Author: Gugu Lourie
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has filed a Parliamentary Ethics Complaint against Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni MP, after she allegedly blocked DA MPs from conducting an oversight visit to the Directorate for Conventional Arms Control (DCAC). The visit, led by DA NCOP Member on Security & Justice, Nicholas Gotsell MP, alongside Chris Hattingh MP, was in response to concerns raised in the Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD). Industry stakeholders had flagged delays in permit approvals and other administrative failures, which are stalling an industry worth billions. However, upon their arrival, Acting DCAC Director Peter Mashaba, following telephonic instructions…
The rapidly developing Western Cape town of Hartenbos and the greater Garden Route region are set to welcome an exciting new shopping destination: Garden Walk, a 20,000sqm retail and lifestyle centre. The new shopping centre is scheduled to open in April 2026 with a carefully curated tenant mix, including specially selected grocery stores, a tailored mix of upmarket lifestyle stores and delicious dining experiences Mossel Bay, which was recently named a top holiday destination for 2025, saw its local municipality play a key role in making this development possible by creating a business-friendly environment under strong leadership. The lead developers,…
Waxd Solution, in partnership with Botransa, has successfully introduced a cashless payment system for minibus taxis in Swartruggens, near Rustenburg. By leveraging its Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system, Waxd has delivered a secure and efficient digital payment solution that benefits all stakeholders. “Going cashless is a crucial step in modernising our transport system and ensuring the safety of both drivers and commuters,” explains Anthony Stewart, Group CEO of Waxd. “Our cashless system ensures swift, secure, and seamless transactions, allowing drivers to focus on what truly matters. Phase 1 of this particular project has been running since November 2024, and we…
The new Volvo ES90 sets a benchmark for electric performance, featuring cutting-edge 800-volt technology that enables rapid charging and extended driving range. With the ability to add 300 kilometres in just 10 minutes and a total range of up to 700 kilometres, it’s the most efficient electric Volvo to date. The ES90 debuts Volvo’s 800V system, bringing faster charging, improved performance, and enhanced efficiency. Compared to conventional 400V systems, it generates less heat and allows ultra-fast charging up to 350kW without straining the battery. Lighter e-motors and components further reduce weight, optimizing efficiency, acceleration, and range. “Our 800V technology marks…
University life is a time of newfound independence, late-night study sessions, a buzzing social life, and the ever-present challenge of managing finances. But where do South African students really spend their money? The Varsity Vibe 2024 Student Spend Survey, based on 18,819 responses, sheds light on student spending habits, revealing the financial pressures young adults face. The reality of student expenses Many students underestimate the true cost of living in South Africa, according to Varsity Vibe. Moving out of home for the first time and handling their own shopping presents a steep financial learning curve. Survey respondents expressed surprise at…
The Mayor of Tshwane is set to table an adjustment budget tomorrow, proposing an additional R315 million for so-called watchman services, just days after revelations surfaced about a potential business link between ANC Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise and one of the security companies contracted by the city. “This is a blatant attempt to entrench wasteful spending while ignoring smarter, more effective security solutions,” said Ald Cilliers Brink, DA Tshwane Caucus Leader. The DA has long advocated for modern security measures such as CCTV cameras, motion detectors, and mobile armed response units—proven to be more effective and cost-efficient than relying on…
The DA’s relentless push for a corruption probe into Tshwane’s ANC Deputy Mayor has forced Mayor Nasiphi Moya to take action and launch an investigation into her second-in-command. This follows the DA’s demand for a fast-tracked forensic investigation into allegations that a company linked to Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise, Triotic Protection Services, was unfairly awarded a municipal tender for watchman services, potentially in violation of procurement regulations. “The people of Tshwane deserve transparency and accountability,” said Cllr Jacqui Uys, DA Tshwane Spokesperson on Finance. “We need to determine whether Modise is financially benefiting from the City through this company, which…
Eskom announced that loadshedding was suspended today at 5:00am, following the recovery of generation capacity and the replenishment of emergency reserves. “We maintain our guidance that loadshedding is largely behind us due to structural improvements in the generation fleet. Our focus remains on eliminating loadshedding as a structural constraint on the economy,” said Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane. “There will be valuable lessons to be learned from the set of multiple unit trips that were unconnected and purely technical in nature related to electrical and control system issues within auxiliary parts of our power stations,” continued Marokane. Over the…
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has reported Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Minister Barbara Creecy to the Public Protector over alleged political interference in the appointment of the new South African Airways (SAA) CEO. According to DA National Spokesperson Willie Aucamp MP, the appointment process has been tainted by undue political meddling, with Minister Creecy reportedly set to recommend John Lamola, who performed worst in independent assessments, over far more qualified candidates, including Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka and top-scoring contender Philip Saunders. “The fact that Lamola, the lowest-scoring candidate, is being favoured over more competent individuals raises serious red flags…
Volvo Car South Africa is introducing an exclusive offer to make electric vehicle (EV) ownership more convenient and accessible. As the country’s leading EV brand, Volvo is providing new EV buyers with two years of free public charging, a GridCars wallbox with installation support, and 10 GB of Vodacom data per month for three years. Two years of free public charging New Volvo EV owners will receive a charging voucher worth R12,000, linked to the GridCars charge card, valid for 24 months. “South African motorists have shown they’re ready for electric motoring, as demonstrated by the strong sales of Volvo…