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IOL News
8 hours ago
- General
- IOL News
Thubalethu housing project faces delays and financial mismanagement in KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal's Thubalethu housing project, which has seen R100 million spent since 2017, remains incomplete, raising concerns over delays, financial mismanagement, and the lack of essential infrastructure. Image: Supplied KwaZulu-Natal's housing woes continue to mount, with R100 million spent since 2017 on the incomplete Thubalethu housing project in Mthonjaneni Municipality (Melmoth). Continued delays, escalating costs, and an incomplete delivery of the project are cause for concern, said Riona Gokool, the Democratic Alliance spokesperson on Human Settlements, on Thursday. According to Gokool, Phase 1A has seen 166 units completed and occupied, while an additional 270 houses in Phase 1B remain incomplete and unsecured. She said that basic fittings such as plumbing, electricity, doors, and ceilings have not been installed due to fears of theft and vandalism, with more than 430 houses only partially constructed to roof level. 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 In addition, key infrastructure remains absent, with not a single cent of the R60 million allocated for bulk water infrastructure spent to date 'Equally, sewer systems, a reservoir, road access, and a sufficient electricity supply are all either incomplete or delayed. This is while local and district municipalities have cited financial constraints and poor planning coordination,' she stated. Gokool said that the project initially approved in 2012 to eradicate informal settlements has become yet another example of a 'blocked project', a distressing term that has become all too common in South Africa's housing landscape. Gokool called for: Full transparency from the KZN's DHS regarding all contracts, expenditure, and progress on the Thubalethu project. An audit and consequence management process for delays and any possible financial mismanagement. Acceleration of bulk infrastructure rollout, particularly water, sewer, and electricity connections. Engagement with local communities to prevent further vandalism and to involve beneficiaries in safeguarding the site. According to a report presented to the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature Human Settlements Portfolio Committee, the housing project experienced various challenges that have hindered progress, with many of these being addressed or are currently being addressed. Continuous delays in the completion of the project have resulted in vandalism and theft. According to the report: The National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) and engineers identified non-compliance on some sites with specific reference to water seepage and retaining walls. The current electrical power for Thubalethu Township is not sufficient for the whole area of Melmoth. The current area of Thubalethu and its surrounding areas does not have enough water, and the water scheme to source water from Phobane Dam i s under way, but will reach the town of Melmoth and Thubalethu Township in four to eight years from 2021. In June 2023, a Crack Team was formed by the KZN DHS to identify, resolve, and report on all matters that are causing the project to stall. The team identified funding as a challenge for the design of the water purification plant. The finding was that the water borehole was level 2 and therefore needed to be purified to consumable level 0.
IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
KZN government to establish a beef production enterprise for King Misuzulu's financial needs
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini will get his own beef production company to fund his cultural events. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Francois Rodgers is in the process of establishing a beef production enterprise which will help the Zulu royal family to be financially independent and save the province more than R60 million which is annually allocated to King Misizulu kaZwelithini and the family. This was revealed by the Democratic Alliance chief whip in the provincial legislature Dr Imran Keeka on Thursday. The party was reflecting on its first anniversary of the Government of Provincial Unity, particularly its role and achievements. The party said one of its achievements is that it has strengthened relations with the AmaZulu Royal Household and its Finance MEC is working on a beef production enterprise to ensure the monarchy's fiscal independence. 'The Treasury under Rodgers is working on establishing a beef production enterprise to ensure the monarchy's fiscal independence,' said Keeka. If Rogers succeeds, he will achieve what has been elusive since 1994. There had been talk of creating a Royal Household Trust which previous provincial government administrations had described as the vehicle that was going to sustain the Zulu royal family financially and end its financial dependence on taxpayers who fund the king and the royal family's financial needs. 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 ✕ Reacting to the announcement, the Zulu royal family's spokesperson Prince Thulani Zulu said the family will comment after the MEC has officially informed his Majesty, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini about the details of the enterprise. Another major achievement listed was Rogers' ability to devise a cost-cutting strategy which has reduced the provincial government's projected over-expenditure from R10 billion to R800 million. The plan is now being implemented. The party described its participation in the GPU as a year of positive change for the people of the province, 'who now have a government focused on placing their needs first and realising the province's true potential'. It said the move from a single majority party government to a partnership consisting of KZN's four leading political parties has not been without its challenges, however, there have been notable successes. The party said its participation in the GPU has allowed it to play a key part in critical decision-making that affects the people of the province. These roles include heading KZN Finance Rodgers, Public Works and Infrastructure which is under MEC Martin Meyer, deputy Speaker through Mmabatho Tembe as well as chairing important portfolio committees such as Health, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and provincial SCOPA( Standing Committee on Public Accounts).
