Laundry offers free showers to homeless people
LaundReCycle is energy and water self-sufficient. It has been running since 2021 at the Streetscapes Urban Farm.
Foreign nationals to appear in court for contravention of Immigration Act
Foreign nationals to appear in court for contravention of Immigration Act
About 23 foreign nationals and two South Africans are expected to appear before the Mankweng Magistrate's Court today for contravention of the Immigration Act and bribery.
This after the South African Police Service arrested them on Saturday in Solomondale near Polokwane.
It is reported that members of the SAPS Limpopo Provincial Tracking Team, in conjunction with two private security companies, SPS High Risk and Tshimollo Security, operationalised information gathered regarding a white Toyota Quantum that was driving along the R81 in Solomondale, from the Beitbridge border.
It is reported that the operational team successfully spotted the said Quantum at a filling station along the R81 road in Sebayeng and upon checking, they discovered that 23 Ethiopian male nationals, aged between 20 and 38 years, were ferried in a 15-seater passenger mini bus by the driver, a 44-year-old male South African citizen.
Preliminary investigations revealed that all the passengers in the Quantum were illegally smuggled into South Africa from Ethiopia through Zimbabwe.
It is reported that while in the process of searching the Quantum and the passengers, a white Toyota Fortuner, being driven by a male foreign national, pulled up at the scene.
It is reported that the driver of the Quantum was found in possession of a licensed firearm and it was confiscated for investigation purposes.
Meanwhile, the driver of the Fortuner reportedly tried to bribe the police with R5 000 to let the Quantum and the passengers go free. The man was charged with bribery.
The two drivers were also arrested and are facing charges of human trafficking, bribery and contravention of Immigration Act.
The Acting Limpopo Commissioner, Major General Jan Scheepers, hailed the involved teams for their commitment and alertness in ridding the province of criminality. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 10:31
647 views
Urgent court bid by Dipuo Peters to halt her suspension fails
The ANC MP was sanctioned by Parliament for state capture breaches while she was Minister of Transport
Transforming Your Living Space with Smart Home Automation
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience and efficiency are key factors in creating a comfortable and modern living environment. Smart home automation has changed the way we interact with our homes, making daily tasks easier, more convenient, and energy-efficient. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just looking to simplify your daily routines, the world of smart …
DMRE to host public engagements on draft IRP 2023
DMRE to host public engagements on draft IRP 2023
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) is expected host a series of public engagement sessions to unpack the draft Integrated Resource Plan (IRP2023) that has been published for public comment.
The engagement sessions will kick off at 1pm on Wednesday (January 31) online at https://gcis.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SduV84_aS8SCQnlABRftFQ.
In its earlier call for public comments on the IRP 2023, the DMRE said the plan seeks to “ensure security of electricity supply by balancing supply with demand, while taking into account the environment and total cost of supply”.
“The draft IRP 2023 is based on a scientific process that considers several scenarios and latest developments in the country’s electricity industry. It considers two-time horizons, the first being the period up to 2030 focusing on addressing prevailing generation capacity constraints and system requirements to close the supply gap.
“Horizon two covers the period from 2031 to 2050 and focuses on long-term electricity generation planning with pathways to achieve a resilient Net Zero electricity sector by 2050,” the DMRE said.
A copy of the draft IRP 2023 can be accessed on the DMRE website and the deadline for comments is 23 February 2024.
Comments can be submitted online at https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=bDWXlV5Askqncn7nJnEGjdSCoIqfOslGi6lIYefKLn5UMjg2TjQ1WElTVURZTDhCN0szU0lUSjg2Wi4u or email IRP.Queries@dmre.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 10:55
451 views
Elevate Your Bathroom’s Style with Exquisite Bathroom Accessories
Your bathroom is a sanctuary where you start and end your day. It deserves to be a space that not only serves its functional purpose but also exudes style and sophistication. One of the easiest ways to elevate your bathroom’s aesthetics is by carefully selecting the right bathroom accessories. In this blog, we’ll explore the …
eThekwini allocates R30m to upgrade damaged water pump station
eThekwini allocates R30m to upgrade damaged water pump station
A total of R35 million has been allocated towards the upgrading of an entire pump station, which was destroyed by a fire in Ntuzuma, north of Durban.
