Table of contents for 2023-03-28 in Mercury

THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) received R28.8 million in donations from business and non-profit organisations while the development of its donor-funding policy is yet to be finalised. Responding to parliamentary questions from DA MP Werner Horn, Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola said the NPA had delegations from the accounting officer to accept donations in kind below R2m. “Where a donation is in cash, the normal regime of channelling funds through the National Treasury will apply. The NPA has to date not received any cash donations,” he said. Lamola also said the NPA was in the final stages of approving an amended NPA donor-funding policy, which would be aligned to the National Treasury donor-funding guidelines and regulations. “This will create internal control systems for dealing with all donations in…

How perceptions that were once virtually cast in granite, tanzanite and even quartz have altered so drastically, especially within the past few years! Examining the sudden visible changes and analysing them carefully could be the most important exercise taken by any human research laboratory, in order to extrapolate the trend of the variations and attempt to alter the trajectory from its otherwise natural path that spells one big permanent cul-de-sac. As an example, let’s examine the electricity crisis. Who can remember that barely 70 years ago, so few people owned electric appliances such as a fridge or stove? Coupled to this was the headache that was giving municipalities a permanent migraine – not enough electricity was being consumed by the average white or Indian “citizen” because basic kitchen appliances were…

The much-hyped EFF national shutdown, touted by the party as “the mother of all shutdowns” failed to manifest as the type of protest many feared it might become. While the planned action conjured images and memories of the July 2021 riots in KwaZulu-Natal, it also had the effect of galvanising citizens, security companies and police into taking preventive action. KZN’s people have become accustomed to wanton destruction, burning and intimidation as a protest style – all of which were on display during the recent National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union strike. Yet the EFF’s so-called shutdown saw the SAPS, the SANDF, security companies and neighbourhood crime watch groups prepared to maintain law and order. It was this planning and resolve that deflated the shutdown and sent a clear message…

SOUTH African taxpayers coughed up R25 million for 167 suspended public servants, including some who have been sitting at home for nearly three years. Ideally, precautionary suspensions in national and provincial governments should be for a period of not longer than 60 days, but the longest suspended official in departments such as Correctional Services, spent 883 days at home on full pay. These were the findings in the latest Public Service Commission (PSC) Pulse of the Public Service Bulletin for the third quarter – the period from October 1 to December 31 last year. The edition also deals with pre-hearing suspensions for the 2021/22 financial year and non-payment of suppliers by departments, painting a bleak picture. “The scale of the problem needs the government to put in robust measures to…

A Johannesburg woman who bagged the biggest Powerball jackpot of the year, was an occasional player of the lottery games. Little did she know that when she and her husband picked their numbers for the March 17 draw, their lives would change forever. The unemployed mother walked away with a staggering R75 million. National Lottery Ithuba said the winner purchased her ticket at Spar Kingfisher. The winner told Ithuba that she played the games only when she could. “When I checked the results at home and realised I had won, I became very excited. I was always hopeful that I would one day win the jackpot.” She kept her ticket safely in her bag until she handed it over at Ithuba’s office to claim her winnings. “Now that I…

President Cyril Ramaphosa will visit the Eastern Cape today in the aftermath of the recent floods that claimed at least four lives in the OR Tambo District. Torrential rain over the past week resulted in loss of life, displacement of communities and damage to infrastructure. Communities in Port St Johns, Ingquza Hill, Nyandeni and King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipalities were among those affected. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the floods affected critical infrastructure and disrupted water and electricity supply, and teaching and learning. Roads and bridges had also collapsed. Magwenya added that government had activated a working Special Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management to provide support and relief to the affected communities. “Teams comprising national, provincial and local spheres of government have been assessing the damage, and providing emergency support…

President Xi Jinping’s successful state visit underscores a commitment to a broad vision FROM March 20 to 22, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a successful state visit to Russia, demonstrating China’s steadfast commitment to an independent foreign policy of peace and promoting global peace with a broad vision. President Xi’s visit was a significant event in global geopolitics, showcasing China’s international image as a “builder of peace” and highlighting its role and great sense of responsibility as a major country. The visit comes at a time when the Ukraine crisis continues to escalate and spillover effects continue to emerge. Many countries have expressed concern and called for the easing of tensions. More countries are speaking out for peace and reason, appealing for an early ceasefire, with expectations for China to…

