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NEW YORK: The Proteas are in New York and the reception they have received at the onset of their eagerly awaited ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign has been as warm as the weather in the Big Apple. The team was treated to a special welcome dinner co-hosted by Cricket South Africa (CSA) and the …
SevenC, a leading IT infrastructure and network service provider striving to identify and make available the best possible ICT strategies for its clients’ unique needs, explores the benefits of next-gen IT services and how blending digital and IT integration expertise can future-proof your business. “One of the most effective ways to ensure your business stays …
SIU notes High Court order on Mabuyane case
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says it is mulling its legal options after the Eastern Cape High Court in Bhisho struck the academic fraud case against Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane off the roll.
The case against Mabuyane is related to his entry into the university’s Master's in Public Administration programme, allegedly without meeting the requirements.
The case was triggered following the unit’s investigation into the university’s affairs.
“The High Court order… struck out the SIU’s defence in the matter brought by Premier Oscar Mabuyane. The merits of the case have not been ventilated.
“There was a miscommunication that occurred when there was a change of attorneys on record and the court was not informed on time, which resulted in this order. The SIU will investigate the issue relating to the miscommunication in this regard,” the unit said.
The corruption busting unit said it noted the judgement and will be exploring its options.
“The SIU wishes to assure the public that we will explore all legal options, including amending the Proclamation.
“The investigation into the University of Fort Hare's affairs is ongoing, and we will communicate the outcomes at the appropriate time,” the SIU concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 06/06/2024 - 10:10
Clinix Foundation was approved for R11-million in funding in just three weeks
Historical Legacy: South Africa has a long history of mining, dating back to the late 19th century. Many older mines were developed without stringent environmental regulations, leading to widespread environmental contamination from poorly managed mine waste, including tailings dams, waste rock dumps, and abandoned mine shafts. Gold mining has been a major industry in South …
2024 BMX Freestyle South African Champions Crowned at the Park Lines BMX Tournament Murray Loubser © Eric Palmer Johannesburg, South Africa, 3 June 2024 – The 2024 South African BMX Freestyle Championshipstook place as part of the Park Lines BMX Tournament over the weekend. The event, sanctioned by Cycling South Africa and UCI, was …
Introduction Eye wash stations are a critical component of workplace safety, particularly in environments where employees are exposed to hazardous substances. This blog discusses the importance of eye wash stations, their proper use, and maintenance to ensure maximum protection for workers. Why Eye Wash Stations Are Essential In workplaces where chemicals, dust, or other …
Hawks member released on bail for corruption charges
Hawks member Kgaugelo Aubrey Mogale (47), a police sergeant, was on Tuesday released on bail by the Nelspruit District Court after having been arrested by the Hawks’ Nelspruit-based Serious Corruption Investigation unit for corruption, fraud and defeating the ends of justice.
The arrest followed a financial investigation that was carried out by auditing firm KPMG during the Project Blood Orange investigation.
It was discovered that Mogale, one of the team members involved in the investigation, unduly received an amount of R6 000, deposited by the main suspect in the case, into his account over a period of time.
An internal investigation was conducted, which also established that the member did not disclose the financial benefit of R6 000.
A case docket was registered and the investigation was finalised. The matter was referred to Public Prosecutor, who decided that there is a prima facie case against Mogale.
A warrant of arrest was authorised and executed on Tuesday 4, June 2024. Mogale was released on R1 000 bail and his case postponed to 27 June 2024.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Gerber, said he is deeply concerned that a member of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) was arrested on these serious charges.
“The DPCI strives in all aspects to employ members whose integrity is beyond reproach. We strive to be a crime and corruption fighting entity, which is not tainted by allegations of corruption within our own ranks,” Gerber said.
Gerber commended the DPCI for acting against one of their own.
“This shows a commitment to be a directorate that will, without fear or favour, apply the law, irrespective of your standing in society.
“No form of criminality or corruption will be condoned. This must send a clear message to all that as DPCI Mpumalanga, we endeavour to run a clean ship,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 06/05/2024 - 09:25
No traces of toxic compound found in Benylin paediatric cough syrup
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) says it has found no traces of diethylene glycol in the Benylin paediatric cough syrup.
This comes after SAHPRA recalled two batches of the cough syrup in April after the Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) raised concerns about the medicine containing high levels of diethylene glycol.
Ethylene glycol is toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal.
The effects include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury that may lead to death.
