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13/02/2025

SV Online: How R500 million was stolen.

"Eskom employees were deliberately creating emergencies. In one case, Eskom was declaring an emergency up to seven days in advance. Specifically, an emergency must be within 48 hours," voiced Viven Govender, SIU investigator.

Special Investigating Unit (SIU) voiced that Eskom intentionally created urgency when it afforded Fidelity Security Services (FSS) a R500 million contract in 2022 to safeguard power stations.

SIU is as well probing the contract's connection to an intelligence report compiled by the company of George Fivaz, former police Commissioner; claiming Eskom power stations were under severe threat.

Andre de Ruyter, former Eskom CEO, based a volume of his allegations of maladministration and what he called political interference in the running of Eskom on this report in the final months of his term.

Parliament’s Standing Committee (PSC) on Public Accounts heard on Wednesday (12.02.2025) that a number of intermediary companies recruited to provide the security in these "emergency situations" were not qualified for the job. The SIU started investigating the appointment of George Fivaz Forensic and Risk to gather intelligence for Eskom in 2023

The almost 1,500-page report was mentioned to be compensated for by the business fraternity. Viven Govender voiced that the investigation of the Fidelity contract around the same time urged the SIU to look into other two "emergency contracts" with the same blueprints.
Viven stated that in one specific contract, up to 90% of the work was outsourced and Eskom employees made contact with intermediaries before real service providers for work quotations.
Viven voiced that after a labour dispute with Eskom had been reached, the "emergency" was allowed to continue almost another 6 weeks before termination of the contract in question.

"It is unclear how these companies were contracting and how they were identified when they didn’t have the capacity, especially when in one instance, this company didn’t do work for Eskom prior to that," said SIU investigator Viven.
Reportedly, five Eskom employees have been directed for disciplinary action, while three referrals have been made to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Image: iAfrika

12/02/2025

SV Online: Fight erupt in DRC

Reportedly, fighting erupted Tuesday in the easternnpart of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The fight started after a two-day silence, with Rwanda-backed M23 fighters attacking locations of the Congolese armed forces in what is known as South Kivu province at dawn.

Southern African and East leaders at a summit on Saturday called for an "immediate and unconditional" ceasefire within 5 days, fearing the fighting, which has killed thousands and influenced numbers from their homes, would spill over into neighbouring nations.

M23 has in past months seized tracts of territory in mineral-rich east DRC after again taking up arms in late 2021. It is purpoted clashes were taking place Tuesday nit far from Ihusi, around 70 kilometres (43 miles) from the provincial capital Bukavu and 40 kilometres from the province's airport, this, as alleged by security sources.

Image: MyBroadband/Internet

12/02/2025

SV Online: Transfer me to my preferred facility.

Makgothi Thobakgale, Correctional Services Commissioner (CSC), voiced there are inmates who pose as "whistleblowers" on terms and condition that they are transferred to their preferred facility. "...We get there, we find that this offender was actually trying to play the system," said Thobakgale

Image: X / SV Gallery

11/02/2025

SV Online: Limpopo committed to pay Eskom

“The challenge of that Eskom debt has been thoroughly analysed, how can we come up with a solution and this is one of the solutions and this solution will not only address the current Eskom debt..." voiced Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba as government officials had a meeting with the Minister of Energy and Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa on Monday (10.02.2025) to deliberate on load reduction.
The premier emphasized on the issue of load reduction concerning servicing Eskom debt that "...it also addresses our capacity to plan within our municipalities, which we do not have and also our capacity to manage our finances. Our capacity and skills in terms of technology.”

Premier Dr Ramathuba voiced the province’s municipalities are committed to servicing Eskom debt ensure supply of electricity. Limpopo's municipalities have the lowest debt to Eskom, with R1.6 billion owing out of the R100 billion owed by municipalities across the country.

Image: X (PhophiRamathuba)

11/02/2025

SV Online: Polokwane to suffer watershortage

Polokwane residents and surrounding areas, including businesses are encouraged to ready themselves against what can be a devastating yet temporary water supply interruption. This is the result as Lepelle Northern Water (LNW) is to conduct critical infrastructure upgrades.
Thipa Selala, Polokwane Municipality spokesperson voiced that the interruption is important for essential installation work at the Ebenezer Pump Station.
Areas to be impacted that receive water supply from Ebenezer Pump Scheme count Polokwane City, Seshego, Mankweng, Boyne and Segwashi among others.

