Author: Staff Writer

The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) is investigating UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) fund fraud and money-laundering. The Sunday Times report stated that nearly R6 million in COVID-19 relief funds – intended for 200 workers at risk of starvation – were diverted to one man. The report states that in an instant Tshepang Phohole went from having R12 in his account to more than R5 million. The money was then quickly sent to friends and businesses over the course of five days. The AFU and police are now probing the UIF to establish whether employees acted in concert with Phohole. The AFU has frozen 28…

Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Dr. Blade Nzimande has hailed a partnership between Huawei and the South African College Principals Organisation (SACPO) as a milestone for South African ICT education and building ICT professionals for the future economy. He was speaking during an online launch of the Huawei ICT Academy, which will be rolled out at TVET Colleges across South Africa, preparing the country for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and creating jobs and opportunities. The launch follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between SACPO and Huawei, which aims to establish Huawei ICT Academy at all…

MTN Pulse has announced the launch of the new MTN Pulse Daily, Weekly and Monthly Social Pass bundles promotion, effective immediately to 16 July 2020, which sees the introduction of 1GB valid for a day for R25. The new MTN Pulse Social Pass bundles are an extension to the existing Social bundles. These competitive bundles provide Youth customers on MTN Pulse with access to Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter and YouTube, all in one bundle. MTN Pulse subscribers can now connect with friends and family for longer, without breaking the bank. “Social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube and…

Information Communication Technology Union (ICTU) said on Friday it was surprised by Cell C’s sudden notification that it plans to retrench as much as 960 out of 2500 total staff complement. This is more than one-third of the total workforce at the Bargaining Level, where the ICTU, which is the sole workers representative, has a vast majority of the membership. ICTU said it is enraged by thus unlawful notification because CellC hasn’t officially notified the Union about its plans to retrench and why Cell C is violating the conditions set out on recapitalization application made out to the Competition Commission.…

South African signatories have called for the South African government to implement five urgent and effective measures to curb the abuse of alcohol. In his speech to the nation on Wednesday 17 June 2020, President Ramaphosa stated that “we will also need to look at further, more drastic measures to curb the abuse of alcohol”. “We now call on the government to draw on the best international evidence, follow the advice of the World Health Organisation and implement those measures which have been shown to be effective in other countries,” said the signatories. These measures are to: Ban advertising of…

The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has welcomed the arrest of seven suspects allegedly involved in the collapse of VBS mutual bank. This comes after the Hawks on Wednesday arrested four suspects during a raid on 10 properties in Gauteng and Limpopo. A further three were expected to hand themselves over to investigators, while a warrant of arrest for the eighth suspect is yet to be effected, as he is in COVID-19 isolation. The seven are today expected to appear before the Johannesburg High Court, sitting at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court. The PIC was a significant shareholder in VBS [Venda…

In March this year, FNB announced Cashflow Relief measures which offer customers a 3-month payment breakthrough a separate credit agreement and assistance with credit insurance claims where relevant. The relief measures have been available from 1 April. As of 15 June, nearly 300 000 individual customers were offered payment breaks through a separate credit agreement worth approximately R5 billion. Payment breaks through a separate credit agreement are offered at prime interest rates with 60 months repayment term and no penalty fees on early settlements. In addition, the bank expects to approve approximately R150 million worth of credit life insurance claims…

Government has emphasised its support for the national carrier, South African Airways (SAA). This comes following the publication of the carrier’s business rescue plan on 16 June 2020. “Government, as the sole shareholder of SAA, supports the business rescue plan where it results in a viable, sustainable, competitive airline that provides integrated domestic, regional and international flight services,” said the Department of Public Enterprises. This is to resolve the untenable situation of the current South African Airways specifically for its employees and its creditors, as well as to support important economic objectives. “The aviation industry in South Africa requires the…

South African FinTech company Centbee launched a new feature in its Bitcoin wallet today that allows you to purchase prepaid electricity, airtime and data. This is the realisation of a dream by co-founders Lorien Gamaroff and Angus Brown, finally making the vision for bitcoin as electronic cash a reality. South African Centbee users have been able to top up their wallets with Bitcoin from over 50 000 retail stores since early 2019 and from their South African bank accounts since February 2020. In addition, Bitcoin can be bought from South African cryptocurrency exchanges VALR.com and AltCoinTrader and sent to a Centbee…

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has pounced on eight suspects allegedly behind the plundering and collapse of the Venda Building Society (VBS) Mutual Bank. Four suspects were arrested when the Hawks descended on 10 properties in Gauteng and Limpopo on Wednesday morning. While the further three are expected to hand themselves over to the investigators, the warrant of arrest on the eighth suspect is yet to be effected, as he is in COVID-19 isolation. The seven are expected to appear before the Johannesburg High Court, sitting at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court. The arrests are a culmination of…