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Massive training of unemployed set to be rolled-out nationally
Massive training of unemployed set to be rolled-out nationally
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) Labour Activation Programme (LAP), which is set up to provide training for employment and entrepreneurship programmes, is up-and-running and set to be rolled-out in other provinces, says Employment and Labour Minister, Thulas Nxesi.
Addressing an employer’s breakfast session at the Kempton Park Civic Centre on Friday, Nxesi said South Africa finds itself in the throes of an ever-changing technological era, and this calls for adaptation.
“We are living in a technological era. This massive training is now needed to be implemented on a large scale to multi-skill the unemployed [so they can] adapt to the ever-changing world of technology,” Nxesi said.
Last week, Nxesi announced that the Department of Employment and Labour, through the UIF’s LAP,has launched a R23.8 billion programme to fund the training for employment and entrepreneurship programme.
Nxesi said government plans to help business, especially small enterprises, because the “big employer is small business”.
The Minister appealed for partnerships at district level to ensure integrated interventions as part of the District Development Model (DDM).
“It is unacceptable that Gauteng, as the country’s economic hub, has a high unemployment rate and this situation could be even be worse in other provinces,” Nxesi said.
During the employer breakfast, a number of service providers were handed certificates confirming their participation in the programme.
Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, who shared the podium with Nxesi, reiterated the role of partnerships.
Ndabeni-Abrahams said the National Development Plan (NDP) envisioned the creation of 11 million new jobs by 2030 and that most of these should come from small business.
She said that the only way to make South Africa work is to grow small business.
“We have to also look at developing new industries. We are continuously advocating for more incentives to be given to business, especially those geared towards promoting small business,” the Minister said.
Ndabeni-Abrahams also emphasised the need to support informal businesses to transition to formal business.
The employer’s breakfast session was held alongside the Jobs and Careers Fair held in Tembisa.
The event is part of an initiative to engage with individuals seeking employment, providing them with the opportunity to interact with potential employers and gain insights into crucial career paths. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 04/12/2024 - 15:07
827 views
President to receive His Majesty King Mswati III for working visit
President to receive His Majesty King Mswati III for working visit
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to host His Majesty King Mswati III of the Kingdom of eSwatini for a working visit, the Presidency said on Sunday.
President Ramaphosa will receive His Majesty the King at Mahlamba Ndlopfu, the President’s Official Residence in Pretoria on Monday.
The visit follows a courtesy visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa to His Majesty King Mswati III in Lozitha, eSwatini on Wednesday, 03 April 2024.
“South Africa and eSwatini share strong historical bonds as well as mutually beneficial political and trade ties,” said the Presidency.
During his visit to Eswatini earlier this month, President Ramaphosa paid a brief visit to the Queen Mother, Her Majesty iNdlovukazi, before proceeding to meet with His Majesty the King.
According to the Presidency statement at the time, the two discussed the “historical bonds” of the two Southern African nations while also affirming their commitment to strong historical bonds between their two countries, including growing political and trade ties. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 04/14/2024 - 14:26
562 views
Deputy President to address House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders
Deputy President to address House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to participate and deliver a keynote address at a dialogue convened by the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders.
The Deputy President in his capacity as Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team on matters of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, will address the session which will be held on Tuesday at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House, Pretoria.
“It is expected that during the dialogue, representatives will discuss the work of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team which was established to address pertinent issues raised by the institution of traditional leadership such as the transfer of land, rural development, tackling substance abuse, the fight against gender-based violence and femicide,” said the Presidency on Sunday.
The dialogue is a follow-up session to the address by President Ramaphosa during the official opening of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders in February 2024.
“The dialogue marks the last engagement with the sixth administration. Additionally, the dialogue presents an opportunity to take stock of the progress of the Institution, to celebrate some of the milestones achieved thus far, to reflect, to account and to chart the way forward.”
During his keynote address, the Deputy President will highlight the significance of the partnership between the house and government in working together to address the socio-economic challenges facing South Africa. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 04/14/2024 - 14:49
484 views
Concern over hostilities in the Middle East
Concern over hostilities in the Middle East
The government of South Africa has expressed its serious concern regarding the ongoing events in the Middle East, particularly in light of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s retaliatory actions against Israel.
This comes after Israel launched an attack on Iran’s Embassy located in Damascus, Syria, on 1 April 2024.
As a response to the attack, Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles against Israel last night.
According to reports, Iran fired about 300 “killer drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles” in its first direct attack on Israel.
Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres has stated, that there is a “very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation”.
“In this context, South Africa emphasises that all parties must exercise the utmost restraint and avoid any act that would escalate tensions in a particularly fragile region.
“South Africa has continuously stressed that irrespective of whether states believe that their use of force is lawful, it is never wise to resort to war as inevitably, it is ordinary people who bear the brunt of conflict,” the Department of International and Relations Cooperation (DIRCO) said on Sunday.
Meanwhile, DIRCO has called on the international community and the United Nations Security Council to act in pursuit of sustainable and just peace for all people.
“While we turn our attention to these developments, let us not forget that the war in Gaza continues with devastating humanitarian consequences for its people.
“An immediate ceasefire and urgent humanitarian access are required. The proliferation of global conflicts will continue if we, as the international community, do not commit ourselves to the ending of war and the establishment of conditions under which justice and respect for international law are maintained.”
However, the department said that as long as there is impunity for unlawful acts, war and injustice will continue. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 04/14/2024 - 15:53
442 views
President Ramaphosa to receive His Majesty King Mswati III for a working visit
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Monday, 15 April 2024, host His Majesty King Mswati III of the Kingdom of eSwatini for a working visit at Mahlamba Ndlopfu, the President's Official Residence in Pretoria.
The visit follows a courtesy visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa to His Majesty King Mswati III in Lozitha, eSwatini on Wednesday, 03 April 2024.
South Africa and eSwatini share strong historical bonds as well as mutually beneficial political and trade ties.
Official media will deliver to all media platforms pictures and video footage.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
South Africa concerned at possible escalation of hostilities in the Middle East
The Government of South Africa is gravely concerned at developments in the Middle East following the retaliatory action by the Islamic Republic of Iran against Israel following Israel's attacks on Iran's Embassy in Damascus, Syria, on 1 April 2024.
As the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres has stated, there is a “very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation”.
In this context, South Africa emphasises that all parties must exercise the utmost restraint and avoid any act that would escalate tensions in a particularly fragile region.
South Africa has continuously stressed that irrespective of whether states believe that their use of force is lawful, it is never wise to resort to war as inevitably, it is ordinary people who bear the brunt of conflict.
The international community and the United Nations Security Council, in particular, must act in the pursuit of sustainable and just peace for all people.
While we turn our attention to these developments, let us not forget that the war in Gaza continues with devastating humanitarian consequences for its people. An immediate ceasefire and urgent humanitarian access are required.
The proliferation of global conflicts will continue if we, as the international community, do not commit ourselves to the ending of war and the establishment of conditions under which justice and respect for international law are maintained.
As long as there is impunity for unlawful acts, war and injustice will continue.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Nzimande appoints new NSFAS administrator, addresses other matters
Nzimande appoints new NSFAS administrator, addresses other matters
The Minister of Higher Education and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande has announced the appointment of Sithembiso Freeman Nomvalo, as the administrator of the National Student Fund Financial Aid Scheme while also explaining the reasons for dissolving the scheme’s previous board.
At a media briefing held in Pretoria on Sunday, the Minister said Nomvalo possesses extensive knowledge and an impeccable record of accomplishment in public finance and government processes.
He has been tasked to take over the governance, management, and administration of NSFAS for 12 months depending on progress made.
His task also involves resolving the data integration challenges as a matter of urgency, finalising all the necessary funding decisions and outstanding payments including student accommodation, and overseeing the opening of the 2025 online applications process.
Nomvalo has over 25 years of working experience, 17 of which were at senior level both in the public and private sector.
He was the first African and longest-serving Accountant-General of a democratic South Africa.
Responsibilities
In explaining the reasons for dissolving of the board of the National Student Fund Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), the Minister said the board had failed in carrying out its “basic” responsibilities.
“Through various formal engagements, as Minister, I have consistently raised my concerns and unhappiness with the outgone NSFAS Board, about the inability of NSFAS to carry out and implement some of the most basic responsibilities allocated to it,” he said.
READ | Nzimande dissolves NSFAS board
He said the board has faced several challenges. One of the critical issues pointed out by him was the termination of the contracts of direct payment service providers, who were appointed without following due process. The board was dissolved on 11 April 2024 and the scheme was placed under administration the next day.
The decision was also made due to the board’s failure to oversee the timely payment of student allowances by the management.
“This has resulted in unnecessary stress for students and their parents, and also continues to threaten the very stability of some of our TVET [Technical Vocational Education and Training] colleges and universities.”
