Write and Publish Your Opinion, Sporting or Local News on MyZA: CLICK HERE to Proceed

MyZA

News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff

You are here: Home / Archives for Guest

Guest

LATEST: Grounded MV Ultra Galaxy – oil and fuel removal a lost cause, wreck removal the next target

Location: News

Pretoria: 23 August 2024 With removal of all remaining oil and fuel onboard the grounded and now wrecked Panama-flagged general cargo vessel, the MV Ultra Galaxy, no longer feasible; the salvage effort has smoothly moved onto removal of the wreck off the South Africa’s west coast beach, as soon as possible, according to the South … Continue reading LATEST: Grounded MV Ultra Galaxy – oil and fuel removal a lost cause, wreck removal the next target- SAMSA

Read moreLATEST: Grounded MV Ultra Galaxy – oil and fuel removal a lost cause, wreck removal the next target

Strong municipalities needed to grow economy

Location: News

Strong municipalities needed to grow economy

Efficient and strong municipalities are key to ensuring that South Africa’s economy grows and jobs are created, says President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

The President addressed the District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo at Tsakane Stadium in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, on Friday.

The Presidential Imbizo is a platform for communities to interact with government leaders from all three spheres of government on service delivery challenges, and for the executive to respond to the community on what they are doing to resolve those issues.

WATCH | 

“We have said as the Government of National Unity, our key priority is to grow the economy, and to create jobs and fight poverty. But to do this, we need strong municipalities. It is municipalities that are the engine room of development because they provide the services to our people but they also are economic engine rooms.

“We want our municipalities to work efficiently. To our councillors, we should not be continuously hearing that our people don’t even know their councillors. That must come to an end. Councillors have been elected to serve the people and they must show themselves in the community. They must hold meetings with our communities. We must not wait for an Imbizo to come and listen to our people raising their concerns,” the President said.

Turning to the City of Ekurhuleni municipality, President Ramaphosa said it is one of South Africa’s most important hubs.

“The Ekurhuleni Municipality is well positioned as an economic driver of job creation.  Ekurhuleni is a major transportation hub. But apart from that… it is the manufacturing capital of our country. Ekurhuleni plays a very important role in the life of our province, and in the life of our country and our economy.

“It is home to Africa’s largest and busiest airport… OR Tambo International Airport. It’s also a major centre for freight corridors in our country. This makes the metro a substantial economic player because manufacturing is one of the key contributors to the GDP,” he said.

President Ramaphosa acknowledged, however, that service delivery in the area must be improved. He assured the community gathered at the imbizo that government has heard their cries.

“We want to improve the services that are delivered to our people. We know that service delivery is one of the key challenges and particularly water and electricity.

“We are going to be giving more focus on water…building new reservoirs, increasing our bulk water delivery. We are also going to be focusing on housing. Housing shortage is one of challenges many of our people face and we will address that,” he said.

Another area of concern raised by community members is crime and the President said Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is focusing “on how we can deal with extortion, the construction mafia and gender based violence”.

“Those men who play football with the women of our country must stop and we are going to be focusing on that. Gender based violence is a pandemic and our people are working in a very focused manner on that,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 08/23/2024 - 17:03

89 views
Read moreStrong municipalities needed to grow economy

Eskom launches pilot electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Midrand

Location: News

Eskom launches pilot electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Midrand

Eskom has officially launched its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at the Eskom Academy of Learning (EAL) in Midrand, Gauteng. 

“This milestone marks a significant step in Eskom Distribution’s commitment to supporting the growth of the eMobility sector in South Africa and contributing to the country’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions,” the state-owned power utility said. 

According to Eskom, the pilot project includes the procurement of 20 EVs ranging from light delivery vehicles to light trucks for operational use. 

The pilot project also involves the installation of 10 charging stations at five Eskom sites across the country. 

The other sites are Brackenfell in Cape Town, Mkondeni in Pietermaritzburg, Tlhabane Customer Network Centre (CNC) in Rustenburg and Marathon CNC in Mbombela. 

These sites will serve as the foundation for Eskom Distribution’s long-term strategy to electrify its entire fleet by 2040.