IOL News
3 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]
The Citizen
6 days ago
- The Citizen
20 vehicles recovered at Kosi Bay border; latest incident linked to insurance fraud
The recovered vehicles were stolen in and around Durban Central, Durban North, Westville, Chatsworth, Pinetown and Umhlali. Police in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) have arrested five smugglers and recovered 20 vehicles of different makes in the past few weeks. According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, the recovered vehicles include 11 bakkies, seven SUVs, a minibus and a sedan. The recovered vehicles were stolen in and around Durban Central, Durban North, Westville, Chatsworth, Pinetown and Umhlali. ALSO READ: Foreign national nabbed after trying to smuggle R2m BMW into Zimbabwe In the latest takedown, the team followed up on information they received about a vehicle destined to cross the Kosi Bay border. It was successfully intercepted on Monday and a suspect found in possession of various fraudulent documents to cross the border was arrested. A preliminary investigation reveals that the suspect may be linked to vehicle insurance fraud. Investigations are ongoing. 'A national intervention was established involving Saps members from various disciplines that include crime intelligence, proactive and reactive policing units, and detectives to prevent and combat cross-border crimes along the northern border of KZN,' Van Wyk said. ALSO READ: SA border crisis: Police commissioner had to 'beg' for return of 70 stolen cars in another country 'The task team deployed in Emanguzi continues to deal decisively with those involved in cross-border crimes in the north of KwaZulu-Natal.' These identified cross-border crimes include theft of motor vehicles, house robberies, business robberies, hijacking of vehicles, murder and attempted murder. Vehicle theft In another incident, three men were arrested for possession of a suspected stolen vehicle in Mpumalanga on Thursday. The suspects, aged 20 to 23, were intercepted on the R575 road between Middelburg and Witbank while driving a white Ford Figo fitted with Mpumalanga registration plates. ALSO READ: Going nowhere slowly: Notorious hijacker, cross-border vehicle smuggler sentenced Upon verification, it was confirmed that the vehicle valued at R60 000 had been reported stolen to Middelburg SAPS. The suspects were immediately taken into police custody and charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle. They are expected to appear in the Middelburg Magistrate's Court on 17 June 2025. Police investigations into the matter are ongoing. On Wednesday, police in Mpumalanga recovered a hijacked truck and arrested a 36-year-old suspect at the Machado toll plaza on the N4 road. The vehicle had been significantly altered, fitted with Mozambique registration number plates and both the VIN and engine numbers had been tampered with. However, using verification and tracking systems, the truck was positively identified as the one reported to have been hijacked. The suspect was immediately arrested and charged with possession of a hijacked vehicle. READ NEXT: Lesufi links vehicles to crime as Gauteng launches new number plate system
Eyewitness News
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
IFP praises police for swift response in murder, attempted murder case of its members
JOHANNESBURG - The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has praised police for its swift response in the shooting of its members, saying this should be extended to every South African, not just high-profile ones. On Thursday, two people appeared at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court for the murder and attempted murders of three IFP members. ALSO READ: - IFP suspects shooting of members is related to external political motives - 2 suspects in murder of IFP MP Khethamabala Sithole abandon bail bids - Police offer R60k for info on remaining suspect in IFP MP Khethamabala Sithole's murder On 31 May, IFP's former Member of Parliament (MP), Petros Sithole, was fatally shot while leading a branch meeting at the Buyafuthi Hostel in Katlehong, east of Johannesburg. Alco Ngobese and Sambulo Nxumalo were also shot but survived. It took less than a week for police to arrest the men suspected of being behind the shooting. Gauteng police have also issued a R60,000 reward for any information leading to the successful arrest and conviction of the third suspect, Zamani Ngila Ximba. The party's provincial chairperson, Bonginkosi Dhlamini, said all murder cases should be handled like this. 'This one, we think, is a catalyst for how we think police should work. With this case, there is one thing we have seen, when the case is removed from local police station and taken to province and national, there is progress. So, there is an issue with your local police because they have got relationships with criminals.' The matter returns to court on 29 July.