He pointed out that the Board has been unable to resubmit an accurate annual report to Parliament, manage and finalise the close-out report, and address significant capacity deficiencies within the organisation, including the non-functional call centre, which is still not functional.
According to Nzimande, the Board also failed to respond to student queries in a timely and efficient manner and consult on the guidelines for the missing middle funding.
“In an attempt to resolve these challenges or mitigate their impact, as Minister, I engaged the board on several occasions on various solutions, including a turnaround strategy, which has not been achieved within agreed timelines.
“Despite several engagements with myself, NSFAS continues to face serious challenges in its business processes, IT [information and technology] systems, capacity, and policies and controls,” he explained.
The Minister is of the view that this has impacted the well-being of students negatively but has also brought serious reputational damage to NSFAS, the department and government.
NSFAS achievements
Nzimande said the institution has supported more than five million beneficiaries since its inception, producing hundreds of thousands of skilled professionals and the middle class, especially from within the poor and working-class sections of society.
“This is definitely one of the most important achievements of this government over the past 30 years of our democracy and this must be celebrated as such.
“Flowing from this, I am also sensitive to the public expectation on NSFAS, as it relates to its role in enabling poor and working-class families to give their sons and daughters the gift of education.”
Continuity
The Minister said the dissolution of the board will not affect the normal functioning of NSFAS, including all payments that have to be made.
“The decision to dissolve the NSFAS board was not a light one and I wish to assure the public that, in taking this decision, I have considered all possible implications, including the impact that it might have on NSFAS employees and the students.”
However, he said he aimed to ensure that deserving students receive the necessary financial support and that NSFAS remains focused on its mandate, which is to provide financial assistance to students from poor and working-class backgrounds. -SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 04/14/2024 - 17:13
41 views
New Tiger Brands facility a sign of confidence in SA
New Tiger Brands facility a sign of confidence in SA
Tiger Brands’ new R300 million state-of-the-art peanut butter manufacturing plant is a sign of confidence in the South African economy, said Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Nomalungelo Gina.
The Deputy Minister was speaking during the official launch of the company’s facility in Chamdor, Krugersdorp in Gauteng.
In a statement on Friday, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) said the plant is located on more than 8000 square meters of land within Mogale City, with 62 full time employees.
“The company says up to 70% of the peanuts used in the production process are procured locally and the remaining 30% from markets outside South African due to local farmers not being able to meet the actual need,” said the dtic.
Gina also commended Tiger Brands for its commitment to the economic transformation agenda and growing Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMME) through Enterprise Supplier Development (ESD).
“As government, we insist on this policy direction because we know that SMMEs contribute 34% to the national GDP [gross domestic product]. As the country, we are under pressure to maximise employment in this country as we are pursuing [the] re-industrialisation of the economy. SMMEs will remain an important aspect of growing our economic base. Big corporates have an obligation to use the ESD model effectively through empowerment measures such as ESD mechanisms,” she said.
Gina further urged Tiger Brands and South African based companies to fully utilise the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCTA) to ensure their own advancement and those of the South African and African economies.
The African Continental Free Trade Area creates the world’s largest free trade area by number of countries, and has the potential to bring transformative change and tremendous opportunities to African economies and businesses. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 04/14/2024 - 15:56
248 views
Over 281 000 people intercepted from unlawfully entering SA
Over 281 000 people intercepted from unlawfully entering SA
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has successfully intercepted and prevented more than 281 000 people from unlawfully entering South Africa since the initial deployment of border guards last year.
“It is in this celebratory mode of 30 years of democracy, coupled with the first anniversary of the BMA that we are presented with an opportunity to reflect on the benefits of moving away from a multi-agency approach to an integrated border management platform under a single command and control,” said Commissioner of the BMA, Dr Mike Masiapato.
The BMA celebrated its first anniversary on 1 April this year.
“To this end, the BMA has taken full control of all immigration, health, agricultural and environmental functions across all ports of entry, with the departments retaining responsibility for policy and legislation,” Masiapato said at a media briefing held on Sunday.
However, the access control function across the ports of entry remains co-implemented between the border guards and the South African Police Services (SAPS) due to the capacity challenges confronting the BMA.
Masiapato presented the report on the authority’d 2024 Easter plan, which ran for 10 days starting from 26 March to 4 April 2024.
During the Easter period, the BMA facilitated 1 136 250 travellers across South Africa’s 71 ports of entry. This was a 24% increase, with 222 391 more travellers facilitated and registered compared to last year.
