Latest news with #R4m
The Citizen
13-06-2025
- The Citizen
Mpumalanga premier warns against interruption of government projects
The Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu, has warned against the interruption of government projects at the Mthethomusha Nature Reserve near the Mpakeni Settlement. This as the government is spending R4m on infrastructure upgrades and R10m on drilling and the installation of water ponds there. The projects are under threat as the Ward 24 councillor, Mandla Siboza, and members of the local Traditional Council were intimidated by suspected syndicates, who demand a share in the projects. Siboza was attacked at his home in Daantjie (Oggo Section) near the nature reserve on May 31 at around 02:00. His house and vehicle were fired at with high-calibre firearms and he later told Lowvelder Express that he believed that the attack was a warning against his involvement in the projects at the nature reserve. ALSO READ: Bail for seven in Lydenburg shoot-out case Siboza's belief was echoed by the Office of the Premier when calling for the government projects to continue without interference. 'Any interruption of government projects will not be tolerated,' warned Ndlovu. He said the project was designed to provide water to wild animals and to upgrade infrastructure, to prevent them from crossing into local villages and farms. 'The project is under threat as a local councillor and members of the Traditional Authority are intimidated to accede to the demands of people who want a share,' added Ndlovu. He has so far met with the security cluster, led by the MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, and the acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, in Mbombela on Tuesday, June 3. The MEC for economic development and tourism, Makhosazana Masilela, and other senior government officials also attended the meeting. 'Perpetrators of these threats must be arrested to face the full might of the law. The victims must lay criminal charges for police investigation,' said Ndlovu. He added that the Mthethomusha project would benefit communities living on the edges of the reserve, through job creation and contract opportunities. 'The project will provide water for elephants that break out of the nature reserve in search of the natural resources outside,' said Ndlovu. The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has confirmed that the projects at Mthethomusha were ongoing. 'R4m is being spent on infrastructure that includes the building's renovation and entrance gate, while R10m is for the bulk water and resuscitation of water ponds for the animals,' said the MTPA's spokesperson, Simphiwe Shungube. Police investigators have so far met with Siboza on several occasions in order to connect the dots after this publication had reported about his belief that his attack was related to the projects at the nature reserve. No arrest has been made in connection with the shooting at Siboza's home thus far. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
12-06-2025
- TimesLIVE
Bail granted to 10 of 11 accused in Sassa fraud and theft case
The Lenasia magistrate's court on Thursday granted bail to 10 of the 11 accused in the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) R4m fraud and theft case. 'Bail amounts range between R10,000 and R30,000,' said National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane. 'The fourth accused, Ethiopian national Abenezer Tilahyn, was denied bail after the court ruled he posed a flight risk.' The case postponed to September 2 for further investigation. 'As part of the bail conditions, the accused are required to surrender their travel documents and are prohibited from interfering with the ongoing investigation or any state witnesses.' Shumani Khwerana and his 10 co-accused face multiple charges, including cybercrime, fraud and theft. 'It is alleged that they orchestrated a sophisticated scheme involving the creation of fake Sassa profiles, through which over R4m was fraudulently deposited and withdrawn at various Sassa pay points.'
The Citizen
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Mercedes-AMG SL 63 confirmed for South Africa
Spiritual successor of the 300 SL, the all-new Mercedes-AMG SL 63 has now been confirmed for South Africa and will cost local buyers a shade under R4m. Here is what you will get for their money. Looking for a new or used Mercedes-Benz? Find It here with CARmag! Mercedes-AMG has revived the legendary SL nameplate in what it calls its most performance-focused form yet. The new Mercedes-AMG SL 63 marks a return to the model's 300 SL roots and reintroduces a classic soft top and a purist 2+2 layout. This latest iteration of the storied moniker has been developed entirely in Affalterbach by Mercedes-AMG, with a bespoke platform and architecture that shares no components with its predecessors or other models in the Mercedes-Benz line-up. Most importantly, the V8 lives on here… Related: 2025 Mercedes-AMG E53 Lands in Mzansi – Pricing and Specs Speaking of which, the beating heart of the SL 63 is AMG's 4l V8 biturbo engine which continues the tradition of being hand-assembled under AMG's 'One Man, One Engine' philosophy. Producing 430kW and 800Nm, it launches the roadster from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 315km/h. The engine benefits from extensive refinement, including revised intercoolers, active crankcase ventilation, and enhanced exhaust gas flow for improved performance and efficiency. Power is channelled through a nine-speed automatic transmission, which uses a wet start-off clutch instead of a torque converter for sharper response and quicker shifts. For the first time in SL history, all-wheel drive comes standard, with AMG Performance 4Matic+ distributing power to all corners while active rear-axle steering is said to enhance agility at lower speeds and stability at higher ones. Related: The Six Cylinder E53 Mercedes-AMG is Coming to SA in 2025 Harking back to its 1950s forebear, the SL 63 retains a long bonnet, with a wide stance and short overhangs. The fabric soft top, which replaces the heavier metal vario roof of recent SLs, weighs 21kg less and folds away in just 15 seconds at speeds of up to 60km/h. When its down, a better look inside shows the 'hyperanalogue' cockpit. The fully digital instrument cluster is housed in a three-dimensional visor, while the central touchscreen can be adjusted for better visibility with the roof down. AMG sports seats come standard, featuring integrated headrests and the brand's signature Airscarf system, which blows warm air around the neck and shoulders. Outfitted with a plethora of aerodynamic tech, the two-stage Airpanel system controls airflow through vertical and horizontal louvres to improve cooling and reduce lift, while the deployable rear spoiler adjusts its position based on speed and driving dynamics. The optional active front underbody element extends at 80km/h to create a Venturi effect, further enhancing stability. Combined with a choice of aerodynamically optimised 19-, 20-, or 21-inch wheels, Mercedes-AMG state these features give the SL exceptional composure and responsiveness. Mercedes-AMG SL 63 pricing Mercedes-AMG SL 63 – R 3 943 156 Total Price includes VAT incl and five-year/100 000km PremiumDrive Comfort Care Service and Maintenance Plan. Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Confirmed for South Africa – Pricing and Spec appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
