Angry Msunduzi residents call for forensic investigation:

Angry Msunduzi residents and ratepayers want the government to launch a forensic investigation into the local municipality, which includes Pietermaritzburg, and for lifestyle audits of its staff, alleging it is rife with corruption, political interference and mismanagement.

The residents’ latest call comes as they battle with the municipality’s new multiple billing system that has thrown some into arrears and led to the municipality threatening to disconnect their water and electricity services.

The chair of the Msunduzi Association of Residents, Ratepayers and Civics, Anthony Waldhausen, said the association had written to the treasury on 2 July and to the new KwaZulu-Natal finance MEC, Francois Rodgers, as well as provincial cooperative governance MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi. He escalated the matter to the new national minister of cooperative governance and traditional affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, on Tuesday this week. 

The association previously wrote to the public protector, Kholeka Gcaleka, in April 2023, to complain about the billing system and the municipality’s customer service failings. But Waldhausen said this week that Gcaleka’s office had advised that it would take 24 to 36 months to complete the investigation. 

He said while residents were waiting for the investigation to be completed the municipality was threatening to disconnect those who had fallen into arrears as a result of its new system. Previously bills were due on or before the 30th of each month but the new system had, for some residents, generated bills due on 15th of the month.

“You have budgeted to pay before the 30th but they just unilaterally introduced it, without public consultation, without due process and this is why we went to the public protector, because it is irregular and illegal,” Waldhausen said.

The municipality had introduced the system during the April/May 2023 billing cycle but it was allegedly only approved in a council meeting in June 2023.

“This has caused residents to be in arrears and people have been issued with disconnection letters. I am in arrears of about R10??000 and it is accumulating as a debt. I was always up to date before,” Waldhausen said.

The municipality, which was under administration from 2019 until early May 2024, is now under a Municipal Systems Act section 139(1)(b) intervention that requires it to be run by liaising directly with KwaZulu-Natal’s cooperative governance department. 

In his letter to Hlabisa, Rodgers, Buthelezi and the treasury, Waldhausen listed a raft of allegations regarding corruption and called for a meeting to discuss how the new administration will tackle “the dysfunctional municipality”.

“Despite our genuine gestures of goodwill and support, we have found that the current municipality lacks the political will and foresight to change the fortunes of the city around. We hereby would like to list the challenges of our municipality and include allegations of mismanagement and corruption of the highest order,” he said in the letter.

Among the allegations were those of financial misappropriation, corruption and political interference.

 In addition, 80% of the association’s correspondence with the municipality and political leadership has not been responded to — in contravention of chapter 2, section 5(1)(b) and chapter 4, section 17(2(a) of the Municipal Systems Act — and R32??million had allegedly been spent on sponsoring local events, one of which was linked to a municipal official.

Waldhausen added that the council has suspended municipal manager Lulamile Mapholoba on allegations that have not been investigated.

“The municipal manager submitted a comprehensive response on why he shouldn’t be suspended, and his submission was not discussed at the council meeting which suspended him. The council decision was irregular and unlawful,” Waldhausen wrote.

The labour court overturned the decision and ordered that Mapholoba be reinstated. But the municipality ignored the order and suspended him again. 

Waldhausen also alleged that the 2024-25 budget was rushed through council and approved without due process and public participation, in violation of the Constitution and chapter 4 of the Municipal Systems Act.

“We are deeply concerned about the political interference in the municipal manager’s work. He is suspended on full pay and that is counterproductive for the running of the municipality,” Waldhausen said. 

“Finance mismanagement, corruption and political interference are costing the municipality dearly and are counterproductive for the future of the city. These are a tipping point for the destruction of our municipality.

“It was for this reason that we approached the national minister of Cogta [cooperative governance] for urgent national intervention and for the national government to rescue our city.”

He called for the new administration to launch a forensic investigation and to conduct a lifestyle audit of all municipal staff, from senior management to general workers and political leaders, including the mayor, deputy mayor, speaker and councillors. 

