MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Navigating the path to obtaining a driving license in the UK has become increasingly arduous due to prolonged waiting times for driving tests. This situation has not only frustrated learners but also put a strain on instructors and the broader driving education ecosystem. The emergence of driving test cancellation services offers a glimmer of hope, …
ACCRA: Team South Africa slipped to a 70-run defeat against Kenya in their second match of the African Games at...
Whether you’re decluttering, moving, or simply need extra space for your belongings, finding the right storage facility can be a daunting task. Luckily, Johannesburg South, Selby, and Newton offer a range of storage solutions to meet your personal and business needs. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of choosing the right storage facility and …
Do you have any plans for the Easter Weekend? Port Alfred is looking good at this stage. Port Alfred—The inaugural Bands At The Beach Music Festival is the highlight of the Port Alfred Easter Festival, which takes place over the Easter Weekend of 29 March—1 April. The Bands At The Beach Music Fest, happening on …
Attorneys in Lottery case will have to explain why they should not pay costs personally on a punitive scale
Residents were demanding a lasting and immediate solution to the area’s water crisis
297 suspects arrested in N Cape
The South African Police Service's Operation Shanela has netted 297 suspects in the Northern Cape.
The suspects, who were arrested last week, were nabbed for a variety of crimes including trio crimes (robbery at non-residential premises, mainly small businesses; robbery at residential premises and carjacking), contact crimes, drug and alcohol related offences and property related crimes.
Of the 297 suspects, 136 are wanted persons arrested by detectives during tracing operations.
The suspects were arrested for the commission of serious crimes, including aggravated robbery, attempted murder, rape, attempted rape, assault GBH [grievous bodily harm] and robbery.
Roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and high visibility patrols were executed, whereby 4 432 persons and 2 366 vehicles were stopped and searched.
Compliance inspections were conducted at second hand goods dealers, firearms dealers, formal and informal businesses and liquor outlets, resulting in the closure of five unlicensed outlets and the confiscation of a significant amount of liquor and gambling machines.
High visibility patrols were conducted in rural areas, where several farms and mines were visited.
The actions resulted in the confiscation of a considerable amount of liquor, drugs and dangerous weapons.
Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, expressed her gratitude towards all the commanders and members who contributed to the successes achieved, as well as the communities for their cooperation. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 03/18/2024 - 09:28
South Africa and Zimbabwe enter landmark water sharing deal
Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu and the Zimbabwean Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka, have signed an agreement for the transfer of treated water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works to Musina.
The agreement is the product of the bilateral agreement of cooperation on water resources management, and the establishment and functioning of the Joint Water Commission established by the two countries in 2015.
The transfer of treated water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works in Zimbabwe to Musina, Limpopo, is a medium-term solution to address water supply challenges in the area.
The capacity of the Beitbridge Water Treatment Plant is 35 million cubic metres/annum (96 Ml/day) and is currently not fully utilised in Zimbabwe, with only 10% of the capacity used for Beitbridge.
Mchunu has welcomed the signing of the agreement and assured the community of Musina that the transfer of water from Beitbridge will alleviate water supply challenges in the area, as the quantities to be supplied are more than the current demand.
According to the agreement, the two countries will kick-start an implementation plan and oversee the construction of a pipeline and of pump stations to transfer 15 million cubic metres (41 ML/day) of treated water from Zimbabwe to Musina.
The two implementing agents to oversee the construction projects include the South African Development Bank and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority. The project is expected to be completed in 2026.
The treated water to be transferred is expected to comply with South Africa’s water quality standards (SANS 241), set by the South African National Bureau of Standards (SABS), which is informed by World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.
Mchunu said in the interim, the Department of Water and Sanitation is working with the Vhembe District Municipality, which is the Water Services Authority for Musina Local Municipality, in addressing challenges with the existing water infrastructure, including rehabilitating the existing but non-functional boreholes, while the project is being implemented.
“We are looking at operationalising the non-functioning boreholes in Musina and we believe that with the transfer of water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works, the challenges of water supply in Musina will be a thing of the past.
