1 day ago

Mark Fish: MTN8 Victory Could Propel Orlando Pirates to Betway Premiership Title

Former Orlando Pirates defender, Mark Fish, believes that winning the MTN8 final on Saturday could serve as a crucial stepping stone for the Buccaneers in their quest for the Betway Premiership title this season. Pirates are set to face Stellenbosch FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, competing for the first piece of silverware in the South African season.

Pirates have had a strong start to the season, maintaining an unbeaten record in all competitions and winning their first three league matches. They currently sit second in the Premiership standings, level on points with defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns. It has been 12 years since Pirates last won the league, and fans like Fish are hopeful that this season could mark their return to glory.

However, Pirates face tough competition from Sundowns, who have dominated the league by winning the last seven titles. Last season, Sundowns finished 13 points ahead of Pirates, and their squad remains strong enough to compete on all fronts.

Fish believes that a win in the MTN8 final could provide Pirates with the confidence needed to challenge Sundowns for the league title. "Winning their first trophy of the season would provide Pirates with a major stepping stone," Fish said in an interview. 'Pirates' biggest challenge has always been consistency. They excel in one-off games, but if they win on Saturday, they can use that momentum to drive their league campaign."

As a passionate Pirates supporter, Fish expects the team to push Mamelodi Sundowns harder than they have in recent seasons. "As Pirates fans, we want our team to seriously challenge for the Betway Premiership this season and give Sundowns a tougher fight."

However, Fish acknowledges that the Buccaneers are not in for an easy match against Stellenbosch. The Winelands-based team has had a mixed start to their league campaign but has been impressive in the MTN8, knocking out Sundowns in the semi-finals. Stellenbosch has also qualified for the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup, proving their ability to perform on big occasions.

Fish respects Stellenbosch and their coach Steve Barker, recognizing the quality of football the team plays. "Stellenbosch FC are a very exciting team, and what they've accomplished is remarkable. Pirates will have to work hard to win," said Fish.

With both Pirates and Stellenbosch known for their dynamic and attacking styles, Fish predicts an exciting final. "Both teams play similar football, and it will be an exciting match with plenty of chances. Barker's side will certainly give Pirates a challenge, so I expect a thrilling game."

As Pirates aim to secure their first trophy of the season, the MTN8 final could prove to be a defining moment in their campaign, giving them the belief they need to take on Sundowns in the Betway Premiership title race.

1 day ago

DA Takes City of Joburg to Court Over 'Unlawful' VIP Protection Policy

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg has taken legal action against the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), challenging its VIP protection policy, which the party claims is irrational, unlawful, and unconstitutional. The policy, approved earlier this year, has led to the city spending over R3 million monthly on VIP protection, employing around 60 bodyguards and using 40 vehicles.

The DA argues that this excessive spending has negatively impacted service delivery, with the city's budget reduced from R83 billion to R76 billion due to falling revenue, exacerbating its financial strain. The party has accused city officials of misusing "blue lights" for VIP protection, violating the Municipal Systems Act.

DA caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku emphasized that while residents are struggling with increased utility costs, water shedding, and load reduction, the city's executives are benefitting from expensive VIP protection at the expense of the public. The party urged the courts to hold the decision-makers accountable and impose a cost order on those responsible for implementing the policy.

The DA is committed to fighting for responsible spending of public funds and ensuring that city resources are used for service delivery rather than excessive VIP protection.

1 day ago

DA Criticizes Government's Plan to Hire 20,000 Inspectors as a Threat to Economic Growth

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has voiced strong opposition to Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth's plan to appoint 20,000 additional inspectors to enforce compliance with race-based policies under the Employment Equity Act (EEA). This would be a significant increase from the current 2,000 inspectors.

Meth indicated that the expansion is part of the department's medium-term expenditure framework and aims to enhance labour law enforcement through more comprehensive audits and inspections across South Africa.

The DA, however, sees this initiative as a misuse of resources and a continuation of outdated racial classifications from the apartheid era. Michael Bagraim, the DA's spokesperson for Employment and Labour, criticized the plan as regressive, warning that such measures could hinder economic growth and worsen South Africa's unemployment and cost-of-living crises.

Bagraim stated that the DA is preparing legal action to challenge the constitutionality of the Employment Equity Act and its race quotas, pushing for the complete abolition of what the party calls the "Race Quotas Act."

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has also raised concerns about the EEA's definition of "designated groups," citing inconsistencies with both constitutional and international law. The DA argues that the government's approach could lead to greater bureaucratic inefficiency and economic stagnation, rather than promoting genuine transformation.

In line with its non-racial, merit-based economic policy, the DA urged Minister Meth to consider using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework for fostering socio-economic development. However, Meth reportedly rejected this approach during a recent parliamentary session, raising concerns about the government's strategy.

1 day ago

Fraud Accused Thoshan Panday to Appear in Court

Thoshan Panday is scheduled to appear before the Durban Magistrate's Court on Friday, following his failure to attend a previous court session on September 25, 2024.

Panday, 52, who faces more than 27 counts of fraud, was reportedly receiving medical treatment at a private hospital in Durban during his absence. His legal team had presented a medical certificate to explain his absence, but the court ordered the head of the prison and the admitting doctor to be subpoenaed for failing to inform the court of his condition.

Panday has been held at Durban's Westville Prison since his arrest on September 5, 2024, and remains in custody after being denied bail. He is accused of submitting false VAT and annual income tax returns, allegedly defrauding the South African Revenue Service (SARS) of R7.3 million.

Indictments were supposed to be served on September 25, 2024, with the case expected to be transferred to the Durban High Court.

In a separate case, Panday faces corruption, fraud, and money laundering charges related to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The State alleges that he controlled several entities that received approximately R47 million from the South African Police Service (SAPS) due to a corrupt relationship with its Supply Chain Management Division.

His co-accused in this matter include his mother, wife, sister, brother-in-law, and personal assistant, with the trial set for next year in the Durban High Court.