“The recall was implemented as a precaution to protect lives, while SAHPRA investigated the reported high levels of diethylene glycol,” the local drug watchdog explained.
As the national regulatory authority for health products, SAHPRA may recall health products as a crucial measure to address safety concerns and quality issues in the interest of public health.
“As part of the investigation of the reported high levels of diethylene glycol, SAHPRA tested samples of the two affected batches of Benylin paediatric syrup through an independent laboratory and a method developed by the World Health Organisation for testing products for the presence of diethylene glycol. The tests did not find traces of diethylene glycol in the recalled batches.
“This indicates that units of batches 329303 and 329304, that were stored at the required temperature, would not contain unacceptable levels of diethylene glycol,” the statement read.
The watchdog also indicated that there was no record of any adverse drug reactions relating to diethylene glycol for the two recalled batches in South Africa or anywhere else where they were exported in Africa.
SAHPRA said it was mandated to regulate and apply due diligence to health products to ensure that products in circulation in South Africa and those exported from SAHPRA-licensed manufacturers are safe for public consumption.
It said it applies this due diligence throughout the product lifecycle, from registration through to post-market monitoring.
“SAHPRA will continue to closely monitor medical products that have the potential of containing unacceptable levels of diethylene glycol. And we will continue to address safety concerns or quality issues so that the health of the public is protected,” said SAHPRA CEO, Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela.
SAHPRA is tasked with regulating – monitoring, evaluating, investigating, inspecting and registering – all health products.
This includes clinical trials, complementary medicines, medical devices and in-vitro diagnostics (IVDs) and overseeing radiation control in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 06/05/2024 - 15:05
Humanitarian aid, service restoration underway in KZN
The KwaZulu-Natal government remains on the ground to provide humanitarian assistance to the families that have been displaced by devastating floods following heavy rains that have battered parts of the province on Monday night.
The heavy rains, accompanied by strong winds, wreaked havoc in various parts of the province, affecting five districts, including eThekwini Metro, Ilembe, King Cetshwayo, Umzinyathi, Amajuba and Umkhanyakude District Municipalities.
The preliminary reports indicate that at least 11 people have died, and these include seven people from uThongathi in the north of Durban, and four in Nquthu, Eshowe and KwaHlabisa, respectively.
Over 55 people were reported to have suffered minor to moderate injuries and are receiving medical treatment in hospital.
Dozens of people have also been left homeless after their homes were ripped apart by heavy winds. Three temporary shelters have been established, where the affected families are receiving humanitarian aid.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of people that have tragically lost their lives, and wished a speedy recovery to the people who were admitted and are recovering in hospital.
Dube-Ncube led a government delegation to various areas in eThekwini Metro on Tuesday to receive a first-hand report on the extent of the damage and ensure a coordinated rapid response from government.
The Premier said the provincial government’s priority is to ensure that the displaced families receive immediate humanitarian relief and to fast-track the restoration of services.
“We have rallied all government departments to ensure an all-hands on deck approach as we consolidate our rebuilding and recovery plan of action. Our aim is to support affected families to rebuild their lives.
“Assessments are continuing so that work to repair damaged infrastructure can begin. The assessment reports will give us a clear indication of the extent of the damage and funding that will be required,” Dube-Ncube said.
She has also urged the municipalities to ensure that all affected people are profiled and receive the necessary support from government.
Immediate humanitarian aid
Disaster management teams are conducting assessments and coordinating humanitarian efforts for the affected families.
Non-governmental organisations, including the Red Cross, Al-Imdaad Foundation, Gift of the Givers and IPSS Medical Rescue, are working closely with government to ensure the provision of hot meals, mattresses, blankets, food parcels and humanitarian assistance.
uThongathi is currently being classified as the most affected area, with hundreds of houses severely destroyed. Other areas, including Umgababa, south of the eThekwini Metro, Eshowe, Utrecht, Osizweni and KwaHlabisa have also been severely affected.
Public infrastructure, including schools, roads, community halls and health care facilities, were also affected.
Repairing of infrastructure
The Premier said repairs to damaged transformers and powerlines, which left many areas in the eThekwini Metro without power, have started, and power has been restored in some areas, while work continues to ensure that all areas are fully restored by the end of the week.
Overhead electricity infrastructure has been severely impacted. This includes infrastructure above-ground, such as electricity poles, transformers and overhead lines.
The heavy rain also resulted in higher levels of turbidity in raw water abstracted from the uThongathi water works and the water works was shut down for few hours.
