Author: Gugu Lourie
The Special Tribunal has ruled that the allocation of a R113 million personal protective equipment (PPE) contract to LNG Scientific was both invalid and unlawful. This Centurion-based company secured the tender from the Gauteng department of health during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. In a default judgment handed down on 7 February 2024, the Tribunal ordered that LNG be divested of all profits enjoyed under the invalid contract. LNG is owned by Letloega Thabiso Lekoana. LNG was ordered to submit audited statements within 30 days setting out its income and expenses in relation to the PPE items…
The Department of Health has hit back at a misleading voice note making the rounds on social media platforms claiming that people who vaccinated against COVID-19 are dying due to the vaccine. The voice note, which is also circulating on WhatsApp, promotes the use of an unregistered over-the-counter product called Nature’s Choice Activated Charcoal as a solution to “prevent” such deaths. As per the department, there have been no deaths reported that are causally linked to COVID-19 vaccines, except for the three cases that the department had reported early last year. Members of the public are being urged to ignore any…
In a concerning trend, Eskom, South Africa’s primary electricity provider, has observed a troubling increase in the construction of homes and other structures within power line servitudes. This unwelcome development not only violates Eskom regulations but also raises significant safety concerns. With structures encroaching upon these vital corridors, the risk of accidents and disruptions to power supply looms large. Eskom urgently appeals to the public to refrain from such activities in the interest of safety and reliable electricity provision. The land below and adjacent to a power line is called a servitude. This servitude belongs to the relevant landowner in…
Sibanye-Stillwater has undertaken the transformation of its Brakpan Precious Metal Refinery (PMR) into a dynamic training hub tailored specifically for the youth of Ekurhuleni. This initiative marks a pivotal step in harnessing the region’s potential by offering invaluable skills and opportunities to its young population. With this visionary endeavor, Sibanye-Stillwater not only redefines the purpose of its infrastructure but also paves the way for a brighter future for the youth in the Ekurhuleni area. The training hub has been launched in partnership with Forge Academy & Labs, an education organisation focused on training students for occupations that rely on next-generation…
Telkom revealed today that it is approaching the culmination of negotiations for the Swiftnet sale to a preferred undisclosed bidder, marking a significant stride towards finalising the transaction. Last November, Telkom revealed its plan to sell its masts and towers business, Swiftnet. The giant telco said it has entered an exclusivity period with a preferred bidder, a consortium led by a reputable private equity firm with black economic empowerment backing. Telkom today informed shareholders that substantial progress has been made on meeting the remaining agreed milestones under the exclusivity arrangement, including that the parties have significantly progressed their negotiations to…
After enduring persistent rain showers, progress on Westown Square has surged ahead, marking a significant milestone in the construction of the New City of the West. As the skies clear, the initial phase of this ambitious development project is swiftly materializing, promising to redefine the landscape and vitality of the region. Westown Square, a retail center valued at R1.4 billion, is currently under construction within the Westown Precinct. This precinct constitutes a pivotal segment of the expansive R30 billion Shongweni Urban Development project. The 50 000m² high-street retail experience, Westown Square brings together shopping, dining, living and recreation for all…
OpenAI has introduced Sora, an innovative generative AI model poised to revolutionise the realm of multimedia content creation. Sora stands as a pioneering tool designed to seamlessly transform text into captivating video content, presenting a paradigm shift in the way we conceive, produce, and interact with media. With its unveiling, Sora not only showcases the remarkable advancements in artificial intelligence technology but also heralds a new era of creative possibilities and storytelling potential. This unveiling marks a significant milestone in the ongoing pursuit of harnessing AI to augment human creativity and reshape the landscape of digital media production. “We’re teaching…
Anglo American Platinum, BMW Group South Africa and Sasol together launched the first trial of a pilot fleet of BMW iX5 Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles in South Africa. On the signing of the collaboration agreement in October 2023 at the South African Green Hydrogen Summit, the companies agreed to a cross-industry alliance to drive forward the green hydrogen economy by actively demonstrating value chains and projects, moving from industrial policy to real world applications. Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa, said at the Hydrogen Council’s Regional Meeting and at the launch of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen…
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has issued a critical warning to the public regarding a fraudulent email correspondence. The scam email falsely claims to be from the SABC and threatens recipients with a warrant of arrest for non-payment of TV License fees. The Deceptive Email The email in question originates from an address: [email protected] (purporting to be the “TV License Board”). However, it is not an official SABC email address. The Corporation categorically denies any involvement in such threatening communications. What You Should Do Ignore the Email: If you receive an email from [email protected], disregard its contents. Do not panic or take any action based on the…
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has once again brought actress Terry Pheto under scrutiny in the latest National Lotteries Commission (NLC) grant funding scandal. Pheto, known for her acclaimed performances, faces renewed allegations of involvement in the misuse of NLC funds, as the SIU’s investigation sheds light on potential irregularities in grant allocations. The revelation adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing probe into alleged misconduct within the NLC, casting a shadow over Pheto’s reputation and raising questions about accountability in the allocation of public funds. (SIU) has completed 90% of the second phase in its three-phased National Lotteries…