The articulated water supply shutdown is part of the underway Olifantspoort and Ebenezer Refurbishment Projects. Residents are urged to be aware of the water supply sh*tdown schedule for 18th of February 2025 on Tuesday.

Thipa Selala, for related inquiries, voiced, “For inquiries, customers can contact Lepelle Northern Water at 015 290 1834 or via email at [email protected]." Mentioning Additionally residents are encouraged to download and utilise the MyPolokwane Citizen App to report water and related matters.

Image: Internet

07/02/2025

SV Online: Failed by the government.

Supplied: The Public Servants Association (PSA) strongly condemns the continued and deliberate non-compliance by the Limpopo Department of Health in settling legally mandated overtime payments owed to two PSA members, appointed as Drivers, for work performed in March 2018.

This blatant disregard for labour laws and legally binding agreements demonstrates a complete lack of respect for workers' rights and undermines the principles of fair labour practice. The two employees were granted standing authority to perform remunerative overtime exceeding 30% of their basic salary for the 2017/18-financial year. Despite this authorisation, the Department unlawfully capped their overtime to 30% of their monthly salary, denying them their rightful remuneration and coercing them into taking time off in contravention of Clause 9 of Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) Resolution 1/2007.

After exhausting all internal avenues to resolve the dispute, the members approached the PSA in 2021. The matter was subsequently referred to the PSCBC in terms of section 24(5) of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA). The Department stalled proceedings by claiming it was engaging the Department of Public Service and Administration for a resolution. No progress was made, leading to arbitration on 20 November 2023, where the Department finally acknowledged its debt of R14 078.34 and R15 038.22, respectively, and committed to settling the amounts by 31 March 2024.

When the Department failed to honour the agreement, the PSA applied for certification of the award on 19 April 2024. A Section-142 ruling was obtained on 24 May 2024, followed by certification in terms of section 143 of the LRA on 26 June 2024. The Department, however, still refused to comply, forcing the PSA to engage the Sheriff of the Court for enforcement. A vehicle valued at R200 000 was judicially attached on 29 August 2024, giving the Department until 29 September 2024 to settle the debt. The Department ignored the deadline, compelling the PSA to instruct the Sheriff to remove the attached asset in October 2024.

Enforcement was obstructed when it was revealed on 28 November 2024 that the Department had made a bulk payment exceeding R2 million to the Sheriff to clear multiple outstanding enforcement orders, whilst conveniently excluding the case in question. Despite continuous efforts by the PSA, the Sheriff failed to act throughout December 2024 and January 2025, further delaying justice for the affected employees. On 30 January 2025, as the Sheriff was finally prepared to execute the removal, the Department, through its legal services representative, attempted to plead for an extension. The PSA categorically rejected this request.

Image: PSA

06/02/2025

SV Online: SONA2025 Highlights

Starting with recognizing and mourning the fallen 14 SANDF solders, President Ramaphosa saw a need reiterate few issues.

Below is SekgoseseVoice 20 Highlights Takeaway from SONA2025

1. Freedom charter is the cornerstone of our democracy and the vision of the Charter continues to guide us
2. Exists global shifts affecting all aspects of human life, that we are resilient as a country and we will not be bullied.
3. It is critical we grow the economy and lower cost of living to build a capable state
4. We will review the funding model for Municipalities...as well, work to redevelop and update the White Paper on local government.
5. Te President acknowledged many Municipalities, that they don't have necessary skills to deliver necessary services
6. The country is introducing a digital identity to drive system transformation, to empower and change how government works.
7. R940 billion on infrastructure in the next three years
8. There are efforts to enable SOEs to function optimally
9. The energy supply is still constrained and need more efforts to deliver uninterrupted electricity
10. We are investing to expand our water resources...urgent priority is to secure water for all
11. We need to promote our country by improving tourism.
12. There is a need to build on programmes to create jobs
13. Implementation of Africa Free Trade Agreement, this will see us improve logistics and rural trade networks
14. Busineses ought to support for Youth upscaling services for better employment opportunities
15. It is important we expand access to early childhood learning
16. We want a country in which healthcare is equal to all...this is to ensure NHI save many lives with varied packages
17. We will build more housing in city centres that are close to where people work. Through this, government is supporting PRASA to improve rail system.
18. The police prioritize reducing gun-related violence in 'what may seem to be less protected communities'. Also, end violence against women or gender-based. This means implementing smart policing and modern law enforcement.
19. Over R10.bn recovered from state capture cases.
20. On diplomatic and geopolitics "...call on all to embrace diplomatic efforts in DRC" as we continue to take part in different peace processes.