“We continue to focus on our long-term strategy to deliver a competitive, sustainable, and future-proof Eskom to ensure energy security, growth, and long-term sustainability for the benefit of South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa,” said General Manager in the Office of the Eskom Group Executive for Distribution, Gabriel Kgabo. 

By investing in eMobility and the charging infrastructure needed for EVs, Kgabo said Eskom was not only reducing its carbon footprint but also stimulating the local economy and creating new growth opportunities. 
Kgabo highlighted Eskom’s support of the government to align South Africa with the global EV ecosystem market. 

Key initiatives include the EV White Paper released by the Department of Trade Industry and Competition in December 2023 and the incentives announced by the National Treasury to encourage the local production of EVs from 2026.

Pilot Project Overview

The recently installed charging stations, in collaboration with Gridcars, feature state-of-the-art direct current fast chargers (60kW) and dual alternating current (AC) chargers (22kW). They are optimised for overnight charging of fleet vehicles and daytime workplace charging for employees and visitors.

The power utility believes this initiative will serve as a blueprint for the future rollout of EVs across Eskom’s entire fleet. 

“It is one of the levers that will steer the organisation towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and will also contribute to stimulating the local EV market.

“The successful launch of this infrastructure is a result of the dedicated efforts of the project team within Eskom. Their work is laying the groundwork for a future where electric vehicles play a central role in South Africa’s transportation landscape.” – SAnews.gov.za 

Gabisile
Fri, 08/23/2024 - 10:00

491 views
Read moreEskom launches pilot electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Midrand

Minister calls for urgent meeting to tackle construction mafia challenge 

Location: News

Minister calls for urgent meeting to tackle construction mafia challenge 

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson, and KwaZulu-Natal Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Martin Meyer, have announced plans for an urgent meeting to develop a decisive response to the construction mafia challenge across the country.

In a statement, Minister Macpherson said they have jointly agreed that an urgent meeting with all the respective MECs in all provinces and the Ministers in the Law Enforcement cluster should be held in KwaZulu-Natal. 
The decision follows a meeting between Macpherson and Meyer, during which Meyer presented a report detailing the resurgence of construction mafia activities in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Shortly after I was appointed as Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, I vowed to deal decisively with the construction mafia and to restore the rule of law at construction sites across the country.

“During a recent oversight visit to the uMkhomazi water project, I learnt how an altercation with the construction mafia led to the death of three people and the assault of another. This is simply unacceptable. We will never be able to attract additional infrastructure investment, and turn the country into a construction site, while this lawlessness continues,” Macpherson said.

The Minister stated that this is why it is imperative to host the meeting with Public Works MECs across the country and the Ministers in the Law Enforcement cluster to develop a comprehensive plan to turn the tide against the construction mafia “to not only attract additional infrastructure investment but protect the lives of our people.” 

Beyond addressing the construction mafia, the Minister and MEC Meyer discussed the potential reform of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to ensure it benefits recipients and contributes to job creation.

They also explored how national and provincial governments can collaborate to expand infrastructure development in KwaZulu-Natal.

“KwaZulu-Natal is a province of such immense potential, and I therefore look forward to working closely with the MEC to unlock economic growth and job creation in the province,” he said. 

The Minister added that he will be meeting with MECs in other provinces and mayors in the week ahead to see how they can work together to improve the lives of our people. 

“It is only through working together towards a common vision that we can unlock South Africa’s potential. Let’s Build South Africa,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 08/23/2024 - 10:55

322 views
Read moreMinister calls for urgent meeting to tackle construction mafia challenge 

Youth is a strategic resource essential for moving the country forward

Location: News

Youth is a strategic resource essential for moving the country forward

The youth is a strategic resource and an intellectual reservoir of ideas essential for moving the country forward, says the Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga.

“Our youthful population represents a blessing with limitless potential—a strategic asset for the current and future well-being of this country and continent,” Chikunga said.

Delivering a keynote address at the South African Youth Economic Council (SAYEC) 3rd annual job imbizo, held at Melrose Arch on Thursday evening, Chikunga argued that while the current socio-economic conditions pose a direct threat to national stability and undermine future prospects, it is not the youth who are a threat to national security.

According to Chikunga, the conditions under which the youth continue to exist, create opportunities for both known and unknown threats to emerge and become institutionalised.

