Latest news with #R18.7
Eyewitness News
2 days ago
- Sport
- Eyewitness News
Lesseyton Sports Field tender contractors failed to deliver despite going over budget: PP
JOHANNESBURG - The Public Protector (PP) has found that contractors who won the tender for the Lesseyton Sports Field in the Eastern Cape failed to deliver on the project despite going over budget by almost R5 million. On Wednesday, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka held a media briefing to release findings of her investigation into the building of the stadium in Komani. Gcaleka's investigation found there was improper conduct and maladministration by senior managers at the Enoch Mgijima Municipality in awarding the tender to a company called Thalami Civils in 2018. The PP says the tender awarded to Thalami Civils was initially R18.7 million but ballooned to R22.7 million for no apparent reason. She says the company failed to deliver on an athletic track, a soccer and rugby field, netball, tennis and volleyball courts and grandstands as agreed upon in the contract. Gcaleka says that during the bid adjudication process, Thalami Civils was the fourth highest scoring bidder. She says the Enoch Mgijimi Municipality provided inadequate reasons for why the highest scoring bidder wasn't granted the tender. The PP has referred her report to the Hawks for criminal investigations.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Public Protector flags irregularities in R22m Lesseyton Stadium, questions 'emergency'
The construction of the Lesseyton Sports Field exceeded the approved R18.7 million budget. Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka has found evidence of mismanagement in the construction of the controversial Lesseyton Sports Field in Komani, Eastern Cape. In a report released on Wednesday following an investigation into allegations of maladministration and improper conduct, Gcaleka highlighted serious procurement issues involving the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality. The sports facility, unveiled in October 2021, drew widespread public criticism due to its poor quality and the high cost associated with its construction. A forensic investigation conducted by a law firm had revealed that the contract for building the stadium — awarded to construction company Thalami Civils — was irregular. Public Protector investigation over Lesseyton Sports Field tender On Wednesday, Gcaleka found that procurement irregularities in the awarding of the R22.7 million tender had been substantiated. She pointed out that one key issue was that the project exceeded the R18.7 million budget approved by the Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) in the 2017-18 financial year. 'The awarded tender exceeded the budgeted amount by over R4.7 million, and there is no evidence that the municipality approached the municipal council for additional funding as required by Section 19(1) of the Municipal Finance Management Act,' Gcaleka said. ALOS READ: Sanral taking its time to investigate R1.57bn tender award Additional procedural issues were also found during the tender process. Gcaleka highlighted inconsistencies in the contract's advertisement, revealing that it had two different closing dates and was not published on three publicly accessible platforms, as required by the municipal supply chain management policy. 'The tender advertisement period was shortened from 30 days to 14 days, and the reasons provided was that the construction of Lesseyton Sports Field was an emergency. 'The municipality's definition of emergency in this regard is found not to be in line with the definition in terms of regulation 22(2) of the municipal supply chain management policy,' she remarked. Bid evaluation process questioned The Public Protector's investigation uncovered irregularities in the bid evaluation process, including evidence that two separate evaluations took place. 'The first process resulted in bidder 1 being the preferred bidder, whereas the second process utilised a different formula provided by the BAC [bid adjudicating committee] and culminated in Thalami Civil, which was the fourth.' Gcaleka questioned the rationale provided by the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality for bypassing the top-scoring bidder. READ MORE: DA demands full AGSA report on R400m driving licence tender The municipality had justified not awarding the tender to the highest scoring bidder by claiming the bidder had recently been awarded a similar contract. 'The reasons provided by the BAC did not amount to, I quote, 'objective criterion', and [were] not supported by any legal or rational authority. 'Moreover, this reason was not part of the evaluation criteria in terms of the specification or determined by the BEC [bid evaluation committee].' Lack of oversight on Lesseyton Sports Field project The Public Protector concluded that the appointment of Thalami Civils contravened section 2(1)(e) and (f) of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA), which mandates awarding contracts to the highest-scoring bidder unless objective criteria justify otherwise. 'The allegations that there were irregularities in the management of the contract and a lack of proper oversight on the Lesseyton Sports Field construction project by the local and provincial governments, resulting in no value for money, are substantiated,' Gcaleka added. NOW READ: Macpherson not deterred by 'political pressure or death threats' over R800m oxygen tender
The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs: Top FIVE most valuable players and their staggering price tags
Kaizer Chiefs is one of the richest football clubs in South Africa. So, it comes as no suprise that Amakhosi players are amongst the most expensive in the Transfer market. Kaizer Chiefs are well-known for their incredible buying power. In fact, at one point Amakhosi had the three highest-paid players in the PSL – Keagan Dolly, Samir Nurkovic and Khama Billiat – at the same time. Now, despite continuous failed campaigns in the Betway Premiership, the Soweto giants still boast some of the most valuable players in the entire PSL. * Please note that all of these values are based off of the reported latest player values on Transfermarkt. Yusuf Maart (Amakhosi Captain) – (R20.7 MILLION) Chiefs captain Maart is valued at approximately, $1 million. This equates to almost R21 million (R20.7 million). Thus, making him the most highly valued player in the transfer market. 2. Given Msimango/Reeve Frosler – R18.7 MILLION Interestingly, two under-utilised defenders share the honour of being Amakhosi's second-highest most valuable players. Both centre back, Msimango and right back, Frosler have an estimated market value of $900 000 which equotes to R18.65 million (roughly R18.7 million). 