The Ntuzuma Reservoir 2 pump station was destroyed by a fire in April last year and resulted in additional strain on the already challenged infrastructure.
This was revealed in a joint statement issued following a multi-stakeholder technical team meeting to resolve eThekwini Metro water challenges.
The stakeholders acknowledged that the Ntuzuma water supply system has been experiencing challenges as a result of the damage to the pump station, with the station currently operating at 50% capacity.
“The project [upgrade] will commence in March this year and is planned to be completed by the 2025/26 financial year. This project will start improving water supply to Inanda, Lindelani and KwaMashu by July 2024,” the statement said.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Director-General, Dr Sean Philips, attended a multi-stakeholder technical meeting, held between the department, eThekwini Metro and uMngeni-uThukela Water to resolve the current water challenges in eThekwini.
This follows a directive by Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, that the eThekwini Metro, working with uMngeni-uThukela Water, should urgently come up with long lasting interventions in response to ongoing water and sanitation services in the municipality.
The team noted that water demand in eThekwini has grown rapidly, mostly due to population growth and partly due to increasing leaks in the municipality’s water distribution systems.
“The planners in DWS anticipated this growth in demand and put in place plans to transfer water from the uMkhomazi River to augment uMngeni Water Supply System (uMWS), through the Umkhomazi Water Project, as well as a project to raise the wall of the Hazelmere Dam,” the statement read.
The team also noted the raising of the Hazelmere Dam wall, which was completed in 2023 and has doubled the amount of water that can be stored in the Dam at a cost of R820 million.
To enable additional stored water to be treated, the team said, Umgeni-uThukela has completed a project to increase the capacity of the Hazelmere Water Treatment Works from 55 to 75 ML (megalitres) per day, at a cost of R135 million.
“Umgeni-uThukela will further increase the capacity of the treatment works to 90 ML per day within the next three years, at a cost of R25 million,” the statement read.
The meeting also emphasised that eThekwini water challenges must be addressed by the municipality by decreasing non-revenue water collection in its water distribution system, and water users using water more sparingly to reduce the average consumption of water per capita per day.
The No Drop audit report, which was released by DWS in December 2023, found that the water user in eThekwini was 298 litres per capita per day (l/c/d), compared to the international average of 173 l/c/d. Non-revenue water also increased from 37% in 2013 to 58% in 2023.
Some of the municipality measures currently being implemented to increase the supply of water, include groundwater, water re-use and desalination, amongst others.
The municipality is also implementing a range of interventions to drastically reduce its non-revenue water, including the implementation of a pipeline replacement programme, with a number of projects under the programme being in the final phases of procurement.
According to the statement, the programme is scheduled to commence by the end of March 2024, and will continue for the foreseeable future.
“The municipality is implementing projects to replace parts of its old infrastructure on which high levels of water losses are being experienced, including replacing pumping mains on major water distribution systems such as Tongaat, Waterloo, Grange and Hazelmere water distribution systems.
“The municipality has budgeted approximately R1 billion per annum for these projects, which will continue every year for the foreseeable future. Some of these projects started in the 2022/23 municipal financial year and are being funded from the infrastructure levy which was recently introduced by the municipality,” the statement said.
The municipality has also constructed 12 new reservoirs in the past two years to the value of R500 million to enhance water supply and implemented an active leak detection and repair programme.
“Procurement processes for a performance-based contract to detect and repair leaks are currently being concluded and it is envisaged that the contract will commence at the beginning of April 2024. This contract will be funded from the savings resulting from reducing leaks.