“Without a more purposeful, quantifiable, and deliberate investment in their potential and capabilities, South Africa will not be in a position to reap the benefits of its demographic dividend.

“No country on earth has been able to industrialise or re-industrialise while neglecting the role of youth in the economy. A trained, capable, and industrious youth is the crucial ingredient currently missing in South Africa’s industrialisation puzzle,” Chikunga said.

She emphasised that placing the youth at the centre of re-industrialisation must be accompanied by fundamental changes in the structure, systems and institutions.

This must also be accompanied by fundamental changes in patterns of ownership, management, and control of the wealth producing resources in favour of all South Africans, particularly the marginalised, vulnerable and poor, who are primarily Africans and women.

She said youth participation in the economy should not be reduced to hopping from one internship to another.

To prepare the youth for meaningful participation in South Africa’s era of industrialisation, the Minister stressed the need for a reimagined industrial strategy that is both fit for purpose and responsive to rapidly changing global economic patterns.

“These patterns range from automation and the rise of artificial intelligence in manufacturing to the ongoing geopolitical realignment. Such a strategy should be anchored on robust economic and market intelligence in order to enhance the quality of decision-making in support of our goals of productivity, industrialisation, commercialisation, and beneficiation,” Chikunga said.

Chikunga added that addressing youth unemployment requires targeted, sustainable interventions with clearly articulated exit opportunities.

"High levels of youth unemployment require special programs. The National Youth Service Programme must better educate, develop, train, and empower youth, and enable them to participate in the reconstruction of society,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 08/23/2024 - 11:40

307 views
Read moreYouth is a strategic resource essential for moving the country forward

Women as Global Leaders: Leveraging Unique Qualities

Location: MyPR

By Debra Lalla (Senior Academic – Regent Business School) The role of women in global leadership has become increasingly significant. Women bring unique perspectives and qualities that are not only transforming businesses but also shaping the future of industries and societies at large. Despite the considerable progress made in recent years, female leaders continue to …

Read moreWomen as Global Leaders: Leveraging Unique Qualities

Prof Nkondo remembered as an exceptional intellectual and loving father

Location: News

Prof Nkondo remembered as an exceptional intellectual and loving father

An intellectual, revolutionary and patriot, who dedicated his life to building the intelligentsia in South Africa; and also a loving husband, father and grandfather, passionate about education and a community leader.  

These are the words used to describe the late Professor Muxe Nkondo, who was laid to rest today after his passing on Sunday morning at the age of 83.

Delivering the Eulogy at the Freedom Park Heritage and Museum in Pretoria, Deputy President Paul Mashatile said Nkondo was a well-known name in local politics, Southern Africa and the continent. 

He reminded mourners that Nkondo produced great intellectuals, academics, Ministers and public servants, who are today serving the country with distinction. 

“I am equally pleased that we are sending him off [from] a place that he passionately supported and equally loved. It is at this place that we took the decision that we put to rest those who have served our nation with distinction. It is here that we have agreed that we spend quality time with those who have left us,” said Mashatile at the Special Provincial Funeral of renowned academic and social policy specialist, Professor Nkondo.

The funeral service was held at Freedom Park Heritage Site & Museum in Pretoria on Friday.

The late academic occupied senior roles as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of the North and Vice-Chancellor of Venda University. 

“It is the wisdom of Prof Nkondo and many that today we do not have an identity crisis and because of them we can proudly say we are Africans, and ours is to build a nation that is a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, united and prosperous society.” 

The Deputy President also told mourners that he was also part of the Nkondo family and grew up under the late Curtis Nkondo, who was the Professor’s brother, who served in the African National Congress (ANC). 

“By being a member of this family, I also had the opportunity to have Prof Nkondo deliver a speech and bless our union during my wedding celebration,” he recalled. 

As a novice in the arts, creative and heritage sector, during his tenure as the Deputy Minister, and later as Minister of Arts and Culture, the Deputy President said he leaned on the wisdom of eminent individuals, including Nkondo. 

“As we have gathered here today to lay to rest Professor Muxe Nkondo, I am pleased to have worked closely with this exceptional individual, a defender of human rights and an extraordinary advocate for social cohesion and unity.”

Mashatile called on mourners to persist in combating all manifestations of discrimination, as the Professor “staunchly” advocated during his lifetime. 