3. Ashley Du Preez – R17.6 MILLION The speedy attacker has blown hot and cold since joining Chiefs from Stellies a few seasons ago. However, whilst his transfer market evaluation has dipped to $850 000 (R17.6 millin), he is still one of the most valuable players at Amakhosi. Moreover, he is also one of the most highly valued players in the PSL today. 4. Mduduzi Shabalala – R14.5 MILLION Mdu Shabalala is one of the fastest-rising young talents in the PSL. A couple of seasons ago he was playing for Amakhosi's DDC side. Now, he is a regular starter in the Chiefs senior side and one of the most valuable players in the PSL. 'Mdu' is valued at $700 000 which is approximately R14.5 million. 5. Rushwin Dortley/Bradley Cross – R13.5 MILLION Both youngsters were recently signed when Nasreddine Nabi took over the reins at Chiefs. So, whilst neither transfer fee was disclosed, we know both players are worth big money. Furthermore, both Dortley and Cross are valued at $R650 000. Meaning, both men have an estimated transfermarkt value of R13.47 million (R13.5 million). Blom was one of the most valuable players before he returned to the United Stated. His market value currently sits at $900 000 (R18.7 million). Thus, mmaking him one of the most valuable players to leave Chiefs in recent seasons. Brutal defender, Inacio Miguel has an estimated market evaluation that sees him worth $600 000 (R12.43 million). Meaning, if any of the players on this list depart from Naturena, Miguel will become one of the top five most valuable players left at Chiefs. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs: Top FIVE most valuable players and their staggering pricetags
Kaizer Chiefs is one of the richest football clubs in South Africa. So, it comes as no suprise that Amakhosi players are amongst the most expensive in the Transfer market. Kaizer Chiefs are well-known for their incredible buying power. In fact, at one point Amakhosi had the three highest-paid players in the PSL – Keagan Dolly, Samir Nurkovic and Khama Billiat – at the same time. Now, despite continuous failed campaigns in the Betway Premiership, the Soweto giants still boast some of the most valuable players in the entire PSL. * Please note that all of these values are based off of the reported latest player values on Transfermarkt. Yusuf Maart (Amakhosi Captain) – (R20.7 MILLION) Chiefs captain Maart is valued at approximately, $1 million. This equates to almost R21 million (R20.7 million). Thus, making him the most highly valued player in the transfer market. 2. Given Msimango/Reeve Frosler – R18.7 MILLION Interestingly, two under-utilised defenders share the honour of being Amakhosi's second-highest most valuable players. Both centre back, Msimango and right back, Frosler have an estimated market value of $900 000 which equotes to R18.65 million (roughly R18.7 million). 3. Ashley Du Preez – R17.6 MILLION The speedy attacker has blown hot and cold since joining Chiefs from Stellies a few seasons ago. However, whilst his transfer market evaluation has dipped to $850 000 (R17.6 millin), he is still one of the most valuable players at Amakhosi. Moreover, he is also one of the most highly valued players in the PSL today. 4. Mduduzi Shabalala – R14.5 MILLION Mdu Shabalala is one of the fastest-rising young talents in the PSL. A couple of seasons ago he was playing for Amakhosi's DDC side. Now, he is a regular starter in the Chiefs senior side and one of the most valuable players in the PSL. 'Mdu' is valued at $700 000 which is approximately R14.5 million. 5. Rushwin Dortley/Bradley Cross – R13.5 MILLION Both youngsters were recently signed when Nasreddine Nabi took over the reins at Chiefs. So, whilst neither transfer fee was disclosed, we know both players are worth big money. Furthermore, both Dortley and Cross are valued at $R650 000. Meaning, both men have an estimated transfermarkt value of R13.47 million (R13.5 million). Blom was one of the most valuable players before he returned to the United Stated. His market value currently sits at $900 000 (R18.7 million). Thus, mmaking him one of the most valuable players to leave Chiefs in recent seasons. Brutal defender, Inacio Miguel has an estimated market evaluation that sees him worth $600 000 (R12.43 million). Meaning, if any of the players on this list depart from Naturena, Miguel will become one of the top five most valuable players left at Chiefs. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Taylor Swift reclaims her music masters in landmark deal
Taylor Swift, after years of public battles, heartbreak, and determination, now finally owns her first six albums. This move is a masterclass in standing up for your rights, regardless of how powerful your opponents are. 'All of the music I've ever made now belongs to me,' Taylor announced. 'I've been bursting into tears of joy… ever since I found out this is happening.' The saga began in 2019. Scooter Braun, a music mogul, bought Taylor's former record label, Big Machine, according to the BBC . With it, he got the rights to her first six albums. Imagine working for years, only to see someone else reap the rewards of your creations. Taylor called out Braun for 'incessant, manipulative bullying.' She felt betrayed. 'After 20 years of people dangling the carrot in front of me and then yanking it away, I almost gave up hope that it could ever happen,' she wrote. But she never gave up. In music, whoever owns the master recording controls how the songs are used. Want your hit in a movie, advert, or video game? The master owner decides. Taylor always kept her publishing rights, but without the masters, she couldn't call the shots. 'I do want my music to live on… but I only want that if I own it,' she told Billboard. The price for freedom wasn't small. When Big Machine first sold, the catalogue fetched $300 million (about R5.6 billion). Rumours swirled that Taylor paid up to $1 billion (over R18.7 billion), but insiders say that's too high. Still, it's a staggering sum—proof that music is big business. Taylor Swift didn't just sit back. She fought back. She started re-recording her old albums, releasing 'Taylor's Versions' packed with bonus tracks. Fans loved them. 'The success of the Eras tour is why I was able to buy back my music,' she said. That tour raked in over $2 billion (about R37.5 billion) in ticket sales. This victory is a beacon for artists everywhere, including in South Africa. 'Every time a new artist tells me they negotiated to own their master recordings. I'm reminded of how important it was for all of this to happen,' Taylor said. 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.