“...We are thankful to the government of Zimbabwe to be able to expedite this water sharing deal, which will change the lives of the people of Musina,” Mchunu said.
Masuka also welcomed the contribution of the government of Zimbabwe to ensure that economic development is sustainable in Musina.
“I am very pleased that this day has come to fruition. It has taken years of negotiation and I thank the technical team for having put their very best for their countries to ensure that we come to this level today,” Masuka said.
The Minister reiterated that Zimbabwe is committed to supplying the maximum 15 million cubic metres of treated water per year to Musina town for the duration of the agreement. He is hopeful that the contribution will alleviate the water challenges in Musina, and also contribute to the economic development of the region.
As part of the two-day programme, Mchunu, accompanied by Deputy Minister Judith Tshabalala, held a meeting with Vhembe District and Musina Local Municipality leadership on Friday to discuss immediate, medium- and long-term solutions to water and sanitation challenges affecting the region.
The leaders later held an imbizo, where they gave an update to the community of Musina on the plans underway to provide them with water, as well as interim measures to alleviate intermittent water provision. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 03/18/2024 - 09:47
Human Rights for only some, are Human Rights for none – President
Ahead of Human Rights Day later this week, President Cyril Ramaphosa has reminded the country that “we cannot truly be free until all people are free”.
Speaking to the nation through his weekly newsletter, the President said all people, everywhere, have basic rights and should be free to exercise them.
“As we continue to work towards realising the basic human rights of all South Africans, we are reminded that these rights are universal. That all people, everywhere, have basic rights and should be free to exercise them. We are reminded that we cannot truly be free until all people are free,” he said.
President Ramaphosa stressed the importance of being aware of the worsening human rights situation globally.
“When we consider the deteriorating state of human rights and fundamental freedoms in many parts of the world today, we are mindful that we have a moral responsibility to strive for the achievement of human rights not just for our own people, but for all people across the world.
“As we commemorate the tragic events that took place in Sharpeville in 1960, and recommit ourselves to the cause of human freedom, we stand firm in our position that human rights for only some are human rights for none. Let us all continue to advance and protect the human rights of all who live in South Africa,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa further reflected that over the past three decades, the country has worked together to undo the terrible legacy of apartheid.
However, he said, the effects of apartheid persist across society – whether it is in health, educational and developmental outcomes, access to basic services and infrastructure, or in the racialised nature of poverty, unemployment, inequality and exclusion.
“Human Rights Month is an opportunity to assess the progress we have made over the past three decades to advance the Bill of Rights set out in our Constitution, as well as to reflect honestly on where we have fallen short,” he said.
He added that the results of Census 2022 released last year highlight the progress made as a country in giving effect to the rights contained in the Constitution.
The pro-poor policies of the democratic state have lifted millions out of absolute poverty, expanded access to basic services, improved educational and health outcomes for the country’s majority, and broadened participation in economic activity.
“As we head into our country’s 7th democratic election this year, we are further reminded of the fundamental freedoms South Africans enjoy today. These include freedom of conscience and opinion, the right to assembly and demonstration, freedom of association, and wide-ranging political rights.
“We also have a free, independent media that plays a critical role in promoting transparency and accountability.
“We have to stand together united as we work for the realisation of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. We should not be in denial about our shortcomings and strive to overcome them with urgency. For millions of South Africans, lack of access to basic services, unemployment and lack of opportunity affect the most fundamental of human rights – the right to dignity,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 03/18/2024 - 10:52
Dear Editor The DA calls on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to reveal how vetting took place for the student accommodation online portal service providers and student accommodation accrediting agents. Recent investigations by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) into tender contracts, revealed irregularities as well as the service providers’ inability to offer …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) today announces the five-point intervention plan to address the governance and political instability we have seen in the country’s major metropolitan areas. The instability in these cities is due to coalitions that are bound by gentlemen’s agreements and not by good governance principles that place the residents at the …
Pretoria, South Africa – 18 March 2024: Mitch Evans secures his first podium of the 2024 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship with a second-place finish at the São Paulo E-Prix. This achievement marks the fourth podium the British team have scored in the first four races of the season. Swapping carnival feathers for electric …
The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is inviting proposals from dynamic individuals to join the upcoming ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP) as programme facilitators/mentors. The ACT seeks programme personnel to support the NSP across four positions namely, a Visual and Digital Arts Mentor, a Performing Arts Assistant Mentor, a Stage Manager, and an Artistic Director. …
SANRAL invests R2 billion in Eastern Cape road maintenance
The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) is expected to inject close to R2 billion into the Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape when it implements its road maintenance projects over the next three years.