“The municipality is implementing a pressure management programme through installing 108 pressure management valves, in addition to the 3000 that already exist. The purpose of this programme is to reduce water pressures in water distribution systems which reduces the frequency of pipe bursts and extends the useful life of the infrastructure,” the statement highlighted.
In addition, the procurement process for pressure management valves has been finalised and installation of the valves is expected to commence in March 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 12:17
280 views
Elevate Guest Comfort with Premium Hospitality Linen and Bedding Sets
When it comes to the hospitality industry, ensuring the utmost comfort and satisfaction of your guests is paramount. One of the key factors that can significantly impact the guest experience is the quality of hospitality linen, bedding, and mattress protectors. If you’re in search of top-notch lodge supplies to elevate your establishment’s reputation, look no …
Summer is here, fade secure it with The Crazy Store’s Pulse Active range!
Summer is here and it’s time for a refresh! Now is the perfect opportunity to reinvent your goals and reintroduce healthy habits with our Pulse Active range to bring fun into your fitness journey. Elevate your flexibility and sleep quality with our Yoga equipment. Picture yourself bouncing on the vibrant Yoga Ball and unwinding on the …
Fast Courier Services: The Key to Reliable Deliveries
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Infiltration of SAPS by gangs
Dear Editor There is now an urgent need for Police Minister Bheki Cele to answer before Parliament in light of the reported infiltration of criminal gangs within the South African Police Service (SAPS), particularly the notorious “28 Gang” in the Western Cape. This infiltration has reached such alarming depths that it compromised the integrity of …
Withdraw the irregular notice for new nuclear power procurement
Dear Editor The Minister of Electricity, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, should immediately withdraw the irregular determination notice issued on Friday in which they announced the commencement of a process to procure new nuclear energy generation capacity of 2500MW based on the 2019 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The …
Property buyers’ guide for 2024
With inflation and interest rates slowly starting to stabilise, things are looking up for property buyers in 2024. If you’re thinking of getting in on the action, these are things you’ll need to think about to make the most of the opportunities currently available. Budget wisely According to Rawson National Finance Manager, Leonard Kondowe, the affordability …
Shack dwellers build makeshift speed bumps on ‘deadly’ road
At least two people died and three shacks were destroyed in a taxi accident on Old Faure Road near Mfuleni on Friday
Exclusive Networks Africa bolsters security portfolio with HCLSoftware agreement
Johannesburg, 29 January 2024 – Exclusive Networks Africa has secured an agreement with HCLSoftware, the software business division of HCLTech, which will see the global trusted cybersecurity specialist for digital infrastructure add the HCLBigFix endpoint management platform to its existing cybersecurity offering. According to Anton Jacobsz, Managing Director of Exclusive Networks Africa, the agreement came …
IEC to host voter registration this weekend
IEC to host voter registration this weekend
The Electoral Commission (IEC) will on Wednesday host a media briefing to unveil plans for the second national voter registration weekend scheduled for 3 and 4 February 2024.
The second national voter registration weekend is part of the Electoral Commission's effort to ensure that South Africans, who were unable to register to vote during the first registration drive in November 2023, have another opportunity to do so.
Existing voters will also use the opportunity to update and/or change their details before the voters’ roll is closed for the 2024 General Elections.
During the briefing, the Electoral Commission will shed light on its countrywide rollout plan ahead of the voter registration weekend.
Last week, the IEC announced that South Africans living abroad were given the opportunity to register at South Africa’s 120 high commissions, embassies and consulates on January 26, 27 and 28.
Registration for inmates at correctional centres is scheduled to take place between January 30 and February 1.
“The Commission has been informed that due to the transfer factor for inmates, correctional centres will also be accepting IDs for inmates serving sentences in distant towns or provinces. These identity documents will be transferred to the relevant facilities where inmates are incarcerated,” the IEC said in a statement.
The Department of Correctional Services has indicated that it will put all necessary measures in place to ensure that IDs are kept safe.