Image: .gov.za/The SA Presidency

06/02/2025

SV Online: More promises to come or finally, reality?

In fews hours President Ramaphosa will deliver his 7th Administration and the first since the inception of Government of National Unity (GNU), SONA2025.
Each SONA before this has seen more promises with millions of jobs promised but, less reality. Unemployment upped the sky, now there is diplomatic tensions with SANDF losing 14 solders, US President Donald J. Trump narrowing South Africa's position on land reform and its policies.

What exactly can we expect from President Ramaphosa's 2025 SONA?
From SV you can expect an editorial summary of what can be the many things of SONA2025.

Artwork: The Presidency

06/02/2025

SV Online: What does it mean for your Multichoice subscription?

Sipho Maseko, former Telkom CEO Sipho and BEE deal veteran Sonja de Bruyn are confirmed as two of the parties involved in a R30-billion transaction between MultiChoice and French media conglomerate Groupe Canal+.

MultiChoice Group voiced how it would restructure to comply with regulations on local ownership and foreign control and its administrative of South African broadcasters should the Canal+ deal be given a green light.

The deal sees carving out MultiChoice South Africa as an independent enterprise and setting up a new local holding entity to house significant licences.

Canal+ offered to purchase MultiChoice after buying over 35% of the company’s portfolio shares on the open market, awakening
a situation whereby a South African law require it to make a compulsory buy-out offer.
However, MultiChoice has thus far assured that the deal will not negatively impact its customer portfolio of local subscriptions to its daily services, including broadcasting.

Image: MultiChoice

05/02/2025

SV Online: Floodlights disappoint fans

Polokwane Local Municipality in Limpopo confirmed that it is investigating the cause of a power failure at the newly refurbished Seshego Stadium during a Betway Premier League (BPL) match on Tuesday night the 4th of February 2025.
The power outage left fans, players and officials in the dark during a clash between Magesi FC and Chippa United. As a result, the match between two teams was abandoned.

Thipa Selala, Municipal spokesperson uttered that compulsory measures will be put in place that similar incidents are prevented. “We regret the unforeseen technical issue with the floodlights at Seshego Stadium last night. We understand the inconvenience caused and assure the public that thorough investigations are underway to identify the root cause and implement measures to prevent a recurrence. All necessary tests were conducted prior to the match.”

External Media Statement.

04/02/2025

SV Online: External Media Statement

MEDIA STATEMENT

For Immediate Release
To: All Media Houses
Date: 4th February 2025

THE CONTY LEBEPE FOUNDATIONS ASKS THE OFFICE OF HEALTH MINISTER TO INTERVENE IN LIMPOPO MEDICAL DEPOT DEBACLE.

The Conty Lebepe Foundation is deeply disturbed by the deplorable state of the Provincial medical depot in Seshego, outside Polokwane.

Torrential rains have caused significant damage to the building, resulting in water damage to essential equipment, furniture, and medicines.

According to reliable sources, the building's roof was severely damaged by thunderstorms, leaving everything immersed in water. This situation has been ongoing for an extended period since 2021
, and we fear it will soon impact the healthcare of vulnerable individuals, including those with chronic conditions.

We urge the National Department of Health to intervene immediately. Our previous attempts to raise this issue with Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, the then MEC and current Premier, were met with silence.

We demand a mediated solution to this crisis and call for the reconfiguration of the department or the removal of the MEC to a more suitable role, her stay in this department doesn't serve any purpose to Provincial residents, she boarded a wrong bus.

Furthermore, we still question the Limpopo Province's decision to award a Privatisation contract to Mr. Bongani Rain Maker, which has yet to yield any positive results though he doesnt meet the necessary requirements.

