Covera Trend

Standard Bank has strongly denied explosive allegations made by Dr Anele Mngadi Hammond, describing her claims as “false and baseless” following a viral social media campaign.

The dispute centres around a 2018 luxury vehicle finance deal involving a Ferrari, which has recently resurfaced through a series of TikTok videos posted by Hammond. In the videos, she accuses the bank and its representatives of fraud, intimidation, and even violence.

Responding to the claims, Standard Bank’s Head of Personal and Private Banking, Kabelo Makeke, stated that the matter was handled through a standard debt collection process, and that Hammond voluntarily agreed to settle the outstanding amount. He emphasised that the vehicle was never repossessed and denied any wrongdoing.

Hammond, however, alleges serious irregularities, including being overcharged, receiving allegedly fraudulent documents, and facing extreme intimidation. Among her claims are accusations of a home invasion and harm directed at her family — allegations that have shocked many on social media.

The bank also pointed to a timeline gap, noting that Hammond filed a legal case in 2020 but has not pursued it further in the past five years. It further claims that the serious allegations now being made online were not included in the original court documents, raising questions about their credibility.

While acknowledging the right to freedom of expression, Standard Bank says it will defend its reputation against what it calls malicious falsehoods. The situation continues to spark debate online, with many calling for clarity and accountability from all parties involved.

#StandardBank #SouthAfricaNews #BreakingNewsSA #Ferrari #TikTokNews #ViralSA #BankingDispute #FraudAllegations #LegalBattle #MzansiNews #TrendingSA #SocialMediaNews #Accountability #FinanceNews #NewsUpdate #SAStories #PublicDebate #JusticeMatters #Reputation #CurrentAffairs

3 days ago | [YT] | 0

Covera Trend

Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has described it as “unfortunate” that National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has been summoned to appear in court over the controversial R360 million Medicare 24 tender.

Despite this, Mchunu stressed an important principle — that no one is above the law, regardless of rank or position. His comments come as the case continues to shake confidence in the leadership of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia confirmed that Masemola has been charged under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). While he is not facing corruption charges, the case relates to procurement standards and accountability in handling public funds.

Masemola will remain in his position for now, pending a decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Cachalia is expected to meet with the president as pressure mounts over the growing crisis within SAPS leadership.

The case is part of a wider investigation that has already seen 12 senior police officers arrested, with some facing more serious corruption charges. Authorities have warned that this could be just the beginning, describing the developments as “the tip of the iceberg.”

As the situation unfolds, many South Africans are watching closely, with renewed calls for transparency, accountability, and integrity in public office. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for trust in law enforcement and government institutions.

#SAPS #Masemola #SenzoMchunu #Ramaphosa #SouthAfricaNews #BreakingNewsSA #CorruptionWatch #PFMA #Accountability #JusticeSystem #PoliticalNewsSA #TenderScandal #RuleOfLaw #SApolitics #NewsUpdate #CrimeAndCorruption #LeadershipCrisis #PublicFunds #Transparency #MzansiNews

3 days ago | [YT] | 0

Covera Trend

Businessman Iqbal Survé and his media group Sekunjalo Independent Media have suffered a major legal setback after the Supreme Court of Appeal ordered the company to repay at least R458.6 million to the Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union.

The ruling stems from a R150 million loan agreement signed in 2013 to fund the purchase of Independent Media. The court found that a key subordination agreement — which would have delayed repayment — was not properly authorised, effectively clearing the way for the union to recover its money.

The court also reaffirmed the in duplum rule, which limits the amount of interest that can accumulate on a debt. However, the parties had already agreed to a higher settlement figure, meaning the repayment amount remains significantly above the original loan value.

The dispute traces back to a failed plan to settle the debt through shares in Sagarmatha, a Sekunjalo-linked entity that was intended to list on the JSE. When the listing collapsed, the loan remained unpaid, leading to years of legal battles between the parties.

Independent Media chairman Lucien Jacobs stated that the case does not directly involve the operating business but rather the Independent Media Consortium, a special purpose investment vehicle linked to the transaction.

The judgment adds to ongoing financial and legal challenges surrounding Survé-linked entities, placing renewed focus on corporate governance, debt management, and accountability in high-value business dealings in South Africa.