Bafana Bafana will need to rediscover their killer instinct in front of goal by striking the first blow against Liberia in today’s do-or-die Afcon qualifier clash in hot and humid Monrovia (kick-off 6pm). After a delayed 10-hour flight from Johannesburg on a chartered flight, Bafana eventually arrived at Roberts International Airport on Sunday evening. Next followed a two-hour bus trip to the team hotel, which is close to the 22 000-seater match venue at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex. Following Friday’s dismal performance, which saw them surrender a 2-0 lead, Bafana were left to rue their lack of ruthlessness as they were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw. Liberia’s two away goals may be handy if Bafana fails to win in Monrovia. If South Africa is again miraculously…

The eThekwini, Cape Town and Tshwane metros say land invasions pose one of the biggest challenges to development plans, including housing projects, in their municipalities. In KwaZulu-Natal, the eThekwini Municipality and Msunduzi Municipality in Pietermaritzburg have said the proliferation of informal settlements has made it difficult for them to pursue their development ambitions over the years. The impact of informal settlements on cities’ budgets was acknowledged by a number of cities including Pietermaritzburg, the City of Cape Town and City of Tshwane (Pretoria). The two KZN municipalities are now appealing to lawmakers to amend the Prevention of Illegal Eviction (Pie) Act which they contend has loopholes that lead to the mushrooming of informal settlements in all parts of their cities. Addressing co-operative governance and traditional affairs portfolio committee members recently,…

The arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Russian President Vladimir Putin for war-crime allegations refers. There is little doubt that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a violation of international law and the UN Charter. Putin’s criminal invasion of Ukraine is extremely and conspicuously bad, but so were his atrocities committed with impunity in Chechnya. US President Joe Biden praises the ICC when it charges Putin and says the warrant is justified. Why didn’t the US call out Putin at that time to stop the brutal cruelties in Chechnya? Is this warrant that Biden supports not a political play to bring about regime change as done in Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere? The US does not even recognise the jurisdiction of the ICC or the Rome Statute…

The decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa to alter the ministerial handbook to allow R7 million for the installation of generators in the homes of his Cabinet ministers, at taxpayers’ expense, is cause for concern. It highlights the need for transparency, accountability and empathy in the government’s decision-making processes. Citizens deserve a government that prioritises their needs and is responsive to their concerns. Public Works Minister Sihle Zikalala revealed the expense in Parliament. It has, rightly, sparked controversy and raised concerns among citizens, including trade union Cosatu. While load shedding has become a daily occurrence for many South Africans, the political elite have access to uninterrupted power supply through their personal generators. The move by the president has been seen by many as a sign of a government that is out…

“royalty is an institution that is an asset to KwaZulu-Natal and affects all of us in the province.” The above words were uttered by IFP MPL Blessed Gwala, as reported in The Mercury on March 27. With respect, please enlighten those of us who are less informed: how exactly is the institution an asset to the population of KZN? To my mind, Zulu royals by their very presence should command respect among not only the Zulu people, but all of us. We should have a feeling of well-being that the people living among us, apart from obeying the laws of the country, are further bound morally, emotionally and traditionally to live in and promote peace and harmony. The reality is that crime is rampant. We read that KZN is now…

The Department of Higher Education has instituted a national security audit to ascertain the state of safety and security at institutions of higher learning. This was revealed by Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande when responding to parliamentary questions from IFP MP Sanele Zondo, who asked about steps the department has taken following reports of eight murders of students at various campuses and escalating crime at the institutions. Nzimande said a national security audit to ascertain the state of safety and security at universities was under way. “The study seeks to determine the existence of security measures on campuses, what the university populace think of the current security situation, and what university management has done to promote safety and security. “In addition, following the series of callous murders at the University…

Students protested yesterday outside the gates at the Unisa Smiso Nkwanyana campus in Durban over a range of grievances, including issues with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas). A memorandum of demands was handed to the institution’s regional director Joyce Myeza. More than 100 aggrieved students took part in the protest. In their memorandum, the students said they wanted the university to accommodate students who were doing higher certificate courses and wanted the university management to intervene in Nsfas-related issues. One of the protesters, Bongiwe Majola, said she was shocked when her registration was cancelled earlier this month. She appealed to both Unisa and Nsfas to immediately intervene and fix these issues. She added that she had been funded by Nsfas for the past three years and did not…

