedly not used for its intended purpose. 'It was diverted to other bank accounts associated with accused No 1 (Andile Ncobo), hence they appeared here at the Bellville Magistrates' Court.' On Tuesday, Combrink and the Ncobos' lawyers, Khanyisa Lingani and Ntokozo Mtshemla, clashed in court over the couple's release. Combrink told the court that the matter against the couple should be postponed and that no bail should be granted. This was to give the State time to acquire information about the couple's address and to verify if other cases were pending against them. 'The State submission is that when the accused were tracked, there were two different addresses, one in Eastern Cape and one in Johannesburg. This morning, after they were arrested, they gave two different addresses… due to the fact that we only received that information this morning, there was no time for us to confirm the address of the accused,' said Combrink. Lingani argued that there was no need for a postponement as the State should have had all the required information after an investigation lasting more than 10 years. He said Andile Ncobo should be released on bail so he could facilitate a soccer final match set to take place at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban. The court agreed and the postponement was denied. The defence further asked that a bail of R5,000 be set for Andile Ncobo and R1,000 for Salome Ncobo. However, the court set bail at R50,000 for Andile Ncobo and R30,000 for Salome Ncobo. The matter was adjourned to 29 May 2025 for further investigation. Background The State alleges that the couple embarked on a fraudulent scheme to obtain money from the Petroleum Oil and Gas Corporation of South Africa SOC Limited (PetroSA) for disadvantaged schools. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) alleges that in 2008, PetroSA launched a Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme aimed at supporting disadvantaged schools, institutions and disaster relief efforts. As part of this initiative, Gangatha Junior Secondary School in the Eastern Cape was granted R13-million to rebuild and upgrade its facilities. The donation covered the construction of new classrooms, an administration block, ablution facilities, a science and computer laboratory, the development of a sports field and the installation of a security fence. A trust, the King's Gangatha Building Trust, was established to oversee the project. NPA Western Cape spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said that 'Ncobo oversaw and managed the construction, which started in November 2008 and was completed in September 2009. The school never authorised him to act as its representative or appointed him as a project manager to oversee and manage the construction.' 'PetroSA appointed quantity surveyors to assess the value of the services rendered when allegations of irregularities and fraud within the CSI department surfaced. The inspection revealed that products used, and the services rendered, were of inferior quality and did not correspond with the amount of the donations made.' According to the NPA, costs amounted to R5.9m. It was established that it would cost PetroSA a further R398,363 to remedy the defects. Further project In another project, Nqadu Pre-Grade R School approached PetroSA for a donation to build a new preschool in 2008. Ntabalazila said that 'the application was finalised, and Ncobo's wife was the contact person. PetroSA approved the request and paid R 485,450 into the Great Kei bank account. One accused informed the school principal that he was building the preschool with his own money. He oversaw the construction, but no furniture or educational equipment was delivered to the school. The board members appearing on the documentation submitted to PetroSA during the application for funding denied being board members and disputed signatures purported to be theirs.' PetroSA launched an internal investigation through its Risk and Compliance Department after discovering that its investments in various schools and entities, including the Nqadu Pre-Grade R School, had not produced the intended results. A quantity surveyor's report revealed that an additional R20,093 would be needed to fix defects at the school. The investigation raised concerns about the proper use of funds allocated for these projects. 'The money-laundering charge relates to R15.19-million being distributed to bank accounts of Gangatha Projects, Eseswe Projects, Aldrin Andile Baldwin Ncobo Charity Institute, Aldrin Andile Baldwin Development ILE PR. Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) records reveal that Gangatha Projects was not a registered entity. Ace Ncobo Development ILE Projects Close Corporation was registered, and the accused had a 100% interest in it. Eseswe Projects and Aldrin Andile Baldwin Ncobo Charity Institute were not registered entities,' said Ntabazalila. DM
eNCA
05-05-2025
- Business
- eNCA
Ace Ncobo and wife appear in court over R15m fruad charges
JOHANNESBURG - PSL General Manager and former FIFA referee Andile 'Ace' Ncobo and his wife, Salome Twaise Ncobo, appeared in court on Monday. The couple appeared at the Bellville Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, where they face three counts of fraud and money laundering relating to a R15m donation for school construction projects in the Eastern Cape. "The State alleges that Ncobo and his wife embarked on a scheme to obtain monies from Petroleum Oil and Gas Corporation of South Africa SOC Limited (PetroSA) in a fraudulent manner in favour of themselves, their family members, and/or entities in which they had a vested interest, the NPA said in a statement. "The money laundering charge relates to R15,19m being distributed to bank accounts of Gangatha Projects, Eseswe Projects, Aldrin Andile Baldwin Ncobo Charity Institute, Aldrin Andile Baldwin Development ILE PR. Companies, and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) records reveal that Gangatha Projects was not a registered entity. Ace Ncobo Development ILE Projects Close Corporation was registered and accused had a 100% interest in it. Eseswe Projects and Aldrin Andile Baldwin Ncobo Charity Institute were not registered entities." They have been released on R50,000 and R30,000 bail respectively. The case has been postponed to 29 May 2025 for further investigation.