“We have always known that no political democracy can survive and flourish if the masses of our people remain in poverty, without land, without tangible prospects for a better life. Hence, attacking poverty and deprivation has remained high on the agenda of... government.”  

The Deputy President said Nkondo's legacy should inspire future generations to continue the struggle for a more just and equitable society. 

“This is also the objective of the Government of National Unity (GNU). I am confident that Prof Nkondo would have concurred with my assertion that the establishment of GNU is a significant development in our democracy in that it brought different political parties to work together to build the country of our dreams.”

The Deputy President vowed that the ANC-led GNU will succeed in the implementation of the three strategic priorities, including inclusive economic growth and job creation, maintaining and optimising the social wage, and building a capable, ethical and developmental State. 

“We had hoped to include Professor Nkondo’s insights as we prepare to hold the National Dialogue, which former President [Thabo] Mbeki raised here in Freedom Park and after that President Cyril Ramaphosa announced during his inaugural address that indeed, the country would hold a national dialogue.” 

The Deputy President said government will not deviate from its mission to enhance and transform the lives of communities in rural and marginalised regions, which Nkondo also lived for. 

“I can confidently state that Professor Nkondo has run a good race through his significant contributions to the political and intellectual landscape.”

His wife, Professor Olga Nkondo, also paid tribute to her late husband and said he was a father who loved all his children. 

“His happiest moments were the birth of his grandchildren. He appreciated all the conversations with all of you and phone calls he received from all who were away,” she said to her children. 

She said the Professor encouraged her to pursue her academic ambitions and supported her. 

“You were able to welcome everyone at home, a home of love, a home of care and togetherness. When I asked you how you’re able to welcome everyone to care and share with everyone, you said those were your parent’s teachers. 

“You were compassionate, you cared so deeply for your family and everyone. But what I appreciated most about you as a father, was that you never raised your hand to your children. You were a loving father and provided us with a home,” she added of her late husband. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Fri, 08/23/2024 - 14:58

169 views
Read moreProf Nkondo remembered as an exceptional intellectual and loving father

The Crucial Role of Innovation in Hospitality

Location: MyPR

Innovation is the cornerstone of success in the restaurant industry, where staying ahead of trends and continually improving offerings is vital. Visionary Chef Dario de Angeli, renowned for his innovative culinary approach, shares insights drawn from years of experience in conceptualising and managing successful dining establishments, and now a boutique hotel. He explores the importance …

Read moreThe Crucial Role of Innovation in Hospitality

Tsakane community hopeful Imbizo will bring change

Location: News

Tsakane community hopeful Imbizo will bring change

From water challenges to seeking better opportunities at making a living, residents of Tsakane, in the East Rand of Gauteng, on Friday gathered to make sure their voices get counted among those heard by the country's First Citizen. 

As the first Presidential Imbizo of the 7th Administration got underway earlier, many community members told SAnews they were hopeful government will bring change to their communities.

Sylas Mazibuko, from Duduza, said he wants President Ramaphosa to ensure that there is water in Duduza and more job opportunities are created.

“We are struggling with water and to make matters worse, there is a high unemployment rate in our area. I just want the President to hear our concerns and intervene,” Mazibuko said.

Mazibuko said government must also deal with the crime rate.

“Crime is getting out of control. We are even afraid of starting our own businesses because of crime. Criminals are targeting businesses in the township. We no longer walk freely in our streets,” Mazibuko said.

Echoing the same sentiments was Willy Nkanyane, who said they are experiencing water shortages in Tsakane.

“We don’t have water. We walk long distances to get water and we spend most of the times without electricity,” Nkanyane said.

Nkanyane’s wish is for their concerns to be attended to, and for more job opportunities.

Grace Mabale, from KwaThema, also wants to see reduced crime rates

"We are even afraid to send our children to the shops because of these criminals. I also want [government] to provide us with proper houses,” Mabale said.

The issues of water, electricity, houses and unemployment were shared by many at the Imbizo.

Some of the commitments of the new administration include further entrenching accountable and transparent governance, evidence-based policy and decision-making, the professionalisation of the public service, integrity and good governance.