#IqbalSurvé #Sekunjalo #Sactwu #SupremeCourtOfAppeal #BusinessNews #SouthAfrica #LegalRuling #CorporateGovernance #DebtCrisis #FinanceNews #BreakingNews #JSE #Sagarmatha #EconomicNews #Accountability #CourtCase #SAeconomy #NewsUpdate #FinancialDispute #InDuplumRule

3 days ago | [YT] | 0

Covera Trend

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has revealed that 20 bogus doctors were arrested during the 2025/2026 financial year, highlighting ongoing concerns about unregistered medical practitioners operating across South Africa.

The revelation follows a parliamentary question from Thandiswa Marawu, who raised alarm over a fake doctor in Midrand who allegedly practised undetected for nearly a decade before being exposed through a community tip-off.

Motsoaledi explained that the individual was not registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, meaning they did not appear on the official practitioners’ register. As a result, detection relied heavily on reports from the public rather than routine oversight systems.

Authorities acted after receiving a tip-off, with the HPCSA working alongside the South African Police Service to conduct an inspection that led to the suspect’s arrest. The minister stressed that practising without registration is a criminal offence and must be handled through the justice system.

He also urged patients who may have been treated by unregistered practitioners to report cases to police and consider civil legal action. The HPCSA, he noted, cannot discipline individuals who are not registered, limiting its authority to legitimate practitioners within its system.

Motsoaledi acknowledged that identifying bogus doctors remains a major challenge due to limited resources and the rise of organised syndicates. He encouraged the public to remain vigilant, warning signs including cash-only practices, missing registration certificates, and inconsistencies in practitioner details.

#AaronMotsoaledi #BogusDoctors #HPCSA #SAPS #HealthAlert #SouthAfrica #MedicalFraud #Healthcare #PatientSafety #BreakingNews #Midrand #HealthSystem #FraudPrevention #PublicSafety #SAnews #CrimeWatch #HealthDepartment #Awareness #StayAlert #NewsUpdate

3 days ago | [YT] | 0

Covera Trend

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has sparked global debate after publicly declaring strong support for Israel amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.





Kainerugaba, who is also the son of President Yoweri Museveni, stated that Israel has a right to exist and called for an end to the ongoing conflict. However, his remarks drew particular attention after he suggested that Uganda could take military action against Iran if threats against Israel continue.





While some of his statements were later deleted, they have raised eyebrows among regional and international observers. Given his influential role and proximity to power, his comments are often interpreted as reflecting broader government thinking — even when presented as personal views.





Kainerugaba also highlighted Uganda’s historical ties with Israel, referencing the Entebbe raid, a pivotal moment that shaped relations between the two countries. He recently announced plans to build a statue honouring Yonatan Netanyahu, who was killed during the operation, at Entebbe International Airport as a symbol of enduring friendship.





His comments have reignited discussions about Africa’s role in global conflicts and whether military leaders should publicly weigh in on sensitive geopolitical issues. Analysts warn that such statements could have diplomatic implications, especially as many African nations traditionally maintain neutral or balanced positions in international disputes.





As tensions continue in the Middle East, Kainerugaba’s remarks have placed Uganda firmly in the spotlight, raising questions about the country’s foreign policy direction and its potential role on the global stage.





#MuhooziKainerugaba #Uganda #Israel #Iran #MiddleEast #Geopolitics #GlobalTensions #AfricaInGlobalPolitics #YoweriMuseveni #EntebbeRaid #InternationalRelations #BreakingNews #WorldNews #Diplomacy #Military #ForeignPolicy #AfricaRising #Conflict #Security #NewsUpdate

3 days ago | [YT] | 0

Covera Trend

President Cyril Ramaphosa has deployed Ministers Parks Tau and Kgosientsho Ramokgopa in a bid to prevent the potential liquidation of Tongaat Hulett and ArcelorMittal South Africa, a move that could safeguard thousands of jobs.

The intervention follows growing concern over the economic impact such liquidations would have, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal. Government engagements with key stakeholders have led to the development of targeted measures aimed at stabilising the companies while supporting broader economic growth and job creation.