Khulu Phasiwe, the spokesperson for the public protector, said the office had received the complaint and a combined complaint on behalf of the Chase Valley Corridor Civic Association, the Eastwood Residents and Ratepayers Association, and the Northern Areas Residents and Ratepayers Association. 

“The investigation is ongoing, and the duration of such processes is generally determined by the complexity of the matter at hand,” Phasiwe said. 

In response to questions about what action Rodgers would take regarding Msunduzi municipality and the allegations raised in the residents’ letter to him, a spokesperson for the provincial treasury, Musa Cebisa, said the finance department did “not talk to the general operational matters of a municipality” and referred questions to the provincial  cooperative governance department.

The Msunduzi municipality, the provincial and national cooperative governance departments and the national treasury had not responded to questions by the time of publication. 

The association also wrote to the former cooperative governance minister, Thembisile Nkadimeng, on 6??March, and to her provincial counterpart, Bongi Sithole-Moloi, on 13??May, regarding the same allegations of corruption and calling for a forensic investigation. 

But apart from one acknowledgement of receipt, neither responded to their concerns.

– The Mail & Guardian

Aviator game review: It’s a thrilling experience:

What exactly is the Aviator game?

The Aviator game is a unique and captivating online casino offering developed by the innovative game studio, Spribe. Launched in 2019, Aviator has quickly gained a massive following among online gambling enthusiasts worldwide, thanks to its simple yet thrilling gameplay mechanics and visually striking presentation.

At its core, Aviator is a provably fair crash-style game, where players bet on the trajectory of a virtual aircraft as it takes off and steadily gains altitude. The objective is to cash out before the aircraft reaches a certain height, known as the “crash point”, at which the game ends, and all bets are lost. The game’s coefficient, or multiplier, starts at 1x and continuously increases the longer the aircraft remains airborne, offering the potential for exponential payouts.

How to deposit with Aviator in South Africa 

For South African players interested in experiencing the thrill of the Aviator game, the process of depositing funds is relatively straightforward. As the game is typically offered through online casinos, the deposit methods will vary depending on the specific operator.

Most reputable online casinos serving the South African market will provide a range of deposit options, including:

1. Bank transfers: Players can make direct bank transfers from their South African bank accounts to the casino’s designated bank account. This is a secure and reliable method, though it may take a few business days for the funds to reflect in the player’s casino account.
2. Credit/debit cards: South African players can use their Visa or Mastercard credit or debit cards to make instant deposits into their casino accounts. This is one of the most popular deposit methods due to its convenience and speed.
3. E-wallets: Online payment solutions like Skrill, Neteller, and EcoPayz are widely accepted by South African online casinos. These e-wallets offer fast and secure transactions, often with lower fees compared to traditional banking methods.
4. Prepaid vouchers: Some casinos may allow players to use prepaid vouchers, such as Ukash or Paysafecard, to fund their accounts. These vouchers can be purchased from authorised retailers across South Africa.

Regardless of the deposit method chosen, players should ensure that the online casino they select is licensed and regulated by the appropriate South African gambling authorities, such as the National Gambling Board. This will help safeguard the integrity of the gaming experience and protect players’ personal and financial information.

It’s worth noting that deposit limits, fees, and processing times may vary between different casino operators and payment methods. Players are advised to review the casino’s terms and conditions and banking information before making a deposit to ensure a smooth and hassle-free transaction.