The uThongathi water works is presently operating optimally and water supply is being gradually restored.
“Residents are urged to continue to heed weather warnings whenever they are issued to minimise the impact and loss of lives,” Dube-Ncube said. - SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 06/05/2024 - 09:42
Public Protector report on GBV welcomed
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCOD) has welcomed the Public Protector’s report into systemic administration deficiencies relating to gender-based violence (GBV) within the justice system.
On Tuesday, Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka released a report into gender-based violence and the responsiveness of the criminal justice system to the scourge.
This after a woman, Altecia Kortje and her child, were brutally murdered in 2020 by her former boyfriend after she had gone to the Belville Magistrate’s Court to apply for a domestic violence protection against him. She was allegedly turned away by court officials.
Following reports of the murder and the treatment Kortje received at the court, DJCOD Deputy Minister John Jeffery approached the Public Protector to investigate the matter.
Following the release of the report, Jeffery commended the work of that office.
“We want to commend the Public Protector for this very useful investigation, which focuses not only on the Department of Justice, but also on the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Social Development as key stakeholders in the justice system.
“The implementation of the proposed remedial action is vital. The justice system has to be responsive to the needs of those seeking assistance. These are matters which affect the daily lives of women in a very real way, therefore we must ensure that the system is made less cumbersome and more user-friendly,” he said.
Jeffery added that the report honours the memory of Kortje.
“On Saturday, it will be four years to the day that Altecia Kortje came to Bellville Magistrate’s Court for a protection order. This report honours her memory and the memories of so many other women who have lost their lives to gender-based violence.
“The Public Protector’s report will help the justice system to better protect women against GBV and to save lives,” Jeffery said.
Although the investigation did not find that Kortje was turned away from the court, Jeffrey emphasised that it did raise concern about the treatment of women when they approach the courts for help, particularly when it comes the GBV matters.
“The ability of the justice system to serve and support women who come to seek justice services or assistance from the courts is an absolute priority for us, and we must continuously seek ways in which it can be improved,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 06/05/2024 - 11:50
Bester complains that his rights to a fair trial are being infringed
Lamola condemns murder of children burnt to death in Soshanguve
Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola has condemned the brutal killing of two children in Soshanguve, Gauteng.
The two children, aged four and seven, died when the shack they were in was set alight by gunmen, who were allegedly after their father.
The suspects had allegedly already shot six other people at a shebeen in the same area, killing two.
“It is unconscionable that such horrific indent occurs during a period when our country is commemorating Child Protection Week.
“It highlights the urgent need for swift action from law enforcement to bring perpetrators to book. The full might of the law must be demonstrated to ensure justice for the victims and their families,” Lamola said.
Police have subsequently launched a manhunt for the alleged killers.
Lamola also condemned the killing of family members in Glenmore, KwaZulu-Natal, allegedly related to their support of Palestine.
“This senseless act of violence, which resulted in the death of a woman and the attempted murder of her husband and son, is a blatant attack on South Africa’s Constitutionally-guaranteed rights to freedom of association, expression and political choice.
“We call for a thorough investigation and prosecution to ensure that justice is served,” Lamola said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 06/05/2024 - 12:04
Kodwa resigns as Sport Minister
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa has announced his immediate resignation.
This comes as Kodwa challenges charges against him, which he has denied. The Minister appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday in connection with allegations that he received about R1.7 million in bribes.
“Kodwa has informed the President that he will resign as Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture and Member of Cabinet, after being formally charged. He expresses his sincere appreciation to the President and the governing party for the opportunity to serve the nation.
“He also takes the opportunity to express thanks to all the staff at the Ministry and Department of Sport, Arts and Culture for the opportunity to serve with them, and to all stakeholders in Sport, Arts and Culture, with whom he has worked so well as Minister,” the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 06/05/2024 - 13:30
Oil and gas exploration company Eco (Atlantic) – through its wholly-owned subsidiary Azinam South Africa – has signed a farm-in deal with energy company Tosaco Energy for a 75% working interest in Block 1 - located in the offshore South African Orange Basin. Eco (Atlantic) has assumed operatorship of the block, with the remaining 25% stake expected to be transferred to South African company OrangeBasin Oil & Gas. Upon completion of the transaction, Eco (Atlantic) will assume control of one of the largest blocks in the Orange Basin.
