The Weekend Wrap

‘Ghost Company’ bags R428-million oxygen plant tender for state hospitals; mini-budget presentation chills like a cold shower; and spooky street scenes from New York City’s Halloween – all in the weekend wrap.

The Independent Development Trust, acting as a project manager for the Department of Health, has appointed private contractors to install oxygen plants at fifty-five government hospitals. The R836-million project raises similar red flags as the Digital Vibes fiasco, with the bulk of the spend set to go to an obscure company lacking the required accreditation.

By Pieter-Louis Myburgh

The Hawks and NPA have had their heads stuck firmly in the sand for years now, since SARS initiated a series of search and seizure operations that unravelled Simon Rudland’s alleged gold and tobacco smuggling network. The reluctance by these entities to act is bad news for South Africa’s attempts to exit the FATF greylisting by June 2025.

By Pauli van Wyk

On 30 October 2010, on the occasion of Daily Maverick’s first birthday, I sent a message to our die-hard audience. Below are the highlights.

By Branko Brkic

Some may see the Kolisi’s relationship as a failure, but I have long stopped looking at life and how it sometimes unfolds through the restrictive binary lens of either ‘success’ or ‘failure’. Life is far more robust and textured than that.

By Zukiswa Pikoli

South Africans were expecting an upbeat mini-budget presentation. After all, SA’s power supply is back, and we have this great new thing, a Government of National Unity (GNU). Instead, the news was bad.

By Tim Cohen

“I think that the Government of National Unity, the GNU, as we call it is not going too badly,” says Daily Maverick Ferial Haffajee. 

Especially if you take a longer view – in this video, Haffajee explains what works and why. 

In South Africa, the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, now faces a critical legal challenge as calls grow for fairer and more inclusive social assistance.

By Thom Pierce

Being an informed and savvy consumer can help you make ends meet each month.

By Neesa Moodley

The Mzansi Youth Choir has had “countless” memorable moments. And recently, they added composing the second verse of Coldplay’s We Pray in a local language and recording with the band.

By Emilie Gambade

A section ranger at Sabi Sand Nature Reserve says he knows exactly what to do about this conservation ordeal. Elsewhere, scientists are also trialling designs.

By Tiara Walters

In Mozambique’s Anvil Bay, this eco-lodge blends comfort with a respect for the surrounding landscape.

By Angus Begg

A rare thing has happened on the Cape dining scene. A restaurant has emerged that manages to offer high-end cuisine in a space where you feel you’re in a vibey bistro. Let’s hope it sets a new trend for this level of dining out.

By Tony Jackman

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