The Presidential District Development Model (DDM) Izimbizo are a priority for the seventh administration, as President Cyril Ramaphosa has identified local government as a priority focus area of the Government of National Unity.

The DDM aims to improve the coherence and impact of government service delivery with focus on 44 Districts and 8 Metros around the country as development spaces that can be used as centres of service delivery and economic development, including job creation.

Under the DDM, all three spheres of government coordinate and integrate development plans and budgets and mobilise the capacity and resources of government and civil society, including business, labour and community, in pursuit of inclusive growth and job creation. 

President Ramaphosa is accompanied at the Imbizo by ministers, deputy ministers and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za 

Edwin
Fri, 08/23/2024 - 13:32

178 views
Read moreTsakane community hopeful Imbizo will bring change

Isilumko Activate: Pioneering Experiential Marketing in Johannesburg With Unmatched Promotions and Brand Ambassadors

Location: MyPR

Johannesburg, South Africa – In the vibrant landscape of South African marketing, Isilumko Activate stands as a beacon of innovation, celebrating over 29 years of excellence in experiential marketing. With a strategic presence in Johannesburg, the company has redefined how brands connect with consumers through dynamic promotions and the effective use of brand ambassadors. Isilumko …

Read moreIsilumko Activate: Pioneering Experiential Marketing in Johannesburg With Unmatched Promotions and Brand Ambassadors

Gauteng municipalities to launch online indigent register

Location: News

Gauteng municipalities to launch online indigent register

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced that an e-indigent register – which will assist to register those who are in need and qualify for free government services – will be launched in municipalities in the province.

He was speaking at the District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo that is being led by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Tsakani Stadium in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.

“There are many people who are unemployed, but they can’t get the benefits of free electricity and water because they are not properly registered so that they can be [classified as] indigent. We have now agreed with all executive mayors in our last lekgotla, we are introducing an e-register from October,” he said on Friday.

The Premier said the register will link up with all of government’s databases and retail stores.

“This is so that whoever is employed, whoever that is hiding their employment, must not benefit for free benefits that are due to our people. In Ekurhuleni in particular…they have introduced a new threshold which does not exclude those who are getting social grants and does not exclude those who are unemployed. 

“What it means is that if you are poor and we have registered you, we have checked the database, you will receive all free services without being asked who you are in all municipalities in our province,” he said.

READ | District Development Model ensures government works as a team 

Lesufi also announced that the provincial government has committed to bringing free WiFi connections to at least 26 townships in Gauteng.

“We are bringing something so important, especially to young people in our province. We have identified 26 townships…to make the townships access reliable, dependable free WiFi, so that all our people are in a position to connect.

“Children of the poor have a right to do their homework at home using free WiFi so they can access these services. The future is no longer about water and electricity only. The future is about data so that those who are unemployed can send their CVs utilising free WiFi,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 08/23/2024 - 13:24

208 views
Read moreGauteng municipalities to launch online indigent register

The Black Business Council Re-Elects Elias Monage as President

Location: MyPR

The Black Business Council (BBC) held a successful Triennial Elective Annual General Meeting today and have re-elected the following National Office Bearers (NOBs): Mr Elias Monage – President Mr Gregory Mofokeng – Vice President: Organised Business Ms Linda Maqoma – Vice President: Professionals Mr Dumisani Mpafa – Head of Policy Princess Tsakani Nkambule – Treasurer …

Read moreThe Black Business Council Re-Elects Elias Monage as President

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Announces CHF 40 Million Appeal as Africa Faces Surge in Mpox Cases

Location: News

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
Download logo

The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an CHF40 million regional emergency appeal to bolster mpox preparedness and response across Africa. This funding will help us reach 30 million people in countries with an active outbreak, including DRC and neighbouring countries at high risk of the virus spreading further.  

Mohammed Omer Mukhier, IFRC Regional Director says: 

“It's a serious situation that could potentially spread like wildfire across the continent and beyond, if we don't act fast. We have already ramped up our mpox response in DRC which is bearing the brunt of this mpox outbreak putting its neighbours at high risk.” 