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – representing the voice of the African energy sector – believes that this transaction is only the start of a wave of Orange Basin deals in the coming years. Having revealed substantial deposits in neighboring Namibia, the basin stands to play a catalyzing role in driving energy security in South Africa. The AEC commends the efforts by Eco (Atlantic) to unlock undeveloped blocks offshore South Africa and looks forward to a discovery being made in the coming years.
The strategic acquisition is on trend with a strong lineup of companies looking at tapping into the Orange Basin. Since play-opening discoveries were made by energy majors Shell, TotalEnergies and Qatar Energy in 2022, over 15 finds have been made by an assortment of majors and independents. In February 2024, TotalEnergies intersected hydrocarbon-bearing intervals in the Mangetti-1X exploration well in Block 2913B – marking the second discovery made by the company in the basin. TotalEnergies is currently leveraging the Tungsten Explorer drillship to assess reserves available at the well. The discovery followed the company's Venus-1X find made in February 2022. Research firm Wood Mackenzie estimates that Venus alone could hold as much as three billion barrels of oil – making it sub-Saharan Africa's largest oil discovery.
Additionally, in January 2024, multinational energy corporation Galp made its second oil discovery at the Mopane-1X well in PEL 83. Preliminary estimates place over 10 billion barrels of oil at the Mopane field. The company is currently seeking a farm-in partner to develop the block, with a 40% stake in the Mopane discovery up for grabs. Meanwhile, energy major Shell continues to witness a string of success, with its recent Lesedi-1X well – discovered in July 2023 – representing the fourth commercial discovery made by the firm in the Orange Basin. Other finds – namely, Graff-1X, La Rona and Jonker-1X – hold as much as 1.7 billion barrels combined. Shell is currently undertaking an extensive drilling campaign, with up to 25% of the company's 2023-2024 exploration budget being directed towards deepwater exploration in the Orange Basin.
These discoveries underscore the size and potential of the Orange Basin, with substantial deposits likely extending into South Africa. Block 1 is located on the maritime border of South Africa and Namibia, in close proximity to blocks held by Shell, Galp and TotalEnergies. The block is also situated by the Kudu Development Project – Namibia's inaugural natural gas project with 1.3 trillion cubic feet of reserves. Kudu is poised to be a gamechanger for the country, providing low-cost power and fuel while laying the foundation for gas-driven economic growth. As such, Block 1's proximity means that the asset could likely yield similar developments and the Eco (Atlantic) acquisition is the first step towards realizing this goal.
“The Orange Basin has emerged as one of the most promising offshore plays worldwide in recent years. Exploratory success on the Namibian side of the basin shows strong potential for the South African side, and while exploration in this area has been slow to date, the recent farm-in by Eco (Atlantic) is poised to reverse this trend. The AEC has long-advocated for the need to advance drilling efforts in Africa and the Orange Basin stands to play a transformative role in the region's energy landscape,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chaiman of the AEC. “We look forward to witnessing commercial success across Block 1 and commend Eco (Atlantic) for their commitment to unlocking the potential of this asset.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
There appears to be no age barrier when it comes to the love of racing because at 18 months old, well before she could speak, Chloe Stuart was drifting in the battery-operated car her parents bought her. At age 7, she moved onto quad biking and vocalised her dream of wanting to race. Her dad, …
After assisting more than 950 Small, Medium and Micro-Enterprises (SMMEs) across the Western Cape, sustaining 4 977 jobs, and dedicating R85,5 million since 2019, the latest window of the SMME Booster Fund is now open for applications. “SMMEs are the lifeblood of our economy, fuelling up to 70% of jobs in South Africa. Put simply …
Premier, Alan Winde and Provincial Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen have said that the National Minister of Police, Bheki Cele has no justifiable reason to further delay the release of the fourth quarter crime statistics. These statistics were due to be released on 17 May 2024. Premier Winde said, “It is …
JOHANNESBURG – Since 2007, the Vodacom Foundation has proudly partnered with the Smile Foundation to support Smile Week, an initiative that provides life-changing reconstructive surgery to children with treatable facial anomalies. Smile Week not only addresses the physical challenges faced by these young people but also alleviates the emotional distress associated with feeling different, enabling …
An Exclusive Column by Shahid Afridi: Pakistan have shown in recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cups that they are capable of challenging anyone. Even though their form has been inconsistent in 2024, I believe they have all the ingredients to put it all together in the West Indies and USA. Over the last two ICC …
The strength of democracy
Many will be wondering how South Africa’s seventh democratic government will be constituted following the recent elections that resulted in no political party gaining an outright majority to lead the country for the next five years.