During his recent State of the Nation Address, Ramaphosa reiterated that government’s priority remains creating an enabling environment for business expansion, especially to benefit women and young people. The intervention aligns with the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan introduced in 2020 to stimulate investment, infrastructure development and small business support.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has indicated it will challenge Tongaat Hulett’s liquidation, arguing that liquidation should be a last resort where there are viable prospects for rescue and restructuring. If the process proceeds, an estimated 15,000 jobs could be lost, affecting workers and small-scale sugarcane growers, many in rural communities. The efforts have drawn support from various stakeholders, including King Misuzulu.

Meanwhile, alternative investor strategies are being explored to stabilise ArcelorMittal South Africa’s Newcastle operations, where more than 3,400 jobs are at risk. Ramokgopa is also coordinating energy supply interventions as part of a rehabilitation plan. Provincial leaders say residents are seeking practical economic solutions that secure jobs and strengthen long-term growth.

#CyrilRamaphosa #ParksTau #KgosientshoRamokgopa #TongaatHulett #ArcelorMittalSA #JobProtection #EconomicGrowth #KwaZuluNatal #SONA #DTIC #SouthAfrica #IndustrialStrategy #sugaringhairremovalustry #SteelIndustry #SaveJobs #EconomicRecovery #BusinessRescue #EnergySecurity #SAnews #BreakingNews

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 0

Covera Trend

An old video of South African pastor Paul Boshoff, founder of Christian Revival Church (CRC), has resurfaced online, sparking widespread debate locally and abroad. The clip, which recently gained traction on TikTok, shows Boshoff discussing leadership expectations within his church.





In the video, Boshoff speaks about loyalty in ministry, stating that he expects unwavering commitment from those who work closely with him. He suggests that disloyalty is unacceptable and recounts an instance where he removed someone from a leadership role after comments he interpreted as undermining authority. He further emphasised the importance of protecting church leadership.



The clip was reshared by an overseas TikTok user, drawing international reactions and reigniting conversations among South Africans about power dynamics within churches. The footage quickly went viral, with social media users debating whether Boshoff’s remarks were taken out of context or reflective of deeper issues within certain religious institutions.

Some CRC members and supporters defended the pastor, arguing that the video lacked full context and that leadership in ministry requires strong unity and trust. Others, however, expressed concern about what they described as authoritarian tones, sharing personal experiences about church leadership and spiritual accountability.



The resurfaced clip has once again highlighted broader discussions about leadership, influence and transparency within megachurch structures. While opinions remain divided, the conversation underscores the powerful role social media plays in shaping public perception of religious leaders.



CRC has not issued a new public statement regarding the resurfaced footage.



#PaulBoshoff #CRC #ChurchLeadership #Megachurch #SouthAfrica #ViralVideo #TikTokDebate #FaithAndLeadership #ReligiousDiscussion #ChristianCommunity #SpiritualAccountability #LeadershipStyle #SocialMediaNews #TrendingNow #ChurchCulture #PublicReaction #MzansiNews #OnlineDebate #FaithConversations #NewsUpdate

1 month ago | [YT] | 0

Covera Trend

The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training has called for the dismissal of Professor Srila Roy, head of the Sociology Department at the University of the Witwatersrand, following a controversial social media post in which she criticised what she described as South Africans’ “poor work ethic.”

Committee Chairperson Tebogo Letsie condemned the remarks as “unacceptable,” saying they were offensive, derogatory and undermined the dignity of many South Africans. He stressed that such views should not be associated with leadership in higher education and that serious consequences would be warranted if the allegations were substantiated.

Wits University has since placed Roy on precautionary suspension pending an investigation. The university has not yet made a final determination regarding her status. However, the Department of Sociology publicly distanced itself from the remarks, describing them as offensive, racist and indefensible.

In a statement, the department said the comments were inconsistent with its core values, including anti-racism, anti-sexism, anti-classism and a commitment to equality and accountability. It further noted that the intensity of public reaction reflected the deep pain caused, particularly among Black South Africans.

Amid mounting criticism, the department requested that Roy step down as Head of Department, a request she has complied with. The parliamentary committee has welcomed the university’s swift action but emphasised that accountability must be decisive and transparent.

Letsie added that universities must remain spaces of dignity, fairness and transformation, warning that leadership positions cannot be held by individuals whose conduct is found to contradict these values.