The roads agency said it will implement two road infrastructure development projects in the municipality, which include the road improvements of the R61 National Road between All Saints to Bayiza, as well as road improvements of the R61 National Road between Qumanco and eNgcobo.
The scope of work on these projects will entail the upgrading of roads, bridges and culverts and improving road safety in the area.
SANRAL has set aside a minimum of 30% of the project value to be subcontracted to SMMEs and a minimum of 8% of the project value will be set aside for local labour.
The construction tender closed on 8 March this year, and the projects are envisaged to take place over three years once a contractor is appointed.
SANRAL Southern Region’s Stakeholder Coordinator Welekazi Ndika said project liaison committees (PLCs) would be established to ensure better communication and transparency on SANRAL projects, as well as ensuring that work done on projects is seamless.
“PLCs will assist in creating a platform for project liaison, works execution, subcontracting and facilitating employment opportunities for local community members. These include young people, women, people with disabilities and military veterans. Local subcontractors and communities must benefit from our projects, and we value transparency with communities on these contracts,” Ndika said.
While highlighting the country’s high unemployment rate among the youth, Ndika implored the youth to participate in PLC structures.
SANRAL Southern Region’s Transformation Unit Zenande Mpondo said the roads agency will train and develop Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) contractors to enhance their business acumen and tendering skills.
“All small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) will be required to undertake assessment and class activities during the training, and they will have to demonstrate competence to be awarded the unit standard. The unit standards are from the National Certificate: Construction Contracting NQF 2. These unit standards are a skills programme that will have a credit value towards the National Certificate,” Mpondo said.
She mentioned that it is SANRAL’s commitment to ensure that SMMEs are assisted with information on tenders, as well as on development opportunities, ensuring that they can participate in SANRAL projects.
“Through our Supplier Development Desk at SANRAL, we are available to manage incoming queries from our Transformation Portal, telephonic queries, emails, as well as walk-ins. The desk also advises on upcoming training, workshops and transformation sessions that we host. We also offer guidelines for SMMEs on how to tender on the portal. This is just one of our ongoing efforts to ensure that we improve interaction with SMMEs,” Mpondo said.
SANRAL currently manages a road network of 5 334km in the Eastern Cape. The roads agency has recently taken over several roads in the province, and this will increase its road network to 5 600km in the Eastern Cape.
SANRAL invested over R28 billion in the Eastern Cape between 2014 and 2022, significantly boosting economic development and job creation.
In line with its strategic intent to ensure sustainability of the construction industry, SANRAL intends to spend just over R55 billion between April this year and March 2027. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 03/18/2024 - 14:04
More work needed for full Human Rights enjoyment
President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged that although government has made significant strides in advancing the constitutional and rights-based system, there remains a considerable amount of work ahead to ensure all citizens can fully exercise their basic human rights.
The country continues to be plagued by poor service delivery, especially in municipalities, said the President, adding that corruption deprives citizens of the fulfilment of their rights.
“Whilst we are rightfully proud of how far our constitutional, rights-based order has come, we know that much still has to be done to fulfil the promise of the full enjoyment of the basic human rights of all our people.
“The creation of employment for our people and promoting the rights that are enshrined in our Constitution are necessary to improve lives and lift millions out of poverty and despair.