The IEC emphasizes that the online voter registration portal will remain accessible until the date of the proclamation of the elections, providing an additional avenue for voter registration.
According to the IEC, 23 296 voting stations will open from 08h00 to 17h00 on Saturday, 3 February and Sunday, 4 February to allow new voters to register and existing voters to check and if necessary, update their registration details ahead of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
Following the first registration weekend held in November 2023, the voters’ roll contains 26.8 million voters.
The Commission said it is hopeful that the second registration weekend will build on and surpass the satisfactory turnout recorded in November.
Citizens aged 16 years and older can register to vote. All they need is a South African identity document (the green barcoded ID book, smartcard ID or a valid temporary ID certificate). However, only those aged 18 and older can vote.
When registering, voters will need to provide their address or a description of where they live to allow the Electoral Commission to place them on the correct segment of the voters’ roll. However, proof of address is not a requirement to register as a voter.
The Electoral Commission helpline -- 0800 11 8000 -- is available to assist citizens with queries and information about the registration process and information related to locations of voting stations. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 13:09
353 views
Unlocking Business Success: Click Results Shares Crucial Insights on Website Speed Optimization
Pretoria, South Africa. In a digital age where information is sought at lightning speed, Click Results, a leading digital marketing firm based in Pretoria, brings forth indispensable insights on the critical impact of website speed on businesses. In today’s competitive online landscape, the need for swift, efficient websites cannot be overstated. In a recent communication, …
SAPS notes report on July unrest
SAPS notes report on July unrest
The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, together with the management of the police service, has noted the report released on The National Investigative Hearing into the July Unrest by the South African Human Rights Commisson (SAHRC) and Cultural, Religious and Linguistic (CRL) Commission.
The report is a detailed look into the July 2021 unrest that unfolded in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), during which some 350 people lost their lives. The full report can be found on https://www.sahrc.org.za/home/21/files/JULY%20UNREST%20REPORT%20FINAL_29%20JAN%202024.pdf.
The report contains various recommendations and findings on the events that took place in July 2021, including the policing of the unrest, the gathering of intelligence and the response of the SAPS.
SAPS said in a statement on Monday that while it will study the report in detail, "it is important to highlight notable progress made where key milestones were achieved to ensure the SAPS is better prepared to respond to such incidents".
READ | SAHRC releases July 2021 unrest report
Crime intelligence
SAPS said the filling of critical and key vacancies within the crime intelligence environment has been addressed, such as the appointment of a permanent Divisional Commissioner and a Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection.
All structures within the Crime Intelligence environment are being reviewed to enhance service delivery in all provinces.
"It is also important to note that the Crime Intelligence environment has greatly improved its mandate of detecting and collecting of information on crime, which informs and assists in the coordination and planning of joint multidisciplinary operations with other key role players in the fight against crime," the statement read.
Human and physical resources
Through Project 10 000, the SAPS trained and deployed 20 000 police officers in the last two years to capacitate frontline policing services, as well as specialised units with a key focus on the Public Order Police (POP) unit.
Seventy-nine police officers have been trained and deployed as drone pilots to assist in crime prevention and policing operations.
Public Order Police
In the past year, 5 000 police officers have been trained in crowd management and deployed to serve in the POP unit.
R150 million was also allocated to procure resources to bolster crowd management equipment for the unit.
Training has also been enhanced for members and now includes crowd psychology to improve the management and policing of crowds and gatherings.
The SAPS has also benchmarked and compared with other police organisations, in terms of use of the minimum force to disperse large crowds and found that its current equipment and techniques, such as the use of water canons, rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse violent crowd situations, is in line with international standards.
However, the SAPS is continuously researching and updating training material in respect of techniques and equipment in use during crowd management to minimise the risk of human rights violation and prevent the excessive use of force.
Rebuilding trust between SAPS and communities
The Ministry of Police is continuously taking part in community participation programmes through community engagements during izimbizo, walkabouts and policing operations such as roadblocks.