 The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has become the epicentre of a rapidly escalating mpox epidemic. The virus is now in all 26 provinces of the DRC, with different variants (‘clades') being spread simultaneously. Alarmingly, cross-border transmission from the DRC's eastern regions, particularly North and South Kivu, is rising, affecting non-endemic countries like Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. Meanwhile, outbreaks in endemic countries such as Nigeria, Central African Republic, South Africa and Cote d'Ivoire are re-emerging or escalating. This marks the first time that sustained transmission of multiple variants is being reported concurrently both endemic and non-endemic regions across Africa.  

Dr Irene Kiiza, IFRC, Manager - Africa, Health and Care in Disaster and Climate Crises says: 

“We are quickly deploying available resources to focus on hotspots like DRC and Burundi, but we need more to ensure the virus is contained. Our priority is to curb the spread of the virus through community-based surveillance, contact tracing, mental health support and targeted interventions partnering with local health authorities and communities.” 

In response to this crisis, the DRC Red Cross has intensified its efforts. Leveraging skills and strategies honed through the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3) with USAID and the Programmatic Partnership with the European Union, DRC Red Cross volunteers are actively engaged in health information dissemination, community-based surveillance, and the provision of psychosocial support. USAID also provided additional funding since April 2024 to support the DRC Red Cross response to mpox in Equateur, one of the hardest hit provinces. 

 Mercy Laker, IFRC Head of Country Cluster Delegation, Kinshasa:  

“We have been working in the mpox response as well as other disease outbreaks such as Ebola and COVID-19. Our team, including staff and volunteers, are on the ground, helping keep communities safe during this tough time. The funding from the appeal will help boost our operations in DRC and Burundi.”   

In Burundi, the government has a comprehensive response plan to tackle the ongoing health crisis. With more than 100 active cases, the Burundi MOH is focused on boosting the capacity of health facilities and laboratories nationwide, while the Burundi Red Cross is providing direct support to affected communities to ensure they are aware of the risks and can access the care available.  

Through this appeal, the IFRC will strengthen African National Societies' capabilities to fulfil their auxiliary role and support national governments in enhancing disease surveillance, providing community health education, providing care and support for mpox patients - and delivering psychosocial support. The response will be tiered, with specific interventions tailored to the level of outbreak in each country including heightened risk case importation, imported cases and established mpox transmission.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Read moreInternational Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Announces CHF 40 Million Appeal as Africa Faces Surge in Mpox Cases

Majodina to visit Gauteng water projects

Location: News

Majodina to visit Gauteng water projects

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, joined by Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo, will this weekend conduct an oversight visit to water projects in areas that are experiencing challenges due to inadequate infrastructure.

The visit to Hammanskraal and Emfuleni, from 24 – 25 August, forms part of ongoing efforts by the ministry to ensure acceleration of water and sanitation projects, especially in areas experiencing water challenges.

Hammanskraal has been experiencing water quality challenges. The department, through its entity Magalies Water, intervened and initiated the Klipdrift Package Plant to treat 50 megalitres per day, which go to the Temba Water Treatment Works.

Magalies Water is also upgrading the Klipdrift Water Treatment Works from 42 to 92 megalitres per day, while work is being done to refurbish the Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Works.

Majodina will visit the Klipdrift Package Plant on 24 August to get a progress report on its construction and when it will start operating.

This will be followed by a site visit to the Babelegi Reservoir, as well as the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Plant.

“The following day [25 August], Majodina will assess the state of water and sanitation in Emfuleni Local Municipality and visit the Leeuikuil Waste Water Treatment Works, and have an engagement with Rand Water on their intervention work in the area,” the department said.

The inspections come as the Department of Water and Sanitation, through its entities, Magalies Water and Rand Water, alongside the City of Tshwane and Emfuleni Local Municipality, are working collaboratively to effectively address water challenges that are affecting these areas. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 08/23/2024 - 10:14

227 views
Read moreMajodina to visit Gauteng water projects

District Development Model ensures government works as a team

Location: News

District Development Model ensures government works as a team

The District Development Model (DDM) is a demonstration of the three spheres of government's focus on resolving service delivery challenges facing communities in South Africa, says Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa.

The Minister was speaking to SAnews on the sidelines of the District Development Model Presidential Imbizo, currently underway at Tsakane Stadium in Ekurhuleni in Gauteng. It is the first Presidential Imbizo of the seventh administration.