End.

For Any Inquiries:

-Fani Tsela , Foundation Spokesperson, 0824931060.

-Conty Lebepe, Foundation National Coordinator, 0796745533

Video: Supplied / CONLEF

03/02/2025

SV Online: SA to bring an understanding to what may have come across as misreading between SA and US.

Supplied: PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA LOOKS FORWARD TO ENGAGING WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP OVER ISSUES OF BILATERAL INTEREST AND CONCERN.

South Africa is a constitutional democracy that is deeply rooted in the rule of law, justice and equality. The South African government has not confiscated any land.

The recently adopted Expropriation Act is not a confiscation instrument, but a constitutionally mandated legal process that ensures public access to land in an equitable and just manner as guided by the constitution.

South Africa, like the United States of America and other countries, has always had expropriation laws that balance the need for public usage of land and the protection of rights of property owners.

We look forward to engaging with the Trump administration over our land reform policy and issues of bilateral interest. We are certain that out of those engagements, we will share a better and common understanding over these matters.

The US remains a key strategic political and trade partner for South Africa. With the exception of PEPFAR Aid, which constitutes 17% of South Africa’s HIV/Aids programme, there is no other funding that is received by South Africa from the United States.

Image: The Presidency / X

31/01/2025

SV Online: External Media Statement

Eskom issues a high risk alert of loadshedding.

31/01/2025

SV Online: Recognizing Ga-Maja top learners

Today (Friday, 31 January 2025) SekgoseseVoice provide exclusive media coverage.

The Dr Serobi Maja Centre for Youth Development, Ga-Maja Moshate outside Polokwane, celebrate and honour the top 2024 best performing Gr.8 and Gr.12 learners.

Images: SV Gallery l SMCYD Artwork

30/01/2025

SV Online: SARB and your money

Lesetja Kganyago, South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Governor, today (Thursday, 30.01.2025) live in Centurion, JHB addressed the public and media on, among other points of inflation and the monetary policy, the following:
1. SARB interest rate decision imminent.
2. SARB expect potential growth to trend higher; Forcast 2% by 2027
3. Risks to growth Forcast assessed as balanced
4. SARB announces 25BPS rate cut to 7.50%

Image: SV Gallery l BusinessLive

30/01/2025

SV Online: Who is responsible, exactly?

The search for the outstanding suspects who took part in the devastating torching of Putco's 51 buses in Nkangala District sees no end. Kwandebele United Local and Long-Distance Taxi Association has decided to dispel any allegations that members of local taxi bodies are accountable for the attack and its violence.

The local taxi association took an initiative to guarantee the community at large that it has nothing to do with such barbaric attack on Putco buses.
Two suspects in connection with the incidents are thus far arrested and investigations are said to be ongoing. Doctor Mahlangu, General secretary of Kwandebele United Local and Long-Distance Taxi Association Doctor voiced that with past experience have had problems with the bus operator’s in-expensive services.

Image: NA/Ineter

30/01/2025

SV Online: President Ramaphosa's Address on DRC, SANDF and SA soldiers who lost their lives.

Fellow South Africans,

Following the recent intensification of fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Africa has lost 13 brave soldiers who were dedicated to their mission and committed to peace. The fighting is the result of an escalation by the rebel group M23 and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) militia engaging the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and attacking peacekeepers from the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC).

On behalf of the government and the people of our country, I express our sincerest condolences to their families, their loved ones and colleagues. We bow our heads in honor of their heroic and gallant fight for peace.

We honour and mourn them.

All necessary support is being provided to the families of the deceased and the families of the injured. The process to repatriate the remains of the deceased is underway.

The attacks on peacekeepers resulted in the deaths of SAMIDRC members from other troop contributing countries, namely, Malawi and Tanzania, as well members of the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) brigade. We honour all the lives that were lost and pass our condolences to their families, governments and citizens. The situation in Goma and Sake, where our troops and their counterparts are stationed, remains very tense, volatile and unpredictable.

The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Ms Angie Motshekga and the Chief of the SANDF Gen Rudzani Maphwanya and SAMIDRC Force Commander Maj Gen Monwabisi Dyakopu are working to ensure that the SAMIDRC forces remain well equipped and sufficiently supported during this critical mission.