#WitsUniversity #HigherEducation #PortfolioCommittee #TebogoLetsie #AcademicAccountability #SouthAfrica #BreakingNews #CampusNews #AntiRacism #Transformation #UniversityLeadership #PublicStatement #Equality #Dignity #ParliamentSA #EducationMatters #Governance #NewsUpdate #SAnews #SocialMediaControversy

1 month ago | [YT] | 0

Covera Trend

Speculation is mounting that Patrice Motsepe, executive chairman of African Rainbow Minerals, may be positioning himself to contest the presidency of the African National Congress. The rumours intensified after Motsepe stepped down from his executive role at ARM, a company he founded.

Officially, however, the move follows amendments by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), which on 16 February 2026 tightened its listing requirements to align with global corporate governance standards. The new rules make it explicit that the chairperson of a listed company may not serve as an executive director.

ARM confirmed that Motsepe retired as executive chairman and employee of the company with effect from 16 February 2026, and will now serve as non-executive chairman to ensure compliance. In a note to shareholders, Motsepe said he looks forward to continuing to contribute to the company’s global competitiveness in his new capacity.

Behind the scenes, some ANC insiders have reportedly discussed Motsepe as a possible successor to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is expected to step down as ANC president at the party’s national conference next year. Motsepe’s alleged campaign — informally referred to as “PM27” — has publicly been distanced from him, but supporters argue that his business track record, global networks and financial independence make him a strong contender.

Campaign backers point to his role as president of the Confederation of African Football, saying it reflects a broader pan-African vision. They also argue that his experience in job creation, governance and investment could help restore credibility and unity within a fractured ANC.

Political analysts, however, remain divided. Some question Motsepe’s political track record and warn that internal ANC leadership contests are often shaped more by financial backing and factional dynamics than grassroots support. For now, Motsepe’s transition at ARM remains officially tied to corporate governance compliance — but political speculation continues to grow.

#PatriceMotsepe #ANC #AfricanRainbowMinerals #JSE #CorporateGovernance #CyrilRamaphosa #PM27 #SApolitics #LeadershipRace #BreakingNews #BusinessAndPolitics #GovernanceMatters #SouthAfrica #PoliticalAnalysis #Investment #EconomicLeadership #CAF #UnityInANC #NationalConference #NewsUpdate

1 month ago | [YT] | 0

Covera Trend

Suspended Ekurhuleni Human Resources head Linda Gxasheka told the Madlanga Commission that she stormed out of a February 2023 meeting where the possible suspension of then-divisional director Julius Mkhwanazi was being discussed.

Gxasheka testified that she became concerned about her personal safety after being told during the meeting that Mkhwanazi was “very dangerous.” She said the discussion included security concerns, with then-acting metro police chief Rivo Spies having initiated an investigation into the alleged blue lights scandal.

Mkhwanazi has been implicated in allegedly facilitating the installation of blue lights on private vehicles linked to alleged crime figure Vusimuzi Matlala, and registering those vehicles under the City’s name. At the time, Mkhwanazi was in middle management but was later promoted to deputy chief of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), despite misconduct allegations.

Gxasheka told the commission she felt vulnerable after hearing that senior officials were increasing their own security measures. She said she raised concerns about her safety as a mother with a young baby and accused leadership of being indifferent to her fears. She initially refused to sign Mkhwanazi’s suspension letter but later co-signed the three-month suspension.

The commission also heard that when the suspension period lapsed, former city manager Imogen Mashazi allegedly instructed officials to lift the suspension due to delays in disciplinary proceedings. Mashazi has denied interfering in the process.

Mkhwanazi was eventually suspended again after the allegations resurfaced before the commission and is among individuals recommended in a preliminary report submitted to President Cyril Ramaphosa for possible criminal investigation. Gxasheka’s testimony continues.

#MadlangaCommission #LindaGxasheka #JuliusMkhwanazi #Ekurhuleni #EMPD #BlueLightsScandal #VusimuziMatlala #SAPolitics #CommissionOfInquiry #PoliceCorruption #LocalGovernment #Accountability #JusticeSystem #BreakingNews #SAUpdates #Governance #CyrilRamaphosa #PublicSector #CurrentAffairs #SouthAfrica

1 month ago | [YT] | 0