“We are duty-bound, not just as government but as all who have a stake in the future progress and prosperity of this great country, to work harder, sparing neither strength nor courage to fulfil the basic human rights of our people. The South Africa of today is a vastly different place to what it was thirty years ago,” the President said.
He was addressing the National Conference on 30 years of Human Rights in South Africa at the Birchwood Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni on Monday.
The conference is being hosted by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development under the theme: “Three Decades of Respect for and Promotion of Human Rights”.
The three-day conference will see government officials and key stakeholders reflect on the work that has been done since South Africa’s democratic dispensation.
The President reflected that since 1994 government has prioritised the advancement and fulfilment of the Bill of Rights as a cornerstone of the country’s democratic order.
He emphasised that human rights are the basic rights that all human beings should have.
“Human rights embody the key values of our society such as equality, dignity and fairness, and define our nationhood. Human rights should manifest themselves through protection for vulnerable groups, freedom of speech and expression, religious freedom, freedom to love and other rights that promote the well-being of people.”
President Ramaphosa further acknowledged that there have been challenges and shortcomings over the past 30 years, and “we have a long way to go towards completely fulfilling the promise of the Constitution”.
That said, he added, the nation should not shy away from the immense progress that has been made.
The President outlined the pieces of legislation that have been passed that give effect to the Constitution.
“The Bill of Rights enjoins the democratic state to enact various pieces of legislation to promote human rights between and among people. Amongst those we have put in place are the Promotion of Access to information Act, which gives effect to Section 32 of the Constitution; the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act which gives effect to section 33; and the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, which gives effect to section 9.
“To give effect to section 9 (2) of the Constitution, relating to measures of redress for the previously disadvantaged, we passed the Employment Equity Act, Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Act and others,” he said.
He further highlighted that the constitutional order is premised not only on building a non-racial society, but also a non-sexist society.
Over the past 30 years there have been significant changes in the position of women across society. Today, there are more women serving as leaders in both the public and private sectors.
“We have passed a broad range of laws to protect women from all forms of abuse and to advance their rights. These include laws around domestic violence, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and workplace discrimination,” he said.
Strengthening constitutional democracy
To promote accountability, responsiveness and openness, the President said government has established various institutions to strengthen constitutional democracy. These include the South African Human Rights Commission, the Office of the Public Protector, the Commission for Gender Equality and others.
President Ramaphosa said he was proud of these institutions supporting democracy and their establishment ushered in a new era of accountability and respect for dignity.
“Before the advent of democracy, our country was a pariah state that was infamous for violating the basic rights of the majority of its citizens. We lived in a country where racial discrimination was at the core of government policy.
“Today our country is revered as a country that upholds, protects and advances the basic human rights of the people who live in South Africa. Following our country’s admission as a fully-fledged member of the community of nations, the democratic state has signed, ratified and acceded to various international human rights law treaties,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 03/18/2024 - 14:33
Maumela faces gross misconduct and incompetence charges because of late judgments
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, provides seven tips to help your toddler brush their teeth efficiently. “As a parent, you understand the importance of good oral hygiene for your child’s health. However, convincing a toddler to brush their teeth can sometimes feel like an uphill battle,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of …
Municipalities’ expenditure on infrastructure grants low
National Treasury has expressed concern at the low expenditure on infrastructure grants by municipalities during the second quarter of the 2023/24 financial year.
“The performance of the infrastructure grants to municipalities during the second quarter was not satisfactory. Low expenditure on infrastructure grants is a source of concern because this slow performance may eventually lead to unspent conditional grants that have to revert to the National Revenue Fund (NRF),” National Treasury said on Monday.
National Treasury said the surrendering of unspent conditional grants to the NRF has negative consequences to the communities that must receive the services linked to the infrastructure to be built.
“The Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) is the highest performing direct infrastructure grant to municipalities during the second quarter, with a performance of 49.3%, which is higher than the 37.6 % reported for the same period in the previous financial year.
“The Integrated Urban Development Grant Water (IUDG) is the second highest performing grant with a performance of 46.7%. The MIG grant has been the highest performing grant for the third consecutive time as at the end of the second quarter year-on-year,” National Treasury said.