Operations
The Commissioner revealed that 3 841 people attempting to enter South Africa illegally were intercepted.
He said that there was a decrease in the number of undocumented and unaccompanied minors arriving at ports of entry during the Easter period of 2024.
Although this was a positive development, the agency intercepted five children at the Beitbridge port of entry on 28 March 2024.
The children were handed over to the Department of Social Development and have since been returned to their home country.
He also shared about the incident involving a child at the Grobler’s Bridge port of entry where a woman was attempting to exit South Africa to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) via Botswana.
“The supposed ‘mother’ did not have a passport but was carrying an Emergency Travel Document, which was issued by the embassy of the DRC and the child was completely undocumented. They were both handed over to the colleagues of the Department of Social Development who processed and took them to the place of safety within Limpopo.”
In addition, eight penalties were issued to some bus companies found transporting illegal migrants in various ports of entry to the value of R270 000.
“At this point, we would like to send a stern warning to all conveyers to desist from transporting illegal migrants in or out of South Africa.”
The border guards also managed to intercept and deny entry to about seven cargo consignments of meat worth about R9 294 551 which were destined to enter South Africa through the port of Cape Town due to non-compliance.
They also seized about 748 kg of non-compliant regulated agricultural products at various ports of entry.
In the period of 10 days, BMA health specialists screened about 91 743 travellers for various infectious and or communicable diseases and seized about 120 tablets, 57 658 mg of medications, 59 530 ml of cosmetics and about 50 insulin injections.
The guards working with the SAPS arrested about 143 individuals for committing various crimes and transgressions within the ports of entry and the border law enforcement area.
“The majority of these individuals served as facilitators of illegal activities around the ports of entry and were therefore charged for aiding and abetting. Interestingly, one individual was arrested at Lebombo port of entry to Mozambique while in possession of 13 passports attempting to bribe an immigration specialist with some banknotes which were placed in between the pages of the individual passports.”
In addition, about R641 of dagga with the value of R2 602 500 was seized and destroyed in both Grobler's Bridge port of entry to Botswana and Caledonspoort port of entry to Lesotho.
Another joint operation by officials of the SAPS, South African Reserve Service (SARS) and BMA included 217 master cases of counterfeit cigarettes with the value of R3 351 690 at the Lebombo port of entry from Mozambique en route to South Africa.
Other operations include the interception of 573 items of counterfeit alcohol, 272 pairs of counterfeit clothing and parts of a Toyota Hilux 4 x 4 worth R150 000.
“As the BMA, we remain committed to robustly confront the complex challenges associated with border management across all modalities, ranging from sea, land and air,” said the Commissioner. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 04/14/2024 - 12:17
384 views
Deputy Ministers to handover upgraded Limpopo sewer pipeline project
Deputy Ministers to handover upgraded Limpopo sewer pipeline project
The Deputy Ministers of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), and Water and Sanitation, are expected to hand over the upgraded main sewer pipeline project in Extension 5 and 6 of Mookgophong on Monday.
CoGTA Deputy Minister, Parks Tau will be joined by his Water and Sanitation counterpart, David Mahlobo in the project which falls under the Modimolle Mokgopong Local Municipality situated within the Waterberg District in Limpopo.
Limpopo MEC of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) Basikopo Makamu, the leadership of the province and the municipalities, will join the Deputy Ministers.
“Due to the growth in Mookgopong, particularly in Extension 5 and 6, the bulk sewer pipelines were in an incapable state of performing which resulted in sewer spillages over the years.
“The municipality was challenged to address the issue due to budgetary constraints and technical capacity needed until the Department of Water and Sanitation, through their Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG), provided funding for the sewer project,” the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs explained.
The Department of Cooperative Governance played a crucial role in this partnership towards the success of the project through the provision of technical support via the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA).
“The project, which is in Ward 4, addresses the bulk sewer challenges at Ext 5 and 6 where spillages were prevalent. The sewer lines also connect to Ext 3, which is adjacent to the project area. Through the project, Ward 4 community members have access to and are using adequate and reliable functioning sewer system and the sewer spillages, which were prevalent, have been addressed.”
The project handover is planned to take place at 9 am at the Mookgophong Community Hall. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 04/14/2024 - 12:38
105 views
Over a million travellers processed over Easter period
Over a million travellers processed over Easter period
The Border Management Authority (BMA) facilitated about 1 136 250 travellers across the country’s 71 ports of entry over the Easter period.