BASIC Education Minister Angie Motshekga says statistics from the SA Council of Educators (Sace) indicate that 191 cases of sexual misconduct against educators were reported to the body nationally in the 2021/22 financial year. Motshekga was responding to a written parliamentary question asked by the DA. She said the 191 cases were an increase from 169 cases reported in the 2020/21 financial year. Teachers’ unions and the National Association of School Governing Bodies (NASGB) expressed concern about the rise in cases yesterday. DA spokesperson on education, Desiree van der Walt, who asked the parliamentary question, said the number of cases of sexual misconduct reported to Sace appeared to have risen sharply in the past few years, from from 92 in 2019/20 to 191 in 2021/22. “Given the 199 school days…

IT IS likely that Parliament’s Section 194 committee inquiry into Public Protector advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s fitness for office may never get an opportunity to hear the full evidence that should provide an unchallenged basis for any satisfactory conclusion to the case. Mkhwebane had been expected to continue giving evidence in her defence, but informed the committee last week she was unwell and her doctor had advised her to stay home until today. She is facing questioning from advocate Nazreen Bawa, the inquiry evidence leader. But the possibility of an eventual conclusion grew somewhat urgent with the Office of the Public Protector of SA (PPSA) quickly running out of litigation funds and confirming it would stop Mkhwebane’s funding on March 31. The PPSA has reportedly paid more than R24…

All roads lead to “The Bullring” where South Africa and the West Indies will play the T20 international series decider tonight. The series is tied 1-1 going into the final match after the two team traded victories on Saturday and Sunday. First the West Indies won by three wickets, only for a spectacular reversal in a record-breaking second T20, which SA won by six wickets. The series has had it all so far and promises to maintain the same level of entertainment come tonight. Here, we break down the four talking points that could have an influence on the decider. SA’s batting The Proteas go to the Wanderers with a confident batting line-up. Having chased down a massive 259 at Centurion on Sunday, the belief among the batters is at…

The face of a young Diego Armando Maradona gazes down from a mural in Naples’ Miracles Square, watching the city gear up for a celebration it hasn’t enjoyed since the Argentine soccer star was at his peak more than 30 years ago. Miracles for Neapolitans, who grew up in a city steeped in mysticism and superstition, are happening on the pitch, as their team cruise towards a third Serie A triumph and prepare for their first ever quarter-final in the Champions League. “This comes from the soul of Maradona. It is him, watching us from above,” said Raffaele Cardamone, a 51-year-old truck driver, indicating the newly-completed mural portraying the stocky soccer genius, who died in 2020. “It is the hand of God,” he added, referring to the famous goal Maradona…

With the international break coming to an end on Tuesday, the Premiership returns in full swing this weekend. Mamelodi Sundowns are only a one victory away from winning a record-extending sixth Premiership title in a row, and will be expected to do so when they next take to the field against Cape Town City next Tuesday. In the meantime, the struggle for Caf Champions League and Confederation Cup qualification, and the relegation battle will be the main point of contention, with several teams affected. Orlando Pirates will kick off proceedings and hope to climb to as high as second (at least temporarily) when they travel to a hugely troubled Richards Bay FC on Saturday. The Buccaneers will be one of the clubs that will feel that the international break could…

CRIME experts say there would need to be greater civilian oversight if Parliament approves Minister of Police Bheki Cele’s request to allow police to intercept communication and purchase and possess surveillance equipment. Cele’s request to Parliament has been bolstered by a letter from Justice Minister Ronald Lamola detailing the certificate of exemption to Section 46 of the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information (Rica) Act and a positive report by the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services. These have been submitted to the National Assembly for approval. Cele said the granting of the exemption would be in the public interest and was necessary to investigate, combat and prevent serious crimes. Experts who raised concerns point to the report by a 10-person review panel, headed by…

I BELIEVE we are fully adult when: We can be authentic with all people, including our parents, treating all others respectfully as equals, despite rank, position or the apparent lack of it. We respect mutuality and equality, and want both in all of our relationships. We have acknowledged our hurts, grieved appropriately, and decided to live to the fullest. We can delay gratification. We have stopped blaming others for the condition of our lives, especially our parents. Ambiguity, mystery and uncertainty are allies, not enemies. We can hold seemingly conflicting thoughts and beliefs without becoming unsettled. We are able to recognise when and how we were victimised but no longer think, speak, feel or behave like victims. We have a small group of people to whom we talk about almost…