Various community policing concepts are being implemented by the SAPS.
"Through the Community Police Forum (CPF) and sector crime forums, SAPS is able to forge and promote a shared responsibility on crime prevention and community safety.
"All 1 163 police stations currently have fully functional CPF forums. R70million was allocated in this financial year to resource and capacitate these CPF structures," SAPS said.
Case management
SAPS arrested 5 341 suspects, with 505 of those arrested being found guilty of various charges ranging from murder, attempted murder, arson, possession of stolen property, and malicious damage to property.
A total of 394 cases are still in court
Incitement to commit violence cases
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) is currently investigating eight cases of incitement to commit violence.
The DPCI has arrested 68 suspects, 65 of them were charged for contravening the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act 33 of 2004 (POCDATARA).
One accused has already been sentenced to 12 years direct imprisonment for incitement to commit public violence and conspiracy to commit public violence.
"The SAPS respects the work done by the two Commissions, especially as they are Chapter 9 institutions and will respond accordingly in terms of the timeframes reflected in the report," said SAPS. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 15:06
215 views
SAHRC releases July 2021 unrest report
SAHRC releases July 2021 unrest report
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has released its report into the July 2021 unrest that unfolded in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), during which some 350 people lost their lives.
The violence and destruction also caused damage to infrastructure and businesses costing South Africa’s economy some R50 billion, with a further two million jobs being lost or affected.
Speaking at the release of the report, SAHRC Commissioner Philile Ntuli said the commission found that myriad factors contributed to the outbreak of destruction and violence during the riots.
“The violence and destruction were symptomatic of unresolved systemic conditions, including post-COVID-19 economic recovery, high unemployment, lawlessness, discrimination, socio-economic divides, and issues within the security sector.
“The Commission concluded that organised groups and individuals opportunistically exploited these conditions to attempt to usurp the rule of law,” Ntuli said.
The Commission’s work focused on four issues namely:
- The social, economic, spatial, and political factors prevalent in the various affected areas, and the extent to which these played a role in the unrest.
- The causes of the alleged racially motivated attacks and killings in the country.
- The causes of the apparent lapses in law enforcement by State Security agencies, particularly in the South African Police Service, and the role of private security companies in the unrest.
- The causes of the July unrest, with particular focus on Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
The SAHRC made a series of findings on and recommendations for each issue - including on the South African Police Service and the country’s intelligence services.
The full report can be obtained at https://www.sahrc.org.za/home/21/files/JULY%20UNREST%20REPORT%20FINAL_29%20JAN%202024.pdf.
Ntuli described the unrest as a well-orchestrated and a “violent culmination of deep-rooted political and social challenges” that South Africa had been facing.
“The unrest was largely attributed to typologies of organisation and orchestration of public discord, crime and protest.
“Evidence indicated that the acts during the unrest were well-orchestrated, including the blocking of the N3, destruction of factories and warehouses, attack on government communication facilities, and bombing and theft of ATMs. These events were interconnected and required significant resources.
“Two types of actors were identified during the unrest: primary actors, who led and executed widespread destruction, and secondary actors, who participated in theft. The timing of the events coincided with the incarceration of former President Jacob Zuma, leading to a perception that the two were related,” Ntuli said.
Ntuli said while evidence suggests that the unrest was well orchestrated, the Commission “did not receive clear evidence identifying specific groups or individuals as primary actors, while… the common purpose or intention behind the unrest remained unclear”.
In her concluding remarks, Ntuli said the July 2021 unrest must be a “marker and a lesson” as South Africa continues its journey “from our colonial past”.
“Building a united, inclusive, safe and prosperous South Africa requires confronting the past, acknowledging present challenges, and working together for positive change. The unrest was a wake-up call, nudging us all to the reality of the fragility of the peace and security that some enjoy.