This represents a 24% increase or 222 391 more travellers than last year, the BMA announced on Sunday.
This as the BMA’s Commissioner, Dr Mike Masiapato, announced the results of the 10-day Easter plan implementation that ran from 26 March to 4 April 2024.
Masiapato identified OR Tambo International Airport, the Lebombo port of entry to Mozambique, and Beitbridge port of entry to Zimbabwe as the top three ports that processed the majority of travellers with a total of 528 042 individuals.
“In fact, OR Tambo facilitated the most travellers at 217 855, followed by Lebombo at 157 069 and Beitbridge at 153 118 travellers,” he said at a media briefing held at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) head office in Pretoria.
He added that at the Cape Town harbour had seen an increase in the number of holiday makers boarding cruise ships for various destinations, according to border law enforcement officials.
The BMA also processed about 36 675 private vehicles, 1 893 minibus taxis, 1 309 buses and over 2 621 aircrafts at various international airports.
It also handled 252 vessels across seaports of which 119 were for crew changes through the off-port limit mechanism.
“This has to do with the facilitation of crew changes for vessels that have not docked at the port. During the implementation of this plan on people movement, we deployed proactive preventative measures for the speedy detection of non-compliances on the set port protocols.”
The Commissioner revealed that 3 841 people attempting to enter South Africa illegally were intercepted.
Of the 3 841, about 2 403 did not have any documents, 1 019 were refused entry for being “undesirable”, while about 419 were found to be “inadmissible” to enter the country due to various reasons.
“The majority of those arrested without documents were intercepted at the vulnerable segments of the borderline. They were processed, declared undesirable for five years, and were deported.”
According to Masiapato, most of the “inadmissible” individuals had invalid passports, fraudulent visas or simply failed to produce relevant documents such as valid yellow fever certificates.
“We would like to indicate that the success of this Easter operations can be attributed to the consistent implementation of all proactive measures and those include effective corridor management which was done in full collaboration with the respective local traffic authorities. As such, none of our key arteries leading to any of the land ports of entry experienced any kind of congestion.”
He also expressed his gratitude to all motorists for observing traffic laws and adhering to the instructions of traffic authorities.
He also applauded the Stockpoort port of entry for processing and recording data of all passengers who were on the bus en route from Botswana to Moria in Limpopo for the Easter pilgrimage.
“Despite our limited resources, our officers continue to work tirelessly to ensure the smooth flow of legitimate travellers while upholding the highest security standards. We are extremely proud and appreciative of the resilience of our border officials in rendering a stable service in very difficult conditions,” he said.
Earlier this week, President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Botswana counterpart, President Mokgweetsi Masisi visited the site of the bus crash which claimed the lives of 45 Botswana nationals.
The only survivor of the crash was an eight-year-old child. SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 04/14/2024 - 11:39
131 views
Call for a National Register of Polluters
Call for a National Register of Polluters
Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, has vowed to tackle the pollution of the environment and water sources as the Vaal River coues to battle with invasive alien plants.
Mchunu said the country needs to have a National Register of Polluters to deal with the pollution of the environment and water sources across South Africa.
He said a National Register of Polluters was necessary to make people account for their transgressions.
“We want those in positions of authority, Mayors, CEOs of companies to have their names in the register so that they account for the neglect that leaves our rivers polluted,” he said on Friday.
The Minister was speaking at a workshop held at Emerald Resort and Casino in Vanderbijlpark.
Several stakeholders attended the workshop, including mayors of Mafube, Ngwathe and Metsimaholo Local Municipalities, Rand Water Board Chairperson Ramateu Monyokolo, and representatives from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment.
He announced the establishment of a sectoral forum of experts to urgently address the situation and devise practical solutions that will ensure that the current state of the Vaal River System becomes a thing of the past.
“The Vaal River is not just a vital water source. It is a lifeline for our communities, industries and ecosystems.
“Its health is under threat from various sources, including wastewater discharge and we must collaborate effectively to mitigate these impacts and protect this invaluable resource for future generations,” the Minister stressed.
The Minister is also expected to hold a meeting with the Mayors of Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, Tshwane and Mogale City to look at the state of Centurion Lake and tributaries affecting the state of the lake.
Mchunu believes all spheres of government need to have the upper hand in the resolve to deal with the pollution of water sources and the environment.
He took the time to highlight some of the interventions, including introducing measures to prevent the spread of alien invasive species, raising awareness among the public, and enforcing regulations on the importation and sale of potentially invasive species.