The continuous exposures of the perks of public servants – that the taxpayers have been paying for – is absolutely absurd. What gives these individuals the right to award themselves these luxuries when nearly 60 million people have to suffer because of the inefficiencies of the same people who have directly and indirectly caused the problems we are facing? In fact, these are public servants who by all definitions should be working for the public and be responsible to the public at large. The public should decide what they should have or not have. What makes these individuals different from the man in the street who pays for their salaries and perks? These elected individuals are no better than the man in street. There should be a public uprising against…

’TWAS indeed a sad Saturday last weekend. The Sharks got walloped by the Scarlets over in Wales. They just couldn’t get their act together in spite of this time having their eight Springboks in the side. Is there a lesson here? Rugby is perhaps the ultimate in team sports. The players turn out not as 15 individuals but as an inter-dependent unit. Take more than half of them away for an extended training camp for the World Cup, then put them back in the side, and their minds are elsewhere. It showed. Then I got a phone call from an old schoolmate who gave me the shocking news that Maritzburg College had been beaten by DHS, this in spite of scoring what looked like a winning try in the…

Electricity Minister Kgosientso Ramokgopa is preparing for a “significant” number of officials to be appointed in his ministry in the next few weeks, he said at the weekend. Ramokgopa disclosed his plans for his new ministry during a visit to the Koeberg nuclear power plant. He has been tasked by President Cyril Ramaphosa to put an end to the country’s load-shedding crisis and is currently on a countrywide tour of Eskom power plants. Responding to a question about the capacity of his ministry, Ramakgopa said the private sector would assist in recruitment. He referred to the R100 million Resource Mobilisation Fund (RMF) which he helped launch two days after he was appointed as the electricity minister. Ramokgopa said the RMF would come in handy in the recruitment of experienced and…

A man who said he acted in self-defence when he shot dead three robbers who were trying to hijack him and a family member in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, was acquitted on three charges of murder after the court found that he had acted reasonably at the time. A judge sitting in the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, said: “A judge should take care not to assess the events like an armchair critic.” The man faced three charges of murder after he did not hesitate to shoot the three men who had confronted him and his cousin while they were on their way to buy hunting equipment. He told the court that he was fetched by his cousin in a Mercedes around midday on July 3, 2013. On their way to the shop,…

The UNEMPLOYMENT Insurance Fund (UIF), an entity of the Department of Employment and Labour, has urged the public to be aware of a new social media scam. “Scammers claim in a written message circulating on social media that an amount of R21 785 is due and ready to be paid out after a ‘UIF Registration and Clearance’ fee of R298.67 is given to them,” said UIF spokesperson Trevor Hattingh. “For the record, all UIF services are free of any charge, and the fund will never request any money for its services or claims.” He urged people to report fraud to the UIF Fraud Hotline at 0800 601 148 or alternatively to the Department of Employment and Labour Hotline at 0860 666 883. | Mercury Correspondent…

THE absence of a culture of accountability has turned this country into a lawless society, where no crisis is big enough to warrant the removal or resignation of political figures or government officials. The dramatic escape of the so-called Facebook rapist, Thabo Bester, from a Mangaung correctional facility, which is privately operated on behalf of the Department of Correctional Services, is the most shocking story to have emerged from this country’s prisons. Bester, who was serving a term of life in prison, escaped from what police and prisons union Popcru described as one of the country’s “state of the art” prisons. Apart from being incarcerated for rape and murder, Bester is alleged to have been a conman, running elaborate schemes to defraud women aspiring to be in the modelling industry.…

Another big weekend of first awaits South African rugby when the five franchises contest in European Professional Club Rugby-sanctioned round of 16 clashes on Saturday and Sunday. With possible quarter-final berths available the following week, the Bulls, Cheetahs, Lions, Sharks and Stormers will all look to continue their journey in the two tournaments – the elite Champions Cup and second-tier Challenge Cup. Doing so will be easier for some, while miraculous for others. Here, Morgan Bolton briefly looks at each match. CHAMPIONS CUP Sharks (LLLWL) v Munster (LWWWL) Saturday, Hollywoodbets Kings Park @ 1.30pm One should expect only a backlash from the Durbanites this weekend and Munster will be the team in the firing line. A Springbok-laden Sharks were dismal in their loss to Scarlets this past weekend, and a…