“The District Development Model is a system where at a district level, you work as a team. In most cases, districts are formed by a number of municipalities and in almost most districts, municipalities face similar problems.

“For instance, in Ekurhuleni, the major problem is water, followed by crime. But water is the major one. 

"Now, the District Development Model says if you have a common problem cutting across [the board], bring all spheres of government to work together, and develop one plan to deal with that problem.

"If the problems are two or three but cutting across municipalities, come together, have one plan, pool all resources together, focus on the problem you have [and] you can solve the problems one by one,” Hlabisa said.

A platform for the people

The Presidential Imbizo is where leaders from all three spheres of government interact with residents on service delivery challenges, which communities have brought to government’s attention, as well as plans for the development of this district.

Hlabisa explained government’s position on the hosting of the DDM Imbizos, saying it presents a platform for South Africans to have their voices heard.

“The advantage of hosting an event of this magnitude, you will have the President of the country, who many people have never got an opportunity to engage with. You will have all Ministers... the Premier, the Mayor and all representatives in government, face-to-face with the people.

“There is nothing as important as meeting your government face-to-face. [It's] not just greeting and going, but conveying your challenges and engaging them. You might get an answer on the spot because when these problems are being raised during the Imbizo, Ministers will respond according to their departments.

“That is an opportunity people will rarely get. The DDM Presidential Imbizo brings the government to the people where they are,” Hlabisa said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 08/23/2024 - 12:16

152 views
Read moreDistrict Development Model ensures government works as a team

Police uncover drug lab with estimated value of R80 million

Location: News

Police uncover drug lab with estimated value of R80 million

Gauteng police have uncovered a drug lab with drugs and processing machinery with an estimated value of R80 million, at a plot in Douglasdale, Johannesburg.

The lab was discovered through the Organised Crime Unit and Police Emergency Service (PES) Flexi Team.

In a statement, police said they also found two unlicensed firearms, ammunition of high caliber firearms, pullet guns, and replica firearms at the premises. 

Two illegal immigrants who were found at the premises were arrested.

“The police have been observing and monitoring a plot where suspicious activities were taking place. On Thursday morning, the police executed a search warrant where they discovered that the premises were used to manufacture drugs. Chemicals used to manufacture drugs, machinery, and finished products were found at the premises,” the statement read.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, applauded the team for their hard work.

"More than ten drug labs have been discovered by the police in Gauteng in the last five months. This is evidence enough that we are making inroads in identifying and dismantling drug labs in our province.

“I am proud of my members who have been working with diligence to identify and close down the existing drug labs in our province,” Lieutenant General Mthombeni said.

Police said the arrested suspects will appear before the local Magistrate's Court in due course. They will face charges that include the manufacturing of drugs, possession of unlicensed firearms, and possession of ammunition. - SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 08/23/2024 - 10:23

165 views
Read morePolice uncover drug lab with estimated value of R80 million

Progress made in relocating Lapland flood victims

Location: News

Progress made in relocating Lapland flood victims

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Gary van Niekerk, says plans to relocate flood disaster victims from a floodplain area in Lapland, Kariega, in the Eastern Cape, to a safer area in Ward 48 are progressing well.

Van Niekerk said the initial delay was caused by an application for approval by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment on the residential usage of the identified land.

The Mayor said the approval, which has since been received from the department, came with conditions.

Among the conditions is that the metro must appoint an environmental specialist to monitor and guide the work to clear the building site, as well as the relocation and erection of temporary housing structures.

"The supply chain process to appoint this specialist started immediately after the go-ahead from the department was received, resulting in the tender process being concluded on Tuesday, 20 August 2024. 

"The appointment of the specialist will now follow and should not take longer than the anticipated two weeks,” Van Niekerk said.

Van Niekerk said following the floods, Lapland residents were moved to temporary accommodation in the town of Kariega, but they went back to their area after the floodwater subsided, to wait for imminent relocation.

In Walmer, Van Niekerk said flood victims are waiting for the electrification of temporary housing structures before they can be relocated.

READ | Relocation of Walmer flood victims imminent

“Availability of stock for electrification is causing the delays. Intervention measures have been put in place to speed up the process,” the Mayor said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Fri, 08/23/2024 - 10:48

50 views
Read moreProgress made in relocating Lapland flood victims