The Minister also spoke about the early detection and development of monitoring programmes to detect invasive species early on and implement rapid response measures to control their spread.
He discussed restoring native vegetation and ecosystems to rehabilitate areas affected by invasive species.
“This can help to restore the ecological balance of the river and improve its overall health.”
Government will also be working with its agencies, non-governmental organisations, and local communities to develop new and improved methods for controlling invasive species and restoring native habitats. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 04/14/2024 - 10:11
74 views
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Nzimande dissolves NSFAS board
Nzimande dissolves NSFAS board
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, has dissolved the board of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and placed it under administration.
The announcement followed a meeting held on Thursday between Nzimande and the NSFAS Board to communicate the Minister’s decision to dissolve the NSFAS Board, with immediate effect.
In a statement issued on Thursday evening, the department said the legal effect of the decision will be communicated on Friday, through the Government Gazette.
“On Sunday, 14 April 2024, at 2pm, the Minister will convene a special media briefing to explain the rationale for dissolving the NSFAS Board and the further steps arising from this decision,” the department said in a statement.
Prior to the meeting, the department issued a statement raising Nzimande’s concerns over the recurring problem of non- payment of student allowances by NSFAS.
“Given the magnitude of this problem and its negative impact on the well-being of students and the continued functioning of our post school education and training system, in the next few days, the Minister will be taking a series of additional and decisive steps, all of which are intended to have the problem of non-payment of allowances resolved as a matter of priority,” the department said.
As part of the series of decisive steps, Nzimande, supported by the department, has instructed NSFAS to immediately establish a dedicated task team that will visit all the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and universities, where students are experiencing serious NSFAS related problems.
Regarding the 2024 academic cycle, the department said against valid registration records received on 15 March 2024, NSFAS has paid the disbursements for university and TVET college students.
“For the latest payment cycle, NSFAS has paid TVET college student allowances and tuition to the value of R511 106 120 in total,” the department said.
The allowance included R147 115 846 in college tuition; R34 831 311 in allowances via TVET colleges; and R298 971 220 in NSFAS card allowances; and R30 187 743 towards student accommodation via solution providers.
“For universities, NSFAS has paid allowances and tuition to the value of R2 306 583 222 in total,” the department said.
The universities allowance included R1 258 865 972 tuition to universities; R653 954 716 allowances via universities and R393 762 534 direct payment to students.
However, the department said not all TVET colleges and universities have complied with the NSFAS deadline of 15 March 2024 for the submission of student registration data to facilitate the payment of allowances.
The department said failure to comply by some TVET colleges and universities has contributed to the latest sporadic student protests.
“To address this, the Minister dispatched the Director-General to have an urgent meeting with the NSFAS management, which was intended to ensure that working with institutions, all outstanding allowances are paid as soon as it is practicable.
“In addition, NSFAS has sent its servicing administrators to work with the non-compliant TVET colleges and universities to finalise the submission of student registration data and ensure that the outstanding student allowances and tuition is paid in the next payment cycle,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 04/12/2024 - 10:35
697 views
Presidents Ramaphosa and Masisi visit Limpopo bus crash site
Presidents Ramaphosa and Masisi visit Limpopo bus crash site
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the quick and compassionate local response to the bus crash which claimed the lives of 45 Botswana nationals is a testament of the warm and compassionate relations between the two countries.
The only survivor of the crash was an eight-year-old child.
The President was speaking at the site of the tragic accident at the Mmamatlakala Bridge along the R518 in Limpopo where he was joined by his Botswana counterpart, President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
A bus travelling from Molepolole in Botswana to Moria in Limpopo, to celebrate Easter, plunged off the bridge along the Mmamatlakala Pass on 28 March 2024.
“We have a horrible accident that has occurred involving Batswana. But no sooner than it occurred, I called President Masisi to inform him that our team consisting of our provincial officials from government from the Premier down to the…police and the immediate responders were immediately on the scene, and we were able to beam information not only to the world but also to the government of Botswana to inform them what was happening.
“That speaks volumes about the relationship between the two countries which is underpinned by compassion, humanness, cooperation and transparency,” he said on Thursday.
At the scene, President Masisi said he was “well received” by South Africa upon his arrival.
“I was thoroughly briefed and impressed by the immaculateness of competence, thoroughness of detail and I visited the site. I go back home completely gratified that the very best was done and I give thanks to South Africa,” said President Masisi. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 04/12/2024 - 10:37
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