Citizens did their part in exercising their right to vote as pointed out by Section 19 of the Constitution which states that every adult citizen has the right to free, fair and regular elections.
The results of the seventh National and Provincial Elections released on Sunday showed that the African National Congress (ANC) garnered 159 seats in the 400-member National Assembly (NA), followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) with 87 seats and the uMkhonto weSizwe party (MK party) with 58 seats.
This translates to the ANC having received 40.18 % of the votes followed by the DA with 21.81% and the MK with 14.58%.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) garnered 39 seats while the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) got 17 and the Patriotic Alliance (PA) received nine seats.
Other political parties gained the other remaining seats in the House with between six, three, two, and single seats.
The distribution of seats in Parliament is proportional to the number of votes cast for the various parties.
The National Assembly Guide to Procedure 2004, states that the NA “is the House directly elected by the South African electorate” with the Constitution stating that the National Assembly must consist of no fewer than 350 and no more than 400 women and men elected as its members.
In August 2023, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as Leader of Government Business, convened a National Dialogue on Coalition Governments. The aim of the dialogue was to lay the foundation for a National Framework on Coalition Governments, which would serve as a guide for effectively managing and navigating coalition governments where they become necessary.
The Presidency said at the time that the need for such dialogue was informed by the adverse effects that had been observed in certain coalition arrangements at local government, particularly their impact on service delivery and governance.
But what exactly is a coalition government?
“A coalition government exists when two or more political parties (or independent representatives) combine their votes in a legislature or a council, to elect a government, and to support the decisions it takes. This becomes necessary when no single party has a majority of the seats in the legislature or council,” notes a National Dialogue on Coalition Governments Q and A subsection.
Elections in South Africa result in multiple parties being represented in Parliament, a provincial Legislature or a Municipal Council.
“And the executive leadership (President, Premiers and Mayors) is always elected by that legislature and can be removed by the Legislature. If none of the parties has more than 50% of the seats, a coalition is, therefore, necessary to support the executive. Otherwise, the President, Premier or Mayor is likely to be voted out of power,” the subsection further notes.
Government of national unity
South Africa is no stranger to coalitions having had one after the historic 1994 elections which resulted in a government of national unity (GNU).
In terms of the country’s then interim Constitution, the National Party and Inkatha Freedom Party participated in a government of national unity under President Nelson Mandela.
In 1994, the President was assisted by two Deputy Presidents, a Minister in The Presidency and 16 Ministers in the GNU which represented three political parties. In 1996 one political party exited the GNU, but maintained its official opposition status in the legislatures.
South Africa has also had coalitions at provincial level in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
There have been coalitions in municipalities, ever since the first democratic local government elections in 2000.
The will of the people
Speaking at the Electoral Commission’s Election Results ceremony at the Results Operation Centre in Midrand, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that by going to vote, the people of South Africa have taken responsibility not only for the future of themselves and their families, but for the future of their country.
“Through their votes they have demonstrated, clearly and plainly, that our democracy is strong, it is robust and it endures. Our people have spoken. As the leaders of political parties, as all those who occupy positions of responsibility in society, we have heard the voices of our people and we must respect their wishes,” he said on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Parliament is fully prepared, and all the necessary arrangements have been made for establishing the new National Assembly.
“Comprehensive plans are in place to ensure a seamless transition, including onboarding new Members of Parliament,” Parliamentary spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said in a statement.
READ | Plans underway for establishment of the seventh democratic Parliament
With South Africa having regularly held elections since 1994, the 2024 National and Provincial Elections are an affirmation of the strength this democracy. - SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Wed, 06/05/2024 - 14:34
The Nkosinathi Foundation of and for Blind and Partially Sighted People is able to provide additional support to adults who are in the process of losing their sight, or who are blind thanks to the generosity of sponsors and participants in the annual Algoa Cares Golf Day hosted in March. The Foundation has been able …
(Listen to a sound bite from Glynnis Breytenbach MP.) Dear Editor The Public Protector released a report which substantiated the allegation that the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ&CD) did not put adequate measures in place that effectively protect victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The Public Protector’s inspection of the courts found that many …
The NSRI has installed Pink Rescue Buoys at Kids Rock, Kleinbaai, to enhance Public Safety. Andrew Ingram, NSRI communications manager, said: The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has installed two Pink Rescue Buoys off Kleinbaai in response to the tragic drowning incident that occurred on Tuesday, the 14th of May, at Kids Rock. The incident …