National Treasury has released the local government revenue and expenditure report for the second quarter of the 2023/24 financial year (1 July 2023 -31 December 2023).
This report covers the performance against the adopted budgets of local government for the second quarter of the municipal financial year ending on 31 December 2023 and includes spending against conditional grant allocations for the same period.
As of 31 December 2023, R27.8 billion, or 63.5%, of the R43.7 billion allocated to municipalities in direct conditional grants for 2023/24 has been transferred to municipalities.
“The Municipal Disaster Recovery Grant (MDRG) had the lowest spending grant during the second quarter, with a 12.7% expenditure, equivalent to R40.1 million expenditure against the R320 million allocation.
“The Public Transport Network Grant (PTNG) is the second lowest performing grant with expenditure performance of 25%. It should be noted that the PTNG is an infrastructure grant allocated to metropolitan municipalities only and it is an observation that metropolitan municipalities are increasingly struggling to implement this programme,” National Treasury said.
Aggregate trends
Aggregate municipal consumer debts amounted to R338.2 billion (compared to R306.7 billion reported in the first quarter of 2023/24) as at 31 December 2023.
“A total amount of R6.4 billion or 1.9% has been written off as bad debt. The largest component of this debt relates to households and represents 72.7% or R245.8 billion (71.9% or R220.4 billion in the first quarter of the 2023/24 financial year). Debt owed to municipalities in the category of below 90 days, amounts to R43.1 billion,” National Treasury said.
The creditors’ age analysis shows that R104.3 billion is owed by municipalities as at 31 December 2023, an increase of R2.9 billion compared to the R101.4 billion reported in the first quarter of 2023/24.
“The analysis of the collection rates indicates that while municipalities’ year-to-date have budgeted for a 75.6% collection rate, aggregated actual collection performance against billed is only 58.4%. The underperformance of actual collections against billed revenue holds a significant risk for the liquidity position of most municipalities as the planned expenditure is based on a higher performance level,” National Treasury said.
As of 31 December 2023, aggregate municipal spending (for both operating and capital budgets) was 46.3% or R283.5 billion of the total adopted expenditure budget of R612 billion.
“Aggregated billing and other revenue was 50.3% or R310.9 billion of the total adopted revenue budget of R618.5 billion. Capital expenditure was R25.6 billion or 31.1% of the adopted capital budget of R82.5 billion.
“The adopted operating expenditure budget was R536 billion, of which R285.3 billion (53.2%) was spent by 31 December 2023. Municipalities adopted a budget of R154.5 billion for salaries and wages (including remuneration of councillors’ remuneration), representing a R7.9 billion or a 5.4% increase from the adopted budget of R146.6 billion for the 2022/23 municipal financial year,” National Treasury said.
As of 31 December 2023, R72.8 billion or 47.2% of the adopted salary budget, had been spent.
National Treasury said this information is published in terms of Sections 71 of the Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act No. 56 of 2003) (MFMA), and 30(3) of the Division of Revenue Act, 2023 (Act No. 5 of 2023) (DoRA).
The budgeted figures shown are based on the 2023/24 adopted budgets approved by municipal councils. This second quarter publication covers 257 municipalities on financial information and conditional grant information.
“The Section 71 report facilitates transparency in reporting, better in-year management and the oversight of the financial performance of municipalities against their adopted budgets. This report is, therefore, a management tool that serves as an early warning mechanism for councils, provincial legislatures, and municipal management to monitor and improve municipal performance timeously.
“Improving the credibility of the data strings is a priority for national and provincial treasuries and the submitted data strings are analysed monthly and errors are communicated to municipalities for correction,” National Treasury said.
