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馃嚳馃嚘The Citizen路8 hours ago
DA criticizes Gauteng Department of Transport and Emfuleni Municipality over R400 million 'bridge to nowhere
The Democratic Alliance DA has condemned the Gauteng Department of Transport and Logistics and the Emfuleni Local Municipality ELM for spending over R400 million on a bridge in Emfuleni that the DA claims "leads to nowhere." According to DA's ELM Mayor elect, Kingsol Chabalala, the new Flyover Bridge on the R42 was intended to link the northern developed area to the R42 and the future Vaal River City development. Chabalala stated that the project has been delayed and remains incomplete, while Emfuleni residents face a severe service delivery crisis. He argued that the R400 million could have been used to address issues like inoperable rubbish dumps and raw sewage. The DA submitted questions to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to understand the bridge's purpose and construction logistics, concluding that its construction was an "exercise in futility." Chabalala highlighted that the ANC-led municipality's failure to plan resulted in a bridge that is effectively a dead end, with two connecting bridges also leading to dead ends. The estimated cost to complete the connecting roads is R55 million, dependent on private funding for the Vaal River City development with no determined timeframe. These connecting roads were not part of the original provincial road project and are on private land, indicating a lack of strategic foresight from the ANC-led administration.
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馃嚳馃嚘The Citizen路10 hours ago
Johannesburg High Court orders seizure of R326 million in assets from Tembisa Hospital tender businessman
The Johannesburg High Court has granted a final order to the Asset Forfeiture Unit AFU to seize R326 million in assets from businessman Hangwani Maumela. This action is linked to alleged corruption at Tembisa Hospital, initially exposed by whistle-blower Babita Deokaran. The order, issued by Judge Sahida Mahomed on July 20, 2026, targets assets including mansions, luxury vehicles like Lamborghinis and Bentleys, and penthouses. These assets are believed to be proceeds from a R2.3 billion corruption scheme at Tembisa Hospital, where public funds intended for healthcare were allegedly siphoned off. Maumela, identified as President Cyril Ramaphosa鈥檚 nephew from a previous marriage, has been investigated in connection with the scandal, though the President has distanced himself. A forensic review by National Treasury鈥檚 Specialised Audit Services confirmed that 14 entities connected to Maumela unlawfully secured contracts worth over R400 million between 2019 and 2022, involving manipulated bidding and diverted payments. Deokaran, a senior Gauteng health official, was assassinated on August 23, 2021, after flagging suspicious payments at the hospital. National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andy Mothibi and NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago welcomed the ruling, emphasizing its role in fighting corruption. Advocate Chuma Mtengwane, Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions for the AFU, stated that recovered proceeds would be paid into the Criminal Asset Recovery Accoun
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馃嚳馃嚘The Citizen路1 day ago
Malema rejects DA and FF+ alliance, advocates for African unity
EFF leader Julius Malema stated his party will not form alliances with the Democratic Alliance DA or the Freedom Front Plus FF+, describing such a move as undermining a progressive agenda. He made these comments while addressing delegates at a conference of the Botswana National Front BNF. Malema also spoke against anti-illegal immigrant sentiment in South Africa, advocating for the unity of all African states and emphasizing the interconnectedness of SADC countries. He expressed pleasure at being in Botswana, noting that his 13-year travel ban to the country, which stemmed from accusations of attempting to ignite regime change, was lifted in 2024.
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