The Citizen
30-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Metro unaware residents buying materials to repair pipes
The Tshwane metro says it is unaware that residents in Waterkloof Glen were forced to buy their own materials to fix a series of burst pipes earlier this month. However, Ward 47 Councillor Lida Erasmus, who was standing in for Ward 83 Councillor Andrew Lesch at the time, sent a message in the community group thanking residents for stepping in with supplies and tools. Erasmus confirmed that residents in Tolstoi Street had to source their own pipe connectors. She also said she personally called her husband to deliver a four-pound hammer to break concrete that was obscuring the pipe. In the message to residents, Erasmus thanked residents who contributed and bought materials. 'Thanks also to the two residents who bought some pipe connections to assist, and the residents who assisted with lights tonight.' She further praised metro workers who stayed on site until late, but made it clear that residents filled in where municipal services fell short. The pipe reportedly burst four times in the same spot, just above the original repair site, and seven times in total over the first weekend of May. Lesch said the situation was unacceptable and unfair to residents. 'It's not right for ratepayers to fund infrastructure with their taxes and then still be expected to buy materials out of pocket,' Lesch said. 'The teams need proper oversight. Someone should be checking whether they have the correct tools and materials before they leave the depot.' Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the metro is not aware of residents buying materials for repairs. 'The city is not aware of residents purchasing materials themselves,' he said. He added that technical teams are always dispatched with the necessary tools. Mashigo explained that the full extent of damage often isn't clear until the pipeline is exposed, which can affect the materials needed. However, he maintained that the metro has internal storage stocked with essential components, and that daily checklists are in place to ensure maintenance teams are equipped. 'All maintenance teams have daily checklists, which ensure that they have all the necessary tools and equipment required for maintenance before they can travel to the sites.' When asked about recurring pipe bursts, Mashigo said the metro has embarked on a programme of replacing aged infrastructure. He added that currently, critical areas are being prioritised, which will be followed by other aged infrastructure that is less critical across the metro. 'There are teams dedicated to areas with critically aged infrastructure to ensure that water leaks are attended to timeously.' ALSO READ: Cable theft in the east costs metro over R4m Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
30-05-2025
- The Citizen
Cable theft in the east costs metro over R4m
Cable theft in the east costs metro over R4m Cable theft and electricity losses are spiralling out of control in the suburbs east of Pretoria, costing the metro millions. The city spent nearly R4.9-million on repairs and maintenance in the past financial year due to cable and electricity theft, a heavy financial toll to its already strained budget. These incidents have led to frequent power outages, disrupting daily life and business operations. Residents also voiced concerns over the city's response, adding, 'We are paying rates and taxes, yet it feels like no one is protecting the infrastructure. We need stronger action and quicker response times.' According to city spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, the direct repair costs amounted to R4 889 985,70, not including additional losses due to service disruptions and secondary infrastructure damage. 'These ongoing incidents not only cost the city millions, but also jeopardise essential services and public safety,' said Mashigo. 'The damage goes beyond the cables themselves – entire communities are affected when the power goes out.' Mashigo said cable theft and vandalism in the east were the worst in Erasmuskloof, Armscor, Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Rietvlei Water Works, Woodlands Mall, Woodlands Lifestyle Estate, Faerie Glen (Koedoeberg), Mooikloof, Moreleta Park and surrounding suburbs. He said the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) and private security companies were surveilling the hotspots, conducting regular patrols in identified high-risk zones. Mashigo confirmed that supply chain management is still processing the tender for enhanced infrastructure security. 'In the interim, the TMPD is working closely with SAPS and private security partners to secure vulnerable infrastructure.' He said cable theft and electricity infrastructure vandalism reduce the reliability and longevity of the electricity infrastructure. MMC for Finance Eugene Modise said the metro has allocated more than R565-million to the installation of CCTV cameras, the recruitment of 200 more metro police officers from January, and the deployment of security personnel to protect its assets, including electricity infrastructure. 'Tshwane is woefully under-protected and we are pursuing a consolidated asset protection strategy that includes both physical security and advanced technological solutions,' said Modise. He added that the metro plans to incorporate modern technology, such as motion detectors and smart surveillance tools, to support and strengthen the efforts of ground security teams. ALSO READ: Noweto stations indicate an increase in contact crimes Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