We are concerned about the speculation about the state of our troops and the battle conditions. All South Africans must rally behind our brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to bringing peace in our continent.

South Africa’s military presence in the eastern DRC is not a declaration of war against any country or state. The members of the South African National Defence Force that are in the DRC are part of both SADC and United Nations efforts to bring peace and protect thousands of lives that are constantly threatened by the conflict in the DRC. The presence of the SAMIDRC forces demonstrates a commitment of SADC member states to supporting the DRC in its efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability and ultimately, create an enabling environment for sustainable development and prosperity.

We welcome the position that was recently adopted by the United Nations Security Council during its special sitting on the situation in the DRC, which calls for an immediate end to hostilities, the reversal of territorial expansion by the M23, the exit of external forces from the DRC and the resumption of peace talks under the Nairobi Process.

The territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected in accordance with the United Nations Charter on the respect of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of other states.

We call on all parties to this conflict to fully embrace the current diplomatic efforts that are aimed at finding a peaceful resolution, including honoring the Luanda Process agreements. We must silence the guns on our continent for the attainment of inclusive development and prosperity.

I thank you.

Image: Melanie Verwoerd

28/01/2025

SV Online: External Media Statement

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SV Online: External Media Statement MEDIA STATEMENT For Immediate Release To: All Media Houses Date: 4th February 2025 THE CONTY LEBEPE FOUNDATIONS ASKS THE OFFICE OF HEALTH MINISTER TO INTERVENE IN LIMPOPO MEDICAL DEPOT DEBACLE. The Conty Lebepe Foundation is deeply disturbed by the deplorable state of the Provincial medical depot in Seshego, outside Polokwane. Torrential rains have caused significant damage to the building, resulting in water damage to essential equipment, furniture, and medicines. According to reliable sources, the building's roof was severely damaged by thunderstorms, leaving everything immersed in water. This situation has been ongoing for an extended period since 2021 , and we fear it will soon impact the healthcare of vulnerable individuals, including those with chronic conditions. We urge the National Department of Health to intervene immediately. Our previous attempts to raise this issue with Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, the then MEC and current Premier, were met with silence. We demand a mediated solution to this crisis and call for the reconfiguration of the department or the removal of the MEC to a more suitable role, her stay in this department doesn't serve any purpose to Provincial residents, she boarded a wrong bus. Furthermore, we still question the Limpopo Province's decision to award a Privatisation contract to Mr. Bongani Rain Maker, which has yet to yield any positive results though he doesnt meet the necessary requirements. End. For Any Inquiries: -Fani Tsela , Foundation Spokesperson, 0824931060. -Conty Lebepe, Foundation National Coordinator, 0796745533 Video: Supplied / CONLEF

SV Online: Just In - Video Snipet of Possible Volcano in Sekgosese.

SV Online: MEC Radzilani and your Analysis What is your take when Limpopo MEC of the Department of Social Development Florence Radzilani states, "...after we have been exposed to this situation?" speaking during her visit to Vutlhari Hospice and Disability Centre yesterday (09.10.2024) Video & Cut: SV Gallery

SV Story to Follow Edition 39: Part 2 - Inside Vutlhari We ask: Who miserably failed the patients at Vutlhari, is the owner Mr Pheko Baloyi or the government through the Department of Social Development?

SV Online: Part 1 Application Interdict of Modjadji Series. Courtesy of SABC News

SV ONLINE NEWS: Big Entrance A big entrance at the unveiling of Centre for Youth Development, Ga-Maja by Miss Teen Mundai South Africa 2024. #SekgoseseVoice l X @SVONLINENEWS

SV ONLINE NEWS: Tradition Ga-Maja Sekgapa pre-entertaining guests.

SV ONLINE NEWS: Vutlhari & Community Mr Baloyi, Vutlhari Centre Manager introducing guests during Freshlinq donation. #SekgoseseVoice l X @@SVONLINENEWS

SV is attending the Limpopo School Choir competition held at Seshego, Masedibu High School. #Sekgosesevoice

Janisto and CK at SOCA. #Sekgosesevoice

Live performance by King Monada at SOCA. #Sekgosesevoice

SV ask Minister Nxesi a question at the launch in Giyani. #Sekgosesevoice

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