How to install Aviator game APK for Android

For Android users in South Africa who wish to access the Aviator game, the process of installing the game’s APK (Android Package Kit) file is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Ensure Unknown Sources is enabled: Before installing the Aviator game APK, you’ll need to enable the “Unknown Sources” option in your Android device’s security settings. This allows you to install applications from sources other than the Google Play Store. To do this, go to Settings > Security > Unknown Sources and toggle the setting to “On.”
2. Download the Aviator APK: Next, you’ll need to obtain the Aviator game APK file. This can typically be done by visiting the website of the online casino that offers the game. Look for a section or link that allows you to download the Aviator APK directly. Ensure that you’re downloading the file from a reputable and trusted source to avoid any potential security risks.
3. Install the APK: Once the Aviator APK file has been downloaded, locate it in your Android device’s file manager or downloads folder. Tap on the file to begin the installation process. Your device may prompt you to confirm the installation, as the app is from an unknown source. Proceed with the installation by tapping “Install”.
4. Grant necessary permissions: During the installation process, your device may request various permissions, such as access to your device’s storage or location. Review these permissions carefully and grant only the ones necessary for the Aviator game to function properly.
5. Launch the Aviator Game: After the installation is complete, you can find the Aviator game app icon on your Android device’s home screen or in the app drawer. Tap the icon to launch the game and start playing.

It’s important to note that the process of installing the Aviator game APK may vary slightly depending on the specific online casino or source you’re downloading it from. Additionally, some casinos may offer the game through a dedicated mobile app, which can be downloaded directly from the Google Play Store or the casino’s website.

Always ensure that you’re downloading the Aviator game APK from a reputable and trustworthy source to avoid any potential security risks or malware concerns.

How to play Aviator and not lose real money

One of the key advantages of the Aviator game is the ability to practise and play without risking real money. This allows players to familiarise themselves with the game’s mechanics and develop their strategies before committing any real-world funds.

Here are the steps to play Aviator without losing real money:

1. Choose a demo or practice mode: Many online casinos that offer the Aviator game will provide a demo or practice mode option. This mode allows you to play the game using virtual, non-redeemable credits, giving you the opportunity to explore the game’s features and mechanics without any financial risk. Play Aviator demo mode absolutely free.
2. Understand the game’s mechanics: While playing the Aviator game in demo mode, take the time to fully understand the game’s mechanics, such as the coefficient (multiplier) increase, the crash point, and the decision-making process involved in cashing out. Pay close attention to the game’s visual cues and the pace at which the aircraft ascends.
3. Develop your strategies: As you become more comfortable with the game, experiment with different strategies and betting patterns. Try to identify the optimal timing for cashing out, taking into account factors such as the current coefficient, your risk tolerance and the overall gameplay trend.
4. Manage your bankroll: Once you’ve gained confidence in your Aviator gameplay, you can transition to playing for real money. However, it’s crucial to set a realistic bankroll and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses or increasing your bets in an attempt to recoup losses, as this can quickly lead to financial difficulties.
5. Utilise responsible gambling tools: Many online casinos provide responsible gambling tools, such as deposit limits, session time limits, and self-exclusion options. Utilise these tools to help you maintain control over your spending and ensure that your Aviator gaming experience remains enjoyable and sustainable.
6. Take breaks and manage emotions: Gambling, even in a game as thrilling as Aviator, can be emotionally taxing. It’s important to take regular breaks, step away from the game when necessary, and avoid making decisions while in a heightened emotional state, such as frustration or elation.

By following these steps and prioritising responsible gameplay, South African players can fully immerse themselves in the Aviator experience without the risk of losing real money. The game’s demo mode and responsible gambling features provide a safe and controlled environment for players to hone their skills and enjoy the excitement of the Aviator game.

Conclusion

The Aviator game has firmly established itself as a must-play title in the online casino industry, captivating players worldwide with its unique gameplay mechanics and the potential for substantial payouts. With its provably fair system, mobile-friendly design, and responsible gambling features, Aviator offers South African players a thrilling and secure gaming experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a newcomer to the world of online casino games, the Aviator game presents an opportunity to enjoy the adrenaline rush of high-stakes decision-making while maintaining control over your bankroll. By familiarising yourself with the game’s mechanics, practising in demo mode, and employing responsible gambling strategies, you can maximise your enjoyment and minimise the risk of financial losses.

As the Aviator game continues to grow in popularity, it’s clear that this innovative title has carved out a unique and enduring place in the online gambling landscape. For South African players seeking a captivating and fair casino experience, the Aviator game is undoubtedly worth exploring and experiencing.

– The Mail & Guardian

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