Further details on this report can be accessed on the National Treasury’s website: www.treasury.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 03/18/2024 - 14:46
Immerse yourself in the heart of Cape Town’s vibrant culture this Easter Weekend at the Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay. Nestled in an authentic fish factory within a bustling working harbour, this unique market venue becomes a melting pot of creativity, diversity, and energy, embodying the true spirit of South Africa. Bay Harbour Market …
When redefining value, higher education institutions will be increasingly required to step out of their comfort zones Higher education institutions worldwide are currently facing a critical period in their existence. They have to redefine their value proposition to a cohort of students who are not only digital natives but have grown up in an environment …
Six-month planned maintenance of the Lesotho Highlands Tunnel
Water users of the Vaal River System have been reminded about the upcoming six-month closure of the Lesotho Highlands Tunnel for planned maintenance work.
The planned maintenance work on the transfer and delivery tunnels of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) is scheduled to start from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025.
The tunnel system consists of a Transfer Tunnel, linking Katse Dam with Muela Power Station and Muela Dam, and a Delivery Tunnel, linking Muela Dam with the Ash River Outfall Works between Clarens and Bethlehem.
The Department of Water and Sanitation said the inspections and maintenance of the tunnels are conducted at intervals not shorter than five years and not exceeding 10 years.
“The last maintenance was conducted in 2019. During the shutdown of 2019 it was found that the steel liners in the tunnel urgently need extensive maintenance on both the Republic of South Africa and Lesotho side,” the department said.
It noted that this process cannot be done in a shorter period than six months.
The planned maintenance work is being overseen by the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission, a joint governance body between South Africa and Lesotho and will be jointly undertaken by the Lesotho Highlands Development Agency (LHDA) and the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA).
The work required to be undertaken during the period includes grit-blasting the steel-lined section around the entire circumference and re-applying corrosion protection on the tunnel lining, as well as other maintenance and repair work identified during the 2019 maintenance shutdown.
The work to be undertaken requires lot of time as it is expected to protect the infrastructure for another 20-30 years.
“This much-needed maintenance is critical to maintain the integrity of the delivery tunnels as a tunnel failure will risk the transfer of the 780 million m3/annum to the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS), from which Rand Water draws water to supply its customers. The six months period required to conduct maintenance is thus crucial to avoid any catastrophic event which may result from lack of maintenance,” the department explained.
As a result of the tunnel shutdown, the department said 700 million m3 per annum will be transferred in 2024, and only a shortfall of 80 million m3 from the annual transfer volume will be impacted.
“After the shutdown period, the water transfers will be increased to enable the shortfall in transfers to be recovered. It must be noted that for the IVRS, transferring the full volume (780 million m3) on an annual basis from Lesotho (regardless of the status of the IVRS) does not yield the most efficient use of the system yield,” the department said.
An analysis was undertaken in May 2023 to assess the risk to the IVRS’ performance because of the outage and to determine the impact of the shutdown on water availability to users in South Africa.
The results showed that the impact of the outage on the overall IVRS will be insignificant considering that dams in the IVRS such as the Sterkfontein Dam and others are relatively full.
The standard operating rule is that Sterkfontein Dam releases water to the Vaal Dam when the Vaal Dam reaches a minimum operating level of 18%.
The department’s analysis indicates that this is unlikely to occur at any probability level in the 2023-2024 operating year (1 May – 31 April).
The department said further analysis will be undertaken in May 2024 to ensure that there are also no likely risks to water supply from the IVRS in the 2024-2025 operating year.
However, the department warned that the shutdown will have implications of water supply to users along the Liebenbergsvlei River and its tributaries during that period, as the river directly receives outflows from the tunnel.
“The towns of Bethlehem, Reitz, and Tweeling as well as licensed irrigators will be affected. The reason for these users being affected is that there will be a significantly reduced amount of water in the Liebenbergsvlei River and its tributaries, from which these users draw their water.
