Hired and fired Prasa CEO’s R15 million handshake and redirected disaster funds flagged

[Nat Quinn]

 

 

Here’s what is happening in and affecting South Africa today:

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• Hired and fired Prasa CEO’s big payout: The Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) faced over R15 million in costs due to procedural errors in dealing with the employment of CEO Zolani Matthews. After legal rulings demanded his reinstatement and back pay for 31 months of unemployment, he was dismissed again due to “operational requirements”. His contract allowed for termination without duties, with the board confirming his pay for the enforced absence amounted to R15,345,833. [GroundUp]

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• Questions over redirected relief funds: A year after the Western Cape suffered from severe flooding, questions arise about the R41 million allocated to the Theewaterskloof municipality for disaster relief. The new Mayor, Lincoln de Bruyn, revealed that the funds were not used as originally planned for flood and storm repairs but were redirected elsewhere. [News24]

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• Acting judge’s dodgy R16 million mansion: A News24 investigation outlines that a well-known Durban lawyer and part-time judge is accused of using millions in corrupt funds from Mhlathuze Water to build a lavish R16 million mansion in Ballito. He allegedly employed the funds for extravagant home features and high-end finishes. Additionally, he is implicated in receiving R38 million in unlawful payments from Mhlathuze Water to his firm, Mhlanga Incorporated, between August 2019 and September 2021 after being appointed to a legal panel. [News24]

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• Government-backed fish farm disaster: Thousands of Mozambican tilapia have died at a fish farm in Mpumalanga under alarming conditions, according to the NSPCA. Inspectors faced initial resistance but gained access with a warrant and police assistance. The facility’s poor condition, including exposure to the elements and inadequate heating, severely impacted the fish’s health. [Mail & Guardian]

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• Markets: The rand saw around 2% last week, with stocks hitting a record high in intra-day trade on Friday. On Monday (19 August), the rand was trading at R17.84 to the dollar, R23.12 to the pound, and R19.68 to the euro. Oil is trading at $79.52 a barrel. [Reuters]

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