Cape Times 2024-09-24

Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, has warmly welcomed the announcement by Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, that Home Affairs offices will extend their operating hours to include Saturdays from September 21 to October 12. This comes after Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said that her department is ready to administer the final National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations for the class of 2024. Schreiber says the department’s offices will operate for five hours on Saturdays across all provinces, to offer temporary identity certificates, ID collection and applications services to matriculants so that they can write their final exams. These services are critical for matriculants, as valid identification is required for their exam participation. Gwarube commended the Department of Home Affairs for this timely intervention, emphasising the importance of interdepartmental…

Umkhonto weSizwe Party’s (MK) Brian Molefe has delivered his first speech in Parliament, questioning how Eskom had requested an R8 billion clawback from a revenue determination that the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) had previously approved. Molefe made the speech during a plenary sitting on Eskom and the electricity crisis. He noted that what members are considering whether a prediction error of R8 billion is acceptable or not, asserting it was “not a trivial matter and it cannot qualify to be called an error”. “It is a fundamental error in estimation and points to a fundamental flaw in the revenue estimation model of Nersa,” he explained. “More importantly it points to the fundamental flaw in the operating model of Eskom,” said Molefe. The former Eskom CEO said it…

MyCiTi bus fares are set to decrease on October 1, bringing relief to commuters across Cape Town. This change follows a steady decline in diesel prices over the past three months, allowing the City to pass on savings to passengers. Each year, fares are reviewed on July 1, based on the City’s budget. This year’s fare cut is particularly welcome for those relying on public transport in challenging economic times. “The MyCiTi fares make provision for changes during the financial year based on significant changes to the cost of diesel. “This helps protect passengers from paying too much if the cost of diesel is reduced and protects the City from ongoing losses if the cost of diesel continues to increase significantly,” said Councillor Rob Quintas, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member…

SA has the potential to be a global success story As Chairman of Independent Media and IOL, I believe this editorial comes at a critical time, with media freedom and South Africa’s democracy under serious threat. Media serves as the cornerstone of any democracy. It holds power accountable and amplifies diverse voices. Without it, we risk allowing unchecked corruption and mismanagement to shape our future. South Africa has the potential to be a global success story, but only if we safeguard media freedom and create an environment that supports transparency and accountability. The Survé Family and Sekunjalo have invested approximately R1.4 billion in South African media businesses, spanning newspapers, radio, online platforms, magazines, and digital marketing. These investments have provided jobs for over a 1000 people. Despite the difficult landscape…

The South African Police Service (SAPS) recently confiscated counterfeit products valued at R95,000. Authorities also apprehended three undocumented people during an operation in George, Western Cape. Police spokesperson, Sergeant Christopher Spies said on Monday, September 16, the Western Cape Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Policing Team, Public Order Police, Garden Route District Crime Combating Team and Brand Protectors raided a building on Hibernia Street in George. “The members confiscated toothpaste, deodorant, shoe polish and various cellular telephone accessories. Three undocumented persons (aged between 21 and 29) found on the premises were arrested,” Spies said. The suspects are still in police custody and will appear in court whenever charged. The South African Police Service (SAPS) recently confiscated counterfeit products valued at R95,000. Authorities also apprehended three undocumented people during an operation in…

The South African Police Services (SAPS) have confirmed that Michael Lomas a fugitive wanted in connection with fraud and corruption at Eskom is being extradited back into the country. National Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said Lomas will arrive at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday morning at 9am. Lomas who faces allegations of fraud and corruption at power utility Eskom amounting to almost R1,5 billion was arrested in London in 2021. Mathe said an extradition order was granted in August 2024. Lomas will arrive in SA accompanied by SAPS Interpol SA and will be handed over to the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (known as the Hawks). Police said Lomas is an ex-Eskom employee and is wanted in connection with the alleged fraud and corruption that took place between…