“In order to secure water during the shutdown for these local users, the Saulspoort Dam will be filled up at the commencement of the shutdown period. DWS analysis indicates that a full Saulspoort Dam will be able to provide water for local requirements including those of Bethlehem, Reitz, and Tweeling for a period of up to nine months which is more than the six months tunnel outage,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 03/18/2024 - 13:19
Returning to the ‘Friendly City’ on Sunday 7 April 2024, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K will treat runners to a fast, flat route that highlights the city’s iconic landmarks while celebrating the true essence of Gqeberha – the vibe, the city, and the people! “Gqeberha has a reputation for setting records, and we’re …
At the end of 2023, The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund bid farewell to two of its pillars in founding members and trustees Morné du Plessis and Frikkie Naudé. For 43 years, the pair paved the way for the non-profit organisation with extraordinary passion and left behind a solid foundation for the Players’ Fund …
Ministers commit to support transboundary cooperation in shared water basin
Ministers responsible for Water Affairs from the Republics of Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe have recommitted their support to deepening transboundary cooperation in the Limpopo River Basin.
During the biannual meeting by the four Member States held recently in Musina, Limpopo, the Ministers, who are all members of the Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM), signed an endorsement agreement to make amendments to the existing transboundary agreement of LIMCOM on the shared water basin.
READ | SA, Zimbabwe to sign agreement for treated water transfer to Musina
The Department of Water and Sanitation has been a member of LIMCOM since the Commission was established between the Republics of Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe through the LIMCOM Agreement signed in November 2003 in Maputo, Mozambique.
Article 3.1 of the LIMCOM Agreement (Agreement 2003), stipulates that the objective of the Commission is to “advise the Contracting Parties and provide recommendations on the uses of the Limpopo River, its tributaries and its waters for purposes and measures of protection, preservation and management of the Limpopo River”.
With respect to the Commission’s institutional arrangements to deliver its mandate, the 2003 Agreement, under Article 4, stipulates that the principal organ of the Commission is the Council composed of not more than three delegates per country, with the mandate to establish the Secretariat and any other organ as may be necessary.
However, the Commission recognised that Article 4 of the LIMCOM Agreement signed in 2003 did not include the Council of Ministers as the principal organ of decision making.
As a result, the formalisation of the Council of Ministers as the main policy body will improve the governance structure of LIMCOM and its Secretariat, and also foster closer cooperation for judicious, sustainable and coordinated management, protection and utilisation of shared watercourses. This is in line with the 2000 Revised Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Shared Watercourses.
South Africa’s Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, said it was necessary to include the Ministers so that they execute the mandate regarding the management of the Limpopo River Basin.
Mchunu said the amendment of the agreement will strengthen South Africa’s relations with the three riparian States which share the Limpopo River Basin and use water from the river to support various socio-economic activities.
“We are looking forward to execute the mandates given to us by the people through LIMCOM and we hope that Southern Africa will look at their rivers as assets which are instrumental in developing socio-economic activities including agriculture, tourism, energy generation as well as for domestic use,” Mchunu said.
Located in Southern Africa, the Limpopo River Basin encompassing portions of Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The basin faces a number of challenges, especially water scarcity.
In South Africa, there are four Water Management Areas (WMA) found in the Limpopo River Basin, and these include Limpopo WMA, Luvuvhu and Letaba WMA, Olifants WMA and Crocodile (West) and Marico WMA.
However, there is an increasing demand for water to meet the needs of the population and the key economic sectors while faced with limited, if not dwindling, water resources.
The four Ministers also launched the “Integrated Transboundary River Basin Management for the Sustainable Development of the Limpopo River Basin, spearheaded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in South Africa, in partnership with the Global Water Partnership-Southern Africa (GWPSA).
The project aims to achieve integrated, cross sectoral, ecosystem-based management of the Limpopo River and to uplift the living standards of the basin’s population and conserve the basin’s resources and ecosystems services.
The project implementation is guided by the LIMCOM Agreement and the principles which are contained in the Revised SADC Protocol on Shared Watercourses of 2000.
The principles include sustainable utilisation; equitable and reasonable utilisation; protection, preservation, and conservation of the environment; and prevention and mitigation of significant harm.
“These principles shall be interpreted according to the provisions of Article 3 of the SADC Protocol and developed in accordance with the best international practices.
“Furthermore, in the implementation of this project, the Governments of Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe commit themselves to uphold the provisions of the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development,” Mchunu said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 03/18/2024 - 10:55