“It was a reminder that the process of democracy and constitutionalism has to benefit all, if it is to be sustained. It was a confrontation with the reality that the Bill of Rights must be realised for all, and particularly for those of whom the same rights were deprived by the colonial and apartheid governments,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 13:23
270 views
Interview: U19 Cricket World Cup – Harry Dixon (Australia) and Vishva Lahiru (Sri Lanka)
In an U19 Cricket World Cup on 28 January 2024, Australia beat Sri Lanka by six wickets in Kimberley. Sri Lanka 208 (49.5 overs) v Australia 211/4 (48.5 overs). In Kimberley, Sri Lanka were jolted early after they opted to bat first. Pulindu Perera fell in the very first over with Callum Vidler striking for …
Gauteng sees surge in acts of vandalism targeting traffic signals
Gauteng sees surge in acts of vandalism targeting traffic signals
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has appealed to members of the public to report acts of vandalism following a surge in vandalism and theft targeting traffic signals within the province.
“The department is faced with an enormous battle of maintaining and protecting the province’s road traffic signals from the rampant theft and vandalism. This battle has jumped to over R30 million in the past year (2023) alone, with over 400 of signalised traffic intersections having been vandalised,” the department said on Monday.
In certain areas, the department said it had taken the interim measure of converting signalised intersections into four-way stops to enhance safety, while actively seeking alternative and sustainable methods for maintaining traffic signals.
“The criminal activities surrounding these incidents are inflicting economic losses on the province, with replacement and repair costs reaching millions. Rebuilding an intersection, on average, can range between R900 000 and R1 500 000.
“Notably, high-profile intersections such as Hendrik Potgieter and Christiaan De Wet are repeatedly vandalised shortly after repairs, incurring costs exceeding R500 000 per repair.
“These acts of vandalism and theft do not only disrupt the functioning of essential traffic signal services but also pose a threat to public safety,” the department said.
These incidents contribute to increased downtime for traffic signals, resulting in an unfavourable user experience, road crashes, and substantial costs for the department in rebuilding and replacing stolen equipment.
As part of its strategy to combat theft and vandalism, the department is actively engaging in partnerships to create awareness of the hazards associated with these persistent unlawful activities.
The department acknowledges the impact of these incidents and urges the public to exercise caution and understanding, as collaborative efforts with law enforcement agencies are underway to address these issues.
Road users should adhere to treating non-functional traffic signals as four-way stops. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 14:20
10 views
Disciplinary tribunal for tardy judge goes behind closed doors
Judiciary watchdog “surprised” by blanket ban
Government activities for the week 29 January to 2 February 2024
Government activities for the week 29 January to 2 February 2024
On Monday, 29 January, the National School of Government is hosting a webinar on artificial intelligence (AI) from 11:00 to 13:00.
On Tuesday, 30 January, is the opening ceremony of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers (COM) responsible for Trade.
On Tuesday, 30 January, Deputy Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Pinky Kenana will conduct a frontline monitoring and Back to School Campaign at Vukuhambe Special School in Mdantsane under the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape.
On Wednesday, 31 January, is South Africa’s launch of the preferential trade ceremony and the closing ceremony of the Council of Ministers.
Also on Wednesday, 31 January, President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a Presidential Welisizwe Bridges hand over in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Makhotso Sotyu, will lead the hand over ceremonies of the Kei Mouth and Qoloha plantations, followed by the Wilo and Ntlangaza plantations in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday, 31 January.
On Wednesday, 31 January, The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) will host a series of public engagement sessions to unpack the draft Integrated Resource Plan (IRP2023) that has been published for public comment.
Janine
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 12:17
285 views
Record pass rate for the Matric Class of 2023
The Matric Class of 2023 achieved a pass rate of 82,9%, surpassing the 80,1% recorded the year before with an improvement of 2.8 percentage points. Basic Education Minister Angie Motshkega pointed out that the record-high pass rate, in both number and percentage, was the highest attained in the entire history of the National Senior Certificate …